Filter assembly and air cleaner comprising the same

Abstract

A filter assembly is disclosed. The filter assembly includes: a filter unit including a filter; a first housing coupled to a lower end of the filter unit; and a second housing coupled to a lower end of the filter unit. The filter unit includes a first molded part disposed at the lower end of the filter unit and in contact with the first housing, and a second molded part disposed at the upper end of the filter unit and in contact with the second housing. Each of the first housing and the second housing comprises a nonpolar polymer material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a filter assembly and an air purifier including the filter assembly. Background Technology

[0002] An air purifier is a device that draws in, purifies, and exhausts polluted air. It uses a blower to draw in air containing pollutants through a front inlet, forces the air through a filter assembly to remove the pollutants, and exhausts the purified air through a top or side outlet. Depending on the location where the air purifier is used, the filter assembly may be replaced at a set or arbitrary interval. Used filter assemblies are discarded along with the filter and the plastic housing supporting it. Recently, given the urgent environmental, safety, and health (EHS) situation, a filter assembly is being researched that can detach the filter from the housing after use and allow for its recycling. Summary of the Invention

[0003] [Technical Solution] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a filter assembly and an air purifier including the filter assembly, the filter assembly being capable of separating and discharging a filter from a housing and being capable of improving air leakage occurring between the housing and the filter.

[0004] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, a filter assembly includes: a filter unit including a filter; a first housing coupled to a lower end of the filter unit; and a second housing coupled to an upper end of the filter unit. The filter unit may include: a first molded member disposed at the lower end of the filter unit and in contact with the first housing; and a second molded member disposed at the upper end of the filter unit and in contact with the second housing. Each of the first housing and the second housing may include a nonpolar polymer material.

[0005] Each of the first molded part and the second molded part may include polyurethane resin.

[0006] The polyurethane resin may include a curable two-component polyurethane adhesive.

[0007] The nonpolar polymer material may include a material having a surface energy of 33 dynes / cm or less.

[0008] The surface of the first housing that contacts the first molded part can be formed by grinding. The surface of the second housing that contacts the second molded part can be formed by grinding.

[0009] Each of the first housing and the second housing may comprise polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0010] Each of the first and second housings may include a strength-reinforcing material comprised in the polypropylene and / or the polyethylene. The strength-reinforcing material may include at least one of talc, glass fiber, and carbon black.

[0011] The filter assembly may further include a fastening structure comprising fasteners configured to detachably fasten the lower end of the filter unit to the first housing and to the upper end of the filter unit to the second housing.

[0012] The filter unit may include: a first filter having a cylindrical shape and having a first molded part coupled along the lower end and a second molded part coupled along the upper end; and a second filter disposed inside the first filter. The fastening structure may include: a plurality of first hooks disposed along the lower end of the second filter; a plurality of second hooks disposed along the upper end of the second filter; a plurality of first snap-fit ​​portions disposed in the first housing and having fastening holes, the plurality of first hooks being configured to fasten to the fastening holes; and a plurality of second snap-fit ​​portions disposed in the second housing and having fastening holes, the plurality of second hooks being fastened to the fastening holes.

[0013] Each of the first housing and the second housing may have a rectangular ring shape. At least one of the plurality of first latching portions may be configured to be offset at an angle relative to a virtual first straight line passing through two opposite corners of the first housing. At least one of the plurality of second latching portions may be configured to be offset at an angle relative to a virtual second straight line passing through two opposite corners of the second housing.

[0014] The first snap-fit ​​portion offset relative to the virtual first straight line and the second snap-fit ​​portion offset relative to the virtual second straight line can each be fastened to the second filter so that they face each other.

[0015] The spacing between the plurality of first latching portions disposed on the first side surface of the first housing may be different from the spacing between the plurality of first latching portions disposed on the second side surface of the first housing adjacent to the first side surface. Similarly, the spacing between the plurality of second latching portions disposed on the first side surface of the first housing may be different from the spacing between the plurality of second latching portions disposed on the second side surface of the first housing adjacent to the first side surface.

[0016] The first housing may further include a plurality of first handles disposed at each corner of the first housing. The second housing may further include a plurality of second handles disposed at each corner of the second housing.

[0017] The second filter may include a plurality of post-filters arranged continuously along the inner surface of the first filter.

[0018] The first housing may include: a first coupling groove having an annular shape, and the first molded member being configured to be inserted into the first coupling groove; and a second coupling groove formed along one side of the first coupling groove, and the lower end of the second filter being configured to be inserted into the second coupling groove. The second housing may include: a third coupling groove having an annular shape, and the second molded member being configured to be inserted into the third coupling groove; and a fourth coupling groove formed along one side of the third coupling groove, and the upper end of the second filter being configured to be inserted into the fourth coupling groove.

[0019] The first filter can be configured as a dust collection filter. The second filter can be configured as a deodorizing filter.

[0020] The filter unit may also include a third filter surrounding the first filter.

[0021] The third filter can be configured as a microfiber filter with a mesh shape.

