Air purifier

Abstract

An air purifier includes: a blower that sucks air from outside, filters the suctioned air, and discharges the filtered air; a flow adjusting device which is disposed above the blower, sucks in the air discharged from the blower, adjusts the discharge direction of the sucked-in air, and discharges the air; and a guide member that is disposed below the flow regulating device and moves the flow regulating device. The guide member includes: a first case disposed at an upper portion of the blower; a second case coupled to the first case so as to be rotatable up and down from the first case; a case actuator provided inside the first case for vertical rotation of the second case; a first shell gear provided to be rotated by the shell actuator; and a second shell gear coupled to the second shell so as to rotate by meshing with the first shell gear, the first case forms a downward recessed space to accommodate the second case.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application with application number 202180027185.3, application date March 15, 2021, and invention name “Air Purifier” as the parent application. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an air purifier. Background Art

[0003] An air purifier is understood to be a household appliance that inhales and filters polluted air, then discharges the filtered air, and is configured to purify an indoor space such as a living room or office. Typically, an air purifier includes: a hair dryer configured to inhale external air and discharge the inhaled air; and a filter arranged inside the hair dryer to filter dust, bacteria, etc. in the air. In this regard, the air purifier may also include a flow regulating device configured to adjust the discharge direction of the air discharged from the hair dryer. However, because the operating radius of the flow regulating device is limited, it is not possible to blow air in the desired direction.

[0004] Prior art (Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2017-0101100, hereinafter referred to as Prior Art 1) discloses an air purifier, which also includes a flow regulating device configured to adjust the discharge direction of the air discharged from the hair dryer. In the air purifier of Prior Art 1, the air sucked into the hair dryer is filtered by a filter provided in the hair dryer and then discharged in a vertical direction perpendicular to the top surface of the hair dryer. Thereafter, the air discharged from the hair dryer is blown in a direction different from the vertical direction by the flow regulating device.

[0005] However, even if the air purifier of prior art 1 is used, there is an inconvenience that the air discharged from the hair dryer is blown only in a vertical direction or in a direction forming a predetermined angle relative to the top surface of the hair dryer, and cannot be blown in a horizontal direction parallel to the top surface of the hair dryer.

[0006] 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 the flow regulating device to rotate. 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 in a direction different from the vertical direction through the flow regulating device based on the degree of retraction of the rotating guide.

[0007] However, even with the air purifier of prior art 2, the space within the hair dryer within which the rotating guide can be installed is limited, and thus the length of the rotating guide cannot be ensured to change the state 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

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] One of various objectives of the present disclosure is to provide an air purifier that can discharge filtered air in a horizontal direction parallel to a top surface of a hair dryer.

[0010] One of the various tasks of the present disclosure is to provide an air purifier including a flow regulating device that allows the top surface of the flow regulating device to be changed from being horizontal to the top surface of the hair dryer to being perpendicular to the top surface of the hair dryer.

[0011] Technical Solution

[0012] An air purifier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a hair dryer that draws in air from the outside, filters the drawn-in air, and discharges the filtered air; a flow regulating device that is provided on the hair dryer to draw in air discharged from the hair dryer, adjusts the discharge direction of the drawn-in air, and discharges the air; and a guide member that is provided below the flow regulating device to change the state of the flow regulating device. The guide member may include a plurality of gear boxes. 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 gear boxes, so 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.

[0013] An air purifier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a blower that draws in air from the outside, filters the drawn-in air, and discharges the filtered air; a flow regulating device disposed on the blower to draw in air discharged from the blower, regulate the discharge direction of the drawn-in air, and discharge the air; and a guide member disposed below the flow regulating device to change the state of the flow regulating device. The guide member may include a plurality of gears disposed within the guide member and rotatable, some of the plurality of gears being interconnected so as to be rotatable in engagement with each other, and the flow regulating device may change the discharge direction of the air by rotating the plurality of gears of the guide member.

[0014] The flow regulating device can be oriented in 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 regulating device is horizontal to the top surface of the hair dryer, the second position can be a state in which the top surface of the flow regulating device has a predetermined angle relative to the top surface of the hair dryer, and the third position can be a state in which the top surface of the flow regulating device is perpendicular to the top surface of the hair dryer.

