Air Conditioner

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner. The air conditioner of the present invention comprises: a case having an open bottom; a blower fan rotatably disposed inside the case and forming a fan intake opening on the bottom; a motor disposed on the upper surface of the case and rotating the fan; a suction guide disposed below the fan and including a bell mouth extending into the fan intake opening; and a sterilization device disposed on the suction guide, extending in the direction in which the fan intake opening is formed, and irradiating ultraviolet light toward the blower fan.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more specifically, to an air conditioner comprising a sterilization device for sterilizing a blower fan. Background Technology

[0002] An air conditioner is a device that uses refrigerant or water to heat-exchange air and supplies the heat-exchanged air to a specific indoor space to regulate the temperature of the indoor space.

[0003] Condensation can occur inside the air conditioner due to heat exchange with refrigerants, leading to the formation of moisture within the internal structure. This moisture can cause problems such as the proliferation of bacteria in the structure of the internal blower fans.

[0004] Referring to Korean Patent Publication No. KR 10-2020-0084173, it discloses sterilizing a collection area where condensate is generated. However, there is a problem in that it does not sterilize the blower fan that is placed inside the case and directly generates airflow.

[0005] Furthermore, ceiling-mounted air conditioners have a problem in that it is difficult to sterilize both the outer and inner sides of the blower fan simultaneously, as the blower fan structure includes multiple blades spaced circumferentially from the center of rotation. Additionally, there is a problem regarding spatial constraints for placing a sterilization device due to the structure of the blower fan.

[0006] In addition, in the case of a device that sterilizes a blower fan, there is a problem in that it can act as a flow resistance to the air flowing through the fan, which may affect the direction or speed of the discharged air. The problem to be solved

[0007] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an air conditioner capable of maintaining the air conditioner's blower fan cleanly.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of maintaining a clean blower fan that flows air in the radial direction of a rotating shaft.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner in which the sterilization device minimizes the flow resistance of air flowing through the blower fan.

[0010] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0011] To achieve the above objective, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a blower fan rotatably disposed inside a case and forming a fan intake opening downward, and a motor disposed on the upper surface of the case and rotating the fan, so that air flowing upward through the fan intake opening can flow radially. Additionally, the air conditioner comprises a suction guide including a bellmouth disposed below the blower fan and extending into the fan intake opening, and a sterilization device disposed on the suction guide, extending in the direction where the fan intake opening is formed, and irradiating ultraviolet light toward the blower fan, so that the blower fan can be sterilized through the sterilization device disposed on the suction guide.

[0012] The above sterilization device includes a first sterilization device that irradiates toward the inner surface of the fan, and a first body that extends from the suction guide toward the outer direction of the fan and fixes the arrangement of the first sterilization device, thereby sterilizing the inner surface of the blower fan.

[0013] The suction guide further includes a cover plate extending radially from the outer edge of the bellmouth, and the first body includes a first mounting body extending into the fan intake and on which the first sterilization device is mounted, and a connecting body fixedly disposed on the suction guide and connected to the first mounting body, wherein the connecting body is arranged parallel to the cover plate to minimize the flow resistance of air entering the blower fan.

[0014] The first mounting body forms a curved surface at the lower portion connected to the first connecting body, and the radius of curvature of the curved surface formed at the lower portion of the first mounting body is formed to be larger than the radius of curvature of the curved surface formed at the bellmouth positioned at the same height as the lower portion of the first mounting body, so that the first mounting body can be extended into the inside of the blower fan.

[0015] The above sterilization device includes a second sterilization device that irradiates toward the outer surface of the blower fan, and a second body that extends from the suction guide toward the outer direction of the blower fan and fixes the arrangement of the second sterilization device, thereby sterilizing the outer side of the blower fan.

[0016] The above sterilization device is positioned through an insertion hole formed in the suction guide, the first body extends inwardly toward the fan based on the insertion hole, and the second body extends outwardly toward the fan based on the insertion hole, thereby sterilizing the outer direction of the blower fan.

[0017] When the above sterilization device is mounted on the suction guide, the insertion hole is sealed so that air from the lower side of the suction guide can be concentrated into the blower fan through the bell mouth.

[0018] The above-mentioned blower fan forms a fan discharge port in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the fan intake port, and the second body extends outwardly in the circumferential direction of the blower fan to sterilize the outer surface of the blower fan.

[0019] Each of the first sterilization device and the second sterilization device comprises a first sterilization lamp and a second sterilization lamp that irradiate ultraviolet light, and the second sterilization lamp is positioned to be adjacent to the upper surface of the case than the first sterilization lamp.

[0020] The second body comprises a second mounting body on which the second sterilization device is mounted and a second coupling body coupled to the first body, and the second mounting body extends radially outward from the blower fan so as to irradiate ultraviolet light onto the outer surface of the blower fan.

