Air conditioner

The air conditioner uses a light guide bar to evenly sterilize the blower fan surface with a single UV source, addressing the limitations of conventional systems by ensuring comprehensive coverage and safety, while maintaining air flow efficiency.

WO2025174034A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-08-21LG ELECTRONICS INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2025/002007
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-02-13
Filing Date
2025-02-12
Publication Date
2025-08-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional air conditioners face challenges in effectively sterilizing the entire surface area of cross-flow fans using a single sterilizing device, require multiple UV lamps, and may interfere with air flow and human safety.

Method used

An air conditioner design incorporating a light guide bar parallel to the blower fan that reflects UV light evenly across the fan's surface, using a single light source and minimizing air flow disruption, with adjustable sterilization area and safety features.

Benefits of technology

Even sterilization of the blower fan surface without multiple lamps, maintaining air flow efficiency, and preventing harmful UV leakage, while allowing expansion of the sterilization area as needed.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner. According to the present disclosure, the air conditioner comprises: a case having a suction port and a discharge port; a blower fan, which is disposed inside the case and forms an air flow; a heat exchanger, which is disposed inside the case and performs heat exchange on the flowing air; and a sterilizer, which is disposed inside the case in the direction of a rotation axis of the blower fan and emits ultraviolet rays toward the blower fan. A sterilization module includes: a light source for generating light; and a light guide bar, which allows the light generated by the light source to be incident thereto, so as to reflect the incident light at the blowing fan. The light guide bar is arranged in parallel to the blowing fan.
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Description

air conditioner

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly, to an air conditioner including a sterilizing device for sterilizing a blower fan that forms air flow.

[0002] An air conditioner is a device that regulates and circulates air, used for heating, ventilation, and / or cooling. An air conditioner typically includes a fan, heat exchanger, chamber, damper, etc.

[0003] The types of fans used in air conditioners are classified in various ways depending on the type of air conditioner. In particular, the cross-flow fan (CFF) is a fan that has one or more fan blocks made up of a number of blades curved in the direction of rotation, and is formed axially long.

[0004] To sterilize a fan through which air flows, a sterilizing device that irradiates ultraviolet light onto the fan may be placed. However, to sterilize the structure of a cross-flow fan, multiple sterilizing devices may be required to generate multiple ultraviolet light beams along the length of the cross-flow fan.

[0005] Conventional air conditioners, similar to KR Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0011194, can be equipped with a fan housing having a UV LED irradiation module. However, conventional air conditioners have the problem of not being able to provide a sterilization module capable of covering the entire surface area of ​​a cross-flow fan when a cross-flow fan is used.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

[0007] It provides an air conditioner that sterilizes the blower fan of the air conditioner.

[0008] Another purpose is to provide an air conditioner capable of evenly sterilizing the entire area of ​​the blower fan.

[0009] Another objective is to provide an air conditioner that performs sterilization without requiring multiple sterilizing lamps. Therefore, an air conditioner can be provided that facilitates maintenance and replacement of the sterilizing device.

[0010] Another object is to provide an air conditioner in which a sterilizing device for sterilizing a blower fan has minimal influence on the air flow induced by the blower fan.

[0011] Another purpose is to provide an air conditioner equipped with a sterilization module that is easy to manufacture.

[0012] Another purpose is to provide an air conditioner equipped with a sterilizing module that can widen the irradiation angle of ultraviolet rays irradiated to a cross-flow fan in a limited internal space of the air conditioner and at the same time prevent ultraviolet rays that may be harmful to the human body from leaking to the outside of the air conditioner.

[0013] Another purpose is to provide an air conditioner capable of sterilizing the inside of a drain pan or one side of a heat exchanger.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner in which the sterilization area can be easily expanded according to the length of the blower fan.