[0015] The guide member may include: a first housing disposed on the top surface of the hair dryer; a second housing coupled to the first housing so as to be raised and lowered; a guide connector configured to pivot by being coupled to the bottom surface of the flow regulating device and a portion of the second housing; a housing gear assembly disposed within the first housing so as to connect the first and second housings to each other and including a plurality of rotatable housing gears; and a guide gear assembly disposed within the second housing so as to connect the second housing and the flow regulating device to each other and including a plurality of rotatable guide gears. The flow regulating device may be controlled to be raised or lowered by the housing gear assembly, and the flow regulating device may be controlled to be pivoted about the guide connector by the guide gear assembly.

[0016] The case gear assembly may include: a case actuator provided in the first case; a first case gear rotated by the case actuator; and a second case gear rotated in engagement with the first case gear.

[0017] The first case gear and the second case gear may be controlled to rotate in opposite directions to each other.

[0018] The second case gear may be coupled to the second case, and when the second case gear rotates, the second case may be controlled to pivot in the same direction as a rotation direction of the second case gear.

[0019] The flow conditioning device may be coupled to one end of the second housing, and the second housing gear may be coupled adjacent to the other end of the second housing.

[0020] The second housing may be controlled to pivot about the second housing gear, and thus, the flow regulating device may be controlled to rise or fall.

[0021] The guide gear assembly may include: a guide actuator provided in the second housing; a first guide gear rotated by the guide actuator; and a second guide gear rotated in engagement with the first guide gear.

[0022] The first guide gear and the second guide gear may be controlled to rotate in opposite directions to each other.

[0023] The second guide gear may be coupled to the guide connector, and when the second guide gear rotates, the guide connector may be controlled to rotate in the same direction as a rotation direction of the second guide gear.

[0024] The flow regulating device may be coupled to a side wall of the guide connector, and the guide connector may be controlled to rotate about the second guide gear so that the flow regulating device may be controlled to be oriented in the first position to the third position.

[0025] The guide gear assembly may further include an idler gear (intermediate gear, idle gear) provided between the first guide gear and the second guide gear so as to rotate in engagement with the first guide gear and the second guide gear.

[0026] The first guide gear and the second guide gear may be controlled to rotate in the same direction as each other.

[0027] The case gear assembly and the guide gear assembly may be controlled to operate simultaneously.

[0028] The hair dryer may include a guide member seating portion to seat the first housing of the guide member thereon, and the guide member seating portion may have an annular shape with a central portion penetrated in a plan view.

[0029] The guide member may also include a direction adjustment gear assembly, which is arranged in the first shell to connect the first shell and the hair dryer to each other, and includes a direction adjustment gear, which can rotate in a direction different from the multiple shell gears and the multiple guide gears, and the direction adjustment gear can be controlled to move along the inner circumferential surface of the guide member placement portion.

[0030] A guide ring may be provided on an inner circumferential surface of the guide member seating portion such that the direction adjustment gear can rotate in engagement with the guide ring, and the direction adjustment gear may be controlled to move along the guide ring.

[0031] The flow regulating device may be controlled to move along the inner circumferential surface of the guide member seating portion by the direction regulating gear assembly.

[0032] The hair dryer may include: a first hair dryer configured to suck, filter and blow air at a relatively low vertical height; and a second hair dryer disposed on the first hair dryer and configured to suck, filter and blow air at a relatively high vertical height. The first hair dryer may include: a first shell for defining the appearance of the first hair dryer; a first filter member disposed in a lower portion of the interior of the first shell to filter the air; and a first blowing fan disposed in an upper portion of the interior of the first shell to generate an airflow. The second hair dryer may include: a second shell for defining the appearance of the second hair dryer; a second filter member disposed in a lower portion of the interior of the second shell to filter the air; and a second blowing fan disposed in an upper portion of the interior of the second shell to generate an airflow. In addition, a guide member may be disposed between the second blowing fan and the flow regulating device.

