Air cleaner

Abstract

An air cleaner according to one embodiment comprises: a housing including an inlet and an outlet; a blower fan; and a filter module including a filter having a first plate, a second plate disposed to face the first plate, a first coupling part formed on at least one of the first plate or the second plate, and a second coupling part disposed between the first plate and the second plate. The filter comprises: a first filter unit provided to filter air introduced from the inlet and detachably coupled to the first plate and the second plate; and a second filter unit provided to filter the air that has passed through the first filter unit and detachably coupled to the first plate and the second plate, wherein the first coupling part and the second coupling part are detachably coupled to each other.

Description

air purifier

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air purifier.

[0002] An air conditioner is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air-conditioned space, and means a device equipped with at least one of these functions.

[0003] Air conditioners may include air purifiers to remove airborne contaminants. Air purifiers can remove bacteria, viruses, mold, fine dust, and odor-causing chemicals from the incoming air.

[0004] The air purifier may include an inlet for drawing in contaminated air and may include a blower fan for creating a flow of air.

[0005] An air purifier may include a filter to purify polluted indoor air. Air drawn into the air purifier passes through the filter, removing pollutants and purifying the air. The purified air can then be discharged to the outside through the air purifier's exhaust port.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an air purifier including a filter module capable of reducing volume by separating a filter member and a frame supporting the filter member.

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an air purifier including a filter module with improved assembly.

[0008] An air purifier according to an exemplary embodiment includes a housing including an inlet, an outlet, a blower fan, and a filter module including a first plate, a second plate disposed to face the first plate, a first coupling portion formed on at least one of the first plate and the second plate, and a filter disposed between the first plate and the second plate and including a second coupling portion, wherein the filter includes a first filter portion that is provided to filter air drawn in from the inlet and is detachably coupled to the first plate and the second plate, and a second filter portion that is provided to filter air passing through the first filter portion and is detachably coupled to the first plate and the second plate, wherein the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are detachably coupled.

[0009] An air purifier according to an exemplary embodiment comprises a housing including an inlet, an outlet, a blower fan, a filter module including a first plate, a second plate disposed to face the first plate, and a filter disposed between the first plate and the second plate, and a filter coupling opening configured to couple or separate the filter module to an inside of the housing, wherein the filter comprises a first filter portion formed integrally and provided to filter air passing through the inlet, and a second filter portion provided to filter air passing through the first filter portion, wherein the second filter portion is hook-coupled to at least one of the first plate and the second plate so as to be detachably coupled thereto.

[0010] According to one exemplary embodiment, a filter module includes a filter comprising a first plate, a second plate arranged to face the first plate, a first coupling portion formed on at least one of the first plate and the second plate, and a second coupling portion arranged between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the first coupling portion further includes a plurality of hook receiving portions provided to catch a portion of the filter, and the second coupling portion includes a plurality of hooks provided to catch on the hook receiving portions, and wherein at least one of the plurality of hooks and the plurality of hook receiving portions is provided to be deformed based on separation of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion so that the filter and at least one of the first plate and the second plate are easily separated.

[0011] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an air purifier can be provided that includes a filter module having improved assembly properties and in which a first plate, a second plate, and a filter unit can be easily separated.

[0012] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an air purifier including a filter module in which a coupling relationship between components can be easily separated through a hook coupling structure can be provided.

[0013] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0014] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air purifier according to various embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier according to various embodiments.

[0017] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an air purifier according to various embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a filter module of an air purifier according to various embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a filter module of an air purifier according to various embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a filter module of an air purifier according to various embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a filter module of an air purifier according to various embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a filter module of an air purifier according to various embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of a filter module of an air purifier according to various embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an air purifier according to various embodiments.

[0025] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier according to various embodiments.

[0026] The various exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure and the configurations depicted in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosure, and various modified examples may exist at the time of filing of this application.

[0027] The same reference numbers or symbols presented in each drawing of the present disclosure represent parts or components that perform substantially the same functions.

[0028] The terminology used in this disclosure is used to describe various embodiments and is not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosure. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this disclosure, the terms "comprises" or "has" and the like are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0029] In this disclosure, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0030] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0031] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure may be used to describe various components; however, the components are not limited by these terms, and these terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component. The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related listed items or any item among a plurality of related listed items.

[0032] Additionally, the meaning of "identical" in this disclosure includes having similar properties or being similar within a certain range. Furthermore, "identical" means "substantially identical." "Substantially identical" should be understood to include values ​​that fall within the manufacturing error range or values ​​that differ from a reference value within a range that has no meaning.

[0033] Terms such as "~bu", "~gi", "~block", "~absence", and "~module" may refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may refer to at least one hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) / ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), at least one software stored in memory, or at least one process processed by a processor.

[0034] Meanwhile, the terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” and “right” used in the description below are defined based on the drawing, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0035] While the following illustrates an air purifier as an example, the present disclosure is not limited to air purifiers and can be applied to other air conditioners with airflow inside. For example, the present disclosure can also be applied to air conditioners, which are a type of air conditioner other than air purifiers.

[0036] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0037] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0038] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0039] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0040] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0041] An air conditioner according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as “indoor”), and means a device equipped with at least one of these functions.

[0042] In one embodiment, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump device may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates along a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be housed in a single housing forming the exterior of the air conditioner, such as a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be housed separately in multiple housings forming a single air conditioner, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-alone air conditioner, and a system air conditioner.

