Air Conditioner

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner. The air conditioner of the present invention comprises: a case including a base plate and a perimeter plate vertically disposed at the outer edge of the base plate; a blower fan rotatably disposed inside the case; a fan motor fixed to the base plate and rotating the blower fan; and a sterilization device spaced radially from the rotation center of the blower fan, disposed on one side of the base plate, 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 case including a base plate and a perimeter plate vertically disposed at the outer edge of the base plate, a blower fan rotatably disposed inside the case, a fan motor fixed to the base plate and rotating the blower fan, and a sterilization device disposed radially spaced from the rotation center of the blower fan, disposed on one side of the base plate, and irradiating ultraviolet light toward the blower fan, thereby sterilizing the blower fan through the sterilization device disposed inside the case.

[0012] It includes a heat exchanger disposed between the blower fan and the perimeter plate, which cools or heats the air flowing through the blower fan. The heat exchanger has a ring shape that surrounds the perimeter of the blower fan and has one side cut out. The sterilization device is disposed in the area where one side of the heat exchanger is cut out. The sterilization device is disposed in an area where air does not flow through the heat exchanger, thereby minimizing air flow resistance.

[0013] The above-mentioned heat exchanger includes a connector connecting one end of the cut side and the other end, and the sterilization device is fixedly positioned on one side of the connector so that the sterilization device can be stably positioned.

[0014] The blower fan comprises a rotating plate that is positioned facing the base plate and connected to the fan motor, a plurality of blades that protrude downward from the rotating plate and are spaced apart radially with respect to the rotation center of the blower fan, and a rim that connects the lower ends of the plurality of blades and forms a fan intake opening, each of the plurality of blades being spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and the sterilization device is positioned to face between the rotation center of the blower fan and the outer circumferential end of the blower fan so as to sterilize the outer and inner sides of the blower fan.

[0015] The blade includes a leading end positioned adjacent to the rotational center of the blower fan and a trailing end positioned at a distance from the rotational center of the blower fan, and each leading end of a plurality of blades is positioned circumferentially spaced apart from the end of another adjacent blade.

[0016] Each of the multiple blades has a structure that forms a convex curved surface radially outward, so that it can form an airflow radially outward when rotated.

[0017] Each of the above plurality of blades has a structure in which the distance between the terminal ends is longer than the distance between the tip ends of adjacent blades.

[0018] When the end of the blade is positioned in front of the sterilization device, the tip of the blade is extended so as to be positioned in front of the sterilization device, so that ultraviolet light generated from the sterilization device can be irradiated to the inner and outer sides of the blade.

[0019] The above sterilization device includes a sterilization lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light, a printed circuit board that applies power to the sterilization lamp or controls its operation, and a lamp cover that is fixed to the case in which the sterilization lamp and the printed circuit board are fixedly arranged. The lamp cover includes a fixing cover that fixes the sterilization device to the case and a hole cover that forms a lamp hole through which ultraviolet light irradiated from the sterilization lamp passes.

[0020] The hole cover includes a front wall that is positioned in the direction where the blower fan is located and in which the lamp hole is formed, and the front wall forms an inclined surface inclined in the direction of the rotation center of the blower fan so as to irradiate ultraviolet light to a wide area of ​​the blower fan.

[0021] The above front wall includes a first front wall in which the lamp hole is formed and a second front wall formed around the perimeter of the first front wall, wherein the first front wall forms a surface parallel to the printed circuit board and the second front wall forms an inclined surface inclined toward the rotation center of the blower fan, thereby allowing the sterilization range of the ultraviolet light irradiated by the sterilization lamp to be controlled.

[0022] It includes a first connecting wall connecting the first front wall and the second front wall, and a second connecting wall connecting the first front wall and the second front wall in an area adjacent to the rotation center of the blower fan than the first connecting wall, wherein the length of the first connecting wall protruding from the first front wall is formed to be longer than the length of the second connecting wall protruding from the first front wall, thereby limiting the range of ultraviolet light irradiated in the direction of the first connecting wall.

