Air purifier

Abstract

Disclosed is an air cleaner, and more particularly, an air cleaner including a blower that sucks in air from the outside, filters the sucked-in air, and discharges the filtered air, a flow adjusting device provided on the blower to suck in the air discharged from the blower, adjust a discharge direction of the sucked-in air, and discharge the air, and a guide member provided below the flow adjusting device so as to change a state of the flow adjusting device. The guide member can include a plurality of gears arranged inside the guide member and rotatable, some of the plurality of gears can be connected to each other so as to be rotatable in engagement with each other, and the flow adjusting device can change the discharge direction of the air by rotation of the plurality of gears of the guide member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an air purifier. Background Technology

[0002] An air purifier is understood as a household appliance that draws in and filters polluted air, then discharges the filtered air, and is configured to purify indoor spaces such as homes or offices. Typically, an air purifier includes: a blower configured to draw in outside air and discharge the drawn-in air; and a filter housed within the blower to filter dust, bacteria, and other contaminants from the air. In this regard, air purifiers may also include a flow control device configured to regulate the direction of air discharge from the blower. However, because the operating radius of the flow control device is limited, it cannot blow air in the desired direction.

[0003] Prior art (Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2017-0101100, hereinafter referred to as Prior Art 1) discloses an air purifier that also includes a flow regulating device configured to adjust the discharge direction of air discharged from a hair dryer. In the air purifier of Prior Art 1, air drawn into the hair dryer is filtered by a filter disposed within the hair dryer and then discharged vertically along a direction perpendicular to the top surface of the hair dryer. Subsequently, the air discharged from the hair dryer is blown in a direction different from the vertical direction by the flow regulating device.

[0004] However, even with the air purifier of the prior art 1, there is an inconvenience: the air discharged from the hair dryer is only blown in the vertical direction or in a direction that forms a predetermined angle with respect to the top surface of the hair dryer, and cannot be blown in the horizontal direction parallel to the top surface of the hair dryer.

[0005] Another prior art (Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2019-0120126, hereinafter referred to as Prior Art 2) discloses an air purifier comprising: a flow regulating device configured to regulate the discharge direction of air discharged from a blower; and a rotating guide configured to cause rotation of the flow regulating device. In the air purifier of Prior Art 2, the position of the flow regulating device can be changed based on the degree of retraction of the rotating guide, and the air discharged from the blower can be blown along a direction different from the vertical direction by the flow regulating device based on the degree of retraction of the rotating guide.

[0006] However, even with the air purifier using prior art 2, the limited space within the hair dryer for installing the rotating guide means that the length of the rotating guide cannot be guaranteed to change its position so that the top surface of the flow regulating device is perpendicular to the top surface of the hair dryer. Therefore, there is a limitation that the air discharged from the hair dryer is difficult to blow in the desired direction. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] One of the various tasks of this disclosure is to provide an air purifier that can discharge filtered air in a horizontal direction parallel to the top surface of a hair dryer.

[0009] One of the various tasks of this disclosure is to provide an air purifier including: a flow regulating device that allows a change from a state in which the top surface of the flow regulating device is horizontal to the top surface of the blower to a state in which the top surface of the flow regulating device is perpendicular to the top surface of the blower.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] An air purifier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a hair dryer for drawing in air from the outside, filtering the drawn-in air, and discharging the filtered air; a flow regulating device disposed on the hair dryer for drawing in air discharged from the hair dryer, regulating the discharge direction of the drawn-in air, and discharging the air; and a guide member disposed below the flow regulating device for changing the state of the flow regulating device. The guide member may include a plurality of gearboxes. The angle formed between the top surface of the flow regulating device and the top surface of the hair dryer may be increased or decreased based on the operation of the plurality of gearboxes, such that the orientation of the flow regulating device may be changed from a state in which the top surface of the flow regulating device is horizontal to the top surface of the hair dryer to a state in which the top surface of the flow regulating device is perpendicular to the top surface of the hair dryer.

[0012] An air purifier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a hair dryer for drawing in air from the outside, filtering the drawn-in air, and discharging the filtered air; a flow regulating device disposed on the hair dryer for drawing in air discharged from the hair dryer, regulating the discharge direction of the drawn-in air, and discharging the air; and a guide member disposed below the flow regulating device for changing the state of the flow regulating device. The guide member may include a plurality of rotatable gears arranged within the guide member, some of which may be interconnected to rotate in an engaging manner, and the flow regulating device may change the discharge direction of the air by rotating the plurality of gears of the guide member.

[0013] The flow adjustment device can be oriented to a first position, a second position, and a third position based on the operation of the guide member. The first position can be a state in which the top surface of the flow adjustment device is horizontal to the top surface of the blower. The second position can be a state in which the top surface of the flow adjustment device has a predetermined angle relative to the top surface of the blower. The third position can be a state in which the top surface of the flow adjustment device is perpendicular to the top surface of the blower.

