Filter assembly and air purifier comprising same

Abstract

A filter assembly is disclosed. The filter assembly comprises: a filter unit including a filter; a first case coupled to a lower end of the filter unit; and a second case coupled to a lower end of the filter unit. The filter unit comprises: a first molding which is provided at the lower end of the filter unit and comes in contact with the first case; and a second molding which is provided at an upper end of the filter unit and comes in contact with the second case. Each of the first case and the second case includes a non-polar polymer material.

Description

Filter assembly and air purifier including same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a filter assembly and an air purifier including the same.

[0002] An air purifier is a device that draws in, purifies, and expels polluted air. An air purifier uses a blower to draw in air containing pollutants through the front intake, passes the drawn air through a filter assembly to remove pollutants, and expels the purified air through the top or side exhaust. The filter assembly is replaced at regular or random intervals, depending on the location where the air purifier is used. Used filter assemblies are discarded together with the plastic case that supports them. With the recent rise of environmental, safety, and health (EHS) concerns, research is being conducted on filter assemblies that can separate the filter from the case for disposal and recycle the case.

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a filter assembly capable of separating and discharging a filter from a case and improving air leakage occurring between the case and the filter, and an air purifier including the same.

[0004] A filter assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a filter unit including a filter; a first case coupled to a lower end of the filter unit; and a second case coupled to an upper end of the filter unit. The filter unit may include a first molding provided at a lower end of the filter unit and in close contact with the first case; and a second molding provided at an upper end of the filter unit and in close contact with the second case. Each of the first case and the second case may include a non-polar polymer material.

[0005] Each of the first molding and the second molding may include a urethane resin.

[0006] The above urethane resin can be formed by curing a curable two-component urethane adhesive.

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

[0008] The first case may be formed by wrapping the surface of the first case that comes into contact with the first molding. The second case may be formed by wrapping the surface of the second case that comes into contact with the second molding.

[0009] Each of the first case and the second case may include polypropylene or polyethylene.

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

[0011] A filter assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a fastening structure including a fastening member that detachably fastens the lower end of the filter portion and the first case and detachably fastens the upper end of the filter portion and the second case.

[0012] The filter unit may include a first filter having a tubular shape and having the first molding coupled along a lower end and the second molding coupled along an upper end; and a second filter provided on the inside of the first filter. The fastening structure may include a plurality of first hooks provided along a lower end of the second filter; a plurality of second hooks provided along an upper end of the second filter; a plurality of first hooks provided in the first case and having fastening holes configured to fasten the plurality of first hooks; and a plurality of second hooks provided in the second case and having fastening holes to fasten the plurality of second hooks.

[0013] Each of the first case and the second case may have a rectangular loop shape. At least one first engaging portion among the plurality of first engaging portions may be arranged to be deflected at a predetermined angle from an imaginary first straight line passing through two opposing corners of the first case. At least one second engaging portion among the plurality of second engaging portions may be arranged to be deflected at a predetermined angle from an imaginary second straight line passing through two opposing corners of the second case.

[0014] A first catch portion deflected from the above-described first virtual straight line and a second catch portion deflected from the above-described second virtual straight line can be respectively fastened to the above-described second filter so as to face each other.

[0015] The spacing between the plurality of first catches arranged on the first side of the first case and the spacing between the plurality of first catches arranged on the second side adjacent to the first side of the first case may be different. The spacing between the plurality of first catches arranged on the first side of the first case and the spacing between the plurality of first catches arranged on the second side adjacent to the first side of the first case may be different.

[0016] The first case may include a plurality of first handles provided at each corner of the first case. The second case may include a plurality of second handles provided at each corner of the second case.

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

[0018] The first case may include a first coupling groove having a loop shape and configured to insert the first molding; and a second coupling groove formed along one side of the first coupling groove and configured to insert the lower end of the second filter. The second case may include a third coupling groove having a loop shape and configured to insert the second molding; and a fourth coupling groove formed along one side of the third coupling groove and configured to insert the upper end of the second filter.

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

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

[0021] The third filter may include a microfiber filter having a mesh shape.

[0022] An air purifier according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a main body including a receiving space and a discharge space spaced apart from the receiving space; a blower fan disposed between the receiving space and the discharge space and configured to draw outside air into the receiving space and discharge it to the outside of the main body through the discharge space; and a filter assembly including a filter that is retractably inserted into the receiving space of the main body and configured to purify outside air introduced into the receiving space. The filter assembly may include a cylindrical filter portion having a first molding including a urethane resin provided along a lower end and a second molding including a urethane resin provided along an upper end; a first case configured to support a lower end of the filter portion while in contact with the first molding; a second case configured to support an upper end of the filter portion while in contact with the second molding; and a fastening structure including a fastening member that detachably fastens a lower end of the filter portion and the first case and detachably fastens an upper end of the filter portion and the second case. Each of the first case and the second case may include a non-polar polymer material.