[0015] In order to achieve the above object, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a case forming an intake port and an exhaust port, a blower fan disposed inside the case and forming a flow of air, a heat exchanger disposed inside the case and exchanging heat with the flowing air, and a sterilizing device disposed inside the case in the direction of the rotational axis of the blower fan and irradiating ultraviolet rays toward the blower fan. The sterilizing module includes a light source that generates light, and a light guide bar that incidents light generated from the light source and reflects the light incident to the blower fan. The light guide bar is disposed parallel to the blower fan, and can irradiate ultraviolet rays to the entire area of ​​the blower fan through a single light source.

[0016] The above blower fan uses a cross-flow fan that extends long in the left-right direction. The light guide bar extends in the left-right direction along which the blower fan extends from a position spaced apart from the blower fan at a certain interval.

[0017] The above light guide bar reflects light incident on the inside of the light guide bar in the direction in which the blower fan is positioned, and a plurality of reflection patterns spaced apart in the left and right directions are formed. Accordingly, light incident on one side can be sent to the blower fan.

[0018] The spacing between the plurality of reflection patterns is arranged to decrease as the distance from the light source increases.

[0019] Each of the above plurality of reflection patterns may be formed with a plurality of reflection grooves spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0020] The above light guide bar is formed in a columnar shape extending in the direction in which the above blower fan extends. The light source irradiates light to one side of the above light guide bar.

[0021] The air conditioner includes a first discharge guide arranged below the blower fan. The air conditioner includes a second discharge guide arranged facing the first discharge guide. A discharge path is formed between the first discharge guide and the second discharge guide to send air flowing from the blower fan to the discharge port. The sterilizing device is arranged on one side of the second discharge guide and is arranged to irradiate light toward the blower fan.

[0022] The above sterilizing device is positioned vertically above the top of the first discharge guide.

[0023] The above sterilizing device can be placed at a height between the lower end of the blower fan and the rotation axis of the blower fan.

[0024] The air conditioner includes an inner wall that guides air flowing by the blower fan to the outlet.

[0025] The inner wall includes a second discharge guide positioned facing the first discharge guide, and an upper guide positioned above the discharge guide and extending upwards of the blower fan. The sterilizing device is positioned at the upper end of the second discharge guide.

[0026] The upper guide is formed into a curved surface so that the distance from the blower fan increases as it approaches the second discharge guide. A plurality of guide ribs protruding toward the blower fan and spaced apart in the left and right directions are arranged on the upper guide. Each of the plurality of guide ribs extends vertically.

[0027] The above sterilizing device is placed on the lower side of the guide rib.

[0028] The air conditioner further includes an upper guide disposed above the first discharge guide and facing the blower fan. The upper guide is disposed at a certain distance downward from the blower fan.

[0029] A gap is formed vertically between the upper guide and the blower fan. The upper guide is positioned downwardly away from the blower fan.

[0030] The above gap is formed to slope downwards as it moves away from the second discharge guide. The sterilizing device is positioned between the gap and the rotational axis of the blower fan.

[0031] An air conditioner includes a heat exchanger and a drain pan positioned below the blower fan. The air conditioner includes an inner wall that guides air flowing by the blower fan to the outlet. The sterilizing device is positioned on one side of the inner wall and irradiates light in the direction in which the blower fan and the drain pan are positioned.

[0032] The above sterilizing device is positioned between the center of rotation of the blower fan and the vertical direction of the lower part of the blower fan.

[0033] The above drain pan includes a first discharge guide that guides air flowing by the blower fan, which is arranged on the lower side of the blower fan, to the discharge port, and an upper guide that is arranged on the upper side of the first discharge guide and faces the blower fan. A gap is formed between the blower fan and the upper guide, which is formed to slope downward as it moves away from the second discharge guide.

[0034] The above sterilizing device is placed between the gap and the rotation axis of the blower fan.

[0035] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0036] According to the air conditioner of the present disclosure, one or more of the following effects are achieved.

[0037] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention can sterilize a blower fan with a sterilizing device placed on one side of the blower fan.

[0038] Additionally, the sterilizing device is placed parallel to the blower fan, which has the advantage of being able to evenly sterilize the entire area of ​​the blower fan.

