Noise reduction device and air purifier comprising same

Abstract

An air purifier includes: a housing having a flow path through which air can move; a fan configured so as to be capable of moving air through the flow path by operation; and an air guide adjacent to the fan, in which the air guide includes: a guide surface configured to cause air moving along the flow path to flow along the guide surface during operation of the fan; and a sound absorbing hole extending from the guide surface to absorb sound generated by the fan during operation of the fan.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air purifier. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an air purifier including a fan. Background Art

[0002] An air conditioner is a device that draws in indoor air, conditions it, and then exhausts it. Air conditioning, in this context, refers to properly regulating the temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and airflow distribution of indoor air. Types of air conditioners include ventilators, cooling and heating units, air purifiers, and humidifiers.

[0003] An air purifier, an example of an air conditioner, is a device used to remove pollutants from the air and regulate the cleanliness of indoor air. An air purifier can remove bacteria, viruses, mold, dust particles, and chemicals that cause bad odors from the inhaled air.

[0004] An air purifier may include a filter for purifying polluted indoor air. Air drawn into the air purifier passes through the filter, where pollutants are removed, resulting in clean air. The cleaned air can then be discharged outside the air purifier. Furthermore, recently, cooling and heating units, an example of air conditioners, have also been developed to include filter units to perform air purification functions.

[0005] The air conditioner may include a fan to draw in and expel air. The fan may have a fan inlet that channels the air toward the fan.

[0006] The filter or filter unit and the fan inlet may have different cross sections. In order to minimize energy losses when moving the air, it is necessary to have a laminar motion of the flow adjacent to the filter and the flow adjacent to the fan inlet.

[0007] Furthermore, noise may be generated during the operation of the fan, and it is desirable to reduce this noise. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues An aspect of the present disclosure is to prevent unnecessary sound from being emitted to the outside of an air purifier by absorbing sound generated during operation of a fan.

[0009] An aspect of the present disclosure provides an air purifier that reduces sound generated from a fan even when air moves while the fan is in operation.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an air purifier that does not use a thick sound insulation material and includes a noise reduction device having a meta-structure, thereby being able to absorb sound generated during operation of a fan.

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an air purifier including a noise reduction device that can be accommodated between a fan and a housing, thereby reducing noise without increasing the size of the housing.

[0012] The technical problems to be achieved in this article are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above. Ordinary technicians in the technical field to which the present invention belongs can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned from the following description.

[0013] Technical Solution Aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air purifier may include: a housing having a flow path for air movement; a fan configured to enable air to move through the flow path by operating; and an air guide adjacent to the fan, wherein the air guide may include: a guide surface configured to enable air moving along the flow path to flow along the guide surface during operation of the fan; and sound absorption holes extending from the guide surface to absorb sound generated by the fan during operation of the fan.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air guide may include: a guide portion including the guide surface and the sound-absorbing holes; and a space-forming portion defining a soundproof space between the space-forming portion and the guide portion. The guide surface may be provided on a side of the guide portion opposite to a side facing the soundproof space. The sound-absorbing holes may extend from the guide surface through the guide portion to the soundproof space.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the volume of the sound absorbing hole may be smaller than the volume of the sound insulation space, so as to prevent the sound waves generated by the operation of the fan from moving through the sound absorbing hole in the sound insulation space.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air guide has a resonance frequency defined by the sound absorbing holes and the sound insulation space. When the frequency of the generated sound is consistent with the resonance frequency of the air guide, the air guide can reduce the generated sound.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air guide may include: a dividing partition, which divides the sound insulation space into a first sound insulation space and a second sound insulation space with a volume different from that of the first sound insulation space, and extends from the space forming part toward the guide part; a first sound insulation unit, which defines the first sound insulation space and has a resonant frequency; and a second sound insulation unit, which serves as a second sound insulation unit defining the second sound insulation space and has a resonant frequency different from the resonant frequency of the first sound insulation unit.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sound absorption hole may be one of a plurality of first sound absorption holes and a plurality of second sound absorption holes. The plurality of first sound absorption holes may correspond to the first sound insulation space. The plurality of second sound absorption holes may correspond to the second sound insulation space. The number of sound absorption holes per unit volume of the plurality of first sound absorption holes in the first sound insulation space may be different from the number of sound absorption holes per unit volume of the plurality of second sound absorption holes in the second sound insulation space, so that the resonant frequency of the first sound insulation unit is different from the resonant frequency of the second sound insulation unit.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sound absorption hole may be one of a plurality of sound absorption holes, and the plurality of sound absorption holes may include a first sound absorption hole corresponding to the first sound insulation space and a second sound absorption hole corresponding to the second sound insulation space. The diameter of the first sound absorption hole may be different from the diameter of the second sound absorption hole, so that the resonant frequency of the first sound insulation unit is different from the resonant frequency of the second sound insulation unit.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the diameter of the sound absorbing hole may be less than 2.0 mm to prevent the generation of sound resonating with the air moving along the flow path as the fan operates.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sound absorbing hole may penetrate the guide portion in a manner that prevents a distance between two points on an opening of the sound absorbing hole from reaching 2.0 mm or more.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air guide may be configured to reduce sounds in a frequency range below 1000 Hz among sounds generated when the fan operates. The air guide may have a structure in which the density of air adjacent to the sound absorbing hole has a negative value.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fan may include a fan inlet having a first cross-sectional area. A filter having a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area may be provided in the air purifier in a manner spaced apart from the fan. When the filter is provided in the air purifier, the guide portion may include a guide flow path, the cross-sectional area of ​​which gradually decreases from the filter toward the fan inlet, so as to prevent turbulence when air passing through the filter moves toward the fan inlet during operation of the fan.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fan may include blades, a fan outlet, and a shroud positioned between the blades and the air guide, extending radially from the blade's rotational center toward the fan outlet along the blade's rotational axis. The air guide may include a flow inducing passage having a cross-sectional area that gradually increases from an end of the guide passage toward the shroud, so that when the fan is operating, air is directed along the extension direction of the shroud while the air is moving.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sound absorbing holes may correspond to the sound insulation spaces in a one-to-one manner, so that the air guide has a Helmholtz resonance structure.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the length of the sound insulation space may be one quarter of the wavelength of the generated sound.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air guides may be spaced apart in a radial direction with respect to the rotation center of the fan and may extend in a circumferential direction relative to the rotation center of the fan. The soundproof space may be located between the air guides and the housing.

[0029] An air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a filter located within the housing; a fan configured to move air from the filter to the outlet of the housing, the fan inlet having a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the filter, through which air can pass; and an air guide located between the fan and the filter, the air guide having a guide flow path whose cross-sectional area gradually decreases toward the fan. The air guide may have a sound absorbing hole configured to absorb sound generated by the operation of the fan and connected to a soundproof space.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a noise reduction device may include an air guide that can be arranged adjacent to a fan, wherein the air guide may include: a guide body; a sound insulation space located inside the guide body; and a sound absorption hole that is open toward the fan to absorb sound generated as the fan or motor runs, and is connected to the sound insulation space and has a volume smaller than the sound insulation space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] These and / or other embodiments of the present disclosure may become more apparent and easier to understand through the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the air purifier shown.

[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the air purifier is shown.

[0035] Figure 4 Therefore Figure 3 The noise reduction device is shown in a perspective view with the center shown.

[0036] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A perspective view of the filter air guide is shown.

[0037] Figure 6 It will Figure 5 The filter air guide is shown cut away and enlarged in an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view.

[0038] Figure 7 It will Figure 5 The filter air guide is shown cut away and enlarged in an enlarged cross-sectional view.

[0039] Figure 8 is schematically shown in Figure 7 Conceptual diagram showing the principle of sound absorption in a filter air guide.

[0040] Figure 9 Is shown by Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the air flow through the filter air guide shown.

[0041] Figure 10 It is shown based on Figure 9 A graph showing the noise reduction effect of the filter air guide is shown.

[0042] Figure 11It is enlarged to show Figure 9 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter air guide is shown.

[0043] Figure 12 It shows Figure 4 A perspective view of the fan air guide is shown.

[0044] Figure 13 It will Figure 12 An enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of a fan air guide is shown cut away and enlarged.

[0045] Figure 14 It is shown together Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of a fan air guide and a noise reduction configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0046] Figure 15 It shows Figure 14 The graph shown is a graph of the sound absorption effect when a fan air guide has sound absorption holes with a diameter of 0.5 mm.

[0047] Figure 16 It shows Figure 14 The graph shown is a graph of the sound absorption effect when a fan air guide has sound absorption holes with a diameter of 1.0 mm.

[0048] Figure 17 It shows Figure 14 The graph shown is a graph of the sound absorption effect when the fan air guide has sound absorption holes with a diameter of 2.0 mm.

[0049] Figure 18 It is shown together Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a filter air guide, a fan air guide, and a configuration for noise reduction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0050] Figure 19 It shows Figure 18 A graph showing the noise reduction effect of a filter air guide and a fan air guide at the front of an air cleaner is shown.

[0051] Figure 20 It shows Figure 18 A graph showing the noise reduction effect of a filter air guide and a fan air guide at the rear of an air cleaner is shown.

[0052] Figure 21 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a filter air guide of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 22 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a filter air guide of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 23 FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of a filter air guide of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 24 It is shown based on Figure 23 A graph showing the noise reduction effect of the filter air guide is shown.

[0056] Figure 25 FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of a filter air guide of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 26 It is shown based on Figure 25 A graph showing the noise reduction effect of the filter air guide is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The various embodiments of this specification and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this specification to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the corresponding embodiments.

[0059] Regarding the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used to designate like or related components.

[0060] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the item.

[0061] In this specification, each of the statements such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "at least one of A, B or C" may include one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding statement.

[0062] The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related stated elements or a certain element among a plurality of related stated elements.

[0063] Terms such as “1st”, “2nd” or “first”, “second” may be used simply to distinguish a corresponding component from another corresponding component, and do not limit the corresponding component in other aspects (for example, importance or order).

[0064] When a certain component (for example, a first) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (for example, a second), whether or not the term “functionally” or “communicatively” is used, it means that the certain component may be connected to the other component directly (for example, by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0065] Terms such as "including" or "having" are used to specify the existence of features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, parts or their combinations recorded in this specification, and do not preclude the existence or additional possibility of one or more other features or numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, parts or their combinations.

[0066] When an element is referred to as being “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another element, this includes not only the case where the elements are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other, but also the case where the elements are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other via a third element.

[0067] When a component is "located above" another component, this includes not only the case where the component is in contact with the other component, but also the case where another component is located between the two components. Furthermore, terms such as "upper and lower directions," "lower side," and "front-back directions" used in the following description are defined with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the shapes and positions of the components are not limited by these terms.

[0068] Specifically, if Figure 1 As shown, the direction facing the door of the air purifier AL can be defined as the front, and the rear, left and right sides, and up and down sides can be defined based on this.

[0069] Furthermore, if Figure 1 As shown, the +X direction can be defined as the front, the +Y direction can be defined as the left, and the +Z direction can be defined as the top.

[0070] In this disclosure, "resonant frequency" may refer to "natural frequency" or "natural frequency."

[0071] The concept of the present disclosure can be applied to an air conditioner AC. Although the drawings of the present disclosure are shown based on the premise that the embodiment is an air purifier AL, the concept of the present disclosure can also be applied to an air conditioner AC.

[0072] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an air conditioner (AC) to which the concept of the present disclosure can be applied will be described first. After the description of the air conditioner (AC), an air purifier will be described as an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] The air conditioner AC according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity adjustment, cooling or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as "indoor"), and may refer to a device equipped with at least one of these functions.

[0074] According to one embodiment, an air conditioner (AC) may include a heat pump device to perform cooling or heating functions. The heat pump device may include a refrigeration cycle that circulates a refrigerant, including a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be built into a single housing that forms the exterior of the AC. This includes window-type or portable air conditioners. Alternatively, some components of the heat pump device may be built into multiple housings that form the exterior of the AC. This includes wall-mounted, floor-standing, and system air conditioners.

[0075] An air conditioner (AC) comprising multiple housings may include at least one outdoor unit located outdoors and at least one indoor unit located indoors. As an example, the air conditioner (AC) may be configured such that one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are connected via a refrigerant pipe. As an example, the air conditioner (AC) may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via a refrigerant pipe. As an example, the air conditioner (AC) may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected via multiple refrigerant pipes.

[0076] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or instructions) for controlling the air conditioner AC can be input through an input interface equipped on the outdoor unit or the indoor unit, and in response to the user input, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can operate simultaneously or sequentially.

[0077] The air conditioner AC may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in an outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in an indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0078] The outdoor heat exchanger can utilize the phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. For example, when the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the outdoor space, and when the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air.

[0079] Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, they can be categorized by layout as ceiling-mounted, floor-standing, or wall-mounted. For example, ceiling-mounted units can be categorized by exhaust method as four-way, single-way, or ducted.