[0033] Beneficial effects

[0034] An air purifier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of blowers, a guide member, and a flow regulating device stacked in sequence, and the guide member may include a plurality of gears arranged within the guide member and configured to be rotatable. Some of the plurality of gears may be interconnected so as to be able to rotate in an engaged manner with each other. The flow regulating device may be configured to change the discharge direction of the air by rotating the plurality of gears of the guide member.

[0035] In this regard, the angle formed between the top surface of the flow regulating device and the top surface of the hair dryer can be increased or decreased based on the operation of multiple connecting rods, so that the orientation of the flow regulating device can change from an orientation in which the top surface of the flow regulating device is horizontal to the top surface of the hair dryer to an orientation in which the top surface of the flow regulating device is perpendicular to the top surface of the hair dryer.

[0036] Therefore, the top surface of the flow regulating device can be oriented to be perpendicular to the top surface of the hair dryer. Like this, the air discharged from the hair dryer can be blown farther in the desired direction by the flow regulating device.

[0037] In addition, the guide member according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can have a stable and improved appearance, because compared with the conventional guide member being configured to be moved by being inserted into or pulled out of the hair dryer, it can not only be driven more simply and naturally, but also the structure for driving the guide member will not be exposed to the outside. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 and 2 is a view for explaining an air purifier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 3 and Figure 4 2 is a view for explaining a flow regulating device and a guide member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 5 is a view for explaining a coupling structure of a hair dryer and a guide member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figures 6 to 8 1 is a view for explaining a state change of the flow regulating device based on the operation of the guide member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following detailed description is configured to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein. However, this is merely an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0043] In describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of the known technologies related to the present disclosure may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure, its detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the terms to be described later are terms defined taking into account the functions in the present disclosure, which may vary depending on the intentions, habits, etc. of the user or operator. Therefore, the definition of terms should be based on the content of the entire specification. In addition, in the following detailed description of the present disclosure, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known methods, procedures, components and circuits are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention is conceived. It will be further understood that terms (such as terms defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless clearly defined as such herein. The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present 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 "comprises," "comprising," "having," and "containing" expressly indicate the presence of stated features, integers, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, elements, parts, and / or parts thereof.

[0044] In addition, when describing the components of the embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order or sequence of the corresponding components are not limited by the terms.

[0045] Hereinafter, 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 an imaginary circle formed when an object rotates around the vertical direction with the horizontal length as the rotation radius.

[0046] Figure 1 and Figure 2 : is a view for explaining an air purifier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall structure of the air purifier, and Figure 2 It is a view for explaining the components of the air purifier.

[0047] 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 inhale air from the outside, filter the inhaled air, and discharge the filtered air; a flow regulating device 30, provided on the hair dryers 10 and 20, and configured to inhale air discharged from the hair dryers 10 and 20, and adjust the discharge direction of the inhaled air; and a guide member 40, provided 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 state change of the flow regulating device 30.

[0048] The blowers 10 and 20 include a first blower 10 configured to suck, filter, and blow air at a relatively low vertical height; and a second blower 20 disposed above the first blower 10 and configured to suck, filter, and blow air at a relatively high vertical height. The first blower 10 and the second blower 20 are stacked in a vertical direction and can be fastened to each other by various methods such as fitting, riveting, and screwing.

[0049] The flow regulating device 30 may be provided on the second blower 20. The guide member 40 may be configured to be connected to the second blower 20 and the flow regulating device 30. The guide member 40 and the second blower 20 may be fastened to each other by various methods such as fitting fastening, riveting fastening, and screwing fastening. The guide member 40 and the flow regulating device 30 may be fastened to each other by various methods such as fitting fastening, riveting fastening, and screwing fastening.

[0050] In one example, Figure 1 The hair dryers 10 and 20 are shown to include a first hair dryer 10 and a second hair dryer 20 stacked in sequence along a vertical direction. However, the concept of the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. The hair dryer may include only one hair dryer.