[0043] An air conditioner including a plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are connected via a refrigerant pipe. The air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes. The air conditioner may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0044] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner can be input through an input interface provided on the outdoor or indoor unit, and the outdoor and indoor units can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to user input.

[0045] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0046] An outdoor heat exchanger can utilize a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, it releases heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, it absorbs heat from the outdoor air.

[0047] Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, indoor units can be categorized into ceiling-mounted, stand-alone, and wall-mounted types depending on their placement. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be categorized into four-way, one-way, and duct-type indoor units depending on how air is discharged.

[0048] Similarly, an indoor heat exchanger can utilize the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation) to exchange heat between the refrigerant and indoor air. For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air. The cooled indoor air can then be blown through the cooled indoor heat exchanger, thereby cooling the room. Furthermore, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air. By blowing the heated indoor air through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger, the room can be heated.

[0049] That is, the air conditioner performs a cooling or heating function through a phase change process of the refrigerant circulating between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. To circulate the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can suck in refrigerant gas through the suction port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge port. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.

[0050] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipe in the order of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an indoor heat exchanger, or in the order of a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0051] For example, if an air conditioner has one outdoor unit and one indoor unit directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be arranged to circulate between one outdoor unit and one indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0052] For example, in an air conditioner, if one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant can flow to multiple indoor units via refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from the multiple indoor units can be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units can be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0053] Multiple indoor units can operate independently, each according to a user-defined operating mode. That is, some indoor units can operate in cooling mode, while others operate in heating mode. Refrigerant can be selectively introduced into each indoor unit at high or low pressure along a designated circulation path via a flow-through valve, described later, and then discharged to the outdoor unit for circulation.

[0054] For example, when an air conditioner has two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from the multiple outdoor units may merge and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, then branch off again at some point and flow into multiple indoor units.

[0055] Multiple outdoor units may be operated, or at least some may not be operated, depending on the operating load of the multiple indoor units. Refrigerant may be introduced into the outdoor units, which are selectively operated, through a flow switching valve and circulated therein. The air conditioner may include an expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be located within the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, or both.

[0056] An expansion device can, for example, utilize a throttling effect to lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion device may include an orifice capable of reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. Refrigerant passing through the orifice may experience a decrease in temperature and pressure.

[0057] The expansion device may be implemented as, for example, an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path when partially open to the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path when fully open). Depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled.

[0058] The air conditioner may further include a flow diverter valve positioned along the refrigerant circulation path. The flow diverter valve may include, for example, a four-way valve. The flow diverter valve may determine the refrigerant circulation path depending on the operating mode of the indoor unit (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow diverter valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor.

[0059] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor. The accumulator may receive low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant vaporized in an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0060] The accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas when a refrigerant mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

[0061] An outdoor fan may be installed near the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan may blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0062] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be positioned at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include a temperature sensor for detecting the air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0063] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive a control signal from a control unit of an indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described later. The outdoor unit may control the operation of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, a flow switching valve, an accumulator, or an outdoor fan based on the control signal received through the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected by an outdoor unit sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0064] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing, a blower for circulating air into or out of the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air flowing into the interior of the housing.

[0065] The housing may include an inlet port through which indoor air may be drawn into the interior of the housing.

[0066] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter that is provided to filter foreign substances in the air that flows into the housing through the intake port.

[0067] The housing may include an exhaust port. Air flowing within the housing may be discharged to the exterior of the housing through the exhaust port.

[0068] The housing of the indoor unit may be provided with an airflow guide that guides the direction of air discharged through the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include blades positioned above the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling the exhaust airflow. However, the airflow guide is not limited thereto and may be omitted.

[0069] An indoor heat exchanger and a blower may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit, which are arranged on a path connecting the intake and exhaust ports.

[0070] Blowers may include indoor fans and fan motors. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, diffusion fans, crossflow fans, and centrifugal fans.

[0071] An indoor heat exchanger may be positioned between the blower and the exhaust, or between the intake and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air drawn in through the intake or transfer heat to the air drawn in through the intake. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer surface area.

[0072] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray positioned below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated in the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate collected in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0073] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input means, including various circuits, buttons, switches, a touch screen, and / or a touch pad. The user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air flow settings) through the input interface.

[0074] The input interface may also be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location in an indoor space (e.g., a portion of a wall). A user may input configuration data regarding the operation of the air conditioner by operating the wired remote controller. Electrical signals corresponding to the configuration data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. In addition, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. A user may remotely input configuration data regarding the operation of the air conditioner using a wireless remote controller. The configuration data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0075] Additionally, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be acquired through the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to an indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit may control components of the air conditioner to execute a function corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air volume settings) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit, which will be described later. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted externally, i.e., to an outdoor unit or a server, through an indoor unit communication unit, which will be described later.

[0076] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module. The power module may be connected to an external power source to supply power to the components of the indoor unit.

[0077] An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor positioned in a space inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors positioned in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include respective refrigerant temperature sensors for detecting the inlet, middle, and / or outlet temperatures of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0078] For example, each environmental information detected by an indoor unit sensor can be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later or transmitted externally through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0079] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wireless communication with other devices. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may also include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.

