Air filter and air purifier comprising same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an air purifier. Specifically, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there may be provided an air filter including: a filter member (100) including a plurality of filtration regions (110) each having a plurality of vertical pleats extending in an up-down direction and side surfaces connected to be rotatable with respect to each other; and a frame (300) having a plurality of supports (310) for supporting the plurality of filtration regions (110), wherein each of the plurality of supports (310) includes a groove (311) having a shape corresponding to any one of an upper edge and a lower edge of each of the filtration regions (110), and wherein each of the filtration regions (110) is supported by the supports (310) by at least a part of the upper edge or the lower edge being inserted into the groove (311). FIG. 1

Description

Air filters and air purifiers containing the same

[0001] The present invention relates to an air filter and an air purifier including the same.

[0002] Typically, an air purifier is a device that draws in polluted indoor air, filters it to remove dust, odor particles, and other contaminants, and purifies the air. These air purifiers purify indoor air by drawing in polluted air from the surrounding environment, purifying it, and then expelling the purified air outside.

[0003] Meanwhile, air purifiers may include filters that filter out dust, odor particles, and other contaminants contained in the air flowing into the air purifier. These filters may have various shapes depending on the type of air purifier. For example, the filters may be provided in cylindrical or rectangular shapes.

[0004] However, filters of the aforementioned shape take up a relatively large volume during transport, which increases transportation costs. Furthermore, demand for large-area filters to purify air in large spaces has recently increased, leading to an increasing volume of filters during transport. Consequently, filters are being developed to reduce their transport volume.

[0005] The applicant's U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0221805 "Air Purifier" and Blueair AB's U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0304184 "Foldable Air Filter Unit" disclose foldable filters that can reduce the volume of the filter when transporting it. However, conventional foldable filters require a complex hinge structure for folding, and a complex structure or separate adhesive is used to combine the filter and the support (frame), making the structure and manufacturing process of the foldable filter complex, which increases the manufacturing cost of the foldable filter.

[0006] In particular, since the foldable filter is not intended to be repeatedly unfolded and folded, but rather remains folded until it reaches the user and then remains unfolded when the user uses it, it is not desirable to use an expensive hinge structure for a few folding operations.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a foldable filter that can simplify the manufacturing process and reduce manufacturing costs by having a simple structure.

[0008] (Prior art literature)

[0009] (Patent Document 1) U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0221805 (Application published on August 9, 2018)

[0010] (Patent Document 2) U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0304184 (Application published on October 25, 2018)

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention have been invented with the above background in mind, and are intended to provide an air filter that can secure a wide filtration area to filter a large amount of air while reducing the volume during transportation.

[0012] In addition, we aim to provide an air filter that can be used for a long time by simplifying the structure of the foldable filter and improving the durability of the filter.

[0013] In addition, the present invention aims to provide an air filter that can reduce the time and cost required to manufacture the filter by simplifying the structure of the filter.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, an air filter may be provided, comprising: a filter member including a plurality of filtration areas, each of which has a plurality of pleats extending in a vertical direction and sides that are rotatably connected to each other; and a frame having a plurality of support portions for supporting the plurality of filtration areas, wherein a groove having a shape corresponding to one of an upper edge and a lower edge of the filtration area is formed in the support portion, and the filtration area is supported by the support portion by having at least a portion of the upper edge or the lower edge inserted into the groove.

[0015] In addition, an air filter may be provided in which three or more of the plurality of filtering regions are provided, and when each of the plurality of filtering regions is rotated relative to each other to form an angle less than a normal angle with respect to an adjacent filtering region, the plurality of filtering regions are arranged along a loop-shaped path.

[0016] Additionally, an air filter may be provided in which the plurality of filtering areas are provided in an even number.

[0017] Additionally, the air filter may be provided such that the plurality of filtering regions can be rotated relative to each other so that at least two adjacent filtering regions are arranged in parallel.

[0018] Additionally, an air filter may be provided in which the plurality of filtering areas are integrally connected to each other.

[0019] Additionally, an air filter may be provided that further includes a bracket that is fixed to the side of different filtering areas and reinforces a portion where the plurality of filtering areas are connected.

[0020] Additionally, an air filter may be provided in which the plurality of supports are integrally connected at the ends so as to be rotatable relative to each other.

[0021] Additionally, an air filter may be provided in which the plurality of support members are formed of a moldable elastic material.