[0014] The guiding member may include: a first housing disposed on the top surface of the blower; a second housing coupled to the first housing for raising and lowering; a guiding connector configured to pivot via a portion of the flow regulating device coupled to the bottom surface of the flow regulating device and the second housing; a housing gear assembly disposed within the first housing for connecting the first and second housings to each other, and including a plurality of rotatable housing gears; and a guiding gear assembly disposed within the second housing for connecting the second housing and the flow regulating device to each other, and including a plurality of rotatable guiding gears. The flow regulating device can be controlled to raise or lower via the housing gear assembly, and the flow regulating device can be controlled to pivot about the guiding connector via the guiding gear assembly.

[0015] The housing gear assembly may include: a housing actuator disposed within a first housing; a first housing gear that rotates via the housing actuator; and a second housing gear that rotates in a manner that engages with the first housing gear.

[0016] The first and second housing gears can be controlled to rotate in opposite directions.

[0017] The second housing gear can be connected to the second housing, and when the second housing gear rotates, the second housing can be controlled to pivot in the same direction as the rotation of the second housing gear.

[0018] The flow regulating device can be connected to one end of the second housing, and the gear of the second housing can be connected adjacent to the other end of the second housing.

[0019] The second shell can be controlled to pivot around the second shell gear, and therefore, the flow regulating device can be controlled to rise or fall.

[0020] The guide gear assembly may include: an actuator disposed within a second housing; a first guide gear that rotates via the actuator; and a second guide gear that rotates in a manner that engages with the first guide gear.

[0021] The first guide gear and the second guide gear can be controlled to rotate in opposite directions.

[0022] The second guide gear can be connected to the guide connector, and when the second guide gear rotates, the guide connector can be controlled to rotate in the same direction as the rotation of the second guide gear.

[0023] The flow adjustment device can be coupled to the sidewall of the guide connector, and the guide connector can be controlled to rotate about the second guide gear, so that the flow adjustment device can be controlled to be oriented in the first position to the third position.

[0024] The guide gear assembly may also include an idler gear (intermediate gear, freewheeling gear) disposed between the first guide gear and the second guide gear so as to rotate in a manner that engages with the first guide gear and the second guide gear.

[0025] The first guide gear and the second guide gear can be controlled to rotate in the same direction as each other.

[0026] The housing gear assembly and the guide gear assembly can be controlled to operate simultaneously.

[0027] The hair dryer may include a guide member placement portion for placing a first housing of the guide member thereon, and the guide member placement portion may have an annular shape with a central portion penetrated in a plan view.

[0028] The guide member may also include a direction adjustment gear assembly disposed within the first housing to connect the first housing and the blower to each other, and includes a direction adjustment gear that is rotatable in a direction different from that of the plurality of housing gears and the plurality of guide gears, and the direction adjustment gear can be controlled to move along the inner circumferential surface of the guide member mounting portion.

[0029] The guide ring can be disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the guide member placement portion, so that the directional adjustment gear can rotate in a manner that engages with the guide ring, and the directional adjustment gear can be controlled to move along the guide ring.

[0030] The flow regulating device can be controlled to move along the inner circumferential surface of the guide member placement portion via a directional regulating gear assembly.

[0031] A hair dryer may include: a first hair dryer configured to draw in, filter, and blow air at a relatively low vertical height; and a second hair dryer disposed on the first hair dryer and configured to draw in, filter, and blow air at a relatively high vertical height. The first hair dryer may include: a first housing defining the appearance of the first hair dryer; a first filter member disposed in the lower portion of the interior of the first housing for filtering air; and a first blowing fan disposed in the upper portion of the interior of the first housing for generating airflow. The second hair dryer may include: a second housing defining the appearance of the second hair dryer; a second filter member disposed in the lower portion of the interior of the second housing for filtering air; and a second blowing fan disposed in the upper portion of the interior of the second housing for generating airflow. Additionally, a guide member may be disposed between the second blowing fan and a flow regulating device.

[0032] Beneficial effects

[0033] An air purifier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of sequentially stacked blowers, guide members, and flow regulating devices, wherein the guide member may include a plurality of gears arranged within the guide member and configured to be rotatable. Some of the gears may be interconnected so that they can rotate in an engaging manner. The flow regulating device may be configured to change the direction of air discharge by rotation of the plurality of gears of the guide member.

[0034] In this regard, the angle formed between the top surface of the flow regulating device and the top surface of the blower can be increased or decreased based on the operation of multiple links, so that the orientation of the flow regulating device can be changed from the orientation of the top surface of the flow regulating device being horizontal to the top surface of the blower to the orientation of the top surface of the flow regulating device being perpendicular to the top surface of the blower.

[0035] Therefore, the top surface of the flow regulating device can be oriented perpendicular to the top surface of the blower. In this way, the air discharged from the blower can be blown further in the desired direction through the flow regulating device.

