Air purifier

Abstract

Provided is an air cleaner including: a supply device including a second discharge port formed on an upper side thereof in a circumferential direction and a supply fan that discharges air to the outside through the second discharge port; and a circulator movably disposed on an upper side of the supply device, the circulator including: a housing extending in a front-rear direction, a first suction port formed at a rear side thereof, and a first discharge port formed at a front side thereof; a circulation fan disposed in the housing, which sucks in air through the first suction port and then discharges the air to the front side of the housing through the first discharge port; and a motor for rotating the circulation fan, the first suction port being disposed on an upper side of the second discharge port inside a virtual extension surface extending up and down an edge of the second discharge port and having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the second discharge port, which sucks in air discharged from the second discharge port.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an air cleaner, and more particularly, to an air cleaner including a circulator that induces purified air, which is discharged from an air supply device, toward a pointing direction. BACKGROUND

[0002] An air cleaner is a device that performs a function of taking in polluted air (hereinafter, outside air) in a room and supplying purified air to the room after a series of purification.

[0003] Air discharged from an air cleaner induces a user's sense of comfort, and thus, there is an increasing demand for an air cleaner that can freely adjust the direction of air discharged from the air cleaner.

[0004] To meet the above-described demand, Korean Patent No. 10-2026194 discloses an air cleaner including a flow conversion device (circulator) that takes in purified air discharged from an air supply device and then converts and discharges it toward a pointing direction. At this time, a rotation guide device is combined with the flow conversion device, and thus, movement of the flow conversion device can be controlled to discharge air toward the pointing direction. However, in the case of the prior art, when purified air discharged from a discharge port of an air supply device is discharged toward a pointing direction through a flow conversion device that is vertically placed at an angle, there is a problem in that outside air that has not been purified by the air cleaner is taken in through an intake port of the flow conversion device and is discharged together toward the pointing direction.

[0005] Also, in the case of the prior art, when the flow conversion device takes in air through the intake port, a situation in which a portion of the air cannot pass through the intake port can occur due to an increase in pressure of the air in the intake flow path, and such air can be leaked to the outside of the flow conversion device, and thus, a flow energy loss can occur.

[0006] At this time, if the ratio of outside air that has not been purified by the air supply device taken into the flow conversion device increases, the ratio of purified air discharged toward the air flow pointing direction through the intake port can significantly decrease.

[0007] PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

[0008] PATENT DOCUMENT

[0009] Korean Patent No. 10-2026194 (Published on November 4, 2019) SUMMARY

[0010] The present invention aims to solve the foregoing problems.

[0011] When the circulator is driven, outside air that has not been purified by the purifying action of the air supply device can be drawn into the inside of the circulator and discharged toward the pointing direction. Another object of the present invention is to reduce the ratio of outside air that is drawn into the circulator without being purified, and increase the ratio of purified air that is drawn from the air supply device and discharged toward the pointing direction.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to minimize the loss of the amount of air that is drawn into the circulator by the circulator even if the area of the intake flow path of the circulator is narrowed.

[0013] When the circulator is driven, a portion of the purified air that flows in a directionality for being drawn into the circulator can leak to the outside without being drawn into the inside of the circulator. Another object of the present invention is to guide the purified air that is discharged from the air supply device and flows outside the circulator without passing through the circulator toward the pointing direction.

[0014] The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0015] To achieve the objects, an air cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention can include an air supply device including a second discharge outlet formed on an upper side thereof in a circumferential direction and an air supply fan that discharges air to the outside through the second discharge outlet, and a circulator disposed in a movable manner on the upper side of the air supply device, the circulator including a housing extending in a front-rear direction, a first intake port formed at a rear side thereof, and a first discharge outlet formed at a front side thereof, a circulation fan disposed in the housing, drawing air through the first intake port and discharging the air to the front side of the housing through the first discharge outlet, and a motor for rotating the circulation fan.

[0016] To achieve the objects, the first intake port is disposed on the upper side of the second discharge outlet inside a virtual extension plane extending upward and downward on the edges of the second discharge outlet, and has a diameter smaller than that of the second discharge outlet, whereby the ratio of purified air that is drawn from the second discharge outlet can be increased, and the amount of outside air that flows into the inside of the circulator can be minimized.

[0017] A region in which the circulator draws air that is discharged from the second discharge outlet when the circulator is vertically disposed in an inclined manner is defined as an intake region, and a region in which a longitudinal cross section of the second discharge outlet located in the intake region extends upward is defined as an air curtain region, and the inclined position at which the circulator is vertically disposed in an inclined manner can include a position at which the first intake port is spaced apart from the air curtain region. Thereby, the upward air flow formed in the air curtain region functions as a resistance element that hinders the inflow of outside air, so that the ratio of outside air that is drawn into the first intake port can be reduced, and the intake ratio of purified air can be increased.

[0018] The circulator is vertically inclined so that a plane formed by the first suction port and an upper side of the air blowing device form an angle of 60 to 70 degrees, whereby the first suction port is spaced apart from the air curtain area and the suction rate of the purified air can be maximized.

[0019] The air cleaner further includes a gear, a gear motor for rotating the gear, and a rack that guides the up-and-down rotation of the circulator in linkage with the gear, whereby the circulator can be moved up and down in the direction in which the air flow is directed.

[0020] An area in which air blown out of the second discharge port is sucked when the circulator is vertically inclined is defined as a suction area, and an area in which a longitudinal section of the second discharge port located in the suction area is extended upward is defined as an air curtain area. A virtual circle in which the rack is extended along the curvature of the rack can be spaced apart from the air curtain area. At this time, the rack can be rotated along the virtual circle, thereby rotating the circulator up and down. Thus, the circulator moves in an inner area of the air curtain area, thereby reducing the rate at which outside air is sucked into the circulator when the circulator is located at an inclined position in which it is vertically inclined.

[0021] The air cleaner is provided with a filter member at the first suction port, whereby not only purified air blown out of the air blowing device by the purification action but also outside air that has not been subjected to the purification action can be filtered again.

[0022] The housing includes a first outer side wall that extends in the front-and-rear direction and has the first discharge port formed in the front, and a second outer side wall that has the first suction port formed in the rear and is gradually expanded radially outward from the edge of the first suction port toward the first outer side wall, whereby air blown out of the second discharge port and flowing outside the first suction port can be guided to flow along the outer side of the first outer side wall toward the front of the circulator.

[0023] The outer side of the first outer side wall and the outer side of the second outer side wall form a continuous surface, whereby the flow resistance of air guided along the outer side of the second outer side wall toward the outer side of the first outer side wall can be minimized.

[0024] The first outer side wall has a cylindrical shape that is formed in a belt shape extending in the circumferential direction with reference to a central axis, whereby air flowing along the outer side of the first outer side wall can be guided toward the direction in which the circulator blows out air.

[0025] The outer side surface of the second outer side wall includes a first surface extending outward from the first outer side wall in a curved manner, whereby air flowing outside the first suction port will flow along the curvature of the curved surface formed by the first surface and minimize flow resistance, thereby enabling gentle conversion and guiding of the flow toward the air flow pointing direction of the first outer side wall.

[0026] The outer side surface of the second outer side wall includes a second surface extending from the edge of the first suction port toward the first surface in a manner that makes the slope of the longitudinal section constant, whereby the flow path of air flowing outside the first suction port is minimized and guided to the first surface. When the circulator is inclined and placed vertically, the first outer side wall can extend toward the air flow pointing direction, and the second outer side wall located at the suction area is gradually expanded in the direction in which the second outer side wall discharges air toward the first outer side wall. Thereby, purified air discharged from the second discharge port and flowing outside the first suction port can be guided toward the first outer side wall along the outer side surface of the second outer side wall. Also, the flow of the purified air flowing along the outer side surface of the second outer side wall and the second outer side wall form an inclined surface with respect to the inflow direction of outside air, which acts as a resistance element with respect to the inflow of outside air to the first suction port, thereby enabling reduction of the suction rate of outside air.

[0027] The circulation fan is formed as an axial flow fan that sucks in air through the first suction port and discharges it in an inclined direction toward the front of the housing through the first discharge port, whereby even if the suction flow path area of the first suction port is reduced, the amount of air flow can be minimized and the air flow can be circulated.