[0021] The first body includes a first coupling body that is connected to the first connecting body and coupled to the second body, and the upper surface of the first coupling body forms a step with the upper surface of the first connecting body, and the upper surface of the first coupling body is positioned below the suction guide so that the sterilization device can be fixed to the suction guide.

[0022] The first coupling body includes a fixing groove into which the second coupling body of the second body is inserted and fixed, and a fastening projection into which a fastening member for fixing the second coupling body fixed to the first coupling body is inserted, so that the second coupling body can be mounted in the fixing groove of the first coupling body and fastened by the fastening projection.

[0023] The first coupling body includes a plurality of fixing grooves and a plurality of fastening protrusions arranged in the vertical direction, and the second coupling body is fixed to one of the plurality of fixing grooves arranged in the vertical direction and fastened to one of the plurality of fastening protrusions, so that the coupling position of the second coupling body with the first coupling body may be different.

[0024] An insertion hole is formed in the suction guide above for mounting the sterilization device, and a seating rib is arranged in the insertion hole for seating the sterilization device, so that the sterilization device can be mounted on the suction guide.

[0025] A fixing projection for fixing the sterilization device to the suction guide is disposed on the above-mentioned mounting rib, and the sterilization device inserted into the insertion hole is fastened to the suction guide through the fixing projection while mounted on the above-mentioned mounting rib, thereby fixing the sterilization device to the suction guide.

[0026] The above-described blower fan comprises a rotating plate positioned facing the upper surface of the case and connected to the motor, a plurality of blades protruding downward from the upper plate and spaced apart in a circumferential direction with respect to the rotation center of the fan, and a rim portion connecting the lower ends of the plurality of blades and forming the fan intake port downward. The blower fan has a structure that discharges air between the plurality of blades, so that it can draw in air in a direction parallel to the rotation axis and discharge air in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0027] The above sterilization device comprises a first sterilization device that irradiates toward the inner surface of the blade, a second sterilization device that irradiates toward the outer surface of the blade, a first body that extends from the suction guide toward the outer direction of the fan and fixes the arrangement of the first sterilization device, and a second body that extends from the suction guide toward the outer direction of the blower fan and fixes the arrangement of the second sterilization device, wherein the second sterilization device irradiates ultraviolet light from above the rim to sterilize both the inner surface and the outer surface of the blade.

[0028] The distance at which the first body extends radially inward from the bell mouth is formed to be less than half the distance from the rotation axis of the blower fan to the rim, thereby minimizing the flow resistance of air flowing into the fan intake.

[0029] The above sterilization device comprises a first sterilization device that irradiates toward the outer surface of the fan, a second sterilization device that irradiates toward the inner surface of the fan, and a body that is fixed to one side of the suction guide and extends toward the outer direction of the blower fan and the inner direction of the blower fan to fix the arrangement of the first sterilization device and the second sterilization device, thereby enabling sterilization of the outer surface and the inner surface of the blower fan.

[0030] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. Effects of the invention

[0031] According to the air conditioner of the present invention, one or more of the following effects are present.

[0032] First, it includes a sterilization device that irradiates ultraviolet light toward the blower fan from the inside of the case, which has the advantage of allowing the blower fan placed inside the case to be kept clean.

[0033] Secondly, in a blower fan structure used in ceiling-mounted air conditioners and the like, which draws in air in a direction parallel to the rotating shaft and circulates air in a direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft, there is also the advantage that a sterilization device irradiates ultraviolet light to the inside and outside of the blower fan, thereby sterilizing the entire blower fan.

[0034] Third, since the range in which the sterilization device protrudes radially or upward from the suction guide is limited, there is also the advantage of minimizing the flow resistance of the air flowing through the blower fan, thereby ensuring the wind speed and volume of the air flowing through the blower fan.

[0035] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an air conditioner to explain the arrangement of a sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a suction guide according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one side of a suction guide equipped with the sterilization device of the present invention. FIG. 6a is a bottom perspective view of a sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6b is a side view of Figure 6a and a drawing showing the irradiation direction of the sterilization lamp. FIG. 7a is an exploded perspective view of a sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention that is coupled to a first position. Fig. 7b is a combined perspective view of Fig. 7a. FIG. 8a is a perspective view of a suction guide equipped with the sterilization device of FIG. 7b. FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view of the portion where the sterilization device of FIG. 8a is placed. FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of an air conditioner equipped with a sterilization device of FIG. 7b. FIG. 10a is an exploded perspective view of a sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention that is coupled to a second position. Fig. 10b is a combined perspective view of Fig. 10a. FIG. 11a is a perspective view of a suction guide equipped with the sterilization device of FIG. 10b. FIG. 11b is a cross-sectional view of the portion where the sterilization device of FIG. 11a is placed. FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of an air conditioner equipped with a sterilization device of FIG. 10b. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sterilization device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0037] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0038] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings for explaining an air conditioner according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] Hereinafter, the configuration of an air conditioner according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0040] The air conditioner (1) comprises: a case (10) having an outer shape and an open bottom surface; a front panel (20) covering the open bottom surface of the case (10) and forming an intake port (22) and discharge ports (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) on the lower side; a blower fan (30) disposed inside the case (10) to flow air inside the case (10) from the intake port (22) to the discharge ports (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d); a fan motor (40) for rotating the blower fan (30); a heat exchanger (40) for heat-exchanging the air flowing from the intake port (22) to the discharge ports (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) with a refrigerant; an intake grille (50) covering the intake port (22); and a case (10) detachably mounted on the upper side of the intake grille (50) through the intake port (22). It includes a filter module (80) that filters out foreign substances in the air flowing into the interior.