[0023] A plurality of the above-mentioned sterilization lamps are formed, and a plurality of lamp holes are formed in the first front wall at positions corresponding to the plurality of sterilization lamps, and the distance from the adjacent sterilization lamp to the first connecting wall is formed to be shorter than the distance from the adjacent sterilization lamp to the second connecting wall, thereby limiting the range of ultraviolet light irradiated in the direction of the first connecting wall.

[0024] A plurality of the above-mentioned sterilization lamps are formed, and a plurality of lamp holes are formed in the first front wall at positions corresponding to the plurality of sterilization lamps, and the first front wall includes a first inner side wall disposed in the direction facing the first connecting wall and a second inner side wall disposed in the direction facing the second connecting wall at each of the plurality of lamp holes, and the second inner side wall forms an inclined surface in the direction of the rotation center of the blower fan so as to form a wide range of ultraviolet light irradiated in the direction of the second inner side wall.

[0025] The first inner side wall comprises a front portion and a rear portion positioned behind the front portion based on the thickness direction of the sterilization device, and the rear portion forms a space in which one side of the sterilization lamp is positioned, thereby limiting the range of ultraviolet light irradiated in the direction of the first inner side wall.

[0026] A portion of the above-mentioned sterilization lamp has a structure that is covered by the above-mentioned front part, thereby limiting the range of ultraviolet light irradiated in the direction of the first inner side wall.

[0027] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. Effects of the invention

[0028] According to the air conditioner of the present invention, one or more of the following effects are present.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Secondly, by considering the arrangement of the blades, there is also the advantage of being able to sterilize both the inner and outer sides of the blower fan by adjusting the placement of the sterilization device and the direction in which the sterilization lamp is directed.

[0031] Third, since the sterilization device is fixedly positioned on the base plate, it has 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.

[0032] 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

[0033] 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 drawing for explaining the internal structure of a case according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a sterilization device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4b is a perspective view of a sterilization device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of Fig. 4a. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the sterilization device of Figure 4a cut in the vertical direction. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a sterilization device and a blower fan, and the irradiation range of ultraviolet light of the sterilization device accordingly. FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of the sterilization device and the blower fan, and the specific arrangement and shape of the blower fan blades. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0034] 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.

[0035] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings for explaining an air conditioner according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] <Overall Composition>

[0037] Hereinafter, the configuration of an air conditioner according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0038] 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 (80) that filters out foreign substances in the air flowing into the interior. The air conditioner (1) includes a sterilization device (100) that is positioned inside the case (10) and irradiates ultraviolet light toward the blower fan (30).

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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).

[0044] 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).

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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).

[0047] 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 (30a).

[0048] 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 toward the lower side at the part connected to the fan motor (40).

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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).

[0051] 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 inside the bellmouth (62) can flow into the fan intake (30a).

[0052] The rim (36) connects the lower ends of the multiple blades (34) and extends upward as the diameter decreases.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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).

[0055] 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).

[0056] 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.

[0057] The heat exchanger (40) may have a ring-shaped structure with one side cut off. The heat exchanger (40) may have a shape that surrounds the circumference of the blower fan (30). The heat exchanger (40) may have a square ring-shaped structure. The heat exchanger (40) may have a structure that is cut off at one corner.

[0058] A connector (46) connecting one side of the cut of the heat exchanger (40) may be provided. The connector (46) is provided on the lower side of the base plate (12). The connector (46) connects one side of the cut of the heat exchanger (40) to the other side. The connector (46) is provided on one side of the heat exchanger (40) in an inward direction where the blower fan (30) is provided. The connector (46) may have an L-shaped protrusion toward the blower fan (30).

[0059] The connector (46) may include a first connector (46a) extending in the direction in which the blower fan (30) is positioned on one side of the heat exchanger (40), and a second connector (46b) that is bent from the first connector (46a) and extends to the other side of the heat exchanger (40).

[0060] The sterilization device (100) is positioned at the inner end of the first connector (46a) and is positioned to irradiate ultraviolet light in the direction in which the first connector (46a) extends.

[0061] The sterilization device (100) can be placed in the space between the blower fan (30) and the heat exchanger (40).

[0062] The sterilization device (100) can be connected to a connector (46) in an area adjacent to the blower fan (30). The sterilization device (100) can be connected to the connector (46) or directly connected to the base plate (14).

