Filter holder, filter assembly and air purifier comprising the same

Abstract

The filter support includes: a plurality of filter frames, at least a portion of which are arranged adjacent to each other; and a folding member that rotatably supports the adjacent filter frames relative to each other, the folding member including: a fold portion having a predetermined thickness and being flexible to be folded by rotation of the adjacent filter frames relative to each other; and a plurality of edge portions that place the fold portion between and connect to both sides of the fold portion, thereby rotating together with the adjacent filter frames, wherein the thickness of the edge portions is greater than the thickness of the fold portion when viewed in cross-section of the folding member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to filter holders, filter assemblies, and air purifiers including the thereof. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, an air purifier is a device that draws in polluted indoor air, filters out dust and odor particles, and purifies it into clean air. Such an air purifier cleans the indoor air by drawing in and purifying the surrounding polluted air, and then expelling the purified air outside the purifier.

[0003] On one hand, an air purifier may include an air filter that removes dust, odor particles, and other contaminants from the air introduced into the unit, as well as a filter holder that supports the filter. This filter holder can have various shapes depending on the type of air purifier. For example, the filter holder may be cylindrical, cuboid, or similar.

[0004] However, filter holders with the aforementioned shape occupy a large volume during transportation, thus incurring higher costs. Therefore, foldable filter holders are being developed to reduce the volume required for transporting filters.

[0005] The applicant's U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0221805, "Air Purifier" (Patent Document 1), discloses a shape-adjustable filter frame. The filter frame of this Patent Document 1 can be folded or unfolded as needed.

[0006] However, because the filter frame in Patent Document 1 has a complex hinge structure for folding the filter frame, the manufacturing cost is increased and it is inconvenient to install in an air purifier. In addition, if the filter frame is arbitrarily unfolded in the folded state, it is difficult to transport the filter frame, and if the filter frame is arbitrarily folded when using the air purifier, the efficiency of the air purifier will be reduced.

[0007] In addition, the applicant Blueair AB’s U.S. Patent Publication 2018 / 0304184, “Foldable Air Filter Unit” (Patent Document 2), also discloses a foldable filter frame that can be folded or unfolded as needed.

[0008] However, without a special device, the filter frame in Patent Document 2 is difficult to maintain in its unfolded or folded state. Specifically, the filter frame in Patent Document 2 also presents difficulties in transporting when arbitrarily unfolded from its folded state, and arbitrarily folding the filter frame during air purifier use reduces the air purifier's efficiency. Furthermore, even if a separate device is provided to prevent the filter frame from being arbitrarily folded or unfolded, if the device for preventing the filter frame from rotating freely has a complex structure, manufacturing costs increase, and its installation in the air purifier may cause inconvenience.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a filter frame with a simple structure to reduce the manufacturing cost of the filter frame while preventing the filter frame from being arbitrarily folded or unfolded.

[0010] [Existing technical documents]

[0011] [Patent Literature]

[0012] (Patent Document 1) U.S. Patent Publication 2018 / 0221805 (Application published on August 9, 2018)

[0013] (Patent Document 2) U.S. Patent Publication 2018 / 0304184 (Application published on October 25, 2018) Summary of the Invention

[0014] (The problem to be solved)

[0015] In view of the above-described background technology, one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a folding member that can be rotatably connected to adjacent filter frames, while facilitating installation on a filter bracket of the filter frame.

[0016] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a filter support in which the folding member will not detach from the filter frame even if the filter frame is rotated multiple times when the folding member is installed in the filter frame.

[0017] (Methods for solving problems)

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, a filter holder is provided, comprising: a plurality of filter frames, at least a portion of which are arranged adjacent to each other; and a folding member, wherein adjacent filter frames are rotatably supported relative to each other in the plurality of filter frames, the folding member comprising: a fold portion having a predetermined thickness and being flexible to be folded by rotation of the adjacent filter frames relative to each other; and a plurality of edge portions disposed between and connected to both sides of the fold portion, thereby rotating together with the adjacent filter frames, wherein, when viewed in cross-section of the folding member, the thickness of the edge portions is greater than the thickness of the fold portion.

[0019] Furthermore, the edge portion can have a thicker shape the further away from the fold.

[0020] Furthermore, the folding member extends along the length of the filter frame to seal the gap between adjacent filter frames, and the folding member extends along the width of the filter frame to engage with the filter frame.