[0041] The case (10) has the shape of a roughly square box. The case (10) forms a space in which a blower fan (30), a heat exchanger (40), a fan motor (40), etc. are placed inside, and the bottom surface is open. The case (10) can be installed to be suspended from the ceiling of an indoor space via a hanger (not shown). The case (10) includes a base plate (12) facing the ceiling surface and a perimeter plate (14) extending downward from the perimeter surface of the base plate (12). The case (10) forms a space in which a blower fan (30) is placed inside through the base plate (12) and the perimeter plate (14).

[0042] The front panel (20) is positioned to cover the open bottom surface of the case (10). The front panel (20) is positioned toward the floor of the interior. The front panel (20) has an intake port (22) through which air is introduced into the interior of the case (10), and an exhaust port (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) through which air inside the case (10) is discharged into the interior space.

[0043] The intake port (22) is positioned in the center of the front panel (20), and the discharge ports (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) are positioned around the intake port (22) and spaced apart from the intake port (22). In the front panel (20) according to the present embodiment, one intake port (22) is formed and four discharge ports (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) are formed. However, as this is one embodiment, one intake port (22) may be formed and one or more discharge ports may be positioned.

[0044] The front panel (20) is coupled to the case (10) and includes a front body (22) forming discharge ports (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) and an intake grille (50) covering the intake port (22). In the front panel (20) according to the present embodiment, discharge ports (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) can be formed by the combination of the front body (22) and the intake grille (50). The discharge ports (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) can be formed in the shape of a long slit along the edge of the intake port (22).

[0045] An intake grille (50) is disposed in the intake port (22) of the front panel (20). A plurality of ribs (54) are arranged in a grid shape on the intake grille (50), and a plurality of rectangular intake ports (22) are formed between the plurality of ribs (54). A filter module (80) for filtering foreign substances in the air flowing into the intake port (22) may be disposed on the upper side of the intake grille (50).

[0046] An inner panel (50) may be disposed on the upper side of the intake grille (28). The inner panel (50) is mounted on the case (10) and may form an intake passage (50a) and a discharge passage (50b). An intake guide (60), which will be described below, is mounted on the inner panel (50). An intake guide (60) is mounted on the intake passage (50a) formed in the inner panel (50). A drain pan (52), which will be described below, may be disposed on the upper side of the inner panel (50).

[0047] A blower fan (30) is positioned inside the case (10) to form an airflow inside the case (10). The blower fan (30) is positioned above the intake port (22). The blower fan (30) may be a centrifugal blower that sucks air in towards the center and discharges air in a circumferential direction. The blower fan (30) forms a fan intake port (30a) in a downward direction and forms a fan discharge port (30b) on a periphery perpendicular to the fan intake port (30a).

[0048] Air can be drawn into the fan intake port (30a) and discharged through the fan discharge port (30b) by the rotation of the blower fan (30).

[0049] The blower fan (30) includes a rotating plate (32) connected to a fan motor (40), a plurality of blades (34) extending vertically downward from the rotating plate (32), and a rim (36) connecting the lower ends of the plurality of blades (34) and forming a fan intake port (30a). The rotating plate (32) is positioned facing the base plate (12) of the case (10). The center of the rotating plate (32) is connected to the fan motor (40). The rotating plate (32) has an approximate circular shape and may have a convex shape downward at the part connected to the fan motor (40).

[0050] A plurality of blades (34) are spaced apart radially from the center of rotation of the rotating plate (32). Each of the plurality of blades (34) is spaced apart in the circumferential direction. A fan discharge port (30b) is formed between each of the plurality of blades (34). The plurality of blades (34) extend in the circumferential direction to form an air flow. The blower fan (30) may have a structure that discharges air between the plurality of blades (34).

[0051] Each of the plurality of blades (34) may include an inner surface (34a) formed in a direction toward the rotation axis (RS) and an outer surface (34b) facing in the opposite direction to the inner surface (34a).

