Air purifier

Abstract

The air purifier includes: a first housing including a first suction port and a first discharge port; a first flow path extending from the first suction port to the first discharge port inside the first housing; a first fan and a dust collection filter provided in the first flow path; a second housing including a second suction port and a second discharge port; a second flow path extending from the second suction port to the second discharge port inside the second housing; a second fan provided in the second flow path; a light source provided in the second flow path and irradiating ultraviolet light; and a connection flow path that extends from at least a first portion of the first discharge port to the second suction port, and that is configured so that at least a first portion of the air discharged from the first discharge port flows into the connection flow path through the second suction port and flows to the second flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air purifier, and more particularly, to an air purifier capable of performing a sterilization function. Background Art

[0002] An air purifier is a device used to remove pollutants from the air. It can remove bacteria, viruses, mold, dust particles, and chemicals that cause bad odors in the inhaled air.

[0003] The air purifier may include an intake port for taking in polluted air, may include an exhaust port for exhausting purified air, and may include a blower fan for flowing air.

[0004] The air purifier may be equipped with a filter for purifying polluted indoor air. The air sucked into the air purifier has pollutants removed in the process of passing through the filter, thereby being purified into clean air, and the purified air may be discharged to the outside of the air purifier.

[0005] The air purifier may be formed with an air flow path for air to flow from the inlet toward the outlet. The air flow path of the air purifier may be provided in various ways according to the operation purpose of the air purifier. The shape, position, etc. of the inlet and the outlet may be determined in various ways by considering the shape of the air flow path. Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] An aspect of the present disclosure provides an air purifier having an improved structure to enhance purification efficiency of air.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an air purifier having an improved structure so that a flow path of air can be variously configured.

[0009] An aspect of the present disclosure provides an air purifier including a plurality of air purifying units, the air purifier having an improved structure to be able to selectively control operations of the plurality of air purifying units.

[0010] The technical problems to be achieved in this article are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by people with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs through the following records.

[0011] Technical Solution

[0012] An air purifier according to an example of the present disclosure may include: a first shell, including a first suction port and a first exhaust port; a first flow path, extending from the first suction port to the first exhaust port inside the first shell; a first fan, arranged in the first flow path and capable of being driven to make air flow through the first flow path; a dust filter, arranged in the first flow path; a second shell, including a second suction port and a second exhaust port; a second flow path, extending from the second suction port to the second exhaust port inside the second shell; a second fan, arranged in the second flow path and capable of being driven to make air flow through the second flow path; a light source, arranged in the second flow path and irradiating ultraviolet rays; and a connecting flow path, extending from at least a first portion of the first exhaust port to the second suction port, and configured to allow at least a first portion of the air exhausted from the first exhaust port to flow into and flow through the second suction port to the second flow path.

[0013] The air cleaner may be configured to discharge a second portion of the air discharged from the first discharge port to the outside of the air cleaner.

[0014] It may also include: an exhaust flow path guide, which is configured to guide the flow of the second portion of the air exhausted from the first exhaust port; a guide opening, which is formed between the outer edge of the exhaust flow path guide and the outer edge of the first exhaust port; and an exhaust flow path, one side of which is covered by the exhaust flow path guide, and the exhaust flow path extends from at least the second portion of the first exhaust port toward the guide opening.

[0015] The discharge flow path may be formed in an outer direction of an edge of the connection flow path.

[0016] The discharge flow path guide may be arranged to face the first discharge port.

[0017] The invention may further include: an intermediate pipe for connecting the first shell and the second shell. The connecting flow path may be arranged inside the intermediate pipe.

[0018] The intermediate duct may cover at least the first portion of the first discharge port and the second suction port.

[0019] The first housing may include: an outlet cover covering the first outlet. The outlet cover may include: a central portion; and an edge grille provided along an outer edge of the central portion and including a through-shaped portion. The central portion may include: a guide portion extending from the edge grille toward the connecting flow path to guide air from the edge grille to the connecting flow path.

[0020] The connection flow path and the second flow path may be connected in a first direction. The second fan may have a rotation axis arranged in parallel with a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0021] The second fan may be configured to discharge air toward the light source and in a direction orthogonal to the second direction.

[0022] The light source may extend in a first direction. The second flow path may include an irradiation area, which is irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the light source and extends in the first direction in a manner corresponding to the light source. The air purifier may further include a reflective cover, which extends in the first direction in a manner corresponding to the irradiation area and is formed around the light source to reflect the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source.

[0023] The device may further include a light blocking member located on one side of the irradiation area in the first direction in the second flow path and configured to prevent ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source from being incident on the outside of the irradiation area.

[0024] The light blocking member may include: a plurality of grille portions; and a vent portion formed between the grilles of the plurality of grille portions and penetrated to allow air on the second flow path to pass through. Each of the plurality of grille portions may be formed so that a surface facing the grille portions adjacent to each other is inclined relative to the first direction.

[0025] The light source may include: a lamp body extending in the first direction; and an electrode portion provided at an end portion of the lamp body in the first direction and to which power is applied. The light blocking member may support the electrode portion.

[0026] The first flow path may be configured so that when the first fan is driven, the air flowing in from the first suction port flows in a vertical direction and is discharged to the first discharge port. The second flow path may be configured so that when the second fan is driven, the air flowing in from the second suction port flows in a vertical direction and is discharged to the second discharge port. The connecting flow path may be configured so that when the first fan and the second fan are driven simultaneously, the first portion of the air discharged from the first discharge port flows in a vertical direction and flows into the second suction port.

[0027] An air purifier according to an example of the present disclosure may include: a first air purification unit, including a first suction port, a first discharge port, a first flow path extending from the first suction port to the first discharge port, a first fan arranged on the first flow path, and a dust filter arranged on the first flow path; a second air purification unit, including a second suction port, a second discharge port, a second flow path extending from the second suction port to the second discharge port and connected to the first flow path, a second fan arranged on the second flow path, a light source arranged on the second flow path and irradiating ultraviolet rays to the second flow path, and combined with the first air purification unit; a discharge flow path extending from at least a portion of the first discharge port and configured to discharge air flowing along the first flow path to the outside of the first air purification unit and the second air purification unit when the first fan is driven; and a connecting flow path extending from at least another portion of the first discharge port to the second suction port and connecting the first flow path and the second flow path, and configured to allow air in the first flow path to flow into the second flow path when the second fan is driven.

[0028] The air purifier may further include: an intermediate duct having the connecting flow path formed inside thereof. The first air purification unit may include a first housing forming an appearance of the first air purification unit. The second air purification unit may include a second housing forming an appearance of the second air purification unit. The intermediate duct may be connected to an upper portion of the first housing and a lower portion of the second housing, respectively.

[0029] The air cleaner may further include an exhaust flow path guide disposed to face the first exhaust port at an outer side of the first air purification unit and to cover one side of the exhaust flow path. The exhaust flow path guide may be configured to guide air flowing along the exhaust flow path.

[0030] The first flow path, the second flow path, and the connecting flow path may extend in directions parallel to each other.

[0031] An air purifier according to an example of the present disclosure may include: a first housing, formed with a first flow path; a second housing, formed with a second flow path branching from the first flow path; a first fan, arranged in the first flow path; a first fan driver, electrically connected to the first fan; an electric dust filter, arranged in the first flow path and collecting dust using static electricity; a second fan, arranged in the second flow path; a second fan driver, electrically connected to the second fan; a light source, arranged in the second flow path, and arranged to irradiate ultraviolet light to the irradiation area on the second flow path; and a processor, configured to control the operation of the first fan driver, the second fan controller, the electric dust filter and the light source, respectively. The processor may be configured to: apply power to the electric dust filter under a first operation of controlling the first fan driver to rotate the first fan, and control the light source to irradiate ultraviolet light to the irradiation area under a second operation of controlling the second fan driver to rotate the second fan.

[0032] Beneficial Effects

[0033] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the air purifier includes a dust collecting filter of a first flow path arranged in a first shell and a light source of a second flow path arranged in a second shell, thereby improving the air purification efficiency.

[0034] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the air purifier includes a connecting flow path for connecting the first flow path and the second flow path and an exhaust flow path for exhausting air to the outside of the air purifier, so that the air flow path can be variously configured.

[0035] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the air purifier includes a first air purification unit provided with a first flow path and a second air purification unit provided with a second flow path, and each of the first air purification unit and the second air purification unit includes a first fan and a second fan, so that the operation of the first air purification unit and the second air purification unit can be selectively controlled.

[0036] The effects according to the concept of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 is a stereoscopic view of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a diagram that decomposes a portion of the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 3This is a diagram that decomposes a portion of the first air purification unit of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a diagram that decomposes a portion of the first air purification unit of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 5 4 is a side sectional view of a first air purification unit of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a diagram that decomposes a portion of the second air purification unit of the air purifier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a diagram that decomposes a portion of the second air purification unit of the air purifier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 8 1 is a diagram for explaining a state in which air flows in a second air purification unit of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig. 9 is a side sectional view of a second air purification unit of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Fig.10 2 is a diagram showing an intermediate duct of an air purifier and a partial structure of the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Fig.11 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view that cuts and enlarges a portion of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Fig.12 1 is a diagram showing a light source of an air purifier and a partial structure of the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Fig.13 is a diagram illustrating a travel path of light irradiated from a light source in an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Fig.14 It is a cross-sectional stereoscopic view that cuts and shows a light source of an air purifier and a part of the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Fig.15 is a block diagram showing the structure of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Fig.162 is a side sectional view for explaining the operation of the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure according to a first mode.

[0053] Fig.17 2 is a side sectional view for explaining the operation of the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure according to the second mode.

[0054] Fig.18 2 is a side sectional view for explaining the operation of the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure according to the third mode.

[0055] Fig.19 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a configuration configured to adjust the flow rate of air flowing into the second flow path through the connecting flow path in the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Fig. 20 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a configuration configured to adjust the flow rate of air flowing into the second flow path through the connecting flow path in the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and at the time of filing this application, there may be various modifications that can replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification.

[0058] Furthermore, the same reference numerals or symbols shown in the various drawings of this specification indicate components or constituent elements that perform substantially the same function.

[0059] Furthermore, the terms used in this specification are used to illustrate the embodiments and are not intended to limit and / or define the disclosed invention. As long as no other meaning is clearly indicated in the context, the singular expression includes the plural expression. In this specification, the terms "including" or "having" etc. indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, parts or combinations thereof recorded in the specification, without excluding in advance the existence or additional possibility of one or more other features or numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, parts or combinations thereof.

[0060] Furthermore, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first", "second", etc. used in this specification may be used to describe a variety of constituent elements, but the above constituent elements are not limited to the above terms, which are only used to distinguish one constituent element from other constituent elements. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first constituent element may be named as the second constituent element, and similarly, the second constituent element may also be named as the first constituent element. The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple associated recorded items or a certain item among multiple associated recorded items.

[0061] In addition, the terms "up and down direction", "height direction", "vertical direction" and the like used in the following description may refer to Figure 1 The Z direction is based on the three-dimensional image of the air purifier, and the horizontal direction can be represented by Figure 1 The X direction or Y direction of the stereoscopic diagram is used as a reference, that is, all directions based on the XY plane can be represented, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0062] The terms “part, module, component, block” used in the specification may be implemented by software or hardware. Depending on the embodiment, multiple “parts, modules, components, blocks” may be implemented by one constituent element, or one “part, module, component, block” may also include multiple constituent elements.

[0063] Throughout the specification, when it is mentioned that a certain part is “connected” to another part, this includes not only the case of being directly connected but also the case of being indirectly connected, and the indirect connection includes the case of being connected via a wireless communication network.

[0064] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] Figure 1 is a stereoscopic view of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a diagram that decomposes a portion of the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an air purifier 1 may include a first air purifying unit 10 and a second air purifying unit 20 .

[0067] The first air purification unit 10 may be configured to purify air flowing in from the outside and discharge the purified air to the outside again.

[0068] The first air purification unit 10 may include a first suction port 111, a first exhaust port 112, and a first fan 150. The first air purification unit 10 may include a first flow path P1 disposed between the first suction port 111 and the first exhaust port 112. In more detail, the first flow path P1 may extend from the first suction port 111 to the first exhaust port 112. When the first fan 150 is driven, air may flow in through the first suction port 111 and flow along the first flow path P1, and may be discharged through the first exhaust port 112 (refer to Figure 5 wait).

[0069] The air flowing along the first flow path P1 in the first air purification unit 10 may be purified and discharged to the first discharge port 112. As an example, the first air purification unit 10 may include a dust collection filter 140 (see Figure 4 The dust filter 140 may be provided in the first flow path P1. The dust filter 140 may be provided to collect foreign matter in the air flowing in through the first suction port 111. Foreign matter such as organic matter such as bacteria and viruses, dust, etc. in the air flowing along the first flow path P1 may be removed from the air by the dust filter 140.

[0070] The detailed structure of the first air cleaning unit 10 will be described later.

[0071] The second air purification unit 20 may be configured to purify air flowing in from the outside and discharge the purified air to the outside again.

[0072] The second air purification unit 20 may include a second suction port 211, a second exhaust port 212, and a second fan 250. The second air purification unit 20 may include a second flow path P2 disposed between the second suction port 211 and the second exhaust port 212. In more detail, the second flow path P2 may extend from the second suction port 211 to the second exhaust port 212. When the second fan 250 is driven, air may flow in through the second suction port 211 and flow along the second flow path P2, and may be discharged through the second exhaust port 212 (refer to Fig. 9 wait).

[0073] The air flowing along the second flow path P2 in the second air purification unit 20 may be purified and discharged to the second discharge port 212. As an example, the second air purification unit 20 may include a light source 240 (see Figure 7 The light source 240 may be disposed in the second flow path P2. The light source 240 may be configured to irradiate ultraviolet light to the air flowing in through the second suction port 211. Organic matter such as bacteria and viruses in the air flowing along the second flow path P2 may be removed from the air by the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 240.

[0074] The detailed structure of the second air cleaning unit 20 will be described later.

[0075] The first air purification unit 10 may be arranged to support the second air purification unit 20. In detail, the first air purification unit 10 may support the lower part of the second air purification unit 20. The second air purification unit 20 may be arranged to be placed on the upper side of the first air purification unit 10, and may be supported by the first air purification unit 10. The first air purification unit 10 and the second air purification unit 20 may be arranged in the up-down direction, and the second air purification unit 20 may be supported in the upward direction by the first air purification unit 10. From such an aspect, the first air purification unit 10 may be referred to as a "lower air purification unit", and the second air purification unit 20 may also be referred to as an "upper air purification unit", etc.

[0076] However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As an example, each of the first air purification unit 10 and the second air purification unit 20 may also be configured such that a lower portion thereof is supported on the ground.

[0077] The first air purification unit 10 and the second air purification unit 20 may be combined with each other. The first air purification unit 10 and the second air purification unit 20 may be combined so that the first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2 are connected to each other. In other words, the interior of the first air purification unit 10 and the interior of the second air purification unit 20 may be connected to each other.

[0078] The second air purification unit 20 may be coupled to the first air purification unit 10 in such a manner that the second suction port 211 and the first discharge port 112 of the first air purification unit 10 face each other.

[0079] As an example, Figure 1 As shown, the second air purification unit 20 may be combined with the upper portion of the first air purification unit 10. In more detail, the first exhaust port 112 may be provided at the upper portion of the first air purification unit 10. The second suction port 211 may be provided at the lower portion of the second air purification unit 20. The first air purification unit 10 and the second air purification unit 20 may be combined with each other in the up-down direction, and the first exhaust port 112 provided at the upper portion of the first air purification unit 10 and the second suction port 211 provided at the lower portion of the second air purification unit 20 may be arranged to face each other in the up-down direction.

[0080] and Figure 1As shown in the figure, as an example, the first air purification unit 10 and the second air purification unit 20 can be combined with each other in a direction parallel to the ground. At this time, the first outlet 112 of the first air purification unit 10 and the second suction port 211 of the second air purification unit 20 can be arranged to face each other in a direction parallel to the ground.

[0081] In the following, for the sake of convenience, Figure 1 The second air purification unit 20 is described based on an embodiment in which the second air purification unit 20 is combined with the upper portion of the first air purification unit 10 .

[0082] The specific structure of the first air purification unit 10 and the second air purification unit 20 being coupled to each other will be described later.

[0083] The air purifier 1 may include an intermediate duct 30. The intermediate duct 30 may be disposed between the first housing 110 of the first air purifying unit 10 and the second housing 210 of the second air purifying unit 20. The intermediate duct 30 may connect the first housing 110 of the first air purifying unit 10 and the second housing 210 of the second air purifying unit 20.

[0084] The intermediate duct 30 may be communicated with the first outlet 112 and the second suction port 211 , respectively. The intermediate duct 30 may be provided to allow at least a portion of the air exhausted from the first outlet 112 to flow into the second suction port 211 .

[0085] The air purifier 1 may include a connecting flow path CP (see Fig.11 The connecting flow path CP may be provided to connect the first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2. The connecting flow path CP may be provided between the first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2. The connecting flow path CP may be provided to branch from the first flow path P1 and connect the first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2. The region where the connecting flow path CP branches from the first flow path P1 may be provided adjacent to the first discharge port 112.

[0086] In other words, the second flow path P2 may extend from the connection flow path CP branched from the first flow path P1. Therefore, it may also be said that the second flow path P2 is formed by branching from the first flow path P1.

[0087] It may be configured so that at least a portion of the air discharged from the first outlet 112 flows into the second suction port 211. As an example, the connecting flow path CP may be provided between at least a portion of the first outlet 112 and the second suction port 211. In other words, the connecting flow path CP may be provided to extend from at least a portion of the first outlet 112 to the second suction port 211. As an example, when the second fan 250 is driven, the air in the first flow path P1 may flow along the connecting flow path CP and flow into the second flow path P2. In other words, it may be configured so that at least a portion of the air discharged from the first outlet 112 may flow into the connecting flow path CP and flow to the second flow path P2 through the second suction port 211.

[0088] The detailed configuration of the intermediate pipe 30 , the connecting flow path CP, and the like will be described later.

[0089] The air cleaner 1 may include a discharge flow path DP (see Figure 5 The exhaust flow path DP may be configured to allow the air on the first flow path P1 to be exhausted to the outside of the air purifier 1 through the first exhaust port 112. The exhaust flow path DP may extend from the first flow path P1, and more specifically, may extend from the first exhaust port 112 formed at one end of the first flow path P1. As an example, when the first fan 150 is driven, the air flowing along the first flow path P1 may be exhausted to the outside of the first air purification unit 10 and the second air purification unit 20 along the exhaust flow path DP.

[0090] The air purifier 1 may include an exhaust flow path guide 40. The exhaust flow path guide 40 may be configured to guide the flow of air on the exhaust flow path DP. When the first fan 150 and the second fan 250 are driven simultaneously, the exhaust flow path guide 40 may guide at least another portion of the air exhausted through the first exhaust port 112, except for a portion that flows into the second flow path P2 through the connecting flow path CP, to flow along the exhaust flow path DP. As an example, the exhaust flow path guide 40 may cover at least a portion of the first exhaust port 112 from the outside. Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the exhaust flow path guide 40 may cover at least a portion of the first exhaust port 112 from an upper side.

[0091] The discharge flow path DP may be formed by the discharge flow path guide 40. In more detail, one side of the discharge flow path DP may be covered by the discharge flow path guide 40, and the discharge flow path DP may be directed from at least a portion of the first discharge port 112 toward a guide opening OP described later (see Fig.11 In other words, the discharge flow path DP may be formed between the first discharge port cover 116 and the discharge flow path guide 40 described later.