[0036] In addition, the guide member according to the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can have a stable and improved appearance because, compared with conventional drive schemes in which the guide member is configured to move by being inserted into or pulled out of the hair dryer, it can not only be driven more simply and naturally, but the structure used to drive the guide member is not exposed to the outside. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 and 2 This is a view used to illustrate an air purifier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a view used to illustrate the flow regulating device and guide member according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a view used to illustrate the connection structure of the hair dryer and the guide member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figures 6 to 8 This is a view used to illustrate the state changes of a flow regulating device based on the operation of a guide member according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following detailed description is configured to aid in a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. However, these are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0042] In describing embodiments of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of well-known technologies related to this disclosure will be omitted where it is determined that such detailed descriptions may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of this disclosure. Additionally, terms described later are defined in consideration of the functionality within this disclosure and may vary depending on the intent, habits, etc., of the user or operator. Therefore, the definition of terms should be based on the entirety of this specification. Furthermore, numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description of this disclosure to provide a thorough understanding of it. However, it should be understood that this disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of this disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the inventive concept pertains. It will be further understood that terms (such as those defined in common dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and “containing” expressly indicate the presence of the stated feature, integral, operation, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, operations, elements, components, and / or portions thereof.

[0043] Furthermore, when describing components of embodiments of this disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. These terms are used only to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the corresponding components is not limited by the terms.

[0044] In the following text, the direction perpendicular to the ground is defined as the vertical direction. The direction parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the vertical direction is defined as the horizontal direction. The circumferential direction is defined as the direction of a virtual circle formed when an object rotates about the vertical direction with a radius equal to the horizontal length.

[0045] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a view used to illustrate an air purifier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 1 This is a view used to illustrate the overall structure of an air purifier, and Figure 2 This is a view used to illustrate the components of an air purifier.

[0046] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 An air purifier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: hair dryers 10 and 20 configured to draw in air from the outside, filter the drawn-in air, and discharge the filtered air; a flow regulating device 30 disposed on the hair dryers 10 and 20 and configured to draw in air discharged from the hair dryers 10 and 20 and regulate the discharge direction of the drawn-in air; and a guide member 40 disposed between the hair dryers 10 and 20 and the flow regulating device 30, wherein one end of the guide member is connected to the hair dryer 30 and the other end is connected to the air discharge assembly 30, wherein the guide member 40 is configured to cause a change in the state of the flow regulating device 30.

[0047] Hair dryers 10 and 20 include: a first hair dryer 10 configured to draw in, filter, and blow air at a relatively low vertical height; and a second hair dryer 20 disposed on the first hair dryer 10 and configured to draw in, filter, and blow air at a relatively high vertical height. The first hair dryer 10 and the second hair dryer 20 are stacked vertically and can be fastened to each other by various methods, such as mating fastening, riveting fastening, and screwing fastening.

[0048] A flow regulating device 30 can be disposed on the second blower 20. A guide member 40 can be configured to connect to the second blower 20 and the flow regulating device 30. The guide member 40 and the second blower 20 can be fastened to each other by various methods (such as mating fastening, riveting fastening, and screwing fastening). The guide member 40 and the flow regulating device 30 can be fastened to each other by various methods (such as mating fastening, riveting fastening, and screwing fastening).

[0049] In one example Figure 1 Hair dryers 10 and 20 are shown, comprising a first hair dryer 10 and a second hair dryer 20 stacked sequentially along a vertical direction. However, the concept of this disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. A hair dryer may include only one hair dryer.

[0050] The first hair dryer 10 may include: a first housing 100 defining the appearance of the hair dryer; a first filter member 130 disposed in the lower portion of the interior of the first housing 100 to filter air; and a first blowing fan 160 disposed in the upper portion of the interior of the first housing 100 to generate airflow. The second hair dryer 20 includes: a second housing 200 defining the appearance; a second filter member 230 disposed in the lower portion of the interior of the second housing 200 to filter air; and a second blowing fan 260 disposed in the upper portion of the interior of the second housing 200 to generate airflow.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 has a truncated cone or cylindrical shape with a diameter that gradually decreases as it extends upward.

[0052] The first hair dryer 10 may further include a first base 105 disposed in the lower portion of the first hair dryer 10. The first base 105 may be disposed on the ground and configured to support the first hair dryer 10. The first base 105 may include a lower portion configured to contact the ground; and an upper portion extending vertically from the lower portion and at least partially covered by the first housing 100. In one example, even if not shown, a first lower suction port communicating with the interior of the first hair dryer 10 may be further defined in the space between the inner wall of the first housing 100 and the upper portion of the first base 105. Therefore, external air can be drawn into the interior of the first hair dryer 10 through the first lower suction port.

[0053] The second hair dryer 20 may further include a second base 205 disposed in the lower portion of the first hair dryer 20. The second base 205 may be disposed on the first hair dryer 10 and configured to support the second hair dryer 20. The second base 205 may include: a lower portion configured to contact the first hair dryer 10; and an upper portion extending vertically from the lower portion and at least partially covered by the second housing 200. In one example, even if not shown, a second lower suction port may be provided in the space between the inner wall of the second housing 100 and the upper portion of the second base 205, communicating with the interior of the second hair dryer 20, so that external air can be drawn into the interior of the second hair dryer 20 through the second lower suction port.