[0080] Similarly, the indoor heat exchanger can utilize the refrigerant's phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air. For example, while the refrigerant evaporates from the indoor unit, it absorbs heat from the indoor air, allowing the indoor air to be cooled by blowing it through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. Furthermore, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, it releases heat to the indoor air, allowing the indoor air to be heated by blowing it through the hot indoor heat exchanger.

[0081] Specifically, an air conditioner (AC) can perform cooling or heating functions by circulating a refrigerant through an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger through a phase change process. To circulate this refrigerant, the AC includes a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor draws in refrigerant gas through a suction port and compresses it. The compressor discharges the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through a discharge port. The compressor can be located inside the outdoor unit.

[0082] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipe in the order of the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the indoor heat exchanger, or in the order of the compressor, the indoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0083] As an example, in a case where one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the air conditioner AC may be configured such that refrigerant circulates between the one outdoor unit and the one indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0084] As an example, in an air conditioner (AC), if a single outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes, refrigerant can flow to the multiple indoor units via refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. Refrigerant discharged from the multiple indoor units can be configured to merge and circulate to the outdoor unit. As an example, the multiple indoor units can be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0085] Multiple indoor units can operate independently according to user-defined operating modes. Specifically, some of the indoor units can operate in cooling mode while others can operate in heating mode. In this case, refrigerant can be selectively introduced into each indoor unit at high or low pressure along a designated circulation path via a flow path switching valve (described later), and then discharged and circulated to the outdoor unit.

[0086] As an example, in an air conditioner AC, when two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, refrigerant exhausted from the multiple outdoor units may merge and flow through one refrigerant pipe, and then branch again at a certain point and flow into the multiple indoor units.

[0087] Depending on the operating load based on the operating volume of the multiple indoor units, all of the multiple outdoor units may be activated, or at least some of the multiple outdoor units may not be activated. In this case, the refrigerant may be configured to flow into and circulate in the outdoor units selectively activated by a flow path switching valve. The air conditioner (AC) may include an expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. As an example, the expansion device may be located within the indoor unit, within the outdoor unit, or within both the indoor and outdoor units.

[0088] As an example, an expansion device can utilize a throttling effect to reduce the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion device can include an orifice that can reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. The refrigerant passing through the orifice can reduce its temperature and pressure.

[0089] As one example, the expansion device may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve with an adjustable opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the valve when partially open to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the valve when fully open). The amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled based on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve.

[0090] The air conditioner (AC) may further include a flow switching valve disposed on the refrigerant circulation path. For example, the flow switching valve may include a four-way valve. The flow switching valve may determine the refrigerant circulation path based on the indoor unit's operating mode (e.g., cooling or heating). The flow switching valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor.

[0091] The air conditioner (AC) may include a liquid accumulator. The liquid accumulator may be connected to a suction portion of the compressor. The liquid accumulator may receive a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0092] When refrigerant in which refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas are mixed flows into the accumulator, the accumulator may separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas and supply the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

[0093] An outdoor fan may be provided near the outdoor heat exchanger to blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0094] The outdoor unit of an air conditioner (AC) may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be located anywhere inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include a temperature sensor for sensing the air temperature surrounding the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for sensing the air humidity surrounding the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the refrigerant passing through a refrigerant pipe of the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for sensing the refrigerant pressure passing through a refrigerant pipe of the outdoor unit.

[0095] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner (AC) may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive control signals from a control unit of an indoor unit of the air conditioner (AC), described later. Based on the control signals received via the outdoor unit communication unit, the outdoor unit may control the operation of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, a flow path switching valve, a accumulator, or an outdoor fan. The outdoor unit communication unit may also transmit sensing values ​​detected by outdoor unit sensors to the control unit of the indoor unit.

[0096] The indoor unit of the air conditioner AC may include a casing, a blower that circulates air to the inside or outside of the casing, and an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air flowing into the inside of the casing.

[0097] The housing may include an inlet port through which indoor air can flow into the interior of the housing.

[0098] The indoor unit of the air conditioner AC may include a filter configured to filter foreign matter from air flowing into the interior of the casing through the suction port.

[0099] The housing may include an exhaust port. Air flowing inside the housing may be exhausted to the outside of the housing through the exhaust port.

[0100] The indoor unit housing may be equipped with an airflow guide to guide the direction of air discharged through the outlet. As one example, the airflow guide may include blades located on the outlet. As another example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for regulating the exhaust airflow. However, this is not limiting and the airflow guide may be omitted.

[0101] An indoor heat exchanger and a blower arranged on a flow path connecting the suction port and the discharge port may be provided inside a casing of the indoor unit.

[0102] The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. As an example, the indoor fan may include an axial flow fan, a mixed flow fan, a cross flow fan, or a centrifugal fan.

[0103] The indoor heat exchanger can be positioned between the blower and the exhaust port, or between the suction port and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger can absorb heat from the air flowing in through the suction port, or transfer heat to the air flowing in through the suction port. The indoor heat exchanger can include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins that contact the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer area.

[0104] The indoor unit of an air conditioner (AC) may include a drain pan located below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensed water from the indoor heat exchanger. The condensed water in the drain pan can be drained to the outside via a drain hose. The drain pan may be configured to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0105] The indoor unit of the air conditioner (AC) may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input unit including buttons, switches, a touch screen, and / or a touchpad. A user may directly input setting data (e.g., a desired indoor temperature, cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification operation mode settings, outlet selection settings, and / or air volume settings) through the input interface.

[0106] The input interface may also be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote control. The wired remote control may be located at a specific location in the indoor space (e.g., a portion of a wall surface). The user may operate the wired remote control to input setting data for the operation of the air conditioner (AC). An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data acquired by the wired remote control may be transmitted to the input interface. Furthermore, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. The user may remotely input setting data for the operation of the air conditioner (AC) using a wireless remote control. The setting data entered via the wireless remote control may be transmitted to the input interface via an infrared signal.

[0107] Furthermore, the input interface may include a microphone. The user's voice instructions can be acquired through the microphone. The microphone can convert the user's voice instructions into electrical signals and transmit the converted electrical signals to the indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit can control the configuration of the air conditioner AC to perform the function corresponding to the user's voice instructions. The setting data acquired through the input interface (for example, the desired indoor temperature, cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification operation mode settings, exhaust outlet selection settings and / or air volume settings) can be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface can be transmitted to the outside (i.e., the outdoor unit or server) through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0108] The indoor unit of the air conditioner AC may include a power module. The power module may be connected to an external power source to supply power to components of the indoor unit.

[0109] The indoor unit of an air conditioner (AC) may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor located in a space inside or outside the housing. As one example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors located in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. As one example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the refrigerant passing through a refrigerant pipe of the indoor unit. As one example, the indoor unit sensor may include individual refrigerant temperature sensors for sensing the inlet, intermediate, and / or outlet temperatures of the refrigerant pipe passing through an indoor heat exchanger.

[0110] As an example, each piece of environmental information sensed by the indoor unit sensor may be transmitted to an indoor unit control unit described later, or may be transmitted to the outside through an indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0111] The indoor unit of an air conditioner (AC) may include an indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with another device. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may also include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0112] The short-range wireless communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a NearField Communication module, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an Ultra Wide Band (UWB) communication module, an Artificial Neural Network (Ant+) communication module, a uWave communication module, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0113] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module for performing various types of long-distance communications, and may include a mobile communication unit that transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0114] The indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances through surrounding access points (APs). The access point (AP) connects the local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner (AC) or user equipment is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner (AC) or user equipment can connect to the server via the WAN. The indoor unit of the air conditioner (AC) may include an indoor unit control unit that controls the indoor unit components, including a blower. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner (AC) may include an outdoor unit control unit that controls the outdoor unit components, including a compressor. The indoor unit control unit can communicate with the outdoor unit control unit through the indoor unit communication unit and the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit can transmit control signals generated by the outdoor unit control unit to the indoor unit communication unit, or it can pass control signals transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit to the outdoor unit control unit. In other words, the outdoor and indoor units can perform bidirectional communication. The outdoor and indoor units can send and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner (AC).

[0115] The outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to the components of the outdoor unit and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit control unit can adjust the frequency of the compressor and control the flow path switching valve to switch the circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit control unit can also adjust the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can generate a control signal for adjusting the opening of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, the refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, flow path switching valve, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion valve, and indoor heat exchanger.

[0116] The various temperature sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the respectively detected temperatures to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the respectively detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit.

[0117] The indoor unit control unit may receive user input from a user device, such as a mobile device, via the indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit control unit may also receive user input directly through an input interface or via a remote controller. The indoor unit control unit may control components of the indoor unit, such as a blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit may transmit information regarding the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit of the outdoor unit.

[0118] The outdoor unit control unit may control components of the outdoor unit, including a compressor, based on information regarding user input received from the indoor unit. For example, if a control signal corresponding to user input selecting an operating mode such as cooling operation, heating operation, ventilation operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit control unit may control components of the outdoor unit to perform the air conditioner AC operation corresponding to the selected operating mode.

[0119] The outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0120] The memory can memorize / store various information required for the operation of the air conditioner (AC). The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs required for the operation of the air conditioner (AC). For example, the memory can store various programs for the cooling, heating, dehumidification, and / or defrosting operations of the air conditioner (AC). The memory can include volatile memory such as static random access memory (S-RAM) and dynamic random access memory (D-RAM) for temporary data storage. Furthermore, the memory can include non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) for long-term data storage.

[0121] The processor can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the air conditioner (AC) based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in the memory. The processor, as hardware, may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from the memory and generate control signals based on the processing results. The memory and processor can be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0122] The indoor unit of an air conditioner (AC) may include an output interface. The output interface may be electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit and, under the control of the indoor unit control unit, may output information related to the operation of the air conditioner (AC). For example, information such as the operating mode selected by user input, air direction, air volume, and temperature may be output. Furthermore, the output interface may output sensing information acquired from indoor unit sensors or outdoor unit sensors, as well as warning / error messages.

[0123] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker, as an audio device, can output various sounds. The display can display information input by the user or information provided to the user as various graphical elements. For example, operating information for an air conditioner (AC) can be displayed as at least one of an image or text. Furthermore, the display may include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display panel, a light emitting diode panel, an organic light emitting diode panel, a micro-LED panel, and / or multiple LEDs.

[0124] In the above, an air conditioner AC is described as an embodiment of the concept applicable to the present disclosure. In the following, an air purifier AL is described as an embodiment of the concept applicable to the present disclosure. The air purifier AL may be included in the air conditioner AC.

[0125] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0126] Figure 1 4 is a perspective view of an air purifier AL according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of air purifier AL shown. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the air purifier AL is shown.

[0127] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , an air purifier AL according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0128] In the case where the air purifier AL is located indoors, the air in the room may move to the inside of the air purifier AL and be purified, and then move to the outside of the air purifier AL.

[0129] like Figure 1 As shown, the air purifier AL may include a housing 10. The housing 10 may be configured to form an exterior appearance of the air purifier AL.

[0130] The housing 10 may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. For aesthetic purposes, the housing 10 may substantially have a regular hexahedron shape.

[0131] The housing 10 may be configured to form an inner space. A component for air purification may be arranged in the inner space of the housing 10. The housing 10 may protect the component for air purification to prevent impact from being applied to the component for air purification.

[0132] The air can move inside the housing 10 and move outside the housing 10 after being purified. The housing 10 may have a flow path 10P through which the air can move. The air can move inside the housing 10 through the flow path 10P formed by the housing 10.

[0133] The housing 10 may be formed of plastic, but is not limited thereto.

[0134] The housing 10 may be formed by injection molding, but is not limited thereto.

[0135] The housing 10 may include a front panel 14. The front panel 14 may be located at the front of the housing 10. The front panel 14 may be configured to form a front appearance of the air cleaner AL.

[0136] The front panel 14 may have a fine outlet 14H. The fine outlet 14H may have a slit or a hole. The air that has moved into the air cleaner AL may move to the outside of the air cleaner AL through the slit or hole of the front panel 14.

[0137] The front panel 14 may be spaced apart from a portion of the housing 10 to form an opening or space communicating with the inside of the housing 10. Air may move toward the inside of the housing 10 through the opening or space formed by the front panel 14.

[0138] The fine outlet 14H having a slit or a hole included in the front panel 14 or the opening or space formed by the front panel 14 may be referred to as an outlet 12S.

[0139] The housing 10 may include a rear panel 15. The rear panel 15 may be located at the rear of the housing 10. The rear panel 15 may be configured to form a rear appearance of the air washer AL.

[0140] The rear panel 15 may have slits or holes. When air attempts to move into the air cleaner AL, the air may move into the air cleaner AL through the slits or holes of the rear panel 15.

[0141] The rear panel 15 may be configured to be spaced apart from a portion of the housing 10 to form an opening or space communicating with the inside of the housing 10. Air may move to the inside of the housing 10 through the opening or space formed by the rear panel 15.