[0092] However, it is not limited thereto, and the air purifier 1 may not be provided with the exhaust flow path guide 40 for guiding the exhaust flow path DP. Even if a separate exhaust flow path guide is not provided, the exhaust flow path DP may be provided to extend from the first flow path P1 so that the air in the first flow path P1 is discharged to the outside of the first air purification unit 10 and the second air purification unit 20.

[0093] The detailed configuration of the discharge flow path guide 40 , the discharge flow path DP, and the like will be described later.

[0094] Figure 3 This is a diagram that decomposes a portion of the first air purification unit of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a diagram that decomposes a portion of the first air purification unit of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 4 is a side sectional view of a first air purification unit of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] Reference Figures 3 to 5 The first air purification unit 10 may include a first housing 110 in which the first flow path P1 is provided. The first housing 110 may form an appearance of the first air purification unit 10. The first housing 110 may be configured to accommodate various components of the first air purification unit 10 therein.

[0096] The first housing 110 may include a first suction port 111 and a first exhaust port 112. The first suction port 111 may be configured to allow air outside the first housing 110 to flow into the inside of the first housing 110. The first exhaust port 112 may be configured to allow air inside the first housing 110 to be exhausted to the outside of the first housing 110. When the first fan 150 is driven, air outside the first housing 110 may be sucked into the inside of the first housing 110 through the first suction port 111 by the pressure generated by the first fan 150, and air inside the first housing 110 may be exhausted to the outside of the first housing 110 through the first exhaust port 112.

[0097] The first air purification unit 10 may include a first flow path P1 disposed between a first suction port 111 and a first exhaust port 112 inside the first housing 110. In other words, the first flow path P1 may extend from the first suction port 111 to the first exhaust port 112. When the first fan 150 is driven, air sucked into the first housing 110 through the first suction port 111 may flow along the first flow path P1, and may be exhausted to the outside of the first housing 110 through the first exhaust port 112. In other words, the first suction port 111 may be disposed at one end of the first flow path P1, and the first exhaust port 112 may be disposed at the other end of the first flow path P1.

[0098] As an example, the first suction port 111 may be formed at the lower portion of the first housing 110. As an example, the first discharge port 112 may be formed at the upper portion of the first housing 110. As an example, the first flow path P1 may be formed to have a shape extending in the up-down direction. Accordingly, the air flowing into the first housing 110 through the first suction port 111 may flow upward along the first flow path P1.

[0099] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first suction port 111 and the first discharge port 112 may be formed at various positions of the first housing 110. The first flow path P1 disposed between the first suction port 111 and the first discharge port 112 may extend in various directions corresponding thereto.

[0100] The first housing 110 may include a first housing body 113, a base 114, a first upper cover 115, and a first outlet cover 116. The first housing body 113, the base 114, the first upper cover 115, and the first outlet cover 116 may respectively constitute a part of the appearance of the first air purification unit 10.

[0101] The first housing body 113 may form a horizontal side surface of the first air purification unit 10. The first housing body 113 may be provided to cover various components of the first air purification unit 10 in a horizontal direction. The first housing body 113 may connect the base 114 and the first upper cover 115.

[0102] The first housing body 113 may cover the first flow path P1 radially outwardly thereof. As an example, the first flow path P1 may be formed between the base 114 and the first outlet cover 116 and may cover the first flow path P1 laterally in the horizontal direction.

[0103] The first housing body 113 may extend in a direction parallel to the first flow path P1. As an example, the first housing body 113 may extend in an up-down direction.

[0104] The first housing body 113 may be formed roughly in a hollow cylindrical shape. The space formed inside the first housing body 113 may be formed roughly in a cylindrical shape. However, it is not limited thereto, and the first housing body 113 may be formed in various shapes according to the shape of the first air purification unit 10.

[0105] like Figure 3As shown, the first shell body 113 may be formed by being divided into a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels constituting the first shell body 113 may be formed to constitute an integrated first shell body 113 in a state of being combined with each other. Accordingly, the disassembly or assembly of the first shell body 113 may become easy, and the user's accessibility to the internal structure of the first shell 110 may be improved. However, it is not limited thereto, and the first shell body 113 may also be formed as a single structure formed integrally.

[0106] The first housing body 113 may include a sensing hole 113a formed in such a manner as to communicate a sensor 90 described later with the outside of the first housing 110. The sensing hole 113a may be formed at a position corresponding to the sensor 90. The sensor 90 may detect external air flowing in through the sensing hole 113a.

[0107] The base 114 may be provided at the lower portion of the first housing 110. The base 114 may form the bottom surface of the first air purification unit 10. When the first air purification unit 10 is placed on the ground, the base 114 may be provided to support the first air purification unit 10. Further, when the second air purification unit 20 is coupled to the upper portion of the first air purification unit 10, the base 114 may be provided to support the second air purification unit 20 as well as the first air purification unit 10. That is, the base 114 may be provided to support the air purifier 1 in the up-down direction. The base 114 may be coupled to the lower portion of the first housing body 113.

[0108] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the base 114 may be formed in a shape having a bottom surface and a side surface, the bottom surface being used to be connected to the ground in a vertical direction, and the side surface being formed along the periphery of the bottom surface of the base 114 and extending by bending from the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the base 114 may extend in a horizontal direction. The side surface of the base 114 may be formed along the peripheral direction of the base 114. The side surface of the base 114 may extend from the bottom surface of the base 114 in a vertical direction or in a direction having a predetermined angle with the vertical direction.

[0109] The base 114 may be formed with a first suction port 111. The first suction port 111 may be formed on a side surface of the base 114. The first suction port 111 may be arranged around the base 114. In other words, the first suction port 111 may be arranged around the bottom surface of the base 114. In this case, the side surface of the base 114 may be formed in a shape including a grille so that air can flow in and out through the first suction port 111.

[0110] However, this is not limited to this, and the first suction port 111 can be formed in various positions. As an example, the first suction port 111 can be formed on the side surface of the base 114, but not formed around the side surface, but only formed on a portion of the side surface. As an example, the first suction port 111 can be formed to face only one direction from the side surface of the base 114. As an example, even if the first suction port 111 is not formed on the base 114, it can be formed at various positions of the first shell 110, such as the lower part of the first shell body 113.

[0111] The first upper cover 115 and the first outlet cover 116 may be disposed on the upper portion of the first housing 110. The first upper cover 115 and the first outlet cover 116 may form the upper surface of the first air purification unit 10. The first upper cover 115 and the first outlet cover 116 may be formed to cover the space inside the first housing 110 from above. The first upper cover 115 may form a portion of the upper surface of the first housing 110, and the first outlet cover 116 may form another portion of the upper surface of the first housing 110.

[0112] The first discharge port 112 may be formed at an upper surface of the first housing 110. A first discharge port cover 116 may be provided to cover the first discharge port 112.

[0113] The first outlet cover 116 may be formed to include a grille shape so that air can enter and exit through the first outlet 112. As an example, the grille shape of the first outlet cover 116 may be arranged along the circumference of the upper surface of the first housing 110. Alternatively, as an example, the grille shape of the first outlet cover 116 may be formed only on a portion of the upper surface of the first housing 110.

[0114] The first upper cover 115 may be arranged along the circumference of the first discharge port cover 116. In other words, the first upper cover 115 may be coupled to the edge of the first discharge port cover 116. The first upper cover 115 may be arranged outside the edge of the first discharge port cover 116.

[0115] The first upper cover 115 may have a shape extending in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal direction. Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the first upper cover 115 may extend from the edge of the first outlet cover 116 in a manner of being inclined upward toward the outer side in the edge direction. The flow direction of the air discharged through the first outlet 112 along the discharge flow path DP may be guided by the first upper cover 115.

[0116] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first upper cover 115 and the first outlet cover 116 described above are merely examples of the structure forming the upper portion of the first housing 110 .

[0117] Furthermore, unlike the above description, the first discharge port 112 may be formed at various positions of the first housing 110 , such as the upper portion of the first housing body 113 .

[0118] and Figures 3 to 5 Different from the above, at least a portion of the first housing body 113, the base 114, the first upper cover 115, and the first outlet cover 116 constituting the first housing 110 may be formed integrally with each other. As an example, the first upper cover 115 and the first outlet cover 116 may be formed integrally with each other.

[0119] The first housing 110 described above is merely an example of a structure that forms the appearance of the first air purification unit 10 and forms the first flow path P1 inside, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0120] The first air purification unit 10 may include a first internal frame 120. The first internal frame 120 may be disposed inside the first housing 110. The first internal frame 120 may be coupled to an inner surface of the first housing 110. The first internal frame 120 may support an inner surface of the first housing 110.

[0121] The first inner frame 120 may be provided to support various components of the first air purification unit 10. Components of the first air purification unit 10 (eg, the power supply part 70, the sensor 90, the dust collection filter 140, the first fan 150, etc.) may be supported by the first inner frame 120.

[0122] The first inner frame 120 may be covered by the first shell 110. As an example, the side direction of the first inner frame 120 in the horizontal direction may be covered by the first shell body 113. The lower part of the first inner frame 120 in the vertical direction may be covered by the base 114. The upper part of the first inner frame 120 in the vertical direction may be covered by the first upper cover 115 and the first outlet cover 116.

[0123] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the figures, the first internal frame 120 may be formed by being divided into a plurality of frames. The plurality of frames constituting the first internal frame 120 may be formed to constitute the first internal frame 120 as a whole when combined with each other. Accordingly, the disassembly or assembly of the first internal frame 120 may be facilitated, and the user's accessibility to the internal structure of the first internal frame 120 may be improved. However, this is not limited thereto, and the first internal frame 120 may also be implemented as a single structure formed as a whole.

[0124] A substantially cylindrical space may be formed inside the first inner frame 120. A dust collection filter 140, a first fan 150, etc. may be arranged inside the first inner frame 120. A first flow path P1 may be provided inside the first inner frame 120. The first inner frame 120 may cover the outside of the first flow path P1.

[0125] However, it is not limited thereto, and the first internal frame 120 may be formed to have various shapes. As an example, the space formed inside the first internal frame 120 may have other shapes other than a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, as an example, the first internal frame 120 may be configured to form a space inside or to support various components of the first air purification unit 10 without covering the outside of the first flow path P1.

[0126] The first internal frame 120 described above is merely an example of a configuration configured to support various components of the first air purification unit 10 , and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0127] The first air purification unit 10 may include a first unit combining portion 130 configured to be combined with the second air purification unit 20. The first unit combining portion 130 may be configured to be combined with a second unit combining portion 230 described later to combine the first air purification unit 10 with the second air purification unit 20. As an example, the first unit combining portion 130 and the second unit combining portion 230 may be fastened by screws (not shown) in a state of being engaged with each other.

[0128] As an example, the first unit combination portion 130 may be arranged at the upper portion of the first air purification unit 10. As an example, the first unit combination portion 130 may have a shape extending upward from the upper portion of the first housing 110. As an example, the first unit combination portion 130 may extend upward from the first outlet cover 116, and may be formed integrally with the first outlet cover 116.

[0129] However, it is not limited thereto, and the first air purification unit 10 may include various configurations configured to be coupled to the second air purification unit 20 .

[0130] The first air purification unit 10 may include a first fan 150. The first fan 150 may be disposed in the first flow path P1. The first fan 150 may be arranged between the first suction port 111 and the first exhaust port 112. The first fan 150 may generate a suction force as it rotates, and the air outside the first air purification unit 10 may be sucked into the first suction port 111 by the suction force of the first fan 150. The air sucked into the first suction port 111 may flow along the first flow path P1 and may be discharged to the first exhaust port 112.

[0131] The first fan 150 may include: a first blade 151 ; a first motor 152 supplying power to the first blade 151 ; and a first fan rotation shaft 153 connected to the first blade 151 and the first motor 152 to transmit power generated by the first motor 152 to the first blade 151 .

[0132] The first fan 150 may be composed of various types of fans. As an example, the first fan 150 may be composed of an axial fan (Axial Fan) type. Alternatively, as an example, the first fan 150 may be composed of a centrifugal fan (Centrifugal Fan) type.

[0133] The first fan 150 may be disposed between the dust collection filter 140 described later and the first outlet 112. When the first fan 150 is driven, air sucked into the first suction port 111 may sequentially pass through the dust collection filter 140, the first fan 150, and be discharged through the first outlet 112.

[0134] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and as an example, the first fan 150 may be disposed between the dust collection filter 140 and the first suction port 111 .

[0135] The first air purifying unit 10 may include a first fan supporting frame 160 . The first fan 150 may be supported by the first fan supporting frame 160 .

[0136] In more detail, the first fan support frame 160 may support the first motor 152. The first motor 152 may be fixed to the first fan support frame 160. The first blade 151 of the first fan 150 is rotatably disposed relative to the first motor 152 with the first fan rotation axis 153 as a reference, and thus may be rotatably disposed relative to the first fan support frame 160. In other words, the first blade 151 may be rotatably supported by the first fan support frame 160.

[0137] The first fan support frame 160 may be formed with an opening penetrated by the first flow path P1. As the first fan 150 is driven, air may flow through the opening of the first fan support frame 160. As an example, in the case where the first fan 150 is an axial flow fan, the first fan support frame 160 may be formed with a plurality of openings arranged opposite to each other.

[0138] The first fan supporting frame 160 may be supported by the first inner frame 120. The first fan supporting frame 160 may be coupled to the first inner frame 120. As an example, the first fan supporting frame 160 may be disposed inside the first inner frame 120 and may be coupled to an inner surface of the first inner frame 120.

[0139] However, it is not limited thereto, and the first fan 150 may be supported by various structures.

[0140] The first fan 150 described above is merely an example of a structure that generates pressure so that air can flow along the first flow path P1 of the first air purification unit 10 , and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0141] The first air purification unit 10 may include a dust collection filter 140 disposed on the first flow path P1. When the first fan 150 is driven, the air flowing in through the first suction port 111 may flow along the first flow path P1 and pass through the dust collection filter 140. Foreign matter in the air flowing along the first flow path P1 may be removed by the dust collection filter 140. The air purified by removing the foreign matter by the dust collection filter 140 may be discharged through the first discharge port 112.

[0142] The dust filter 140 may be provided to collect foreign matter in the air flowing in through the first suction port 111. Foreign matter such as organic matter such as bacteria and viruses, dust, etc. in the air flowing along the first flow path P1 may be removed from the air by the dust filter 140.

[0143] The dust collection filter 140 may be installed at the first inner frame 120. As an example, the dust collection filter 140 may be installed at the inner side of the first inner frame 120. The dust collection filter 140 may be installed at the inner surface of the first inner frame 120 in a manner of being arranged at the first flow path P1.

[0144] The dust filter 140 may be formed so that its outer circumference is in contact with the inner circumference of the first inner frame 120. The dust filter 140 may be arranged to substantially and completely cover the cross section of the first flow path P1. Even in this case, the dust filter 140 is configured to allow air to pass through, so that the air flowing along the first flow path P1 can pass through the dust filter 140. At the same time, when the first fan 150 is driven, the air flowing along the first flow path P1 is arranged to almost entirely pass through the dust filter 140, so that the efficiency of purifying the air of the first flow path P1 can be improved.

[0145] The dust filter 140 may be detachably mounted relative to the first internal frame 120. As an example, the first internal frame 120 may include a dust filter installation opening 123 formed so that the dust filter 140 can be introduced into or led out from the inside of the first internal frame 120. The inside of the first internal frame 120 may be opened through the dust filter installation opening 123.

[0146] As an example, the dust filter installation opening 123 may be formed at one side of the first inner frame 120. The dust filter 140 may be introduced from one side of the first inner frame 120 to be installed, or may be drawn out from one side of the first inner frame 120 to be separated.

[0147] With this configuration, the user can easily separate the dust filter 140 from the first internal frame 120 or easily assemble the dust filter 140 to the first internal frame 120 , and can easily repair, replace, or clean the dust filter 140 .

[0148] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the dust collection filter 140 may be installed in various ways on the first inner frame 120. Alternatively, the dust collection filter 140 may be supported by various structures in a manner of being arranged on the first flow path P1.

[0149] The dust collecting filter 140 may include a pre-filter 141. The pre-filter 141 may be provided at the first flow path P1. The pre-filter 141 may be provided to first collect foreign matter in the air sucked into the first suction port 111. The pre-filter 141 may be provided to separate relatively large-sized foreign matter from the air.

[0150] The dust collection filter 140 may include an electrostatic dust collection filter 142. The electrostatic dust collection filter 142 may be provided in the first flow path P1.

[0151] The electric dust filter 142 may be configured to collect dust using electrostatic force. The electric dust filter 142 may receive power from a power supply unit 70 described later. When power is applied to the electric dust filter 142, an electric field may be formed in the electric dust filter 142. Foreign matter such as dust in the air may be collected by the electric field formed in the electric dust filter 142. Furthermore, organic matter such as bacteria and viruses may be decomposed by the electric field formed in the electric dust filter 142. That is, the electric dust filter 142 may perform a dust collecting function and a sterilizing function.

[0152] Specifically, the electric dust filter 142 may include a filter case 142 a forming an appearance of the electric dust filter 142 , a dust collecting portion 142 b , and a charging portion 142 c .

[0153] The filter housing 142a can support the dust collecting part 142b and the charged part 142c. The filter housing 142a can be supported by the first internal frame 120. At least one electrode for receiving power from the power supply part 70 can be provided in the filter housing 142a. As an example, the first internal frame 120 can be provided with an electrode of the first internal frame 120 electrically connected to the power supply part 70, and when the dust collecting filter 140 is installed on the first internal frame 120, the electrode of the first internal frame 120 and the electrode of the filter housing 142a can be connected to each other. The electrode of the first internal frame 120 or the electrode of the filter housing 142a can be constructed to include a metal material with conductivity. In more detail, at least one of the electrodes of the first internal frame 120 and the electrodes of the filter housing 142a can be constructed to include a leaf spring shape (not shown).

[0154] The charging part 142c may be configured to charge foreign matter in the air, and the dust collecting part 142b may be configured to collect foreign matter charged by the charging part 142c.

[0155] The dust collecting part 142b and the charging part 142c may be configured to receive power from the power supply part 70, respectively. The dust collecting part 142b and the charging part 142c may be electrically connected to electrodes of the filter housing 142a, respectively.

[0156] Electrodes with different poles from each other may be connected to the charged portion 142c and the dust collecting portion 142b, respectively. An electric field may be formed between the charged portion 142c and the dust collecting portion 142b. Foreign matter in the air charged by the charged portion 142c may be charged to the same pole as the charged portion 142c, and may be charged to the opposite pole to the dust collecting portion 142b. Accordingly, foreign matter in the air charged by the charged portion 142c may be moved to the dust collecting portion 142b by electricity, and may be captured by the dust collecting portion 142b. Furthermore, organic matter such as bacteria and viruses floating in the air may be decomposed by this electricity.

[0157] The charging part 142c can be arranged on one side of the electric dust filter 142, and the dust collecting part 142b can be arranged on the other side of the electric dust filter 142. The charging part 142c and the dust collecting part 142b can be arranged opposite to each other. As an example, the charging part 142c and the dust collecting part 142b can be arranged to face each other in the up-down direction.

[0158] In more detail, the charging part 142c may be arranged upstream of the dust collecting part 142b on the first flow path P1. In other words, the charging part 142c may be arranged between the dust collecting part 142b and the first suction port 111. In other words, the dust collecting part 142b may be arranged between the charging part 142c and the first discharge port 112. As an example, the dust collecting part 142b may be arranged on the upper part of the electric dust filter 142, and the charging part 142c may be arranged on the lower part of the electric dust filter 142.

[0159] With this configuration, the electrostatic precipitator filter 142 can remove foreign matter from the air flowing along the first flow path P1.