[0054] A first intake port 110 configured to draw in air from the outside may be defined in the sidewall of the first housing 100. The first intake port 110 may include a plurality of through holes passing through at least a portion of the first housing 100. Furthermore, a second intake port 210 configured to draw in air from the outside may be defined in the sidewall of the second housing 200. The second intake port 210 may include a plurality of through holes passing through at least a portion of the second housing 100.

[0055] The first intake port 110 can be configured as a line extending from the bottom to the top of the first housing 100. A plurality of first intake ports 110 can be defined in the sidewalls of the first housing 100. The plurality of first intake ports 110 can be uniformly arranged in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface of the first housing 100 to allow air to be drawn in in any direction around the first housing 100. Furthermore, the second intake port 210 can be configured as a line extending from the top to the top of the second housing 200. A plurality of second intake ports 210 can be defined in the sidewalls of the second housing 200. The plurality of second intake ports 210 can be uniformly arranged in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface of the second housing 100 to allow air to be drawn in in any direction around the second housing 200.

[0056] A first discharge port 120 configured to discharge air to the outside is defined in the top surface of the first blower 10. The first discharge port 120 may include a plurality of through holes passing through at least a portion of the top surface of the first blower 10. Furthermore, a second discharge port 220 configured to discharge air to the outside may be defined in the top surface of the second blower 20. The second discharge port 220 may include a plurality of through holes passing through at least a portion of the top surface of the second blower 20.

[0057] The first discharge hole 120 can be configured to have a linear shape extending from a distal portion of the top surface of the first blower 10 toward a portion adjacent to its central region. A plurality of first discharge holes 120 can be defined within the top surface of the first blower 10. The plurality of first discharge holes 120 can be uniformly arranged around the portion of the top surface of the first blower 10 excluding the portion where the second base 205 is provided. Furthermore, the second discharge hole 220 can be configured to have a linear shape extending from a distal portion of the top surface of the second blower 20 toward a portion adjacent to its central region. A plurality of second discharge holes 220 can be defined within the top surface of the second blower 20. The plurality of second discharge holes 220 can be uniformly arranged around the portion of the top surface of the second blower 20 excluding the portion where the guide member 40 is provided.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, in a top view, an assembly of a plurality of first discharge holes 120 may form an annulus covering a peripheral region of the top surface of the first blower 10. An assembly of a plurality of second discharge holes 220 may form an annulus covering a peripheral region of the top surface of the second blower 20. In one embodiment, the annulus defined by the assembly of a plurality of first discharge holes 110 may have an outer portion that is at a higher vertical height than its inner portion. The annulus defined by the assembly of a plurality of second discharge holes 210 may have an outer portion that is at a higher vertical height than its inner portion.

[0059] The top surface of the first blower 10 may include a peripheral region in which a plurality of first discharge holes 120 are disposed, and a central region in which a second base 205 is disposed. The top surface of the second blower 20 may include a peripheral region in which a plurality of second discharge holes 220 are disposed, and a central region in which a guide member 40 is disposed. In this respect, the central region of the top surface of the first blower 10 has a lower vertical height than its peripheral region. The central region of the top surface of the second blower 20 may have a lower vertical height than its peripheral region.

[0060] Below, the top surface of the first blower 10 is defined as the central region where the second base 205 is disposed, excluding the peripheral region where the plurality of first discharge holes 120 are provided. The top surface of the second blower 20 is defined as the central region where the guide member 40 is disposed, excluding the peripheral region where the plurality of second discharge holes 220 are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the top surfaces of the first blower 10 and the second blower 20 may have a flat surface extending in a horizontal direction.

[0061] The flow regulating device 30 may include a rear housing that forms its appearance and is configured to define the rear surface of the flow regulating device 30, and includes an intake grill configured to draw in air discharged from blowers 10 and 20. The flow regulating device 30 may include a front housing 300 fastened to the rear housing and configured to define the front surface of the flow regulating device 30. The front housing 300 may include an exhaust grill 320 configured to exhaust air drawn in through the intake grill. The rear housing includes a rear panel 310 defining the rear surface of the flow regulating device 30; and a side panel 305 extending from the rear panel 310 to the front housing 300 to define the side surfaces of the flow regulating device 30. The rear panel 310 of the rear housing 300 may be configured to function as an intake grill. That is, the combination of the side panel 305 and the rear panel 310 can form the rear housing 300.

[0062] The top surface of the flow regulating device 30 and the sidewall of the front housing 300 can be configured to be spaced apart from each other. An exhaust grille 320 can be disposed in the space between the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 and the sidewall of the front housing 300 to exhaust air to the outside. In a top view, the exhaust grille 320 can have a structure surrounding the top surface of the flow regulating device 30. Therefore, air intake can be performed in any direction surrounding the top surface of the flow regulating device 30. In an exemplary embodiment, one side of the exhaust grille 320 can be connected to the top surface of the flow regulating device 30, while the other side of the exhaust grille 320 can be connected to the inner wall of the front housing 300.