[0023] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the characteristic embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0024] FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing an example of an air purifier equipped with a filter assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating an air purifier according to one or more embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an air purifier that inhales polluted air and discharges purified air according to one or more embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 4 is an exploded view illustrating a filter assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a filter assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of a post-filter being coupled to a dust collecting filter of a filter assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an example of applying a two-component urethane adhesive to a first case of a filter assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of a dust collection filter attached to a first case of a filter assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view showing a portion of a dust collection filter according to one or more embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a first case of a filter assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0034] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' shown in Figure 10.

[0035] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a first case of a filter assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 13 is a side view showing an example of a filter assembly in which a plurality of post filters are combined in a first case and a second case according to one or more embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view showing a structure in which a fourth post filter and a first case of a filter assembly according to one or more embodiments are mutually connected.

[0038] FIG. 15 is a drawing of a first case separated from a filter section of a filter assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0039] Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The various embodiments described in this specification may be modified in various ways. Specific embodiments may be depicted in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, the specific embodiments disclosed in the accompanying drawings are only intended to facilitate understanding of the various embodiments. Therefore, the technical idea is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed in the accompanying drawings, but should be understood to include all equivalents or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present specification. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described in this specification without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0040] In this disclosure, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by the aforementioned terms. The aforementioned terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. In this disclosure, terms such as "comprises" or "has" should be understood to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preemptively exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but that other components may also be present in between. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components present in between. In this disclosure, the term "same" may encompass not only complete matching but also differences that take into account the scope of processing errors. If a detailed description of a related known function or configuration is deemed likely to unnecessarily obscure the gist of this disclosure, the detailed description will be abbreviated or omitted.

[0041] Below, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, one embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the one embodiment of the present disclosure described herein.

[0042] Fig. 1 is an exploded view showing an example of an air purifier (10) according to one or more embodiments, in which a filter assembly (100) is mounted. Fig. 2 is a front view showing an air purifier according to various embodiments. For convenience of explanation, the air purifier (10) illustrated in Fig. 2 is illustrated with the first cover (31) removed.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, an air purifier (10) may include a main body (11), a blower fan (20) disposed inside the main body (11), a first cover (31), a second cover (32), a third cover (33), and a fourth cover (34) detachably mounted on the front, rear, left, and right sides of the main body (11), respectively, and a filter assembly (100) that purifies polluted air introduced into the inside of the main body (11) from the outside of the main body (11).

[0044] The main body (11) may include a receiving space (13) into which the filter assembly (100) is retractably inserted. The size of the receiving space (13) may correspond to the size of the filter assembly (100) or may be slightly larger than the size of the filter assembly (100) so as to facilitate insertion and withdrawal of the filter assembly (100). The receiving space (13) may be opened to the front, rear, left, and right sides of the main body (11) so that external air may move to the receiving space (13) from the front, rear, left, and right sides of the main body (11), respectively.

[0045] The main body (11) may include a discharge space (15) for discharging air purified by the filter assembly (100) to the outside of the main body (11). The discharge space (15) may be opened to the front, rear, left side, and right side of the main body (11) respectively so that the air purified by the filter assembly (100) may move to the outside of the main body (11) through the front, rear, left side, and right side of the main body (11).

[0046] The discharge space (15) may be positioned higher than the receiving space (13). For example, the receiving space (13) may be positioned at the lower part of the main body (11), and the discharge space (15) may be positioned at the upper part of the main body (11).

[0047] Referring to Fig. 2, the blower fan (20) may be placed inside the main body (11). For example, the blower fan (20) may be placed between the receiving space (13) and the discharge space (15). The blower fan (20) may provide suction power to suck external air of the main body (11) into the receiving space (13). The blower fan (20) may provide discharge power to cause air sucked into the receiving space (13) to flow into the discharge space (15).

[0048] The first, second, third and fourth covers (31, 32, 33, 34) can be detachably mounted on the front, rear, left and right sides of the main body (11). The first cover (31) is detachably coupled to the front of the main body (11) for replacement of the filter assembly (100), and the second, third and fourth covers (32, 33, 34) can be fixedly coupled to the main body (11). The first, second, third and fourth covers (31, 32, 33, 34) can each be formed in a grill shape having a plurality of slits to allow air to pass through.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 3, outside air can be introduced into the receiving space (13) through the first, second, third, and fourth covers (31, 32, 33, 34) when the blower fan (20) is driven. Among the impurities (e.g., dust) contained in the outside air, dust having a size larger than the number of slits of the first, second, third, and fourth covers (31, 32, 33, 34) can be filtered by the first, second, third, and fourth covers (31, 32, 33, 34) and removed from the outside air. The purified air can be flowed from the receiving space (13) to the discharge space (15) by the blower fan (20). The purified air flowing into the discharge space (15) can be discharged to the front, rear, left side and right side of the main body (11) through the first, second, third and fourth covers (31, 32, 33, 34), respectively.