[0142] The slit, hole, or opening or space formed by the rear panel 15 may be referred to as an inlet 11S.

[0143] Air can move into the inside of the housing 10 through the inlet 11S of the air purifier AL, and the air moved into the inside of the housing 10 can move to the outside of the housing 10 through the outlet 12S of the air purifier AL. The inlet 11S and the outlet 12S can be formed on different surfaces or on the same surface. The inlet 11S can be formed on the rear end side of the housing 10. The outlet 12S can be formed on the front end side of the housing 10.

[0144] The housing 10 may include a housing cover 13. The housing cover 13 may be configured to cover the upper side, left side, and right side of the housing 10.

[0145] The housing cover 13 may be configured to define the appearance of the upper side, the left side, and the right side of the housing 10 .

[0146] As described above, the inlet 11S may be a space formed between the housing cover 13 and the rear panel 15 , and the outlet 12S may be a space formed between the housing cover 13 and the front panel 14 .

[0147] During the period when the air purifier AL is not in operation, the front panel 14 and the rear panel 15 may be in contact with the outer shell cover 13. Therefore, the inlet 11S and the outlet 12S may not be formed. During the period when the air purifier AL is in operation, the front panel 14 and the rear panel 15 may be at least partially separated from the outer shell cover 13. Accordingly, the inlet 11S and the outlet 12S may be formed. Therefore, during the period when the air purifier AL is not in operation, foreign matter may be prevented from flowing into the inside of the air purifier AL, and during the period when the air purifier AL is in operation, air may flow into the inside of the air purifier AL, and air may flow out to the outside of the air purifier AL.

[0148] When the front panel 14 moves forward by a predetermined length, the size of the outlet 12S can be increased. When the front panel 14 moves backward by a predetermined length again after moving forward by a predetermined length, the size of the outlet 12S can be reduced.

[0149] In other words, outlet 12S can correspond to the gap between front panel 14 and housing 10. The further away the front panel 14 and housing 10 are from each other, the larger outlet 12S can be, and the closer the front panel 14 and housing 10 are to each other, the smaller outlet 12S can be. When the front panel 14 and housing 10 are in contact with each other, outlet 12S can be closed, and air can be discharged to the outside of air purifier AL through multiple fine outlets 14H formed in front panel 14. The area of ​​each of the multiple fine outlets 14H is smaller than the area of ​​outlet 12S, so the air passing through the fine outlets 14H can be discharged at a lower speed than the air passing through outlet 12S.

[0150] However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The front panel 14 may be fixed to the front of the housing 10 in an immovable manner, and the outlet 12S may be formed in the front panel 14 or the housing 10. The front panel 14 and the housing 10 may be integrally provided.

[0151] When the air purifier AL is placed on the floor, the housing cover 13 , together with the front panel 14 and the rear panel 15 , can define the appearance of the air purifier AL.

[0152] The housing 10 may include a lower panel 16. The lower panel 16 may be located on the lower side of the housing 10. The lower panel 16 may define the lower appearance of the air purifier AL.

[0153] like Figure 3 As shown, the air cleaner AL may include a filter assembly FS. The filter assembly FS may be configured to clean air as the air moves through the filter assembly FS.

[0154] The filter assembly FS may be located inside the housing 10. The filter assembly FS may be detachably mounted to the housing 10.

[0155] The filter assembly FS may be configured to allow air to pass therethrough. When the air passes therethrough, foreign matter contained in the air may be adsorbed by the filter assembly FS.

[0156] The air cleaner AL may include a fan assembly FA. The fan assembly FA may move air by operating.

[0157] The fan assembly FA may be located inside the housing 10. The fan assembly FA may be detachably mounted to the housing 10.

[0158] The fan assembly FA may move air to the inside of the housing 10, or may move air to the outside of the housing 10. When the fan assembly FA operates, air may flow, and upstream and downstream may be defined by the flowing air.

[0159] The fan assembly FA may have a fan inlet 100Aa. The fan inlet 100Aa may be an opening through which air enters toward the fan assembly FA.

[0160] The fan inlet 100Aa may have a circular shape.

[0161] The fan assembly FA may have a fan outlet 100Ab. The fan outlet 100Ab may be an opening through which air is discharged from the fan assembly FA.

[0162] With fan inlet 100Aa as a reference, air moving toward fan inlet 100Aa can be defined as upstream, and air moving away from fan inlet 100Aa can be defined as downstream. With fan outlet 100Ab as a reference, air moving toward fan outlet 100Ab can be defined as upstream, and air moving away from fan outlet 100Ab can be defined as downstream. However, this is not limiting, and upstream and downstream can be defined to refer to different parts depending on the flow of air at a certain point.

[0163] The filter assembly FS may be located upstream of the fan assembly FA. Therefore, air drawn from the inlet 11S by the fan assembly FA may pass through the filter assembly FS and move toward the fan assembly FA. The fan assembly FA may move the air toward the outlet 12S.

[0164] In more detail, the air may move inside the fan assembly FA toward the fan inlet 100Aa of the fan assembly FA through the filter assembly FS, and the air moved inside the fan assembly FA may move toward the outlet 12S of the housing 10 through the fan outlet 100Ab.

[0165] The filter assembly FS can be positioned adjacent to the fan assembly FA. Air can be generated by the fan assembly FA. Air passing through the filter assembly FS experiences pressure loss. Therefore, to ensure air movement despite pressure loss, it is preferable to ensure a faster flow through the filter assembly FS. Therefore, the filter assembly FS is preferably positioned close to the fan assembly FA.

[0166] However, the filter assembly FS may need to be separated from the fan assembly FA by a predetermined interval. This is because the cross-sectional area, based on the flow direction of the air of the filter assembly FS, may be different from the cross-sectional area of ​​the fan inlet 100Aa of the fan assembly FA. In the case of different cross-sectional areas, during the movement of the air, it may occur that the air moves in a turning direction from the filter assembly FS toward the fan inlet 100Aa of the fan assembly FA rather than in a straight line. In this case, if the air does not have enough space to move in a turning direction, the air may have turbulent movement rather than laminar movement. If the air has turbulent movement, energy loss occurs due to friction, which may mean that the air cannot move smoothly. The smooth movement of the air can define the amount of air that the air purifier AL can filter 200 relative to time, so it is necessary to prevent the air from having turbulent movement.

[0167] For this purpose, the filter assembly FS may be spaced apart from the fan assembly FA by a predetermined interval. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the filter assembly FS may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the fan inlet 100Aa of the fan assembly FA, ​​and the filter assembly FS may be located further back than the fan assembly FA.

[0168] In addition to the feature that the filter assembly FS and the fan assembly FA are separately provided, this embodiment also provides an additional description of the air guide AG.

[0169] The air cleaner AL may include an air guide AG. The air guide AG may refer to a configuration configured to guide movement of air moved during operation of the fan assembly FA.

[0170] The air guide AG may be adjacent to the fan assembly FA.

[0171] The air guide AG may include a filter air guide 300 and a fan air guide 300 - 1 .

[0172] Here, the filter air guide 300 may be referred to as a first air guide AG, and the fan air guide 300 - 1 may be referred to as a second air guide AG.

[0173] The filter air guide 300 may be located between the filter assembly FS and the fan assembly FA.

[0174] The filter air guide 300 may guide air such that the air passing through the filter assembly FS moves to the fan inlet 100Aa of the fan assembly FA.

[0175] The air guide AG may include a guide flow path 310P. The guide flow path 310P may be a flow path 10P formed to allow air to move through the air guide AG. The guide flow path 310P may include a first air guide flow path 310Pa included in the filter air guide 300 .

[0176] The first air guide flow path 310Pa may penetrate the filter air guide 300. The air passing through the filter assembly FS may move toward the fan inlet 100Aa of the fan assembly FA through the first air guide flow path 310Pa.

[0177] The first air guide passage 310Pa may be configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the side facing the filter assembly FS is the same as or similar to the cross-sectional area of ​​the filter assembly FS. The first air guide passage 310Pa may be configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the side facing the fan assembly FA is the same as or similar to the cross-sectional area of ​​the fan inlet 100Aa. Figure 3 As shown, in a case where the cross-sectional area of ​​the filter assembly FS is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the fan inlet 100Aa, the first air guide flow path 310Pa may be configured to gradually narrow from the filter assembly FS toward the fan inlet 100Aa.

[0178] The first air guide flow path 310Pa may be formed by a smooth curved surface to prevent the air from becoming turbulent while moving through the first air guide flow path 310Pa.

[0179] The first air guide flow path 310Pa may be located at the center of the filter air guide 300. The first air guide flow path 310Pa may have a rotationally symmetrical shape about the axis. The cross section of the first air guide flow path 310Pa may be circular and extend about the axis.

[0180] The fan inlet 100Aa may have a circular shape. The center of the circle of the fan inlet 100Aa may coincide with the axis of the first air guide passage 310Pa. The center of the circle of the fan inlet 100Aa may be located on the rotation axis of the fan 100. Therefore, the axis of the first air guide passage 310Pa may coincide with the rotation axis of the fan inlet 100Aa.

[0181] The cross-section of the first air guide passage 310Pa may have a circular shape that corresponds to the fan inlet 100Aa as it approaches the fan inlet 100Aa. If the cross-sectional area of ​​the filter 200 is large, the first air guide passage 310Pa may have a circular cross-section with an area that gradually decreases from the filter 200 toward the fan inlet 100Aa.

[0182] That is, in other words, the fan 100 may include a fan inlet 100Aa having a first cross-sectional area, and the filter 200 may be included so as to be spaced apart from the fan 100 and having a second cross-sectional area larger than the first cross-sectional area.

[0183] The guide portion 310 may include a guide flow path 310P whose cross-sectional area gradually decreases from the filter 200 toward the fan inlet 100Aa during operation of the fan 100 to prevent turbulence when the air passing through the filter 200 moves toward the fan inlet 100Aa.

[0184] The filter air guide 300 may be formed of plastic, but is not limited thereto.

[0185] The filter air guide 300 may be formed by injection molding, but is not limited thereto.

[0186] The fan air guide 300 - 1 may be located outside the fan assembly FA. The fan air guide 300 - 1 may be provided to be spaced radially outward from a rotation center of the fan 100 of the fan assembly FA.

[0187] The fan air guide 300 - 1 may be configured to surround at least a portion of the fan assembly FA. The fan air guide 300 - 1 may include a portion extending from a position adjacent to the outlet of the fan assembly FA in a direction from the fan outlet 100Ab toward the outlet 12S of the housing 10 .

[0188] For example, the fan air guide 300-1 may have a bell shape. The fan assembly FA may be located inside the bell-shaped fan air guide 300-1. Air moved by the fan air guide 300-1 may move toward the bell-shaped opening along the inner wall of the bell-shaped fan air guide 300-1.

[0189] The fan air guide 300 - 1 may guide air so that the air moves from the fan outlet 100Ab toward the outlet 12S of the housing 10 via the fan assembly FA.

[0190] The guide path 310P may include a second air guide path 310Pb included in the fan air guide 300-1. The second air guide path 310Pb may penetrate the fan air guide 300-1. Air passing through the fan assembly FA and the fan outlet 100Ab may move toward the outlet 12S of the housing 10 along the second air guide path 310Pb.

[0191] The second air guide flow path 310Pb may be formed by the fan air guide 300 - 1 and the fan assembly FA. The fan air guide 300 - 1 may be configured to extend forward. The outlet 125 of the housing 10 may be located in front of the filter air guide 300 .

[0192] The second air guide flow path 310Pb may extend from the fan outlet 100Ab to a position covered by the filter air guide 300 .

[0193] The air moving toward the fan assembly FA may pass through the second air guide flow path 310Pb and may move toward the outlet 12S of the housing 10 .

[0194] The cross-sectional area of ​​the fan air guide 300-1 may gradually increase toward the outlet 12S of the housing 10. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second air guide flow path 310Pb may gradually increase toward the outlet 12S of the housing 10. When the cross-sectional area of ​​the second air guide flow path 310Pb increases, the speed of air may decrease as it moves toward the outlet 12S of the housing 10.

[0195] The air cleaner AL may have an outlet flow path 12P. The outlet flow path 12P may be a flow path 10P extending from the second air guide flow path 310Pb to the outlet 12S. The outlet flow path 12P may be defined by an edge panel 14a forming an inner wall located inside the housing 10 described below.

[0196] Hereinafter, possible configurations included in the configuration described above will be described.

[0197] The fan assembly FA may include a fan 100 .

[0198] The fan 100 may have a rotation axis R parallel to the front-to-back direction. The fan 100 may include a hub coupled to a shaft 121, a plurality of blades 110, and a shroud 120 connected to the plurality of blades 110 and having a fan inlet 100Aa configured to draw air from the rear. The fan inlet 100Aa may be open toward the rear. The fan inlet 100Aa may be circular. The fan 100 may discharge air forward. The fan 100 may include a mixed flow fan 100. The fan 100 may include a turbofan 100.