[0063] The guiding member may include multiple links of different lengths. The angle formed between the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 and the top surfaces of the blowers 10 and 20 can be increased or decreased based on the operation of the multiple links, such that the state of the flow regulating device 30 can be changed from a state where the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 is horizontal to the top surfaces of the blowers 10 and 20 to a state where the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 is perpendicular to the top surfaces of the blowers 10 and 20. (See below for further details.) Figures 6 to 8 It is described in detail.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the operation of the guide member 40, the flow adjustment device 30 can be oriented to a first position, to a second position, and to a third position, in which the top surface of the flow adjustment device 30 is horizontal to the top surface of the second blower 20, in which the top surface of the flow adjustment device 30 has a predetermined angle relative to the top surface of the second blower 20, and in which the top surface of the flow adjustment device 30 is perpendicular to the top surface of the second blower 20.

[0065] In one example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The flow regulating device 30 is shown oriented in the first position. Detailed descriptions of the configuration of the flow regulating device 30 oriented in the second and third positions will be provided below.

[0066] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a view used to illustrate the flow regulating device and guiding member according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 3 This is a side view of the internal structure of the guide member, and Figure 4 This is a view of the internal structure of the guide component as seen from the front.

[0067] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4The flow regulating device 30 may include: a front housing 300 defining a front surface of the flow regulating device 30; a side panel 305 defining a side surface of the flow regulating device 30 and having a shielding structure to prevent air from entering from the outside; a rear panel 310 defining a rear surface of the flow regulating device 30 and serving as an intake grille; and a third blowing fan 360 (not shown) disposed between the front housing 300 and the rear panel 310, and causing the intake air to flow through the rear panel 310 toward the exhaust grille 320. In one embodiment, the flow regulating device 30 may further include a third filter member (not shown) disposed between the blowing fan and the rear panel 310, positioned on the inner surface of the rear panel 310 to filter the air intake drawn through the intake grille.

[0068] The display 500 is configured to display driving information of the air purifier 1, and may be disposed on the top surface of the airflow regulating device 30. The airflow regulating device 30 and the display 500 may be configured to operate together. In an exemplary embodiment, the display 500 may be configured to partially or completely cover the top surface of the airflow regulating device 30.

[0069] The front housing 300 and the rear housing can be fastened to each other at their top via a first hook fastener and at their bottom via a second hook fastener.

[0070] Specifically, the top portion of the side panel 305 may be configured to include a first hook 333. The top portion of the front housing 300 may be configured to include a first mating hook (not shown). The top portions of the side panel 305 and the front housing 300 may be fastened to each other via a fastening between the first hook and the first mating hook. Furthermore, the bottom portion of the side panel 305 may be configured to include a pair of second mating hooks (not shown) symmetrical to each other in the horizontal direction. The bottom portion of the front housing 300 may be configured to include a pair of second hooks (not shown), each disposed at a position corresponding to a second mating hook. The bottom portions of the side panel 305 and the front housing 300 may be fastened to each other via a fastening between the second mating hooks. In one embodiment, the bottom portion of the side panel 305 may also include a magnet (not shown). The bottom portion of the front housing 300 may also include a magnet mating element (not shown) made of metal. The connection between the bottom portion of the side panel 305 and the bottom portion of the front housing 300 can be guided by the connection between the magnet and the magnet pair.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the rear housing of the flow regulating device 30 may be configured to be removable when the flow regulating device 30 is oriented in a third position. The filter member 350 may be configured to be removable from the flow regulating device 30 when the rear housing is separated from the front housing 300.

[0072] A guide member 40, disposed below the flow regulating device 30 and configured to change the orientation of the flow regulating device 30, may include a plurality of gears 423, 425, 433, 435, 437, and 443. Each of the plurality of gears 423, 425, 433, 435, 437, and 443 may be configured to be rotatable. The flow regulating device 30 may be configured to change the air discharge direction by rotation of at least one of the plurality of gears 423, 425, 433, 435, 437, and 443 of the guide member 40.

[0073] Specifically, the guide member 40 may include: a first housing 400 disposed on the top surface of the blowers 10 and 20; a second housing 410 coupled to the first housing 400 and configured to rise and fall; a guide connector 415 coupled to the bottom surface of the flow regulating device 30 and a portion of the second housing 410 and configured to rotate; a housing gear assembly 420 disposed within the first housing 400 to connect the first housing 400 and the second housing 410 to each other, and including a plurality of rotatable housing gears 423 and 425; and a guide gear assembly 430 disposed within the second housing 410 to connect the second housing 410 and the flow regulating device 30 to each other, and including a plurality of rotatable guide gears 433, 435, and 437. The flow regulating device 30 may be controlled to rise or fall via the housing gear assembly 420, and the flow regulating device 30 may be controlled to pivot about the guide connector 415 via the guide gear assembly 430.

[0074] The flow regulating device 30 and the guide connector 415 can be connected to each other to operate together, and the bottom surface of the flow regulating device 30 and the sidewall of the guide connector 415 can be fastened and fixed to each other by various methods (such as mating fastening, riveting fastening and screwing fastening).