[0080] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0081] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0082] The indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit control unit that controls components of the indoor unit, including a blower, etc. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit control unit that controls components of the outdoor unit, including a compressor, etc. The indoor unit control unit can communicate with the outdoor unit control unit through the indoor unit communication unit and the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit can transmit control signals generated by the outdoor unit control unit to the indoor unit communication unit, or transmit control signals transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit to the outdoor unit control unit. In other words, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can communicate bidirectionally. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0083] The outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to components of the outdoor unit and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit control unit can adjust the frequency of the compressor and control the flow switching valve to change the circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit control unit can adjust the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can generate a control signal to adjust the opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, the refrigerant can circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, the flow switching valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0084] The various temperature sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected temperatures to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit.

[0085] The indoor unit control unit can obtain user input from a user device, including a mobile device, via the indoor unit communication unit, and can obtain user input directly through the input interface or via a remote controller. The indoor unit control unit can control components of the indoor unit, including a blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit can transmit information regarding the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit of the outdoor unit.

[0086] The outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on information regarding user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when a control signal corresponding to a user input for selecting an operation mode, such as cooling operation, heating operation, ventilation operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation, is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit so that the air conditioner performs an operation corresponding to the selected operation mode.

[0087] The outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0088] The memory can store / remember various information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory can store various programs for cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and / or defrosting operations of the air conditioner. The memory can include volatile memory, such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory can include nonvolatile memory, such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), for storing data for a long period of time.

[0089] The processor may include various processing circuits and generate control signals for controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. The processor, as hardware, may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor may process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from memory and generate control signals based on the processing results. The memory and processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0090] An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface may include various circuits, be electrically connected to an indoor unit control unit, and output information related to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit control unit. For example, information such as an operating mode selected by a user input, wind direction, wind volume, and temperature may be output. Additionally, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from an indoor unit sensor or an outdoor unit sensor, as well as warning / error messages.

[0091] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker, as an audio device, can output various sounds. The display may display information input by the user or information provided to the user using various graphic elements. For example, operation information of an air conditioner may be displayed as at least an image or text. The display may also include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), a light emitting diode panel (LED), an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED), a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0092] Hereinafter, air conditioners according to various embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. For convenience of explanation, an air purifier (1) is described as an example of an air conditioner. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the air purifier (1), and can be applied to various home appliances, including an indoor unit of an air conditioner including a heat exchanger.

[0093] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air purifier (1) according to various embodiments, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier (1) according to various embodiments, and FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an air purifier (1) according to various embodiments.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the air purifier (1) may include a housing (10). The housing (10) may form the exterior of the air purifier (1).

[0095] The housing (10) may include a frame body and blower panels (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) provided on the outside of the frame body. The frame body may support various components of the air purifier (1). The frame body may be provided to accommodate various components of the air purifier (1). The frame body may be provided so that at least a portion thereof is covered by the blower panels (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d).

[0096] The blower panels (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) may be detachably mounted on the frame body. For example, the blower panels (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) may include a first blower panel (12a) forming the front of the air purifier (1), a second blower panel (12b) forming the rear of the air purifier (1), a third blower panel (12c) forming the right side of the air conditioner, and a fourth blower panel (12d) forming the left side of the air purifier (1). The first blower panel (12a) may be referred to as a front panel. The second blower panel (12b) may be referred to as a rear panel. The third blower panel (12c) may be referred to as a right side panel. The fourth blower panel (12d) may be referred to as a left side panel.

[0097] The first blower panel (12a), the second blower panel (12b), the third blower panel (12c), and the fourth blower panel (12d) may be provided as separate configurations. However, at least some of the blower panels among the first blower panel (12a), the second blower panel (12b), the third blower panel (12c), and the fourth blower panel (12d) may be formed integrally. At least some of the blower panels (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) among the first blower panel (12a), the second blower panel (12b), the third blower panel (12c), and the fourth blower panel (12d) may be separable from the frame body.

[0098] The ventilation panels (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) may include a panel portion (12e). The panel portion (12e) may include a plurality of ribs. The plurality of ribs may extend in one direction. For example, the plurality of ribs may extend in an up-down direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0099] The panel portion (12e) can be formed over the entire area of ​​the ventilation panels (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d). For example, the panel portion (12e) can be provided in a uniform pattern over the entire area of ​​the ventilation panels (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d). This increases the degree of freedom in the design of the ventilation panels (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d), thereby improving aesthetics.

[0100] The housing (10) may include a vent (13). For example, the vent (13) may be formed in a ventilation panel (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d). The vent (13) may extend in a vertical direction. The vent (13) may be formed in plurality. For example, the plurality of vents (13) may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z direction). For example, the plurality of vents (13) may be arranged in a left-right direction (Y direction) or in a front-back direction (X direction).

[0101] The air vent (13) may be formed corresponding to the panel portion (12e). For example, the air vent (13) may be an opening formed between a plurality of ribs of the panel portion (12e). Air outside the housing (10) may be introduced into the housing (10) through the air vent (13) or discharged from the housing (10). The air vent (13) may include a plurality of openings.

[0102] The housing (10) may include an inlet (13a) and an outlet (13b). The inlet (13a) may be provided so that air from outside the housing (10) may be introduced into the interior of the housing (10). The outlet (13b) may be provided so that air from inside the housing (10) may be discharged to the exterior of the housing (10). The inlet (13a) and the outlet (13b) may be formed in the ventilation panels (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d). The air vent (13) may include an inlet (13a) and an outlet (13b). The inlet (13a) may be provided as a part of the air vent (13), and the outlet (13b) may be provided as another part of the air vent (13). One part of the air vent (13) can be an inlet (13a), and another part of the air vent (13) can be an outlet (13b).