[0199] The fan assembly FA may include a fan motor 130 .

[0200] The fan motor 130 can provide driving force to the fan 100 to rotate the blades 110 of the fan 100. The fan motor 130 can include a motor shaft. The motor shaft can extend in the front-to-back direction. The motor shaft can be combined with the fan 100 to transmit the power of the fan motor 130 to the fan 100.

[0201] The fan motor 130 may be controlled by a control unit (not shown), which may include a processor and a memory.

[0202] The processor may receive a signal via the input portion and operate or stop the fan motor 130. The operation of the fan motor 130 may cause the blades 110 of the fan 100 to rotate, and thus the blades 110 of the fan 100 may be rotated by the processor.

[0203] At this time, the rotation of the blades 110 of the fan 100 may be considered as the operation of the fan 100. The operation of the fan 100 may refer to the operation of the fan motor 130. The operation of the fan motor 130 may refer to the rotation of the motor shaft.

[0204] The filter assembly FS may include a filter 200. The filter 200 may have a mesh filter 200. The filter 200 may have a plurality of gaps. When air passes through the plurality of gaps, foreign matter mixed in the air may be filtered by the filter 200.

[0205] Reference Figure 2 Another configuration of the air cleaner AL will be described.

[0206] like Figure 2 As shown, the air purifier AL may include a front panel 14. The air purifier AL may include an edge panel 14a located behind the front panel 14 and adjacent to an edge of the front panel 14. The edge panel 14a may extend along a direction in which the edge of the front panel 14 extends.

[0207] The air cleaner AL may include a fan assembly FA located behind the front panel 14 .

[0208] The air purifier AL may include an air supply housing 101 in which a fan assembly FA is installed. The air supply housing 101 may form an inner wall of the air purifier AL.

[0209] The air purifier AL may include a fan air guide 300-1 that is mounted to the air supply housing 101 by moving from the rear to the front of the air supply housing 101. The fan air guide 300-1 may be included in the air guide AG. The fan air guide 300-1 may be arranged to surround the fan 100. When the fan air guide 300-1 is mounted to the air supply housing 101, at least a portion of the fan air guide 300-1 may be located in front of the air supply housing 101.

[0210] The air purifier AL may include a guide housing 401 mounted on the air supply housing 101. The guide housing 401 may be moved from the rear of the air supply housing 101 toward the air supply housing 101 and mounted on the air supply housing 101.

[0211] The air cleaner AL may include a filter air guide 300. The filter air guide 300 may be located behind the guide housing 401. The filter air guide 300 may be mounted to the air supply housing 101 and the guide housing 401.

[0212] The air cleaner AL may include a filter housing 201 at least partially located between the filter air guide 300 and the filter assembly FS. The filter housing 201 may house the filter assembly FS.

[0213] The air cleaner AL may include a filter assembly FS mounted on a filter housing 201 .

[0214] The air cleaner AL may include a rear panel 15 located behind the filter assembly FS.

[0215] like Figure 3 As shown, air can move from inlet 11S toward outlet 12S. Figure 3 In FIG, solid arrows represent the flow of air, and dotted arrows represent the flow of sound. A configuration that can reduce noise generated during air movement will be described below.

[0216] Figure 4 Therefore Figure 3 The noise reduction device is shown in a perspective view with the center shown.

[0217] Reference Figure 4 , a noise reduction device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0218] As described above, the air guide AG has been described. As illustrated by the air guide AG described in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a device capable of reducing the volume of sound may be referred to as a noise reduction device. Therefore, the air purifier AL may include a noise reduction device. The noise reduction device may include the air guide AG.

[0219] However, although the noise reduction device is shown and described in the drawings as a part of the air purifier AL, the noise reduction device described above is not applicable only to the air purifier AL. When the noise reduction device is located near a structure that can generate sound, the noise reduction device can reduce the sound.

[0220] In this specification, for convenience of explanation, the noise reduction device is assumed to be a part of the air cleaner AL and described.

[0221] The noise reduction device may be adjacent to the fan 100 or the fan motor 130. The noise reduction device may be configured to reduce sound generated from the fan 100 or the fan motor 130.

[0222] Fan motor 130 may include a rotor and a stator. The rotor rotates relative to the stator, and therefore, noise may be generated during the rotor's rotation. Furthermore, fan 100 may be rotated by the motor. During the rotation of fan 100, vibrations generated by blades 110 contacting the air may generate noise. A noise reduction device can reduce the noise generated by fan 100 and fan motor 130.

[0223] The noise reduction device may include an air guide AG. The air guide AG may be configured to guide the air moved by the fan 100. At the same time, the air guide AG may reduce the volume of sound while the air flows along the surface of the air guide AG.

[0224] The air guide AG may include a guide portion 310 having a guide surface 310A along which air flows. The air may move along the flow path 10P of the guide portion 310 within the housing 10. The guide portion 310 may form the guide flow path 310P described above.

[0225] The guide portion 310 may include a first air guide portion 310a included in the filter air guide 300. In the first air guide portion 310a, an opening defined by a cross section with respect to a rotation axis of the fan 100 may be gradually narrowed toward the fan inlet 100Aa.

[0226] The guide surface 310A may include a first air guide surface 310Aa included in the filter air guide 300. The first air guide portion 310a may have the first air guide surface 310Aa.

[0227] The guide portion 310 may include the second air guide portion 310b included in the fan air guide 300-1. In the second air guide portion 310b, an opening defined by a cross section relative to the rotation axis of the fan 100 may gradually widen toward the outlet 12S of the housing 10.

[0228] The guide surface 310A may include the second air guide surface 310Ab included in the filter air guide 300. The second air guide portion 310b may have the second air guide surface 310Ab.

[0229] In other words, the air may move along the guide portion 310. In order to reduce the sound of the fan 100 that moves the air, the air guide AG may include the following configurations.

[0230] The air guide AG may have a sound-absorbing hole 310H. The sound-absorbing hole 310H may be formed through the guide portion 310. The sound-absorbing hole 310H may extend from the guide surface 310A. The sound-absorbing hole 310H may extend from the guide surface 310A through the guide portion 310 to a soundproof space 320S (described below). The sound-absorbing hole 310H, together with the soundproof space 320S (described below), may reduce the sound generated by the fan 100 or the fan motor 130.

[0231] However, even if there is no sound insulation space 320S and only the sound absorbing holes 310H are provided, the sound can be reduced. Figure 8 Detailed explanation is given in the relevant sections.

[0232] The sound absorption hole 310H may include a first air guide sound absorption hole 310Ha provided to the filter air guide 300. The first air guide portion 310a may include the first air guide sound absorption hole 310Ha.

[0233] The sound absorbing hole 310H may include a second air guide sound absorbing hole 310Hb included in the fan air guide 300 - 1 . The second air guide portion 310b may include the second air guide sound absorbing hole 310Hb.

[0234] Reference Figure 3 The air guide AG may define a sound insulation space 320S. The guide portion 310 may be configured to form the sound insulation space 320S communicating with the sound absorbing hole 310H.

[0235] The sound insulation space 320S may include a first air guide sound insulation space 320Sa defined by the first air guide AG.

[0236] The sound insulation space 320S may include a second air guide sound insulation space 320Sb defined by the second air guide AG.

[0237] The air guide AG may include an air guide installation portion 301 to be installed in a surrounding configuration.

[0238] The air guide mounting portion 301 may include a first air guide mounting portion 301a included in the first air guide AG. The first air guide mounting portion 301a may protrude from the exterior of the air guide AG. The first air guide mounting portion 301a may extend in the direction in which the first air guide AG is mounted. The first air guide mounting portion 301a may extend in the front-to-back direction. There may be multiple first air guide mounting portions 301a.

[0239] The air guide mounting portion 301 may include a second air guide mounting portion 301b included in the second air guide AG. The second air guide mounting portion 301b may protrude from the outside of the air guide AG.

[0240] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A perspective view of filter air guide 300 is shown. Figure 6 It will Figure 5 The filter air guide 300 is shown cut away and enlarged to show an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view.

[0241] Reference Figures 5 and 6 , the structure of the filter air guide 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0242] The filter air guide 300 may include a soundproof space 320S. The first air guide portion 310a included in the filter air guide 300 may be represented as the guide portion 310 included in the filter air guide 300. The first air guide flow path 310Pa may be represented as the guide flow path 310P included in the filter air guide 300. The first air guide sound absorption holes 310Ha may be represented as the sound absorption holes 310H included in the filter air guide 300. The first air guide soundproof space 320Sa may be represented as the soundproof space 320S included in the filter air guide 300.

[0243] The above expressions can be replaced because the concepts applied to filter air guide 300 can also be applied to fan air guide 300-1. Therefore, for convenience of expression, the names of the components included in filter air guide 300 can be expressed as the names of the components included in air guide AG.

[0244] The filter air guide 300 may include a space forming portion 320 that defines a sound insulation space 320S. The space forming portion 320 may extend from the guide portion 310 and surround the sound insulation space 320S together with the guide portion 310. The space forming portion 320 may be located in front of the guide portion 310. The space forming portion 320 may be bent forward from the edge of the guide portion 310 and extend, and bend again to extend toward the guide flow path 310P. The space forming portion 320 may extend from the guide portion 310 and define a sound insulation space 320S between the guide portion 310. The sound insulation space 320S may be defined by a surface of the guide portion 310 opposite to the guide surface 310A and the space forming portion 320. However, the sound insulation space 320S may be located not only on the lower side of the guide portion 310 but also at a position adjacent to the guide portion 310.

[0245] For example, Figure 6As shown, when observing the sound insulation space 320S located on the lower side, the space forming portion 320 may extend forward from the lower side of the guide portion 310 and bend at the end portion to extend upward again.

[0246] The filter air guide 300 may include guide bodies 310 and 320. The guide bodies 310 and 320 may include a guide portion 310 or a space forming portion 320. The fan air guide 300-1 may include guide bodies 310 and 320. The guide bodies 310 and 320 of the fan air guide 300-1 may include a guide portion 310. The air guide AG may include guide bodies 310 and 320.

[0247] The space forming portion 320 may form a soundproof space 320S.

[0248] The soundproof space 320S may be connected to the sound absorbing hole 310H. The soundproof space 320S may be located adjacent to the guide portion 310, and thus adjacent to the sound absorbing hole 310H. The soundproof space 320S may be connected to the outside of the filter air guide 300 through the sound absorbing hole 310H.

[0249] The volume of the sound insulation space 320S may be larger than the volume of the sound absorbing hole 310H.

[0250] The sound volume can be reduced by the sound absorbing holes 310H and the sound insulating space 320S.

[0251] Sound is the vibration of air. The vibration of air can have wave properties. That is, sound can be a sound wave. Therefore, sound can have both frequency and wavelength.

[0252] The sound absorbing hole 310H may define a predetermined space. The space defined by the sound absorbing hole 310H may refer to a space inside the sound absorbing hole 310H. The sound absorbing hole 310H has an empty space, and thus may change the resonant frequency of the guide portion 310 or the filter air guide 300.

[0253] The guide portion 310 or the filter air guide 300 may define its resonant frequency by forming the sound absorbing holes 310H. This is because the sound absorbing holes 310H form an empty space, thereby defining the shape of the guide portion 310 or the filter air guide 300.

[0254] Sound waves have the property of being absorbed by structures with a consistent resonant frequency when they encounter them. Therefore, the shape, number, and diameter of the sound-absorbing holes 310H can be adjusted to target the sound waves absorbed by the guide portion 310 or the air guide AG. For example, as shown in the figure, the sound-absorbing holes 310H can have a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the sound-absorbing holes 310H can have a polygonal prism shape with a triangular, quadrilateral, or other polygonal cross-section.

[0255] Below, refer to Figure 7 or Figure 8 The principle of sound absorption by the sound absorbing holes 310H will be described in detail.

[0256] The principle of sound absorption by the sound-absorbing holes 310H can also be applied to the sound insulation space 320S.

[0257] For example, the soundproof space 320S and the sound absorption hole 310H can be considered to correspond to the flask. The portion corresponding to the narrow entrance of the flask can be called the sound absorption hole 310H. The portion corresponding to the wide space inside the flask can be called the soundproof space 320S.

[0258] When sound waves enter the sound insulation space 320S through the sound absorbing hole 310H, the volume of the sound insulation space 320S is larger than the entrance diameter of the sound absorbing hole 310H, so it is difficult for the sound waves to escape from the sound insulation space 320S through the sound absorbing hole 310H.

[0259] The smaller the diameter of the sound absorbing hole 310H, the less the sound is released to the outside of the air purifier AL. This is because the sound absorbing hole 310H can be configured to allow sound waves to escape from the soundproof space 320S to the outside of the soundproof space 320S.

[0260] The larger the volume of the sound insulation space 320S, the better the sound waves can be contained in the sound insulation space 320S. Therefore, the volume of the sound insulation space 320S can determine the degree of sound absorption.