[0039] Additionally, the light guide structure transmits light incident from the light source to multiple areas. Therefore, it has the advantage of eliminating the need for multiple light sources. Furthermore, it allows the sterilization device to be managed and replaced by managing only one light source.

[0040] In addition, a sterilizing device is placed in an inner groove formed in the second discharge guide of the inner wall, and an inner cover covering it forms a smooth surface with the surface formed by the second discharge guide, thereby minimizing friction due to air flow.

[0041] In addition, a wide area can be sterilized through a light guide bar and a light source, and the sterilization area can be adjusted in response to the size of the blower fan by adjusting the length of the light guide bar.

[0042] Additionally, it has the advantage of being able to sterilize a wide area of ​​the blower fan through the reflection pattern formed on the light guide bar.

[0043] Additionally, light can be irradiated into the space between the blower fan and the drain pan. This can sterilize the inside of the drain pan or one side of the heat exchanger. The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0044] Figure 1 is a bottom perspective view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of A in Figure 2.

[0047] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the arrangement of the sterilizing device and the arrangement of the blower fan and drain pan.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the relationship between a blower fan and a sterilizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a cross-section of a light guide bar according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 7 is a drawing for explaining a sterilizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention, which has a structure in which a sterilizing device is not arranged.

[0052] The advantages and features of the present disclosure, and methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described below in detail with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below and may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided solely to ensure that the disclosure is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the disclosure of the scope of the disclosure. The present disclosure is defined solely by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

[0053] Throughout this disclosure, the expressions 'first, second, …' are used to distinguish components and are unrelated to the priority or importance between components.

[0054] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to drawings for explaining an air conditioner according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] Referring to Fig. 1, the lower panel of the air conditioner is described.

[0056] The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes a case (10) forming an intake port (12a) and an exhaust port (12b).

[0057] The case (10) includes a housing (30) that forms a space inside, and a lower panel (12) that is arranged on the lower side of the housing (30) and forms an intake port (12a) and an exhaust port (12b).

[0058] A suction panel (16) is placed in the suction port (16a) of the lower panel (14). A vane (20) is placed in the discharge port (12b) of the lower panel (12).

[0059] The suction port (12a) and the discharge port (12b) are arranged spaced apart in the front-rear direction. A middle cover (26) may be arranged between the suction port (12a) and the discharge port (12b).

[0060] The housing (30) can form a space in which a heat exchanger and a blower fan are placed inside.

[0061] Referring to Fig. 2, the internal structure and layout of the air conditioner are described.

[0062] The air conditioner includes a housing (30) and a lower panel (12).

[0063] The housing (30) can form a space in which a blower fan (34) and a heat exchanger (32) are arranged. An intake port (12a) and an exhaust port (12b) are formed in the lower panel (12). A suction grill (14) can be arranged in the area in which the intake port (12a) is formed in the lower panel (12).

[0064] The air conditioner may include a heat exchanger (32) disposed inside a housing (30). The heat exchanger (32) is disposed at an angle within the housing (30). The heat exchanger (32) may be disposed at an angle above an intake port (12a). The heat exchanger (32) may exchange heat with air flowing through a blower fan (34).

[0065] The heat exchanger (32) can be arranged so that one side is fixed to the upper side of one side of the housing (30) and the other side is in contact with the drain pan (36) described below.

[0066] The air conditioner includes a blower fan (34) that is rotatably positioned inside the housing (30). The blower fan (34) may be a cross-flow fan. As the blower fan (34) rotates, it can cause air existing on the heat exchanger (32) side to flow toward the discharge port (12b).

[0067] The air conditioner may include a pre-filter (16) disposed above the intake port (12a). The pre-filter (16) may be disposed above the intake grill (14). The pre-filter (16) may capture foreign substances in the air flowing into the intake port (12a).

[0068] The air conditioner may include an electric dust collector (18) positioned above a pre-filter (16). The electric dust collector (18) may capture fine dust flowing through the pre-filter (16) into the interior of the housing (30).