[0022] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the air purifier includes: a main body including a receiving space and an exhaust space separate from the receiving space; a blower fan disposed between the receiving space and the exhaust space, configured to draw in outside air into the receiving space and exhaust the outside air to the outside of the main body through the exhaust space; and a filter assembly including a filter retractably inserted into the receiving space of the main body and configured to purify the outside air introduced into the receiving space. The filter assembly may include: a filter unit including a first molding part and a second molding part, the first molding part including polyurethane resin disposed along a lower end, the second molding part including polyurethane resin disposed along an upper end, and the filter unit having a cylindrical shape; a first housing configured to support the lower end of the filter unit while contacting the first molding part; a second housing configured to support the upper end of the filter unit while contacting the second molding part; and a fastening structure including fasteners configured to detachably fasten the lower end of the filter unit and the first housing and detachably fasten the upper end of the filter unit and the second housing, and each of the first housing and the second housing comprising a nonpolar polymer material. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a filter assembly mounted on an air purifier according to various embodiments; Figure 2 This is a front view showing an air purifier according to various embodiments; Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an air purifier that draws in polluted air and discharges purified air according to various embodiments; Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing a filter assembly according to various embodiments; Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a filter assembly according to various embodiments; Figure 6 This is a partially exploded perspective view showing an example of a filter assembly combining a post-filter and a dust collection filter according to various embodiments; Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of applying a two-component polyurethane adhesive to a first housing of a filter assembly according to various embodiments; Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing an example of a dust collection filter temporarily attached to a first housing of a filter assembly according to various embodiments; Figure 9 This is an enlarged view showing a portion of a dust collection filter according to various embodiments; Figure 10 This is a plan view showing the first housing of a filter assembly according to various embodiments; Figure 11 According to various embodiments along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view taken by line A-A'; Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the first housing of a filter assembly according to various embodiments; Figure 13 This is a side view illustrating an example of multiple post-filters combined with a first and second housing of a filter assembly according to various embodiments; Figure 14 This is a partially enlarged perspective view of the structure in which the fourth post-filter and the first housing are fastened together according to various embodiments; and Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view showing the first housing separated from the filter unit of the filter assembly according to various embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0024] In the following, various exemplary embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various modifications can be made to the various exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the specific implementation. However, the specific embodiments shown in the drawings are provided only to facilitate understanding of the various embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the spirit of this disclosure is not limited to the specific exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, but includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0025] In this disclosure, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components. However, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. It should also be understood that the terms "comprising" or "having" as used in this disclosure specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof mentioned in this disclosure, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. It should be understood that when a component is referred to as "connected to" or "integrated into" another component, a component may be directly connected to or directly integrated into another component, or connected to or integrated into another component with other components in between. On the other hand, it should be understood that when a component is referred to as "directly connected to" or "directly integrated into" another component, it may be connected to or integrated into another component without other components in between. In this disclosure, the expression "identical" may mean not only a perfect match, but may also include the degree of difference taking into account the range of manufacturing errors. When a detailed description of a known function or configuration related to this disclosure may unnecessarily obscure the gist of this disclosure, such detailed description may be simplified or omitted.

[0026] In the following description, various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in a variety of different forms and are not limited to one or any particular embodiment of the present disclosure described herein.

[0027] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a filter assembly 100 installed on an air purifier 10 according to various embodiments. Figure 2 This is a front view showing an air purifier according to various embodiments. For ease of description, Figure 2 The air purifier 10 shown is depicted with the first cover 31 removed.

[0028] Reference Figure 1The air purifier 10 may include: a main body 11; a blower fan 20 disposed inside the main body 11; a first cover 31, a second cover 32, a third cover 33 and a fourth cover 34, which are detachably mounted on the front side surface, the rear side surface, the left side surface and the right side surface of the main body 11, respectively; and a filter assembly 100 for purifying polluted air introduced from the outside of the main body 11 into the interior of the main body 11.

[0029] The main body 11 may include a receiving space 13 into which the filter assembly 100 is retractably inserted. The size of the receiving space 13 may correspond to the size of the filter assembly 100, or its size may be slightly larger than the size of the filter assembly 100, thereby facilitating the insertion and removal of the filter assembly 100. The receiving space 13 may be open to the front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the main body 11, respectively, so that external air can move into the receiving space 13 from the front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the main body 11, respectively.

[0030] The main body 11 may include an exhaust space 15 for discharging air purified by the filter assembly 100 to the outside of the main body 11. The exhaust space 15 may be open to the front, rear, left and right surfaces of the main body 11, respectively, so that the air purified by the filter assembly 100 may move to the outside of the main body 11 through the front, rear, left and right surfaces of the main body 11.

[0031] The discharge space 15 may be located at a position higher than the receiving space 13. For example, the receiving space 13 may be located at the lower part of the main body 11, and the discharge space 15 may be located at the upper part of the main body 11.

[0032] Reference Figure 2 The blower fan 20 may be disposed inside the main body 11. For example, the blower fan 20 may be disposed between the receiving space 13 and the exhaust space 15. The blower fan 20 provides suction to draw air from outside the main body 11 into the receiving space 13. The blower fan 20 provides discharge force to allow air drawn into the receiving space 13 to flow into the exhaust space 15.

[0033] The first cover 31, the second cover 32, the third cover 33, and the fourth cover 34 can be detachably mounted on the front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the main body 11. The first cover 31 can be detachably attached to the front surface of the main body 11 to replace the filter assembly 100, and the second cover 32, the third cover 33, and the fourth cover 34 can be fixedly attached to the main body 11. The first cover 31, the second cover 32, the third cover 33, and the fourth cover 34 can all be formed in a grid shape, having multiple slits for air to pass through.