[0028] The axial flow fan can include a hub disposed in front of the motor, connected to the output shaft of the motor at the center, a shroud spaced apart behind the hub, having a suction port for sucking in air formed in the central portion, and a plurality of blades disposed between the hub and the shroud.

[0029] The hub and the shroud can gradually expand in the radial direction outward toward the front direction, thereby facing the second outer side wall. Thereby, while guiding air flowing outside the second outer side wall to the outer side surface of the first outer side wall, the area between the hub and the shroud is maximized, thereby enabling maximization of the amount of air flow therebetween.

[0030] The blades extend obliquely forward from the shroud to the hub, whereby air flowing out through the blades flows in an oblique direction toward the front, and the area of contact with the blades can be maximized.

[0031] The circulator includes a guide vane device disposed in the housing to guide the air discharged by the diagonal flow fan toward the front of the housing. This allows the air discharged by the diagonal flow fan in a direction inclined toward the front of the housing to be guided toward the front of the housing.

[0032] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0033] The circulator and the air purifier including the circulator according to the present invention have one or more of the following effects.

[0034] First, by adjusting the layout and width of the first suction port and ensuring the air curtain area, the ratio of the circulator inhaling purified air is increased and the ratio of inhaling external air is reduced.

[0035] Second, by using a diagonal flow fan, air volume loss can be minimized even if the suction flow path area is narrow.

[0036] Third, the shape and arrangement of the outer wall of the circulator can guide the air discharged from the air supply device and flowing outside the circulator in the directional direction.

[0037] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned from the description of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a circulator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 Observing from the front Figure 1 A top view of the circulator 100 is shown.

[0040] Figure 3 Observed from the rear Figure 1 A top view of the circulator 100 is shown.

[0041] Figure 4 and Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the circulator 100.

[0042] Figure 6 It will Figure 1 The circulator 100 along Figure 3 A longitudinal sectional view taken along the I-I' direction.

[0043] Figure 7 It will Figure 6 Part A is enlarged and shown in a longitudinal sectional view.

[0044] Figure 8 ShowFigure 6 A case in which the circulating fan 30 of the circulator 100 rotates to make air flow.

[0045] Figure 9 is a case in which the circulating fan 30 of the circulator 100 rotates to make air flow. Figure 1 A perspective view of the air cleaner 1 of the circulator 100 of

[0046] Figure 10 is a case in which the circulating fan 30 of the circulator 100 rotates to make air flow. Figure 9 A longitudinal sectional view of the air cleaner 1 of

[0047] Figure 11 is a case in which the circulating fan 30 of the circulator 100 rotates to make air flow. Figure 10 A longitudinal sectional view of the air cleaner 1 of Figure 3 is a case in which the circulating fan 30 of the circulator 100 rotates to make air flow.

[0048] Figure 12 is a case in which the circulating fan 30 of the circulator 100 rotates to make air flow. Figure 9 A longitudinal sectional view of the air cleaner 1 of

[0049] Figure 13 is a case in which the circulating fan 30 of the circulator 100 rotates to make air flow. Figure 9 A longitudinal sectional view of the air cleaner 1 of

[0050] Figure 14 is a case in which the circulating fan 30 of the circulator 100 rotates to make air flow. Figure 9 A rear side view of the circulator 100 of the air cleaner 1 of

[0051] Figure 15 (a)-(b) of FIG. 10 are graphs showing results of simulating air flow of the air cleaner 1 of an embodiment of the present application and an air cleaner of another embodiment.

[0052] Figure 16 is a graph comparing and showing a ratio of suction of purified air according to different angles of a circulator based on results of flow analysis of Figure 15

[0053] Explanation of reference numerals

[0054] ​1: air cleaner; 100: circulator; 10: housing; 11: first outer side wall; 12: second outer side wall; 12a: first surface; 12b: second surface; 20: outer side grating; 21: outer side partition; 22: inner side partition; 30: circulating fan; 40: motor; 50: motor housing; 60: fan cover portion; 70: vane device; 80: front panel; S1: first suction port; S3: first discharge port; 200: upper air supply device, air supply device; 205: second discharge port; A_in: suction area; A_c: air curtain area; A_out: discharge area DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Reference will now be made in detail embodiments of the application, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 Advantages, features and methods of accomplishing the same of the present application will be understood more clearly with reference to the following embodiments described in detail. However, the present application is not limited to the following disclosed embodiments, but can be implemented in various forms, and the embodiments are provided only to more completely disclose the present application and to fully convey the scope of the present application to those skilled in the art to which the present application pertains. The present application is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same structure.

[0056] The terms "lower", "under", "bottom", "upper", "top", etc. as spatially relative terms can be used to describe the relative position of one structural element to another structural element as shown in the drawings for the purpose of easy description. The terms as spatially relative terms should be understood to include the terms as the directions of the structural elements other than the directions shown on the drawings, as well as the terms as the directions of the structural elements when used or when acted. For example, the structural element described as "lower" or "under" another structural element can be placed "upper" to the other structural element when the structural elements shown on the drawings are turned upside down. Therefore, the term "lower" as an exemplary term can include both the lower and upper directions. The structural elements can be oriented in other directions, and therefore, the terms as spatially relative terms can be understood according to the orientation.

[0057] The terms used in the specification are used to describe the embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present application. In the specification, the singular forms also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The use of "include" and / or "consist of" in the specification does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other structural elements, steps, and / or actions.

[0058] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the present specification are to be interpreted as is customary in the art to which this application pertains. It will be further understood that the terms of the present application are to be interpreted in theordi nary sense and are not to be limited to such special definitions unless expressly so defined herein.

[0059] On the drawings, the thickness or size of each structural element is exaggerated or omitted or schematically illustrated for clarity and ease of illustration. Also, the size and area of each structural element do not entirely reflect actual size or area.

[0060] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] Hereinafter, a circulator 100 and an air cleaner 1 including the circulator 100 according to an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] [Circulator 100]

[0063] Hereinafter, a direction of the circulator 100 is defined.

[0064] With reference to a Cartesian coordinate system shown in FIG. 1, a z-axis direction can be defined as a front-rear direction of the circulator 100. At this time, a direction in which a +z-axis is directed can be defined as a front direction, and a direction in which a -z-axis is directed can be defined as a rear direction. Air passing through the circulator 100 from a -z direction and flowing in a +z-axis direction, a side in which the air is drawn into the circulator 100 can be referred to as a rear side, and a side in which the air is discharged from the circulator 100 can be referred to as a front side. Figures 1 to 10

[0065] Further, a rotation shaft of the circulating fan 30 and the motor 40 of the circulator 100 is formed in parallel with the z-axis, and a direction in which the z-axis is directed can be defined as an axial direction of the circulator 100. Also, a direction in which the axial direction is centered and rotated can be defined as a circumferential direction. The rotation shaft of the circulating fan 30 and the motor 40 can be referred to as a central axis of the circulator 100.

[0066] Further, a direction in which an xy plane perpendicular to the z-axis is formed can be defined as a radial direction of the circulator 100. That is, the radial direction can be understood as a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Also, in the radial direction, a direction in which the z-axis is centered and extends perpendicularly outward can be defined as a radial outward side, and a direction in which the z-axis is centered and extends perpendicularly inward from the outward side can be defined as a radial inward side.

[0067] With reference to FIG. 1, Figures 1 to 3 ​The housing 10 can include outer side walls 11, 12 that form an outer side circumferential surface in the circumferential direction of the circulator 100. The housing 10 can have its rear side opened to form the first suction port S1, and its front side opened to form the first discharge port S3. The housing 10 accommodates internal structures of the circulator 100 such as the circulating fan 30 and the motor 40, and can serve as a reference that distinguishes the inner side and the outer side of the circulator 100 (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0068] A front panel 80 that displays operation information can be disposed at the center of the front side of the housing 10, thereby forming the first discharge port S3 between the housing 10 and the front panel 80. The first discharge port S3 can be formed in the circumferential direction between the front panel 80 and the front side of the housing 10. Also, a vane device 70 can be provided at the rear side of the first discharge port S3, and an outer side grille 20 can be disposed at the first suction port S1. Details thereof will be described later.