[0160] The pre-filter 141 may be disposed between the first suction port 111 and the electric dust filter 142. In other words, the electric dust filter 142 may be disposed between the first discharge port 112 and the pre-filter 141.

[0161] The pre-filter 141 can be detachably mounted on the electrostatic precipitator filter 142. In more detail, the pre-filter 141 can be detachably mounted on the filter housing 142a of the electrostatic precipitator filter 142. The pre-filter 141 can be supported by the filter housing 142a. In detail, the pre-filter 141 can be supported at the lower portion of the filter housing 142a.

[0162] The dust filter 140 described above is merely an example of a configuration configured to remove foreign matter such as dust and organic matter from the air flowing along the first flow path P1 of the first air purification unit 10 , and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0163] As an example, the prefilter 141 included in the dust filter 140 may not be installed on the electric dust filter 142, and further may be arranged apart from the electric dust filter 142. That is, the prefilter 141 and the electric dust filter 142 may be installed on the first inner frame 120, respectively.

[0164] As an example, the dust collection filter 140 may not include the pre-filter 141 .

[0165] As an example, the dust filter 140 may not include the electric dust filter 142. Alternatively, the dust filter 140 may include various filters such as a high-efficiency air filter (HEPA filter). The filter included in the dust filter 140 may have been subjected to antibacterial treatment such as coating with an antibacterial substance, whereby organic matter such as bacteria and viruses in the air flowing in through the first suction port 111 can be removed from the air by the dust filter 140.

[0166] The air purifier 1 may include a control device 50 for controlling the operation of the air purifier 1. The control device 50 may include a first printed circuit board assembly (PBA) 52. The first printed circuit board assembly 52 may be configured to control the operation of the air purifier 1. The first printed circuit board assembly 52 may be formed by mounting electronic components for controlling the operation of the air purifier 1 on a printed circuit board (PCB). As an example, the first printed circuit board assembly 52 may be a main board.

[0167] The first PCB assembly 52 may be disposed at the first air purification unit 10. As an example, the first PCB assembly 52 may be supported by the base 114 of the first air purification unit 10.

[0168] The first printed circuit board assembly 52 can be electrically connected to various components arranged in the first air purification unit 10, such as the power supply unit 70, the sensor 90, and the first fan 150. Further, the first printed circuit board assembly 52 can be electrically connected to the second printed circuit board assembly 53 (see Figure 6 In the case where the first PCB assembly 52 is a mainboard, the first PCB assembly 52 can be connected to the second PCB assembly 53 by wire, and a command for controlling the operation of the second air purification unit 20 can be transmitted to the second PCB assembly 53.

[0169] Without being limited thereto, the first PCB assembly 52 may be disposed at various locations. Also, the first PCB assembly 52 may be variously configured to be able to control the operation of the air purifier 1 .

[0170] The air purifier 1 may include a power supply unit 70 for supplying power to various components of the air purifier 1. The power supply unit 70 may be electrically connected to the first printed circuit board assembly 52. ​​The power supply unit 70 may be configured to apply power to various components such as the electric dust filter 142.

[0171] The power supply unit 70 may be disposed in the first air purification unit 10. As an example, the power supply unit 70 may be installed in the first internal frame 120. The first internal frame 120 may include a power supply unit installation portion 122, and the power supply unit 70 may be installed in various ways such as being fastened to the power supply unit installation portion 122.

[0172] The power supply unit 70 may receive power from an external power source. The power supply unit 70 may be configured to directly transfer the power received from the external power source to the components for driving the air purifier 1, or to transfer the power received from the external power source to the components for driving the air purifier 1 when necessary after storing the power received from the external power source.

[0173] The power supply unit 70 may be arranged at various positions without limitation. Also, the power supply unit 70 may be configured in various ways to supply power for driving the air purifier 1 .

[0174] The air purifier 1 may include a sensor 90. The sensor 90 may be configured to sense the state of air in a room or the like in which the air purifier 1 is provided. As an example, the sensor 90 may detect external air through the sensing hole 113a.

[0175] The sensor 90 may be composed of various types. For example, the sensor 90 may include a dust measuring sensor for measuring the concentration of dust in the air, a carbon dioxide measuring sensor for measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air, a harmful gas measuring sensor for measuring the concentration of other harmful gases in the air (e.g., total volatile organic compounds (TVOC)), an organic matter measuring sensor for measuring the concentration of organic matter in the air, etc.

[0176] As an example, the sensor 90 may be disposed in the first air purification unit 10. In more detail, the sensor 90 may be installed in the first inner frame 120. The first inner frame 120 may include a sensor mounting portion 121, and the sensor 90 may be installed in various ways such as being fastened to the sensor mounting portion 121.

[0177] The sensor 90 may be arranged at various positions without limitation. Also, the sensor 90 may be variously configured to be able to sense the state of the air to be detected in order to control the operation of the air purifier 1 .

[0178] As an example, the sensor of the air purifier 1 may also be disposed in the first flow path P1. Alternatively, as an example, the sensor of the air purifier 1 may also be disposed in the second flow path P2. Alternatively, as an example, the sensor of the air purifier 1 may also be arranged in a position of the second internal frame 220 of the second air purification unit 20 described later.

[0179] Reference above Figures 3 to 5The structure of the first air purification unit 10 described is only an example of the first air purification unit of the air purifier according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The first air purification unit of the air purifier according to the concept of the present disclosure can be configured to include various structures for performing the function of purifying the air flowing along the first flow path.

[0180] Figure 6 This is a diagram that decomposes a portion of the second air purification unit of the air purifier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is a diagram that decomposes a portion of the second air purification unit of the air purifier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 1 is a diagram for explaining a state in which air flows in a second air purification unit of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is a side sectional view of a second air purification unit of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0181] Reference Figures 6 to 9 The second air purification unit 20 may include a second housing 210 in which the second flow path P2 is provided. The second housing 210 may form the appearance of the second air purification unit 20. The second housing 210 may be configured to accommodate various components of the second air purification unit 20 inside.

[0182] The second housing 210 may include a second suction port 211 and a second exhaust port 212. The second suction port 211 may be configured to allow air outside the second housing 210 to flow into the second housing 210. In more detail, the second suction port 211 may be configured to allow air inside the first housing 110 or air outside the first housing 110 and the second housing 210 that flows into the connecting flow path CP to flow into the second housing 210. The second exhaust port 212 may be configured to allow air inside the second housing 210 to be exhausted to the outside of the second housing 210.

[0183] When the second fan 250 is driven, the air outside the second housing 210 can be sucked into the second housing 210 through the second suction port 211 by the pressure generated by the second fan 250, and the air inside the second housing 210 can be discharged to the outside of the second housing 210 through the second discharge port 212. In more detail, when the first fan 150 and the second fan 250 are driven simultaneously, at least a portion of the air inside the first housing 110 can sequentially pass through the connecting flow path CP and the second suction port 211 and flow into the second flow path P2, and the air flowing along the second flow path P2 can be discharged through the second discharge port 212. When the first fan 150 is not driven and the second fan 250 is driven, the air outside the first housing 110 and the second housing 210 (i.e., the air outside the air purifier 1) can flow into the interior of the first housing 110 (in more detail, the upper interior of the first housing 110) through the first discharge port 112, and then can sequentially pass through the connecting flow path CP and the second suction port 211 and flow to the second flow path P2. The air flowing along the second flow path P2 may be discharged through the second discharge port 212 .

[0184] However, the invention is not limited thereto, and as an example, when only the second fan 250 is driven and the first fan 150 is not driven, the second suction port 211 may be formed to directly suck in the air outside the air purifier 1 .

[0185] The second air purification unit 20 may include a second flow path P2 disposed between a second suction port 211 and a second exhaust port 212 inside the second housing 210. In other words, the second flow path P2 may extend from the second suction port 211 to the second exhaust port 212. When the second fan 250 is driven, air sucked into the second housing 210 through the second suction port 211 may flow along the second flow path P2, and may be discharged to the outside of the second housing 210 through the second exhaust port 212. In other words, the second suction port 211 may be disposed at one end of the second flow path P2, and the second exhaust port 212 may be disposed at the other end of the second flow path P2.

[0186] As an example, the second suction port 211 may be formed at the lower portion of the second housing 210. As an example, the second discharge port 212 may be formed at the upper portion of the second housing 210. As an example, the second flow path P2 may be formed to have a shape extending in the up-down direction. Accordingly, the air flowing into the second housing 210 through the second suction port 211 may flow upward along the second flow path P2.

[0187] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second suction port 211 and the second discharge port 212 may be formed at various positions of the second housing 210. The second flow path P2 disposed between the second suction port 211 and the second discharge port 212 may extend in various directions corresponding thereto.

[0188] The second housing 210 may include a second housing body 213 and a second upper cover 214. The second housing body 213 and the second upper cover 214 may respectively constitute a part of the appearance of the second air purification unit 20.

[0189] The second housing body 213 may form a horizontal side surface of the second air purification unit 20. The second housing body 213 may be provided to cover various components of the second air purification unit 20 in the horizontal direction. The second housing body 213 may be connected to the second upper cover 214. The second housing body 213 may be connected to the intermediate duct 30.

[0190] The second housing body 213 may cover the second flow path P2 at the radially outer side of the second flow path P2. In other words, the second housing body 213 may cover the second flow path P2 at the lateral direction in the horizontal direction.

[0191] The second housing body 213 may extend in a direction parallel to the second flow path P2. As an example, the second housing body 213 may extend in an up-down direction.

[0192] The second housing body 213 may be formed roughly in a hollow cylindrical shape. The space formed inside the second housing body 213 may be formed roughly in a cylindrical shape. However, it is not limited thereto, and the second housing body 213 may be formed in various shapes according to the outer shape of the second air purification unit 20.

[0193] The second housing body 213 may be formed with a second suction port 211 and a second discharge port 212. The second suction port 211 may be disposed at one end of the second housing body 213 facing the intermediate duct 30. The second discharge port 212 may be disposed at the other end of the second housing body 213 opposite to the second suction port 211.

[0194] As an example, the second suction port 211 may be formed at a lower end of the second housing body 213 . The second discharge port 212 may be formed at an upper end of the second housing body 213 .

[0195] However, it is not limited thereto, and the second suction port 211 and the second discharge port 212 may be formed at various positions.

[0196] The second upper cover 214 may be disposed on the upper portion of the second housing 210. The second upper cover 214 may form the upper surface of the second air purification unit 20. The second upper cover 214 may be formed to cover the space inside the first housing 110 from above. The second upper cover 214 may form at least a portion of the upper surface of the first housing 110.

[0197] The second upper cover 214 may be disposed at the second outlet 212. In other words, the second upper cover 214 may cover a portion of the second outlet 212. The second upper cover 214 may be disposed to guide the flow of air discharged through the second outlet 212.

[0198] The second upper cover 214 may be formed along the circumference of the second discharge port 212 . Alternatively, the second upper cover 214 may be formed along the circumference of the second case body 213 .

[0199] The second upper cover 214 may have a shape whose width widens as it goes toward the outer edge. As an example, the second upper cover 214 may have a shape whose width widens as it goes upward. Accordingly, the second upper cover 214 may guide the air discharged through the second discharge port 212 to diffuse toward the outer side. In other words, the second upper cover 214 may be formed to have a substantially diffuser shape.

[0200] However, it is not limited thereto, and the second upper cover 214 may be variously configured to form the upper surface of the second air purification unit 20 .

[0201] As an example, the second housing body 213 and the second upper cover 214 may be formed as separate structures from each other. Different from this, as an example, the second housing body 213 and the second upper cover 214 may also be formed as one body with each other.

[0202] The second air purification unit 20 may include a second outlet grille 212a provided at the second outlet 212. The second outlet grille 212a may be formed in a shape including a grille so that air can enter and exit through the second outlet 212. As an example, the second outlet 212 may be located at the upper side of the second flow path P2, and correspondingly, the second outlet grille 212a may be located at the upper side of the second flow path P2.

[0203] The second outlet grill 212a may be coupled to the second upper cover 214. The second outlet grill 212a may support the second upper cover 214.

[0204] As an example, the second outlet grill 212a may be coupled to the inner edge of the second upper cover 214. The second outlet grill 212a may be formed along the inner edge of the second upper cover 214.

[0205] However, the second outlet grille 212a is not limited thereto, and the second outlet grille 212a may be variously configured so that air can be discharged through the second outlet grille 212. Different from the above description, the second outlet grille 212 may be formed at various positions of the second housing 210, such as the side surface of the second housing body 213. Accordingly, the second outlet grille 212a may be provided at various positions and may be formed to have various shapes.

[0206] The second housing 210 described above is merely an example of a structure that forms the appearance of the second air purification unit 20 and has the second flow path P2 disposed therein, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0207] The second air purification unit 20 may include a second inner frame 220. The second inner frame 220 may be disposed inside the second housing 210. The second inner frame 220 may be coupled to an inner surface of the second housing 210. The second inner frame 220 may support an inner surface of the second housing 210.

[0208] The second inner frame 220 may be configured to support at least a portion of the components of the second air purification unit 20. For example, the light source 240, the reflective cover 270, the light blocking member 280, etc. may be supported by the second inner frame 220. Also, the second printed circuit board assembly 53, the control panel 80, etc. may also be supported by the second inner frame 220.

[0209] The second inner frame 220 may be covered by the second housing 210. As an example, the horizontal side of the second inner frame 220 may be covered by the second housing body 213. The upper part of the second inner frame 220 in the vertical direction may be covered by the second upper cover 214.

[0210] like Figure 6 As shown in the figures, the second internal frame 220 may be formed by being divided into a plurality of frames. The plurality of frames constituting the second internal frame 220 may be formed so as to constitute the second internal frame 220 as a whole when combined with each other. Accordingly, the disassembly or assembly of the second internal frame 220 may become easy, and the user's accessibility to the internal structure of the second internal frame 220 may be improved. However, it is not limited thereto, and the second internal frame 220 may also be implemented as a single structure formed as a whole.

[0211] A substantially cylindrical space may be formed inside the second inner frame 220. A light source 240, a reflective cover 270, etc. may be arranged in the inner space of the second inner frame 220. At least a portion of the second flow path P2 may be provided in the inner space of the second inner frame 220. In more detail, an irradiation region RI described later may be provided in the inner space of the second inner frame 220.

[0212] However, it is not limited thereto, and the second internal frame 220 may be formed to have various shapes. As an example, the space formed inside the second internal frame 220 may have other shapes other than a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, as an example, the second internal frame 220 may be configured to form a space inside or to support various components of the second air purification unit 20 without covering the outside of the second flow path P2.

[0213] The second inner frame 220 described above is merely an example of a configuration configured to support various components of the second air purification unit 20 , and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0214] The second air purification unit 20 may include a second unit combining portion 230 configured to be combined with the first air purification unit 10. The second unit combining portion 230 may be configured to be combined with a first unit combining portion 130 described later to combine the first air purification unit 10 and the second air purification unit 20.

[0215] As an example, the second unit combining part 230 may be disposed at a lower portion of the second air purifying unit 20. As an example, the second unit combining part 230 may be formed to have a shape extending toward the first unit combining part 130 of the first air purifying unit 10.

[0216] The second unit coupling portion 230 may include at least one hole 230 a formed to allow air flowing along the second flow path P2 to pass therethrough.

[0217] The second unit combining part 230 may be supported by the second fan supporting frame 261. The second unit combining part 230 may be combined with the second fan shroud 262.

[0218] However, it is not limited thereto, and the second air purification unit 20 may include various configurations configured to be coupled to the first air purification unit 10 .

[0219] The second air purification unit 20 may include a second fan 250. The second fan 250 may be disposed in the second flow path P2. The second fan 250 may be arranged between the second suction port 211 and the second exhaust port 212. The second fan 250 may generate a suction force as it rotates, and the air outside the second air purification unit 20 may be sucked into the second suction port 211 by the suction force of the second fan 250. The air sucked into the second suction port 211 may flow along the second flow path P2 and be discharged to the second exhaust port 212.

[0220] The second fan 250 may be disposed between the light source 240 described later and the second suction port 211. When the second fan 250 is driven, air sucked into the second suction port 211 may pass through the second fan 250 and the light source 240 in sequence and be discharged through the second discharge port 212.

[0221] However, it is not limited thereto, and as an example, the second fan 250 may be disposed between the light source 240 and the second outlet 212. Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the description is given on the premise that the second fan 250 is arranged between the light source 240 and the second air inlet 211 .

[0222] The second fan 250 may include: second blades 251 ; a second motor 252 supplying power to the second blades 251 ; and a second fan rotation shaft 253 connected to the second blades 251 and the second motor 252 to transmit the power generated by the second motor 252 to the second blades 251 .

[0223] The second fan 250 may include a second fan housing 254 that supports the second blades 251 , the second motor 252 , the second fan rotation shaft 253 , etc. The second blades 251 , the second motor 252 , and the second fan rotation shaft 253 may be accommodated in the second fan housing 254 .

[0224] In more detail, the second fan housing 254 may support the second motor 252 of the second fan 250. The second motor 252 may be fixed to the second fan housing 254. The second blade 251 of the second fan 250 is rotatably disposed relative to the second motor 252 with the second fan rotation shaft 253 as a reference, and thus may be rotatably disposed relative to the second fan housing 254. In other words, the second blade 251 may be rotatably supported by the second fan housing 254.

[0225] The second fan housing 254 may include: a fan inlet 254a formed to allow air to flow into the second fan housing 254; and a fan exhaust duct 254b formed to allow air to be exhausted to the outside of the second fan housing 254. The second flow path P2 may be provided to pass through the fan inlet 254a and the fan exhaust duct 254b. As the second fan 250 is driven, the air in the second flow path P2 may flow through the fan inlet 254a and the fan exhaust duct 254b.

[0226] like Figures 6 to 9As shown, in the second fan 250, the direction in which air flows in through the fan inlet 254a and the direction in which air is discharged through the fan exhaust duct 254b may be different from each other. In more detail, the direction in which air flows in through the fan inlet 254a may be parallel to the second fan rotation axis 253. The direction in which air is discharged through the fan exhaust duct 254b may be orthogonal to the second fan rotation axis 253.

[0227] In other words, the fan exhaust duct 254b may extend in a direction orthogonal to the second fan rotation axis 253. The fan exhaust duct 254b may be disposed to exhaust air toward the light source 240 in a direction orthogonal to the second fan rotation axis 253.

[0228] That is, the second fan 250 may be constituted of a centrifugal fan type.

[0229] The second fan 250 may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of second fans 250 may be formed to have shapes corresponding to each other.

[0230] Each of the plurality of second fans 250 may be configured to discharge air toward the light source 240 in a direction orthogonal to the second fan rotation axis 253. The direction in which the air is discharged from each of the plurality of second fans 250 may be inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the direction in which the second flow path P2 extends (e.g., the up-down direction). At this time, the direction in which the air is discharged from a part of the plurality of second fans 250 is inclined relative to the up-down direction and the direction in which the air is discharged from another part of the plurality of second fans 250 is inclined relative to the up-down direction may be set to be opposite to each other. In more detail, in each of the plurality of second fans 250, the fan exhaust duct 254b may be set to be a predetermined distance from the central axis of the second flow path P2, and here, the fan exhaust duct 254b may have an inclined shape in which the outer end portion for air discharge extends in a manner close to the central axis of the second flow path P2.

[0231] However, the shape, arrangement, number, etc. of the second fan 250 are not limited thereto, and the second fan 250 may be variously provided. As an example, the second fan 250 may be composed of various types of fans such as an axial flow fan. As an example, the second fan 250 may be provided as a single one.

[0232] The second fan 250 described above is merely an example of a structure that generates pressure so that air can flow along the second flow path P2 of the second air purification unit 20, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0233] The second air purifying unit 20 may include a second fan supporting frame 261. The second fan 250 may be supported by the second fan supporting frame 261.