[0069] The air conditioner may include a vane (20) that controls the wind direction of air flowing through the outlet (12b).

[0070] The vane (20) includes upper and lower vanes (22) arranged on the discharge port (12b) side, and left and right vanes (24) arranged on the upper side of the upper and lower vanes (22).

[0071] The upper and lower vanes (22) include a lower vane (22a) arranged on the discharge port (12b) side, and an upper vane (22b) arranged on the upper side of the lower vane (22a). The lower vane (22a) and the upper vane (22b) may have a structure in which they are connected by a plurality of links (not shown). Accordingly, the arrangement of the upper vane (22b) and the lower vane (22a) may vary depending on the movement of the plurality of links.

[0072] The air conditioner includes a drain pan (36) that temporarily collects condensate generated in the heat exchanger (32).

[0073] A drain pan (36) is placed on the lower side of the heat exchanger (32). The drain pan (36) can form a space capable of collecting condensate falling from the heat exchanger (32). The lower part of the heat exchanger (32) can be placed in contact with one side of the drain pan (36).

[0074] On one side of the drain pan (36), a first discharge guide (38) can be arranged to guide air flowing to the discharge port (12b) by the blower fan (34).

[0075] The first discharge guide (38) can be located between the blower fan (34) and the discharge port (12b).

[0076] The drain pan (36) may include an upper guide (39) that is positioned above the first discharge guide (38) and faces the blower fan (34).

[0077] The air conditioner includes an inner wall (40) arranged above and in front of the blower fan (34) in an area where the blower fan (34) is located. The inner wall (40) can guide air flowing by the blower fan (34) to an area where the discharge port (12b) is located.

[0078] The inner wall (40) includes a second discharge guide (44) positioned facing the first discharge guide (38).

[0079] The inner wall (40) is arranged on the upper side of the second discharge guide (44) and includes an upper guide (42) extending to the upper side of the blower fan (34).

[0080] Air flowing forward and upward by the blower fan (34) can flow downward along the upper guide (42). Air flowing downward along the upper guide (42) can flow downward along the second discharge guide (44).

[0081] In the upper guide (42), a guide rib (43) is arranged that protrudes toward the blower fan (34) and extends in the vertical direction. In the upper guide (42), a plurality of guide ribs (43) spaced apart in the left and right directions are arranged. The guide ribs (43) may be formed so that the length of the protrusion becomes longer as they go downward.

[0082] Air flowing downward along the upper guide (42) can flow along the discharge path (48) formed between the second discharge guide (44) and the first discharge guide (38).

[0083] The discharge path (48) may be located above the discharge port (12b). The discharge path (48) may be a space formed by the first discharge guide (38) and the second discharge guide (44).

[0084] An inner groove (44a) is formed on one side of the inner wall (40). A sterilizing device (50) can be placed in the inner groove (44a). The sterilizing device (50) is placed on one side of the inner wall (40) and can irradiate ultraviolet light toward the blower fan (34).

[0085] The sterilizing device (50) includes a light source (52) that generates light, and a light guide bar (54) that receives light generated from the light source (52) and reflects the incident light to a blower fan (34).

[0086] An inner cover (46) covering an inner home (44a) may be placed on one side of the inner wall (40). The inner cover (46) may fix the placement of a sterilizing device (50) placed in the inner home (44a). The inner cover (46) may cover the sterilizing device (50) placed in the inner home (44a).

[0087] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the arrangement of the sterilizing device is described.

[0088] The first discharge guide (38) and the second discharge guide (44) are arranged to face each other. The first discharge guide (38) is arranged below the blower fan (34). The first discharge guide (38) and the second discharge guide (44) form a discharge path (48) that guides air flowing by the blower fan (34) to the discharge port (12b).

[0089] The upper end of the second discharge guide (44) is located higher than the upper end of the first discharge guide (38).