[0034] Reference Figure 3When the blower 20 is driven, outside air is introduced into the receiving space 13 through the first cover 31, the second cover 32, the third cover 33, and the fourth cover 34. Among the contaminants (e.g., dust) contained in the outside air, dust particles larger than the dimensions of the multiple slits in the first cover 31, the second cover 32, the third cover 33, and the fourth cover 34 can be filtered by the first cover 31, the second cover 32, the third cover 33, and the fourth cover 34 and removed from the outside air. The purified air flows from the receiving space 13 to the exhaust space 15 through the blower 20. The purified air flowing into the exhaust space 15 can be discharged to the front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the main body 11 through the first cover 31, the second cover 32, the third cover 33, and the fourth cover 34, respectively.

[0035] Reference Figure 3 When the blower 20 is driven, the pressure in the containment space 13 can be lower than atmospheric pressure. External air surrounding the main body 11 can be drawn into the containment space 13 through the front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the main body 11, respectively. As the external air passes through the filter assembly 100, dust contained in the external air can be removed. The purified air can flow from the containment space 13 to the exhaust space 15 via the blower 20. The purified air flowing into the exhaust space 15 can be discharged onto the front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the main body 11, respectively.

[0036] The filter assembly 100 is inserted into the receiving space 13 and can purify the outside air introduced into the receiving space 13 from the outside of the main body 11. The filter assembly 100 can remove contaminants (e.g., dust, odor substances) contained in the outside air.

[0037] The filter assembly 100 may be formed in which the guide channel 101 (see Figure 1 The filter assembly 100 is a cylindrical structure housed internally. External air drawn into the receiving space 13 through the first cover 31, second cover 32, third cover 33, and fourth cover 34 by driving the blower fan 20 can be introduced from the outside of the filter assembly 100 into the guide channel 101. Contaminants contained in the external air can be filtered by the filter assembly 100. The purified air flows into the blower fan 20 along the guide channel 101 of the filter assembly 100, and then is discharged through the exhaust space 15 to the front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the main body 11, respectively.

[0038] The filter assembly 100 may be formed into a rectangular cylindrical shape, comprising a front surface, a rear surface, a left surface, and a right surface corresponding to the first cover 31, the second cover 32, the third cover 33, and the fourth cover 34, respectively. The shape of the filter assembly 100 is not limited to a rectangular cylindrical shape. For example, when the body 11 has a cylindrical shape, the filter assembly may be formed into a cylindrical shape. In this way, the filter assembly 100 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the body 11.

[0039] The air purifier 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an electrostatic precipitator filter located inside the body 11. The electrostatic precipitator filter may be disposed downstream of the filter assembly 100 in the direction of airflow. For example, the electrostatic precipitator filter may be disposed between the filter assembly 100 and the blower fan 20. The electrostatic precipitator filter may be configured to collect dust using, for example, electrostatic force. The electrostatic precipitator filter may form an electric field. Dust contained in the outside air may be collected in the electrostatic precipitator filter by the electric field formed by the electrostatic precipitator filter. Organic matter contained in the outside air, such as bacteria and viruses, may be removed by the electric field formed by the electrostatic precipitator filter.

[0040] After a period of use, the user can remove the expired filter assembly 100 from the receiving space 13, separate the dust-filtering filter unit 110 from the first housing 150 and the second housing 160, and then throw the filter unit 110 into the trash can. Because the filter unit 110 is constructed to be flexible, its shape can be easily changed. When the side surface of the filter unit 110 is pressed, the guide channel 101 narrows and the volume of the filter unit 110 decreases. For example, the filter unit 110 can be compressed from a three-dimensional cylindrical shape into a generally flat shape. Therefore, the filter unit 110 can be discharged with a reduced volume.

[0041] In the following, an example construction of the filter assembly 100 according to various embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing a filter assembly 100 according to various embodiments. Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a filter assembly 100 according to various embodiments, and showing the filter assembly 100 with the pre-filter 121 around the dust collection filter 123 removed. Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a filter assembly combining a post-filter and a dust collection filter according to various embodiments.

[0043] Reference Figure 4 The filter assembly 100 may include a filter unit 110 and a first housing 150 and a second housing 160 respectively detachably coupled to the filter unit 110.

[0044] The filter unit 110 may be formed in an annular shape, allowing the guide channel 101 to be formed therein. The filter unit 110 may be configured to be flexible, allowing it to unfold or fold upon disposal after separation from the first housing 150 and the second housing 160. The filter unit 110 may be configured to maintain an approximately cylindrical shape. The shape of the filter unit 110 is not limited to a square tube and may be configured to maintain an n-sided cylindrical shape (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 3) or a cylindrical shape. For example, the first housing 150 may include an opening 151 to form an annular shape corresponding to the filter unit 110. The second housing 160 may include an opening 161 to form an annular shape corresponding to the filter unit 110.

[0045] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The filter unit 110 may include: a dust collection filter 123; a first molding 125 disposed below the dust collection filter 123; a second molding 127 disposed above the dust collection filter 123; a first post-filter 131, a second post-filter 132, a third post-filter 133 and a fourth post-filter 134 disposed along the inner surface of the dust collection filter 123; and a pre-filter 121 surrounding the outer surface of the dust collection filter 123.

[0046] Outside air flowing from the outside of filter unit 110 to the inside of filter unit 110 (e.g., guide channel 101) can pass sequentially through pre-filter 121, dust collection filter 123, and first post-filter 131, second post-filter 132, third post-filter 133, and fourth post-filter 134, thereby removing dust and odor particles contained in the outside air.