[0050] Referring to Fig. 3, when the blower fan (20) is driven, the pressure in the receiving space (13) may be lower than the atmospheric pressure. The external air present around the main body (11) may be sucked into the receiving space (13) through the front, rear, left side, and right side of the main body (11), respectively. The external air may have dust included in the external air removed while passing through the filter assembly (100). The purified air may flow from the receiving space (13) to the discharge space (15) by the blower fan (20). The purified air flowing into the discharge space (15) may be discharged to the front, rear, left side, and right side of the main body (11), respectively.

[0051] The filter assembly (100) is inserted into the receiving space (13) and can purify external air that flows into the receiving space (13) from outside the main body (11). The filter assembly (100) can remove contaminants (e.g., fine dust, odorous substances) contained in the external air.

[0052] The filter assembly (100) may be formed in a tubular shape with a guide passage (101, see FIG. 1) provided on the inside. External air sucked into the receiving space (13) through the first, second, third, and fourth covers (31, 32, 33, 34) by driving the blower fan (20) may be introduced from the outside of the filter assembly (100) into the guide passage (101). Contaminants contained in the external air may be filtered by the filter assembly (100). The purified air may flow toward the blower fan (20) along the guide passage (101) of the filter assembly (100) and then be discharged to the front, rear, left, and right sides of the main body (11) through the discharge space (15), respectively.

[0053] The filter assembly (100) may be formed in a rectangular cylinder shape including a front, a rear, a left side, and a right side corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth covers (31, 32, 33, 34), respectively. The shape of the filter assembly (100) is not limited to a rectangular cylinder. For example, when the main body (11) has a cylindrical shape, the filter assembly may be formed in a cylindrical shape. In this way, the filter assembly (100) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the main body (11).

[0054] An air purifier (10) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an electrostatic precipitator filter on the inside of the main body (11). The electrostatic precipitator filter may be disposed downstream of the filter assembly (100) in the direction of air flow. For example, it may be disposed between the filter assembly (100) and the blower fan (20). The electrostatic precipitator filter may be configured to collect dust using, for example, electrostatic force. The electrostatic precipitator filter may form an electric field. Dust contained in the outside air may be collected in the electrostatic precipitator filter by the electric field formed by the electrostatic precipitator filter. Organic matter such as bacteria and viruses contained in the outside air may be removed by the electric field formed by the electrostatic precipitator filter.

[0055] The user can take out the filter assembly (100) that has reached the end of its life after a certain period of use from the receiving space (13), separate the filter part (110) that filters dust from the first case (150) and the second case (160), and then throw it away in a trash can. Since the filter part (110) is configured to have flexibility, the shape of the filter part (110) can be easily changed. When the side of the filter part (110) is compressed, the guide passage (101) narrows and the volume of the filter part (110) is reduced. For example, the filter part (110) can be compressed from a three-dimensional cylinder shape to a roughly flat shape. Therefore, the filter part (110) can be discharged in a reduced volume state.

[0056] Hereinafter, the configuration of a filter assembly (100) according to one or more embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0057] Fig. 4 is an exploded view showing a filter assembly (100) according to various embodiments. Fig. 5 is a view showing a filter assembly (100) according to various embodiments, and is a view showing the filter assembly (100) with the pre-filter (121) surrounding the dust collection filter (123) removed. Fig. 6 is a view showing an example of a post-filter being coupled to a dust collection filter of a filter assembly according to various embodiments.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 4, the filter assembly (100) may include a filter unit (110), a first case (150) and a second case (160) that are each detachably coupled to the filter unit (110).

[0059] The filter unit (110) may be formed in a loop shape so that a guide passage (101) may be formed on the inside. The filter unit (110) may be configured to have flexibility so that it can be unfolded or folded when discarded after being separated from the first case (150) and the second case (160). The filter unit (110) may be configured to maintain an approximately square cylinder shape. The shape of the filter unit (110) is not limited to a square cylinder, and may be configured to maintain an n-sided cylinder shape (wherein, n is a natural number greater than or equal to 3) or a cylindrical shape. For example, the first case (150) may be formed with an opening (151) to form a loop shape corresponding to the filter unit (110). The second case (160) may be formed with an opening (161) to form a loop shape corresponding to the filter unit (110).

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the filter unit (110) may include a dust collection filter (123), a first molding (125) provided at the bottom of the dust collection filter (123), a second molding (127) provided at the top of the dust collection filter (123), first, second, third, and fourth post-filters (131, 132, 133, 134) arranged along the inner surface of the dust collection filter (123), and a pre-filter (121) surrounding the outer surface of the dust collection filter (123).

[0061] External air passing from the outside of the filter unit (110) to the inside of the filter unit (110) (e.g., guide passage (101)) sequentially passes through the pre-filter (121), the dust collection filter (123), and the first, second, third, and fourth post-filters (131, 132, 133, 134), thereby removing dust and odor particles contained in the external air.

[0062] The pre-filter (121) may be formed as a thin-film mesh. The pre-filter (121) may use a thin-film mesh filter (e.g., a microfiber filter). The pre-filter (121) may be connected to or separated from the dust collection filter (123) by male / female Velcro tapes provided at each end. The pre-filter (121) may capture fine dust contained in the outside air. The pre-filter (121) may be placed upstream of the dust collection filter (123) based on the air flow direction.