[0090] The distance between the first discharge guide (38) and the second discharge guide (44) in the horizontal direction can be arranged so that it increases toward the bottom.

[0091] The sterilizing device (50) may be positioned above the top of the first discharge guide (38). The sterilizing device (50) may be positioned on one side of the blower fan (34). The sterilizing device (50) may be positioned at a position lower in the vertical direction than the rotation center (34c) of the blower fan (34).

[0092] The sterilizing device (50) is positioned at a vertical position between the rotation center (34c) of the blower fan (34) and the lower end of the blower fan (34). Based on the vertical direction, the sterilizing device (50) is positioned closer to the rotation center (34c) of the blower fan (34) than to the lower end of the blower fan (34).

[0093] The upper guide (42) extends upward from the second discharge guide (44), and the upper guide (42) can be formed with a curved surface so that the distance from the blower fan (34) increases as it goes toward the second discharge guide (44).

[0094] The upper guide (42) and the second discharge guide (44) may have a smooth surface facing the blower fan (34) at the point where they are connected to each other. The upper guide (42) and the second discharge guide (44) may be formed as a single structure. The inner cover (46) may form a smooth surface with the surface formed by the second discharge guide (44) toward the blower fan (34). Therefore, it has a structure and arrangement that do not impede the flow of air flowing along the upper guide (42) and the second discharge guide (44).

[0095] The second discharge guide (44) may have a structure extending in the vertical direction. An inner home (44a) in which a sterilizing device (50) is placed is formed at the upper end of the second discharge guide (44).

[0096] The inner home (44a) may have a structure extending left and right from the second discharge guide (44).

[0097] The upper guide (39) is positioned at a certain distance from the blower fan (34). A gap (49) is formed in the vertical direction between the upper guide (39) and the blower fan (34). The upper guide (39) can form a slope that is inclined downward in a direction away from the second discharge guide (44). Accordingly, the gap (49) formed between the upper guide (39) and the blower fan (34) can be formed to be inclined downward as it goes away from the second discharge guide (44).

[0098] The sterilizing device (50) is positioned above the position where the gap (49) is formed in the vertical direction.

[0099] Light generated from the sterilizing device (50) can penetrate the gap (49) and be irradiated toward the heat exchanger (32).

[0100] The inner cover (46) can be fixedly arranged on the inner wall (40). The inner cover (46) is fixed to the inner wall (40) and can fixally arrange the light guide bar (54). A fixing rib (not shown) for fixing the arrangement of the light guide bar (54) can be arranged on the inner cover (46).

[0101] Referring to Figure 5, the arrangement of the sterilization module and the blower fan is described.

[0102] The sterilizing device (50) includes a light source (52) that generates light, and a light guide bar (54) that incidents and reflects light generated from the light source (52) and transmits the light to a blower fan (34).

[0103] The light guide bar (54) may have a structure that extends in a long direction in which the blower fan (34) extends. The light guide bar (54) may be arranged parallel to the blower fan (34). The light guide bar (54) may be arranged at a certain distance from the blower fan (34).

[0104] The light guide bar (54) may be formed in a circular cross-section. The light guide bar (54) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The light guide bar (54) may convert light generated from a point light source (52) into a linear light source.

[0105] The light guide bar (54) may be formed of a material that allows light to pass through. The light guide bar (54) may be formed of a material that has light transmission properties that allow light incident inside to be emitted outside. The light guide bar (54) may be formed of a material that has high transmittance for light generated from the light source (52). The light guide bar (54) may be formed of a material that has high transmittance for ultraviolet wavelengths that can be sterilized. The light guide bar (54) may be formed of a material that has high transmittance for UV-C wavelengths. The light guide bar (54) may be formed of a material that has high transmittance for wavelengths of 100 to 280 nm. The light guide bar (54) may be formed of quartz. The light guide bar (54) may uniformly diffuse light introduced from the light source (52). The light guide bar (54) may change the path of light introduced from the light source (52).

[0106] A light source (52) can be placed at one end of the light guide bar (54).