[0047] The pre-filter 121 may be formed as a membrane mesh. The pre-filter 121 may be a membrane mesh filter (e.g., a microfiber filter). The pre-filter 121 may be coupled to or separated from the dust collection filter 123 by means of male / female Vickers tape disposed at each end. The pre-filter 121 can capture particulate matter contained in the outside air. The pre-filter 121 may be positioned upstream of the dust collection filter 123 based on the airflow direction.

[0048] The dust collection filter 123 may use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, but is not limited to it, and may use various types of filters. The dust collection filter 123 can capture ultrafine dust contained in the air that has already been pre-filtered by the pre-filter 121.

[0049] The dust filter 123 may include a first molding 125 that minimizes or improves air leakage between the lower end of the dust filter 123 and the first housing 150. The dust filter 123 may include a second molding 127 that minimizes or improves air leakage between the upper end of the dust filter 123 and the second housing 160.

[0050] The first molding part 125 may be arranged in an annular shape along the lower end of the dust filter 123. The first molding part 125 may cover the bottom surface of the dust filter 123, the lower end of the outer surface of the dust filter 123, and the lower end of the inner surface of the dust filter 123. The first molding part 125 may be made of a flexible material. When the dust filter 123 is combined with the first housing 150, the first molding part 125 may be in close contact with the first housing 150. The first molding part 125 may minimize or improve air leakage between the lower end of the dust filter 123 and the first housing 150.

[0051] The second molding part 127 may be arranged in an annular shape along the upper end of the dust filter 123. The second molding part 127 may cover the upper surface of the dust filter 123, the upper end of the outer surface of the dust filter 123, and the upper end of the inner surface of the dust filter 123. The second molding part 127 may be made of the same material as the first molding part 125. When the dust filter 123 is combined with the second housing 160, the second molding part 127 may be in close contact with the second housing 160. The second molding part 127 may minimize or improve air leakage between the upper end of the dust filter 123 and the second housing 160.

[0052] Referring to Table 1 below, the filter cloth applied to the dust collection filter 123 has a dust collection efficiency of 99.98%. In this case, the particle size of the filter cloth is 0.3 μm. When the first molding part 125 and the second molding part 127 are applied, the filter assembly 100 with the dust collection filter 123 using the filter cloth has a dust collection efficiency of 99.97%, and the leakage rate is 0.01% compared to the dust collection efficiency of the filter cloth. On the other hand, the filter assembly 100 without the first molding part 125 and the second molding part 127 has a dust collection efficiency of 97.86%, and the leakage rate is 2.12% compared to the dust collection efficiency of the filter cloth. Therefore, due to the first molding part 125 and the second molding part 127, the filter assembly 100 can have a high dust collection efficiency.

[0053] [Table 1]

[0054] Because the first molded part 125 and the second molded part 127 of the dust collection filter 123 are tightly attached to the first housing 150 and the second housing 160, the filter assembly 100 can improve the dust collection efficiency of the filter by minimizing / reducing air leakage. The dust collection filter 123 can be easily separated from the first housing 150 and the second housing 160 via the first molded part 125 and the second molded part 127.

[0055] The first molding part 125 and the second molding part 127 can be made of a material with flexibility and predetermined strength (e.g., polyurethane resin). When not bonded to the first housing 150 and the second housing 160, the dust filter 123 can maintain its three-dimensional shape through the strength of the first molding part 125 and the second molding part 127. When the force used to compress the dust filter 123 exceeds the strength of the first molding part 125 and the second molding part 127, the first molding part 125 and the second molding part 127 can be easily deformed. The used dust filter 123 can be discarded in its reduced-volume state because it is easily compressed.

[0056] Reference Figure 6 The first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133, and the fourth post-filter 134 may include activated carbon. The first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133, and the fourth post-filter 134 may be positioned downstream of the dust collection filter 123 based on the direction of airflow. The first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133, and the fourth post-filter 134 can adsorb and filter out odor particles or gaseous particles contained in the air secondary filtered by the dust collection filter 123.

[0057] The first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133, and the fourth post-filter 134 may be configured to have the same dimensions. The first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133, and the fourth post-filter 134 may be configured to correspond to the four surfaces of the inner side of the dust collection filter 123, respectively.

[0058] The lower and upper ends of the first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133, and the fourth post-filter 134 may be configured to be detachably connected to the first housing 150 and the second housing 160, respectively. The fastening structure between the first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133, and the fourth post-filter 134 and the first housing 150 and the second housing 160 is described below.

[0059] The filter unit 110 according to various embodiments includes, but is not limited to, a plurality of first post-filters 131, a plurality of second post-filters 132, a plurality of third post-filters 133, and a plurality of fourth post-filters 134. For example, the post-filters may be formed in a single cylindrical shape. Alternatively, if the dust collection filter 123 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the post-filters may be formed in a cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the dust collection filter 123.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the filter unit 110 may be configured to exclude the pre-filter 121, and instead include a dust collection filter 123 and a first post-filter 131, a second post-filter 132, a third post-filter 133, and a fourth post-filter 134.

[0061] The method of forming the first molded part 125 at the lower end of the dust collection filter 123 will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of applying a two-component polyurethane adhesive to a first housing of a filter assembly according to various embodiments. Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing an example of a dust collection filter temporarily attached to a first housing of a filter assembly according to various embodiments. Figure 9 This is an enlarged view showing a portion of a dust collection filter according to various embodiments.