[0069] Referring to Figures 4 to 6 , the housing 10 can be opened in the front-rear direction, thereby forming a flow path through which air flows from the first suction port S1 to the first discharge port S3. The outer side walls 11, 12 of the housing 10 can be distinguished as a first outer side wall 11 and a second outer side wall 12 disposed at the rear side of the first outer side wall 11. The first outer side wall 11 and the second outer side wall 12 can be integrally formed or combined with each other.

[0070] The first outer side wall 11 can extend in the front-rear direction. The first outer side wall 11 can have its front side opened to form the first discharge port S3. The first outer side wall 11 can have a cylindrical shape that extends in a belt shape along the circumferential direction with the center axis as a reference. The first outer side wall 11 can extend forward from the second outer side wall 12. The first outer side wall 11 can be combined with the outermost circumferential surface of the second outer side wall 12.

[0071] The second outer side wall 12 can have its rear side opened to form the first suction port S1. The second outer side wall 12 can extend gradually expanding toward the radial outer side from the edge of the first suction port S1 toward the first outer side wall 11. The second outer side wall 12 can extend obliquely toward the front side to form a circumferential surface. That is, the second outer side wall 12 can have a bowl shape that has a smaller diameter as it goes to the rear side, and is opened at the rear side.

[0072] At this time, the second outer side wall 12 extends gradually expanding toward the radial outer side from the edge of the first suction port S1 toward the first outer side wall 11, and can guide air flowing outside the first suction port S1 to flow forward along the outer side surface of the first outer side wall 11 by the Coanda effect (refer to F2 of Figure 8 ). Details thereof will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8The following will be described.

[0073] The outer side grill 20, which forms a passage for air suction, can be disposed at a first suction port S1 formed in the second outer side wall 12. A coupling groove 16a (refer to FIG. 2) for guiding the arrangement of the outer side grill 20 can be formed at the rear of the second outer side wall 12. Figure 7

[0074] The outer side grill 20 can include a plurality of partition walls 21, 22 (refer to FIG. 2). The outer side grill 20 can form a plurality of air holes between the partition walls 21, 22. As an example, the outer side grill 20 is provided with linear-shaped air holes in succession at a circular plate. Figure 7

[0075] In addition, a filter member 23 can be disposed at the first suction port S1, thereby being able to remove dust in air suctioned through the first suction port S1. In this case, the filter member 23 can be disposed between the plurality of partition walls 21, 22 or in front of the plurality of partition walls. At this time, the plurality of partition walls 21, 22 of the outer side grill 20 can function as a frame for supporting the filter member 23.

[0076] In addition, a circulation fan 30 can be disposed inside the housing 10. The circulation fan 30 can be disposed in front of the outer side grill 20. The circulation fan 30 can be combined with a motor 40 for rotating the circulation fan. The circulation fan 30 can generate air flow by rotation. The circulation fan 30 can suction air into the housing 10 through the outer side grill 20 and then discharge the air to the front of the housing 10 through a first discharge port S3. The circulation fan 30 can use an axial fan or a diagonal fan.

[0077] The circulation fan 30 can be a diagonal fan that discharges air suctioned through the first suction port S1 to the front of the housing 10 in a direction inclined. The diagonal fan 30 can include a shaft coupling portion 31, a hub 32, a shroud 33, and a blade 34. The diagonal fan has an advantage of being able to generate a relatively high air volume compared to an axial fan in a limited flow path area.

[0078] The shaft coupling portion 31 can be located between a motor cover 52 and a panel base 63, which will be described later. The shaft coupling portion 31 is a hollow portion having an inside that is open in a front-rear direction, and can be connected to and rotate together with an output shaft 41 of the motor 40.

[0079] The hub 32 is disposed in front of the motor 40 and can have the shaft coupling portion 31 connecting the output shaft 41 of the motor 40 formed at the center thereof. The hub 32 is disposed in front of the motor and can include at least one of an inner hub 32a having the shaft coupling portion 31 formed at the center thereof and an outer hub 32b extending obliquely to the radial outside from the inner hub 32a. ​​

[0080] The inner hub 32a can be formed protruding toward the front, thereby forming a space in which the motor 40 and the motor cover 52 are disposed at the rear. The inner hub 32a can be formed in a manner of surrounding a portion of the motor 40 and the motor cover 52. The inner hub 32a can have a bowl shape formed protruding toward the front.

[0081] The outer hub 32b can be extended obliquely toward the front as it goes toward the radial outer side. The front end of the vane 34 can be joined at the rear aspect of the outer hub 32b.

[0082] Further, the shroud 33 is spaced apart from the hub 32 toward the rear, and a circular suction port S2 for suction of air can be formed at the central portion of the shroud 33. The shroud 33 can be formed in a ring shape so as to surround at least a portion of the motor 40. At this time, the diameter w2' of the suction port S2 formed at the inner circumferential end of the shroud 33 can be equal to or smaller than the diameter w1 of the first suction port S1.

[0083] The shroud 33 can be disposed spaced apart from the rear of the hub 32 toward the radial outer side. At this time, the front aspect of the shroud 33 can be formed obliquely toward the front so as to face the rear aspect of the outer hub 32b. Thereby, the outer hub 32b and the shroud 33 can guide the air suctioned through the suction port S2 to flow in an oblique direction toward the front. The outer hub 32b and the shroud 33 can be extended gradually expanding toward the radial outer side toward the front, so as to face the second outer side wall 12. That is, when the second outer side wall 12 is formed obliquely, the outer hub 32b and the shroud 33 can have an inclination to face the second outer side wall 12. Thereby, it is possible to guide the air flowing on the outer side of the second outer side wall 12 toward the outer side of the first outer side wall 11 while maximizing the area between the outer hub 32b and the shroud 33, thereby maximizing the flow amount of air between the two.

[0084] The vane 34 can be disposed a plurality of times between the hub 32 and the shroud 33, thereby connecting the hub and the shroud. The vane 34 can be extended obliquely toward the front from the front aspect of the shroud 33 toward the rear aspect of the outer hub 32b. That is, in correspondence with the flow direction of the air, the vane 34 is extended obliquely toward the front with respect to the axial direction, the air flowing through the vane 34 flows in an oblique direction toward the front, and it is possible to maximize the area contacting the vane 34.

[0085] In addition, the smaller the diameter w1 of the first suction port S1, the smaller the suction flow path area, and it is possible to increase the area of the second outer side wall 12. At this time, in the case of the diagonal flow fan 30, the air suctioned from the first suction port S1 is discharged in an oblique direction toward the front, and compared to the case of the axial flow fan, even though the suction flow path area is reduced, it is possible to minimize the reduction in the air volume and circulate the air flow.

[0086] That is, when the mixed flow fan 30 is used, even if the diameter w1 of the first suction port S1 is formed to be smaller than the diameter w2 of the mixed flow fan 30, the area of the second outer side wall 12 inducing the Coanda effect can be secured while minimizing the loss of the amount of air sucked into the circulator 100 through the first suction port S1 and discharged. Accordingly, the diameter w1 of the edge of the first suction port S1 can be equal to or greater than the diameter w2' of the inner circumferential end of the shroud 33, and smaller than the diameter w2 of the outer circumferential end of the shroud 33. In addition, the circulator 100 can further include a motor base 15. The motor base 15 can be disposed in front of the outer side grille 20. The motor base 15 can be disposed in the center of the rear of the second outer side wall 12. The motor base 15 can be disposed apart from the innermost circumferential edge of the second outer side wall 12.

[0087] A first suction port S1 can be formed between the motor base 15 and the second outer side wall 12. Also, a support bar 16 can be elongated to the radially inner side from one side of the second outer side wall 12 toward the motor base 15. The motor base 15 can be disposed behind the motor 40 and support the same.

[0088] A connection plate 18 extends from one side of the second outer side wall 12 to the radially inner side and is connected with the motor base 15. A second rack 295 (refer to Figure 11 ) for guiding the second direction rotation of the second rotation guide mechanism to be described later can be coupled behind the connection plate 18. A wire hole 17 (refer to Figure 3 ) for passing an electric wire connected with the motor 340 or the display 390 can be formed in the connection plate 18.