[0021] Furthermore, when each of the plurality of filter frames rotates relative to adjacent filter frames to form an angle less than a flat angle, the plurality of filter frames are arranged along a circular path, and the folding member further includes: a plurality of locking portions engaging each of the adjacent filter frames and connecting each of the plurality of edge portions, and each of the plurality of filter frames providing an engagement portion introduced from the inside to the outside of the circular path for engaging with the locking portions.

[0022] Furthermore, each of the plurality of filter frames also provides a fixing portion extending in a direction offset from the direction of the joint and communicating with the joint on one side, the locking portion comprising: a main locking member engaged in the joint; and an auxiliary locking member protruding from the main locking member and engaged in the fixing portion.

[0023] Furthermore, the main locking member is inserted into the width direction of the filter frame and engages with the joint. The auxiliary locking member includes: a break surface extending in a direction perpendicular to the main locking member; and an inclined surface inclined in the direction in which the main locking member is inserted into the joint.

[0024] Furthermore, the folding member extends along the length direction of the filter frame, and the fixing part and the auxiliary locking member are provided in multiple ways. The multiple fixing parts are isolated from the filter frame along the length direction, and the multiple auxiliary locking members are provided from the locking part corresponding to each of the multiple fixing parts and isolated from each other along the length direction.

[0025] In addition, a filter assembly may be provided, including: a filter holder; and an air filter supported by the filter holder and used for filtering air.

[0026] In addition, an air purifier may be provided, including: a filter assembly; and a blower that provides airflow so that outside air passes through the air filter.

[0027] (Invention Effects)

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the following effect is achieved: the folding member is rotatably connected to the adjacent filter frame, while being easily installed in the filter frame.

[0029] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the following effect is achieved: when the folding member is installed in the filter frame, the folding member will not detach from the filter frame even if the filter frame is rotated multiple times. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 Sectional view of section II-II.

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A 3D view of the filter holder in its unfolded state.

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A 3D view of the filter holder in its folded state.

[0034] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An exploded 3D diagram.

[0035] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of B in the middle;

[0036] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of C;

[0037] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of D. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The specific embodiments for implementing the technical concept of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Furthermore, in the description of this invention, if a detailed description of a relevant known structure or function is determined to obscure the gist of the invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0040] Furthermore, it should be understood that when a component is referred to as "connecting," "supporting," or "flowing into" another component, it can directly connect to, support, or flow into another component, but other components can also exist in between.

[0041] The terminology used in this specification is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions.

[0042] The word “including” as used in this specification specifies a particular feature, region, integer, step, operation, element and / or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of other particular features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups.

[0043] Furthermore, it is clearly stated in advance in this specification that the description of directions such as the upper side is based on the accompanying drawings, and the description may differ if the direction of the corresponding object changes.

[0044] Hereinafter, the specific structure of an air purifier 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Below, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air purifier 1 filters dust and odor particles from the air flowing into the interior of the air purifier 1, thereby purifying polluted air into clean air. Furthermore, the air purifier 1 can draw in outside air and discharge the purified air to the outside. This air purifier 1 may include a main body 10, a blower 20, and a filter assembly 30.

[0046] The main body 10 can support the blower 20 and the filter assembly 30, and can provide space to accommodate the blower 20 and the filter assembly 30. This main body 10 may include a housing surrounding the blower 20 and the filter assembly 30.

[0047] The blower 20 can be driven to allow polluted air from outside the air purifier 1 to flow into the interior of the air purifier 1. This blower 20 provides airflow, causing the incoming air to pass through the air filter 31, which will be described later. Furthermore, the blower 20 can be driven to deliver air purified by the air filter 31 inside the air purifier 1 to the outside. For example, the blower 20 can be located on the underside of the main body 10 and can be located inside the air filter 31.

[0048] The filter assembly 30 can filter air flowing in from outside the air purifier 1 into clean air. Furthermore, the filter assembly 30 can be configured to be folded or unfolded as needed. For example, the filter assembly 30 can be transported in a folded state and used in an unfolded state for air filtration. This filter assembly 30 may include an air filter 31 and a filter holder 32.

[0049] Air filter 31 filters air flowing in from outside the air purifier 1 into clean air. For example, air filter 31 can filter dust, odor particles, etc. in the air, and can include known filters such as pre-filters with mesh structures, HEPA filters, and activated carbon deodorizing filters. Multiple air filters 31 can be installed, and multiple air filters 31 can be supported by filter holders 32.

[0050] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the filter holder 32 can be configured to fold or unfold. This filter holder 32 may include a filter frame 100 and a folding member 200. Furthermore, the filter frame 100 and the folding member 200 can slide relative to each other, enabling them to be separated and connected. That is, the filter frame 100 and the folding member 200 can be connected to be separated from each other.