[0063] Reference Figure 7 A polyurethane adhesive (e.g., a two-component polyurethane adhesive) 125a is applied to a first bonding groove 153 of the first housing 150, into which the lower end of the dust filter 123 is inserted. The two-component polyurethane adhesive 125a may include a base agent and a curing agent, and the base agent and the curing agent may be cured by a chemical reaction between them. The two-component polyurethane adhesive 125a remains in a liquid state before curing.

[0064] The lower end 123a of the dust filter 123 is pushed into the first engagement groove 153 of the first housing 150, which is coated with a two-component polyurethane adhesive 125a. The dust filter 123 can be constructed to have an approximately cylindrical shape by folding the filter paper in a zigzag manner. When the lower end 123a of the dust filter 123 is inserted into the first engagement groove 153 of the first housing 150, the two-component polyurethane adhesive 125a can be introduced into the interior of the lower end 123a of the dust filter 123 to a predetermined height.

[0065] Reference Figure 8While the two-component polyurethane adhesive 125a is curing, the dust filter 123 remains in a state where its lower end is inserted into the first mating groove 153 of the first housing 150. The lower end 123a of the dust filter 123 can be bonded to the first housing 150 by the two-component polyurethane adhesive 125a.

[0066] The two-component polyurethane adhesive 125a, after curing, can become a first molded part 125 bonded to the lower end of the dust filter 123. The cured first molded part 125 can be firmly attached to the lower end of the dust filter 123. The first molded part 125 can be flexible and not too stiff, and can be easily bent or stretched.

[0067] Reference Figure 9 The first molded part 125 can maintain a shape corresponding to the first mating groove 153 of the first housing 150. The first molded part 125 can have a predetermined thickness t.

[0068] After the first molding part 125 is formed at the lower end of the dust filter 123, a second molding part 127 can be formed at the upper end of the dust filter 123 by a method substantially the same as that used to form the first molding part 125. During the process of forming the first molding part 125 and the second molding part 127 at the lower and upper ends of the dust filter 123, respectively, the dust filter 123 can be temporarily attached to the first housing 150 and the second housing 160.

[0069] The first housing 150 and the second housing 160 may be made of a material that is easily separable from the first molding part 125 and the second molding part 127 of the dust collection filter 123. When the first molding part 125 and the second molding part 127 are made of polyurethane resin, the first housing 150 and the second housing 160 may be made of a material that does not form ionic or covalent bonds with the first molding part 125 and the second molding part 127. For example, the first housing 150 and the second housing 160 may be made of a nonpolar polymer resin having a surface energy of about 33 dynes / cm or less. For example, the polymer resin may be a polyolefin. Polyolefin polymer resins may include polypropylene and polyethylene. Polypropylene and polyethylene are chemically stable, durable, lightweight, easy to process, and inexpensive. The surface energy of polypropylene is about 29 to 31 dynes / cm. The surface energy of polypropylene is about 30 to 31 dynes / cm.

[0070] The first shell 150 and the second shell 160 can be constructed to enhance strength by mixing polypropylene and a strength-reinforcing material. The strength-reinforcing material may include at least one of talc, glass fiber, and carbon black. For example, the first shell 150 and the second shell 160 may each be made using a mixture of 80% polypropylene and 20% talc. Alternatively, the first shell 150 and the second shell 160 may each be made using a mixture of 80% polypropylene, 10% talc, and 10% glass fiber.

[0071] Since the first housing 150 and the second housing 160 are made of a material with low surface energy, they can be easily separated from the first molding part 125 and the second molding part 127 when temporarily attached to them.

[0072] In this disclosure, the first housing 150 and the second housing 160 are described as examples of jigs used for forming the first molded part 125 and the second molded part 127, but are not limited thereto. For example, the first molded part 125 disposed at the lower end of the dust collection filter 123 may be formed by a separate jig having a groove formed on a surface having a shape substantially the same as the shape of the first engagement groove 153 of the first housing 150. In this case, the jig may be made of a material with low surface energy (e.g., about 33 dynes / cm or less), such that the first molded part 125 can be easily separated from the groove of the jig after curing.

[0073] Figure 10 This is a plan view showing the first housing of a filter assembly according to various embodiments. Figure 11 According to various embodiments along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view taken from line A-A'.

[0074] Reference Figure 10 The first housing 150 may include: a first coupling groove 153, to which the lower end of the filter unit 110 is coupled; and a second coupling groove 155, to which the lower ends of the first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133 and the fourth post-filter 134 are coupled.

[0075] The first engagement groove 153 of the first housing 150 may be formed in an annular shape along the upper surface of the first housing 150. The first engagement groove 153 of the first housing 150 may be formed by a first rib 152a and a second rib 152b protruding to a predetermined height on the upper surface of the first housing 150. The height of the first rib 152a and the second rib 152b may be approximately greater than the thickness t of the first molded part 125 (see...). Figure 9 ).

[0076] The first engagement groove 153 of the first housing 150 can be configured to correspond to the lower end of the dust filter 123. For example, when the dust filter 123 has a cylindrical shape, the first engagement groove 153 of the first housing 150 can be formed into an approximately square shape.

[0077] Reference Figure 11 The lower end of the dust filter 123 can be inserted into the first engagement groove 153 of the first housing 150. The first molded part 125 disposed at the lower end of the dust filter 123 can be tightly attached to the first engagement groove 153 of the first housing 150. Therefore, air leakage between the upper end of the dust filter 123 and the second housing 160 can be minimized or improved.