[0089] In addition, the circulator 100 can further include a motor housing 50. The motor housing 50 can include at least one of a rear inner side wall 51, a motor cover 52, and an inner side grille 53.

[0090] The rear inner side wall 51 can be disposed in front of the outer side grille 20. The front and rear of the rear inner side wall 51 are open and can form a part of the inner circumferential surface of the circulator 100 in the circumferential direction.

[0091] The rear inner side wall 51 can be gradually expanded to the radially outer side as it goes from the rear to the front. The rear inner side wall 51 can be formed to be inclined in a manner facing the shroud 33. That is, the rear inner side wall 51 can have a bowl shape in which the diameter thereof is smaller as it goes to the rear, and the rear thereof is open.

[0092] Further, the rear inner side wall 51 can be disposed inside the second outer side wall 12. The outer end of the front side of the rear inner side wall 51 formed in the circumferential direction is bent toward the rear, so that it can be hooked to a groove (not shown) formed on the inner periphery of the second outer side wall 12.

[0093] Further, the motor housing 50 can include an inner side grill 53 forming a passage for drawing in air at the rear. The inner side grill 53 can be formed at the rear of the rear inner side wall 51 which is open. The motor cover 52 can be disposed at the inner side center of the rear inner side wall 51. The inner side grill 53 can be formed between the rear inner side wall 51 and the motor cover 52.

[0094] The motor cover 52 can form a recessed groove corresponding to the shape of the motor 40 at the front, thereby housing the motor 40. The motor cover 52 can be formed in a manner to surround the motor. The motor 40 can be disposed between the motor base 15 and the motor cover 52, and the motor cover 52 can be disposed between the motor 40 and the circulating fan 30. Also, a space can be formed between the rear inner side wall 51 and the motor cover 52, thereby housing a portion of the circulating fan 30.

[0095] The motor cover 52 can form a hole at the center of the front side, thereby allowing the output shaft 41 of the motor 40 to pass therethrough. The output shaft 41 can pass through the hole formed at the front side of the motor cover 52 and be coupled to the shaft coupling portion 31 formed on the circulating fan 30.

[0096] In addition, the circulator 100 can further include a fan cover portion 60 disposed in front of the circulating fan 30. The fan cover portion 60 can include a corner support portion 61, a bridge portion 62, and a panel base 63.

[0097] The corner support portion 61 can be disposed in front of the rear inner side wall 51. The corner support portion 61 can have a ring shape extending in the circumferential direction. The rear inner side wall 51 can form a boss or a hook corresponding to the shape of the corner support portion 61, thereby seating the corner support portion.

[0098] Further, the panel base 63 can be disposed in front of the corner support portion 61. The panel base 63 can have a diameter smaller than that of the corner support portion 61. The panel base 63 can be located at the center of the first outer side wall 11. A front panel 80 can be installed in front of the panel base 63. The front panel 80 and the panel base 63 can have a disc shape corresponding to each other. A control portion (not shown) for displaying operation information of the front panel 80 and controlling the operation of the circulator 100 and the air cleaner 1 to be described later can be disposed between the panel base 63 and the front panel 80. As the control portion (not shown), a PCB substrate can be used.

[0099] The bridge portions 62 can be disposed between the corner support portions 61 and the panel base 63 and connect each other. The bridge portions 62 can have a bar shape extending elongatedly from the inner circumferential surface of the corner support portions 61 to the radially inner side toward the panel base 63. The bridge portions 62 can be formed obliquely to a direction facing the blades 34 of the circulation fan 30. The bridge portions 62 can be arranged in plural in the circumferential direction of the corner support portions 61.

[0100] The circulation fan 30 can be disposed inside the fan cover portion 60. The panel base 63 of the fan cover portion 60 can cover the front of the hub 32 and the shaft coupling portion 31 of the circulation fan 30. Passages for air to pass through can be formed between the plural bridge portions 62 disposed between the corner support portions 61 and the panel base 63.

[0101] In addition, the circulator 100 can further include a vane device 70 disposed between the first outer side wall 11 and the axial fan 30 to guide air obliquely discharged forward from the axial fan to the axial direction of the axial fan and discharge the air to the front of the housing. The vane device 70 can include a front inner side wall 71, vanes 72, and a blade coupling portion 73.

[0102] The front inner side wall 71 is disposed inside the first outer side wall 11 and can form a part of the inner circumferential surface of the circulator 100 in the circumferential direction. The front inner side wall 71 can be coupled to the corner support portion 61 in front of the corner support portion 61.

[0103] Further, the front inner side wall 71 can extend in the front-rear direction from the corner support portion 61 to the front end of the first outer side wall 11. A first discharge outlet S3 can be formed between the front inner side wall 71 and the panel base 63. The front inner side wall 71 can extend gradually expanded to the radially outer side from the corner support portion 61 toward the front. The front inner side wall 71 can be formed in an arc shape toward the front to minimize flow energy loss and guide air to the first discharge outlet S3 in the front.

[0104] The blade coupling portion 73 can be formed in an annular shape extending in the circumferential direction. The blade coupling portion 73 can be disposed in the center on the front side of the front inner side wall 71. The blade coupling portion 73 can be coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the panel base 63. Further, the first discharge outlet S3 can be formed between the blade coupling portion 73 and the front inner side wall 71.

[0105] The vanes 72 can be disposed between the front inner side wall 71 and the blade coupling portion 73. The vanes 72 can be arranged in plural obliquely along the outer circumferential surface of the blade coupling portion 73. The vanes 72 can be disposed in a radial shape centered on the blade coupling portion 73 by a plate bent in a curved surface shape.

[0106] One side of the guide vane 72 can be connected to the outer peripheral surface of the vane joint portion 73, and the other side thereof can be connected to the inner peripheral surface of the front inner side wall 71. The guide vane 72 can be inclined toward the radial inner side in the front direction. The guide vane 72 can be provided in a shape facing the vane 54.

[0107] Since the guide vane 72 is inclined, the air discharge area can be increased, and thus more air can be discharged toward the front of the guide vane 72. In addition, since the front inner side wall 71 having a cylindrical shape is provided on the outer side of the guide vane 72, the air discharged from the guide vane 72 can contact the inner peripheral surface of the front inner side wall 71 and move straight in the front direction, and thus the straightness of the discharged air can be improved, and the air volume can reach a further distance.

[0108] Referring to Figures 6 to 8 As described above, the outer side walls 11 and 12 of the housing 10 can include a first outer side wall 11 in which the first discharge port S3 is formed in the front, and a second outer side wall 12 in which the first suction port S1 is formed in the rear. Also, the first outer side wall 11 can be disposed in front of the second outer side wall 12 and extend in the front-rear direction, and the second outer side wall 12 can extend from the edge of the first suction port S1 toward the first outer side wall 11 gradually expanding to the radial outer side.

[0109] In addition, when the circulating fan 30 rotates by the motor 40, air located outside the circulator 100 (hereinafter, outside air) can be suctioned through the outer side grille 20 disposed on the first suction port S13. Subsequently, the suctioned air can pass through the inside of the circulator 100 and be discharged to the front of the housing 10 through the first discharge port S3 formed in the front of the first outer side wall 11 (refer to F1 of FIG. 1). At this time, a portion of the outside air flowing toward the outer side grille 20 as the circulating fan 30 rotates is not suctioned to the inside of the circulator 100 through the outer side grille 20, but leaks to the outside of the circulator 100 with directionality, and thus flow energy loss can occur. Figure 8

[0110] At this time, the second outer side wall 12 extends from the edge of the first suction port S1 toward the first outer side wall 11 gradually expanding to the radial outer side, and thus the air flowing outside the first suction port S1 can be guided to flow in the front along the outer side surface of the first outer side wall 11 by the Coanda effect (refer to F2 of FIG. 1). Figure 8

[0111] The Coanda effect described above refers to an effect in which, when a fluid flowing in one direction contacts a solid, the fluid does not flow in a straight line, but adheres to the surface of the solid and flows along the surface of the solid.