[0051] A filter frame 100 is configured to surround at least a portion of an air filter 31 and can support the air filter 31. Furthermore, at least a portion of the filter frame 100 can extend along both the length and width directions. Multiple filter frames 100 can be provided, and at least a portion of each filter frame 100 can be arranged adjacent to each other. Furthermore, the multiple filter frames 100 can be provided as two or more, and as a more detailed example, an even number of filter frames 100 can be provided. Hereinafter, four filter frames 100 are described, but this is merely an example, and any number of filter frames 100 can be provided.

[0052] Each of the plurality of filter frames 100 can be connected to other filter frames 100 disposed adjacent to both sides via folding members 200. Furthermore, the plurality of filter frames 100 can be configured to rotate relative to each other. That is, any one of the plurality of filter frames 100 can rotate relative to another adjacent filter frame 100. Additionally, each of the plurality of filter frames 100 rotates about an imaginary axis extending in the length direction, thereby folding or unfolding relative to adjacent filter frames 100.

[0053] The multiple filter frames 100 can be arranged along a circular path when each of them is rotated relative to each other such that it forms an angle less than a flat angle with respect to the adjacent filter frame 100. The circular path can be defined as a predetermined path that starts from one point, passes through another point, and returns to the same point.

[0054] For a more detailed example, see Figure 3 Multiple filter frames 100 are rotatable relative to each other, such that each of the multiple filter frames 100 forms a predetermined angle (e.g., 90°) relative to its adjacent filter frame 100. When viewed from above, the predetermined angle can be the angle that maximizes the area of ​​the inner space enclosed by the filter frames 100. In this case, the multiple filter frames 100, when viewed from above, can form a rectangular ring. In this specification, the state of the multiple filter frames 100 is defined as the unfolded state when each of the multiple filter frames 100 forms an angle greater than 0° and less than 180° relative to its adjacent filter frame 100.

[0055] Reference Figure 4 Multiple filter frames 100 can rotate relative to each other, such that at least two adjacent filter frames 100 are arranged in parallel. As a more specific example, any one of the multiple filter frames 100 can rotate about another filter frame 100 connected to one side, thereby folding that other filter frame 100. In this case, the angle between any one filter frame 100 and the other filter frame 100 connected to one side is 0°. Furthermore, any one filter frame 100 can rotate about yet another filter frame 100 connected to the other side, thereby unfolding that yet another filter frame 100. In this case, the angle between any one filter frame 100 and yet another filter frame 100 connected to the other side is 180°. In this specification, the state of the multiple filter frames 100 is defined as a folded state when each of the multiple filter frames 100 has an angle of 0° or 180° with its adjacent filter frame 100.

[0056] Thus, when the multiple filter frames 100 are in a folded state, adjacent filter frames 100 are arranged in parallel, allowing them to come into close contact with each other. Furthermore, the space enclosed by the multiple filter frames 100 is minimized, thereby minimizing the overall volume of the multiple filter frames 100.

[0057] At the same time, refer to Figures 3 to 6 Each of the plurality of filter frames 100 may be provided with a joint 110 and a fixing part 120.

[0058] The joint 110 can be introduced and formed from the surface of the filter frame 100, allowing the main locking member 231 of the folding member 200, which will be described later, to engage. When the plurality of filter frames 100 are in the unfolded state, these joints 110 can be introduced and formed from the inside to the outside of the annular path. In other words, as an example, the joint 110 can be introduced and formed from the filter frame 100 to extend along the width direction of the folding member 200. Furthermore, the joint 110 corresponds to the folding member 200 extending in the length direction and can extend along the length direction. Here, the width direction of the folding member 200 refers to the direction in which it extends from the inner edge of one filter frame 100 to the corresponding outer edge of the filter frame 100. In other words, the shape of the inner edge and the shape of the outer edge of the filter frame 100, as corresponding to the shape of the air filter 31, can be a rectangular shape that is longer in the length direction, and for… Figure 5 The width (W) of the folding member 200 shown can be the width direction of the folding member 200, away from the direction close to the folding portion 220. Multiple joints 110 can be provided and can be formed on both sides of the filter frame 100 in the width direction. In other words, the joints 110 of the filter frame 100 can be formed to be included in the longitudinal section of the ring formed when the multiple filter frames 100 are in the unfolded state.