[0261] As described above, sound absorbing holes 310H can define the resonant frequency of filter air guide 300. Sound insulation space 320S can also define the resonant frequency of filter air guide 300. This is because sound insulation space 320S is an empty space and thus can define the shape of filter air guide 300.

[0262] That is, the sound insulation space 320S may determine the frequency of the sound waves to be absorbed by the filter air guide 300. In other words, the frequency of the sound waves to be absorbed by the filter air guide 300 may be determined by adjusting the shape or volume of the sound insulation space 320S.

[0263] The filter air guide 300 may preferably absorb sound waves corresponding to a frequency region having a predetermined range, compared to the filter air guide 300 absorbing only sound waves corresponding to one frequency, because the sound generated by the fan 100 or the motor may have various frequencies.

[0264] Below, refer to Figure 7 or Figure 8 The principle of sound absorption by the soundproof space 320S is described in detail.

[0265] As described above, the sound absorbing holes 310H and the sound insulating space 320S can reduce the volume of the sound.

[0266] If the air guide AG has a single resonant frequency, the air guide AG can absorb sounds of that single frequency. To enable the air guide AG to absorb sounds of various frequencies, the air guide AG can have various resonant frequencies. To this end, the filter air guide 300 can include a sound insulation unit AU. Multiple sound insulation units AU may be provided.

[0267] At this time, the frequency of the sound waves absorbed by the filter air guide 300 is preferably within the audible frequency range. The audible frequency range is defined as being below 20,000 Hz at its widest, with humans most easily hearing sounds within the range of 500 Hz to 4000 Hz. Therefore, the frequencies of the sounds absorbed by the filter air guide 300 are preferably between 500 Hz and 4000 Hz. Therefore, the resonant frequencies of the multiple sound insulation units AU are preferably between 500 Hz and 4000 Hz.

[0268] The plurality of sound insulating units AU may include a first sound insulating unit AU′ and a second sound insulating unit AU″ having a different resonance frequency from the first sound insulating unit AU′.

[0269] Each of the plurality of sound insulating units AU may have a corresponding sound insulating space 320S.

[0270] The soundproof space 320S may include a first soundproof space 320S and a second soundproof space 320S. The first soundproof space 320S may be a space corresponding to the first soundproof unit AU'. The second soundproof unit AU'' may be a soundproof space 320S corresponding to the second soundproof space 320S.

[0271] In order to form the plurality of sound insulation units AU, the filter air guide 300 may include a separation partition 330 .

[0272] The separating partition 330 may extend from the guide portion 310 to the space forming portion 320. The separating partition 330 may extend vertically or horizontally within the soundproof space 320S.

[0273] The separation partition 330 may independently separate the plurality of sound insulation spaces 320S.

[0274] There may be a plurality of separation partitions 330 .

[0275] The plurality of separating baffles 330 may be arranged in a pattern. The plurality of separating baffles 330 may be arranged circumferentially with the center of the guide flow path 310P as a reference. When the plurality of separating baffles 330 are arranged at predetermined intervals, if the filter air guide 300 is substantially rectangular, the volumes of the sound insulation spaces 320S corresponding to the corners and the sound insulation spaces 320S corresponding to the edges may be defined differently.

[0276] The plurality of separation partitions 330 may include a first separation partition 330 ′ and a second separation partition 330 ″ spaced apart from the first separation partition 330 ′.

[0277] The soundproof space 320S may be defined by the guide portion 310 and the space forming portion 320. The guide portion 310 and the space forming portion 320 may be provided to correspond to the first soundproof space 320S and the second soundproof space 320S, respectively.

[0278] The guide portion 310 may include a first guide portion 310 ′ defining a first soundproof space 320S and a second guide portion 310 ″ defining a second soundproof space 320S.

[0279] The space forming portion 320 may include a first space forming portion 320 ′ defining a first soundproof space 320S and a second space forming portion 320 ″ defining a second soundproof space 320S.

[0280] The first soundproof space 320S may be surrounded by the first guide portion 310 ′, the first space forming portion 320 ′, and the partition plate 330 . The second soundproof space 320S may be surrounded by the second guide portion 310 ″, the second space forming portion 320 ″, and the partition plate 330 .

[0281] The first soundproof space 320S and the second soundproof space 320S can be independently provided. The first soundproof space 320S can be arranged adjacent to the second soundproof space 320S. When the first soundproof space 320S and the second soundproof space 320S are arranged adjacent to each other, a separating partition 330 can be provided between the first soundproof space 320S and the second soundproof space 320S. In this case, the first soundproof space 320S can be defined by the separating partition 330 located between the first soundproof space 320S and the second soundproof space 320S, surrounded by another separating partition 330, the first guide portion 310', and the first space forming portion 320'.

[0282] The sound-absorbing holes 310H may include first sound-absorbing holes 310H' corresponding to the first sound-isolating space 320S and second sound-absorbing holes 310H" corresponding to the second sound-isolating space 320S. The first sound-isolating space 320S may be defined by the first guide portion 310', and thus the first sound-absorbing holes 310H' may be included in the first guide portion 310'. The second sound-isolating space 320S may be defined by the second guide portion 310", and thus the second sound-absorbing holes 310H" may be included in the second guide portion 310".

[0283] The diameter of the first sound absorbing hole 310H' may be different from the diameter of the second sound absorbing hole 310H'', so that the first sound insulating unit AU' has a different resonance frequency from that of the second sound insulating unit AU''. Figure 22 A more detailed explanation will be given.

[0284] The volume of the first sound absorbing hole 310H′ may be different from the volume of the second sound absorbing hole 310H″ so that the first sound insulating unit AU′ has a different resonance frequency from that of the second sound insulating unit AU″.

[0285] There may be a plurality of sound absorbing holes 310H. Therefore, there may also be a plurality of first sound absorbing holes 310H' or second sound absorbing holes 310H".

[0286] The plurality of first sound absorbing holes 310H' may be greater than the plurality of second sound absorbing holes 310H'', so that the first sound insulation unit AU' has a different resonant frequency from the second sound insulation unit AU''. In other words, the number of the plurality of first sound absorbing holes 310H' per unit volume of the first sound insulation space 320S may be different from the number of the plurality of second sound absorbing holes per unit volume of the second sound insulation space 320S, so that the resonant frequency of the first sound insulation unit AU' has a different resonant frequency from the resonant frequency of the second sound insulation unit AU''. Figure 21 A more detailed explanation will be given.

[0287] The sound absorbing hole 310H may have a predetermined diameter. The filter air guide 300 does not simply reduce the volume of the sound, but reduces the sound in the environment where the air flows by the fan 100. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the sound generated by the air flow. To this end, the diameter of the sound absorbing hole 310H may be limited. For detailed description of this, please refer to Figures 14 to 17 Provide explanation.

[0288] The sound absorbing holes 310H may vertically penetrate the guide portion 310 to prevent the distance between two points on the opening from exceeding a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be 2.0 mm. However, due to process reasons, a portion of the sound absorbing holes 310H may vertically penetrate the guide portion 310, while a portion of the sound absorbing holes 310H may penetrate the guide portion 310 in a direction intersecting the direction perpendicular to the guide portion 310. In other words, at least a portion of the sound absorbing holes 310H may vertically penetrate the guide portion 310.

[0289] The above description is based on the case where the filter air guide 300 is used. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the same principle can also be applied to the fan air guide 300-1. In other words, the above description can also be applied to the air guide AG.

[0290] Figure 7 It will Figure 5 Filter air guide 300 is shown cut away and enlarged to show an enlarged cross-sectional view. Figure 8 is schematically shown in Figure 7 A conceptual diagram showing the principle of sound absorption.

[0291] Reference Figures 7 and 8 , the principle of reducing the volume of sound according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is explained.

[0292] Reference Figures 7 and 8 , the noise reduction effect of the filter air guide 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0293] like Figure 8 As shown, a tube can be assumed that is closed at one end and open at the other.

[0294] Consider the case where sound W1 is propagating through a tube. Sound is the vibration of air and therefore can have a wavelength and a frequency.

[0295] In order for sound W1 to be absorbed within a tube, the end of the wavelength of sound W1 must be located in the closed portion of the tube. If this happens, there's no medium in the closed portion, making it difficult for the sound wave W1 to propagate in its direction of travel. Furthermore, this phenomenon occurs when the beginning of a wavelength is located in the open portion of the tube. In other words, this phenomenon occurs when the wavelength's nodes are located in both the open and closed portions of the tube.

[0296] That is, when the wavelength is the same as the length of the tube, the wavelength of the corresponding length is absorbed in the tube. The energy of the sound wave W1 can be converted into heat energy while being absorbed by the tube.

[0297] If a sound wave has a specific wavelength, then its speed in air is constant, so it can be said to have a specific frequency. Therefore, a tube can be said to absorb sound waves of a specific frequency depending on its length. This can be expressed as follows: if the tube's resonant frequency matches the frequency of the sound wave, the tube absorbs sound waves of that frequency.

[0298] However, if the wavelength of the sound wave W1 is too long, the length of the tube required to absorb the sound wave W1 may be too long. This may mean that the product size may become too large in order to design the tube length required to absorb the sound W1. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the length of the tube.

[0299] Assume that there is a sound wave W2 having a wavelength twice that of the exemplified sound wave W1.

[0300] The nodes of the corresponding acoustic wave W2 may be located at the open and closed portions of the tube, respectively. A portion corresponding to half the wavelength of the acoustic wave W2 may be provided inside the tube. Even in this case, the acoustic wave W2 can be absorbed by the tube, as if one wavelength is located inside the tube.

[0301] Furthermore, it is assumed that there is a sound wave W3 having a wavelength twice that of the above-mentioned sound wave W2.

[0302] In the case where the node of the corresponding acoustic wave W3 is located at the closed portion of the tube and the valley or peak of the corresponding acoustic wave W3 is located at the open portion of the tube, the acoustic wave W3 may be absorbed by the tube as if one wavelength is located inside the tube.

[0303] As shown in the last example, even with a tube that is only one-quarter the wavelength of the sound wave, the sound wave can be absorbed by the tube. Therefore, the length of the tube required to absorb the sound can be reduced.

[0304] As mentioned above, sound waves can only be absorbed by the tube if one of the wavelength troughs, peaks, or nodes is located in the open portion of the tube. Therefore, it is preferable to provide multiple tubes so that the wavelength of the sound waves generated by the sound is more likely to be located in the open portion of the tube.

[0305] like Figure 7 As shown, there may be multiple sound absorbing holes 310H in order to increase the amount of sound waves absorbed by the sound absorbing holes 310H.

[0306] like Figure 4 As shown, the plurality of sound absorbing holes 310H may be evenly distributed on the air guide AG. This allows sound waves to be absorbed smoothly regardless of which portion of the air guide AG the sound waves are located.

[0307] like Figure 7 As shown, the soundproof space 320S may be a structure corresponding to the pipe described above.

[0308] The sound waves passing through the sound absorbing holes 310H may move to the sound insulating space 320S and may be absorbed by a portion of the air guide AG having a frequency corresponding to the frequency of the sound waves.

[0309] The amount of sound waves absorbed may be affected by the diameter of the sound-absorbing holes 310H, the thickness of the guide portion 310, the depth of the sound-absorbing holes 310H, and the perforation ratio (the ratio of the total area of ​​the sound-absorbing holes 310H to the area of ​​the guide portion 310). A smaller diameter of the sound-absorbing holes 310H, a greater thickness of the guide portion, a deeper depth of the sound-absorbing holes 310H, and a lower perforation ratio make it more difficult for sound waves to escape from the soundproof space 320S through the sound-absorbing holes 310H, resulting in better sound absorption. On the other hand, a smaller diameter of the sound-absorbing holes 310H, a greater thickness of the guide portion, a deeper depth of the sound-absorbing holes 310H, and a lower perforation ratio allow for the absorption of sound waves with longer wavelengths and lower frequencies.

[0310] Such principles can be applied to all embodiments described in this disclosure and all situations in which the concepts of this disclosure are applied.

[0311] The plurality of sound insulating units AU described above can be configured to have different resonant frequencies. In order to make the plurality of sound insulating units AU have different resonant frequencies, the plurality of sound insulating units AU can be designed to have different frequencies by adjusting the variables described above.

[0312] Furthermore, according to the principle described above, in order to absorb sound waves of a required frequency, an excessively large soundproof space 320S may be required.

[0313] For example, the length of 1 / 4 wavelength of a sound wave of 1000 Hz, which belongs to the easily audible region in audible frequencies, may be 85 mm. In order to realize the soundproof space 320S having a length of 85 mm in the air purifier AL, the air purifier AL may become unnecessarily large.

[0314] However, as shown in the embodiment of the present invention, the noise reduction device formed by the sound absorbing holes 310H and the sound insulating space 320S can absorb sound waves of the target frequency with a width of only 1 / 10 of the wavelength.