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the space that can accommodate the second shell 410 may be defined within the first shell 400. The space within the first shell 400 may be defined to have a volume larger than that of the second shell 410, such that the second shell 410 does not collide with the inner wall of the first shell 400 during pivoting. In one embodiment, the inner wall of the first shell 400 may have a partially curved portion, and the second shell 410 may be configured to pivot along the curved portion of the inner wall of the first shell 400.

[0076] The space for accommodating the housing gear assembly 420 can be confined within the first housing 400, and the space for accommodating the guide gear assembly 430 can be confined within the second housing 410. The first housing 400 and the second housing 410 can be interconnected via the housing gear assembly 420, and the space within the second housing can be further confined to partially accommodate the housing gear assembly 420.

[0077] Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is explained that each of the first housing 400, the second housing 410, and the guide connector 415 has a specific shape, but the concept of this disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. That is to say, each of the first housing 400, the second housing 410, and the guide connector 415 can have various shapes without impairing their original function.

[0078] In one exemplary embodiment, when the air purifier 1 includes a first blower 10 and a second blower 20 stacked sequentially, the guide member 40 may be disposed on the second blower 20, for example, on the second blowing fan 260. In one embodiment, when the air purifier 1 includes only one blower (e.g., the first blower 10), the guide member 40 may be disposed on the first blower 10, for example, on the first blowing fan 160. Otherwise, when the air purifier 1 includes only the second blower 20, the guide member 40 may be disposed on the second blower 20, for example, on the second blowing fan 260.

[0079] The housing gear assembly 420 may include: a housing actuator 421 disposed within the first housing 400; a first housing gear 423 configured to rotate via the housing actuator 421; and a second housing gear 425 configured to rotate in engagement with the first housing gear 423. In this respect, the first housing gear 423 and the second housing gear 425 may be controlled to engage with each other and rotate in opposite directions.

[0080] The first housing gear 423 may be fastened to a first housing drive shaft (not shown) configured to protrude from the housing actuator 421, and the first housing gear 423 and the first housing drive shaft may be controlled to rotate together via the housing actuator. In one embodiment, the first housing gear 423 and the first housing drive shaft may be integrally formed.

[0081] The second housing gear 425 can be coupled to the second housing 410, and the second housing 410 can be controlled to pivot in the same direction as the second housing gear 425 rotates. In an exemplary embodiment, the second housing gear 425 can be coupled to the outer wall of the second housing 410. In this case, the first housing gear 423 and the second housing gear 425 can be arranged outside the second housing 410. Alternatively, the second housing gear 425 can be coupled to the inner wall of the second housing. In this case, the first housing gear 423 and the second housing gear 425 can be arranged inside the second housing 410. In one example, a portion of the first housing gear 425 can be disposed inside the second housing 410, and the remaining portion of the first housing gear 425 can be disposed outside the second housing 410.

[0082] The flow regulating device 30 can be connected to one end of the second housing 410, and the second housing gear 425 can be connected adjacent to the other end of the second housing 410. The second housing 410 can be controlled to pivot about the second housing gear 425 connected to the other end of the second housing 410. Therefore, the flow regulating device 30 connected to one end of the second housing 410 can be controlled to rise or fall.

[0083] The guide gear assembly 430 may include: an actuating actuator 431 disposed within the second housing 410; a first guide gear 433 configured to rotate via the actuating actuator 431; and a second guide gear 437 configured to rotate in engagement with the first guide gear 433. In this configuration, the first guide gear 433 and the second guide gear 437 may be controlled to rotate in opposite directions. In this regard, the second guide gear 437 may be coupled to a guide connector 415. The guide connector 415 may be controlled to rotate in the same direction as the second guide gear 437 rotates.

[0084] The flow adjustment device 30 can be coupled to the sidewall of the guide connector 415, and the guide connector 415 can be controlled to rotate about the second guide gear 437. Therefore, the flow adjustment device 30 can be controlled such that it changes from an orientation in which the top surface of the flow adjustment device 30 is parallel to the top surfaces of the blowers 10 and 20 (i.e., the first position) to an orientation in which the top surface of the flow adjustment device 30 is perpendicular to the top surfaces of the blowers 10 and 20 (i.e., the third position).

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment, the guide gear assembly 430 may further include a reversing gear 435 disposed between the first guide gear 433 and the second guide gear 437, and configured to rotate in engagement with the first guide gear 433 and the second guide gear 437. The reversing gear 435 may be controlled to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of each of the first guide gear 433 and the second guide gear 437. In one embodiment, when the guide gear assembly 430 further includes the reversing gear 435, the first guide gear 433 and the second guide gear 437 may be controlled to rotate in the same direction as each other.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing gear assembly 420 and the guide gear assembly 430 can be controlled to operate simultaneously. That is, in order to change the orientation of the flow regulating device 30 from a first position to a second position, the flow regulating device 30 can be raised via the housing gear assembly 420. Simultaneously, the angle formed between the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 and the top surfaces of the blowers 10 and 20 can be increased via the guide gear assembly 430. Furthermore, in order to change the orientation of the flow regulating device 30 from a second position to a third position, the flow regulating device 30 can also be raised via the housing gear assembly 420. Simultaneously, the angle formed between the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 and the top surfaces of the blowers 10 and 20 can also be increased via the guide gear assembly 430.