[0107] The length (54L) at which the light guide bar (54) is formed in the left-right direction can be formed shorter than the length (34L) at which the blower fan (34) is formed in the left-right direction.

[0108] The distance (D1) between the light guide bar (54) and the blower fan (34) is formed to be shorter than the diameter length (34D) of the blower fan (34).

[0109] Referring to Fig. 6, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide bar is described.

[0110] The light guide bar (54) may have a circular cross-section. The light guide bar (54) may have a reflection pattern (56) formed on one side thereof to reflect light incident into the light guide bar (54). The reflection pattern (56) may be formed of a plurality of reflection grooves (57) spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The plurality of reflection grooves (57) are arranged spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The plurality of reflection grooves (57) are arranged in the opposite direction on one side of the light guide bar (54) facing the inner cover (46).

[0111] The reflection pattern (56) is arranged in the opposite direction of the surface facing the inner cover (46). The reflection pattern (56) can reflect light incident on the inside of the light guide bar (54) toward the inner cover (46).

[0112] Referring to Figure 7, the longitudinal shape of the light guide bar and the arrangement of the light source are described.

[0113] A light source (52) is placed on one side of the light guide bar (54). The light source (52) generates light through one end surface (54a) of the light guide bar (54). The light generated from the light source (52) is incident on one side of the light guide bar (54) and can be transmitted into the interior of the light guide bar (54).

[0114] Light moving inside the light guide bar (54) is totally reflected inside the light guide bar (54) and can move in a direction away from the light source (52).

[0115] The reflective patterns (56) are arranged to be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction extending from the light guide bar (54). A plurality of reflective patterns (56) spaced apart in the longitudinal direction are formed on the light guide bar (54). The spacing between the plurality of reflective patterns (56) may be arranged to become shorter as they get farther away from the light source (52).

[0116] Referring to FIG. 7, the light guide bar (54) includes a first reflection pattern (56a) arranged closest to the light source (52), a second reflection pattern (56b) arranged second closest to the light source (52), and a plurality of third reflection patterns (56c) arranged further from the light source (52) than the second reflection patterns (56b).

[0117] The second reflection pattern (56b) is placed between the first reflection pattern (56a) and the third reflection pattern (56c).

[0118] The spacing between the plurality of third reflection patterns (56c) may decrease to a range of 0.5 to 0.9 as they get farther away from the light source (52). The spacing (L1) between the light source (52) and the first reflection pattern (56a) is formed to be shorter than the spacing (L2) between the first reflection pattern (56a) and the second reflection pattern (56b). The spacing (L2) between the first reflection pattern (56a) and the second reflection pattern (56b) may be formed to be equal to or smaller than the spacing (L3) between the second reflection pattern (56b) and the third reflection pattern (56c).

[0119] The spacing (L3) between the second reflection pattern (56b) and the third reflection pattern (56c) is formed longer than the spacing (L4) between two adjacent third reflection patterns (56c) from the light source (52).

[0120] Referring to Fig. 8, an air conditioner according to another embodiment is described.

[0121] The sterilizing device (50) may not be placed in the inner groove (44a) formed in the inner wall (40). An inner cover (46) is fixedly placed in the inner wall (40). The inner cover (46) can cover the inner groove (44a) formed in the inner wall (40). The inner cover (46) can form a smooth surface with the inner wall (40). Therefore, friction generated when air flowing along the blower fan (34) flows along the inner wall (40) can be minimized.

[0122] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A case forming an intake port and an exhaust port; A blower fan disposed inside the case and forming a flow of air; A heat exchanger disposed inside the case and exchanging heat with the flowing air; and A sterilizing device is disposed inside the case in the direction of the rotation axis of the blower fan and irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the blower fan. The above sterilization module, A light source that produces light; It includes a light guide bar that reflects the light generated from the light source and the light incident on the blower fan, The above light guide bar is an air conditioner arranged parallel to the blower fan.