[0022] In addition, an air filter may be provided in which a molding groove is further formed on the plurality of support members, and the groove and the molding groove are formed on opposite surfaces.

[0023] Additionally, the molding groove may be provided with an air filter extending in a direction that is opposite to the upper edge or the lower edge.

[0024] Additionally, it further includes multiple filtration modules for filtering outside air,

[0025] Each of the plurality of said filter modules may be provided with an air filter that is arranged in parallel with the plurality of said filtering areas and supported on the plurality of said supports.

[0026] Additionally, the plurality of filter modules may be provided with an air filter including an activated carbon deodorizing filter.

[0027] Additionally, an air purifier may be provided, including an air filter; and a blower for providing a blowing force to allow outside air to pass through the air filter.

[0028] According to embodiments of the present invention, there is an effect of reducing the volume of a filter for transport that can filter a large amount of air by securing a large filtration area.

[0029] Additionally, by reducing the volume of the filter, it has the effect of reducing the cost of transporting the filter.

[0030] Additionally, by simplifying the structure of the foldable filter and improving the durability of the filter, it has the effect of enabling the air filter to be used for a long time.

[0031] Additionally, by simplifying the process of manufacturing filters, it has the effect of reducing the time and cost required to manufacture filters.

[0032] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an air purifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of Figure 1.

[0034] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the air filter illustrated in Figure 2.

[0035] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the air filter of Fig. 3.

[0036] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the air filter of Figure 3.

[0037] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the filter member and frame of Figure 3.

[0038] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the air filter of Fig. 3 when folded.

[0039] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an air filter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Hereinafter, specific embodiments for implementing the technical idea of ​​the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0041] In addition, when explaining the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0042] Additionally, when it is said that a component is 'connected to', 'supported by', or 'inflowed into' another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to, supported by, or inflowed into that other component, but there may also be other components in between.

[0043] The terminology used herein is intended solely to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0044] Additionally, terms that include ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by such terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0045] The term "comprising" as used in the specification means specifying a particular characteristic, region, integer, step, operation, element and / or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of other particular characteristics, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups.

[0046] In addition, it should be noted that the expressions for directions such as "upper" and "lower" in this specification are based on the illustrations in the drawings and may be expressed differently if the direction of the object in question changes. Meanwhile, in this specification, the "upper" and "lower" directions may be based on the upper and lower directions of FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0047] Hereinafter, the specific configuration of the air purifier (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0048] Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an air purifier (1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention can purify polluted air into clean air by filtering dust, odor particles, etc. in the air introduced into the air purifier (1). In addition, the air purifier (1) can draw in air from outside the air purifier into the interior, and discharge clean air purified inside to the exterior. The air purifier (1) can include a body (10), a blower (20), and an air filter (30).

[0049] The body (10) can support a blower (20) and an air filter (30), and can provide a space in which the blower (20) and the air filter (30) are accommodated. The body (10) can include a case surrounding the blower (20) and the air filter (30).

[0050] The blower (20) can be driven so that polluted air from outside the air purifier (1) is introduced into the interior of the air purifier (1). The blower (20) can provide blowing force so that the introduced air passes through the air filter (30). In addition, the blower (20) can be driven so that clean air from inside the air purifier (1) is discharged to the exterior. For example, the blower (20) can be placed on the lower side of the body (10) and can be placed on the inside of the air filter (30).

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the air filter (30) can filter air drawn in from outside the air purifier (1) into clean air. For example, dust, odor particles, etc. in the air can be filtered. In addition, the air filter (30) can be provided to be optionally foldable. For example, the air filter (30) can be folded during delivery to minimize the volume of the air filter (30), and can be unfolded after delivery to perform the function of the air filter (30). The air filter (30) can include a filter member (100), a filter module (200), a frame (300), and a bracket (400).

[0052] The filter member (100) is configured to allow air to pass through, and can filter the air passing through the filter member (100) into clean air. The filter member (100) may be formed to extend in a vertical direction, and the upper and lower sides of the filter member (100) may be supported by a frame (300). In addition, the filter member (100) may have one surface through which air passes arranged parallel to one surface of the filter module (200). For example, the filter member (100) may secondarily filter air that has passed through the filter module (200) and has been primarily filtered. The filter member (100) may include a plurality of filtering areas (110).