[0063] The dust collection filter (123) may use a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, but is not limited thereto and various types of filters may be used. The dust collection filter (123) can capture ultrafine dust contained in air that has been primarily filtered by the pre-filter (121).

[0064] The dust collecting filter (123) may include a first molding (125) that can minimize or improve air leakage between the lower portion of the dust collecting filter (123) and the first case (150). The dust collecting filter (123) may include a second molding (127) that can minimize or improve air leakage between the upper portion of the dust collecting filter (123) and the second case (160).

[0065] The first molding (125) may be provided in a loop shape along the bottom of the dust collecting filter (123). The first molding (125) may cover the bottom of the dust collecting filter (123), the bottom of the outer surface of the dust collecting filter (123), and the bottom of the inner surface of the dust collecting filter (123), respectively. The first molding (125) may be made of a flexible material. When the dust collecting filter (123) is coupled to the first case (150), the first molding (125) may be in close contact with the first case (150). The first molding (125) may minimize or improve air leakage between the bottom of the dust collecting filter (123) and the first case (150).

[0066] The second molding (127) may be provided in a loop shape along the top of the dust collecting filter (123). The second molding (127) may cover the upper surface of the dust collecting filter (123), the upper surface of the outer surface of the dust collecting filter (123), and the upper surface of the inner surface of the dust collecting filter (123), respectively. The second molding (127) may be made of the same material as the first molding (125). When the dust collecting filter (123) is coupled to the second case (160), the second molding (127) may be in close contact with the second case (160). The second molding (127) may minimize or improve air leakage between the upper surface of the dust collecting filter (123) and the second case (160).

[0067] Referring to Table 1 below, the filter fabric applied to the dust collecting filter (123) has a dust collection efficiency of 99.98%. In this case, the particle size of the filter fabric is 0.3㎛. The dust collection efficiency of the filter assembly (100) equipped with the dust collecting filter (123) to which the filter fabric is applied is 99.97% when the first molding (125) and the second molding (127) are applied, and the dust collection efficiency is 0.01% compared to the dust collection efficiency of the filter fabric. On the other hand, the dust collection efficiency of the filter assembly (100) to which the first molding (125) and the second molding (127) are not applied is 97.86%, and the leakage rate is 2.12% compared to the dust collection efficiency of the filter fabric. Therefore, the filter assembly (100) can have a high dust collection efficiency due to the first molding (125) and the second molding (127).

[0068] Classification: Urethane molding, with or without dust collection efficiency [%, @0.3㎛], filter fabric 99.98%, 99.98%, filter assembly 99.97%, 97.86%, leakage rate 0.01%, 2.21%

[0069] The filter assembly (100) can improve the filter dust collection efficiency by minimizing or reducing air leakage as the first molding (125) and the second molding (127) of the dust collection filter (123) are in close contact with the first case (150) and the second case (160). The dust collection filter (123) can be easily separated from the first case (150) and the second case (160) by the first molding (125) and the second molding (127).

[0070] The first molding (125) and the second molding (127) may be made of a material (e.g., urethane resin) that has flexibility and a certain strength. The dust collecting filter (123) can maintain a three-dimensional shape due to the strength of the first molding (125) and the second molding (127) when not coupled to the first case (150) and the second case (160). When the force that squeezes the dust collecting filter (123) exceeds the strength of the first molding (125) and the second molding (127), the first molding (125) and the second molding (127) can be easily deformed. The used dust collecting filter (123) can be discarded in a reduced volume state by being easily squeezed.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 6, the first, second, third, and fourth post-filters (131, 132, 133, 134) may include activated carbon. The first, second, third, and fourth post-filters (131, 132, 133, 134) may be positioned downstream of the dust collecting filter (123) based on the air flow direction. The first, second, third, and fourth post-filters (131, 132, 133, 134) may adsorb and filter out odor particles or gas particles contained in air that has been secondarily filtered by the dust collecting filter (123).

[0072] The first, second, third, and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134) may be configured to have the same size. The first, second, third, and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134) may be arranged to correspond to the four inner sides of the dust collection filter (123), respectively.

[0073] The lower and upper ends of the first, second, third, and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134) may be configured to be detachably fastened to the first case (150) and the second case (160), respectively. The fastening structure between the first, second, third, and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134) and the first case (150) and the second case (160) is described below.

[0074] The filter unit (110) according to various embodiments includes a plurality of first, second, third, and fourth post-filters (131, 132, 133, 134), but is not limited thereto. For example, the post-filter may be formed in a single square cylinder shape. In addition, when the dust collection filter (123) is formed in a cylindrical shape, the post-filter may be formed in a cylindrical shape to correspond to the shape of the dust collection filter (123).

[0075] The filter unit (110) according to various embodiments may be configured to omit the pre-filter (121) and include a dust collection filter (123) and first, second, third and fourth post-filters (131, 132, 133, 134).