[0052] The rim (36) connects the lower ends of each of the plurality of blades (34). The rim (36) has a ring shape and forms a fan intake (30a). The rim (36) is positioned radially outside the bellmouth (62). Thus, air introduced through the hole formed in the bellmouth (62) can flow into the fan intake (30a). The diameter (36D) of the rim (36) is formed to be larger than the diameter (62D) formed by the upper end of the bellmouth (62).

[0053] Referring to FIG. 3, a net steel (56) may be placed inside the bell mouth (62). This prevents the user of the net steel (56) from approaching the inside of the blower fan (30).

[0054] The rim (36) connects the lower ends of the multiple blades (34) and extends upward as the diameter decreases.

[0055] The fan motor (40) is fixed to the upper side of the case (10) and rotates the blower fan (30) connected to the lower side.

[0056] The air conditioner (1) according to the present embodiment includes an intake guide (60) that guides air introduced from the intake port (22) to the blower fan (30). The intake guide (60) is positioned between the intake grille (50) and the blower fan (30).

[0057] The heat exchanger (40) is arranged around the blower fan (30). The heat exchanger (40) exchanges heat with the refrigerant with the air flowing from the intake port (22) to the discharge ports (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d). The heat exchanger (40) according to the present embodiment can divide the interior of the case (10) into an inner side and an outer side. The blower fan (30) is arranged on the inner side of the heat exchanger (40).

[0058] A discharge channel through which air flows may be formed on the outer side of the heat exchanger (40) through discharge ports (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d). The heat exchanger (40) may be arranged in a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from the upper or lower side.

[0059] Inside the case (10), a drain pan (52) for temporarily storing condensate generated in the heat exchanger (40) and a drain pump (not shown) for discharging the condensate collected in the drain pan (52) to the outside may be arranged.

[0060] The drain pan (52) can be mounted on the heat exchanger (40). The drain pan (52) may have a directional inclined surface formed to collect and store condensate flowing down from the indoor heat exchanger (40) to one side. The drain pump can be fixedly positioned inside the case (10).

[0061] The air conditioner (1) includes a control box (36) that forms a space in which electronic components are placed. The control box (36) forms a space in which electronic components are placed, and various electronic components for controlling the operation of a fan motor (40) that rotates a blower fan (30) or for controlling the placement and angle of vanes (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d) may be placed therein.

[0062] Below, the structure and shape of the suction guide (60) will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0063] The suction guide (60) is positioned on the lower side of the case (10). The suction guide (60) is positioned on the lower side of the blower fan (30) and can guide the air flowing into the fan intake port (30a). The suction guide (60) can be mounted on the inner panel (50). Referring to FIG. 3, the suction guide (60) can be fixedly positioned on one side of the case (10) through the inner panel (50). However, as another embodiment, it is also possible for the suction guide (60) to be directly connected to the case (10).

[0064] The suction guide (60) includes a bell mouth (62) that guides air from the lower side of the case (10) to flow to the blower fan (30). The upper part of the bell mouth (62) is positioned inside the fan intake port (30a) of the blower fan (30). The upper part of the bell mouth (62) is positioned inside the rim (36) of the blower fan (30). The upper part of the bell mouth (62) is positioned above the lower part of the blower fan (30).

[0065] The suction guide (60) includes a bell mouth (62) that guides air from the lower side of the case (10) to the blower fan (30), a cover plate (64) that extends radially from the outer end of the bell mouth (62) so that air passing through the intake port (22) of the front panel (20) flows to the fan intake port (30a) of the blower fan (30), and a mounting plate (66) that extends upward from the outer end of the cover plate (64) and is fastened to the inner panel (50).

[0066] The mounting plate (66) can be mounted in the suction passage (50a) formed by the inner panel (50).

[0067] The cover plate (64) can form a surface perpendicular to the rotation axis (RS) formed by the blower fan (30). A bell mouth (62) is placed on the inner end of the cover plate (64). The bell mouth (62) can guide air flowing from the lower side of the case (10) to the fan intake port (30a) of the blower fan (30).

[0068] The bellmouth (62) extends upward from the cover plate (64). The bellmouth (62) may have a ring shape. The bellmouth (62) includes a lower bellmouth (62b) connected to the cover plate (64) and having a diameter that decreases toward the top, and an upper bellmouth (62a) extending upward from the lower bellmouth (62b).

[0069] The bellmouth upper portion (62a) may have a shape in which the diameter increases towards the upper side. A portion of the bellmouth upper portion (62a) may be placed inside the blower fan (30).

[0070] Referring to FIG. 4, one side of the suction guide (60) includes a seating portion (67) in which an insertion hole (68) is formed for mounting a sterilization device (100). The seating portion (67) may include a seating rib (70) for fixing the placement of the sterilization device (100). The seating portion (67) may include a fixing projection (72) on the seating rib (70) for fixing the sterilization device (100) to the suction guide (60).

[0071] The insertion hole (68) can be formed at the bottom of the bell mouth (62). The insertion hole (68) can be formed at the part where the bell mouth (62) and the cover plate (64) are connected. The insertion hole (68) can be formed through the bell mouth and the cover plate (64).