[0051] The first hair dryer 10 may include a first housing 100 defining an exterior of the hair dryer, a first filter member 130 disposed in a lower portion of the interior of the first housing 100 to filter air, and a first blowing fan 160 disposed in an upper portion of the interior of the first housing 100 to generate airflow. The second hair dryer 20 may include a second housing 200 defining an exterior, a second filter member 230 disposed in a lower portion of the interior of the second housing 200 to filter air, and a second blowing fan 260 disposed in an upper portion of the interior of the second housing 200 to generate airflow.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 has a truncated cone shape or a cylindrical shape having a diameter that gradually decreases as extending upward.

[0053] The first hair dryer 10 may further include: a first base 105, which is disposed in a 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, which is configured to contact the ground; and an upper portion, which extends from the lower portion in a vertical direction and is at least partially covered by the first shell 100. In one example, even though not shown, a first lower suction hole communicating with the interior of the first hair dryer 10 may be further defined in the space between the inner wall of the first shell 100 and the upper portion of the first base 105. Therefore, external air can be sucked into the interior of the first hair dryer 10 through the first lower suction hole.

[0054] The second hair dryer 20 may further include a second base 205 disposed in a 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 from the lower portion in a vertical direction and at least partially covered by the second housing 200. In one example, even though not shown, a second lower suction hole may be provided in a space between an inner wall of the second housing 100 and the upper portion of the second base 205, which is in communication with the interior of the second hair dryer 20, so that external air can be sucked into the interior of the second hair dryer 20 through the second lower suction hole.

[0055] A first suction hole 110 configured to draw air from the outside may be defined in a sidewall of the first housing 100. The first suction hole 110 may include a plurality of through-holes passing through at least a portion of the first housing 100. Furthermore, a second suction hole 210 configured to draw air from the outside may be defined in a sidewall of the second housing 200. The second suction hole 210 may include a plurality of through-holes passing through at least a portion of the second housing 100.

[0056] The first suction hole 110 may be configured to have a linear shape extending from the bottom to the top of the first shell 100. A plurality of first suction holes 110 may be defined in the side wall of the first shell 100. The plurality of first suction holes 110 may be evenly arranged in a circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface of the first shell 100 so as to be able to inhale air in any direction around the first shell 100. Furthermore, the second suction hole 210 may be configured to have a linear shape extending from the top to the top of the second shell 200. A plurality of second suction holes 210 may be defined in the side wall of the second shell 200. The plurality of second suction holes 210 may be evenly arranged in a circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface of the second shell 100 so as to be able to inhale air in any direction around the second shell 200.

[0057] A first exhaust hole 120 configured to exhaust air to the outside is defined in the top surface of the first hair dryer 10. The first exhaust hole 120 may include a plurality of through holes passing through at least a portion of the top surface of the first hair dryer 10. Furthermore, a second exhaust hole 220 configured to exhaust air to the outside may be defined in the top surface of the second hair dryer 20. The second exhaust hole 220 may include a plurality of through holes passing through at least a portion of the top surface of the second hair dryer 20.

[0058] The first discharge hole 120 may be configured to have a linear shape extending from a distal end portion of the top surface of the first hair dryer 10 to a portion adjacent to a central area thereof. A plurality of first discharge holes 120 may be defined in the top surface of the first hair dryer 10. A plurality of first discharge holes 120 may be evenly arranged around a portion of the top surface of the first hair dryer 10 excluding a portion where the second base 205 is provided. Furthermore, the second discharge hole 220 may be configured to have a linear shape extending from a distal end portion of the top surface of the second hair dryer 20 to a portion adjacent to a central area thereof. A plurality of second discharge holes 220 may be defined in the top surface of the second hair dryer 20. A plurality of second discharge holes 220 may be evenly arranged around a portion of the top surface of the second hair dryer 20 excluding a portion where the guide member 40 is provided.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, in a top view, the plurality of first discharge holes 120 may form a ring-shaped ring that covers the peripheral area of ​​the top surface of the first hair dryer 10. The plurality of second discharge holes 220 may form a ring-shaped ring that covers the peripheral area of ​​the top surface of the second hair dryer 20. In one embodiment, the ring-shaped ring defined by the plurality of first discharge holes 110 may have an outer portion located at a higher vertical height than its inner portion. The ring-shaped ring defined by the plurality of second discharge holes 210 may have an outer portion located at a higher vertical height than its inner portion.