[0103] The housing (10) may include an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The inlet opening and the outlet opening may be formed in the housing (10). The inlet opening may be provided to correspond to the inlet opening (13a) of the blower opening (13). The outlet opening may be provided to correspond to the outlet opening (13b) of the blower opening (13).

[0104] The inlet (13a) and outlet (13b) can be formed in the first blower panel (12a), the second blower panel (12b), the third blower panel (12c), and the fourth blower panel (12d), respectively.

[0105] For example, air outside the housing (10) can flow into the interior of the housing (10) from all directions of the housing (10) through the inlet (13a). For example, air outside the housing (10) can flow into the interior of the housing (10) through the inlet (13a) from all directions.

[0106] Additionally, for example, air inside the housing (10) can flow from the housing (10) in all directions of the housing (10) toward the outside of the housing (10) through the exhaust port (13b). For example, air inside the housing (10) can flow in all directions toward the outside of the housing (10) through the exhaust port (13b).

[0107] Since air is introduced and / or discharged from all directions, smooth air circulation inside the housing (10) can be achieved. The air purifier (1) can achieve high dust collection efficiency.

[0108] The housing (10) may include an upper panel (11). The upper panel (11) may be provided at the upper end of the housing (10). The upper panel (11) may be arranged on the upper side of the housing (10).

[0109] A user interface may be provided on the upper panel (11). For example, the user interface may include a control panel. The user interface may receive user input or output operating information of the air purifier (1) to the user.

[0110] The housing (10) may include a support (16). The support (16) may be positioned at the lower end of the housing (10) to support elements of the housing (10) and the air purifier (1).

[0111] The air purifier (1) may include a plurality of cleaning modules (2a, 2b). The plurality of cleaning modules (2a, 2b) may be arranged in a substantially vertical direction. For example, the air purifier (1) may include a first cleaning module (2a) and a second cleaning module (2b) arranged above the first cleaning module (2a). The air purifier (1) may include a blower module (3) capable of additionally discharging purified air above the plurality of cleaning modules (2a, 2b). Although the drawing illustrates two cleaning modules (2) being arranged, the number of cleaning modules (2) may be one or three or more. In addition, the air purifier (1) may include a plurality of cleaning modules (2a, 2b) of various embodiments.

[0112] A plurality of clean modules (2a, 2b) can be separated by a separation unit (40). For example, the separation unit (40) can be arranged between the first clean module (2a) and the second clean module (2b). The plurality of clean modules (2a, 2b) can include the same configuration. This can reduce material costs. However, the positions of the plurality of clean modules (2a, 2b) are not limited thereto, and not all clean modules (2) may necessarily include the same configuration.

[0113] For convenience, the configuration of the cleaning module (2) is described below based on one cleaning module (2).

[0114] The cleaning module (2) may include a blower fan (31). The blower fan (31) may generate blowing force. The blower fan (31) may move air. The blower fan (31) may force air to flow. The blower fan (31) may rotate to create a flow of air flowing inside the housing (10). The blower fan (31) may cause air to be drawn in through the inlet (13a) and discharged through the outlet (13b). For example, the blower fan (31) may move air upward. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and when the inlet (13a) is provided above the outlet (13b), the blower fan (31) may move air downward.

[0115] The blower fan (31) may be placed inside the housing (10). The blower fan (31) may be placed downstream of the inlet (13a). The blower fan (31) may be placed upstream of the outlet (13b). The blower fan (31) may be placed between the inlet (13a) and the outlet (13b). However, there is no limitation on the position of the blower fan (31) and the number of blower fans (31) included in the cleaning module (2).

[0116] A guide path (50) may be formed within the housing (10). The guide path (50) may extend from the inlet (13a) to the outlet (13b). Air blown by the blower fan (31) may flow into the guide path (50).

[0117] Air can pass through the housing (10) along the air flow direction. The air flow direction can be a direction from upstream to downstream of the guide path (50) formed inside the housing (10). For example, the air flow direction inside the housing (10) can include a vertical direction. The air flow direction can be a direction in which air drawn into the interior of the housing (10) through the inlet (13a) flows toward the outlet (13b). For example, the air flow direction can be a direction in which air drawn into the interior of the housing (10) through the inlet (13a) passes through the filter module (80) and the blower fan (31). For example, air drawn in from all sides of the housing (10) by the blower fan (31) can flow upward and then be discharged to all sides of the housing (10) again. However, the air flow direction is not limited to the above-described example.

[0118] The air purifier (1) may include an air guide (17). Air flowing into the housing (10) through the inlet (13a) may be guided toward the blower fan (31) through the air guide (17). The air guide (17) may form a part of a guide path (50) therein. The air guide (17) may guide air inside the housing (10) and / or in the guide path (50) to the blower fan (31). Air passing through the interior of the air guide (17) may flow into the interior of the fan housing (32) and the blower fan (31).

[0119] The air purifier (1) may include a fan housing (32). A blower fan (31) may be disposed within the fan housing (32). The fan housing (32) may form part of a guide path (50) therein. The fan housing (32) may guide the flow of air flowing within the housing (10). The fan housing (32) may be linked to an air guide (17).

[0120] The cleaning module (2) may include a filter module (80). The filter module (80) may be configured to filter air. The filter module (80) may be disposed inside the housing (10). The filter module (80) may be coupled to or separated from the housing (10) through a filter coupling opening (18) formed in the frame body. The filter module (80) may be disposed so that air may pass through it before being discharged through the outlet (13b). For example, the filter module (80) may be disposed between the inlet (13a) and the outlet (13b). The filter module (80) may filter air introduced into the housing (10) through the inlet (13a) by the blower fan (31). The filtered air may be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the outlet (13b).