[0076] Hereinafter, a method of forming a first molding (125) at the bottom of a dust collection filter (123) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0077] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing an example of applying a two-component urethane adhesive to a first case of a filter assembly according to various embodiments. Fig. 8 is a drawing showing an example of temporarily bonding a dust collection filter to a first case of a filter assembly according to various embodiments. Fig. 9 is an enlarged view showing a portion of a dust collection filter according to various embodiments.

[0078] Referring to Fig. 7, a urethane adhesive (e.g., a two-component urethane adhesive) (125a) is applied to the first joining groove (153) of the first case (150) into which the lower portion of the dust collection filter (123) is inserted. The two-component urethane adhesive (125a) includes a main agent and a curing agent, and the main agent and the curing agent can be cured by a chemical reaction with each other. The two-component urethane adhesive (125a) is maintained in a liquid state before being cured.

[0079] The lower end (123a) of the dust collecting filter (123) is pushed into the first joining groove (153) of the first case (150) to which the two-component urethane adhesive (125a) is applied. The dust collecting filter (123) can be configured to have a roughly square shape by folding the filter paper in a zigzag pattern. The two-component urethane adhesive (125a) can be introduced into the lower end (123a) of the dust collecting filter (123) to a predetermined height when the first joining groove (153) of the first case (150) is inserted into the lower end (123a) of the dust collecting filter (123).

[0080] Referring to Fig. 8, the dust collecting filter (123) is placed with the lower end of the dust collecting filter (123) inserted into the first joining groove (153) of the first case (150) while the two-component urethane adhesive (125a) is curing. The lower end (123a) of the dust collecting filter (123) can be temporarily bonded to the first case (150) by the two-component urethane adhesive (125a).

[0081] The two-component urethane adhesive (125a) can become a first molding (125) that is bonded to the bottom of the dust collecting filter (123) after curing. The cured first molding (125) can be firmly attached to the bottom of the dust collecting filter (123). The first molding (125) may not have high hardness and may have flexibility that allows it to be easily bent or stretched.

[0082] Referring to Fig. 9, the first molding (125) can be maintained in a shape corresponding to the first joining groove (153) of the first case (150). The first molding (125) can have a predetermined thickness (t).

[0083] After forming the first molding (125) at the bottom of the dust collecting filter (123), the second molding (127) can be formed at the top of the dust collecting filter (123) by a method substantially the same as the method of forming the first molding (125). In the process of forming the first molding (125) and the second molding (127) at the bottom and top of the dust collecting filter (123), respectively, the dust collecting filter (123) can be temporarily bonded to the first case (150) and the second case (160).

[0084] The first case (150) and the second case (160) may be formed of a material that can be easily separated from the first molding (125) and the second molding (127) of the dust collection filter (123). When the first molding (125) and the second molding (127) are formed of a urethane resin, the first case (150) and the second case (160) may be formed of a material that does not form an ionic bond or a covalent bond with the first molding (125) and the second molding (127). For example, the first case (150) and the second case (160) may be formed of a non-polar polymer resin having a surface energy of about 33 dynes / cm or less. For example, the polymer resin may be polyolefin. The polyolefin-based polymer resin may include polypropylene and polyethylene. Polypropylene and polyethylene are chemically stable, durable, lightweight, easy to process, and inexpensive. Polypropylene has a surface energy of approximately 29–31 dynes / cm. Polyethylene has a surface energy of approximately 30–31 dynes / cm.

[0085] The first case (150) and the second case (160) may be configured by mixing polypropylene and a strength-reinforcing material to reinforce strength. The strength-reinforcing material may be configured by at least one of talc, glass fiber, and carbon black. For example, the first case (150) and the second case (160) may each be configured by mixing 80% polypropylene and 20% talc. Additionally, the first case (150) and the second case (160) may each be configured by mixing 80% polypropylene, 10% talc, and 10% glass fiber.

[0086] Since the first case (150) and the second case (160) are made of a material with low surface energy, they can be easily separated from the first molding (125) and the second molding (127) while in a bonded state.

[0087] In the present disclosure, the first case (150) and the second case (160) are described as examples of being used as jigs for forming the first molding (125) and the second molding (127), but are not limited thereto. For example, the first molding (125) provided at the lower end of the dust collecting filter (123) may be formed by a separate jig having a groove formed on one surface thereof with a shape substantially identical to the first joining groove (153) of the first case (150). In this case, the jig may be made of a material having low surface energy (e.g., about 33 dynes / cm or less) so that the first molding (125) can be easily separated from the groove of the jig after being hardened.

[0088] Fig. 10 is a plan view showing a first case of a filter assembly according to various embodiments. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' shown in Fig. 10.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 10, the first case (150) may include a first joining groove (153) to which the lower end of the filter unit (110) is joined, and a second joining groove (155) to which the lower end of the first, second, third, and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134) is joined.

[0090] The first coupling groove (153) of the first case (150) may be formed in a loop shape along the upper surface of the first case (150). The first coupling groove (153) of the first case (150) may be formed by a first rib (152a) and a second rib (152b) that protrude to a predetermined height from the upper surface of the first case (150). The height of the first rib (152a) and the second rib (152b) may be approximately greater than the thickness (t, see FIG. 9) of the first molding (125).