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the mounting rib (70) is positioned to fix the placement of the sterilization device (100) in the portion where the insertion hole (68) is formed. The sterilization device (100) inserted into the insertion hole (68) can be mounted on the mounting rib (70) to fix its placement. The mounting rib (70) is positioned to fix the sterilization device (100) to the suction guide (60). The fixing projection (72) can be fastened to the sterilization device (100) with a fastening member (152, see FIG. 8b), such as a bolt.

[0073] An additional fixing projection (73) for additionally fixing the placement of the sterilization device (100) may be disposed on the suction guide (60). The additional fixing projection (73) may be disposed on the upper side of the cover plate (64). The additional fixing projection (73) may protrude from the upper side where the sterilization device (100) is placed to the upper side of the cover plate (64).

[0074] The sterilization device (100) inserted into the insertion hole (68) can be attached to the suction guide (60) through the fixing projection (72) while mounted on the mounting rib (70).

[0075] Sterilization device

[0076] The sterilization device (100) is fixedly positioned on one side of the suction guide (60). The sterilization device (100) can irradiate ultraviolet light onto the outer and inner circumference surfaces of the blower fan (30). A part of the sterilization device (100) extends inwardly toward the blower fan (30) to irradiate ultraviolet light onto the inner circumference surface of the blower fan (30). Another part of the sterilization device (100) extends outwardly toward the blower fan (30) to irradiate ultraviolet light onto the outer circumference surface of the blower fan (30).

[0077] Referring to FIG. 6a, the sterilization device (100) includes a first sterilization device (110) that irradiates ultraviolet light toward the outer surface of a blower fan (30), a second sterilization device (120) that irradiates ultraviolet light toward the inner surface of a blower fan (30), a first body (130) that extends from a suction guide (60) toward the outer direction of the blower fan (30) and fixes the arrangement of the first sterilization device (110), and a second body (140) that extends from a suction guide (60) toward the inner direction of the blower fan (30) and fixes the arrangement of the second sterilization device (120).

[0078] Referring to FIG. 6b, the first sterilization device (110) irradiates ultraviolet light radially outward and upward toward the blower fan (30). Additionally, the second sterilization device (120) irradiates ultraviolet light radially inward and upward toward the blower fan (30). Referring to FIG. 9, the first sterilization device (110) can irradiate ultraviolet light toward the rotating plate (32) of the blower fan (30), the inner surface (34a) of the blade (34), and the inner surface of the rim (36). Referring to FIG. 9, the second sterilization device (120) can irradiate ultraviolet light toward a part of the rotating plate (32) of the blower fan (30), the outer surface (34b) of the blade (34), and the outer surface of the rim (36).

[0079] Referring to FIG. 9, the interior of the air conditioner can be divided into a first sterilization device placement area (S1) where a first sterilization device (110) is placed and a second sterilization device placement area (S2) where a second sterilization device (120) is placed.

[0080] The first sterilization device placement area (S1) may be an inner area of ​​the blade (34) of the blower fan (30). Referring to FIG. 9, the first sterilization device (110) is positioned at an angle toward the rotation center of the blower fan (30), but this is according to one embodiment and it is also possible to position it at a different angle of inclination. The first sterilization device placement area (S1) may be an area where ultraviolet light can be irradiated into the inner space of the blower fan (30).

[0081] The second sterilization device placement area (S2) may be an area outside the blade (34) of the blower fan (30). The second sterilization device placement area (S2) may be placed in the space between the outside of the blower fan (30) and the heat exchanger (40). The second sterilization device placement area (S2) may be an area where ultraviolet light can be irradiated into the space outside the blower fan (30).

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, the first body (130) and the second body (140) are structured to be combined with each other as separate components, but they can also be formed as a single unit. In this case, the first body (130) and the second body (140) are fixed to one side of the suction guide (60) and extend outward and inward directions of the blower fan (30) to fix the arrangement of the first sterilization device (110) and the second sterilization device (120). At this time, it is also possible to name the first body (130) and the second body (140) as a single body.

[0083] The first body (130) includes a first mounting body (132) that extends toward the center of the blower fan (30) and on which the first sterilization device (110) is disposed, a first coupling body (134) coupled to the second body (140), and a first connecting body (136) connecting the first mounting body (132) and the first coupling body (134).

[0084] The first mounting body (132) has a structure in which the first sterilization device (110) is mounted. The first mounting body (132) may have a groove formed therein that allows the first sterilization device (110) to be inserted or withdrawn in a direction toward the blower fan (30). The first mounting body (132) may have a cross-section in the shape of a 'C' and the first sterilization device (110) may be positioned in the groove formed on the inside. When the sterilization device (100) is mounted on the suction guide (60), the first mounting body (132) extends in a direction away from the bell mouth (62). When the sterilization device (100) is mounted on the suction guide (60), the first mounting body (132) extends in the direction of the rotation axis of the blower fan (30).