[0112] ​​That is, air leaked to the outside of the first suction port S1 can be guided along the outside surface of the second outside wall 12 to the outside surface of the first outside wall 11. Subsequently, the air can flow along the outside surface of the first outside wall 11 extending in the front-rear direction to the air flow direction of the circulator 100 (refer to Figure 8

[0113] The first outside wall 11 and the second outside wall 12 are integrally combined, and at the combined portion, a portion protruding to the outside can not be formed, but a circumferentially continuous peripheral surface can be formed. By forming the outside surface of the first outside wall 11 and the outside surface of the second outside wall 12 as continuous surfaces, the flow resistance of air guided along the outside surface of the second outside wall 12 to the outside surface of the first outside wall 11 can be minimized.

[0114] Further, the first outside wall 11 can have a cylindrical shape extending in a belt shape along the circumference with the center axis as a reference. Thereby, the first outside wall 11 can guide air flowing along the outside surface of the first outside wall 11 to the direction in which the circulator 100 directs air to be discharged.

[0115] Further, the outside surface of the first outside wall 11 can be formed in parallel with the rotation shaft of the circulating fan 30 in the front-rear direction. At this time, the diameter w3 formed at the outer peripheral end of the first outside wall 11 can be equal to the diameter w3 formed at the outer peripheral end of the second outside wall 12. Thereby, while the discharge flow path area of the circulator 100 can be ensured more widely, the straight-aheadness of air flowing along the outside surface of the first outside wall 11 toward the direction of the pointing direction can be increased.

[0116] At this time, the parallel should be understood as not indicating that it is formed at an angle of 180 degrees with each other in mathematics, but also includes a case where it is inclined very slightly in the radial direction and almost approaches parallel. That is, the diameter of the front portion of the first outside wall 11 can be slightly smaller as it goes forward from the rear.

[0117] In addition, the second outside wall 12 can be formed so as to surround at least a portion of the shroud 33 of the circulating fan 30. Further, the first outside wall 11 disposed in front of the second outside wall 12 can be formed so as to surround at least a portion of the hub 32 of the circulating fan 30. That is, the circulating fan 30 is accommodated inside the housing 10, and can be disposed between the first outside wall 11 and the second outside wall 12 of the housing 10.

[0118] ​In addition, the outer side surface of the second outer side wall 12 can include a first surface 12a extending toward the radial outside of the first outer side wall 11 disposed in the front direction in a manner having a curvature. The first surface 12a can extend from the edge of the first suction port S1 to the first outer side wall 11, or can extend from the front of a second surface 12b described later to the first outer side wall 11.

[0119] The first surface 12a can be convexly formed toward the outside of the housing 10, thereby forming the center of the radius of curvature in the inside direction of the housing 10. The first surface 12a can form a plurality of centers of the radius of curvature in the front and rear directions. For example, the radius of curvature of the curved surface of the first surface 12a gradually increases toward the front direction, and reaches the maximum at the connection portion connected to the first outer side wall 11.

[0120] The first surface 12a can be connected to the rear of the first outer side wall 11. The first surface 12a can be formed in a manner having a curvature at the connection portion between the outer side surface of the first outer side wall 11 and the outer side surface of the second outer side wall 12.

[0121] In this case, the air flowing outside the first suction port S1 will flow along the curvature of the curved surface of the first surface 12a of the second outer side wall 12, and minimize the flow resistance, thereby being able to gently convert and guide the flow toward the direction of the air flow to the first outer side wall 11.

[0122] In addition, the outer side surface of the second outer side wall 12 can include a second surface 12b extending from the edge of the first suction port S1 toward the first surface 12a in a manner that the slope of the longitudinal section is constant. At this time, the first surface 12a can be disposed between the second surface 12b and the outer side surface of the first outer side wall 11. The longitudinal section of the second surface 12b extends toward the first surface 12a in a manner close to a straight line, and the second surface 12b minimizes the transformation of the flow path, and is able to guide the air flowing outside the first suction port S1 to the first surface 12a.

[0123] In addition, the outer side grill 20 can be disposed at the first suction port S1 formed at the rear of the second outer side wall 12. The outer side grill 20 can include a plurality of partition walls 21, 22 spaced apart from each other to form a plurality of air passing holes therebetween. In this case, the second outer side wall 12 can extend from the edge of the outer side grill 20 toward the radial outside of the first outer side wall 11 in a manner gradually expanding. Accordingly, the diameter w3 formed at the outer circumferential end of the second outer side wall 12 and / or the diameter w3 formed at the outer circumferential end of the first outer side wall 11 can be greater than the diameter w1 formed at the circumference of the outer side grill 20.

[0124] The plurality of partition walls 21, 22 can include a plurality of outer partition walls 21 disposed adjacent to the edges of the outer grill 20. The plurality of outer partition walls 21 can have their end portions formed to be obliquely inclined toward the outer side surface of the second outer side wall, whereby, among the air flowing outside the outer grill 20, the air not drawn in through the outer grill 20 can flow along the end surface of the outer grill 20 and be guided toward the second outer side wall 12.

[0125] Further, the plurality of outer partition walls 21 can be formed in a manner having a curvature, such that their end portions form a continuous oblique surface with the outer side surface of the second outer side wall 12. At this time, when a virtual line passing through the outer side surface of the second outer side wall 12 and the end surface of the outer partition wall 21 is extended, the virtual line can constitute a continuous, slow curve. Thereby, it is possible to minimize the flow resistance when the air flows along the end surface of the outer grill 20 and is guided toward the second outer side wall 12.

[0126] The outer partition wall 21 can include a first outer partition wall 21a forming the edges of the outer grill 20, and a second outer partition wall 21b disposed at a position more inward than the first outer partition wall 21a. The second outer side wall 12 can extend from the first outer partition wall 21a forming the edges of the outer grill 20 toward the first outer side wall 11. Further, the outer side surface formed by the end portion of the first outer partition wall 21a is formed in a manner having a curvature, whereby the outer side surface of the first outer partition wall 21a and the outer side surface of the second outer side wall 12 can form a continuous oblique surface.

[0127] In addition, the first outer partition wall 21a can be convex in the front direction in the front direction with a coupling protrusion (not designated) and the outer side wall 12 can be concave in the rear direction with a coupling groove 16a formed in a shape corresponding to the coupling protrusion. Thereby, the outer grill 20 can couple the coupling protrusion formed on the first outer partition wall 21a to the coupling groove 16a in the rear of the second outer side wall 12.

[0128] In addition, the plurality of partition walls 21, 22 can include a plurality of inner partition walls 22 disposed inward of the outer partition wall 21, and having their end portions located on a flat surface. At this time, the oblique surfaces formed by the end portions of the first outer partition wall 21a and the second outer partition wall 21b gradually become slower as they go from the first outer partition wall 21a to the second outer partition wall 21b, whereby the surfaces formed by the end portions of the plurality of inner partition walls 22 will be located on a flat surface when reaching the inner partition walls 22. When a virtual line passing through the outer side surface of the second outer side wall 12 and the end surface of the plurality of partition walls 21, 22 is extended, the virtual line can constitute a continuous, slow curve at the outer partition wall 21 and a straight line at the inner partition wall 22. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the volume of the outer grill 20 from unnecessarily increasing toward the rear of the circulator 100.

[0129] [Air cleaner 1 including circulator 100]

[0130] Referring Figure 9 , an air cleaner 1 of an embodiment of the present application can include: a blowing device 200, 300; a circulator 100 that converts a direction of air flow of air discharged from the blowing device 200, 300. The blowing device 200, 300 can include: an upper blowing device 200 disposed at an upper side of the air cleaner 1 and discharging purified air; a lower blowing device 300 disposed at a lower side of the upper blowing device 200 and discharging purified air.

[0131] The upper blowing device 200 includes a first housing 201 forming an appearance, and the lower blowing device 300 includes a second housing 301 forming an appearance, and the first housing 201 and the second housing 301 can each be formed in a cylindrical shape. The diameter of each of the upper side portion of the first housing 201 and the second housing 301 can be smaller than the diameter of the lower side portion.

[0132] A second suction port 202 and a third suction port 302 composed of a plurality of through-holes for suction of external air can be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first housing 201 and the second housing 301, thereby allowing external air to flow into the inside of the blowing device 100, 200 in a 360-degree direction.