[0234] The second fan supporting frame 261 may be coupled to the second inner frame 220. As an example, the second fan supporting frame 261 may be coupled to a lower portion of the second inner frame 220.

[0235] The second fan supporting frame 261 may be coupled to the second unit coupling portion 230. As an example, the second fan supporting frame 261 may be coupled to an upper portion of the second unit coupling portion 230.

[0236] However, it is not limited thereto, and the second fan 250 may be supported by various structures.

[0237] The second air purification unit 20 may include a second fan guard 262 disposed upstream of the second fan 250 in the second flow path P2. The second fan guard 262 may cover one side of the second fan 250 in the direction of the second suction port 211. The second fan guard 262 may be disposed between the second fan 250 and the second suction port 211.

[0238] The second fan guard 262 may include a fan guard hole 262a. The fan guard hole 262a may be formed to allow air flowing along the second flow path P2 to pass through. The air flowing into the second housing 210 through the second suction port 211 may flow toward the second fan 250 through the fan guard hole 262a.

[0239] The second air purification unit 20 may include a light source 240 disposed in the second flow path P2. The light source 240 may be configured to irradiate ultraviolet rays to the second flow path P2. The ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source 240 may have a wavelength in a region band capable of sterilization. Organic matter such as bacteria and viruses present in the air flowing along the second flow path P2 may be destroyed and removed by the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source 240. That is, the light source 240 may perform a function of sterilizing the air flowing along the second flow path P2.

[0240] The configuration and operation of the light source 240 will be described in detail later.

[0241] The second air purification unit 20 may include a reflective cover 270 disposed to reflect ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source 240. The reflective cover 270 may cover the outside of the light source 240. The reflective cover 270 may be disposed at the second flow path P2.

[0242] The inner surface of the reflective cover 270 facing the light source 240 may be formed to include a material with high light reflectivity. As an example, a metal material with high light reflectivity may be plated on the inner surface of the reflective cover 270. Alternatively, as an example, the reflective cover 270 may be integrally formed of a plate of a metal material with high light reflectivity.

[0243] The reflective cover 270 may have a shape formed by bending in such a manner as to surround the light source 240. As an example, the reflective cover 270 may include a plurality of flat plate shapes, and the plurality of plate shapes may be disposed to form a predetermined angle with each other and surround the light source 240.

[0244] like Figure 7 As shown, the reflective cover 270 may be provided in plurality. The plurality of reflective covers 270 may respectively cover the outer sides of the light source 240. In detail, a portion of the plurality of reflective covers 270 may cover one side of the light source 240, and another portion of the plurality of reflective covers 270 may cover the other side of the light source 240.

[0245] However, it is not limited thereto, and the reflective cover 270 may also be provided as a single one.

[0246] However, it is not limited thereto, and the reflective cover 270 may be variously provided to be capable of reflecting ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source 240 from the outside of the light source 240 .

[0247] The second flow path P2 may include an irradiation area RI irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the light source 240. When the second fan 250 is driven, air flowing into the second housing 210 through the second suction port 211 is sterilized while passing through the irradiation area RI, thereby removing organic matter such as bacteria and viruses.

[0248] The irradiation region RI may be disposed inside the reflective cover 270. The irradiation region RI may be surrounded by the reflective cover 270 and its outside may be covered. As an example, the reflective cover 270 may cover the irradiation region RI in a lateral direction in a horizontal direction.

[0249] With the above-described configuration, the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source 240 can be reflected by the reflective cover 270 and not incident on the outer area of ​​the irradiation area RI, thereby improving the sterilization efficiency of the light source 240 .

[0250] The second air purification unit 20 may further include a light blocking member 280 provided to prevent ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source 240 from being incident to the outside of the irradiation region RI.

[0251] The light blocking member 280 may be disposed in the second flow path P2. The light blocking member 280 may be formed so that the air flowing along the second flow path P2 can pass through. That is, the light blocking member 280 may be disposed so as to prevent the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source 240 from being emitted to the outside of the irradiation region RI, while allowing the air outside the irradiation region RI to flow into the irradiation region RI through the light blocking member 280 or allowing the air inside the irradiation region RI to flow to the outside of the irradiation region RI through the light blocking member 280.

[0252] As an example, the light blocking member 280 may include a first light blocking member 280a, a second light blocking member 280b, and a third light blocking member 280c. As an example, the first light blocking member 280a may be disposed on one side of the irradiation area RI facing the second suction port 211. The second light blocking member 280b and the third light blocking member 280c may be disposed on the other side of the irradiation area RI facing the second discharge port 212. Figures 6 to 9 As shown, a plurality of light blocking components 280b, 280c are provided on the other side of the irradiation area RI toward the second outlet 212, thereby more effectively preventing ultraviolet rays from being emitted to the outside of the air purifier 1 through the second outlet 212 and flowing into the user's living space.

[0253] The first light blocking member 280a and the second light blocking member 280b may be provided to support the light source 240. In more detail, the first light blocking member 280a and the second light blocking member 280b may be provided to support both ends of the light source 240.

[0254] The irradiation region RI may be disposed between the first light blocking member 280a and the second light blocking member 280b. The first light blocking member 280a and the second light blocking member 280b may be disposed at both ends of the irradiation region RI. As an example, the first light blocking member 280a and the second light blocking member 280b may be disposed at both ends of the irradiation region RI in the up and down directions, respectively.

[0255] By the above-described configuration, the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source 240 can be blocked by the light blocking component 280 and not incident on the outer area of ​​the irradiation area RI, so that the components of the air purifier 1 disposed in the outer area of ​​the irradiation area RI can be prevented from being damaged by the ultraviolet rays. In addition, the ultraviolet rays can be prevented from being emitted to the outside of the air purifier 1 through the second exhaust port 212 and the like and flowing into the user's living space.

[0256] The configuration and function of the light blocking member 280 will be described in detail later.

[0257] The air purifier 1 may include a control panel 80. The control panel 80 may include an input button 81 and a display 82. The control panel 80 may be arranged at the second air purifying unit 20. As an example, the control panel 80 may be supported by the second inner frame 220. As an example, the control panel 80 may be supported by the third light blocking member 280c.

[0258] In more detail, the control panel 80 may be disposed on the upper portion of the second air purification unit 20. As an example, the second air purification unit 20 may be provided to cover a portion of the second outlet 212. As an example, the second outlet 212 may be covered by the second upper cover 214 in the outer side edge direction.

[0259] The configuration and operation of the control panel 80 will be described in detail later.

[0260] The control device 50 of the air purifier 1 may include a second printed circuit board assembly 53 .

[0261] The second PCB assembly 53 may be configured to control the operation of the air cleaner 1. The second PCB assembly 53 may be formed by mounting electronic components for controlling the operation of the air cleaner 1 on a printed circuit board.

[0262] The second PCB assembly 53 may be disposed at the second air purifying unit 20. As an example, the second PCB assembly 53 may be supported by the second inner frame 220 of the second air purifying unit 20.

[0263] In more detail, the second inner frame 220 may include a substrate mounting portion 221 provided to mount the second printed circuit board assembly 53. When the second inner frame 220 is composed of a plurality of frames, the substrate mounting portion 221 may be provided at least in part of the plurality of frames constituting the second inner frame 220.

[0264] The second inner frame 220 may include a substrate mounting cover 222 covering the second printed circuit board assembly 53. The substrate mounting cover 222 may be detachably coupled to the substrate mounting portion 221. The substrate mounting cover 222 may be provided to protect the second printed circuit board assembly 53.

[0265] The second printed circuit board assembly 53 can be electrically connected to various components arranged on the second printed circuit board assembly 53, such as the control panel 80, the light source 240, and the second fan 250. Further, the second printed circuit board assembly 53 can be electrically connected to the aforementioned first printed circuit board assembly 52. ​​The second printed circuit board assembly 53 can be connected to the first printed circuit board assembly 52 by wire, and can receive a command for controlling the operation of the second air purification unit 20 from the first printed circuit board assembly 52.

[0266] like Figure 6 As shown, the second printed circuit board assembly 53 may be configured to include a plurality of substrates. In this case, the plurality of substrates including the second printed circuit board assembly 53 may be electrically connected to each other. However, it is not limited thereto, and the second printed circuit board assembly 53 may also be configured to include a single substrate.

[0267] The features of the second PCB assembly 53 are not limited thereto, and the second PCB assembly 53 may be disposed at various positions. Also, the second PCB assembly 53 may be variously configured to be able to control the operation of the air purifier 1 .

[0268] Reference above Figures 6 to 9 The structure of the second air purification unit 20 described is only an example of the second air purification unit of the air purifier according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The second air purification unit of the air purifier according to the concept of the present disclosure can be configured to include various structures for performing the function of purifying the air flowing along the second flow path.

[0269] Fig.10 2 is a diagram showing an intermediate duct of an air purifier and a partial structure of the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.11 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view that cuts and enlarges a portion of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0270] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 The air purifier 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a connecting flow path CP connecting the first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2. The connecting flow path CP may be connected between the first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2. The connecting flow path CP may branch from the first flow path P1 and extend toward the second flow path P2.

[0271] The connection flow path CP may be provided to extend from at least a portion of the first discharge port 112 to the second suction port 211. In other words, the connection flow path CP may be provided between at least a portion of the first discharge port 112 and the second suction port 211.

[0272] At least a portion of the air discharged from the first discharge port 112 may flow into the connection flow path CP. The connection flow path CP may be provided so that the air discharged from the first discharge port 112 and flowing into the connection flow path CP flows toward the second flow path P2 through the second suction port 211 .

[0273] The connecting flow path CP may be configured to allow air in the first flow path P1 to flow into the second flow path P2 when the second fan 250 is driven. As an example, when the first fan 150 and the second fan 250 are driven simultaneously, the air flowing into the first flow path P1 through the first suction port 111 may flow into the second flow path P2 via the connecting flow path CP. As an example, when the first fan 150 is not driven and the second fan 250 is driven, the air outside the air purifier 1 may flow into the first flow path P1 through the first discharge port 112 by the suction force of the second fan 250, and the air flowing into the first flow path P1 may be discharged again through the first discharge port 112 and flow into the connecting flow path CP. The air flowing into the connecting flow path CP may flow into the second flow path P2 through the second suction port 211.

[0274] The connecting flow path CP may extend from at least a portion of the first discharge port 112 in a direction toward the second suction port 211. As an example, Fig.10 At least a portion of the air exhausted from the first housing 110 through the first exhaust port 112 may flow upward along the connection flow path CP and may flow into the second housing 210 through the second suction port 211 .

[0275] The first flow path P1, the second flow path P2 and the connecting flow path CP may extend in directions parallel to each other. As an example, the first flow path P1, the second flow path P2 and the connecting flow path CP may extend in the up and down directions of the air purifier 1, respectively. When the first fan 150 and the second fan 250 are driven simultaneously, at least a portion of the air flowing into the interior of the first housing 110 through the first suction port 111 may flow in a direction substantially parallel to the first flow path P1, the connecting flow path CP and the second flow path P2. Accordingly, the efficiency of the air flowing in the first air purification unit 10 and the second air purification unit 20 can be improved.

[0276] However, it is not limited thereto, and the direction in which the connection flow path CP extends may differ according to the arrangement of the first air purification unit 10 and the second air purification unit 20, the shapes of the first discharge port 112 and the second suction port 211, and the like.

[0277] The air purifier 1 may include an intermediate duct 30 connecting the first housing 110 and the second housing 210. As an example, the intermediate duct 30 may connect an upper portion of the first housing 110 and a lower portion of the second housing 210.

[0278] The first housing 110 and the second housing 210 may communicate with each other through the intermediate pipe 30. The first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2 may communicate with each other through the intermediate pipe 30.

[0279] The connection flow path CP may be formed inside the intermediate duct 30. The intermediate duct 30 may cover the outside of the connection flow path CP. The intermediate duct 30 may cover the connection flow path CP in a lateral direction in the horizontal direction.

[0280] The intermediate duct 30 may guide at least a portion of the air exhausted from the first exhaust port 112 to flow into the second suction port 211. At least a portion of the air exhausted from the first exhaust port 112 may be guided to the second suction port 211 via the intermediate duct 30. The intermediate duct 30 may be configured such that the air flowing into the intermediate duct 30 flows toward the second housing 210 along the connection flow path CP.

[0281] The middle duct 30 may cover at least a portion of the first outlet port 112 , and thus at least a portion of the air exhausted from the first outlet port 112 may flow into the middle duct 30 .

[0282] The middle duct 30 may cover the entire second suction port 211 , and thus all the air flowing along the middle duct 30 may flow into the second housing 210 .

[0283] The intermediate duct 30 may extend from at least a portion of the first discharge port 112 in a direction toward the second suction port 211. Fig.10 At least a portion of the air discharged through the first outlet 112 may flow into the intermediate duct 30 and flow upward, and may flow into the second housing 210 through the second suction port 211 .

[0284] Hereinafter, an example of a specific shape of the intermediate pipe 30 will be described.

[0285] The intermediate pipe 30 may include a pipe body 31 and a pipe hollow portion 32 formed inside the pipe body 31. The pipe body 31 may have a shape in which the inside is penetrated by the pipe hollow portion 32.

[0286] The duct hollow portion 32 may extend in a direction from the first housing 110 toward the second housing 210. The duct hollow portion 32 may extend in a direction from the first discharge port 112 toward the second suction port 211. As an example, the duct hollow portion 32 may extend in an up-down direction.

[0287] The pipe body 31 may have a connection flow path CP formed inside thereof. The pipe body 31 may cover the outside of the connection flow path CP. The connection flow path CP may be arranged in the pipe hollow portion 32.

[0288] The duct body 31 may connect the first housing 110 and the second housing 210. The duct body 31 may be connected to the upper portion of the first housing 110 and the lower portion of the second housing 210, respectively. The duct body 31 may cover at least a portion of the first discharge port 112. The duct body 31 may cover the entire second suction port 211.

[0289] One side of the duct body 31 may be coupled to the lower portion of the second housing 210. One side of the duct body 31 may be coupled to the exhaust flow path guide 40. As described below, the exhaust flow path guide 40 may be coupled to the upper portion of the first housing 110. Therefore, the duct body 31 may be directly or indirectly connected to the first housing 110 and the second housing 210, respectively.

[0290] The intermediate pipe 30 may be penetrated by the first unit coupling part 130. The first unit coupling part 130 may penetrate the pipe hollow part 32 and be coupled to the second unit coupling part 230. At this time, a connection flow path CP may be formed between the inner circumference of the pipe body 31 and the outer circumference of the first unit coupling part 130.

[0291] The structure of the intermediate duct 30 described above is merely an example of the intermediate duct included in the air purifier according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0292] At least another part of the air discharged from the first discharge port 112 that does not flow into a part of the connecting flow path CP may be set to be discharged to the outside of the air purifier 1. In other words, at least another part of the air discharged from the first discharge port 112 may be discharged to the outside of the first air purification unit 10 and the second air purification unit 20.

[0293] The air purifier 1 may include an exhaust flow path DP configured to exhaust at least a portion of the air exhausted from the first exhaust port 112 to the outside of the air purifier 1. When the first fan 150 is driven, at least a portion of the air exhausted from the first exhaust port 112 may flow along the exhaust flow path DP.

[0294] The exhaust flow path DP may extend from at least a portion of the first exhaust port 112. The exhaust flow path DP may branch from the first flow path P1 and extend in the outer direction of the air purifier 1. The region where the exhaust flow path DP branches from the first flow path P1 may be disposed adjacent to the first exhaust port 112.

[0295] The exhaust flow path DP may be located in the outer side direction of the edge of the connecting flow path CP. In other words, the exhaust flow path DP may be arranged to surround the outer side of the connecting flow path CP. Therefore, a portion of the air exhausted through the first exhaust port 112 may flow inwardly along the connecting flow path CP, and another portion of the air exhausted through the first exhaust port 112 may flow inwardly along the exhaust flow path DP.

[0296] The discharge flow path DP may extend in a direction different from the direction in which the connection flow path CP extends. As an example, the connection flow path CP may extend in the up-down direction, and the discharge flow path DP may extend obliquely at a predetermined angle relative to the up-down direction.

[0297] The discharge flow path DP may extend in a direction away from the connection flow path CP as it moves toward the direction of exhausting air. In other words, the discharge flow path DP may be configured to discharge air in a direction away from the connection flow path CP and even the intermediate duct 30. As an example, the discharge flow path DP may extend in an upwardly inclined manner as it moves toward the outer edge of the first discharge port 112.

[0298] The air purifier 1 may include an exhaust flow path guide 40 configured to guide the flow of at least a portion of the air exhausted from the first exhaust port 112. The exhaust flow path guide 40 may be configured to guide the air flowing along the exhaust flow path DP. The exhaust flow path guide 40 may guide the flow of air so that a portion of the air exhausted from the first exhaust port 112 that does not flow toward the connection flow path CP flows along the exhaust flow path DP.

[0299] One side of the exhaust flow path DP may be covered by the exhaust flow path guide 40. The other side of the exhaust flow path DP may be covered by the first housing 110 (eg, the first exhaust port cover 116 or even the first upper cover 115).

[0300] The exhaust flow path guide 40 may be arranged to face the first exhaust port 112 outside the first air purification unit 10. The exhaust flow path guide 40 may cover at least a portion of the first exhaust port 112. As an example, the exhaust flow path guide 40 may cover at least a portion of the first exhaust port 112 from above.

[0301] The exhaust flow path guide 40 may extend in a direction corresponding to the extension direction of the first exhaust port 112. As an example, when the first exhaust port 112 extends in the horizontal direction of the air purifier 1, the exhaust flow path guide 40 may also extend correspondingly thereto, and accordingly, the air flowing along the exhaust flow path DP may flow in a horizontal direction or even a direction similar thereto relative to the air purifier 1 and be discharged to the outside.

[0302] The exhaust flow path guide 40 may be coupled to the first air purification unit 10. In more detail, the exhaust flow path guide 40 may be coupled to the first housing 110. As an example, the exhaust flow path guide 40 may be coupled to the upper portion of the first air purification unit 10 and may be coupled to the upper portion of the first housing 110.

[0303] The exhaust flow path guide 40 may be provided in an outer direction of the intermediate duct 30. In other words, the exhaust flow path guide 40 may be formed to surround the outer side of the intermediate duct 30.

[0304] The air purifier 1 may include a guide opening OP formed between an outer edge of the exhaust flow path guide 40 and an outer edge of the first exhaust port 112. In detail, the guide opening OP may be formed between an outer end portion of the exhaust flow path guide 40 and an outer end portion of the first upper cover 115. The guide opening OP may be arranged side by side with an edge of the first exhaust port 112.

[0305] The discharge flow path DP may extend toward the introduction opening OP from at least a portion of the first discharge port 112. The first discharge port 112 may be provided at one end of the discharge flow path DP, and the introduction opening OP may be provided at the other end of the discharge flow path DP.

[0306] When the first fan 150 and the second fan 250 are driven simultaneously or only the first fan 150 is driven alone, the guide opening OP may function as an outlet for the air discharged from the first outlet 112 through the discharge flow path DP. When only the second fan 250 is driven alone and the first fan 150 is not driven, the guide opening OP may function as an inlet for the external air to flow into the discharge flow path DP.

[0307] By the exhaust flow path guide 40 , the air flowing toward the connection flow path CP and the air flowing toward the exhaust flow path DP may be divided from each other.

[0308] Hereinafter, an example of a specific shape of the discharge flow path guide 40 will be described.

[0309] The exhaust flow path guide 40 may include a guide surface 41 that guides the air flowing along the exhaust flow path DP. The flow of at least a portion of the air exhausted through the first exhaust port 112 may be guided by the guide surface 41.