[0085] The first mounting body (132) has a shape that extends in a straight direction in the area where the first sterilization device (110) is placed. The first mounting body (132) can form a curved surface at the lower portion connected to the first connecting body (136). The radius of curvature of the curved surface at the lower portion of the first mounting body (132) can be formed larger than the radius of curvature of the curved surface formed at the bell mouth (62) which is placed at the same height as the lower portion of the first mounting body (132). Accordingly, the first mounting body (132) can be extended in the direction of the rotation center of the blower fan (30).

[0086] The first coupling body (134) is positioned on one side of the first connecting body (136). The upper surface (134a) of the first coupling body (134) is positioned lower than the upper surface (136a) of the first connecting body (136). The upper surface (134a) of the first coupling body (134) forms a step with the upper surface (136a) of the first connecting body (136). Accordingly, when the sterilization device (100) is mounted on the suction guide (60), the upper surface (134a) of the first coupling body (134) is positioned on the lower side of the cover plate (64), and the upper surface (136a) of the first connecting body (136) is positioned to be exposed outside the insertion hole (68). That is, referring to FIG. 8b, the part where the step is formed between the first coupling body (134) and the first connecting body (136) is caught in the part forming the insertion hole (68) of the suction guide (60), so that the first body (130) can be prevented from moving outward in a radius through the insertion hole (68).

[0087] The first coupling body (134) includes a fixing groove (134b) into which the second coupling body (144) of the second body (140), which will be described below, is inserted and fixed, and a fastening projection (134c) into which a fastening member (150) that fixes the second coupling body (144) fixed to the first coupling body (134) is inserted. The first coupling body (134) may include a plurality of fixing grooves (134b) and a plurality of fastening projections (134c) arranged in the vertical direction. Each of the plurality of fixing grooves (134b) and the plurality of fastening projections (134c) may be spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0088] The first connecting body (136) can form a surface parallel to the cover plate (64). The first connecting body (136) can connect the first coupling body (134) and the first mounting body (132) and fix the first body (130) to the suction guide (60).

[0089] The lower surface of the first connecting body (136) is positioned above the seating rib (70) of the suction guide (60). A fixing hole (139) is formed in the first connecting body (136) at the portion facing the fixing projection (72) of the suction guide (60). Accordingly, with the first connecting body (136) positioned above the seating rib (70), a separate fastening member (152) can be fastened to the fixing projection (72) by passing through the fixing hole (139).

[0090] When the sterilization device (100) is mounted on the suction guide (60), the upper surface (136a) of the first connecting body (136) can form a surface approximately identical to the upper surface of the cover plate (64).

[0091] The second body (140) includes a second mounting body (142) on which the second sterilization device (120) is mounted, and a second coupling body (144) coupled to the first body (130).

[0092] The second mounting body (142) has a structure that extends radially outward from the blower fan (30).

[0093] The second mounting body (142) extends upward from the first mounting body (132). The second mounting body (142) is positioned in a direction that moves further away from the first mounting body (132) as it extends upward. The second mounting body (142) is positioned higher than the first mounting body (132).

[0094] The second coupling body (144) has a fixing rib (144a) mounted in the fixing groove (134b) and a corresponding hole (144b) formed at a position corresponding to the fastening projection (134c). When the fixing rib (144a) of the second coupling body (144) is inserted into the fixing groove (134b) of the first coupling body (134), a separate fastening member (150) can be inserted through the corresponding hole (144b) and into the fastening projection (134c) to fix the first body (130) and the second body (140).

[0095] The fixed rib (144a) can be inserted into one of a plurality of fixed grooves (134b) spaced apart in the vertical direction. Accordingly, the fixed groove (134b) into which the fixed rib (144a) is inserted can be selected by considering the type of the blower fan (30) or the size of the suction guide (60). Through this structure, the sterilization device (100) of the present invention can sterilize the blower fan (30) even if the type of the blower fan (30) or the size of the suction guide (60) changes.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 8b, the first sterilization device (110) includes a first sterilization lamp (112) that irradiates ultraviolet light, a first printed circuit board (114) that applies power to the first sterilization lamp (112) or controls its operation, and a first lamp cover (116) that is fixedly arranged with the first sterilization lamp (112) and the first printed circuit board (114) and is mounted on a first body (130).

[0097] The first sterilization device (110) may include a plurality of first sterilization lamps (112). Referring to FIG. 6a, the first sterilization device (110) includes two first sterilization lamps (112). The plurality of first sterilization lamps (112) are spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first mounting body (132) extends. Referring to FIG. 6a, the first lamp cover (116) has two first lamp holes (116a) formed so that ultraviolet light generated from the two first sterilization lamps (112) is irradiated toward the blower fan (30). The plurality of first lamp holes (116a) are spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first mounting body (132) extends. The first lamp holes (116a) may be formed to correspond to the plurality of first sterilization lamps (112). A first fastening part (118) for mounting the first sterilization device (110) to the first body (130) is provided on the first lamp cover (116).