[0091] The first coupling groove (153) of the first case (150) may be configured to correspond to the lower end of the dust collection filter (123). For example, if the dust collection filter (123) has a square shape, the first coupling groove (153) of the first case (150) may be formed in an approximately square shape.

[0092] Referring to Fig. 11, the first coupling groove (153) of the first case (150) can be inserted into the lower end of the dust collection filter (123). The first molding (125) provided at the lower end of the dust collection filter (123) can be closely fitted to the first coupling groove (153) of the first case (150). Accordingly, air leakage between the upper end of the dust collection filter (123) and the second case (160) can be minimized or improved.

[0093] In order to increase the detachability between the first molding (125) and the first coupling groove (153) of the first case (150), the first coupling groove (153) of the first case (150) may be configured to have a low surface roughness. For example, the first case (150) may be manufactured by injection molding. In this case, a plurality of unevennesses may be formed on the surface of the first coupling groove (153) of the first case (150) depending on the quality of the mold. The plurality of unevennesses may strengthen the adhesiveness between the first molding (125) of the dust collection filter (123) and the first coupling groove (153) of the first case (150), thereby reducing the detachability. Therefore, the surface of the first coupling groove (153) of the first case (150) may be smoothed by lapping processing (e.g., #3000 lapping processing).

[0094] The first case (150) may be subjected to wrapping processing only in the first joining groove (153) where the first molding (125) is in close contact, but is not limited thereto. For example, if a number of unevennesses are formed throughout the first case (150) due to low quality of the mold for injecting the first case (150), wrapping processing may be performed on the entire first case (150).

[0095] The second coupling groove (155) of the first case (150) may be provided on the upper surface of the first case (150) in a loop shape along the first coupling groove (153) of the first case (150). The second coupling groove (155) of the first case (150) may be positioned closer to the center of the first case (150) than the first coupling groove (153). The second coupling groove (155) of the first case (150) may be formed by the second rib (152b) and the third rib (152c). The second rib (152b) may be a configuration commonly used to form the first coupling groove (153) and the second coupling groove (155). The lower portions of the first, second, third, and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134) can be inserted into the second joining groove (155) of the first case (150), respectively.

[0096] Referring to Fig. 10, the first case (150) may be provided with handles (157) at each of the four corners. Each of the plurality of handles (157) may be provided with a gripping jaw (157a) to allow the end of a finger to be caught.

[0097] The user can easily separate the first case (150) from the bottom of the first, second, third and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134) by pulling one of the plurality of handles (157) away from the bottom of the first, second, third and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134).

[0098] The second case (160) may have substantially the same structure as the first case (150). For example, the second case (160) may have a third joining groove into which the upper end of the dust collection filter (123) is inserted and which is in close contact with the second molding (127). The surface of the third joining groove of the second case (160) may be smoothed through wrapping processing to improve detachability from the second molding (127). The second case (160) may have a fourth joining groove into which the upper ends of the first, second, third, and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134) are inserted, respectively.

[0099] When combining the first case (150) and the second case (160) to the dust collection filter (123), the first coupling groove (153) of the first case (150) and the third coupling groove of the second case (160) may be arranged to face each other. The second coupling groove (155) of the first case (150) and the fourth coupling groove of the second case (160) may be arranged to face each other.

[0100] The second case (160) may be provided with handles at each of the four corners. The second case (160) may be separated from the upper portions of the first, second, third, and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134) by pulling the plurality of handles away from the upper portions of the first, second, third, and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134).

[0101] Hereinafter, the structure of the filter assembly (100) for fastening between the first, second, third and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134) of the filter unit (110) and the first and cases (150, 160) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0102] Fig. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a first case of a filter assembly according to various embodiments. Fig. 13 is a side view illustrating an example in which a plurality of post filters are combined in the first case and the second case of a filter assembly according to various embodiments.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the fastening structure of the filter assembly (100) may include a plurality of first hooks (158) and a plurality of second hooks (159) provided in the first case (150), and a plurality of first hooks (138) and a plurality of second hooks (139) provided at the lower ends of the first, second, third, and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134), respectively. The plurality of first hooks (138) may be detachably fastened to fastening holes (158a) of the plurality of first hooks (158) of the first case (150). The plurality of second hooks (139) may be detachably fastened to fastening holes (159a) of the plurality of second hooks (159) of the first case (150).

[0104] In addition, the fastening structure of the filter assembly (100) may include a plurality of third hooks (168) and a plurality of fourth hooks (169) provided in the second case (160), and a plurality of third hooks (138-1) and a plurality of fourth hooks (139-1) provided at the upper ends of the first, second, third, and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134), respectively. The plurality of third hooks (138-1) may be detachably fastened to the plurality of third hooks (168) of the second case (160). The plurality of fourth hooks (139-1) may be detachably fastened to the plurality of fourth hooks (169) of the second case (160).