[0133] A base 310 spaced apart downward from the lower blowing device 300 can be disposed at the lower side of the lower blowing device 300. A fourth suction port 303 for allowing external air to flow into the inside of the lower blowing device 300 can be formed in the spaced apart space between the base 310 and the lower blowing device 300.

[0134] A second discharge port 205 for discharging purified air filtered can be formed at the upper side portion of the upper blowing device 200, and a third discharge port 305 for discharging purified air filtered can be formed at the upper side portion of the lower blowing device 300. The second discharge port 205 can be referred to as a region opened upward to an upper side of an upper discharge guide 280 to be described later, and in a case where an upper discharge grill 285 is disposed inside the upper discharge guide 280, can be referred to as a region opened upward to an upper side of the upper discharge grill 285. The second discharge port 205 can be formed between the circulator 100 disposed at the upper side of the upper blowing device 200 and the upper discharge grill 285.

[0135] The circulator 100 is movably disposed at one side of the upper blowing device 200, thereby being capable of converting the wind direction of air discharged through the second discharge port 205 and discharging it outward. As an example, the circulator 100 can be disposed spaced apart upward from the second discharge port 205 formed at the upper side portion of the upper blowing device 200, thereby converting the wind direction of air discharged from the second discharge port 205 to the direction of air flow.

[0136] In addition, a wind direction adjusting device 400 can be disposed between the upper air supply device 200 and the lower air supply device 300, the wind direction adjusting device 400 being disposed apart from the third discharge port 305 of the lower air supply device 300, limiting the upward direction flow of air discharged through the third discharge port 305 and discharging the air to the radially outer side. In the above, the "limiting the upward direction flow" can be understood as a case where air discharged to the outside through the third discharge port 305 of the lower air supply device 300 does not flow toward the outside space but directly flows into the upper air supply device 200.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 1, the above-mentioned longitudinal section indicates a section along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotation guide device 290. Figures 10 to 13

[0138] Referring to FIG. 1, the upper air supply device 200 can include a first filter 220, a first fan housing 250, a first air guide 270, and a first discharge grill 280. Figure 10 In the upper air supply device 200, a second filter 222 can be disposed corresponding to the second suction port 202 as shown in FIG. 1, and a second fan housing 252 can be disposed corresponding to the second discharge port 205 as shown in FIG. 1. Figure 1 The first filter 220 can be fixed / supported by a first filter support 225 and a first filter cover (not shown) coupled to the outer side thereof. A sensor device (not shown) including a dust sensor measuring the amount of dust contained in the inflowing air and a gas sensor can be disposed at the upper side of the first filter 220.

[0139] An outlet for discharging the inflowing air can be formed at the upper side center of the first filter 220, and a first fan housing 250 accommodating a first air supply fan 230 can be disposed at the outlet side of the first filter 220.

[0140] An upper air guide 270 guiding the flow of air blown by the first air supply fan 230 can be disposed at the upper side of the first fan housing 250. In addition, an upper discharge guide 280 guiding air passing through the upper air guide 270 to the upper discharge grill 285 can be disposed at the upper side of the upper air guide 270.

[0141] The second discharge port 205 can be formed along the circumferential edge of the upper discharge grill 285, and a plurality of second discharge ports 205 can be disposed in a ring shape at the upper side of the upper discharge grill 285 as the second discharge ports 205 are formed apart from each other in the circumferential direction at the upper side of the upper discharge grill 285.

[0142] The lower air supply device 300 can be similar to the upper air supply device 200 in structure and function.

[0143]

[0144] ​​In the above, it can be said that the upper air supply device 200 is similar in structure and function to the lower air supply device 300 in that each structure constituting the lower air supply device 300 can correspond to a structure constituting the upper air supply device 200, and performs the same or similar functions in terms of function.

[0145] That is, the second filter 320 of the lower air supply device 300 can correspond to the first filter 220, the second fan housing 350 can correspond to the first fan housing 250, the lower air guide 370 can correspond to the upper air guide 270, the lower discharge guide 380 can correspond to the upper discharge guide 280, and the lower discharge grill 385 can correspond to the upper discharge grill 285.

[0146] A wind direction adjusting device 400, which is a partitioning device partitioning the lower air supply device 300 and the upper air supply device 200, can be disposed on the upper side of the lower discharge grill 385.

[0147] In addition, air flowing into the upper air supply device 200 through the second suction port 202 (see Figure 9 ) formed on the first housing 201 can pass through the first filter 220, and the air passing through the first filter 220 can flow upward and flow into the first air supply fan 230 through the first fan flow-in portion 251. The flowing air can be blown upward by the first air supply fan 230 connected to the first fan motor 240 to rotate, and can sequentially flow upward through the first fan housing 250, the upper air guide 270, the upper discharge guide 280, and the second discharge port 205.

[0148] A circulator 100 can be provided on the upper side of the second discharge port 205, and air discharged from the upper discharge guide 280 can be discharged to the outside through the circulator 100. At this time, as described above, the circulating fan 30 and the motor 40 are provided in the circulator 100, and thus air passing through the upper air guide 270 can be sequentially discharged to the outside through the upper discharge guide 280 and the second discharge port 305.

[0149] At this time, a portion of the air discharged from the second discharge port 205 can flow into the inside of the circulator 100 through the first suction port S1 (see Figure 4 ), and be discharged to the front of the first discharge port S3.

[0150] However, the remaining portion of the air discharged from the second discharge port 205 does not flow into the first suction port S1, but can flow outside the first suction port S1. At this time, the second outer side wall 12 can guide the air discharged from the second discharge port 205 and flowing outside the first suction port S1 to flow toward the front of the circulator 100 along the outer side surface of the first outer side wall 11 (see Figure 12 andFigure 13 ). Thus, the first outer side wall 11 and the second outer side wall 12 of the circulator 100 can prevent the problem of the air volume reduction due to the air leakage to the outside of the first suction port S1 from the upper air supply device 200, and maximize the amount of the purified air flowing in the pointing direction.

[0151] In addition, the diameter w1 of the first suction port S1 formed at the rear of the circulator 100 can be smaller than the diameter w4 of the second discharge port 205. At this time, the second outer side wall 12 extending gradually outward in the radial direction from the first suction port S1 toward the first outer side wall 11 can face at least a portion of the second discharge port 205. Thus, a portion of the purified air discharged from the second discharge port 205 can be suctioned into the circulator through the first suction port S1 and discharged, and the purified air not suctioned into the first suction port but flowing outside the first suction port is guided along the outer side surface of the second outer side wall 12 to the outer side surface of the first outer side wall 11, thereby being discharged in the pointing direction.

[0152] The second discharge port 205 is formed along the circumferential direction on the upper side of the upper air supply device 200, and the circulator 100 can be disposed on the upper side of the second discharge port 205 formed along the circumferential direction. At this time, the second outer side wall 12 extending in the radial direction and the second discharge port 205 face each other in the circumferential direction, and the air discharged upward from the second discharge port 205 can contact all the faces in the circumferential direction of the second outer side wall 12 and be guided in the air flow pointing direction.

[0153] In addition, in order to adjust the flow direction of the air discharged forward of the circulator 100, the circulator 100 can be disposed in a movable manner on the upper side of the upper air supply device 200. At this time, a rotation guide device 290 for guiding the movement of the circulator 100 can be provided on the upper side of the upper air supply device 200 and combined at the rear of the circulator 100. The circulator 100 is rotated in a predetermined direction by the rotation guide device 290, thereby being able to convert the flow direction of the air discharged upward through the second discharge port 205.

[0154] In addition, the air flowing into the lower air supply device 300 through the third suction port 302 formed on the second housing 301 can pass through the second filter 320, and the air passing through the second filter 320 can flow upward, thereby flowing into the second air supply fan 330 through the second fan inflow part 351. At this time, the flowing air can be blown upward by the second air supply fan 330 rotating in connection with the second fan motor 340, and sequentially flow upward through the second fan housing 350, the lower air guide 370, the lower discharge guide 380, the lower discharge grille 385, and the third discharge port 305.

[0155] The air blown to the upper side by the second air blowing fan 330 is discharged to the outside of the lower air blowing device 300 through the lower discharge grill 385, and flows to the radial outside of the air cleaner 1 due to the wind direction adjusting device 400.