2. In paragraph 1, The above blower fan uses a cross-flow fan that extends long in the left and right directions, The above light guide bar is an air conditioner in which the blower fan extends in the left and right directions from a position spaced apart from the blower fan at a certain interval.

3. In paragraph 1, An air conditioner in which the light guide bar reflects light incident on the inside of the light guide bar in the direction in which the blower fan is positioned, and a plurality of reflection patterns spaced apart in the left and right directions are formed.

4. In paragraph 3, An air conditioner in which the spacing between the plurality of reflection patterns decreases as the distance from the light source increases.

5. In paragraph 3, An air conditioner in which each of the plurality of reflection patterns is formed by a plurality of reflection grooves spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

6. In paragraph 1, The above light guide bar is formed in a column shape extending in the direction in which the blower fan extends, The above light source is an air conditioner that irradiates light to one side of the light guide bar.

7. In paragraph 1, A first discharge guide arranged on the lower side of the above blower fan, Including a second discharge guide arranged to face the first discharge guide, Between the first discharge guide and the second discharge guide, a discharge path is formed to send air flowing from the blower fan to the discharge port. An air conditioner in which the sterilizing device is arranged on one side of the second discharge guide and is arranged to irradiate light toward the blower fan.

8. In paragraph 7, The above sterilizing device is an air conditioner arranged vertically higher than the top of the first discharge guide.

9. In paragraph 7, The above sterilizing device is an air conditioner placed at a height between the lower end of the blower fan and the rotation axis of the blower fan.

10. In paragraph 7, It includes an inner wall that guides the air flowing by the blower fan to the outlet, The inner wall includes a second discharge guide arranged to face the first discharge guide, and an upper guide arranged above the discharge guide and extending above the blower fan. An air conditioner in which the sterilizing device is placed at the upper part of the second discharge guide.

11. In paragraph 10, The upper guide is formed into a curved surface so that the distance from the blower fan increases as it goes toward the second discharge guide. In the above upper guide, a plurality of guide ribs are arranged so as to protrude toward the blower fan and are spaced apart in the left and right directions. An air conditioner in which each of the plurality of guide ribs extends in the vertical direction.

12. In paragraph 11, The above sterilizing device is an air conditioner placed on the lower side of the guide rib.

13. In paragraph 7, It further includes an upper guide arranged on the upper side of the first discharge guide and arranged to face the blower fan, The above upper guide is an air conditioner arranged at a certain distance downward from the blower fan.

14. In paragraph 13, A gap is formed in the vertical direction between the upper guide and the blower fan. The above upper guide is an air conditioner arranged to be spaced downward from the blower fan.

15. In paragraph 14, The above gap is formed to slope downwards as it moves away from the second discharge guide, The above sterilizing device is an air conditioner placed between the gap and the rotation shaft of the blower fan.

16. Case forming the intake and exhaust ports; A blower fan disposed inside the case and forming a flow of air; A heat exchanger disposed inside the case and exchanging heat with flowing air; A drain pan placed below the heat exchanger and the blower fan; An inner wall that guides air flowing by the blower fan to the outlet; and A sterilizing device is disposed inside the case in the direction of the rotation axis of the blower fan and irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the blower fan. An air conditioner in which the sterilizing device is placed on one side of the inner wall and irradiates light in the direction in which the blower fan and the drain pan are placed.

17. In paragraph 16, The above sterilizing device, An air conditioner positioned between the center of rotation of the blower fan and the vertical direction of the lower part of the blower fan.

18. In paragraph 16, The above drain pan includes a first discharge guide that guides air flowing by the blower fan, which is arranged on the lower side of the blower fan, to the discharge port, and an upper guide that is arranged on the upper side of the first discharge guide and faces the blower fan. An air conditioner in which a gap is formed between the blower fan and the upper guide, the gap being inclined downward as it moves away from the second discharge guide.

19. In paragraph 18, The above sterilizing device is an air conditioner placed between the gap and the rotation shaft of the blower fan.

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