[0098] The first sterilization device (110) and the second sterilization device (120) may have the same configuration and form. Accordingly, the second sterilization device (120) includes a second sterilization lamp (122) that irradiates ultraviolet light, a second printed circuit board (124) that applies power to the second sterilization lamp (122) or controls its operation, and a second lamp cover (126) that is fixedly positioned with the second sterilization lamp (122) and the second printed circuit board (124) and is mounted on the second body (140). The configuration and form of the second sterilization lamp (122), the second printed circuit board (124), and the second lamp cover (126) may be replaced by the description of the configuration and form of the first sterilization lamp (112), the first printed circuit board (114), and the first lamp cover (116) described above.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 9, the first sterilization device (110) is positioned closer to the base plate (14) than the second sterilization device (120). The second sterilization lamp (122) is positioned closer to the base plate (14) than the first sterilization lamp (112). Referring to FIG. 9, the second sterilization lamp (122) is positioned above the rim (36). Referring to FIG. 9, the upper end of the second sterilization lamp (122) is positioned above the lower end of the blade (34).

[0100] The sterilization device (100) of the present invention may have a first body (130) and a second body (140) combined at different positions. That is, they may be combined at a first position as shown in FIGS. 7a to 9, or at a second position as shown in FIGS. 10a to 12.

[0101] The connection between the first position and the second position may be changed by connecting the fixing rib (144a) and the corresponding hole (144b) of the second body (140) to one of the plurality of fixing grooves (134b) and the plurality of fastening protrusions (134c) arranged in the vertical direction of the first body (130).

[0102] That is, as shown in FIGS. 7a to 7b, the fixing rib (144a) and the corresponding hole (144b) of the second body (140) can be fastened with the fixing groove (134b) and the fastening projection (134c) positioned on the lower side. As shown in FIGS. 10a to 10b, the fixing rib (144a) and the corresponding hole (144b) of the second body (140) can be fastened with the fixing groove (134b) and the fastening projection (134c) positioned on the upper side.

[0103] Depending on the size or structure of the blower fan (30) and the suction guide (60), the first body (130) and the second body (140) can be combined in a first position or a second position.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 13, a sterilization device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0105] A sterilization device (100') according to another embodiment of FIG. 13 differs from the sterilization device of FIG. 6a to FIG. 12 in the first coupling body (130') and the second coupling body (140'). Since there is no difference in other configurations, it can be understood as having the configuration of the sterilization device described in FIG. 6a to FIG. 12.

[0106] A fastening hole (not shown) is formed in the second coupling body (144') in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the second coupling body (144') extends. A plurality of fastening parts (135') are arranged in the first coupling body (130') and spaced apart in the vertical direction. The plurality of fastening parts (135') are arranged at positions corresponding to the fastening hole. The structure of the sterilization device (100') can be changed by the fastening hole of the second coupling body (144') being coupled with one of the plurality of fastening parts (135') spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0107] An additional fixing hole (133') for fixing the first coupling body (134') to the suction guide (60) is formed on the upper surface (134') of the first coupling body (134'). The additional fixing hole (133') can be connected to the additional fixing projection (74) of the cover plate (66) shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 by a separate fastening member (not shown). That is, the sterilization device (100') of FIG. 13 can be stably fixed by fixing the upper surface (134a') of the first coupling body (134') to the cover plate.

[0108] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications are possible by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the invention as claimed in the patent claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0110] 1 : Air conditioner 10 : Case 30 : Blower fan 30a : Fan intake 30b : Fan outlet 32 ​​: Rotating plate 34: Blade 36: Rim 40 : Fan motor 42 : Heat exchanger 60 : Suction Guide 62 : Bellmouth 64 : Cover plate 68 : Insertion hole 70 : Seating rib 72 : Fixing projection 100 : Sterilization device 110 : First sterilization device 120 : Second sterilization device 130 : First body 132 : First mounting body 134 : First coupling body 136 : 1st connecting body 140 : 2nd body 142 : Second mounting body 144 : Second coupling body