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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).

[0065] 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.

[0066] Sterilization device

[0067] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4a to FIGS. 8, the configuration of the sterilization device (100) of the present invention and the arrangement relationship between the sterilization device (100) and the blower fan (30) will be explained. In FIGS. 4a to FIGS. 6, the indications of the length direction (l), width direction (w), and thickness direction (t) of the sterilization device (100) are for explaining the structure and shape of the sterilization device (100), and may be explained differently if the reference is different.

[0068] The sterilization device (100) can sterilize the blower fan (30) by irradiating ultraviolet light toward the blower fan (30).

[0069] Referring to FIG. 6, the sterilization device (100) includes a sterilization lamp (110) that irradiates ultraviolet light, a printed circuit board (120) that applies power to the sterilization lamp (110) or controls its operation, and a lamp cover (130) that is fixedly arranged on a case (10) and mounted thereon.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 4a, the sterilization device (100) may include a plurality of sterilization lamps (110). The plurality of sterilization lamps (110) may be spaced apart in the length direction (l) and width direction (w) of the sterilization device (100). The plurality of sterilization lamps (110) may be placed on one side of a printed circuit board (120).

[0071] The lamp cover (130) forms a space in which a printed circuit board (120) and a sterilization lamp (110) are placed on the inside, and a lamp hole (142) is formed on one side through which ultraviolet light generated from the sterilization lamp (110) is irradiated to the outside.

[0072] The lamp cover (130) includes a fixing cover (132) that fixes the sterilization device (100) to the case (10), and a hole cover (136) that forms a lamp hole (142).

[0073] The fixing cover (132) is positioned at the rear of the sterilization device (100) in the thickness direction (t) and fixes the sterilization device (100) to the case (10). Here, the meaning of fixing the sterilization device (100) to the connector (46) may include cases where the sterilization device (100) is indirectly connected to the case (10) through the connector (46), in addition to cases where the sterilization device (100) is directly connected to the case (10).

[0074] Referring to FIG. 4a, the sterilization device (100) according to the first embodiment can be fixed to the case (10) through a connector (46). Accordingly, the fixing cover (132) can have a fixing projection (134) connected to the connector (46) extending to the rear in the thickness direction (t) of the sterilization device (100). Referring to FIG. 4b, the sterilization device (100) according to the second embodiment has a fixing projection (134) extending from the lower portion of the fixing cover (132) to the rear in the thickness direction (t) of the sterilization device (100) so as to be directly fastened to the base plate (12).

[0075] The hole cover (136) is positioned in front of the sterilization device (100) in the thickness direction, rather than the fixed cover (132). A plurality of lamp holes (142) are formed in the hole cover (136). Referring to FIG. 4a, the hole cover (136) includes a front wall (138) positioned to face the blower fan (30). A plurality of lamp holes (142) are formed in the front wall (138) of the hole cover (136). The plurality of lamp holes (142) may be spaced apart from the front wall (138) in the length direction (l) and width direction (w) of the sterilization device (100). The plurality of lamp holes (142) may be formed to correspond to each of the plurality of sterilization lamps (110).

[0076] The front wall (138) forms an inclined surface inclined toward the center of rotation of the blower fan (30). Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the front wall (138) of the hole cover (136) is formed to be inclined toward the center of rotation of the blower fan (30) more than the rear wall (132a) of the fixed cover (132). Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the front wall (138) of the hole cover (136) is positioned to be inclined toward the center of rotation (C) of the blower fan (30) more than the printed circuit board (120).

[0077] The front wall (138) includes a first front wall (140) in which a lamp hole (142) is formed, and a second front wall (150) formed around the first front wall (140). The first front wall (140) may form a surface parallel to the rear wall (132a) of the fixed cover (132). Referring to FIG. 6, the first front wall (140) forms a surface parallel to the printed circuit board (120). Referring to FIG. 6, the second front wall (150) forms a surface inclined to the printed circuit board (120). The first front wall (140) is positioned on the upper part of the front wall (138). Accordingly, the sterilization lamp (110) and the lamp hole (142) may be positioned at a location spaced downward from the base plate (12).