[0078] To increase the removability between the first molded part 125 and the first engagement groove 153 of the first housing 150, the first engagement groove 153 of the first housing 150 may be configured to have a low surface roughness. For example, the first housing 150 may be manufactured by injection molding. In this case, depending on the quality of the mold, multiple irregularities may be formed on the surface of the first engagement groove 153 of the first housing 150. Multiple irregularities can enhance the adhesion between the first molded part 125 of the dust filter 123 and the first engagement groove 153 of the first housing 150, thereby reducing removability. Therefore, the first engagement groove 153 of the first housing 150 may be smoothed by a grinding process (e.g., #3000 grinding process).

[0079] The first housing 150 may be ground only in the first mating groove 153 that is in close contact with the first molded part 125, but is not limited thereto. For example, if a large number of irregularities are formed throughout the first housing 150 due to the low quality of the mold used to injection mold the first housing 150, the grinding process may be performed on the entire first housing 150.

[0080] The second engagement groove 155 of the first housing 150 may be formed in an annular shape along the first engagement groove 153 on the upper surface of the first housing 150. The second engagement groove 155 of the first housing 150 may be positioned closer to the center of the first housing 150 than the first engagement groove 153. The second engagement groove 155 of the first housing 150 may be formed by a second rib 152b and a third rib 152c. The second rib 152b may be a structure that serves to form both the first engagement groove 153 and the second engagement groove 155. The lower ends of the first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133, and the fourth post-filter 134 may be inserted into the second engagement groove 155 of the first housing 150, respectively.

[0081] Reference Figure 10The first housing 150 may have a handle 157 located at each of the four corners. Each of the plurality of handles 157 may be provided with a gripping claw 157a for fingertips to grasp.

[0082] The user can easily separate the first housing 150 from the lower ends of the first post-filter 131, second post-filter 132, third post-filter 133, and fourth post-filter 134 by pulling one of the multiple handles 157 in a direction away from the lower ends of the first post-filter 131, second post-filter 132, third post-filter 133, and fourth post-filter 134.

[0083] The second housing 160 may include a structure substantially the same as that of the first housing 150. For example, the second housing 160 may have a third engagement groove into which the upper end of the dust collection filter 123 is inserted, and which is in close contact with the second molding part 127. The third engagement groove of the second housing 160 may be smoothed by grinding to improve its removability from the second molding part 127. The second housing 160 may also have a fourth engagement groove into which the upper ends of the first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133, and the fourth post-filter 134 are respectively inserted.

[0084] When the first housing 150 and the second housing 160 are coupled to the dust collection filter 123, the first coupling groove 153 of the first housing 150 and the third coupling groove of the second housing 160 can be arranged to face each other. The second coupling groove 155 of the first housing 150 and the fourth coupling groove of the second housing 160 can be arranged to face each other.

[0085] The second housing 160 may have handles located at each of the four corners. The second housing 160 can be separated from the upper ends of the first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133, and the fourth post-filter 134 by pulling the multiple handles in a direction away from the upper ends of the first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133, and the fourth post-filter 134.

[0086] In the following description, the structure of the filter assembly 100 for securing the first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133 and the fourth post-filter 134 of the filter unit 110 between the first housing 150 and the second housing 160 will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the first housing of a filter assembly according to various embodiments. Figure 13This is a side view illustrating an example of multiple post-filters combined with a first and second housing of a filter assembly according to various embodiments.

[0088] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 The fastening structure of the filter assembly 100 may include a plurality of first snap-fit ​​portions 158 and a plurality of second snap-fit ​​portions 159 disposed in the first housing 150, and a plurality of first hooks 138 and a plurality of second hooks 139 disposed at the lower ends of the first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133, and the fourth post-filter 134, respectively. The plurality of first hooks 138 may be detachably fastened to fastening holes 158a of the plurality of first snap-fit ​​portions 158 of the first housing 150. The plurality of second hooks 139 may be detachably fastened to fastening holes 159a of the plurality of second snap-fit ​​portions 159 of the first housing 150.

[0089] Additionally, the fastening structure of the filter assembly 100 may include a plurality of third snap-fit ​​portions 168 and a plurality of fourth snap-fit ​​portions 169 disposed in the second housing 160, and a plurality of third hooks 138-1 and a plurality of fourth hooks 139-1 respectively disposed on the upper ends of the first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133, and the fourth post-filter 134. The plurality of third hooks 138-1 can be detachably fastened to the plurality of third snap-fit ​​portions 168 of the second housing 160. The plurality of fourth hooks 139-1 can be detachably fastened to the plurality of fourth snap-fit ​​portions 169 of the second housing 160.

[0090] The fastening structure between the second housing 160 and the first post-filter 131, second post-filter 132, third post-filter 133, and fourth post-filter 134 is substantially the same as the fastening structure between the first housing 150 and the first post-filter 131, second post-filter 132, third post-filter 133, and fourth post-filter 134. Therefore, the fastening structure between the first housing 150 and the first post-filter 131, second post-filter 132, third post-filter 133, and fourth post-filter 134 will be described in more detail below.

[0091] The plurality of first snap-fit ​​portions 158 of the first housing 150 may extend at predetermined intervals along the same direction as the protruding direction of the second rib 152b to the edge of the second rib 152b. For example, the plurality of first snap-fit ​​portions 158 may be positioned corresponding to the centers of the front surface, rear surface, left surface, and right surface of the first housing 150. In this case, the number of the plurality of first snap-fit ​​portions 158 of the first housing 150 may be four.