[0087] Figure 5 This is a view illustrating the connection structure between the guide member and the hair dryer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] Furthermore, in order to change the orientation of the flow regulating device 30 from the second position to the third position, the flow regulating device 30 can also be raised via the housing gear assembly 420. Simultaneously, the angle formed between the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 and the top surfaces of the blowers 10 and 20 can be further increased via the guide gear assembly 430.

[0089] In this regard, the guide ring 275 can be disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the guide member placement portion 270, allowing the directional adjustment gear 443 to rotate in engagement with the guide ring 275. Furthermore, the directional adjustment gear 443 can be controlled to move along the guide ring 275. Therefore, the flow regulating device 30 can be controlled to move along the inner circumferential surface of the guide member placement portion 270, that is, the guide ring 275 moves via the directional adjustment gear assembly 440. The air discharge direction of the flow regulating device 30 is uniformly formed in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surfaces of the blower housings 100 and 200.

[0090] Figures 6 to 8 This is a view used to illustrate the state changes of the flow regulating device based on the operation of the guide member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 6 This is a view used to illustrate the operation of the guide component when the flow regulating device is oriented in the first position. Figure 7 This is a view used to illustrate the operation of the guide member when the flow regulating device is oriented in the second position, and Figure 8 This is a view used to illustrate the operation of the guide member when the flow regulating device is oriented in the third position.

[0091] refer to Figures 6 to 8Based on the operation of the guide member 40, the flow regulating device 30 can be oriented in a first position, in which the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 is horizontal to the top surface of the second blower 20; it can be oriented in a second position, in which the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 has a predetermined angle relative to the top surface of the second blower 20; and it can be oriented in a third position, in which the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 is perpendicular to the top surface of the second blower 20.

[0092] Figure 6 The illustration shows that when the flow regulating device 30 is oriented in the first position, a portion of the side panel 305 of the flow regulating device 30 is inserted into the second housing 200; however, the concept of this disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the side panel 305 of the flow regulating device 30 may not be inserted into the second housing 200, or the entire side panel 305 of the flow regulating device 30 may be inserted into the second housing 200.

[0093] Furthermore, Figure 8 The illustration shows that when the flow regulating device 30 is oriented in the third position, a portion of the front housing 300 and a portion of the side panel 305 of the flow regulating device 30 are inserted into the second housing 200; however, the concept of this disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. That is, this portion of the front housing 300 and this portion of the side panel 305 of the flow regulating device 30 may not be inserted into the second housing 200.

[0094] As described above, the air purifier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include sequentially stacked blowers 10 and 20, a guide member 40, and an airflow regulating device 30. The guide member 40 may include a plurality of gears 423, 425, 433, 435, 437, and 443, which are arranged within the guide member 40 and configured to be rotatable. Some of the gears 423, 425, 433, 435, 437, and 443 may be interconnected to rotatably engage with each other. The airflow regulating device 30 may be configured to change the direction of air discharge by rotation of the plurality of gears 423, 425, 433, 435, 437, and 443 of the guide member 40.

[0095] In this regard, the angle formed between the top surface of the flow adjustment device 30 and the top surfaces of the blowers 10 and 20 can be increased or decreased based on the rotational operation of the multiple gears 423, 425, 433, 435, 437, and 443. Thus, the orientation of the flow adjustment device 30 can change from a first position where the top surface of the flow adjustment device 30 is horizontal to the top surfaces of the blowers 10 and 20 to a third position where the top surface of the flow adjustment device 30 is perpendicular to the top surfaces of the blowers 10 and 20.

[0096] Therefore, the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 can be oriented perpendicular to the top surfaces of the blowers 10 and 20. In this way, the air discharged from the blowers 10 and 20 can be blown further in the desired direction through the flow regulating device 30.

[0097] In addition, the guide member 40 according to the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can have a stable and improved appearance because, compared with conventional guide members that are configured to move by being inserted into or pulled out of a hair dryer, it can not only be driven more simply and naturally, but the structure used to drive the guide member 40 is not exposed to the outside.

[0098] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will recognize that various modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be determined by the following claims and their equivalents.

[0099] Industrial application

[0100] This disclosure provides an air purifier.

Claims

1. An air purifier, comprising: A hair dryer is configured to draw in air from the outside, filter the drawn-in air, and discharge the filtered air. A flow regulating device is disposed above the blower and configured to draw in air discharged from the blower, regulate the discharge direction of the drawn-in air, and discharge the air. as well as A guide member is disposed below the flow regulating device and configured to change the state of the flow regulating device. The guide member includes: The guide gear assembly has multiple guide gears that are rotatably connected in a meshing manner; The guide connector rotates via the rotation of the plurality of guide gears and is connected to the flow regulating device such that the rotation center of the flow regulating device is located on the inside; and The housing has a space for accommodating the guide gear assembly, and the guide connector is rotatably connected to the housing. The flow regulating device is configured to move up and down as the guide connector rotates via the plurality of guide gears to change the direction of air discharge.

2. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein the flow regulating device is oriented to a first position, a second position, and a third position based on the operation of the guiding member. The first position refers to the state where the top surface of the flow regulating device is horizontal to the top surface of the blower. The second position refers to a state where the top surface of the flow adjustment device forms a predetermined angle with respect to the top surface of the blower. The third position is the state in which the top surface of the flow regulating device is perpendicular to the top surface of the blower.

3. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein the housing of the guiding member comprises: The first housing is disposed on the top surface of the hair dryer; as well as The second shell is connected to the first shell for raising and lowering; The guide connector is configured to pivot by being coupled to the bottom surface of the flow regulating device and a portion of the second housing. The guiding component further includes: A housing gear assembly, disposed within the first housing to connect the first housing and the second housing to each other, includes a plurality of housing gears configured to rotate. The guide gear assembly is disposed within the second housing to connect the second housing and the flow regulating device to each other. The flow regulating device is controlled to rise or fall via the housing gear assembly, and The flow regulating device is controlled to pivot about the guide connector via the guide gear assembly.

4. The air purifier according to claim 3, wherein the housing gear assembly comprises: A housing actuator is disposed within the first housing; The first housing gear is configured to rotate via the housing actuator; as well as The second housing gear is configured to rotate in a manner that meshes with the first housing gear.

5. The air purifier according to claim 4, wherein the first housing gear and the second housing gear are controlled to rotate in opposite directions to each other.

6. The air purifier according to claim 4, wherein as the second housing has a second housing gear, the second housing is controlled to pivot in the same direction as the rotation of the second housing gear.

7. The air purifier according to claim 5, wherein the flow regulating device is connected to one end of the second housing, and The second housing gear is formed at the other end of the second housing.

8. The air purifier of claim 6, wherein the second housing is controlled to pivot about the gear of the second housing, and thus the flow regulating device is controlled to rise or fall.

9. The air purifier according to claim 3, wherein the guide gear assembly comprises: The actuator is disposed within the second housing; The first guide gear is configured to rotate via the guide actuator; as well as The second guide gear is configured to rotate in a manner that meshes with the first guide gear.

10. The air purifier of claim 9, wherein the first guide gear and the second guide gear are controlled to rotate in opposite directions to each other.

11. The air purifier of claim 10, wherein the second guide gear is coupled to the guide connector, and As the second guide gear rotates, the guide connector is controlled to rotate in the same direction as the second guide gear.

12. The air purifier of claim 11, wherein the flow adjustment device is coupled to the guide connector, and the flow adjustment device is controlled by rotation of the guide connector from a position in which the blower and the flow adjustment device are configured horizontally to a position in which the flow adjustment device is configured at an angle relative to the blower.

13. The air purifier of claim 9, wherein the guide gear assembly further comprises a reversing gear disposed between the first guide gear and the second guide gear and configured to rotate in a manner that meshes with the first guide gear and the second guide gear.

14. The air purifier of claim 13, wherein the first guide gear and the second guide gear are controlled to rotate in the same direction as each other.

15. The air purifier of claim 3, wherein the housing gear assembly and the guide gear assembly are controlled to operate simultaneously.

16. The air purifier of claim 3, wherein the hair dryer includes a guide member placement portion configured to place a first housing of the guide member thereon, and In the top view, the guide member placement portion has an annular shape through which the central portion is penetrated.

17. The air purifier of claim 16, wherein the guiding member further comprises a direction-adjusting gear assembly disposed within the first housing to connect the first housing and the blower to each other, and the direction-adjusting gear assembly includes a direction-adjusting gear configured to rotate in a direction different from the plurality of housing gears and the plurality of guiding gears. The direction adjustment gear is controlled to move along the inner circumferential surface of the guide member placement portion.

18. The air purifier of claim 17, wherein a guide ring is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the guide member mounting portion, such that the direction adjusting gear can rotate in a manner engaging the guide ring, and The direction adjustment gear is controlled to move along the guide ring.

19. The air purifier of claim 18, wherein the flow regulating device is controlled to move along the inner circumferential surface of the guide member placement portion via the direction regulating gear assembly.

20. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein the hair dryer comprises: The first hair dryer is configured to draw in, filter, and blow air at a relatively low temperature; And a second hair dryer, positioned above the first hair dryer and configured to draw in, filter, and blow air at a relatively high altitude. The first hair dryer includes: a first housing defining the appearance of the hair dryer; a first filter element disposed in the lower portion of the interior of the first housing for filtering air; and a first blowing fan disposed in the upper portion of the interior of the first housing for generating airflow. The second hair dryer includes: a second housing defining the appearance of the hair dryer; a second filter element disposed in the lower portion of the interior of the second housing to filter air; and a second blowing fan disposed in the upper portion of the interior of the second housing to generate airflow. The guide member is disposed between the second blowing fan and the flow regulating device.

Images