[0078] The first front wall (140) is spaced apart from the second front wall (150) in the thickness direction (w) rearward of the sterilization device (100). Referring to FIG. 6, a step is formed between the front of the first front wall (140) and the second front wall (150).

[0079] The front wall (138) includes a connecting wall (152, 154) connecting the first front wall (140) and the second front wall (150). The connecting wall (152, 154) includes a first connecting wall (152) and a second connecting wall (154). The first connecting wall (152) and the second connecting wall (154) are positioned opposite each other in the width direction of the sterilization device (100). Referring to FIG. 7, the second connecting wall (154) is positioned closer to the rotation center (C) of the blower fan in the width direction of the sterilization device (100) than the first connecting wall (152). Referring to FIG. 6, the length (152L) of the first connecting wall (152) may be formed to be longer than the length (154L) of the second connecting wall (154).

[0080] Referring to FIG. 6, the length (152L) of the first connecting wall (152) protruding from the first front wall (140) is formed to be longer than the length (154L) of the second connecting wall (154) protruding from the first front wall (140). The distance (152D) of the first connecting wall (152) from the adjacent sterilization lamp (110) can be formed to be shorter than the distance (154D) of the second connecting wall (154) from the adjacent sterilization lamp (110).

[0081] Referring to FIG. 5, a plurality of lamp holes (142) may be formed in the first front wall (140). The plurality of lamp holes (142) are formed at positions corresponding to a plurality of sterilization lamps (110) placed on a printed circuit board (120). Referring to FIG. 6, the first front wall (140) includes, in each of the plurality of lamp holes (142), a first inner side wall (144) positioned in the direction in which the first connecting wall (152) faces with respect to the width direction (w) of the sterilization device (100), and a second inner side wall (146) positioned in the direction in which the second connecting wall (154) faces with respect to the width direction (w) of the sterilization device (100). The first inner side wall (144) and the second inner side wall (146) are positioned in opposite directions with respect to the width direction (w) of the sterilization device (100).

[0082] The first inner side wall (144) may include a front part (144a) and a rear part (144b) positioned behind the front part (144a) based on the thickness direction (w) of the sterilization device (100).

[0083] Referring to FIG. 6, the rear portion (144b) is positioned closer to the first connecting wall (152) with respect to the width direction (w) of the sterilization device (100) than the front portion (144a). The rear portion (144b) and the front portion (144a) form a step. The rear portion (144b) can form a space in which one side of the sterilization lamp (110) is positioned. Thus, a part of the sterilization lamp (110) may have a structure in which it is obscured by the front portion (144a) of the first inner side wall (144). Through this structure, the first inner side wall (144) can further limit the irradiation range of the sterilization lamp (110).

[0084] The second inner side wall (146) can form an inclined surface in the direction in which the second connecting wall (154) is positioned relative to the width direction (w) of the sterilization device (100). Accordingly, the limitation of the irradiation range of ultraviolet light irradiated from the sterilization lamp (110) by the second inner side wall (146) can be minimized.

[0085] Through the structure of the first inner side wall (144) and the second inner side wall (146), the irradiation range can be expanded in the direction of the second inner side wall (146) and the irradiation range can be limited in the direction of the first inner side wall (144).

[0086] Referring to FIG. 7, a sterilization device (100) is positioned such that a virtual line (VL) extending in the direction in which the sterilization lamp (110) is facing penetrates between the rotation center (C) of the blower fan (30) and the outer surface of the blower fan (30). The virtual line (VL) extending in the direction in which the sterilization lamp (110) is facing is positioned closer to the outer surface of the blower fan (30) than to the rotation center (C) of the blower fan (30). Referring to FIG. 7, the gap between the virtual line (VL) extending in the direction in which the sterilization lamp (110) is facing and the line (CL) passing through the rotation center (C) and parallel to the virtual line (VL) is formed to be larger than the gap between the virtual line (VL) extending in the direction in which the sterilization lamp (110) is facing and the line (CL) passing through the outer surface of the blower fan (30) and parallel to the virtual line (VL).

[0087] The first connecting wall (152) can limit the irradiation range of ultraviolet light irradiated by the sterilization lamp (110).