[0310] The guide surface 41 may be formed at a surface of the exhaust flow path guide 40 that faces the exhaust flow path DP. The guide surface 41 may be formed at a surface of the exhaust flow path guide 40 that faces the first exhaust port 112 .

[0311] The guide surface 41 may extend in a direction inclined relative to the extension direction of the first discharge port 112. As an example, the guide surface 41 may extend in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal direction of the air purifier 1. As an example, the guide surface 41 may extend upwardly inclined along the outer direction toward the edge of the discharge flow path guide 40. The guide surface 41 may have a shape inclined in a direction corresponding to the first upper cover 115.

[0312] The guide surface 41 may be formed to have a shape that is recessed relative to the discharge flow path DP. As an example, the slope of the guide surface 41 relative to the horizontal direction may gradually decrease as it moves toward the outer side of the edge of the discharge flow path guide 40. As an example, the slope of the guide surface 41 may have an inclination that approaches the horizontal direction as it moves toward the direction in which air is discharged along the discharge flow path DP. In other words, the slope of the guide surface 41 relative to the horizontal direction may gradually decrease along the direction from the first discharge port 112 toward the guide opening OP.

[0313] The guide surface 41 may be formed to have a curved shape.

[0314] The exhaust flow path guide 40 may include a guide hollow portion 42 formed inside the exhaust flow path guide 40. The exhaust flow path guide 40 may have a shape in which the guide hollow portion 42 penetrates inside.

[0315] The guide hollow portion 42 may extend in a direction from the first housing 110 toward the second housing 210. The guide hollow portion 42 may extend in a direction from the first discharge port 112 toward the second suction port 211. As an example, the guide hollow portion 42 may extend in an up-down direction.

[0316] The discharge flow path guide 40 may be penetrated by the intermediate duct 30. In detail, the guide hollow portion 42 may be penetrated by the intermediate duct 30. The intermediate duct 30 may penetrate the guide hollow portion 42 to connect the first housing 110 and the second housing 210.

[0317] As described above, the first unit coupling part 130 may penetrate the pipe hollow part 32 of the intermediate pipe 30 to be coupled to the second unit coupling part 230. Therefore, the first unit coupling part 130 may be arranged to penetrate the pipe hollow part 32 and the guide hollow part 42 at the same time.

[0318] The exhaust flow path guide 40 may be coupled to the upper portion of the first housing 110 (for example, the first exhaust port cover 116). More specifically, the exhaust flow path guide 40 may be fastened to a later-described central portion 116a provided on the first exhaust port cover 116 by means of screws (not shown). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the exhaust flow path guide 40 may be coupled and fixed to various structures such as the first housing 110, the second housing 210, and the intermediate duct 30 in various ways.

[0319] The configuration of the exhaust flow path guide 40 described above is merely an example of an exhaust flow path guide included in the air cleaner according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0320] As described above, the first housing 110 may further include a first outlet cover 116 covering the first outlet 112. Air flowing along the first flow path P1 may be discharged from the first housing 110 through the first outlet cover 116.

[0321] Hereinafter, an example of a specific shape of the first outlet cover 116 will be described.

[0322] The first outlet cover 116 may include a central portion 116a and an edge grille 116b disposed along the outer edge of the central portion 116a. The central portion 116a may cover the upper center of the first housing 110. The edge grille 116b may cover the peripheral portion of the upper side of the first housing 110. The edge grille 116b may include a shape through which it is penetrated. When the first fan 150 is driven, at least a portion of the air discharged from the first outlet 112 may pass through the penetrated shape of the edge grille 116b and flow to the exhaust flow path DP. When the first fan 150 is not driven and the second fan 250 is driven, the air outside the air purifier 1 may flow along the exhaust flow path DP and may pass through the penetrated shape of the edge grille 116b and flow into the first housing 110 side.

[0323] One side of the edge grille 116b may be covered by the exhaust flow path guide 40. As an example, the exhaust flow path guide 40 may cover at least a portion of the edge grille 116b from the upper side. The guide surface 41 of the exhaust flow path guide 40 may be disposed to face at least a portion of the edge grille 116b.

[0324] The central portion 116a may include a guide portion 116aa extending from the edge grill 116b toward the connection flow path CP. The guide portion 116aa may be provided to guide air from the edge grill 116b to the connection flow path CP.

[0325] The guide portion 116aa may be formed along the circumference of the central portion 116a. The guide portion 116aa may be divided by a plurality of rib structures.

[0326] The guide portion 116aa may be formed to have a slope that becomes parallel to the direction in which the connecting flow path CP extends as it approaches the connecting flow path CP. In other words, for the slope direction of the guide portion 116aa, the angle formed with the extending direction of the connecting flow path CP may decrease as it approaches the connecting flow path CP. As an example, the guide portion 116aa may be formed to have a slope relative to the horizontal direction that increases as it approaches the connecting flow path CP. As an example, the guide portion 116aa may be formed to include a concave shape.

[0327] The guide portion 116aa may be formed to include a curved surface shape.

[0328] The intermediate duct 30 may cover at least a portion of the guide portion 116aa. The intermediate duct 30 may be connected to one end of the guide portion 116aa on the connection flow path CP side.

[0329] As an example, the central portion 116a may be formed integrally with the aforementioned first unit combining portion 130. As an example, the first unit combining portion 130 may extend upward from the central portion 116a. As an example, the guide portion 116aa may be arranged along the peripheral direction of the first unit combining portion 130.

[0330] With this configuration, at least a portion of the air discharged from the first discharge port 112 may flow toward the connection flow path CP along the guide portion 116 aa , and at least another portion of the air discharged from the first discharge port 112 may flow toward the discharge flow path DP.

[0331] The structure of the first outlet cover 116 described above is merely an example of the first outlet cover included in the air purifier according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0332] Fig.12 1 is a diagram showing a light source of an air purifier and a partial structure of the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.13 is a diagram illustrating a travel path of light irradiated from a light source in an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.14 It is a cross-sectional stereoscopic view that cuts and shows a light source of an air purifier and a part of the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0333] Reference Figure 12 to Figure 14 , the structure and operation of the light source 240 of the second air purification unit 20 are described in detail.

[0334] Reference Figure 12 to Figure 14 The air purifier 1 may include a light source 240 disposed in the second flow path P2. The air purifier 1 may include a dust collecting filter 140 disposed in the first flow path P1 in the first housing 110 and a light source 240 disposed in the second flow path P2 in the second housing 210, respectively, thereby improving the air purification efficiency. The light source 240 may be a component included in the second air purification unit 20.

[0335] The light source 240 may be configured to irradiate ultraviolet light to the irradiation area RI. In detail, the light source 240 may be configured to irradiate ultraviolet light in a wavelength region suitable for removing organic matter such as bacteria and viruses. As an example, the light source 240 may be configured to irradiate ultraviolet light including a UV-C wavelength region (e.g., a wavelength region having a range of approximately 250nm to 260nm). In this regard, the light source 240 may be referred to as a sterilization device, a sterilization lamp, or the like.

[0336] The light source 240 used in the sterilization device can be constructed in various ways, such as using internal electrodes inside a glass tube like a hot cathode fluorescent lamp (HCFL) or a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) and using external electrodes outside a glass tube like an external electrode fluorescent lamp (EEFL).

[0337] Hereinafter, it is assumed that the light source 240 is constructed by an external electrode fluorescent lamp method, and the specific structure and operation of the light source 240 are described in detail.

[0338] The light source 240 may include a lamp body 241 emitting light L and an electrode part 242 for receiving power.

[0339] The lamp body 241 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The lamp body 241 may extend in a direction. As an example, the lamp body 241 may extend in an up-down direction.

[0340] The lamp body 241 may be made of a material capable of transmitting ultraviolet rays, such as quartz tube, borosilicate glass, and the like.

[0341] The lamp body 241 may include a discharge space S arranged to be hollow therein. A gas (not shown) for emitting ultraviolet rays by discharge may be contained inside the lamp body 241. As the gas for emitting ultraviolet rays by discharge, a rare gas or the like may be used. If a voltage is applied to a rare gas or the like in a ground state, a dimer molecule in an excited state (hereinafter referred to as "excimer, excited dimer") may be generated. Since the excimer is in an unstable state, it immediately returns to the ground state, and ultraviolet rays may be generated in the process. The rare gas sealed inside the lamp body 241 may be composed of xenon (Xe) and a xenon mixed gas (Xe, Ar, Ne, etc.).

[0342] The inner wall of the lamp body 241 may be coated with a phosphor (not shown) that can convert the emission wavelength region of xenon gas (e.g., approximately 172 nm) into a sterilization wavelength region (e.g., approximately 250 nm to 260 nm). However, the gas contained in the interior of the lamp body 241 is not limited to rare gases such as xenon gas and a mixture of rare gases. The interior of the lamp body 241 may contain a variety of gases that are configured to generate light in the ultraviolet region through discharge. Various phosphors may be coated on the inner wall of the lamp body 241 according to the wavelength of the emitted ultraviolet rays.

[0343] The light source 240 may include an external electrode (not shown) disposed on the outer surface of the lamp body 241. The external electrode may extend along the extension direction of the lamp body 241. In other words, the external electrode may be disposed on the outer surface of the lamp body 241 and may extend along the length direction of the lamp body 241.

[0344] The external electrode may include a pair of external electrodes. The pair of external electrodes may be arranged opposite to each other on the outer circumferential surface of the lamp body 241 with the central axis of the lamp body 241 as a reference.

[0345] The external electrode may be provided in the shape of a thin tape on the outer surface of the lamp body 241. The external electrode may be formed of a conductive material. For example, the external electrode may be formed of a conductive metal material such as gold, silver, nickel, carbon, palladium gold, palladium silver, platinum, aluminum, etc. or alloys thereof.

[0346] The electrode part 242 may be configured to receive power from a device disposed outside the light source 240. As an example, the electrode part 242 may be electrically connected to the second printed circuit board assembly 53, and may receive power from the second printed circuit board assembly 53.

[0347] The electrode portion 242 may be formed of a conductive material so as to receive power from the outside. For example, the electrode portion 242 may be formed of a conductive metal material.

[0348] The electrode part 242 may be provided to receive power from the outside and transmit power to an external electrode provided on an outer surface of the lamp body 241. The electrode part 242 may be electrically connected to the external electrode.

[0349] The electrode part 242 may be provided as a pair and may be respectively fixed to both ends of the lamp body 241. The pair of electrode parts 242 may be configured to receive voltages of different polarities from each other.

[0350] The pair of electrode portions 242 may be electrically connected to a pair of external electrodes, respectively. One of the pair of external electrodes may be electrically connected to one of the pair of electrode portions 242. The other of the pair of external electrodes may be electrically connected to the other of the pair of electrode portions 242. Accordingly, the pair of external electrodes may receive voltages having different polarities from each other.

[0351] The above-mentioned light source 240 is merely an example of a light source included in the air purifier according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0352] The second air purification unit 20 may include a light source fixing component 290 configured to fix the light source 240. The light source fixing component 290 may fix the electrode portion 242 of the light source 240. The light source fixing component 290 may be provided as a pair corresponding to the number of the electrode portions 242 of the light source 240. A pair of light source fixing components 290 may be arranged in parallel with the extension direction of the light source 240. As an example, a pair of light source fixing components 290 may be arranged in the up-down direction.

[0353] As an example, the pair of electrode parts 242 may be respectively inserted into the pair of light source fixing parts 290. The pair of electrode parts 242 may be configured to be respectively connected to the pair of light source fixing parts 290 to receive power.

[0354] The light source fixing part 290 may be supported by the light blocking part 280. As an example, one of the pair of light source fixing parts 290 may be supported by the first light blocking part 280a, and the other of the pair of light source fixing parts 290 may be supported by the second light blocking part 280b.

[0355] As described above, the light blocking member 280 may support the electrode part 242 by supporting the light source fixing member 290, and may support the light source 240. However, not limited thereto, the light blocking member 280 may also be formed to directly support the electrode part 242.

[0356] With this configuration, the light source 240 can be configured to receive power from the outside and irradiate ultraviolet rays.

[0357] In the following, reference is made to Fig.13 and Fig.14 , the structure and operation of the light source 240 in the irradiation area RI are described in detail.

[0358] The light source 240 may extend in a direction. The direction in which the light source 240 extends may correspond to the direction in which the irradiation area RI irradiated with ultraviolet light L from the light source 240 extends. Further, the direction in which the light source 240 extends may correspond to the direction in which the second flow path P2 extends. In other words, the irradiation area RI may extend in a direction corresponding to the light source 240. As an example, the direction in which the light source 240 and even the irradiation area RI extend may be the up-down direction of the air purifier 1.

[0359] The reflective cover 270 may be configured to reflect at least a portion of the ultraviolet light L irradiated from the light source 240. The reflective cover 270 may extend in the extension direction of the light source 240 in a manner corresponding to the light source 240. The reflective cover 270 may extend in the extension direction of the irradiation area RI in a manner corresponding to the irradiation area RI. As an example, the direction in which the reflective cover 270 extends may be the up-down direction of the air purifier 1.

[0360] The reflective cover 270 may cover the outer side of the light source 240. The reflective cover 270 may be arranged along the peripheral direction of the light source 240. The reflective cover 270 may cover the light source 240 from the side direction in the horizontal direction.

[0361] The reflective cover 270 may cover the outside of the irradiation region RI. The reflective cover 270 may be arranged along the peripheral direction of the irradiation region RI. The reflective cover 270 may cover the irradiation region RI in a lateral direction in the horizontal direction.

[0362] The reflective cover 270 may cover at least a portion of the side surface of the light blocking member 280 from the outside. The reflective cover 270 may be arranged along the peripheral direction of the light blocking member 280. The reflective cover 270 may cover at least a portion of the side surface of the light blocking member 280 in the lateral direction in the horizontal direction. The reflective cover 270 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the side to edge of the light blocking member 280.

[0363] The light blocking member 280 may be disposed in the second flow path P2. The light blocking member 280 may be disposed on one side of the irradiation region RI in one direction (i.e., the extending direction of the light source 240, the irradiation region RI, etc.). In detail, a plurality of light blocking members 280a and 280b may be disposed on both sides of the irradiation region RI in one direction, respectively.

[0364] The irradiation region RI, as a component of the second flow path P2, needs to be arranged in a manner that allows air to flow, and therefore, the light blocking member 280 needs to be arranged in a manner that allows air flowing along the second flow path P2 to pass through. This is because the light blocking member 280 can be arranged on one side in one direction of the irradiation region RI.

[0365] However, the ultraviolet rays L irradiated from the light source 240 may have high energy, so when the ultraviolet rays L are emitted outside the irradiation area RI, there is a possibility of damaging other components of the second air purification unit 20. Also, when the ultraviolet rays L are emitted through the second exhaust port 212, there is a possibility of flowing into the user's living space.

[0366] The light blocking member 280 may be provided to prevent the ultraviolet rays L irradiated from the light source 240 from being incident to the outside of the irradiation region RI. Also, the light blocking member 280 may be provided to allow the air flowing along the second flow path P2 to pass therethrough.

[0367] As an example, the light blocking member 280 may include a plurality of grille portions 281 and a vent 282 formed between the plurality of grille portions 281 and penetrated in a manner that allows air on the second flow path P2 to pass through. The air flowing into the second housing 210 through the second suction port 211 may flow into the irradiation region RI through the vent 282 of the first light blocking member 280a, and may be discharged from the irradiation region RI through the vents 282 of the second light blocking member 280b and the third light blocking member 280c, thereby flowing toward the second discharge port 212.

[0368] Each of the plurality of grid portions 281 may be formed so that a surface 281a facing the grid portions 281 adjacent to each other is inclined relative to a direction in which the irradiation region RI extends. In other words, each of the plurality of grid portions 281 may extend in a direction inclined relative to a direction in which the irradiation region RI extends. Hereinafter, a surface of each of the plurality of grid portions 281 facing the grid portions 281 adjacent to each other is referred to as an inclined surface 281a.

[0369] As the inclined surface 281 a is formed to be inclined with respect to the direction in which the irradiation region RI extends, the vent portion 282 may be formed to be inclined with respect to the direction in which the irradiation region RI extends in correspondence thereto.

[0370] A portion of the ultraviolet light L irradiated from the light source 240 may be incident toward the light blocking member 280. The straight path of the ultraviolet light L incident toward the light blocking member 280 may be blocked by the inclined surface 281a. The ultraviolet light L incident on the inclined surface 281a may be absorbed by the inclined surface 281a, or reflected again toward the irradiation region RI.

[0371] The light blocking member 280 may include an opaque material so as to prevent the transmission of the ultraviolet rays L. The ultraviolet rays L incident on the light blocking member 280 may be absorbed or reflected by the light blocking member 280. As an example, the light reflectivity of the light blocking member 280 may be configured to be lower than the light reflectivity of the reflective cover 270, but is not limited thereto.

[0372] With this configuration, the light blocking member 280 allows the air flowing along the second flow path P2 to pass therethrough, but can prevent the ultraviolet rays L irradiated from the light source 240 from being incident to the outside of the irradiation region RI.

[0373] The light blocking member 280 may include a light source supporting portion 283 configured to support the light source 240. The light source supporting portion 283 may be formed to allow a portion of the light source 240 to penetrate. In more detail, the light source supporting portion 283 may be formed to be penetrated by the end of the lamp body 241 of the light source 240. A light source fixing member 290 configured to fix the electrode portion 242 may be accommodated inside the light source supporting portion 283. The light source supporting portion 283 may support the light source fixing member 290, thereby supporting the light source 240. That is, the light blocking member 280 may be configured to simultaneously perform the functions of supporting and fixing the light source 240.

[0374] The aforementioned grille portion 281 and the vent portion 282 may be formed along the circumference of the light source supporting portion 283. The grille portion 281 and the vent portion 282 may be provided to surround the light source supporting portion 283.

[0375] However, not limited thereto, the light blocking member 280 may be formed to have various shapes.

[0376] The light source fixing part 290 may be covered by the light blocking part 280. In detail, the light source fixing part 290 may be covered by the light source supporting part 283 in a direction (i.e., the extending direction of the light source 240, the irradiation area RI, etc.). As an example, the light blocking part 280 may cover the light source fixing part 290 in the direction toward the irradiation area RI. Accordingly, the light source fixing part 290 may be protected from the ultraviolet rays L irradiated from the light source 240.

[0377] By the above-described configuration, at least a portion of the ultraviolet light L irradiated from the light source 240 can be reflected by the reflective cover 270, and organic matter in the air flowing along the irradiation area RI can be removed. Also, at least another portion of the ultraviolet light L irradiated from the light source 240 can be incident toward the light blocking member 280, and can be absorbed or reflected by the light blocking member 280.

[0378] However, the features of the light source 240 and the irradiation area RI are merely an example of a structure for removing organic matter on the second flow path by using a light source irradiating ultraviolet rays in an air purifier according to the concept of the present disclosure. The concept of the present disclosure is not limited to the above description.

[0379] As an example, the light source provided in the second flow path P2 may be a point light source using a light emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, as an example, the light source provided in the second flow path P2 may be a plurality of LEDs extending in one direction.

[0380] Furthermore, as an example, the light source, the irradiation area, the reflective cover, etc. provided in the second flow path P2 may not extend in parallel in one direction. In this case, the light source may be arranged in various ways so as to irradiate ultraviolet rays to the irradiation area, and the reflective cover may be arranged in various ways so as to irradiate light uniformly to the irradiation area. At this time, a light blocking component for preventing ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source from entering the outside of the irradiation area may be provided on at least one side of the irradiation area.