[0105] The fastening structure between the second case (160) and the first, second, third and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134) is substantially the same as the fastening structure between the first case (150) and the first, second, third and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134). Therefore, the fastening structure between the first case (150) and the first, second, third and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134) will be described in detail below.

[0106] A plurality of first catches (158) of the first case (150) may extend to the edge of the second rib (152b) in the same direction as the protrusion direction of the second rib (152b) at regular intervals. For example, the plurality of first catches (158) may be positioned to correspond to the center of the front, rear, left side, and right side of the first case (150). In this case, the number of the plurality of first catches (158) of the first case (150) may be four.

[0107] The plurality of first hooks (158) of the first case (150) may correspond to the plurality of first hooks (138) provided one at each of the lower ends of the first, second, third, and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134). The plurality of first hooks (158) of the first case (150) may include fastening holes (158a) to which the plurality of first hooks (138) of the first, second, third, and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134) are fastened, respectively.

[0108] A plurality of second catches (159) of the first case (150) may extend to the edge of the second rib (152b) in the same direction as the protruding direction of the second rib (152b). The plurality of second catches (159) of the first case (150) may be positioned adjacent to each of the four corners of the first case (150).

[0109] For example, as shown in FIG. 12, one second engaging portion (159-1) among the plurality of second engaging portions (159) of the first case (150) may be positioned at a position that is deflected at a first angle (C1) with respect to an imaginary first straight line (B1) crossing the facing edges of the first case (150). Another second engaging portion (159-2) among the plurality of second engaging portions (159) may be positioned at a position that is orthogonal to the imaginary first straight line (B1) and deflected at a second angle (C2) with respect to an imaginary second straight line (B2) crossing the facing edges of the first case (150). The first angle (C1) and the second angle (C2) may be substantially the same.

[0110] The two second catches (159-1, 159-2) arranged on both sides of the first catch (158-1) may be arranged closer to the first catch (158-1) than the other adjacent first catches (158-2, 158-3). The remaining two second catches (159-3, 159-4) may be arranged symmetrically to the two second catches (159-1, 159-2).

[0111] The first case (150) and the second case (160) can be fastened to the lower and upper portions of the first, second, third and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134) so ​​that the plurality of second catches (159) of the first case (150) and the plurality of fourth catches (169) of the second case (160) are symmetrical to each other, as shown in FIG. 13. In this case, the plurality of first and second catches (158, 159) of the first case (150) are fastened to the plurality of first and second hooks (138, 139) provided at the lower portions of the first, second, third and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134). Additionally, a plurality of third and fourth hooks (168, 169) of the second case (160) are fastened to a plurality of third and fourth hooks (138-1, 139-1) provided on the upper portions of the first, second, third and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134).

[0112] In this way, by means of a fastening structure in which a plurality of first and second catch portions (158, 159) of the first case (150) and a plurality of third and fourth catch portions (168, 169) of the second case (160) are configured symmetrically with each other, even if the upper and lower portions of the first, second, third and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134) are twisted in opposite directions around the Z-axis, the fastening between the first, second, third and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134) and the first and second cases (150, 160) is not easily separated. Therefore, the first, second, third and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134) and the first and second cases (150, 160) can be firmly coupled to each other. The dust collecting filter (123) having flexibility can stably maintain a square shape by the above-mentioned fastening structure.

[0113] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an example of separating the first case (150) from the lower end of the first, second, third and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134) will be described in detail.

[0114] Fig. 14 is an enlarged view showing a structure in which a fourth post filter and a first case of a filter assembly according to various embodiments are mutually connected. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing an example in which the first case is separated from the filter section of a filter assembly according to various embodiments.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 14, the handle (157) of the first case (150) is pulled away from the bottom of the first, second, third, and fourth post filters (131, 132, 133, 134). The second catch (159) adjacent to the handle (157) of the first case (150) can be pulled in the direction in which the handle (157) is pulled.

[0116] In this case, the left part (159b) of the second hook (159) adjacent to the edge of the first case (150) moves in the direction in which the handle (157) is pulled before the right part (159c) of the second hook (159). The second hook (139) can be separated from the fastening hole (159a) of the second hook (159) of the fourth post filter (134) adjacent to the edge of the first case (150) after the left part (139a) of the second hook (139) of the fourth post filter (134) adjacent to the edge of the first case (150) is separated from the fastening hole (159a) of the second hook (139) before the right part (139b) of the second hook (139). Then, the right part (139b) of the second hook (139) can be separated from the fastening hole (159a) of the second hook (139).

[0117] In this way, the second hook (139) of the fourth post filter (134) connected to the second hook (159) of the first case (150) and the second hook (139) of the fourth post filter (134) can be easily separated by the structure in which the second hook (159) of the first case (150) and the second hook (139) of the fourth post filter (134) are arranged to be biased to one side from the center of the edge of the first case (150) (e.g., the imaginary first straight line (B1)).

[0118] In the same way, if the remaining handles (157) of the first case (150) are pulled in a direction away from the first, second, and third post filters (131, 132, 133), the first case (150) can be easily separated from the filter unit (110) without effort, as shown in FIG. 15. The second case (160) can be easily separated from the upper portion of the filter unit (110) in the same way as the method of separating the first case (150) from the lower portion of the filter unit (110).