[0059] The fixing portions 120 may be formed by being introduced from the surface of the filter frame 100 so that the auxiliary locking member 232 can be inserted. These fixing portions 120 may extend in a direction offset from the direction in which the connecting portion 110 extends. For example, the fixing portions 120 may extend in the width direction such that one side communicates with the connecting portion 110 and the other side opens to the outside of the filter frame 100. Furthermore, multiple fixing portions 120 may be provided, and the multiple fixing portions 120 may be spaced apart in the length direction.

[0060] Reference Figures 6 to 8 The folding member 200 rotatably supports adjacent portions of a plurality of filter frames 100. For example, one side of the folding member 200 engages with any one of the plurality of filter frames 100, and the other side engages with another adjacent filter frame 100, thereby connecting two adjacent filter frames 100. This folding member 200 can extend along the width direction of the filter frame 100 to engage with it. Furthermore, the folding member 200 can extend along the length direction of the filter frame 100 to seal the gap between adjacent filter frames 100. That is, when the plurality of filter frames 100 are in an unfolded state with the folding member 200 engaged with it, the gap between the plurality of filter frames 100 can be sealed by the folding member 200.

[0061] This folding member 200 may have the flexibility to be easily bent by external force, thereby facilitating its engagement with the filter frame 100. Furthermore, when multiple filter frames 100 are arranged along a circular path, the folding member 200 may be inserted into the filter frame 100 in a direction from the inside to the outside of the circular path. This folding member 200 may include an edge portion 210, a folding portion 220, and a locking portion 230.

[0062] One side of the edge portion 210 can be connected to the fold portion 220, while the other side can be connected to the locking portion 230. Multiple edge portions 210 can be provided, and these multiple edge portions 210 can be positioned between and connected to both sides of the fold portion 220. Furthermore, the multiple edge portions 210 can be connected to multiple locking portions 230 provided on adjacent filter frames 100, and can rotate together with the adjacent filter frames 100 via the multiple locking portions 230. Simultaneously, the edge portion 210 can have a predetermined thickness. For example, when viewed from above (including in cross-section viewed from above), the edge portion 210 can have a thickness greater than that of the fold portion 220. Furthermore, when viewed from above, the edge portion 210 can have a shape where its thickness increases with distance from the fold portion 220. In other words, the thickness of the edge portion 210 on the side connected to the fold portion 220 can be thinner than on the side connected to the locking portion 230.

[0063] The fold 220 can be selectively folded by the rotation of adjacent filter frames 100 relative to each other. That is, the fold 220 can be the portion of the folding member 200 that is folded by the rotation of the filter frames 100. For example, the fold 220 can extend in the longitudinal direction and can correspond to a virtual axis of rotation for the adjacent filter frames 100 to rotate relative to each other. Furthermore, the fold 220 can be flexible so as to be folded by the rotation of the adjacent filter frames 100. Multiple edge portions 210 can be respectively connected to both sides of such the fold 220.

[0064] Return to reference Figure 6 The locking portion 230 can be engaged with the filter frame 100 for connecting adjacent filter frames 100. Multiple locking portions 230 can be provided, and each of the multiple locking portions 230 can be inserted into an adjacent filter frame 100. For example, the locking portion 230 can be inserted into the filter frame 100 along its width direction. In other words, the locking portion 230 can be inserted along the side of the filter frame 100 in a direction away from the fold portion 220. Furthermore, each of the multiple locking portions 230 can be connected to the edge portion 210. The locking portion 230 may include a main locking member 231 and an auxiliary locking member 232.

[0065] The main locking member 231 extends in the width direction of the filter frame 100 and can be inserted into the joint 110. This main locking member 231 can rotate together with the filter frame 100 when inserted into the joint 110.

[0066] The auxiliary locking member 232 prevents the main locking member 231, which is inserted into the engagement portion 110, from disengaging from the engagement portion 110. For example, the auxiliary locking member 232 may be a protrusion extending from the main locking member 231, and the auxiliary locking member 232 may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the main locking member 231. Furthermore, the auxiliary locking member 232 may engage with the fixing portion 120. Multiple auxiliary locking members 232 may be provided, and the multiple auxiliary locking members 232 may be spaced apart along the length direction. Furthermore, each of the multiple auxiliary locking members 232 may engage correspondingly with a plurality of fixing portions 120. The auxiliary locking member 232 may include a break surface 232a and an inclined surface 232b.