[0381] Fig.15 is a block diagram showing the structure of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0382] Reference Fig.15 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air purifier 1 may include a control device 50 for controlling the operation of the air purifier 1. The control device 50 may include a processor 51. The processor 51 may be composed of the aforementioned first printed circuit board assembly 52 and even the second printed circuit board assembly 53. As an example, the processor 51 may be electrically connected to the power supply unit 70, the first fan driver 150d, the second fan driver 250d, the electric dust filter 142, and the light source 240, respectively. As an example, the processor 51 may be configured to control the operation of the power supply unit 70, the first fan driver 150d, the second fan driver 250d, the electric dust filter 142, and the light source 240.

[0383] The control panel 80 may provide a user interface for interaction with the user. Figures 1 to 20 The control panel 80 is arranged at the upper part of the second air purification unit 20 , but it is not limited thereto. The control panel 80 can be set at various positions on the air purifier 1 .

[0384] The control panel 80 may include input buttons 81 and / or a display 82 .

[0385] The input button 81 can obtain user input related to the operation of the air purifier 1. For example, the input button 81 may include a power button for turning on / off the operation of the air purifier 1, an air volume button for controlling the air volume of the air purifier 1, and a mode for selecting an operation mode of the air purifier 1 (for example, a mode for simultaneously performing the operation of the first air purification unit 10 and the operation of the second air purification unit 20 (hereinafter referred to as 'first mode 1A', see Fig.16)), a mode in which only the operation of the first air purification unit 10 is performed (hereinafter referred to as 'second mode 1B', see Fig.17 ), a mode in which only the operation of the second air purification unit 20 is performed (hereinafter referred to as 'third mode 1C', refer to Fig.18 ) operation mode button, etc.

[0386] The input button 81 may provide an electrical signal (user input signal) (eg, a voltage signal or a current signal) corresponding to the user input to the processor 51. The processor 51 may recognize the user input based on processing the user input signal.

[0387] The input button 81 may include a tact switch, a push button switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch.

[0388] The display 82 may obtain the operation information of the air purifier 1 from the processor 51 and may display the operation information of the air purifier 1 .

[0389] For example, the display 82 may display the operation mode (first mode 1A, second mode 1B, third mode 1C, etc.) of the air purifier 1 selected by the user. The display 82 may display the air volume of the air purifier 1. Furthermore, the display 82 may display information about the air state measured by the sensor 90 (e.g., the concentration of dust, gas, organic matter, etc. in the air).

[0390] For example, the display 82 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) panel, a light emitting diode (LED: Light Emitting Diode) panel or a light emitting diode, etc.

[0391] The display 82 may be integrated with the input button 81. For example, a plurality of light emitting diodes for emitting light may be provided behind the input button 81 or inside the input button 81. As another example, the control panel 80 may include a touch screen in which a display and a touch pad are integrated.

[0392] The sensor 90 can detect the surrounding air of the air purifier 1 and can measure the state of the air. In other words, the sensor 90 can measure the state of the air in the room where the air purifier 1 is installed.

[0393] The information about the air state measured by the sensor 90 may include, for example, information about the concentration of dust in the air, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air, the concentration of other harmful gases in the air (eg, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC)), the concentration of organic matter in the air, and the like.

[0394] The sensor 90 may transmit an electrical signal (e.g., a voltage signal or a current signal) corresponding to the measured air state (e.g., dust concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, harmful gas concentration, organic matter concentration, etc. in the air) to the processor 51. The processor 51 may identify the air state around the air purifier 1 based on the electrical signal received from the sensor 90.

[0395] The sensor 90 may be arranged in the first air purification unit 10. In detail, the sensor 90 may be arranged in the first internal frame 120, and may detect external air through the sensing hole 113a provided in the first shell 110. However, it is not limited thereto, and the sensor 90 may be arranged in various ways. As an example, the sensor 90 may be arranged in a position adjacent to the first suction port 111 to detect the air sucked into the first suction port 111. Alternatively, as an example, the sensor 90 may be provided in the second air purification unit 20 to detect external air. Alternatively, as an example, the sensor 90 may be provided inside the second air purification unit 20 to detect the air in the second flow path P2.

[0396] Alternatively, as an example, the sensor 90 may be composed of a flow sensor (not shown) that detects the flow rate or flow velocity of the air flowing along the second flow path P2. The flow sensor may be configured to be arranged inside the second air purification unit 20 to output an electrical signal corresponding to the flow rate or flow velocity of the air flowing along the second flow path P2. For example, the flow sensor may be configured to be arranged inside the irradiation area RI to output an electrical signal corresponding to the flow rate or flow velocity of the air flowing along the irradiation area RI. The processor 51 may be configured to determine the flow rate or flow velocity of the air flowing along the second flow path P2 based on the signal output from the flow sensor.

[0397] Alternatively, as an example, the sensor 90 may be composed of a flow sensor (not shown) that detects the flow rate or flow velocity of the air flowing along the connecting flow path CP. The flow sensor may be configured to be disposed inside the intermediate duct 30 to output an electrical signal corresponding to the flow rate or flow velocity of the air flowing along the connecting flow path CP. The processor 51 may be configured to determine the flow rate or flow velocity of the air flowing along the connecting flow path CP based on the signal output from the flow sensor.

[0398] The first air purification unit 10 may include a first fan driver 150d electrically connected to the first fan 150. The first fan driver 150d may receive an electrical signal regarding driving of the first fan 150 from the processor 51. The first fan driver 150d may control driving of the first fan 150 based on the electrical signal received from the processor 51.

[0399] The second air purification unit 20 may include a second fan driver 250d electrically connected to the second fan 250. The second fan driver 250d may receive an electrical signal regarding driving of the second fan 250 from the processor 51. The second fan driver 250d may control driving of the second fan 250 based on the electrical signal received from the processor 51.

[0400] The communication module 60 can transmit and receive data with an external device such as a server and / or a user device according to the control of the processor 51 .

[0401] The communication module 60 may include a wired communication module 61 for transmitting and receiving data with an external device via wires and a wireless communication module 62 for transmitting and receiving data with an external device via wireless.

[0402] The wired communication module 61 can be connected to a wired communication network and communicate with an external device through the wired communication network. For example, the wired communication module 61 can be connected to a wired communication network through Ethernet (IEEE 802.3 technical standard) and can receive data from an external device through the wired communication network.

[0403] The wireless communication module 62 can communicate with a base station or an access point (AP) wirelessly, and can be connected to a wired communication network through a base station or an access point. The wireless communication module 62 can also communicate with an external device connected to a wired communication network via a base station or an access point. For example, the wireless communication module 62 can communicate with an access point (AP) wirelessly using wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) (IEEE 802.11 technical standard), or communicate with a base station using CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, Long Term Evolution (LET: Long Term Evolution), wireless broadband (WiBro), etc. The wireless communication module 62 can also receive data from an external device via a base station or an access point.

[0404] Furthermore, the wireless communication module 62 can directly communicate with an external device. As an example, the wireless communication module 62 can wirelessly receive data from an external device using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1 technical standard), ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4 technical standard), etc.

[0405] In this way, the communication module 60 can transmit and receive data with the external device. The communication module 60 can transfer data received from the external device to the processor 51, and can transmit data received from the processor 51 to the external device.

[0406] The processor 51 may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the air purifier 1. The processor 51 may include a memory 51a for memorizing and / or storing a program and data for generating a control signal. The processor 51 may include one or more processors, and the memory 51a may be integrally provided with the processor 51, or may be separately provided with the processor 51.

[0407] The processor 51 may process data and / or signals according to a program stored in the memory 51 a , and may provide a control signal to each component of the air purifier 1 based on the processing result.

[0408] The processor 51 may receive an electrical signal representing a user input of the control panel 80 and an electrical signal representing an output value regarding the air state of the sensor 90. The processor 51 may recognize the user input and the measured air state based on processing the electrical signal.

[0409] The processor 51 may determine driving of the air purifier 1 based on a user input of the control panel 80 , communication data of the communication module 60 , or an output value of the sensor 90 .

[0410] For example, when a user inputs an operating mode selected from the operating modes of the air purifier 1 (first mode 1A, second mode 1B, third mode 1C, etc.) using the control panel 80 or an external device that communicates with the communication module 60, the processor 51 can determine the drive of the first air purification unit 10 and the second air purification unit 20 corresponding to the selected operating mode.

[0411] For example, when the user inputs the selected air volume using the control panel 80 or an external device performing communication with the communication module 60, the processor 51 may determine the rotation speeds of the first fan 150 and the second fan 250 corresponding to the selected air volume.

[0412] For example, processor 51 may identify the concentration of dust, gas, etc. in the air measured by sensor 90, and may determine the rotation speed of first fan 150 and second fan 250 for providing a target air volume according to the concentration of dust, gas, etc.

[0413] The processor 51 may store a table including data on the concentration of dust, gas, etc. in the air and corresponding data on the target air volume of the air purifier 1 and corresponding data on the rotation speeds of the first fan 150 and the second fan 250. The processor 51 may use the table to determine the air volume of the air purifier 1 corresponding to the measured concentration of dust, gas, etc. in the air, and may determine the rotation speeds of the first fan 150 and the second fan 250.

[0414] For example, the processor 51 may identify the concentration of organic matter in the air measured by the sensor 90, and may determine the operating mode of the air purifier 1 corresponding to the concentration of the organic matter. As an example, when the concentration of the organic matter in the air exceeds the first concentration value, the processor 51 may determine the operating mode of the air purifier 1 to be the first mode 1A. When the concentration of the organic matter in the air is below the first concentration value and above the second concentration value, the processor 51 may determine the operating mode of the air purifier 1 to be the second mode 1B. When the concentration of the organic matter in the air is less than the second concentration value, the processor 51 may determine the operating mode of the air purifier 1 to be the third mode 1C.

[0415] The processor 51 may store a table including data on the concentration of organic matter in the air and the corresponding operation mode of the air purifier 1. The processor 51 may use the table to determine the operation mode of the air purifier 1 corresponding to the measured concentration of organic matter in the air.

[0416] The processor 51 can provide a control signal for driving the air purifier 1 to the first fan driver 150d, the second fan driver 250d, the light source 240, the electric dust filter 142, the power supply unit 70, etc. based on the user input of the control panel 80, the communication data of the communication module 60, or the output value of the sensor 90.

[0417] Control of each configuration executed by the processor 51 will be described by referring to a case where the first air purification unit 10 operates as a first operation and a case where the second air purification unit 20 operates as a second operation.

[0418] The processor 51 may control the first fan driver 150d so that the first fan 150 rotates in the first operation. In the first operation, the processor 51 may be configured to apply power to the electric dust filter 142. As an example, the processor 51 may control the power supply unit 70 so that it applies power to the electric dust filter 142.

[0419] The processor 51 may control the second fan driver 250d so that the second fan 250 rotates in the second operation. In the second operation, the processor 51 may control the light source 240 so that it irradiates ultraviolet rays to the irradiation area RI.

[0420] The first mode 1A of the air purifier is an operation mode in which the first operation and the second operation are performed simultaneously.

[0421] As an example, when the processor 51 determines the operating mode of the air purifier 1 as the first mode 1A, the processor 51 can control the first fan driver 150d and the second fan driver 250d to rotate the first fan 150 and the second fan 250, and can control the power supply unit 70 to apply power to the electric dust filter 142, and can control the light source 240 to irradiate ultraviolet rays.

[0422] The second mode 1B of the air purifier is an operation mode in which only the first operation of the first operation and the second operation is performed.

[0423] As an example, when the processor 51 determines the operating mode of the air purifier 1 as the second mode 1B, the processor 51 can control the first fan driver 150d and the second fan driver 250d to rotate the first fan 150 and the second fan 250 so that the first fan 150 rotates and the second fan 250 does not rotate, and can control the power supply unit 70 to apply power to the electric dust filter 142, and can control the light source 240 not to irradiate ultraviolet rays.

[0424] The third mode 1C of the air purifier is an operation mode in which only the second operation of the first operation and the second operation is performed.

[0425] As an example, when the processor 51 determines the operating mode of the air purifier 1 to be the third mode 1C, the processor 51 can control the first fan driver 150d and the second fan driver 250d so that the first fan 150 does not rotate and the second fan 250 rotates, and can control the power supply unit 70 not to apply power to the electric dust filter 142, and can control the light source 240 to irradiate ultraviolet rays.

[0426] Reference Fig.15 The structure of the air purifier 1 described above is merely an example of the structure of the air purifier according to the concept of the present disclosure, and is not limited thereto.

[0427] Fig.16 2 is a side sectional view for explaining the operation of the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure according to a first mode.

[0428] Reference Fig.16 The air purifier 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can operate in a first mode 1A in which the first air purification unit 10 and the second air purification unit 20 can be driven simultaneously. In the first mode 1A, the first air purification unit 10 can purify the air of the first flow path P1, and the second air purification unit 20 can purify the air of the second flow path P2.

[0429] In the first mode 1A, the first fan 150 and the second fan 250 may be driven simultaneously.

[0430] In the first mode 1A, the dust collection filter 140 and the light source 240 may be driven simultaneously.

[0431] In the first mode 1A, the first flow path P1 may be provided to allow air flowing in from the first suction port 111 to flow and be discharged to the first discharge port 112. As an example, in the first mode 1A, the air flowing along the first flow path P1 may flow in the up-down direction.

[0432] In the first mode 1A, the second flow path P2 may be provided to allow air flowing in from the second suction port 211 to flow and be discharged to the second discharge port 212. As an example, in the first mode 1A, the air flowing along the second flow path P2 may flow in the up-down direction.

[0433] In the first mode 1A, the connection flow path CP may be provided to allow at least a portion of the air discharged from the first discharge port 112 to flow and be discharged to the second suction port 211. As an example, in the first mode 1A, the air flowing along the connection flow path CP may flow in the up-down direction.

[0434] In the first mode 1A, the discharge flow path DP may be provided to allow at least another portion of the air discharged from the first discharge port 112 to flow and be discharged to the outside of the air cleaner 1 .

[0435] In order to improve the purification efficiency of the air purifier 1, it is necessary to appropriately set the flow rate of the air purified by the first air purification unit 10 and the flow rate of the air purified by the second air purification unit 20. In other words, it is necessary to appropriately set the flow rate of the air flowing along the first flow path P1 and the flow rate of the air flowing along the second flow path P2. This can be changed according to the flow rate ratio of the air flowing along the connecting flow path CP and the exhaust flow path DP branched from the first flow path P1.

[0436] In order to improve the sterilization efficiency of the air according to the second air purification unit 20, it may be necessary to appropriately set the flow speed of the air flowing in the second flow path P2 in consideration of the light amount and wavelength of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source 240. This is because, if the speed at which the air flows along the second flow path P2 is too fast, there is a possibility that the ultraviolet rays do not fully sterilize the air, and conversely, if the speed at which the air flows along the second flow path P2 is too slow, there is a possibility that the purification efficiency of the air is reduced.

[0437] In order to optimize the flow velocity of the air flowing along the second flow path P2, the flow rate of the air flowing into the second flow path P2 through the connecting flow path CP may need to be appropriately set. In order to optimize the flow rate of the air flowing into the second flow path P2, the ratio of the flow rate of the air flowing to the connecting flow path CP to the flow rate of the air flowing to the exhaust flow path DP may need to be appropriately set in the first mode 1A.

[0438] For example, in order to improve the sterilization efficiency based on the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source 240, the flow rate of the air flowing along the second flow path P2 can be set to be approximately maintained at about 0.05 CMM (cubic meter per minute). The flow rate of the air flowing to the second flow path P2 can be set by considering the flow rate of the air and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path P2, for example, the flow rate of the air flowing to the connecting flow path CP and the flow rate of the air flowing to the exhaust flow path DP can be set to have a ratio of approximately 20 to 80.

[0439] The numerical values ​​of the air flow rate, flow ratio, etc. described above are merely an example recorded to illustrate the process of setting the air flow rate in the second flow path P2, the flow ratio between the connecting flow path CP and the exhaust flow path DP, etc. in a manner that can improve the purification efficiency of the air purifier 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0440] The flow rate, flow ratio, etc. of the air in the air purifier 1 can be set in various ways according to the characteristics such as the amount of light and wavelength of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source 240, the length and cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path P2, the shapes of the connecting flow path CP and the exhaust flow path DP, and the characteristics of other components constituting the air purifier 1.

[0441] Hereinafter, description will be made with respect to an example of a method of controlling the operation of the air purifier 1 in order to efficiently purify the air in the first mode 1A.

[0442] As an example, the light source 240 of the air purifier 1 may be configured to irradiate ultraviolet light with various intensities, such as a first light amount, a second light amount having an intensity greater than the first light amount, etc. The "first light amount", "second light amount", etc. mentioned herein are merely terms for comparing the magnitude of the light amount of ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source 240, and the interpretation of the light amount of ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source 240 is not limited to the expressions "first", "second", etc.

[0443] As an example, the second fan 250 of the air purifier 1 may be configured to rotate at various rotational speeds, such as a first rotational speed and a second rotational speed that is faster than the first rotational speed.

[0444] The “first rotation speed”, “second rotation speed”, etc. mentioned here are merely terms used to compare the rotation speed of the second fan 250, and the explanation of the rotation speed of the second fan 250 is not limited to the expressions “first”, “second”, etc.

[0445] The processor 51 of the air purifier 1 may be configured to determine the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source 240 and the rotation speed of the second fan 250 in order to efficiently purify the air in the first mode 1A. The processor 51 may be configured to control the light source 240 based on the determined amount of ultraviolet light. The processor 51 may be configured to control the second fan driver 250d based on the determined rotation speed of the second fan 250.

[0446] For example, in the air purifier 1 operating in the first mode 1A, in order to increase the air purification speed, etc., the processor 51 that receives the user input or the output value of the sensor 90, etc., can determine to increase the flow rate of the air flowing along the second flow path P2. Based on this, the processor 51 can control the second fan driver 250d to change the rotation speed of the second fan 250 from the first rotation speed to the second rotation speed.

[0447] As the flow rate of the air flowing along the second flow path P2 increases, the intensity of the ultraviolet rays irradiated to the irradiation area RI may need to be increased. Therefore, the processor 51 may determine to increase the amount of ultraviolet rays irradiated to the irradiation area RI from the first amount of light to the second amount of light. Based on this, the processor 51 may control the light source 240 to change the amount of ultraviolet rays irradiated to the irradiation area RI from the first amount of light to the second amount of light.

[0448] On the contrary, as an example, in the air purifier 1 operating in the first mode 1A, the processor 51 receiving the user input or the output value of the sensor 90, etc., can determine to reduce the flow rate of the air flowing along the second flow path P2. Based on this, the processor 51 can control the second fan driver 250d to change the rotation speed of the second fan 250 from the second rotation speed to the first rotation speed.

[0449] As the flow rate of the air flowing along the second flow path P2 decreases, even if the intensity of the ultraviolet rays irradiated to the irradiation area RI decreases, it can be fully used for air purification. Therefore, the processor 51 can determine to reduce the amount of ultraviolet rays irradiated to the irradiation area RI from the second amount of light to the first amount of light. Based on this, the processor 51 can control the light source 240 to change the amount of ultraviolet rays irradiated to the irradiation area RI from the second amount of light to the first amount of light.

[0450] The above description is based on the case where the amount of ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 240 is determined after the rotation speed of the second fan 250 is determined, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The processor 51 may also determine the rotation speed of the second fan 250 after the amount of ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 240 is determined. Here, the step of determining the rotation speed of the second fan 250 and the step of determining the amount of ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 240 may be performed almost simultaneously.

[0451] The rotation speed of the second fan 250 may be configured as a discontinuous value. Alternatively, the rotation speed of the second fan 250 may be configured as a continuous value.