Claims

Claim 1 An air conditioner comprising: a case with an open bottom; a blower fan rotatably disposed inside the case and forming a fan intake opening on the bottom; a suction guide including a bell mouth disposed below the blower fan and extending into the fan intake opening; a sterilization device disposed on the suction guide and extending in the direction in which the fan intake opening is formed, and irradiating ultraviolet light toward the blower fan, wherein the sterilization device comprises: a first sterilization device that irradiates ultraviolet light toward the inner surface of the blower fan; and a first body extending from the suction guide and fixing the placement of the first sterilization device. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 In claim 1, the suction guide further comprises a cover plate extending radially from the outer circumference of the bellmouth, and the first body comprises a first mounting body extending into the fan intake and on which the first sterilization device is mounted; and a first connecting body fixedly disposed on the suction guide and connected to the first mounting body, wherein the first connecting body is an air conditioner disposed parallel to the cover plate. Claim 4 In claim 3, the first mounting body forms a curved surface at the lower portion connected to the first connecting body, and the radius of curvature of the curved surface formed at the lower portion of the first mounting body is formed to be larger than the radius of curvature of the curved surface formed at the bellmouth positioned at the same height as the lower portion of the first mounting body. Claim 5 In claim 1, the sterilization device comprises: a second sterilization device that irradiates toward the outer surface of the blower fan; and a second body that extends from the suction guide toward the outer direction of the blower fan and fixes the arrangement of the second sterilization device. Claim 6 In claim 5, the sterilization device is an air conditioner disposed through an insertion hole formed in the suction guide, wherein the first body extends inwardly toward the fan based on the insertion hole, and the second body extends outwardly toward the fan based on the insertion hole. Claim 7 In claim 6, an air conditioner that seals the insertion hole when the sterilization device is mounted on the suction guide. Claim 8 In claim 5, the blower fan forms a fan discharge port in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the fan intake port, and the second body is an air conditioner extending outward in the circumferential direction of the blower fan. Claim 9 In claim 5, each of the first sterilization device and the second sterilization device comprises a first sterilization lamp and a second sterilization lamp that irradiate ultraviolet light, and the second sterilization lamp is an air conditioner positioned to be adjacent to the upper surface of the case than the first sterilization lamp. Claim 10 In claim 5, the second body comprises a second mounting body on which the second sterilization device is mounted; and a second coupling body coupled to the first body, wherein the second mounting body is an air conditioner extending radially outward from the blower fan. Claim 11 In claim 10, the first body comprises: a first mounting body extending into the fan intake port and having the first sterilization device mounted thereon; a first connecting body fixedly disposed on the suction guide and connected to the first mounting body; and a first connecting body connected to the first connecting body and coupled to the second body, wherein the upper surface of the first connecting body forms a step with the upper surface of the first connecting body, and the upper surface of the first connecting body is disposed on the lower side of the suction guide. Claim 12 In claim 11, the first coupling body comprises a fixing groove into which the second coupling body of the second body is inserted and fixed, and a fastening projection into which a fastening member for fixing the second coupling body fixed to the first coupling body is inserted. Claim 13 In claim 12, the first coupling body comprises a plurality of fixing grooves arranged in an up-and-down direction and a plurality of fastening protrusions, and the second coupling body is fixed to one of the plurality of fixing grooves arranged in an up-and-down direction and fastened to one of the plurality of fastening protrusions. Claim 14 An air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the suction guide has an insertion hole formed therein for mounting the sterilization device, and a seating rib disposed in the insertion hole for seating the sterilization device. Claim 15 In claim 14, a fixing projection for fixing the sterilization device to the suction guide is disposed on the mounting rib, and the sterilization device inserted into the insertion hole is an air conditioner that is connected to the suction guide through the fixing projection while mounted on the mounting rib. Claim 16 In claim 1, the blower fan comprises: a rotating plate positioned facing the upper surface of the case and connected to a motor; a plurality of blades protruding downward from the rotating plate and spaced apart in a circumferential direction with respect to the rotation center of the fan; and a rim connecting the lower ends of the plurality of blades and forming the fan intake port downward, and the blower fan has a structure for discharging air between the plurality of blades. Claim 17 In claim 16, the sterilization device comprises: a first sterilization device irradiating toward the inner surface of the blade; a second sterilization device irradiating toward the outer surface of the blade; a first body extending from the suction guide toward the outer direction of the fan and fixing the arrangement of the first sterilization device; and a second body extending from the suction guide toward the outer direction of the blower fan and fixing the arrangement of the second sterilization device, wherein the second sterilization device irradiates ultraviolet light from above the rim. Claim 18 An air conditioner according to claim 17, wherein the distance at which the first body extends radially inward from the bellmouth is formed to be less than half the distance from the rotation axis of the blower fan to the rim. Claim 19 An air conditioner comprising: a case with an opening on the lower side; a blower fan rotatably disposed inside the case; a fan motor disposed on the upper surface of the case and rotating the blower fan; a suction guide disposed below the blower fan and including a bell mouth that forms air flow into the fan intake; a sterilization device disposed on the suction guide and irradiating ultraviolet rays toward the blower fan, wherein the sterilization device comprises: a first sterilization device irradiating toward the outer surface of the fan; a second sterilization device irradiating toward the inner surface of the fan; and a body fixed to one side of the suction guide and extending toward the outer direction of the blower fan and the inner direction of the blower fan to fix the arrangement of the first sterilization device and the second sterilization device.

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