[0092] The plurality of first snap-fit ​​portions 158 of the first housing 150 can respectively correspond to the plurality of first hooks 138 disposed at the lower ends of the first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133, and the fourth post-filter 134. The plurality of first snap-fit ​​portions 158 of the first housing 150 may include fastening holes 158a, and the plurality of first hooks 138 of the first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133, and the fourth post-filter 134 are respectively fastened to the fastening holes 158a.

[0093] The plurality of second snap-fit ​​portions 159 of the first housing 150 may extend to the edge of the second rib 152b in the same direction as the protruding direction of the second rib 152b. The plurality of second snap-fit ​​portions 159 of the first housing 150 may be respectively provided at positions adjacent to the four corners of the first housing 150.

[0094] For example, such as Figure 12 As shown, one of the plurality of second latching portions 159 of the first housing 150, a second latching portion 159-1, may be positioned at a first angle C1 offset relative to a virtual first straight line B1 (the virtual first straight line B1 passes through an opposite angle of the first housing 150). Another second latching portion 159-2 of the plurality of second latching portions 159 may be positioned at a second angle C2 offset relative to a virtual second straight line B2 (the virtual second straight line B2 is orthogonal to the virtual first straight line B1 and passes through an opposite angle of the first housing 150). The first angle C1 and the second angle C2 may be substantially the same.

[0095] The two second latching portions 159-1 and 159-2, located on either side of the first latching portion 158-1, can be positioned closer to the first latching portion 158-1 than the other adjacent first latching portions 158-2 and 158-3, respectively. The remaining two second latching portions 159-3 and 159-4 can be symmetrically arranged with respect to the two second latching portions 159-1 and 159-2.

[0096] like Figure 13As shown, the first housing 150 and the second housing 160 can be fastened to the lower and upper ends of the first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133, and the fourth post-filter 134, respectively, such that the plurality of second snap-fit ​​portions 159 of the first housing 150 and the plurality of fourth snap-fit ​​portions 169 of the second housing 160 are symmetrical to each other. In this case, the plurality of first snap-fit ​​portions 158 and the plurality of second snap-fit ​​portions 159 of the first housing 150 are fastened to the plurality of first hooks 138 and the plurality of second hooks 139 provided at the lower part of the first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133, and the fourth post-filter 134. In addition, a plurality of third snap-fit ​​portions 168 and a plurality of fourth snap-fit ​​portions 169 of the second housing 160 are fastened to a plurality of third hooks 138-1 and a plurality of fourth hooks 139-1 located on the upper part of the first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133 and the fourth post-filter 134.

[0097] Thus, through the symmetrical fastening structure of the plurality of first snap-fit ​​portions 158 and second snap-fit ​​portions 159 of the first housing 150 and the plurality of third snap-fit ​​portions 168 and fourth snap-fit ​​portions 169 of the second housing 160, even if the upper and lower parts of the first post-filter 131, second post-filter 132, third post-filter 133, and fourth post-filter 134 are twisted in opposite directions around the Z-axis, the fastening between the first post-filter 131, second post-filter 132, third post-filter 133, and fourth post-filter 134 and the first housing 150 and second housing 160 will not easily separate. Therefore, the first post-filter 131, second post-filter 132, third post-filter 133, and fourth post-filter 134, as well as the first housing 150 and second housing 160, can be securely connected to each other. The flexible dust collection filter 123 can stably maintain its cylindrical shape through the fastening structure.

[0098] In the following description, an example of separating the lower ends of the first housing 150 from the first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133 and the fourth post-filter 134 will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0099] Figure 14 This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the structure in which the fourth post-filter and the first housing of the filter assembly are fastened together according to various embodiments. Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a first housing separated from the filter unit of a filter assembly according to various embodiments.

[0100] Reference Figure 14Pull the handle 157 of the first housing 150 in a direction away from the lower ends of the first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, the third post-filter 133, and the fourth post-filter 134. The second latching portion 159 adjacent to the handle 157 of the first housing 150 can be pulled in the direction of pulling the handle 157.

[0101] In this case, the left portion 159b of the second latching portion 159, adjacent to the corner of the first housing 150, moves in the direction in which the handle 157 is pulled before the right portion 159c of the second latching portion 159. After the left portion 139a of the second hook 139 of the fourth post-filter 134, adjacent to the corner of the first housing 150, separates from the fastening hole 159a of the second latching portion 159 before the right portion 139b of the second hook 139, the right portion 139b of the second hook 139 can then separate from the fastening hole 159a of the second latching portion 159.

[0102] Thus, the second snap-fit ​​portion 159 of the first housing 150 and the second hook 139 of the fourth post-filter 134 fastened thereto are set to be biased to one side from the center of the corner of the first housing 150 (e.g., the virtual first straight line B1), so that the second snap-fit ​​portion 159 of the first housing 150 and the second hook 139 of the fourth post-filter 134 can be easily separated.

[0103] Therefore, as Figure 15 As shown, when the remaining handle 157 of the first housing 150 is pulled in a direction away from the first post-filter 131, the second post-filter 132, and the third post-filter 133, respectively, the first housing 150 can be easily separated from the filter unit 110 without effort. The second housing 160 can be easily separated from the upper end of the filter unit 110 in the same manner as separating the first housing 150 from the lower end of the filter unit 110.