[0088] Referring to FIG. 7, the range in which ultraviolet light generated from the sterilization lamp (110) is irradiated toward the first connecting wall (152) can be limited through the first connecting wall (152) and the first inner side wall (144). Additionally, the range in which ultraviolet light generated from the sterilization lamp (110) is irradiated toward the second connecting wall (154) can be expanded through the second connecting wall (154) and the second inner side wall (146).

[0089] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, the arrangement and shape of the blade (34) of the blower fan (30) for sterilizing the inner surface (34a) and outer surface (34b) of the blade (34) by ultraviolet light irradiated from the sterilization device (100) will be explained.

[0090] The blower fan (30) of the present invention may be arranged so that the inner surface (34a) and outer surface (34b) of a plurality of blades (34) are sterilized by ultraviolet light irradiated from a sterilization lamp (110). Referring to FIG. 8, each of the plurality of blades (34) includes a leading edge (34c) positioned adjacent to the rotation center of the blower fan (30), a trailing edge (34d) positioned at a distance from the rotation center of the blower fan (30), an inner surface (34a) connecting the leading edge (34c) and the trailing edge (34d) and facing the rotation center (C) of the blower fan (30), and an outer surface (34b) connecting the leading edge (34c) and the trailing edge (34d) and facing in the opposite direction to the inner surface (34a).

[0091] Each of the multiple blades (34) forms a curved surface that is convex outward in the radial direction.

[0092] Each of the plurality of blades (34) is spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Referring to FIG. 8, the tip (34c) of each of the plurality of blades (34) is spaced apart in the circumferential direction from the end (34d) of the adjacent blade (34). Referring to FIG. 8, the tip (34c) of each of the plurality of blades (34) is spaced apart from the end (34d) of the adjacent blade (34) with a phase difference.

[0093] Each of the plurality of blades (34) is formed such that the gap (34cL) between the leading ends of adjacent blades (34) is shorter than the gap (34dL) between the trailing ends of adjacent blades (34).

[0094] The sterilization device (100) can irradiate ultraviolet light toward the inner surface (34a) and outer surface (34b) of the blade (34). Additionally, the sterilization device (100) can irradiate ultraviolet light toward the rotating plate (32). The sterilization device (100) can irradiate ultraviolet light toward the rim (36).

[0095] Referring to FIG. 8, when the end (34d) of the blade (34) is positioned in front of the sterilization device (100), the tip (34c) of the blade (34) is extended so as to be positioned in front of the sterilization device (100).

[0096] Each of the multiple blades (34) is formed such that the length of the outer surface (34b) is longer than the length of the inner surface (34a).

[0097] The outer surface (34b) and inner surface (34a) of the blade (34) can be sterilized through the shape of the blade (34) and the arrangement of the sterilization device (100).

[0098] 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

[0100] 1 : Air conditioner 10 : Case 12 : Base plate 14 : Perimeter plate 30 : Blower fan 30a : Fan intake 30b : Fan outlet 32 ​​: Rotating plate 34: Blade 36: Rim 40 : Fan motor 42 : Heat exchanger 46 : Connector 60 : Suction guide 100 : Sterilization device 110 : Sterilization lamp 120 : Printed circuit board 130 : Lamp cover 132 : Fixing cover 134 : Fixing protrusion 136 : Hole cover 138 : Front wall 140 : First front wall 142 : Ramp hole 144: First inner side wall 144a: Front section 144b: Rear section 146: Second inner side wall 150 : 2nd front wall 152 : 1st connecting wall 154 : Second connecting wall