[0053] Referring to FIG. 5, a filtering area (110) may be provided to filter air. A plurality of pleats extending in the vertical direction may be formed in the filtering area (110). For example, the plurality of pleats of the filtering area (110) may be folded to contract in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, or may be expanded to extend in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In addition, a first edge (111) and a second edge (112) may be formed at the upper and lower sides of the filtering area (110), and the plurality of pleats may be formed to extend between the first edge (111) and the second edge (112).

[0054] The first edge (111) may be formed at the upper edge of the filtering area (110). This first edge (111) may be inserted into a groove (311) to be described later and may be supported by a support member (310) to be described later.

[0055] The second edge (112) may be formed at the lower edge of the filtering area (110). This second edge (112) may be inserted into the groove (311) and supported by the support member (310).

[0056] Meanwhile, in this specification, the first edge (111) is described as being formed on the upper side of the filtration area (110) and the second edge (112) is described as being formed on the lower side of the filtration area (110), but this is merely an example, and it is also possible for the first edge (111) to be formed on the lower side of the filtration area (110) and the second edge (112) to be formed on the upper side.

[0057] Meanwhile, the filtration area (110) may be provided in multiple numbers. For example, the filtration area (110) may be provided in an even number. Hereinafter, it is described that the filtration area (110) is provided in four numbers, but this is merely an example, and any number may be provided. These multiple filtration areas (110) may be formed integrally, and their sides may be connected so as to be rotatable with respect to each other. In other words, any one of the multiple filtration areas (110) may be rotated with respect to another adjacent filtration area (110). For example, each of the multiple filtration areas (110) may be configured to fold with respect to an adjacent filtration area (110) in a manner that rotates around an imaginary axis extending in the vertical direction.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 6, when a plurality of filtering regions (110) are rotated relative to each other so as to form an angle less than a normal angle with respect to the adjacent filtering regions (110), the plurality of filtering regions (110) may be arranged along a loop-shaped path. Here, the loop-shaped path may be defined as a predetermined path that starts from a point, passes through another point, and then returns to the same point. As a more detailed example, the plurality of filtering regions (110) may be rotated relative to each other so as to form a predetermined angle (90° when there are four filtering regions) with respect to the adjacent filtering regions (110). Here, the predetermined angle may be an angle at which the area of ​​the inner space surrounded by the plurality of filtering regions (110) is maximized when viewed from above. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of filtering regions (110) when viewed from above may form a rectangular loop. In this way, when each of the plurality of filtering areas (110) forms an angle greater than 0° and less than 180° with respect to the adjacent filtering area (110), it is defined as an unfolded state.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 7, the plurality of filtering regions (110) can rotate relative to each other so that at least two adjacent filtering regions (110) are arranged in parallel. For a more detailed example, any one filtering region (110) of the plurality of filtering regions (110) can be folded relative to another filtering region (110) by rotating relative to another filtering region (110) connected to one side. In this case, the angle between any one filtering region (110) and the other filtering region (110) connected to one side is 0°. In addition, any one filtering region (110) can be unfolded relative to another filtering region (110) by rotating relative to another filtering region (110) connected to the other side. When the angle that each of the plurality of filtering regions (110) forms with the adjacent filtering region (110) is 0° or 180°, it is defined as a folded state. In this case, the angle between one filter area (110) and another filter area (110) connected to the other side is 180°.

[0060] In this way, when the plurality of filtering regions (110) are in a folded state, two adjacent filtering regions (110) are arranged in parallel, so that the adjacent filtering regions (110) can be in close contact with each other. In addition, the space between the plurality of filtering regions (110) is minimized, so that the volume of the filter member (100) is minimized.

[0061] A filtration module (200) may be provided to filter air drawn in from the outside. For example, the filtration module (200) may include an activated carbon deodorizing filter. A plurality of such filtration modules (200) may be provided, and the plurality of filtration modules (200) may be supported by a plurality of support members (310). For example, the upper and lower sides of the filtration module (200) may be supported by the support members (310). In addition, each of the plurality of filtration modules (200) may be fixed to the plurality of support members (310) through mold forming.

[0062] In addition, the filtration module (200) may be arranged parallel to the filtration area (110) and may be arranged on the outside of the filtration area (110). In other words, the filtration module (200) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the filtration area (110). Accordingly, the filtration module (200) may primarily filter air before air introduced from the outside is filtered in the filtration area (110).