[0060] The top surface of the first hair dryer 10 may include a peripheral area in which the plurality of first discharge holes 120 are provided and a central area in which the second base 205 is provided. The top surface of the second hair dryer 20 may include a peripheral area in which the plurality of second discharge holes 220 are provided and a central area in which the guide member 40 is provided. In this regard, the central area of ​​the top surface of the first hair dryer 10 has a lower vertical height than the peripheral area thereof. The central area of ​​the top surface of the second hair dryer 20 may have a lower vertical height than the peripheral area thereof.

[0061] Hereinafter, the top surface of the first hair dryer 10 is defined as referring to only the central area where the second base 205 is provided, excluding the peripheral area where the plurality of first discharge holes 120 are provided. The top surface of the second hair dryer 20 is defined as referring to only the central area where the guide member 40 is provided, excluding the peripheral area where the plurality of second discharge holes 220 are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the top surface of the first hair dryer 10 and the top surface of the second hair dryer 20 may have a flat surface extending in the horizontal direction.

[0062] The flow-regulating device 30 may include a rear housing that forms an exterior and is configured to define a rear surface of the flow-regulating device 30, and an intake grill configured to draw in air discharged from the hair dryers 10 and 20. The flow-regulating device 30 may include a front housing 300 that is secured to the rear housing and is configured to define a 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 exhaust grill. The rear housing includes a rear panel 310 that defines the rear surface of the flow-regulating device 30, and side panels 305 that extend 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 exhaust grill. That is, the combination of the side panels 305 and the rear panel 310 may form the rear housing 300.

[0063] The top surface of the flow-regulating device 30 and the sidewall of the front housing 300 may be configured to be spaced apart from each other. A discharge grille 320 may be disposed in the space between the top surface of the flow-regulating device 30 and the sidewall of the front housing 300 to discharge air to the outside. In a top view, the discharge grille 320 may have a structure surrounding the top surface of the flow-regulating device 30. Therefore, air can be drawn in from any direction around the top surface of the flow-regulating device 30. In an exemplary embodiment, one side of the discharge grille 320 may be connected to the top surface of the flow-regulating device 30, while the other side of the discharge grille 320 may be connected to the inner wall of the front housing 300.

[0064] The guide member may include a plurality of connecting rods having different lengths. The angle formed by the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 and the top surfaces of the hair dryers 10 and 20 may be increased or decreased based on the operation of the plurality of connecting rods, so that the state of the flow regulating device 30 may be changed from a state in which the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 is horizontal to the top surfaces of the hair dryers 10 and 20 to a state in which the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 is perpendicular to the top surfaces of the hair dryers 10 and 20. Figures 6 to 8 Describe it in detail.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the operation of the guide member 40, the flow regulating device 30 can be oriented in a first position, can be oriented in a second position, and can be oriented in a third position, wherein the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 is horizontal to the top surface of the second hair dryer 20, the second position the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 has a predetermined angle relative to the top surface of the second hair dryer 20, and the third position the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 is perpendicular to the top surface of the second hair dryer 20.

[0066] In one example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The flow regulating device 30 is shown oriented in the first position. Detailed description of the configurations of the flow regulating device 30 oriented in the second position and the third position will be described below.

[0067] Figure 3 and Figure 4 1 is a view for explaining a flow regulating device and a guide member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 3 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 member as viewed from the front.

[0068] 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 a suction grille; and a third blowing fan 360 (not shown) disposed between the front housing 300 and the rear panel 310 and causing the sucked air to flow through the rear panel 310 toward the discharge 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 so as to be positioned on the inner surface of the rear panel 310 to filter the air sucked in through the suction grille.

[0069] The display 500 is configured to display driving information of the air purifier 1, etc., and can be provided on the top surface of the flow regulating device 30. The flow regulating device 30 and the display 500 can be configured to operate together. In an exemplary embodiment, the display 500 can be configured to partially or completely cover the top surface of the flow regulating device 30.