Claims

Claim 1 A case comprising a base plate and a perimeter plate positioned perpendicularly to the outer edge of the base plate; a blower fan rotatably positioned inside the case; a fan motor fixed to the base plate and rotating the blower fan; a sterilization device positioned radially spaced from the rotation center of the blower fan and positioned on one side of the base plate, and irradiating ultraviolet light toward the blower fan; and a heat exchanger positioned between the blower fan and the perimeter plate and cooling or heating the air flowing through the blower fan, wherein the heat exchanger has a ring shape that surrounds the perimeter of the blower fan and has one side cut off, and the sterilization device is positioned in the area where one side of the heat exchanger is cut off. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 In claim 1, the air conditioner includes a connector connecting one end of the cut side of the heat exchanger and the other end, and the sterilization device is fixedly positioned on one side of the connector. Claim 4 In claim 3, the blower fan comprises: a rotating plate positioned facing the base plate and connected to the fan motor; a plurality of blades protruding downward from the rotating plate and spaced apart radially with respect to the rotation center of the blower fan; and a rim connecting the lower ends of the plurality of blades and forming a fan intake opening, wherein each of the plurality of blades is spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and the sterilization device is an air conditioner positioned to face between the rotation center of the blower fan and the outer end of the blower fan. Claim 5 In claim 4, each of the plurality of blades comprises a leading edge positioned adjacent to the rotational center of the blower fan and a trailing edge positioned at a distance from the rotational center of the blower fan, and the leading edge of each of the plurality of blades is spaced circumferentially apart from the trailing edge of another blade positioned adjacently. Claim 6 In claim 4, an air conditioner in which each of the plurality of blades forms a convex curved surface radially outward. Claim 7 In claim 5, an air conditioner in which, in each of the plurality of blades arranged adjacently, the distance between the ends is longer than the distance between the leading ends. Claim 8 In claim 5, an air conditioner that extends such that when the end of the blade is positioned in front of the sterilization device, the tip of the blade is positioned in front of the sterilization device. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 An air conditioner comprising: a case including a base plate and a perimeter plate positioned vertically at the outer edge of the base plate; a blower fan rotatably positioned inside the case; a fan motor fixed to the base plate and rotating the blower fan; a sterilization device positioned radially spaced from the rotation center of the blower fan and positioned on one side of the base plate, and irradiating ultraviolet light toward the blower fan, wherein the sterilization device comprises: a sterilization lamp irradiating ultraviolet light; a printed circuit board for applying power to the sterilization lamp or controlling its operation; and a lamp cover fixed to the case, wherein the sterilization lamp and the printed circuit board are fixedly positioned and the lamp cover is fixed to the case, wherein the lamp cover comprises a fixing cover for fixing the sterilization device to the case and a hole cover forming a lamp hole through which ultraviolet light irradiated from the sterilization lamp passes, wherein the hole cover comprises a front wall positioned in the direction in which the blower fan is located and in which the lamp hole is formed, and the front wall forms an inclined surface inclined toward the rotation center of the blower fan. Claim 11 In claim 10, the front wall comprises a first front wall in which the ramp hole is formed and a second front wall formed around the perimeter of the first front wall, wherein the first front wall forms a surface parallel to the printed circuit board and the second front wall forms an inclined surface inclined toward the rotational center of the blower fan. Claim 12 An air conditioner according to claim 11, comprising a first connecting wall connecting the first front wall and the second front wall, and a second connecting wall connecting the first front wall and the second front wall in an area adjacent to the rotation center of the blower fan than the first connecting wall, wherein the length of the first connecting wall protruding from the first front wall is formed to be longer than the length of the second connecting wall protruding from the first front wall. Claim 13 An air conditioner according to claim 12, wherein a plurality of sterilization lamps are formed, a plurality of lamp holes are each formed in the first front wall at positions corresponding to the plurality of sterilization lamps, and the distance from an adjacent sterilization lamp to the first connecting wall is formed to be shorter than the distance from an adjacent sterilization lamp to the second connecting wall. Claim 14 In claim 12, the sterilization lamps are formed in plurality, and a plurality of lamp holes are each formed in the first front wall at positions corresponding to the plurality of sterilization lamps, and the first front wall includes a first inner side wall disposed in the direction facing the first connecting wall and a second inner side wall disposed in the direction facing the second connecting wall at each of the plurality of lamp holes, and the second inner side wall forms an inclined surface in the direction of the rotation center of the blower fan. Claim 15 In claim 14, the first inner side wall comprises a front portion and a rear portion positioned behind the front portion based on the thickness direction of the sterilization device, and the rear portion forms a space in which one side of the sterilization lamp is positioned. Claim 16 In claim 15, an air conditioner having a structure in which a part of the sterilization lamp is covered by the front part.

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