[0104] The used filter assembly 100 separates and discharges the filter unit 110 from the first housing 150 and the second housing 160.

[0105] While this disclosure has been shown and described above with reference to various embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It should also be understood that any embodiment described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment described herein.

Claims

1. A filter assembly, comprising: Filter unit, including filter; The first housing is attached to the lower end of the filter unit; as well as The second housing is attached to the upper end of the filter unit. The filter unit includes: A first molded component is disposed at the lower end of the filter unit and contacts the first housing; and The second molded component is disposed at the upper end of the filter unit and contacts the second housing; and Each of the first and second housings comprises a nonpolar polymer material.

2. The filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first molded part and the second molded part comprises polyurethane resin.

3. The filter assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The polyurethane resin includes a curable two-component polyurethane adhesive.

4. The filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The nonpolar polymer material has a surface energy of 33 dynes / cm or less.

5. The filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The surface of the first housing that contacts the first molded part is formed by grinding, and The surface of the second housing that contacts the second molded part is formed by grinding.

6. The filter assembly of claim 4, wherein, Each of the first housing and the second housing comprises polypropylene or polyethylene.

7. The filter assembly of claim 4, wherein, Each of the first and second housings includes a strength-reinforcing material, said strength-reinforcing material being contained in the polypropylene or the polyethylene, wherein, The strength-enhancing material includes at least one of talc, glass fiber, and carbon black.

8. The filter assembly of claim 1, further comprising: A fastening structure includes fasteners configured to detachably fasten the lower end of the filter unit to the first housing, and to detachably fasten the upper end of the filter unit to the second housing. The filter unit includes: A first filter has a cylindrical shape, wherein a first molded part is joined along the lower end, and a second molded part is joined along the upper end; and The second filter is disposed inside the first filter; and The fastening structure includes: Multiple first hooks are arranged along the lower end of the second filter; Multiple second hooks are arranged along the upper end of the second filter; A plurality of first snap-fit ​​portions are disposed in the first housing and have fastening holes, the plurality of first hooks being configured to fasten into the fastening holes; and A plurality of second snap-fit ​​portions are disposed in the second housing and have fastening holes, the plurality of second hooks being configured to fasten into the fastening holes.

9. The filter assembly of claim 8, wherein, Each of the first and second housings has a rectangular ring shape. At least one of the plurality of first latching portions is configured to be offset at a certain angle relative to a virtual first straight line passing through two opposite corners of the first housing, and At least one of the plurality of second latching portions is configured to be offset at an angle relative to a virtual second straight line passing through two opposite corners of the second housing.

10. The filter assembly of claim 9, wherein, The first snap-fit ​​portion offset relative to the virtual first straight line and the second snap-fit ​​portion offset relative to the virtual second straight line are each configured to be fastened to the second filter so as to face each other.

11. The filter assembly of claim 9, wherein, The spacing between the plurality of first snap-fit ​​portions disposed on the first side surface of the first housing is different from the spacing between the plurality of first snap-fit ​​portions disposed on the second side surface of the first housing adjacent to the first side surface, and The spacing between the plurality of second snap-fit ​​portions disposed on the first side surface of the second housing is different from the spacing between the plurality of second snap-fit ​​portions disposed on the second side surface of the second housing adjacent to the first side surface.

12. The filter assembly of claim 9, wherein, The first housing also includes a plurality of first handles disposed at each corner of the first housing. The second housing also includes a plurality of second handles disposed at each corner of the second housing, and The second filter includes a plurality of post-filters arranged continuously along the inner surface of the first filter.

13. The filter assembly of claim 9, wherein, The first housing includes: A first mating groove has an annular shape, and the first molded part is configured to be inserted into the first mating groove; and A second connecting groove is formed along one side of the first connecting groove, and the lower end of the second filter is configured to be inserted into the second connecting groove. The second housing includes: The third mating groove has an annular shape, and the second molded part is configured to be inserted into the third mating groove; and A fourth connecting groove is formed along one side of the third connecting groove, and the upper end of the second filter is configured to be inserted into the fourth connecting groove.

14. The filter assembly of claim 9, wherein, The first filter is configured as a dust collection filter. The second filter is configured as a deodorizing filter. The filter unit further includes a third filter surrounding the first filter, and The third filter is constructed as a microfiber filter with a mesh shape.

15. An air purifier, comprising: The main body includes a receiving space and a discharge space separate from the receiving space; A blower fan, disposed between the receiving space and the exhaust space, is configured to draw in external air into the receiving space and discharge the external air to the outside of the main body through the exhaust space; as well as A filter assembly, including a filter retractably insertable into the receiving space of the body and configured to purify outside air introduced into the receiving space. The filter assembly includes: A filter unit includes a first molding part and a second molding part, the first molding part including polyurethane resin disposed along its lower end, the second molding part including polyurethane resin disposed along its upper end, and the filter unit having a cylindrical shape. The first housing is configured to support the lower end of the filter unit while in contact with the first molded part; The second housing is configured to support the upper end of the filter unit while in contact with the second molded part; A fastening structure includes fasteners configured to fasten the lower end of the filter unit to the first housing and the upper end of the filter unit to the second housing. Each of the first and second housings comprises a nonpolar polymer material, and The nonpolar polymer material has a surface energy of 33 dynes / cm or less.

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