[0070] The front case 300 and the rear case may be fastened to each other via a first hook fastener at the top thereof, and fastened to each other via a second hook fastener at the bottom thereof.

[0071] Specifically, the top portion of the side panel 305 can be configured to include a first hook 333. The top portion of the front case 300 can be configured to include a first matching hook (not shown). The top portion of the side panel 305 and the top portion of the front case 300 can be fastened to each other via the fastening between the first hook and the first matching hook. Furthermore, the bottom portion of the side panel 305 can be configured to include a pair of second matching hooks (not shown), which are symmetrical to each other in the horizontal direction. The bottom portion of the front case 300 can be configured to include a pair of second hooks (not shown), which are respectively arranged at positions corresponding to the second matching hooks. The bottom portion of the side panel 305 and the bottom portion of the front case 300 can be fastened to each other via the fastening between the second matching hook and the second hook. In one embodiment, the bottom portion of the side panel 305 can be configured to further include a magnet (not shown). The bottom portion of the front case 300 can be configured to further include a magnet matching object (not shown) made of metal. The coupling between the bottom portion of the side panel 305 and the bottom portion of the front housing 300 may be guided via a coupling between a magnet and a magnet counterpart.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, the rear housing of the flow conditioning device 30 may be configured to be detachable when the flow conditioning device 30 is oriented in the third position. The filter member 350 may be configured to be detachable from the flow conditioning device 30 when the rear housing is separated from the front housing 300.

[0073] The 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 discharge direction of air by rotating at least one of the plurality of gears 423, 425, 433, 435, 437, and 443 of the guide member 40.

[0074] Specifically, the guide member 40 may include: a first housing 400 disposed on the top surface of the hair dryers 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 by the housing gear assembly 420, and the flow regulating device 30 may be controlled to pivot about the guide connector 415 by the guide gear assembly 430.

[0075] The flow regulating device 30 and the guide connector 415 may be coupled to each other to operate together, and the bottom surface of the flow regulating device 30 and the side wall of the guide connector 415 may be fastened and fixed to each other by various methods such as fitting fastening, riveting fastening, and screwing fastening.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, a space in which the second housing 410 can be accommodated can be defined within the first housing 400. The space within the first housing 400 can be defined to have a larger volume than the second housing 410 so that the second housing 410 does not collide with the inner wall of the first housing 400 when pivoting. In one embodiment, the inner wall of the first housing 400 can have a partially curved portion, and the second housing 410 can be configured to pivot along the curved portion of the inner wall of the first housing 400.

[0077] A space that can accommodate the housing gear assembly 420 may be defined within the first housing 400, and a space that can accommodate the guide gear assembly 430 may be defined within the second housing 410. The first housing 400 and the second housing 410 may be connected to each other via the housing gear assembly 420, and a space that can partially accommodate the housing gear assembly 420 may be further defined within the second housing.

[0078] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Although the first shell 400, the second shell 410, and the guide connector 415 are described as having a specific shape, the concept of the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. That is, the first shell 400, the second shell 410, and the guide connector 415 can each have various shapes within a range that does not impair their original functions.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, when the air purifier 1 includes a first blower 10 and a second blower 20 stacked in sequence, the guide member 40 may be provided 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 (for example, the first blower 10), the guide member 40 may be provided 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 provided on the second blower 20, for example, on the second blowing fan 260.

[0080] The housing gear assembly 420 may include a housing actuator 421 disposed within the first housing 400, a first housing gear 423 configured to be rotated by the housing actuator 421, and a second housing gear 425 configured to rotate in engagement with the first housing gear 423. In this regard, the first housing gear 423 and the second housing gear 425 may be controlled to engage with each other and rotate in opposite directions.

[0081] The first housing gear 423 may be fastened to a first housing drive shaft (not shown) that is provided 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 by the housing actuator. In one embodiment, the first housing gear 423 and the first housing drive shaft may be integrally formed.