[0315] In a noise reduction device constructed using sound absorbing holes 310H and soundproof spaces 320S, calculating the density of air adjacent to sound absorbing holes 310H yields a negative value. Therefore, a structure that produces results that differ from common physical knowledge can be called a meta-structure. Air guide AG can have a meta-structure.

[0316] Even without a length of 85 mm, the air guide AG, which is a component structure including the sound absorbing holes 310H and the soundproofing space 320S, can have a resonant frequency corresponding to 1000 Hz. In other words, to reduce low-frequency sounds, the air guide AG can have a soundproofing space 320S with a length of 1 / 10 the corresponding wavelength.

[0317] Furthermore, the above description, focusing on sounds with a frequency band of 1000 Hz, can also be similarly applied to frequencies above 1000 Hz and below 1000 Hz. In other words, to prevent users from experiencing inconvenience due to noise, it is necessary to reduce sounds in all frequency bands. Therefore, the above-described concepts regarding sound-absorbing holes 310H and soundproof spaces 320S can be used to reduce sounds corresponding to any frequency.

[0318] The noise reduction device is required not only to reduce noise near the noise source but also to have the effect of reducing noise in the air flow environment.

[0319] Figure 9 Is shown by Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the filter air guide 300 is shown to allow air to flow. Figure 10 It is shown based on Figure 9 A graph illustrating the noise reduction effect of filter air guide 300 is shown.

[0320] Reference Figures 9 and 10 , the effect of the air guide AG according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0321] like Figure 9 As shown, the air guide AG provided in a manner corresponding to the plurality of sound absorbing holes 310H in the sound insulation unit AU can be called a microporous plate type noise reduction device. In other words, the filter air guide 300 can be a microporous plate type noise reduction device. Furthermore, Figure 14 The fan air guide 300 - 1 shown may also be referred to as a fine porous plate type noise reduction device.

[0322] will be as Figure 9 The filter air guide 300 shown was installed in the air cleaner AL, and the fan 100 was operated to test how much the sound level was reduced.

[0323] In the experiment, the air flow rate was set to 1 m / s immediately after passing through the filter 200, 10 m / s at the fan inlet 100Aa, and 15 m / s at the fan outlet 100Ab. Figure 10 shown.

[0324] Figure 10The X-axis of the graph shown represents frequency, and the Y-axis represents sound pressure level. The X-axis represents 500 Hz per unit, and the Y-axis represents 10 dB per unit.

[0325] Comparing the results before and after the installation of the filter air guide 300, it can be seen that the graph after the installation shows a sound level reduction effect of about 3 dB. That is, the filter air guide 300 can have a noise reduction effect.

[0326] Figure 11 It is enlarged to show Figure 9 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion shown.

[0327] Reference Figure 11 , the flow inducing flow path 311P in the shape of the filter air guide 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0328] like Figure 9 As shown, the diameter of the opening located in front of the guide flow path 310P included in the filter air guide 300 may be set to S2, and the diameter of the opening located in the rear thereof may be set to S1.

[0329] The minimum diameter of the inner cross section of the guide flow path 310P may be referred to as Smin, and Smin may have a length greater than or equal to 90% of S1 or S2.

[0330] A portion from the portion defining Smin to the portion defining S2 may be referred to as a flow inducing portion 320. The filter air guide 300 may include the flow inducing portion 320. The flow inducing portion 320 may define a flow inducing flow path 311P.

[0331] The flow inducing flow path 311P may be configured such that the cross-sectional area increases toward the front. The flow inducing flow path 311P may be configured such that the cross-sectional area increases toward the fan inlet 100Aa.

[0332] The flow inducing portion 320 may extend from the guide portion 310. The flow inducing portion 320 may extend from the guide portion 310 toward the fan inlet 100Aa. The flow inducing portion 320 may be inclined relative to the guide portion 310 toward the fan inlet 100Aa.

[0333] For example, in Figure 11 In the cross-sectional view shown, the end of flow inducing portion 320 may extend upward. Flow inducing channel 311P based on flow inducing portion 320 may function as a diffuser. If guide channel 310P functions as a nozzle to collect air, flow inducing channel 311P may function as a diffuser to disperse air.

[0334] The flow induction passage 311P may have a flow induction surface along which the air flows. When the air flows along the flow induction surface, the air may flow along the shroud 120 (see FIG. Figure 3 The shroud 120 of the fan 100 may extend in an inclined direction away from the rotation axis of the fan 100 as it moves forward, so that the blades 110 (refer to Figure 3 ) ensures smooth air flow.

[0335] Therefore, the flow inducing flow path 311P is inclined so that the air can move in the extending direction of the fan guide flow path 100P formed by the shroud 120 of the fan 100 .

[0336] In other words, the fan 100 may include a shroud 120 positioned between the blades 110 and the air guide AG and extending radially from the rotation center of the blades 110 along the rotation axis of the blades 110. The air guide AG may include a flow induction path 311P whose cross-sectional area gradually increases from the end of the guide path 310P toward the shroud 120, so that when the fan 100 is in operation, the air moves in the direction in which the shroud 120 extends.

[0337] As described above, the length of Smin can be 90% or more of the length of S1 or S2, thereby preventing turbulence from occurring when air moves. A sharp change in flow path 10P can cause turbulence in the flow. The length of Smin has a predetermined value, thereby preventing air turbulence.

[0338] Preferably, when the length of S1 is 6.83 times the front-to-back length of the guide portion 310 and the length of S2 is 15.80 times the front-to-back length of the flow inducing portion 320, turbulence can be prevented when the length of Smin is 0.99 times the length of S2.

[0339] In the case of including the filter air guide 300 having the dimensions described above, when an experiment is conducted in which the flow rate of the air is configured to be 1 m / s just after passing through the filter 200, 10 m / s at the fan inlet 100Aa, and 15 m / s at the fan outlet 100Ab, it can be confirmed through experiments that there is no loss in the flow rate of the air.

[0340] Figure 12 It shows Figure 4 A perspective view of fan air guide 300 - 1 is shown. Figure 13 It will Figure 12 The fan air guide 300 - 1 is shown cut away and enlarged to show an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view.

[0341] Reference Figures 12 to 13 , the structure of the fan air guide 300 - 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0342] The description of the filter air guide 300 can also be applied to the fan air guide 300-1. The fan air guide 300-1 will be described in detail below.

[0343] The fan air guide 300-1 may define a soundproof space 320S. The second air guide portion 310b included in the fan air guide 300-1 may be represented as the guide portion 310 included in the fan air guide 300-1. The second air guide flow path 310Pb may be represented as the guide flow path 310P included in the fan air guide 300-1. The second air guide sound absorption holes 310Hb may be represented as the sound absorption holes 310H included in the fan air guide 300-1. The second air guide soundproof space 320Sb may be represented as the soundproof space 320S included in the fan air guide 300-1.

[0344] In particular, Figure 14 As shown, the soundproof space 320S can be defined by the housing 10. The soundproof space 320S can be defined by the air supply housing 101 (refer to Figure 3 When the housing 10 or the air supply housing 101 is adjacent to the fan air guide 300 - 1 , the space formed between the housing 10 or the air supply housing 101 and the fan air guide 300 - 1 may serve as the soundproof space 320S.

[0345] The housing 10 or the air supply casing 101 may surround the soundproof space 320S together with the guide portion 310 of the fan air guide 300 - 1 .

[0346] The soundproof space 320S may be connected to the sound absorbing hole 310H. The soundproof space 320S may be located adjacent to the guide portion 310, and thus adjacent to the sound absorbing hole 310H. The soundproof space 320S may be connected to the outside of the fan air guide 300-1 through the sound absorbing hole 310H.

[0347] The volume of the sound insulation space 320S may be larger than the volume of the sound absorbing hole 310H.

[0348] The sound volume can be reduced by the sound absorbing holes 310H and the sound insulating space 320S.

[0349] When sound waves enter the sound insulation space 320S through the sound absorbing hole 310H, the volume of the sound insulation space 320S is larger than the entrance diameter of the sound absorbing hole 310H, so it is difficult for the sound waves to escape from the sound insulation space 320S through the sound absorbing hole 310H.

[0350] The smaller the diameter of the sound absorbing hole 310H, the less the sound is released to the outside of the air purifier AL. This is because the sound absorbing hole 310H can be configured to allow sound waves to escape from the soundproof space 320S to the outside of the soundproof space 320S.

[0351] The larger the volume of the sound insulation space 320S, the better the sound waves can be contained in the sound insulation space 320S. Therefore, the volume of the sound insulation space 320S can determine the degree of sound absorption.

[0352] As described above, the sound-absorbing holes 310H can define the resonant frequency of the fan air guide 300-1. The sound-insulating space 320S can also define the resonant frequency of the fan air guide 300-1. This is because the sound-insulating space 320S is an empty space and thus can define the shape of the fan air guide 300-1.

[0353] That is, the sound insulation space 320S may determine the frequency of the sound waves to be absorbed in the fan air guide 300-1. In other words, the frequency of the sound waves to be absorbed by the fan air guide 300-1 may be determined by adjusting the shape or volume of the sound insulation space 320S.

[0354] Compared to the case where the fan air guide 300-1 absorbs only sound waves corresponding to one frequency, it is preferable to absorb sound waves corresponding to a frequency region having a predetermined range. This is because the sound generated from the fan 100 or the motor may have various frequencies.

[0355] As described above, the sound absorbing holes 310H and the sound insulating space 320S can reduce the volume of sound.

[0356] If the air guide AG has a single resonant frequency, the air guide AG can absorb sounds of that single frequency. To enable the air guide AG to absorb sounds of various frequencies, the air guide AG can have various resonant frequencies. To this end, the fan air guide 300-1 can include a sound insulation unit AU. Multiple sound insulation units AU may be provided.

[0357] At this point, the frequency of the sound waves absorbed by the fan air guide 300-1 is preferably within the audible frequency range. The audible frequency range is defined as being below 20,000 Hz, with humans most easily hearing sounds within the range of 500 Hz to 4,000 Hz. Therefore, the frequencies of the sound absorbed by the fan air guide 300-1 preferably fall between 500 Hz and 4,000 Hz. Therefore, the resonance frequencies of the multiple sound insulation units AU preferably fall between 500 Hz and 4,000 Hz.

[0358] The multiple sound insulation units AU may include a first sound insulation unit AU' and a second sound insulation unit AU'' having a different resonant frequency than the first sound insulation unit AU'. However, although the partition 330 that divides the multiple sound insulation spaces 320S is not shown in the drawings, the fan air guide 300-1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may also include the partition 330. Therefore, the fan air guide 300-1 may define a first sound insulation space 320S and a second sound insulation space 320S defined by the partition 330. The guide portion 310 may include a first guide portion 310' defining the first sound insulation space 320S and a second guide portion 310' defining the second sound insulation space 320S. The sound absorption holes 310H may include a first sound absorption hole 310H' corresponding to the first sound insulation space 320S and a second sound absorption hole 310H' corresponding to the second sound insulation space 320S. There may be multiple sound absorption holes 310H. Therefore, there may be a plurality of first sound absorbing holes 310H' or second sound absorbing holes 310H". The plurality of first sound absorbing holes 310H' may be greater than the plurality of second sound absorbing holes 310H", so that the first sound insulating unit AU' has a different resonance frequency from the second sound insulating unit AU".

[0359] The fan air guide 300-1 may include a guide inlet portion 313b. The guide inlet portion 313b may be adjacent to the fan inlet 100Aa. The guide inlet portion 313b may be an opening of the fan air guide 300-1. Air may move through the guide inlet portion 313b.

[0360] The guide inlet portion 313 b may extend forward from the guide portion 310 .

[0361] The fan air guide 300 - 1 may include a diffuser portion 311 b . The diffuser portion 311 b may extend forward from the guide inlet portion 313 b . The diffuser portion 311 b may extend to correspond to the shroud 120 .

[0362] The diffuser portion 311b may form a circular opening, and a cross section taken along the axial direction of the diffuser portion 311b may gradually increase in size toward the front.

[0363] The fan air guide 300-1 may include an induction portion 312b. The induction portion 312b may extend forward from the diffuser portion 311b. The induction portion 312b may have a circular opening. A cross-section taken along the axis of the induction portion 312b may gradually increase in size toward the front. However, the rate of change in the cross-sectional area of ​​the induction portion 312b may be less than the rate of change in the cross-sectional area of ​​the diffuser portion 311b.

[0364] Figure 14 It is shown together Figure 12A cross-sectional view of a fan air guide 300-1 and its configuration for noise reduction is shown. Figure 15 It shows Figure 14 The graph shows the sound absorption effect when the fan air guide 300 - 1 has the sound absorption holes 310H with a diameter of 0.5 mm. Figure 16 It shows Figure 14 The graph shows the sound absorption effect when the fan air guide 300 - 1 has the sound absorption holes 310H with a diameter of 1.0 mm. Figure 17 It shows Figure 14 The graph shows the sound absorption effect when the fan air guide 300 - 1 has the sound absorption holes 310H with a diameter of 2.0 mm.