[0119] The used filter assembly (100) separates the filter part (110) from the first case (150) and the second case (160) and discharges it.

[0120] While the present disclosure has been illustrated and described above with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, it should be understood that all embodiments described herein can be used in combination with all other embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. In the filter assembly, A filter section including a filter; A first case coupled to the lower part of the above filter unit; and A second case coupled to the upper part of the filter unit; The above filter part, A first molding provided at the bottom of the filter portion and in contact with the first case; and A second molding provided on the upper part of the filter section and in contact with the second case; Each of the above first case and the above second case, A filter assembly comprising a non-polar polymer material.

2. In paragraph 1, Each of the first molding and the second molding, A filter assembly comprising a urethane resin.

3. In paragraph 2, The above urethane resin, A filter assembly formed by curing a two-component curable urethane adhesive.

4. In paragraph 1, The above non-polar polymer material is, A filter assembly having a surface energy of 33 dynes / cm or less.

5. In paragraph 1, The first case above is, The surface of the first case in contact with the first molding is formed by wrapping processing, The second case above is, A filter assembly, wherein the surface of the second case in contact with the second molding is formed by wrapping processing.

6. In paragraph 4, Each of the above first case and the above second case, A filter assembly comprising polypropylene or polyethylene.

7. In paragraph 4, Each of the above first case and the above second case, Contains strength-reinforcing material in polypropylene or polyethylene, The above strength reinforcing material is, A filter assembly comprising at least one of talc, glass fiber and carbon black.

8. In paragraph 1, It further includes a fastening structure including a fastening member configured to detachably fasten the lower part of the filter part and the first case and to detachably fasten the upper part of the filter part and the second case. The above filter part, A first filter having a tubular shape and having the first molding joined along the bottom and the second molding joined along the top; and A second filter provided on the inside of the first filter; The above-mentioned fastening structure is, A plurality of first hooks provided along the bottom of the second filter; A plurality of second hooks provided along the top of the second filter; A plurality of first hooks provided in the first case and having fastening holes configured to fasten the plurality of first hooks; and A filter assembly comprising a plurality of second hooks provided in the second case and having fastening holes configured to fasten the plurality of second hooks.

9. In paragraph 8, Each of the above first case and the above second case, It has a square loop shape, At least one of the plurality of first catches is arranged to be deflected at a certain angle from an imaginary first straight line passing through two opposing corners of the first case, A filter assembly, wherein at least one of the plurality of second catches is positioned at a constant angle from an imaginary second straight line passing through two opposing edges of the second case.

10. In paragraph 9, A filter assembly, wherein a first catch portion deflected from the first virtual straight line and a second catch portion deflected from the second virtual straight line are configured to be respectively fastened to the second filter so as to face each other.

11. In paragraph 9, The spacing between the plurality of first catches arranged on the first side of the first case and the spacing between the plurality of first catches arranged on the second side adjacent to the first side of the first case are different, A filter assembly, wherein the spacing between the plurality of second catches arranged on the first side of the second case is different from the spacing between the plurality of second catches arranged on the second side adjacent to the first side of the second case.

12. In paragraph 9, The first case above is, Further comprising a plurality of first handles provided at each corner of the first case, The second case above is, Further comprising a plurality of second handles provided at each corner of the second case, The above second filter is, A filter assembly comprising a plurality of post filters arranged continuously along the inner surface of the first filter.

13. In paragraph 9, The first case above is, A first joining groove having a loop shape and configured to have the first molding inserted therein; and A second joining groove formed along one side of the first joining groove and configured to have the lower end of the second filter inserted therein; The second case above is, a third joining groove having a loop shape and configured to insert the second molding; and A filter assembly comprising a fourth joining groove formed along one side of the third joining groove and configured to have the upper end of the second filter inserted therein.

14. In paragraph 9, The above first filter is composed of a dust collection filter, The above second filter is composed of a deodorizing filter, The above filter part, Further comprising a third filter surrounding the first filter, A filter assembly, wherein the third filter is composed of a microfiber filter having a mesh shape.

15. In air purifiers, A body including a receiving space and a discharge space separated from the receiving space; A blower fan disposed between the receiving space and the discharge space, configured to suck outside air into the receiving space and discharge it to the outside of the main body through the discharge space; and A filter assembly including a filter that is retractably inserted into the receiving space of the main body and configured to purify external air introduced into the receiving space; The above filter assembly, A cylindrical filter member comprising a first molding made of urethane resin along the bottom and a second molding made of urethane resin along the top; A first case configured to support the lower end of the filter portion while being in close contact with the first molding; A second case configured to support the upper portion of the filter portion in close contact with the second molding; and A fastening structure including a fastening member configured to fasten the lower part of the filter part and the first case and to fasten the upper part of the filter part and the second case; Each of the above first case and the above second case, Contains non-polar polymer materials, The above non-polar polymer material is, An air purifier having a surface energy of 33 dynes / cm or less.

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