[0121] For example, the filter module (80) may be positioned below the blower fan (31). For example, the blower fan (31) may be positioned above the filter module (80). However, the positions of the filter module (80) and the blower fan (31) are not limited to the examples described above.

[0122] The filter module (80) may be positioned on the guide path (50). The blower fan (31) may be positioned on the guide path (50). For example, air drawn into the interior of the guide path (50) through the inlet (13a) may flow to the outlet (13b) after passing through the filter module (80). The air flowing to the outlet (13b) may exit from the guide path (50).

[0123] The air purifier (1) may include a blower module (3) positioned above the purification module (2). The blower module (3) may discharge air inside the housing (10) to the outside of the housing (10) in various ways. For example, the blower module (3) may include an exhaust port (15a) through which some components move upwards on the upper panel (11) when discharging air, thereby discharging the air.

[0124] The blower module (3) may include a discharge cover (14) and a cover support (15) provided on the edge of the discharge cover (14). The discharge cover (14) may form a discharge port (15a) together with the cover support (15). The discharge cover (14) may be provided to be movable and rotatable with respect to the housing (10). For example, the discharge cover (14) and the cover support (15) may have a cylindrical shape with an open bottom.

[0125] The blower module (3) may include an exhaust fan (33). The exhaust fan (33) may exhaust a portion of the air blown by the blower fan (31) through the exhaust port (15a) while the exhaust cover (14) opens the exhaust port (15a). While the exhaust fan (33) is operating, the air purifier (1) may exhaust the air exhausted from the exhaust port (15a) further away from the air purifier (1). For example, while the exhaust fan (33) is operating, the air purifier (1) may exhaust the air exhausted from the exhaust port (15a) more quickly.

[0126] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a filter module (80) of an air purifier (1) according to various embodiments, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a filter module (80) of an air purifier (1) according to various embodiments.

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the filter module (80) may include a first plate (100), a second plate (200) positioned to face the first plate (100), and a filter unit (also referred to as a filter) (300).

[0128] The first plate (100) may form the upper portion of the exterior of the filter module (80). The first plate (100) may be formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape. The first plate (100) may include a first plate opening (101) for passing air that has passed through the filter unit (300). For example, air that has passed through the inlet (13a) and entered the interior of the housing (10) may pass through the filter unit (300), the first plate opening (101), and the blower fan (31) and be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the outlet (13b).

[0129] The second plate (200) may form the lower portion of the exterior of the filter module (80). The second plate (200) may be formed in a roughly rectangular plate shape. The second plate (200) may include a second plate opening (201).

[0130] The second plate (200) may be formed in the same shape as the first plate (100). Since the first plate (100) and the second plate (200) are formed in the same shape, manufacturing costs can be reduced. However, the first plate (100) and the second plate (200) are not necessarily formed in the same shape.

[0131] The filter unit (300) can filter air flowing in from outside the housing (10). The filter unit (300) can include a first filter unit (310), a second filter unit (320), and a third filter unit (330).

[0132] The first filter unit (310) may be configured to filter air. For example, the first filter unit (310) may be a dust collection filter made of copper antibacterial fibers. The first filter unit (310) may prevent and / or reduce the growth of bacteria, mold, and the like within the filter unit (300).

[0133] The first filter unit (310) may include a molding member (311) for combining with at least one of the first plate (100) and the second plate (200). However, the shape and material of the first filter unit (310) are not limited to the above-described examples.

[0134] The second filter unit (320) may be provided to filter air. For example, the second filter unit (320) may be a deodorizing filter. The second filter unit (320) may be provided to deodorize air. The second filter unit (320) may be provided to remove odorous substances in the air. The second filter unit (320) may be provided to sterilize air. For example, the second filter unit (320) may sterilize air by decomposing organic substances in the air. Air flowing inside the housing (10) may have odors removed as it passes through the second filter unit (320).

[0135] The second filter unit (320) may be positioned downstream of the first filter unit (310) in the air flow direction. The second filter unit (320) may be positioned between the first filter unit (310) and the blower fan (31). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second filter unit (320) may also be positioned upstream of the first filter unit (310) in the air flow direction. However, the shape and material of the second filter unit (320) are not limited to the above-described examples.

[0136] The second filter unit (320) may include a plurality of inner filters (3201, 3202, 3203, 3204). For example, the second filter unit (320) may include a first inner filter (3201), a second inner filter (3202), a third inner filter (3203), and a fourth inner filter (3204). The first inner filter (3201) may be positioned corresponding to the first blower panel (12a), the second inner filter (3202) may be positioned corresponding to the second blower panel (12b), the third inner filter (3203) may be positioned corresponding to the third blower panel (12c), and the fourth inner filter (3204) may be positioned corresponding to the fourth blower panel (12d).

[0137] The first inner filter (3201), the second inner filter (3202), the third inner filter (3203), and the fourth inner filter (3204) can be formed in the same shape. Since the first inner filter (3201), the second inner filter (3202), the third inner filter (3203), and the fourth inner filter (3204) are formed in the same shape, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. However, the first inner filter (3201), the second inner filter (3202), the third inner filter (3203), and the fourth inner filter (3204) are not necessarily formed in the same shape.