[0063] The frame (300) can support the filter member (100) and the filtration module (200). The frame (300) can include a support member (310) for supporting the filtration area (110) and the filtration module (200).

[0064] The support member (310) can support the filtration area (110) and the filtration module (200) from the upper and lower sides. This support member (310) can support the filtration area (110) and the filtration module (200) by being molded, and the support member (310) can be formed of an elastic material that can be molded. For example, the support member (310) can include an elastic material such as urethane or rubber.

[0065] In addition, the support portion (310) may be provided in multiple pieces and may support multiple filtration areas (110) and filtration modules (200). These multiple support portions (310) may be formed integrally with each other, and may have ends connected to each other so as to be rotatable with respect to each other. In other words, any one of the multiple support portions (310) may be folded with respect to another adjacent support portion (310). In addition, the multiple support portions (310) may rotate in response to the rotation of the multiple filtration areas (110). Some of the multiple support portions (310) may fixedly support the multiple filtration areas (110) and filtration modules (200) from the upper side, and other parts of the multiple support portions (310) may fixedly support the multiple filtration areas (110) and filtration modules (200) from the lower side.

[0066] Meanwhile, a groove (311) and a molding groove (312) can be formed in the support member (310).

[0067] A filtration area (110) among the support parts (310) is inserted into the groove (311). This groove (311) may be formed by recessing a predetermined depth from the surface of the support part (310) and may be formed in each of a plurality of support parts (310). For example, the groove (311) may be a portion formed by inserting the filtration area (110) into the support part (310) when the support part (310) and the filtration area (110) are molded. In this way, a portion of the filtration area (110) is inserted into the inner side of the groove (311) and is engaged, so that the filtration area (110) can be stably fixed and supported on the support part (310). In addition, a first edge (111) may be inserted into some of the upper portions of the plurality of support portions (310), and a second edge (112) may be inserted into some of the lower portions of the plurality of support portions (310). This groove (311) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the first edge (111) or the second edge (112). The groove (311) in the present specification may be a concept including not only a groove formed by recessing into a plane, but also a space formed between a plurality of protrusions.

[0068] A molding groove (312) may be formed in each of a plurality of support portions (310) to prevent the filtering region (110) from penetrating the support portion (310). For example, the molding groove (312) may be a portion into which a stopper mold (not shown) is inserted to prevent the filtering region (110) from penetrating the support portion (310) beyond a predetermined depth when the support portion (310) and the filtering region (110) are molded. Here, the stopper mold may be inserted on the opposite side of the support portion (310) from the side into which the filtering region (110) is inserted. Accordingly, the molding groove (312) formed by the stopper mold may be formed on the opposite side of the groove (311). For a more detailed example, the sum of the depth of the molding groove (312) and the depth of the groove (311) may be equal to or less than the thickness of the support portion (310). In addition, the molding groove (312) may extend in a direction that is opposite to the first edge (111) or the second edge (112). For example, the molding groove (312) may extend along the direction in which the support portion (310) extends.

[0069] A bracket (400) may be provided to reinforce adjacent filtering regions (110) among a plurality of filtering regions (110). Both ends of the bracket (400) may be respectively fixed to two adjacent filtering regions (110) among the plurality of filtering regions (110). For example, the bracket (400) may be fixed to the filtering regions (110) through an adhesive layer (not shown). In addition, a plurality of brackets (400) may be provided, and the plurality of brackets (400) may improve durability between the plurality of filtering regions (110).

[0070] Meanwhile, the bracket (400) may be configured to be folded or unfolded in response to the rotation of the filtration area (110). For example, the bracket (400) may form a predetermined angle greater than 0° and less than 180° when the filtration area (110) is in an unfolded state (i.e., when the air filter (30) is mounted on the air purifier (1) and placed in a first state). In addition, when the bracket (400) is in a folded state (i.e., when the air filter (30) is placed in a second state in which it is removed from the air purifier (1) for storage or transportation), the bracket (400) arranged between some of the plurality of filtration areas (110) may be fully unfolded to form an angle of 180°, and the bracket (400) arranged between other parts of the plurality of filtration areas (110) may be folded to form an angle of 0°. These brackets (400) may be made of a flexible material, for example, including one or more of a porous material such as foam, a non-woven fabric, a synthetic fiber, and a natural fiber. In this way, the brackets (400) can be configured to fold or unfold, thereby reinforcing the space between adjacent filtering areas (110).