[0067] When the auxiliary locking member 232 is inserted into the fixing part 120, the break surface 232a interferes with the filter frame 100, thereby preventing the folding member 200 from disengaging from the filter frame 100. This break surface 232a can extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the main locking member 231 extends in the auxiliary locking member 232. That is, it can extend in the width direction of the filter frame 100. For example, when the main locking member 231 moves in the direction of disengagement from the joint 110 while the auxiliary locking member 232 is inserted into the fixing part 120, the break surface 232a can be engaged with the filter frame 100. This prevents the folding member 200 from disengaging from the filter frame 100.

[0068] The inclined surface 232b has a predetermined inclination such that when the main locking member 231 is inserted into the joint 110, the auxiliary locking member 232 is not interfered with by the filter frame 100 and is inserted into the joint 110. This inclined surface 232b can be inclined in the direction in which the main locking member 231 is inserted into the joint 110.

[0069] Thus, the folding member 200 can be easily inserted into the joint 110 via the inclined surface 232b. Furthermore, since the folding member 200 is flexible, the shape of the locking portion 230 of the folding member 200 is deformable, thereby allowing the folding member 200 to be inserted into the filter frame 100 without interference from the filter frame 100. This results in the folding member 200 being easily installed in the filter frame 100.

[0070] Furthermore, when the folding member 200 is inserted into the joint 110 and the fixing part 120 through the break surface 232a, the folding member 200 is not easily detached from the filter frame 100 and can maintain the joint. In other words, when the folding member 200 is installed on the filter frame 100, even if the filter frame 100 is rotated multiple times, the folding member 200 will not detach from the filter frame 100.

[0071] Furthermore, by simplifying the construction of the folding component 200, it has the effect of reducing weight and manufacturing costs.

[0072] Furthermore, when the multiple filter frames 100 are in the unfolded state, the folding member 200 can prevent air from flowing in through the gaps between the multiple filter frames 100 without passing through the air filter 31. This results in improved air filtration efficiency.

[0073] As described above, embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated with specific examples, but these are merely examples, and the invention is not limited thereto. It should be understood that the technical concept disclosed in this specification has the widest scope. Those skilled in the art can implement unindicated shapes by combining / replacing the disclosed embodiments, but this does not depart from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can readily change or modify the disclosed embodiments based on this specification; obviously, such changes or modifications also fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A filter holder, comprising: Multiple filter frames, at least some of which are configured adjacently; as well as The folding member, in the plurality of filter frames, rotatably supports adjacent filter frames relative to each other. The folding component includes: The folded portion has a predetermined thickness and is flexible enough to be folded by the rotation of the adjacent filter frames relative to each other; and Multiple edge portions, with the folded portion positioned between them and connected to both sides of the folded portion, thereby rotating together with the adjacent filter frame. Wherein, when each of the plurality of filter frames rotates relative to its adjacent filter frames to form an angle less than a flat angle, the plurality of filter frames are arranged along a circular path. When viewed in cross-section, the thickness of the edge portion is greater than the thickness of the fold portion. The folding member includes a plurality of locking parts, which engage with each of the adjacent filter frames and connect to each of the plurality of edge parts. Each of the plurality of filter frames is provided with an engagement portion introduced from the inside to the outside of the annular path for engagement with the locking portion. Each of the plurality of filter frames also provides a fixing portion extending in a direction offset from the direction of the joint and communicating with the joint on one side.

2. The filter holder according to claim 1, wherein, The further away from the fold, the thicker the edge becomes.

3. The filter holder according to claim 1, wherein, The folding member extends along the length of the filter frame to seal the gap between adjacent filter frames, and extends along the width of the filter frame to engage with the filter frame.

4. The filter holder according to claim 1, wherein, The locking part includes: The main locking member engages at the joint; and An auxiliary locking member protrudes from the main locking member and engages with the fixing portion.

5. The filter holder according to claim 4, wherein, The main locking member is inserted into the width direction of the filter frame and engages with the joint. The auxiliary locking component includes: The break surface extends in a direction perpendicular to the main locking member; and The inclined surface is inclined in the direction in which the main locking member is inserted into the joint.

6. The filter holder according to claim 4, wherein, The folded member extends along the length of the filter frame. The fixing part and the auxiliary locking member are provided in multiple ways. The plurality of fixing parts are arranged isolated from the filter frame along the length direction. The plurality of auxiliary locking members correspond from the locking portion to each of the plurality of fixing portions and are arranged in a separated manner along the length direction.

7. A filter assembly, comprising: Filter holder according to any one of claims 1 to 6; as well as An air filter, supported by the filter holder, is used to filter air.

8. An air purifier, comprising: The filter assembly according to claim 7; as well as A blower provides airflow so that outside air passes through the air filter.

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