[0452] The light amount of ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source 240 may be configured as a discontinuous value. Alternatively, the light amount of ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source 240 may be configured as a continuous value.

[0453] Alternatively, as an example, the first fan 150 may be configured to rotate at various fast and slow rotation speeds. As described above with the example that the rotation speed of the second fan 250 varies, the processor 51 may be configured to determine the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source 240 and the rotation speed of the first fan 150 in order to efficiently purify the air in the first mode 1A. The processor 51 may be configured to control the light source 240 based on the determined amount of ultraviolet light. The processor 51 may be configured to control the first fan driver 150d based on the determined rotation speed of the first fan 150.

[0454] For example, when the rotation speed of the first fan 150 increases, the flow rate of the entire flow path including the first flow path P1, the connecting flow path CP, the second flow path P2, etc. will increase, and accordingly, it may be necessary to increase the light amount of the light source 240. Accordingly, the processor 51 may control the first fan driver 150d to increase the rotation speed of the first fan 150, and may control the light source 240 to increase the light amount of ultraviolet rays irradiated to the irradiation area RI.

[0455] On the contrary, when the rotation speed of the first fan 150 is reduced, the flow rate of the entire flow path including the first flow path P1, the connecting flow path CP, the second flow path P2, etc. may be reduced, and accordingly, it may be sufficient even if the light amount of the light source 240 is reduced. Accordingly, the processor 51 may control the first fan driver 150d to reduce the rotation speed of the first fan 150, and may control the light source 240 to reduce the light amount of ultraviolet rays irradiated to the irradiation area RI.

[0456] The processor 51 may be configured to determine the flow rate of air through various configurations for controlling the fan drivers 150d, 250d or the light source 240, etc.

[0457] As an example, the air purifier 1 may include a flow sensor (not shown) for measuring the flow rate or flow velocity of air, and the processor 51 may be configured to determine the flow rate or flow velocity of air based on an electrical signal output from the flow sensor, and control the drive of various components of the air purifier 1 based on this.

[0458] As an example, the flow sensor may be configured to be disposed in the first air purification unit 10 to output an electrical signal corresponding to the flow rate or flow velocity of the air flowing along the first flow path P1, and the processor 51 may be configured to determine the flow rate or flow velocity of the air flowing along the first flow path P1 based on the electrical signal output from the flow sensor. The processor 51 may be configured to control the first fan driver 150d or the light source 240 based on the determined flow rate or flow velocity of the air in the first flow path P1.

[0459] As an example, the flow sensor may be configured to be disposed in the second air purification unit 20 to output an electrical signal corresponding to the flow rate or flow velocity of the air flowing along the second flow path P2, and the processor 51 may be configured to determine the flow rate or flow velocity of the air flowing along the second flow path P2 based on the electrical signal output from the flow sensor. The processor 51 may be configured to control the second fan driver 250d or the light source 240 based on the determined flow rate or flow velocity of the air in the second flow path P2.

[0460] As an example, the flow sensor may be configured to be disposed in the intermediate duct 30 to output an electrical signal corresponding to the flow rate or flow velocity of the air flowing along the connecting flow path CP, and the processor 51 may be configured to determine the flow rate or flow velocity of the air flowing along the connecting flow path CP based on the electrical signal output from the flow sensor. The processor 51 may be configured to control the second fan driver 250d or the light source 240 based on the determined flow rate or flow velocity of the air in the connecting flow path CP.

[0461] Alternatively, as an example, the processor 51 may store a table including data on current / voltage input to the fan drivers 150d, 250d and corresponding data on current / voltage input to the light source 240. The processor 51 may be configured to control the fan drivers 150d, 250d and the light source 240 using the table.

[0462] However, the above contents are only a part of various examples of the method in which the processor 51 controls the various components of the air purifier 1 in order to improve the air purification efficiency of the air purifier 1 in the first mode 1A, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0463] Fig.17 2 is a side sectional view for explaining the operation of the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure according to the second mode.

[0464] Reference Fig.17, the air purifier 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may operate in a second mode 1B in which only the first air purification unit 10 of the first air purification unit 10 and the second air purification unit 20 may be driven. In the second mode 1B, the first air purification unit 10 may purify the air of the first flow path P1, and the second air purification unit 20 may purify the air of the second flow path P2.

[0465] In the second mode 1B, only the first fan 150 of the first fan 150 and the second fan 250 may be driven.

[0466] In the second mode 1B, only the dust collection filter 140 of the dust collection filter 140 and the light source 240 may be driven.

[0467] In the second mode 1B, the first flow path P1 may be provided to allow air flowing in from the first suction port 111 to flow and be discharged to the first discharge port 112. As an example, in the second mode 1B, the air flowing along the first flow path P1 may flow in the up-down direction.

[0468] In the second mode 1B, the discharge flow path DP may be provided to allow the air discharged from the first discharge port 112 to flow and be discharged to the outside of the air cleaner 1 .

[0469] In the second mode 1B, the air exhausted from the first exhaust port 112 may not flow to the second flow path P2 through the connecting flow path CP.

[0470] In the second mode 1B, even when the first fan 150 is driven and generates pressure for causing the air to flow, the second fan 250 is not driven, and thus resistance to the air flow in the second flow path P2 may be generated. In other words, the second fan 250 may generate a pressure opposite to the pressure generated by the first fan 150, and may generate resistance in the opposite direction to the air that is to flow along the second flow path P2.

[0471] Therefore, even in the second mode 1B, although the first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2 are still connected by the connecting flow path CP and the first shell 110 and the second shell 210 are communicated, almost most of the air exhausted from the first exhaust port 112 can flow to the exhaust flow path DP and may not flow to the second flow path P2.

[0472] In particular, in the following embodiment in which the second fan 250 is configured as a centrifugal fan type, when the second fan 250 is not driven, it is possible to more effectively prevent the air from flowing from the first flow path P1 to the second flow path P2.

[0473] When the direction in which the connecting flow path CP and the second flow path P2 are connected is referred to as a first direction and the direction of the rotation axis of the second fan 250 (i.e., the second fan rotation axis 253) is referred to as a second direction, the first direction and the second direction may be orthogonal to each other. In other words, the connecting flow path CP and the second flow path P2 may be connected in the first direction, and the second fan 250 may have a rotation axis parallel to the second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0474] The second fan 250 may be configured to discharge air toward the light source 240 and in a direction perpendicular to the second direction as the direction of the second fan rotation axis 253. The "direction perpendicular to the second direction" mentioned herein may be a direction corresponding to the first direction described above, or may be a direction inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the first direction.

[0475] As an example, the connecting flow path CP and the second flow path P2 may extend in the up-down direction of the air purifier 1. The second fan 250 may have a rotation axis parallel to the horizontal direction of the air purifier 1. The second fan 250 may be configured to discharge the air introduced into the second fan housing 254 toward the light source 240 and in a direction orthogonal to the horizontal direction.

[0476] In this case, the air can flow in the vertical direction as a whole in the connecting flow path CP and the second flow path P2, but the air flows in different directions in the inlet 254a and the outlet 254b of the second fan 250 (see FIG. 25). Fig. 9 etc.), it is possible to efficiently generate resistance to the air that is about to flow from the first flow path P1 to the second flow path P2.

[0477] Thus, the second fan 250 can perform the function of a damper as follows: when the second fan 250 is driven, the air is allowed to flow from the first flow path P1 to the second flow path P2, and when the second fan 250 is not driven, the air is prevented from flowing from the first flow path P1 to the second flow path P2.

[0478] However, it is not limited to this. Figures 1 to 18 Unlike the situations shown in the above, the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a separate damper for opening and closing the connecting flow path CP to the second flow path P2. The damper may be opened in the first mode 1A or the third mode 1C, and may be closed in the second mode 1B.

[0479] By the above-described configuration, the air purifier 1 can be operated in the second mode 1B when the air purification function can be fully performed even if only the first air purification unit 10 is operated, or when the user wishes to operate only the first air purification unit 10. Accordingly, by stopping unnecessary operation of the second air purification unit 20, power consumption can be reduced.

[0480] Hereinafter, description will be made with respect to an example in which the operation of the air purifier 1 is controlled in order to efficiently purify the air in the second mode 1B.

[0481] As an example, the electrostatic precipitator filter 142 may be configured to receive voltages / currents of various magnitudes through the power supply unit 70 .

[0482] As an example, the first fan 150 may be configured to rotate at various fast and slow rotation speeds.

[0483] The processor 51 may be configured to determine the magnitude of the voltage / current applied to the electric dust filter 142 and the rotation speed of the first fan 150 in order to efficiently purify the air in the second mode 1B. The processor 51 may be configured to control the power supply unit 70 based on the determined magnitude of the voltage / current applied to the electric dust filter 142. The processor 51 may be configured to control the first fan driver 150d based on the determined rotation speed of the first fan 150.

[0484] For example, when the rotation speed of the first fan 150 increases, the flow rate of the air flowing along the first flow path P1 will increase, and accordingly, it may be necessary to increase the intensity of the voltage / current applied to the electric dust filter 142. Accordingly, the processor 51 can control the first fan driver 150d to increase the rotation speed of the first fan 150, and can control the power supply unit 70 to increase the intensity of the voltage / current applied to the electric dust filter 142.

[0485] On the contrary, for example, in the case where the rotation speed of the first fan 150 is reduced, the flow rate of the air flowing along the first flow path P1 is reduced, and accordingly, it may be sufficient even if the intensity of the voltage / current applied to the electric dust filter 142 is reduced. Accordingly, the processor 51 may control the first fan driver 150d to reduce the rotation speed of the first fan 150, and may control the power supply unit 70 to reduce the intensity of the voltage / current applied to the electric dust filter 142.

[0486] Here, as an example, the step of determining the rotation speed of the first fan 150 and the step of determining the voltage / current applied to the electric dust filter 142 may be performed almost simultaneously.

[0487] The rotation speed of the first fan 150 may be configured as a discontinuous value. Alternatively, the rotation speed of the first fan 150 may be configured as a continuous value.

[0488] The voltage / current applied to the electrostatic precipitator filter 142 may be configured as a discontinuous value. Alternatively, the voltage / current applied to the electrostatic precipitator filter 142 may be configured as a continuous value.

[0489] The processor 51 may be configured to determine the flow rate of air through various configurations to control the first fan driver 150 d or the power supply unit 70 , etc.

[0490] As an example, the air purifier 1 may include a flow sensor (not shown) configured to be arranged in the first air purification unit 10 and output an electrical signal corresponding to the flow rate or flow velocity of the air flowing along the first flow path P1. The processor 51 may be configured to determine the flow rate or flow velocity of the air flowing along the first flow path P1 based on the electrical signal output from the flow sensor. The processor 51 may be configured to control the first fan driver 150d or the power supply unit 70 based on the determined flow rate or flow velocity of the air in the first flow path P1.

[0491] Alternatively, as an example, the processor 51 may store a table including data on the current / voltage input to the first fan driver 150d and corresponding data on the current / voltage applied to the electric dust filter 142. The processor 51 may be configured to control the first fan driver 150d and the power supply unit 70 using the table.

[0492] However, the above contents are only a part of various examples of the method in which the processor 51 controls the various components of the air purifier 1 in order to improve the air purification efficiency in the second mode 1B, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0493] Fig.18 2 is a side sectional view for explaining the operation of the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure according to the third mode.

[0494] Reference Fig.18 The air purifier 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may operate in a third mode 1C in which only the second air purifying unit 20 may be driven among the first air purifying unit 10 and the second air purifying unit 20. In the third mode 1C, the second air purifying unit 20 may purify the air of the second flow path P2.

[0495] In the third mode 1C, only the second fan 250 of the first fan 150 and the second fan 250 may be driven.

[0496] In the third mode 1C, only the light source 240 of the dust collection filter 140 and the light source 240 may be driven.

[0497] In the third mode 1C, the air may not flow along the first flow path P1.

[0498] In the third mode 1C, the second flow path P2 may be provided to allow air flowing in from the second suction port 211 to flow and be discharged to the second discharge port 212. As an example, in the third mode 1C, the air flowing along the second flow path P2 may flow in the up-down direction.

[0499] In the third mode 1C, the connection flow path CP may be configured to allow air flowing from the outside into the first flow path P1 through the discharge flow path DP and the first discharge port 112 to flow toward the second flow path P2 through the second suction port 211. As an example, in the third mode 1C, the air flowing along the connection flow path CP may flow in the up-down direction.

[0500] However, not limited thereto, the second air purification unit 20 may include a separate suction port (not shown) different from the second suction port 211, and may also be configured to suck air through the separate suction port.

[0501] By the above-described configuration, the air purifier 1 can be operated in the third mode 1C when the air purification function can be fully performed even if only the second air purification unit 20 is operated, or when the user wishes to operate only the second air purification unit 20. Accordingly, by stopping unnecessary operation of the first air purification unit 10, power consumption can be reduced.

[0502] With the above-described configuration, the air purifier 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can drive the dust filter 140 disposed in the first flow path P1 and the light source 240 disposed in the second flow path P2 as needed, and can improve air purification efficiency.

[0503] Furthermore, since the air purifier 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the connection flow path CP and the exhaust flow path DP, the flow paths for purifying air can be variously configured.

[0504] Furthermore, the operations of the first air purification unit 10 and the second air purification unit 20 of the air purifier 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be selectively controlled, thereby reducing power consumption and promoting efficient operation of the air purifier 1 .

[0505] Hereinafter, description will be made with respect to an example in which the operation of the air purifier 1 is controlled in order to efficiently purify the air in the third mode 1C.

[0506] As an example, the light source 240 of the air purifier 1 may be configured to irradiate ultraviolet light with a third light intensity, a fourth light intensity having an intensity greater than the third light intensity, and other light intensities. The "third light intensity", "fourth light intensity", etc. mentioned herein are merely terms for comparing the magnitude of the light intensity of ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source 240, and the interpretation of the light intensity of ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source 240 is not limited to the expressions "third", "fourth", etc.

[0507] As an example, the second fan 250 of the air purifier 1 can be configured to rotate at various rotational speeds, such as a third rotational speed, a fourth rotational speed faster than the third rotational speed, etc. The "third rotational speed", "fourth rotational speed", etc. mentioned herein are merely terms for comparing the speed of the rotational speed of the second fan 250, and the explanation of the rotational speed of the second fan 250 is not limited to the expressions "third", "fourth", etc.

[0508] The processor 51 of the air purifier 1 may be configured to determine the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source 240 and the rotation speed of the second fan 250 in order to efficiently purify the air in the third mode 1C. The processor 51 may be configured to control the light source 240 based on the determined amount of ultraviolet light. The processor 51 may be configured to control the second fan driver 250d based on the determined rotation speed of the second fan 250.

[0509] For example, in the air purifier 1 operating in the first mode 1A, the processor 51 may control the second fan driver 250d to rotate the second fan 250 at the third rotation speed. Also, in the air purifier 1 operating in the first mode 1A, the processor 51 may control the light source 240 to irradiate ultraviolet rays of the third light amount from the light source 240.

[0510] Here, if the rotation speed of the second fan 250 is maintained even when the operation mode of the air purifier 1 is changed from the first mode 1A to the third mode 1C, the flow rate of air flowing along the second flow path P2 may decrease, and the air purification efficiency may decrease.

[0511] Therefore, when the operation mode of the air purifier 1 is changed from the first mode 1A to the third mode 1C, the processor 51 can determine to increase the flow rate and flow rate of the air flowing along the second flow path P2. Based on this, the processor 51 can control the second fan driver 250d to change the rotation speed of the second fan 250 from the third rotation speed to the fourth rotation speed.

[0512] As the flow rate of the air flowing along the second flow path P2 increases, the intensity of the ultraviolet rays irradiated to the irradiation area RI may need to be increased. Therefore, the processor 51 may determine to increase the light amount of the ultraviolet rays irradiated to the irradiation area RI from the third light amount to the fourth light amount. Based on this, the processor 51 may control the light source 240 to change the light amount of the ultraviolet rays irradiated to the irradiation area RI from the third light amount to the fourth light amount.

[0513] On the contrary, for example, when the operation mode of the air purifier 1 is changed from the third mode 1C to the first mode 1A, the processor 51 can determine to reduce the flow rate of the air flowing along the second flow path P2. Based on this, the processor 51 can control the second fan driver 250d to change the rotation speed of the second fan 250 from the fourth rotation speed to the third rotation speed.

[0514] As the flow rate of the air flowing along the second flow path P2 decreases, even if the intensity of the ultraviolet rays irradiated to the irradiation area RI decreases, it can be fully used for air purification. Therefore, the processor 51 can determine to reduce the light amount of the ultraviolet rays irradiated to the irradiation area RI from the fourth light amount to the third light amount. Based on this, the processor 51 can control the light source 240 to change the light amount of the ultraviolet rays irradiated to the irradiation area RI from the fourth light amount to the third light amount.

[0515] The above description is based on the premise that the amount of ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 240 is determined after the rotation speed of the second fan 250 is determined, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The processor 51 may also determine the rotation speed of the second fan 250 after determining the amount of ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 240. Here, the step of determining the rotation speed of the second fan 250 and the step of determining the amount of ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 240 may be performed almost simultaneously.

[0516] The rotation speed of the second fan 250 may be configured as a discontinuous value. Alternatively, the rotation speed of the second fan 250 may be configured as a continuous value.

[0517] The light amount of ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source 240 may be configured as a discontinuous value. Alternatively, the light amount of ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source 240 may be configured as a continuous value.

[0518] The processor 51 may be configured to determine the flow rate of the air through various configurations in order to control the second fan driver 250d or the light source 240, etc.

[0519] As an example, the air purifier 1 may include a flow sensor (not shown) for measuring the flow rate or flow velocity of air, and the processor 51 may be configured to determine the flow rate or flow velocity of air based on an electrical signal output from the flow sensor, and control the drive of various components of the air purifier 1 based on this.

[0520] As an example, the flow sensor may be configured to be disposed in the second air purification unit 20 to output an electrical signal corresponding to the flow rate or flow velocity of the air flowing along the second flow path P2, and the processor 51 may be configured to determine the flow rate or flow velocity of the air flowing along the second flow path P2 based on the electrical signal output from the flow sensor. The processor 51 may be configured to control the second fan driver 250d or the light source 240 based on the determined flow rate or flow velocity of the air in the second flow path P2.

[0521] As an example, the flow sensor may be configured to be disposed in the intermediate duct 30 to output an electrical signal corresponding to the flow rate or flow velocity of the air flowing along the connecting flow path CP, and the processor 51 may be configured to determine the flow rate or flow velocity of the air flowing along the connecting flow path CP based on the electrical signal output from the flow sensor. The processor 51 may be configured to control the second fan driver 250d or the light source 240 based on the determined flow rate or flow velocity of the air in the connecting flow path CP.

[0522] Alternatively, as an example, the processor 51 may store a table including data on current / voltage input to the second fan driver 250d and corresponding data on current / voltage input to the light source 240. The processor 51 may be configured to control the second fan driver 250d and the light source 240 using the table.

[0523] However, the above content is only a part of various examples of the method in which the processor 51 controls the various components of the air purifier 1 in order to improve the air purification efficiency of the air purifier 1 in the third mode 1C, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0524] In addition, the above reference Figures 16 to 18 Etc., an embodiment is described in which the flow rate and flow speed of the air flowing along the first flow path P1, the second flow path P2, and the connecting flow path CP are adjusted by the rotation speed of the fans 150 and 250 (further, whether they are rotating or stopped).

[0525] However, the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the flow rate and flow velocity of the air flowing along the first flow path P1, the second flow path P2 and the connecting flow path CP may be adjusted in various ways corresponding to the operating modes 1A, 1B, and 1C of the air purifier 1.