[0071] Below, the effect of an air purifier (1) having the configuration described above will be described.

[0072] The air filter (30) is configured such that a plurality of filtration areas (110) can be rotated relative to each other, so that it can be easily switched between an unfolded state and a folded state.

[0073] In addition, when the air filter (30) is in a folded state, adjacent filtering areas (110) are arranged in contact with each other, thereby minimizing the space between the plurality of filtering areas (110). This air filter (30) can have a minimized volume when in a folded state, thereby reducing the cost required for transportation. In addition, the air filter (30) can be converted to an unfolded state after transportation to perform the filter function.

[0074] Meanwhile, the bracket (400) can be attached to a portion where the filtration area (110) is connected to another filtration area (110), and by reinforcing this connecting portion, it has the effect of improving durability.

[0075] In addition, the support member (310) can more stably support the filtration area (110) and the filtration module (200) through molding. This support member (310) has the effect of improving the durability of the filtration area (110) by rotating in response to the rotation of the filtration area (110). In addition, by simplifying the structure and process between the filtration area (110) and the support member (310) through molding, there is the effect of reducing the time and cost required for the process.

[0076] Meanwhile, in addition to these configurations, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the number of filtering regions (110) and support members (310) may be six. Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with further reference to FIG. 8. In describing the second embodiment, differences compared to the above-described embodiment will be primarily described, and the same descriptions and drawing reference numerals will be used in the above-described embodiment.

[0077] The filtering area (110) and the support member (310) may be provided in six numbers. These multiple filtering areas (110) may be rotated relative to each other to form an angle of 120° with respect to the adjacent filtering area (110) when in an unfolded state. In addition, the multiple filtering areas (110) viewed from above may form a hexagonal loop. Each of the multiple support members (310) may be rotated corresponding to the rotation of the multiple filtering areas (110).

[0078] This filtering area (110) can filter air flowing in from more diverse directions and has the effect of improving filtration efficiency.

[0079] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described as specific embodiments, these are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto, but should be construed to have the broadest scope in accordance with the technical concepts disclosed in this specification. Those skilled in the art may combine / substitute the disclosed embodiments to implement patterns of shapes not specified, but this also does not depart from the scope of the present invention. In addition, those skilled in the art may easily modify or alter the disclosed embodiments based on this specification, and it is clear that such modifications or alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A filter element including a plurality of filtering regions, each having a plurality of vertically extending vertically pleats and sides that are rotatably connected to each other; and A frame having a plurality of support members for supporting the plurality of filtering areas is included, A groove having a shape corresponding to one of the upper edge and lower edge of the filtering area is formed in the above support portion, The above filtering area is supported by the support member, wherein at least a portion of the upper edge or the lower edge is inserted into the groove. Air filter.

2. In paragraph 1, The above multiple filtering areas are provided in three or more, When each of the plurality of filtering regions is rotated relative to each other so as to form an angle less than a normal angle with respect to the adjacent filtering region, the plurality of filtering regions are arranged along a loop-shaped path. Air filter.

3. In paragraph 2, The above multiple filtering areas are provided in an even number, Air filter.

4. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of filtering regions can be rotated relative to each other so that at least two adjacent filtering regions are arranged in parallel. Air filter.

5. In paragraph 1, The above multiple filtering areas are integrally connected to each other, Air filter.

6. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a bracket fixed to the side of the different filtering areas and reinforcing the portion where the plurality of filtering areas are connected. Air filter.

7. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of supports are connected to each other at the ends so as to be rotatable relative to each other, Air filter.

8. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of support members are formed of a moldable elastic material. Air filter.

9. In paragraph 1, In the above plurality of support parts, a molding groove is further formed, The above groove and the above molding groove are formed on opposite sides, Air filter.

10. In paragraph 9, The above molding groove extends in a direction that is opposite to the upper edge or the lower edge, Air filter.

11. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a plurality of filtration modules for filtering outside air, Each of the plurality of said filter modules is arranged parallel to the plurality of said filtering areas and supported on the plurality of said supports. Air filter.

12. In paragraph 11, The above plurality of filtration modules include an activated carbon deodorizing filter, Air filter.

13. An air filter according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 12; and Including a blower that provides blowing force to allow outside air to pass through the air filter. Air purifier.