[0138] The first filter unit (310) and the second filter unit (320) can be arranged along the edge direction of the first plate opening (101). The second filter unit (320) can be arranged between the edge of the first plate opening (101) and the first filter unit (310).

[0139] The first filter unit (310) may include a plurality of peaks (312) formed toward the outside of the filter module (80) and a plurality of valleys (313) positioned between the plurality of peaks (312) and protruding toward the direction in which air flows. The plurality of peaks (312) and the plurality of valleys (313) may be formed in an intersection. Accordingly, the first filter unit (310) may have a larger area in contact with air, thereby improving filtering efficiency.

[0140] The first filter unit (310) can be formed as a single body. As the first filter unit (310) is arranged along the edge of the first plate opening (101) and formed as a single body, the first filter unit (310) can filter air flowing in from all directions of the housing (10).

[0141] The filter unit (300) may include a third filter unit (330) located outside the first filter unit (310). The third filter unit (330) may filter out large foreign substances before the air drawn in from the intake port passes through the first filter unit (310).

[0142] For example, air that flows into the interior of the housing (10) through the inlet (13a) can be filtered by passing through the third filter unit (330), the first filter unit (310), and the second filter unit (320). The air that passes through the filter unit (300) can pass through the blower fan (31) and be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the outlet (13b).

[0143] However, the above example describes one example of the filter unit (300), and the number, arrangement, and type of filters are not limited thereto.

[0144] The filters included in the first plate (100), the second plate (200), and the filter unit (300) are made of different materials and thus need to be disposed of or recycled separately. Therefore, the first plate (100) and the filter unit (300) and the second plate (200) and the filter unit (300) can be detachably connected.

[0145] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are cross-sectional views of a filter module (80) of an air purifier (1) according to various embodiments, and FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a filter module (80) of an air purifier (1) according to various embodiments.

[0146] The first plate (100) may include a first rib (110), a second rib (120), and a third rib (130) that are spaced apart from the center of the first plate (100) in a direction toward the edge of the first plate (100). For example, a second filter part (320) may be placed between the first rib (110) and the second rib (120). For example, a first filter part (310) may be placed between the second rib (120) and the third rib (130). For example, a third filter part (330) may be placed between the second rib (120) and the third rib (130).

[0147] The first rib (110), the second rib (120), and the third rib (130) can fix the first filter unit (310), the second filter unit (320), and the third filter unit (330), thereby preventing the first filter unit (310), the second filter unit (320), and the third filter unit (330) from moving within the filter module (80). For example, when air flows inside the housing (10), the first filter unit (310), the second filter unit (320), and the third filter unit (330) can be prevented from being separated by the flowing air. When the second plate (200) is formed in the same shape as the first plate (100), it can include the first rib (210), the second rib (220), and the third rib (230). However, it is not necessary to include all of the first rib (210), the second rib (220), and the third rib (230), and only some of the first rib (210), the second rib (220), and the third rib (230) may be formed.

[0148] The second filter unit (320) may include a first filter frame (321), a second filter frame (322), and a filter member (323) accommodated between the first filter frame (321) and the second filter frame (322). The first filter frame (321) is held by the second ribs (120, 220), and the second filter frame (322) is held by the first ribs (110, 210), so that the first filter frame (321) and the second filter frame (322) may be prevented and / or suppressed from being separated from the first ribs (110, 210) and the second ribs (120, 220).

[0149] The air purifier (1) may include a first coupling portion (400) and a second coupling portion (500) for coupling at least one of the first plate (100) and the second plate (200) to the filter portion (300). For example, at least one of the first plate (100) and the second plate (200) may include the first coupling portion (400), and the filter portion (300) may include the second coupling portion (500). In the drawing, for convenience, the first coupling portion (400) is illustrated as being formed on the second plate (200), but the first coupling portion (400) may be formed only on the first plate (100), only on the second plate (200), or on the first plate (100) and the second plate (200). The second coupling portion (500) may be formed on the second filter portion (320).

[0150] The first coupling portion (400) may be a hook receiving portion for receiving a hook. The second coupling portion (500) may be a hook receiving portion. In the drawing, the first coupling portion (400) is illustrated as a hook receiving portion and the second coupling portion (500) is illustrated as a hook receiving portion. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first coupling portion (400) may be a hook receiving portion and the second coupling portion (500) may be a hook receiving portion. In addition, the method by which the first coupling portion (400) and the second coupling portion (500) are coupled is not limited to a hook coupling structure, and may have various coupling structures in which the first coupling portion (400) and the second coupling portion (500) can be coupled so as to be detachable.

[0151] The filter material and non-filter material components of the filter module (80) need to be separated and disposed of. For example, the first plate (100), the second plate (200), which are made of plastic, and the filter member (323) and the first filter unit (310), which are made of filter material, need to be separated and disposed of. According to this need, the hook and the hook receiving portion can be combined to be detachable. For example, when separating the second plate (200) and the filter unit (300), the filter material included in the filter unit (300) can be easily separated as the hook or the hook receiving portion is deformed. Deformation of the hook or the hook receiving portion may mean that the hook or the hook receiving portion is easily separated due to stretching, breaking, etc.

[0152] Referring to Fig. 8, the hook may include a plurality of hooks, and the hook receiving portion may include a plurality of hook receiving portions. At least one of the first plate (100) and the second plate (200) and the filter portion (300) need to be easily separated. To this end, when the first coupling portion (400) and the second coupling portion (500) are separated, at least one of the hook receiving portions and the plurality of hook receiving portions may be formed to be deformed.