[0156] In the above-described embodiment, the lower air blowing device 300 can be omitted, in which case the upper air blowing device 200 can be referred to as an air blowing device.

[0157] Referring to Figure 11 , the circulator 100 can further include a rotation guide device 290 guiding rotation in a left-right direction and rotation in an up-down direction of the circulator 100. The rotation in the left-right direction can be referred to as "first direction rotation", and the rotation in the up-down direction can be referred to as "second direction rotation".

[0158] The rotation guide device 290 can include a first rotation guide mechanism guiding first direction rotation of the circulator 100, and a second rotation guide mechanism guiding second direction rotation of the circulator 100.

[0159] The first rotation guide mechanism can include a first rack 293 guiding first direction rotation of the circulator 100. Also, the first rotation guide mechanism can include a first gear motor 292 generating a driving force, and a first gear 291 rotatable in conjunction with the first gear motor 292. As an example, the first gear motor 292 can include a step motor which easily controls a rotation angle.

[0160] When the first gear motor 292 is driven, the rotation guide device 290 can have a movement rotating in the left-right direction by linkage of the first gear 291 and the first rack 293. Accordingly, the circulator 100 can perform first direction rotation according to the movement of the first rotation guide mechanism.

[0161] The second rotation guide mechanism can include a second rack 295 guiding second direction rotation of the circulator 100. Also, the second rotation guide mechanism can include a second gear motor 297 generating a driving force, and a second gear 296 coupled to the second gear motor 297. As an example, the second gear motor 297 can include a step motor.

[0162] When the second gear motor 297 is driven, the rotation guide device 290 can have a movement rotating in the up-down direction by linkage of the second gear 296 and the second rack 295. Accordingly, the circulator 100 can perform second direction rotation according to the movement of the second rotation guide mechanism.

[0163] When the circulator 100 rotates in the second direction, it can be positioned to protrude from the upper side of the air cleaner 1. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the position in which the circulator 100 is inclined and vertically positioned can be referred to as a "second position (inclined position)", and at this time, the front of the circulator 100 faces the air flow direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the position in which the circulator 100 is horizontally positioned can be referred to as a "first position", and at this time, the front of the circulator 100 faces the upper side. Figure 13 Figure 12

[0164] Referring to FIG. 8, Figures 12 to 14 As described above, the air flowing into the upper air supply device 200 through the second suction port 202 can flow upward through the first filter 220 and flow into the first air supply fan 230 through the first fan inflow part 251. At this time, the flowing air can be blown upward by the first air supply fan 230 and sequentially discharged to the upper side of the second discharge outlet 205 through the first fan case 250, the upper air guide 270, and the upper discharge guide 280. The first suction port S1 can be disposed on the upper side of the second discharge outlet 205. At this time, in the case in which the diameter of the first suction port S1 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the second discharge outlet 205, the possibility of the outside air flowing into the first suction port S1 increases in addition to the air discharged from the second discharge outlet 205. Accordingly, it can have a smaller diameter w1 than the diameter w4 of the second discharge outlet 205, thereby suctioning the air discharged from the second discharge outlet 205.

[0165] When the circulator 100 is positioned in the first position or the second position, the first suction port S1 can be disposed in a virtual extension surface Lo-Lo extending the edge Lo of the second discharge outlet 205 in the vertical direction. In this case, the first suction port S1 is positioned on the region in which the air is discharged from the second discharge outlet 205, and thus, it is possible to increase the suction ratio of the purified air discharged from the second discharge outlet 205.

[0166] In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, when the circulator 100 is positioned in the first position in which it is horizontally positioned on the upper side of the upper air supply device 200, the first outer side wall 11 of the circulator 100 can be elongatedly disposed toward the direction in which the air is discharged from the second discharge outlet 205, and the second outer side wall 12 can be disposed to face the second discharge outlet 205 in an inclined manner by being spaced apart upward from the second discharge outlet 205. At this time, the second outer side wall 12 can be disposed to be inclined radially outward toward the direction in which the air is discharged from the second discharge outlet 205. Figure 12 At this time, a portion of the purified air discharged from the second discharge outlet 205 can pass through the first suction port S1 (see FIG. 8) and be suctioned into the circulator 100.

[0167] Figure 4 ​​​) flows into the circulator 100 and is blown upward by the circulation fan 30, and is sequentially discharged to the upper side of the first discharge port S3 through the motor accommodating portion 50 and the guide vane device 70.

[0168] Furthermore, the remaining portion of the purified air discharged from the second discharge port 205 can flow toward the second outer wall 12 and be discharged radially outward from the circulator 100 along the inclined surface formed by the second outer wall 12. Therefore, when the circulator 100 is in the first position, the circulator 100 has the advantage of being able to uniformly discharge the purified air discharged in one direction by the upper air supply device 200 in a 360-degree direction.

[0169] In addition, if Figure 13 As shown, when the circulator 100 is tilted and placed upright, the area where the first inlet S1 draws in air discharged from the second outlet can be defined as an inlet area A_in, and the area where the first outlet S3 discharges air can be defined as an outlet area A_out.

[0170] Here, the intake area A_in can be understood as the area formed above the second outlet 205 and facing the first intake port S1 when the circulator 100 is tilted and placed vertically. The intake area A_in can be formed between the rear of the first intake port S1 of the circulator 100 and the upper side of the second outlet 205. In addition, the outlet area A_out can be formed in front of the circulator 100.

[0171] Furthermore, the area extending upward from the longitudinal section of the second outlet 205 located in the intake area A_in can be defined as an air curtain area A_c. Specifically, as shown in the figure, the air curtain area A_c can be understood as the area formed by virtual lines Lo and Lo' connecting the two ends of the second outlet 205 located in the intake area A_in. In this case, the air discharged upward from the second outlet 205 forms an airflow in the air curtain area A_c.

[0172] In addition, if Figure 13 As shown, when the circulator 100 is in the second vertical position, the first outer wall 11 can be arranged to be elongated in the direction of the airflow, while the second outer wall 12 located in the intake area A_in can be arranged to gradually expand in the direction in which air is discharged from the first outer wall toward the second outlet. Preferably, the circulator 100 can be tilted vertically so that an imaginary line Lw extending through the longitudinal section of the second outer wall 12 passes through the upper side surface of the air supply device where the second outlet 205 is formed.

[0173] A portion of the cleaned air discharged from the second discharge port 205 can pass through the first suction port S1 (see Figure 4) flows into the circulator 100 and is blown toward the airflow direction by the circulation fan 30, sequentially passes through the motor housing 50 and the vane device 70, and is discharged toward the front of the first discharge port S3.

[0174] Further, the remaining portion of the purified air discharged from the second discharge port 205 can flow toward the second outer side wall 12 and be guided to the outer side of the first outer side wall 11 along the inclined surface formed on the second outer side wall 12, and then be discharged toward the front of the circulator 100. Therefore, in the case where the circulator 100 is positioned at the second position, the circulator 100 has an advantage that the flow energy loss due to the leakage of the purified air discharged from the upper air supply device 200 to the outside of the circulator 100 and the reduction of the amount of air discharged toward the airflow direction are minimized.

[0175] At this time, the flow of the purified air flowing along the outer side of the second outer side wall 12 and being guided to the first outer side wall 11 and the inclined surface formed on the second outer side wall 12 with respect to the inflow direction of the outside air act as a resistance element with respect to the inflow of the outside air into the first suction port S1. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the phenomenon of the suction of the outside air into the circulator 100 and increase the suction ratio of the purified air compared to the outside air.

[0176] In addition, the circulator 100 can be inclined and vertically positioned such that the first suction port S1 is spaced apart from the air curtain area A_c. At this time, the first suction port S1 suctions the purified air discharged from the second discharge port 205 in the suction area A_in, and the upper airflow formed on the air curtain area A_c acts as a resistance element with respect to the flow of the outside air toward the first suction port S1 and is suctioned into the first suction port S1, thereby making it possible to reduce the ratio of the suction of the outside air into the first suction port S1.