[0526] In the following, reference is made to Fig.19 and Fig. 20 , an embodiment in which a damper is used to adjust the flow rate and flow speed of the air flowing along the connecting flow path CP and the second flow path P2 will be specifically described.

[0527] Fig.19 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a configuration configured to adjust the flow rate of air flowing into the second flow path through the connecting flow path in the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0528] In the description Fig.19 In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 18 The same configurations as shown are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0529] Reference Fig.19 The air purifier 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a damper 33 configured to open and close the connecting flow path CP. The damper 33 may be configured to open and close the connecting flow path CP as it rotates around a rotating shaft 33a. The damper 33 may be disposed inside the intermediate duct 30.

[0530] The rotation shaft 33 a of the damper 33 may be rotatably disposed relative to the intermediate duct 30 . As an example, the rotation shaft 33 a of the damper 33 may be rotatably supported on the inner wall of the duct body 31 .

[0531] The damper 33 may receive a rotational force from a driving source (not shown). As an example, the rotation shaft 33 a of the damper 33 may be configured to be connected to a driving source such as a motor (not shown) to transmit a rotational force to the damper 33 .

[0532] The processor 51 may be electrically connected to the driving source of the damper 33. The processor 51 may be configured to determine the position of the damper 33 and control the driving of the driving source of the damper 33 based on the determined position of the damper 33. As an example, the processor 51 may determine the position of the damper 33 based on the operating modes 1A, 1B, 1C of the air purifier 1 and the flow rate or flow velocity of the air determined to flow into the second flow path P2.

[0533] As an example, the processor 51 may be configured to determine the position of the damper 33 from a position that opens the connecting flow path CP or a position that closes the connecting flow path CP.

[0534] Alternatively, as an example, the processor 51 may be configured to determine the position of the damper 33 from a position to open the connecting flow path CP, a position to close the connecting flow path CP, and a position to open only a portion of the connecting flow path CP.

[0535] The air purifier 1 may include a damper support portion 33b supporting the other side opposite to the one side provided with the rotating shaft 33a of the damper 33. As an example, the damper support portion 33b may be provided to support the other side of the damper 33 when the damper 33 is in a closed position.

[0536] The damper 33 may be provided in plurality. Fig.19Similar to the case of the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the connecting flow path CP may be formed to have a substantially annular shape, and a plurality of dampers 33 may be arranged in a substantially annular shape along the connecting flow path CP.

[0537] As an example, the processor 51 can simultaneously control the driving sources of the dampers 33 so that the plurality of dampers 33 are opened and closed simultaneously. Alternatively, as an example, the processor 51 can individually control the driving sources of the dampers 33 so that the plurality of dampers 33 are individually opened and closed.

[0538] The configurations of the rotating shaft 33 a , the damper support portion 33 b , and the like of the damper 33 may be provided to correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of dampers 33 .

[0539] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the damper 33 may be provided as a single one depending on the shape of the connecting flow path CP and the like.

[0540] Or, as an example, even if the connection flow path CP is Fig.19 In the case where the damper 33 is formed into a substantially annular shape in the same manner as in the embodiment, the damper 33 may also include a retractable component (not shown) made of a retractable material, and thus may also be composed of a single damper 33.

[0541] The above-mentioned structure is only an example of a damper configured to adjust the flow rate and flow speed of air flowing into the second flow path through the connecting flow path in the air purifier according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0542] exist Fig.19 In the case where the damper 33 rotates in the direction toward the second air purification unit 20 (in Fig.19 In the case of clockwise rotation) is open, and in the case of reverse rotation (in Fig.19 The damper 33 is shown as being closed when rotating in the counterclockwise direction, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the damper 33 may also be configured to be closed when rotating in the direction in which the second air purification unit 20 is located and open when rotating in the reverse direction.

[0543] and Fig.19 Different from the illustration, the rotation shaft 33 a of the damper 33 may also be disposed on the first unit coupling portion 130 .

[0544] In the above, the damper 33 is provided inside the intermediate duct 30 to open and close the connecting flow path CP as an example, but it is not limited thereto. As an example, the damper 33 can be provided inside the second air purification unit 20 to open and close the second flow path P2.

[0545] Fig. 20This is a diagram for explaining an example of a configuration configured to adjust the flow rate of air flowing into the second flow path through the connecting flow path in the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0546] In the description Fig. 20 In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 19 The same configurations as shown are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0547] Fig. 20 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the intermediate duct 30 and a portion of the structure adjacent thereto of the air purifier 1 after being cut in a direction parallel to the XY plane, and shows a portion of the structure of the air purifier 1 viewed in the Z direction.

[0548] Reference Fig. 20 The air cleaner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include dampers 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N configured to open and close the connection flow path CP. The dampers 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N may be provided in plurality.

[0549] The plurality of dampers 33 - 1 , 33 - 2 , . . . , 33 -N may be provided to open and close the connection flow path CP while moving in a lateral direction (a direction parallel to the XY plane). The dampers 33 - 1 , 33 - 2 , . . . , 33 -N may be provided inside the intermediate duct 30 .

[0550] Hereinafter, an example in which the plurality of dampers 33 - 1 , 33 - 2 , . . . , 33 -N are configured to open and close the connection flow path CP will be specifically described.

[0551] The plurality of dampers 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N may be composed of N dampers. Here, N may be an integer greater than 1. For ease of explanation, each single damper included in the plurality of dampers 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N is referred to as a first damper 33-1, a second damper 33-2, a third damper 33-3, a fourth damper 33-4, ..., an Nth damper 33-N, etc. The first damper 33-1, the second damper 33-2, the third damper 33-3, the fourth damper 33-4, ..., an Nth damper 33-N may be arranged in sequence with each other.

[0552] The air cleaner 1 may include power transmission components G1, G2 configured to transmit power to the plurality of dampers 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N.

[0553] As an example, the power transmission member G1 , G2 may include a first gear G1 maintained at a fixed position relative to the connecting flow path CP and a second gear G2 meshed with the first gear G1 and provided movably relative to the connecting flow path CP.

[0554] The first gear G1 may be rotatably provided around the gear rotation shaft GS, and the gear rotation shaft GS may be connected to a driving source (not shown) that transmits a rotation force to the first gear G1.

[0555] The second gear G2 may be provided to mesh with the first gear G1 and to move as the first gear G1 rotates around the gear rotation axis GS.

[0556] As an example, the second gear G2 may be arranged along the peripheral direction of the connecting flow path CP, and when the first gear G1 rotates, the second gear G2 may move along the peripheral direction of the connecting flow path CP.

[0557] As an example, the first gear G1 may be provided on the side of the first unit combining portion 130. As an example, the second gear G2 may be provided along the outer circumference of the first unit combining portion 130.

[0558] The present invention is not limited thereto, and the plurality of dampers 33 - 1 , 33 - 2 , . . . , 33 -N may be configured to be movable by receiving power through various configurations.

[0559] The first damper 33-1 may be fixed to the second gear G2. When the second gear G2 moves according to the rotation of the first gear G1, the first damper 33-1 may move together with the second gear G2. In detail, when the second gear G2 moves, the first damper 33-1 may move along the peripheral direction of the connection flow path CP.

[0560] As an example, the second gear G2 may include a gear fixing portion GF fixed to the first damper 33-1. The gear fixing portion GF may protrude toward the first damper 33-1 and be coupled to a surface of the first damper 33-1, or may be inserted into the first damper 33-1. Alternatively, a protruding portion (not shown) of the first damper 33-1 may also be inserted and fixed to the second gear G2.

[0561] The plurality of dampers 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N may be connected to each other. When the first damper 33-1 moves, at least a portion of the plurality of dampers 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N may be provided to be movable along with the first damper 33-1.

[0562] As an example, when the first damper 33-1 moves, the dampers 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N except the Nth damper 33-N may be configured to be movable in sequence along the peripheral direction of the connection flow path CP together with the first damper 33-1.

[0563] As an example, the Nth damper 33 -N may be configured to maintain a fixed position relative to the connecting flow path CP.

[0564] by Fig. 20 The situation shown is an example for explanation. Fig. 20 When the second gear G2 rotates counterclockwise as a reference, Fig. 20 Similarly, the first damper 33-1 fixed to the second gear G2 can be moved in the counterclockwise direction. Fig. 20 At this time, the plurality of dampers 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N may move in a manner to close the connecting flow path CP.

[0565] In the first gear G1 Fig. 20 When the second gear G2 rotates clockwise as a reference, the second gear G2 can also rotate clockwise as a reference. Fig. 20 Similarly, the first damper 33-1 fixed to the second gear G2 can be moved clockwise with Fig. 20 At this time, the plurality of dampers 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N may move in a manner to open the connection flow path CP.

[0566] For the sake of convenience, the direction in which the plurality of dampers 33 - 1 , 33 - 2 , . . . , 33 -N move so as to close the connecting flow path CP is referred to as a closing direction DR and will be described below.

[0567] A first damper groove 33a-1 is formed at a surface of the first damper 33-1 where the first damper 33-1 faces the second damper 33-2. The first damper groove 33a-1 may extend in a direction parallel to the closing direction DR.

[0568] A second damper protrusion 33b-2 in a shape protruding toward the first damper slot 33a-1 may be provided on one side of the second damper 33-2 facing the first damper 33-1. The second damper protrusion 33b-2 may be inserted into the first damper slot 33a-1. The second damper protrusion 33b-2 may be configured to be movable along the first damper slot 33a-1. That is, the second damper protrusion 33b-2 may be configured to be inserted into the first damper slot 33a-1 and to be movable along the first damper slot 33a-1 in the closing direction DR or in the direction opposite to the closing direction DR.

[0569] In a state where the second damper protrusion 33b-2 is located at one end of the first damper groove 33a-1 on the closing direction DR side, when the first damper 33-1 moves along the closing direction DR, the other end of the first damper groove 33a-1 can reach the second damper protrusion 33b-2. In a state where the other end of the first damper groove 33a-1 on the side opposite to the closing direction DR is at a position reaching the second damper protrusion 33b-2, when the first damper 33-1 further moves along the closing direction DR, the first damper groove 33a-1 can pressurize the second damper protrusion 33b-2 along the closing direction DR. Accordingly, the second damper 33-2 can move along the closing direction DR.

[0570] When the second damper 33-2 moves along the closing direction DR, the second damper slot 33a-2 of the second damper 33-2 can move to a position to pressurize the third damper protrusion 33b-3 of the third damper 33-3 inserted into the second damper slot 33a-2 along the closing direction DR, thereby allowing the third damper 33-3 to move along the closing direction DR.

[0571] Similarly, as the third damper 33-3 moves along the closing direction DR, the third damper slot 33a-3 pressurizes the fourth damper protrusion 33b-4 along the closing direction DR, so that the fourth damper 33-4 moves along the closing direction DR, and the fourth damper slot 33a-4 pressurizes the damper protrusions of other dampers connected to the fourth damper 33-4 along the closing direction DR, etc. The above operations can occur sequentially. Accordingly, the dampers other than the Nth damper 33-N among the plurality of dampers 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N can be sequentially moved from the first damper 33-1 along the closing direction DR.

[0572] On the contrary, in a state where the second damper protrusion 33b-2 is located at the other end of the first damper groove 33a-1 on the side opposite to the closing direction DR, when the first damper 33-1 moves in the direction opposite to the closing direction DR, one end of the first damper groove 33a-1 on the side of the closing direction DR can reach the second damper protrusion 33b-2. In a state where one end of the first damper groove 33a-1 on the side of the closing direction DR is at a position to reach the second damper protrusion 33b-2, when the first damper 33-1 further moves in the direction opposite to the closing direction DR, the first damper groove 33a-1 can pressurize the second damper protrusion 33b-2 in the direction opposite to the closing direction DR. Accordingly, the second damper 33-2 can move in the direction opposite to the closing direction DR.

[0573] Similarly, as the second damper 33-2 moves in a direction opposite to the closing direction DR, the second damper slot 33a-2 pressurizes the third damper protrusion 33b-3 in a direction opposite to the closing direction DR, and the third damper slot 33a-3 pressurizes the fourth damper protrusion 33b-4 in a direction opposite to the closing direction DR, and other operations can occur sequentially, and the dampers other than the Nth damper 33-N among the multiple dampers 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N can move sequentially starting from the first damper 33-1 in a direction opposite to the closing direction DR.

[0574] As described above, in the operation of moving each damper included in the multiple dampers 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N, when each damper moves along the closing direction DR, the connecting flow path CP may be closed, and when each damper moves in the direction opposite to the closing direction DR, the connecting flow path CP may be opened.

[0575] The processor 51 may be electrically connected to the driving source of the power transmission components G1 and G2. The processor 51 may be configured to determine the positions of the plurality of dampers 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N and control the driving of the driving source of the power transmission components G1 and G2 based on the positions of the plurality of dampers 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N determined. As an example, the processor 51 may determine the positions of the plurality of dampers 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N based on the operating modes 1A, 1B, 1C of the air purifier 1 and the flow rate or flow velocity of the air determined to flow into the second flow path P2.

[0576] As an example, the processor 51 may be configured to determine the positions of the plurality of dampers 33 - 1 , 33 - 2 , . . . , 33 -N from a position to open the connecting flow path CP or a position to close the connecting flow path CP.

[0577] Alternatively, as an example, the processor 51 may be configured to determine the positions of the plurality of dampers 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N from a position of an open connecting flow path CP or a position of a closed connecting flow path CP, a position of a portion of the connecting flow path CP being open and another portion of the connecting flow path CP being closed.

[0578] The above-mentioned structure is only an example of a damper provided in the air purifier according to the concept of the present disclosure so as to adjust the flow rate and flow speed of the air flowing into the second flow path through the connecting flow path, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0579] exist Fig. 20 There are multiple dampers 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N in the Fig. 20The above description assumes that the dampers 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N are closed when the dampers 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N are closed when the dampers 33-2 ... Fig. 20 When it moves clockwise as a reference, it is closed, and when it moves counterclockwise, it is opened.

[0580] and Fig. 20 Different from the figure, the power transmission components G1 and G2 for transmitting power to the dampers 33 - 1 , 33 - 2 , . . . , 33 -N may also be arranged on the side of the duct body 31 .

[0581] Above, the damper 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N is set to be arranged inside the intermediate duct 30 to open and close the connecting flow path CP as an example, but it is not limited to this. As an example, the damper 33-1, 33-2, ..., 33-N can also be set to be arranged inside the second air purification unit 20 to open and close the second flow path P2.

[0582] In addition, the above reference Figures 1 to 20 The description is based on the premise that the intermediate duct 30 of the air purifier 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a structure that is different from the first air purification unit 10 and the second air purification unit 20 and is a structure that connects the first shell 110 and the second shell 210.

[0583] However, differently from this, as an example, the intermediate duct according to the concept of the present disclosure may be a component of the first air purification unit 10 or the second air purification unit 20. At this time, the intermediate duct may be interpreted as a component that forms the appearance of the first air purification unit 10 together with the first shell 110 or a component that forms the appearance of the second air purification unit 20 together with the second shell 210. Alternatively, the intermediate duct may be interpreted as a component that connects the first air purification unit 10 and the second air purification unit 20 to form a connecting flow path CP disposed between the first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2.

[0584] In addition, the aforementioned air purifier control method can be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing instructions that can be executed by a computer. The instructions can be stored in the form of program codes, and when executed by a processor, a program module can be generated to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium can be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0585] Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording media storing computer-readable instructions, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage device, etc.

[0586] The device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, a "non-transitory" storage medium is a tangible device and only refers to a device that does not include a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between the case where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium or temporarily stored in the storage medium. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer that temporarily stores data.

[0587] According to one embodiment, the control method of the air purifier according to the various embodiments disclosed in this specification may be included in a computer program product and provided. As a commodity, the computer program product can be traded between sellers and buyers. The computer program product can be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play StoreTM) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones, etc.). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable application) may be at least temporarily stored in a device-readable storage medium such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server, or may be temporarily generated.

[0588] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and a person skilled in the art can make various modifications without departing from the spirit of the technical concept of the present invention described in the claims.

Claims

1. An air purifier, comprising: A first shell including a first suction port and a first discharge port; a first flow path extending from the first suction port to the first discharge port inside the first housing; a first fan disposed in the first flow path and capable of being driven to cause air to flow through the first flow path; A dust collecting filter, arranged in the first flow path; A second shell includes a second suction port and a second discharge port; a second flow path extending from the second suction port to the second discharge port inside the second housing; a second fan disposed in the second flow path and capable of being driven to cause air to flow through the second flow path; a light source, disposed in the second flow path and irradiating ultraviolet light; as well as The connecting flow path extends from at least a first portion of the first discharge port to the second suction port, and is configured to allow at least a first portion of the air discharged from the first discharge port to flow into the second flow path through the second suction port.

2. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein: The air cleaner is configured to discharge a second portion of the air discharged from the first discharge port to the outside of the air cleaner.

3. The air purifier according to claim 2, further comprising: a discharge flow path guide configured to guide a flow of the second portion of the air discharged from the first discharge port; a guide opening formed between an outer edge of the discharge flow path guide and an outer edge of the first discharge port; as well as A discharge flow path, one side of which is covered by the discharge flow path guide, and the discharge flow path extends from at least a second portion of the first discharge port toward the guide opening.

4. The air purifier according to claim 3, wherein: The discharge flow path is formed in an outer side direction of an edge of the connection flow path.

5. The air purifier according to claim 3, wherein: The discharge flow path guide is arranged to face the first discharge port.

6. The air purifier according to claim 1, further comprising: an intermediate pipe, used to connect the first shell and the second shell, Wherein, the connecting flow path is arranged inside the intermediate pipe.

7. The air purifier according to claim 6, wherein: The intermediate duct covers at least the first portion of the first discharge port and the second suction port.

8. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein: The first housing includes: a discharge port cover, covering the first discharge port, The outlet cover includes: a central portion; and an edge grille provided along an outer edge of the central portion and including a through-shaped portion. The central portion includes a guide portion extending from the edge grill toward the connection flow path to guide air from the edge grill to the connection flow path.

9. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting flow path and the second flow path are connected along a first direction, The second fan has a rotation axis arranged parallel to a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

10. The air purifier according to claim 9, wherein: The second fan is configured to discharge air toward the light source in a direction orthogonal to the second direction.

11. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein: The light source extends along a first direction, The second flow path includes an irradiation area which is irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the light source and extends along the first direction in a manner corresponding to the light source. The air purifier further includes a reflective cover extending along the first direction in a manner corresponding to the irradiation area and formed around the light source to reflect ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source.

12. The air purifier according to claim 11, further comprising: The light blocking member is located on one side of the irradiation area in the first direction in the second flow path and is configured to prevent ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source from being incident on the outside of the irradiation area.

13. The air purifier according to claim 12, wherein: The light blocking component comprises: a plurality of grille portions; and a vent portion formed between the grilles of the plurality of grille portions and penetrating to allow air on the second flow path to pass therethrough, Each of the plurality of grille parts is formed so that a surface facing the grille parts adjacent to each other is inclined with respect to the first direction.

14. The air purifier according to claim 12, wherein: The light source comprises: a lamp body extending along the first direction; and an electrode portion, which is disposed at an end of the lamp body in the first direction and to which power is applied, Wherein, the light blocking component supports the electrode portion.

15. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein: The first flow path is configured to allow air flowing in from the first suction port to flow in a vertical direction and be discharged to the first discharge port when the first fan is driven. The second flow path is configured to allow air flowing in from the second suction port to flow in a vertical direction and be discharged to the second discharge port when the second fan is driven. The connecting flow path is configured to allow the first portion of the air exhausted from the first exhaust port to flow in the up-down direction and flow into the second suction port when the first fan and the second fan are driven simultaneously.

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