[0153] At least one of the first plate (100) and the second plate (200) may include a receiving portion for receiving a portion of the second filter portion (320). For example, the second filter portion (320) may include a hinge portion (also referred to as a hinge) (324) (see FIG. 9), and at least one of the first plate (100) and the second plate (200) may include a hinge receiving portion (240) for receiving the hinge portion (324).

[0154] Fig. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of a filter module (80) of an air purifier (1) according to various embodiments. For example, Fig. 9 is a drawing showing an exploded view of a second filter unit (320).

[0155] The second filter unit (320) may include a first filter frame (321), a second filter frame (322), and a filter member (323) disposed between the first filter frame (321) and the second filter frame (322). The second filter unit (320) may include a hinge member (324) connecting one end of the first filter frame (321) and one end of the second filter frame (322). The first filter frame (321) and the second filter frame (322) may be opened by rotating around the hinge member (324) to accommodate the filter member (323).

[0156] The first filter frame (321) may include a first filter rib (325) forming a plurality of holes through which air can pass. The second filter frame (322) may include a second filter rib (326) forming a plurality of holes through which air can pass.

[0157] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of an air purifier (1) according to various embodiments, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier (1) according to various embodiments.

[0158] The cleaning module (2) may include a filter support (60) arranged at the bottom of the filter module (80) to support the filter module (80). The filter support (60) may include a support plate (61) formed in a wide plate shape, and an elastic member (63) that applies elastic force to the support plate (61) in a direction from the support plate (61) toward the filter module (80). The filter support (60) may include a filter catch (62) formed to catch a part of the filter module (80). The filter catch (62) may prevent / suppress the filter module (80) from being separated from the housing (10).

[0159] The filter catch (62) may be arranged to catch a part of the filter module (80). For example, the filter module (80) may be arranged to catch the edge of the second plate opening (201).

[0160] The elastic member (63) can apply elastic force to the support plate (61) so that the filter module (80) is pressed against the upper edge of the filter coupling opening (18). For example, as the elastic member (63) applies force to the filter module (80) toward the upper part of the air purifier (1), air mixed with foreign substances can be prevented / blocked from going toward the blower fan (31) without passing through the filter unit (300).

[0161] An air purifier according to an exemplary embodiment includes a housing including an intake port, a blower fan, and a filter module including a first plate, a second plate disposed to face the first plate, a first coupling portion formed on at least one of the first plate and the second plate, and a filter disposed between the first plate and the second plate and including a second coupling portion, wherein the filter includes a first filter portion that is provided to filter air drawn in from an intake port and is detachably coupled to the first plate and the second plate, and a second filter portion that is provided to filter air passing through the first filter portion and is detachably coupled to the first plate and the second plate, wherein the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are detachably coupled.

[0162] The first plate includes a first plate opening configured to allow air passing through the filter to pass through, and the first filter portion is arranged along the edge direction of the first plate opening and can be formed integrally.

[0163] The second filter portion may be disposed between the first plate opening and the first filter portion.

[0164] The first coupling portion may further include a hook receiving portion configured to catch a portion of the filter, and the second coupling portion may include a hook receiving portion configured to catch on the hook receiving portion.

[0165] The above-mentioned hook may include a plurality of hooks, the hook receiving portion may include a plurality of hook receiving portions, and at least one of the plurality of hooks and the plurality of hook receiving portions may be deformed based on the separation of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion so that at least one of the first plate and the second plate and the filter can be separated.

[0166] The second filter unit may include a first filter frame, a second filter frame arranged to face the first filter frame, a filter member arranged to be coupled or separated between the first filter frame and the second filter frame, and a hinge connecting one end of the first filter frame and one end of the second filter frame.

[0167] The first plate may further include a hinge receiving portion configured to receive the hinge.

[0168] The filter may further include a molding member including a molding material that is provided to combine the first filter portion and the first plate and the first filter portion and the second plate.

[0169] The filter may further include a third filter portion arranged on an outer surface of the first filter portion and configured to maintain the shape of the first filter portion, and the third filter portion may be configured to transmit air from the inlet toward the first filter portion.

[0170] The first coupling portion may further include a hook provided to be coupled with the filter, and the second coupling portion may include a hook receiving portion provided to allow the hook to be hooked.

[0171] The housing may further include a side panel forming an exterior, and a filter coupling opening configured to integrally couple or separate the filter module to the inside of the side panel.

[0172] The air conditioner may further include a filter support portion arranged at the bottom of the filter module and configured to support the filter module, a portion of the filter support portion being arranged to be hooked to a portion of the filter module to prevent the filter module from being separated from the housing.

[0173] The filter support may include a support plate, an elastic member including an elastic material configured to apply elastic force to the support plate to adhere the filter module to the upper edge of the filter coupling opening, and a filter catch portion protruding from the support plate and configured to catch a portion of the filter module.

[0174] The second plate may include a second plate opening corresponding to the first plate opening, and a rim of the second plate opening may be arranged to engage with the filter catch to prevent the filter module from being detached from the housing.

[0175] The first filter portion may include a plurality of mountain portions formed toward the outside of the filter module and a plurality of valley portions formed toward the inside of the filter module.

[0176] An air purifier according to an exemplary embodiment comprises a housing including an inlet, an outlet, a blower fan, a filter module including a first plate, a second plate disposed to face the first plate, and a filter disposed between the first plate and the second plate, and a filter coupling opening configured to couple or separate the filter module to or from the inside of the housing, wherein the filter comprises a first filter portion formed integrally and provided to filter air passing through the inlet, and a second filter portion provided to filter air passing through the first filter portion, wherein the second filter portion is hook-coupled to at least one of the first plate and the second plate so as to be detachably coupled thereto.