[0082] The second housing gear 425 may be coupled to the second housing 410, and the second housing 410 may be controlled to pivot in the same direction as the rotation direction of the second housing gear 425 as the second housing gear 425 rotates. In an exemplary embodiment, the second housing gear 425 may 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 may be arranged outside the second housing 410. Alternatively, the second housing gear 425 may be coupled to the inner wall of the second housing. In this case, the first housing gear 423 and the second housing gear 425 may be arranged inside the second housing 410. In one example, a portion of the first housing gear 425 may be disposed inside the second housing 410, and the remaining portion of the first housing gear 425 may be disposed outside the second housing 410.

[0083] The flow regulating device 30 may be coupled to one end of the second housing 410, and the second housing gear 425 may be coupled adjacent to the other end of the second housing 410. The second housing 410 may be controlled to pivot around the second housing gear 425 coupled to the other end of the second housing 410. Therefore, the flow regulating device 30 coupled to one end of the second housing 410 may be controlled to rise or fall.

[0084] The guide gear assembly 430 may include a guide actuator 431 disposed within the second housing 410; a first guide gear 433 configured to rotate via the guide actuator 431; and a second guide gear 437 configured to rotate in engagement with the first guide gear 433. In this case, 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 the guide connector 415. The guide connector 415 may be controlled to rotate in the same direction as the second guide gear 437 as the second guide gear 437 rotates.

[0085] The flow regulating device 30 may be coupled to a side wall of the guide connector 415, and the guide connector 415 may be controlled to rotate about the second guide gear 437. Thus, the flow regulating device 30 may be controlled such that it changes from an orientation in which the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 is parallel to the top surfaces of the hair dryers 10 and 20 (i.e., a first position) to an orientation in which the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 is perpendicular to the top surfaces of the hair dryers 10 and 20 (i.e., a third position).

[0086] 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 in which each of the first guide gear 433 and the second guide gear 437 rotates. 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.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing gear assembly 420 and the guide gear assembly 430 can be controlled to operate simultaneously. That is, to change the orientation of the flow regulating device 30 from the first position to the second position, the flow regulating device 30 can be raised by 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 hair dryers 10 and 20 can be increased by the guide gear assembly 430. In addition, 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 by 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 hair dryers 10 and 20 can also be increased by the guide gear assembly 430.

[0088] Figure 5 is a view describing a coupling structure of a guide member and a hair dryer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] In addition, 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 by the housing gear assembly 420. At the same time, the angle formed between the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 and the top surface of the hair dryers 10 and 20 can be further increased by the guide gear assembly 430.

[0090] In this regard, a guide ring 275 may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the guide member seating portion 270 so that the direction adjustment gear 443 can rotate in engagement with the guide ring 275. Furthermore, the direction adjustment gear 443 may be controlled to move along the guide ring 275. Therefore, the flow regulating device 30 may be controlled to move along the inner circumferential surface of the guide member seating portion 270, that is, the guide ring 275 is moved by the direction 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 hair dryer housings 100 and 200.

[0091] Figures 6 to 8 1 is a diagram for explaining a change in state of a flow regulating device based on the operation of a guide member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 6 is a view for explaining the operation of the guide member in a state where the flow regulating device is oriented in the first position, Figure 7 is a view for explaining the operation of the guide member in a state where the flow regulating device is oriented in the second position, and Figure 8 It is a view for explaining the operation of the guide member in a state where the flow regulating device is oriented in the third position.

[0092] 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 hair dryer 20; 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 hair dryer 20; and 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 hair dryer 20.

[0093] Figure 6 Although it is shown 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 shell 200, the concept of the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. That is, the side panel 305 of the flow regulating device 30 may not be inserted into the second shell 200, or the entire side panel 305 of the flow regulating device 30 may be inserted into the second shell 200.

[0094] Furthermore, Figure 8 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 shown to be inserted into the second housing 200, but the concept of the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. That is, the portion of the front housing 300 and the portion of the side panel 305 of the flow regulating device 30 may not be inserted into the second housing 200.