[0177] In the case where the first suction port S1 is inclined and vertically positioned such that the plane formed by the first suction port S1 and the upper side of the air supply device formed by the second discharge port 205 form an angle of 60° to 70°, it can be confirmed that the first suction port S1 is spaced apart from the air curtain area A_c and the suction ratio of the purified air is maximized (see FIG. 6). Figure 15 and Figure 16 )

[0178] In addition, the second rack 925 can rotate along the vertical direction with the center C of curvature of the rack as an axis, thereby adjusting the movement of the second direction rotation of the circulator 100.

[0179] At this time, if the curvature radius of the second rack 295 is excessively large, it can be possible to form the air curtain area A_c to be narrow or not to be formed when the rack 295 is rotated and the circulator 100 is inclined and vertically positioned.

[0180] Therefore, when the circulator 100 is in the second position, the second rack 295 can be separated from the air curtain area A_c. That is, the virtual circle C_r extending the second rack along the curvature of the second rack 295 can be separated from the air curtain area A_c. At this time, the second rack 295 can rotate along the virtual circle C_r and rotate the circulator 100 up and down. As a result, the circulator 100 moves in the inner area of ​​the air curtain area A_c, thereby reducing the rate of external air inhaled into the circulator when the circulator 100 is in the tilted position. At this time, the second rack 295 can form a curvature radius so that the center of curvature C is formed on the inner side of the circulator 100.

[0181] Furthermore, by disposing the filter member 23 at the first inlet S1, dust in the air sucked in through the first inlet S1 can be removed. In this case, not only can the purified air sucked in from the second outlet 205 be filtered again, but also unpurified outside air can be filtered.

[0182] At this time, if the filter member 23 continuously filters the external air, the dust collection efficiency of the filter member 23 may be rapidly reduced and the replacement cycle may be shortened. Therefore, it is preferred to reduce the external air intake ratio as much as possible through the above embodiment.

[0183] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 , Figure 15 (b) shows an air purifier 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 (a) shows an air purifier according to another embodiment. Figure 15 (a) is the state where the circulator is tilted about 55 degrees with respect to the air supply device, and does not include the second outer wall 12. A suction grille (not shown) with a plurality of vents is arranged at the position of the second outer wall 12, and almost no air curtain area A_c is formed in the suction area A_in. The flow analysis results show that Figure 15 In the case of (a), a large amount of external air is sucked into the circulator along the periphery of the suction grille, and Figure 15 In the case of (b), such a problem is improved, the ratio of the outside air sucked into the circulator 100 is reduced, and the ratio of the clean air sucked into the circulator 100 is increased.

[0184] exist Figure 15 In the case of (a), when the circulator is tilted about 55°, the clean air intake ratio is observed to be the maximum (76%). Figure 15 In the case of (b), at all angles of observation, compared with the Figure 15 In the case observed in (a), the clean air intake ratio increases. In particular, Figure 15In the case of (b), when the circulator 100 is tilted about 65°, the clean air intake ratio is observed to be a maximum value (84%), which is shown in comparison with ​ The maximum value of (a) is the result that the purified air intake ratio increases by about 8%.

[0185] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated and described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Instead, the present invention can be variously modified by ordinary technicians in the technical field to which the present invention belongs without departing from the scope of the present invention as requested in the claims. Such modified implementation should not be understood solely from the technical ideas or prospects of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air purifier, wherein: include: The air supply device includes a second outlet formed along the circumferential direction on the upper side thereof and an air supply fan for discharging air upward through the second outlet; as well as A circulator is movably arranged on the upper side of the air supply device so that the circulator changes the flow direction of the air discharged from the second discharge port to the upper side. The circulator comprises: a housing extending in a front-to-rear direction; a first suction port formed at the rear of the housing; a first discharge port formed in the front of the housing; a circulation fan, disposed in the housing, for sucking air through the first suction port and then discharging the sucked air forward through the first discharge port; and a motor for rotating the circulation fan coupled to an output shaft of the motor, The housing comprises: a first outer wall extending along the front-to-back direction and having the first discharge port formed at the front; and The second outer side wall extends radially outward from an edge of the first suction port toward the first outer side wall, and forms a peripheral surface in a circumferential direction of the circulator.

2. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein When the circulator is placed vertically at an angle, the area where the first suction port sucks in the air discharged from the second discharge port is defined as the suction area. The area extending upward from the longitudinal section of the second discharge port located in the suction area is defined as an air curtain area. The inclined position in which the circulator is placed upright includes a position in which the first suction port is separated from the air curtain area.

3. The air purifier according to claim 2, wherein: The circulator is placed vertically at an angle so that the plane formed by the first suction port and the upper side surface of the air supply device form an angle of 60° to 70°.

4. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: a gear, arranged on an upper side of the air supply device; a gear motor for rotating the gear; and a rack, disposed at the rear of the circulator and linked to the gear; The circulator is tilted and placed upright by rotating the gear.

5. The air purifier according to claim 4, wherein: When the circulator is placed vertically at an angle, the area where the first suction port sucks in the air discharged from the second discharge port is defined as the suction area. The area extending upward from the longitudinal section of the second discharge port located in the suction area is defined as an air curtain area. An imaginary circle extending the rack along the curvature of the rack separates the air curtain area.

6. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein When the circulator is placed upright at an inclination, a virtual line extending along the second outer side wall passes through an upper side surface of the air supply device where the second discharge port is formed.

7. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein The second outer wall extends obliquely from the edge of the first suction port toward the first outer wall, and guides air discharged from the second discharge port and flowing outside the first suction port to flow toward the front of the circulator along the outer surface of the first outer wall.

8. The air purifier according to claim 7, wherein: The outer side surface of the first outer side wall and the outer side surface of the second outer side wall form a continuous surface.

9. The air purifier according to claim 8, wherein: The outer side surface of the first outer side wall is formed in a cylindrical shape.

10. The air purifier according to claim 7, wherein: The outer side surface of the second outer side wall includes: The first surface extends outwardly toward the first outer side wall in an arc manner.

11. The air purifier according to claim 10, wherein: The outer side surface of the second outer side wall includes: The second surface extends from the edge of the first suction port toward the first surface so that the slope of the longitudinal section is constant.

12. The air purifier according to claim 7, wherein: When the circulator is placed vertically at an angle, the area where the first suction port sucks in the air discharged from the second discharge port is defined as the suction area. When the circulator is placed vertically at an angle, The first outer side wall extends in the direction of the airflow, The second outer wall located in the suction area is arranged to gradually expand toward a direction in which the first outer wall discharges air toward the second discharge port.

13. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein The circulation fan is a diagonal flow fan that sucks air through the first suction port and then discharges air in a direction inclined toward the front of the housing through the first discharge port.

14. The air purifier according to claim 13, wherein: The diagonal flow fan comprises: a hub, disposed in front of the motor and connected to an output shaft of the motor; a shroud spaced apart at the rear of the hub and having a suction port for sucking air formed at a central portion thereof; and A plurality of blades are disposed between the hub and the shroud.

15. The air purifier according to claim 14, wherein The hub and the shroud extend radially outward in a gradually expanding manner toward the front, and are arranged to face the second outer sidewall.

16. The air purifier according to claim 14, wherein The blades extend obliquely forward from the shroud to the hub.

17. The air purifier according to claim 13, wherein: The circulator comprises: The guide vane device is disposed in the housing and guides the air discharged by the diagonal flow fan toward the front of the housing.

18. An air purifier, wherein: include: The air supply device includes a second outlet formed along the circumferential direction on the upper side surface thereof and an air supply fan for discharging air to the outside through the second outlet; as well as The circulator is movably arranged on the upper side of the air supply device. The circulator comprises: The housing extends in a front-to-rear direction and has a first suction port formed at the rear and a first discharge port formed at the front. a circulation fan, disposed in the housing, sucking air through the first inlet and then discharging air toward the front of the housing through the first outlet; and a motor for rotating the circulation fan, When the circulator is placed vertically at an angle, the area where the first suction port sucks in the air discharged from the second discharge port is defined as the suction area, and the area extending upward from the longitudinal section of the second discharge port located in the suction area is defined as the air curtain area. The inclined position in which the circulator is placed upright includes a position in which the first suction port is separated from the air curtain area.

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