[0177] The second filter portion may include a plurality of hooks arranged to be hooked to at least a portion of the first plate and the second plate, and at least one of the first plate and the second plate may include a plurality of hook receiving portions arranged to be hooked to the plurality of hooks, and at least one of the plurality of hooks and the plurality of hook receiving portions may be arranged to be broken based on separation of the filter from at least one of the first plate and the second plate.

[0178] The filter may further include a third filter part that is arranged on the outer surface of the first filter part and configured to maintain the shape of the first filter part, and allows air introduced from the inlet to pass through the first filter part.

[0179] The second filter unit may include a first inner filter, a second inner filter, a third inner filter, and a fourth inner filter, and each of the first inner filter, the second inner filter, the third inner filter, and the fourth inner filter may include a first filter frame, a second filter frame arranged to face the first filter frame, a filter member arranged to be coupled or separated between the first filter frame and the second filter frame, and a hinge connecting one end of the first filter frame and one end of the second filter frame, and at least one of the first plate and the second plate may further include a hinge receiving portion formed to receive the hinge.

[0180] According to one exemplary embodiment, a filter module includes a filter comprising a first plate, a second plate arranged to face the first plate, a first coupling portion formed on at least one of the first plate and the second plate, and a second coupling portion arranged between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the first coupling portion further includes a plurality of hook receiving portions provided to catch a portion of the filter, and the second coupling portion includes a plurality of hooks provided to catch on the hook receiving portions, and wherein at least one of the plurality of hooks and the plurality of hook receiving portions is provided to be deformed based on separation of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion so that the filter and at least one of the first plate and the second plate are easily separated.

[0181] While the present disclosure has been described and illustrated with reference to various exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that these various exemplary embodiments are illustrative and not limiting. Those skilled in the art will appreciate and recognize that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. It is also to be understood that any embodiment(s) described herein can be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Claims

1. A housing including an inlet and an outlet; Blower fan; and A filter module comprising a first plate, a second plate positioned to face the first plate, a first connecting portion formed on at least one of the first plate and the second plate, and a filter positioned between the first plate and the second plate and including the second connecting portion; The above filter is, A first filter unit configured to filter air flowing in from the inlet port and detachably coupled to the first plate and the second plate; It comprises a second filter unit that is provided to filter air passing through the first filter unit and is detachably coupled to the first plate and the second plate, An air purifier in which the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are detachably coupled.

2. In paragraph 1, The first plate includes a first plate opening configured to allow air passing through the filter to pass through, An air purifier in which the first filter section is disposed along the edge direction of the first plate opening and is formed integrally.

3. In paragraph 2, An air purifier wherein the second filter portion is disposed between the first plate opening and the first filter portion.

4. In paragraph 3, The first coupling portion includes a hook receiving portion configured to catch a portion of the filter, An air purifier wherein the second connecting portion includes a hook that is arranged to be hooked to the hook receiving portion.

5. In paragraph 4, The above-mentioned hook comprises a plurality of hooks, The above hook receiving portion includes a plurality of hook receiving portions, An air purifier in which at least one of the plurality of hanging hooks and the plurality of hook receiving portions is deformed based on the separation of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion so that at least one of the first plate and the second plate and the filter are separated.

6. In paragraph 3, The above second filter part, The first filter frame, A second filter frame positioned to face the first filter frame, A filter member arranged to be coupled or separated between the first filter frame and the second filter frame, An air purifier comprising a hinge connecting one end of the first filter frame and one end of the second filter frame.

7. In paragraph 6, An air purifier wherein the first plate further includes a hinge receiving portion formed to receive the hinge.

8. In paragraph 3, An air purifier wherein the filter further comprises a molding member including a molding material that is provided to combine the first filter portion and the first plate and the first filter portion and the second plate.

9. In paragraph 3, The above filter is, It further includes a third filter part arranged on the outer surface of the first filter part and configured to maintain the shape of the first filter part, An air purifier wherein the third filter section is configured to transmit air from the inlet toward the first filter section.

10. In paragraph 3, The first coupling portion further includes a hook provided to be coupled with the filter, An air purifier wherein the second connecting portion includes a hook receiving portion configured to allow the hook to be caught.

11. In paragraph 3, The above housing, The side panels that form the exterior, An air purifier further comprising a filter coupling opening configured to integrally couple or separate the filter module to the inner side of the side panel.

12. In paragraph 11, An air purifier further comprising a filter support portion arranged at the bottom of the filter module and configured to support the filter module, wherein a portion of the filter support portion is arranged to be caught by a portion of the filter module to prevent the filter module from being separated from the housing.

13. In paragraph 12, The above filter support, Support plate and, An elastic member including an elastic material that applies elastic force to the support plate to adhere the filter module to the upper edge of the filter coupling opening; An air purifier comprising a filter catch portion protruding from a support plate to catch a portion of the above filter module.

14. In paragraph 13, The second plate includes a second plate opening corresponding to the first plate opening, An air purifier in which the edge of the second plate opening is arranged to be caught by the filter catch to prevent the filter module from being separated from the housing.

15. In paragraph 3, An air purifier wherein the first filter portion includes a plurality of mountain portions formed toward the outside of the filter module and a plurality of valley portions formed toward the inside of the filter module.

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