[0095] As described above, the air purifier 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include blowers 10 and 20, a guide member 40 and a flow regulating device 30 stacked in sequence, and the guide member 40 may include a plurality of gears 423, 425, 433, 435, 437 and 443, which are arranged in the guide member 40 and configured to be rotatable. Some of the plurality of gears 423, 425, 433, 435, 437 and 443 may be connected to each other so as to be rotatably engaged with each other. The flow regulating device 30 may be configured to change the discharge direction of the air by rotating the plurality of gears 423, 425, 433, 435, 437 and 443 of the guide member 40.

[0096] In this regard, the angle formed between the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 and the top surfaces of the hair dryers 10 and 20 can be increased or decreased based on the rotational operation of the plurality of gears 423, 425, 433, 435, 437, and 443. In this way, the orientation of the flow regulating device 30 can be changed from a first position in which the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 is horizontal to the top surfaces of the hair dryers 10 and 20 to a third position in which the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 is perpendicular to the top surfaces of the hair dryers 10 and 20.

[0097] Therefore, the top surface of the flow regulating device 30 may be oriented perpendicular to the top surfaces of the hair dryers 10 and 20. In this way, the air discharged from the hair dryers 10 and 20 may be blown farther in a desired direction by the flow regulating device 30.

[0098] In addition, the guide member 40 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can have a stable and improved appearance, because compared with the conventional guide member being configured to be moved by being inserted into or pulled out of the hair dryer, it can not only be driven more simply and naturally, but also the structure for driving the guide member 40 will not be exposed to the outside.

[0099] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications may be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be determined by the following claims and their equivalents.

[0100] Industrial Applicability

[0101] The present disclosure can provide an air purifier.

Claims

1. An air purifier, wherein: include: a blower for sucking in air from the outside, filtering the sucked in air, and discharging the filtered air; a flow regulating device disposed above the blower, sucking in air discharged from the blower, regulating a discharge direction of the sucked air, and discharging the air; as well as a guide member, disposed below the flow regulating device, to move the flow regulating device; The guide member comprises: a first shell, disposed on an upper portion of the hair dryer; a second shell, combined with the first shell so as to be rotatable up and down from the first shell; a shell actuator provided inside the first shell for vertical rotation of the second shell; a first housing gear configured to rotate with the housing actuator; and a second housing gear, coupled to the second housing so as to mesh with and rotate with the first housing gear; The first shell forms a downwardly recessed space for accommodating the second shell.

2. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein The concave space of the first shell is formed to have a volume larger than that of the second shell, so as to prevent the second shell from being interfered with when rotating up and down.

3. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein: The first housing gear and the second housing gear are both arranged outside the second housing, and the first housing gear and the second housing gear are controlled to rotate the flow regulating device within a range of 0 to 90 degrees.

4. The air purifier according to claim 3, wherein: In a state where the second case is arranged in the recessed space of the first case, the first case gear and the second case gear are shielded from the outside by the first case.

5. The air purifier according to claim 3, wherein: In a state where the second case is accommodated in the recessed space of the first case, the second case rotates upward around the second case gear as a central axis.

6. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: a guide gear assembly disposed inside the second housing and configured to rotate the flow regulating device, The flow regulating device is controlled to rotate within a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees using the first housing gear, the second housing gear, and the guide gear assembly.

7. The air purifier according to claim 6, wherein: The guide gear assembly comprises: a first guide gear configured to be rotated by a guide actuator located inside the second housing; and The second guide gear receives the rotational force of the first guide gear to rotate the flow regulating device.

8. The air purifier according to claim 6, wherein: The hair dryer includes a guide member seating portion configured so that the first shell of the guide member is seated thereon; A guide ring is arranged on the lower side of the first shell on the inner peripheral surface of the guide member seating portion, and at least a portion of the guide ring has a gear shape in the circumferential direction.

9. The air purifier according to claim 8, wherein: The air purifier further includes a direction adjustment gear engaged with the guide ring so that the first shell rotates with the vertical center line (Z-axis) of the air purifier as a reference.

10. The air purifier according to claim 9, wherein: In a state in which the guide member is coupled to the guide member seating portion, the guide ring and the direction adjustment gear are configured to mesh with each other at an inner circumferential surface of the guide member seating portion.

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