[0365] Reference Figures 14 to 17 , a suitable diameter of the sound absorbing hole 310H of the fan air guide 300 - 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0366] The fan air guide 300-1 may surround the fan 100 to form a guide flow path 310P. In other words, the air guide AG may be radially spaced with respect to the rotation center of the fan 100 and may extend circumferentially, and a soundproof space 320S may be located between the air guide AG and the housing 10.

[0367] Figures 15 to 17 Graph showing the noise reduction effect according to the change in the diameter of the sound absorbing hole 310H included in the fan air guide 300 - 1 .

[0368] In the settings such as Figure 14 The experiment was conducted after installing the fan air guide 300-1 shown. In the experiment, the air flow rate was set to 1 m / s immediately after passing through the filter 200, 10 m / s at the fan inlet 100Aa, and 15 m / s at the fan outlet 100Ab. The X-axis of the graph represents frequency, and the Y-axis represents sound pressure level. The X-axis is expressed in units of 500 Hz, and the Y-axis is expressed in units of 10 dB.

[0369] like Figure 15 As shown, when the diameter D of the sound absorbing hole 310H is 0.5 mm, the installation of the fan air guide 300 - 1 reduces the noise in the low-frequency region and the noise in the high-frequency region compared to the installation without the fan air guide 300 - 1 .

[0370] like Figure 16As shown, when the diameter D of the sound absorbing holes 310H is 1.0 mm, the installation of the fan air guide 300-1 reduces noise in the low-frequency range compared to the installation without the fan air guide 300-1, but does not reduce noise in the high-frequency range. There is no significant difference in noise in the high-frequency range between the installation of the air guide AG and the installation without the air guide AG.

[0371] like Figure 17 As shown, when the diameter D of the sound absorbing hole 310H is 2.0 mm, the noise in the low-frequency region is not reduced when the fan air guide 300 - 1 is provided, but is increased in the high-frequency region compared to when the fan air guide 300 - 1 is not provided.

[0372] This is because while the noise generated by fan 100 or fan motor 130 is reduced by sound-absorbing holes 310H and soundproof space 320S, sound may still be generated due to air flow. When air flows, it may also have a resonant frequency. In this case, if the resonant frequency of fan air guide 300-1 matches the resonant frequency of the flowing air, resonance may occur. When resonance occurs, the amplitude of the sound may increase due to the resonance.

[0373] In other words, noise reduction during air flow requires more than simply reducing noise; it also requires suppressing the sound generated by the air flow. To prevent air from resonating with the air guide AG, the diameter of the sound-absorbing holes 310H can be less than 2.0 mm. Preferably, the diameter of the sound-absorbing holes 310H can be 0.5 mm or less.

[0374] In particular, the diameter of the sound absorbing holes 310H has a critical effect in the low-frequency range below 1000 Hz. The range below 1000 Hz is within the human audible frequency range and is also the frequency range that humans can hear most easily.

[0375] Furthermore, by providing sound-absorbing holes 310H with a specific diameter, noise can be reduced even in high-frequency ranges exceeding 1000 Hz. Therefore, sound-absorbing holes 310H can reduce the volume of sound in both low-frequency ranges below 1000 Hz and high-frequency ranges exceeding 1000 Hz. By reducing sound in a specific frequency range, user inconvenience caused by noise can be reduced.

[0376] Such experimental results may be applied not only to the fan air guide 300 - 1 but also to the filter air guide 300 .

[0377] Figure 18 It is shown together Figure 4 The filter air guide 300 and the fan air guide 300 - 1 are shown in cross-sectional views of the configuration for noise reduction. Figure 19It shows Figure 18 FIG. 2 is a graph showing the noise reduction effects of the filter air guide 300 and the fan air guide 300 - 1 at the front of the air cleaner AL. Figure 20 It shows Figure 18 Graph showing the noise reduction effects of the filter air guide 300 and the fan air guide 300 - 1 at the rear of the air cleaner AL.

[0378] Reference Figures 18 to 20 , a noise reduction effect when the filter air guide 300 and the fan air guide 300 - 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are included in the air purifier AL will be described.

[0379] like Figure 18 As shown, an experiment was conducted to measure noise levels in air purifier AL, equipped with filter air guide 300 and fan air guide 300-1. The air flow rate was set to 1 m / s immediately after passing through filter 200, 10 m / s at fan inlet 100Aa, and 15 m / s at fan outlet 100Ab. The graph shows frequency on the X-axis (Frequency), and sound pressure level on the Y-axis (Sound Pressure Level). The X-axis measures 500 Hz, and the Y-axis measures 10 dB.

[0380] like Figure 19 As shown, when the filter air guide 300 and the fan air guide 300 - 1 are provided, the sound level in front of the air cleaner AL is reduced by an average of 2.9 dB.

[0381] like Figure 20 As shown, when the filter air guide 300 and the fan air guide 300 - 1 are provided, the sound level at the rear of the air cleaner AL is reduced by an average of 3.1 dB.

[0382] In summary, the noise at the front and rear of the air purifier AL can be reduced by the filter air guide 300 and the fan air guide 300 - 1 .

[0383] The above describes an air purifier AL or a noise reduction device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, an air purifier AL or a noise reduction device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. When describing another embodiment, for reference Figures 1 to 20 The same components of the embodiment are given the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0384] Figure 21 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a filter air guide 300 - 2 of an air cleaner AL according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0385] Reference Figure 21 , an air guide AG according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0386] like Figure 21 As shown, the filter air guide 300 - 2 may include a plurality of first sound absorbing holes 310H′- 2 and a plurality of second sound absorbing holes 310H″- 2 .

[0387] The unit area density of the unit guide portion 310 of the plurality of first sound absorbing holes 310H'-2 may be different from the unit area density of the unit guide portion 310 of the plurality of second sound absorbing holes 310H"-2. Figure 21 As shown, the plurality of first sound absorbing holes 310H'-2 may be located at a lower side of the plurality of second sound absorbing holes 310H"-2 and may have a smaller density. Accordingly, the filter air guide 300-2 may have a resonant frequency within a predetermined range.

[0388] The fan air guide 300 - 1 may also have a plurality of first sound absorbing holes and a plurality of second sound absorbing holes 310H″- 2 having a different density from that of the plurality of first sound absorbing holes 310H′- 2 .

[0389] That is, the air guide AG may have a plurality of first sound absorbing holes and a plurality of second sound absorbing holes 310H"-2 having a different density from that of the plurality of first sound absorbing holes 310H'-2.

[0390] Figure 22 FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a filter air guide 300 - 3 of an air cleaner AL according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0391] Reference Figure 22 , an air guide AG according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0392] like Figure 22 As shown, the filter air guide 300 - 3 may include a first sound absorbing hole 310H′- 3 and a second sound absorbing hole 310H″- 3 .

[0393] The first sound absorbing hole 310H'-3 may have a diameter different from that of the second sound absorbing hole 310H'-3. Figure 22 As shown, the first sound absorbing hole 310H'-3 may be located at a lower side of the second sound absorbing hole 310H"-3 and may have a smaller diameter. Accordingly, the filter air guide 300-3 may have a resonant frequency within a predetermined range.

[0394] The fan air guide 300 - 1 may also have a first sound absorbing hole and a plurality of second sound absorbing holes 310H″- 3 having a diameter different from that of the first sound absorbing holes 310H′- 3 .

[0395] That is, the air guide AG may have a first sound absorbing hole and a plurality of second sound absorbing holes 310H"-3 having a diameter different from that of the first sound absorbing holes 310H'-3.

[0396] Figure 23 FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a filter air guide 300 - 4 of an air cleaner AL according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 24 It is shown based on Figure 23 A graph illustrating the noise reduction effect of the filter air guide 300 - 4 is shown.

[0397] Reference Figures 23 to 24 , an air guide AG according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0398] like Figure 23 As shown, the filter air guide 300 - 4 may include a plurality of sound insulating units AU, which may include a first sound insulating unit AU′- 4 and a second sound insulating unit AU″- 4 .

[0399] The first sound insulating unit AU'-4 may include a first sound absorbing hole 310H'-4 and a first sound insulating space 320S.

[0400] The second sound insulation unit AU''-4 may include a second sound absorbing hole 310H''-4 and a second sound insulation space 320S.

[0401] In the filter air guide 300-4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, one sound insulation space 320S may correspond to one sound absorbing hole 310H. Figures 1 to 20 In the filter air guide 300 - 4 of the embodiment, one sound insulation space 320S may correspond to a plurality of sound absorbing holes 310H.

[0402] This structure can be called a Helmholtz resonance structure.

[0403] The filter air guide 300 - 4 may include a separation partition 330 to divide the first sound insulation unit AU′- 4 and the second sound insulation unit AU″- 4 .

[0404] To differentiate the resonant frequencies of the various sound insulation units AU, the size and length of the sound absorbing holes 310H, or the volume of the sound insulation spaces 320S, can be varied. Specifically, the volume of the first sound insulation space 320S'-4 can be differentiated from the volume of the second sound insulation space 320S"-4. To differentiate the volumes of the first sound insulation space 320S'-4 and the second sound insulation space 320S"-4, the first space-forming portion 320'-4 and the second space-forming portion 320"-4 can be differentiated.

[0405] Furthermore, each of the sound insulating units AU may comprise a further Helmholtz resonance structure.

[0406] The Helmholtz resonance structure described above may also be applied to the fan air guide 300 - 1 .

[0407] Therefore, the air guide AG may have the sound absorbing holes 310H corresponding one-to-one to the sound insulation spaces 320S to have a Helmholtz resonance structure.

[0408] In the settings such as Figure 23 The experiment was conducted after installing the fan air guide 300-1 shown. In the experiment, the air flow rate was set to 1 m / s immediately after passing through the filter 200, 10 m / s at the fan inlet 100Aa, and 15 m / s at the fan outlet 100Ab. The X-axis of the graph shows frequency, and the Y-axis shows sound pressure level. The X-axis is expressed in units of 500 Hz, and the Y-axis is expressed in units of 10 dB.

[0409] like Figure 24 As shown, when the filter air guide 300 - 4 is provided, the noise reduction effect is increased by a maximum of 8 dB compared to when the filter air guide 300 - 4 is not provided.

[0410] Figure 25 FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of a filter air guide 300 - 5 of an air cleaner AL according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 26 It is shown based on Figure 25 A graph showing the noise reduction effect of the filter air guide 300 - 5 is shown.

[0411] Reference Figures 25 to 26 , an air guide AG according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0412] like Figure 25 As shown, the filter air guide 300 - 5 may include a plurality of sound insulation units AU. The plurality of sound insulation units AU may include a first sound insulation unit AU′ and a second sound insulation unit AU″.

[0413] The first sound insulating unit AU' may include a first sound absorbing hole 310H' and a first sound insulating space 320S.

[0414] The second sound insulating unit AU″ may include a second sound absorbing hole 310H″ and a second sound insulating space 320S.

[0415] In the filter air guide 300-5 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, one sound insulation space 320S may correspond to one sound absorbing hole 310H. Figures 1 to 20In the filter air guide 300 - 5 of the embodiment, one sound insulation space 320S may correspond to a plurality of sound absorbing holes 310H.

[0416] However, with reference Figures 22 to 23 The difference between the illustrated embodiment and the embodiment is that the length of the sound insulation space 320S corresponds to 1 / 4 of the target wavelength. Figure 8 This indicates that if the length of the sound insulation space 320S is 1 / 4 of the target wavelength, the sound waves with that wavelength are absorbed. In other words, the length of the sound insulation space 320S may be a quarter of the wavelength of the sound generated when the fan 100 is running.

[0417] As described above, by extending sound insulation space 320S by a length equal to one-quarter the wavelength, the size of air guide AG can be increased. Consequently, sound insulation space 320S can be extended in one direction and then in the opposite direction. When viewed from the side, this structure appears to be folded, and in this sense, can be considered folded.

[0418] In this case, the soundproof space 320S may be configured to have a constant width along the extension direction. This is because if the width of the soundproof space 320S along the extension direction changes, sound absorption may not occur normally.

[0419] The filter air guide 300 - 5 may include a separation partition 330 to divide the first sound insulation unit AU′ and the second sound insulation unit AU″.

[0420] To differentiate the resonant frequencies of the various sound insulation units AU, the size and length of the sound absorbing holes 310H, or the volume of the sound insulation spaces 320S, can be varied. Specifically, the volume of the first sound insulation space 320S'-5 can be differentiated from the volume of the second sound insulation space 320S"-5. To differentiate the volumes of the first sound insulation space 320S'-5 and the second sound insulation space 320S"-5, the first space-forming portion 320'-5 and the second space-forming portion 320"-5 can be differentiated.

[0421] The air guide AG may include a separation partition 330 configured to divide the sound insulation space 320S into a portion extending in one direction and a portion extending in another direction opposite to the one direction.

[0422] The partition plate 330 can also be configured to separate the individual sound insulation spaces 320S. Therefore, the length of the sound insulation space 320S extending from the sound absorbing hole 310H corresponding to each sound insulation space 320S can differ from the length of the wall surface. Consequently, each sound insulation space 320S can have a different resonant frequency. Therefore, the air guide AG can have a resonant frequency within a predetermined range. The air guide AG can absorb sound waves having a predetermined frequency range.

[0423] In the settings such as Figure 26 The experiment was conducted after installing the fan air guide 300-5 shown. In the experiment, the air flow rate was set to 1 m / s immediately after passing through the filter 200, 10 m / s at the fan inlet 100Aa, and 15 m / s at the fan outlet 100Ab. The X-axis of the graph shows frequency, and the Y-axis shows sound pressure level. The X-axis is expressed in units of 500 Hz, and the Y-axis is expressed in units of 10 dB.

[0424] like Figure 26 As shown, when the filter air guide 300 - 5 is provided, the noise reduction effect is increased by a maximum of 10 dB compared to when the filter air guide 300 - 5 is not provided.

[0425] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be expressed as follows.

[0426] An air purifier AL according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a housing 10 having a flow path 10P for movable air; a fan 100 configured to enable air to move through the flow path 10P by operating; and an air guide AG, which is adjacent to the fan 100 and includes a guide portion 310 having a guide surface 310A configured to allow air to flow during the operation of the fan 100, wherein the guide portion 310 may have a sound absorbing hole 310H configured to absorb sound generated as the fan 100 operates, and the guide portion 310 may be configured to form a sound insulation space 320S connected to the sound absorbing hole 310H.

[0427] The volume of the sound absorbing hole 310H may be smaller than the volume of the sound insulation space 320S to prevent sound waves generated by the operation of the fan 100 from moving through the sound absorbing hole 310H in the sound insulation space 320S.

[0428] The air guide AG has a resonance frequency defined by the sound absorbing holes 310H and the sound insulation space 320S. When the frequency of the sound generated during the operation of the fan 100 matches the resonance frequency of the air guide AG, the air guide AG can reduce the sound.

[0429] The air guide AG may further include a space forming portion 320 extending from the guide portion 310 , and configured to form the sound insulation space 320S between the space forming portion 320 and the guide portion 310 .

[0430] The air guide AG may include: a dividing partition extending from the space forming portion 320 toward the guide portion 310 to divide the sound insulation space 320S into a first sound insulation space 320S and a second sound insulation space 320S having a volume different from that of the first sound insulation space 320S; a first sound insulation unit AU', defining the first sound insulation space 320S; and a second sound insulation unit AU'', serving as the second sound insulation unit AU'' defining the second sound insulation space 320S, having a resonance frequency different from that of the first sound insulation unit AU'.

[0431] The sound-absorbing holes 310H may include a plurality of first sound-absorbing holes 310H corresponding to the first sound insulation space 320S and a plurality of second sound-absorbing holes 310H'' corresponding to the second sound insulation space 320S, wherein the number of the plurality of first sound-absorbing holes 310H' per unit volume of the first sound insulation space 320S is different from the number of the plurality of second sound-absorbing holes per unit volume of the second sound insulation space 320S, so that the resonance frequency of the first sound insulation unit AU' is different from the resonance frequency of the second sound insulation unit AU''.

[0432] The sound absorbing holes 310H may include a first sound absorbing hole 310H' corresponding to the first sound insulation space 320S and a second sound absorbing hole 310H'' corresponding to the second sound insulation space 320S, wherein the diameter of the first sound absorbing hole 310H' may be different from the diameter of the second sound absorbing hole 310H'' so that the resonance frequency of the first sound insulation unit AU' is different from the resonance frequency of the second sound insulation unit AU''.

[0433] The diameter of the sound absorbing hole 310H may be less than 2.0 mm to prevent the generation of sound that resonates with the air moving along with the operation of the fan 100 .

[0434] The sound absorbing hole 310H may pass through the guide portion 310 in a manner such that a distance between two points on the opening of the sound absorbing hole 310H does not exceed 2.0 mm.

[0435] The air guide AG may reduce sounds in a frequency range below 1000 Hz among the frequencies of sounds generated when the fan 100 operates, and may have a structure in which the density of air adjacent to the sound absorbing hole 310H has a negative value.

[0436] The fan 100 may include a fan inlet 100Aa having a first cross-sectional area, and may include a filter 200 separated from the fan 100 and having a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area, wherein the guide portion 310 may include: a guide flow path 310P, the cross-sectional area of ​​which gradually decreases from the filter 200 toward the fan inlet 100Aa to prevent turbulence when the air passing through the filter 200 moves toward the fan inlet 100Aa during operation of the fan 100.

[0437] The fan 100 may include: blades 110; and a shroud 120, wherein the shroud 120 is located between the blades 110 and the air guide AG, and gradually extends radially from the rotation center of the blade 110 toward the fan outlet 100Ab along the rotation axis of the blade 110, wherein the air guide AG also includes: a flow inducing flow path 311P, the cross-sectional area of ​​which gradually increases from the end of the guide flow path 310P toward the shroud 120, so that the air moves along the extension direction of the shroud 120 during the movement of the air when the fan 100 is running.

[0438] In order to make the air guide AG have a Helmholtz resonance structure, the sound absorbing holes 310H may correspond to the sound insulation spaces 320S in a one-to-one manner.

[0439] The sound insulation space 320S may extend to a length equal to one quarter of the wavelength of the sound generated when the fan 100 is running.

[0440] The air guide AG may be spaced apart in a radial direction based on the rotation center of the fan 100 and may extend in a circumferential direction, and the sound insulation space 320S may be located between the air guide AG and the housing 10 .

[0441] An air purifier AL according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a housing 10 having an inlet 11S and an outlet 12S; a filter 200 located inside the housing 10; a fan 100, which is configured to move air from the filter 200 to the outlet 12S of the housing 10, and has a fan inlet 100Aa through which air can pass and which has a smaller cross-sectional area than that of the filter 200; and an air guide AG, which is located between the fan 100 and the filter 200, and has a guide flow path 310P whose cross-sectional area gradually decreases toward the fan 100, wherein the air guide AG may have a sound absorption hole 310H, which is configured to absorb sound generated as the fan 100 runs and is connected to a sound insulation space 320S.

[0442] The volume of the sound absorbing hole 310H may be smaller than the volume of the sound insulation space 320S to prevent sound waves generated by the operation of the fan 100 from moving through the sound absorbing hole 310H in the sound insulation space 320S.

[0443] The air guide AG may further include: a space forming portion 320, defining the sound insulation space 320S between the air guide AG and the guide portion 310, wherein the air guide AG may include: a dividing partition, extending from the space forming portion 320 toward the guide portion 310 to divide the sound insulation space 320S into a first sound insulation space 320S and a second sound insulation space 320S having a volume different from that of the first sound insulation space 320S; a first sound insulation unit AU', defining the first sound insulation space 320S; and a second sound insulation unit AU'', serving as the second sound insulation unit AU'' defining the second sound insulation space 320S, having a resonance frequency different from that of the first sound insulation unit AU'.

[0444] The sound-absorbing holes 310H may include a plurality of first sound-absorbing holes 310H corresponding to the first sound insulation space 320S and a second sound-absorbing hole 310H'' corresponding to the second sound insulation space 320S, wherein the number of the plurality of first sound-absorbing holes 310H' per unit volume of the first sound insulation space 320S may be different from the number of the plurality of second sound-absorbing holes per unit volume of the second sound insulation space 320S, so that the resonance frequency of the first sound insulation unit AU' is different from the resonance frequency of the second sound insulation unit AU''.

[0445] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a noise reduction device may include an air guide AG that can be arranged adjacent to a fan 100, wherein the air guide AG may include: a guide body 310, 320; a sound insulation space 320S located on the inner side of the guide body 310, 320; and a sound absorption hole 310H, which is open toward the fan 100 to absorb the sound generated as the fan 100 or the motor runs, and is connected to the sound insulation space 320S and has a volume smaller than the sound insulation space 320S.

[0446] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the above embodiments may be combined with other embodiments. Alternatively, unless the combination of a certain embodiment with another embodiment is explicitly limited, the combination of the embodiments should be considered possible. The combination of a certain embodiment with another embodiment should be considered disclosed herein.

[0447] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and a person skilled in the art can make various modifications without departing from the spirit of the technical concept of the present invention as described in the claims.

Claims

1. An air purifier comprising: a housing having a flow path for air movement; a fan configured to operate to move air through the flow path; as well as an air guide, adjacent to the fan, Wherein, the air guide comprises: a guide surface configured to cause air moving along the flow path to flow along the guide surface during operation of the fan; and A sound absorbing hole extends from the guide surface to absorb sound generated by the fan during operation of the fan.

2. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein The air guide comprises: a guide portion, comprising the guide surface and the sound absorbing hole; and a space forming portion, defining a soundproof space between the space forming portion and the guide portion, The guide surface is provided on the other side of the guide portion opposite to the side facing the sound insulation space. The sound absorbing hole extends from the guide surface through the guide portion to the sound insulation space.

3. The air purifier according to claim 2, wherein: The sound absorbing hole has a volume smaller than a volume of the sound insulation space to prevent sound waves generated by the operation of the fan from moving through the sound absorbing hole in the sound insulation space.

4. The air purifier according to claim 2, wherein: The air guide has a resonance frequency defined by the sound absorbing holes and the sound insulation space, and when a frequency of the generated sound matches the resonance frequency of the air guide, the air guide reduces the generated sound.

5. The air purifier according to claim 2, wherein: The air guide comprises: a partitioning plate, which divides the sound insulation space into a first sound insulation space and a second sound insulation space having a volume different from that of the first sound insulation space, and extends from the space forming portion toward the guide portion; a first sound insulation unit defining the first sound insulation space and having a resonant frequency; and The second soundproofing unit, which defines the second soundproofing space, has a resonance frequency different from the resonance frequency of the first soundproofing unit.

6. The air purifier according to claim 5, wherein: The sound absorbing hole is one of the plurality of first sound absorbing holes and the plurality of second sound absorbing holes. The plurality of first sound-absorbing holes correspond to the first sound-insulating space. The plurality of second sound-absorbing holes correspond to the second sound-insulating space. The number of the sound absorbing holes of the plurality of first sound absorbing holes per unit volume of the first sound insulation space is different from the number of the sound absorbing holes of the plurality of second sound absorbing holes per unit volume of the second sound insulation space, so that the resonant frequency of the first sound insulation unit is different from the resonant frequency of the second sound insulation unit.

7. The air purifier according to claim 5, wherein: The sound absorbing hole is one of the multiple sound absorbing holes. Wherein, the plurality of sound-absorbing holes include: a first sound-absorbing hole corresponding to the first sound-insulating space; and The second sound-absorbing hole corresponds to the second sound-insulating space. The diameter of the first sound absorbing hole is different from the diameter of the second sound absorbing hole, so that the resonance frequency of the first sound insulating unit is different from the resonance frequency of the second sound insulating unit.

8. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein The diameter of the sound absorbing hole is less than 2.0 mm to prevent the generation of sound that resonates with the air moving along the flow path as the fan operates.

9. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein: The sound absorbing hole penetrates the guide portion so as to prevent a distance between two points on an opening of the sound absorbing hole from reaching 2.0 mm or more.

10. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein The air guide can reduce sounds in a frequency region of 1000 Hz or less among frequencies of sounds generated when the fan operates, and has a structure in which density of air adjacent to the sound absorbing hole has a negative value.

11. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein The fan comprises a fan inlet having a first cross-sectional area, A filter having a second cross-sectional area larger than the first cross-sectional area can be provided in the air purifier in a manner spaced apart from the fan. When the filter is provided in the air purifier, the guide portion includes a guide flow path, the cross-sectional area of ​​which gradually decreases from the filter toward the fan inlet to prevent turbulence when the air passing through the filter moves toward the fan inlet during operation of the fan.

12. The air purifier according to claim 11, wherein The fan comprises: blade; fan outlet; and A shroud located between the blade and the air guide, extending radially from the rotation center of the blade toward the fan outlet along the rotation axis of the blade. Wherein, the air guide comprises: The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow inducing flow path gradually increases from the end of the guide flow path toward the shroud, so that when the fan is in operation, the air moves along the extending direction of the shroud during the movement of the air.

13. The air purifier according to claim 2, wherein: The sound absorbing holes correspond to the sound insulation spaces in a one-to-one manner, so that the air guide has a Helmholtz resonance structure.

14. The air purifier according to claim 2, wherein: The soundproof space extends for a length that is one quarter of the wavelength of the generated sound.

15. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein The air guide is spaced apart in a radial direction with respect to the rotation center of the fan and extends in a circumferential direction relative to the rotation center of the fan. The sound insulation space is located between the air guide and the housing.

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