Air purifier

Abstract

This air purifier comprises: an air purification unit for filtering external air introduced from the outside to discharge filtered air; a heater unit for heating water to provide hot water; and a humidification unit having a humidification module for vaporizing the hot water provided from the heater unit to form water vaper, thereby providing humidified air, wherein the humidification unit is disposed below the heater unit to enable the hot water to freely fall from the heater unit by gravity of the hot water so that the hot water is introduced into the humidification unit.

Description

air purifier

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

[0002] Typically, an air purifier is a device that draws in polluted indoor air, filters it, and purifies it by removing dust, odor particles, and other contaminants. These air purifiers purify indoor air by drawing in polluted air from the surrounding environment, purifying it, and then expelling the purified air outside.

[0003] Such air purifiers may include an inlet for drawing air inside, a filter for filtering out dust and odor particles contained in the air drawn inside, and one or more outlets for discharging air filtered from the filter.

[0004] As air purifier technology advances, the demand for air purifiers that not only filter the air but also have heating or humidifying functions without taking up much indoor space has increased.

[0005] In this regard, the applicant's patent publication No. 10-0804306 entitled "Air purifier capable of humidifying and cooling / heating" (hereinafter, patent document 1) discloses a technology that adds a function of heating and humidifying air while filtering it. Patent document 1 discloses an air purifier including an intake port for introducing outside air, a filtering means for filtering the air introduced from the intake port, a water tank for storing water, a thermostatic and dehumidifying means installed at the intake port for controlling at least one of the temperature and humidity of the air introduced from the intake port, a temperature and humidity converting means for changing the temperature and humidity of the air passing through the thermostatic and dehumidifying means, and a blower for providing a blowing force so that the air passing through the thermostatic and dehumidifying means is supplied to the temperature and humidity converting means.

[0006] However, the air purifier of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the water stored in the water tank is not sterilized, so the humidified air is provided to the user with bacteria in it. In other words, Patent Document 1 simply heats the air sucked in through the intake port, and does not disclose any idea of ​​heating the water for humidification, so there is a problem in that the water is not recognized at all as being sterilized before being humidified. Furthermore, the air purifier of Patent Document 1 does not disclose a structure for detaching the humidifying module, so there is no recognition at all of the convenience provided to the user by easily detaching the humidifying module. Therefore, air purifiers such as Patent Document 1 have the problem of inconvenience every time the water tank is cleaned or the humidifying member is removed.

[0007] In addition, the applicant's patent publication No. 10-2015-0070004 entitled "Biosensor and air purifier having the same" (hereinafter, "Patent Document 2") discloses a technology that provides a humidifying function while filtering the air and has an added function capable of detecting bacteria contained in the air. Patent Document 2 discloses an air purifier that includes a biosensor capable of measuring the concentration of bacteria in indoor air, a sterilizing unit that sterilizes air, and a blower unit that circulates the introduced air.

[0008] However, the air purifier of Patent Document 2 discloses a sterilizing unit that can sterilize bacteria contained in the air by irradiating light, thereby attempting to sterilize the filtered air, but has a problem in that it cannot secure a light irradiation time long enough to sterilize bacteria in the flowing filtered air. In addition, the air purifier of Patent Document 2 does not disclose a structure for detaching the humidifying module, so there is no recognition at all of the convenience provided to the user by easily detaching the humidifying module. Therefore, air purifiers such as Patent Document 1 have the problem of inconvenience every time the tank is cleaned or the humidifying member is removed.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a growing need for an air purifier that can provide filtered air and humidified air free of bacteria without taking up much space, while also having a structure that allows for easy removal of the humidifying module.

[0010] (Prior art literature)

[0011] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-0804306 (published on February 11, 2008)

[0012] (Patent Document 2) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0070004 (published on June 24, 2015)

[0013] One embodiment of the present invention was invented against the background described above, and aims to provide an air purifier in which a heater part is arranged above a humidifying part, thereby moving heated and sterilized water to a humidifying part without additional power to provide humidified air.

[0014] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention provides an air purifier in which components positioned above the humidifying module are formed to move in the vertical direction, thereby making it easy to remove the humidifying module.

[0015] An air purifier according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an air purifier for filtering external air drawn in from the outside and discharging the filtered air; a heater for heating water to provide hot water; and a humidifier for providing humidified air by vaporizing the hot water provided from the heater to form water vapor, wherein the humidifier is disposed below the heater so that the hot water flows into the humidifier by freely falling from the heater due to gravity of the hot water.

[0016] Additionally, a pump for pressurizing the hot water into the humidifier may be omitted between the humidifier and the heater.

[0017] In addition, the heater part is configured to be placed in an open state or a covering state by moving up and down with respect to the humidifying module, and in the covering state, the heater part is moved to the lowest side so that the upper side of the humidifying module is covered, so that the heater part is placed closest to the humidifying module, and in the open state, the heater part is moved higher than the covering state so that the upper side of the humidifying module can be exposed to the outside.

[0018] In addition, the humidifying unit may further include a humidifying unit body that is positioned lower than the heater unit and supports the humidifying module, and the humidifying module may be configured to be selectively detachable from the humidifying unit body when in the open state and to have its movement with respect to the humidifying unit body restricted when in the covering state.

[0019] Additionally, the humidifying module may be configured to move in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction when in the open state.

[0020] In addition, the humidifying module may include a humidifying storage unit that stores the hot water to be humidified; an ultrasonic unit that is disposed in the humidifying storage unit and vaporizes at least a portion of the water; and a humidifying sensor unit that senses the water level or temperature of the hot water stored in the humidifying storage unit.

[0021] In addition, the above-mentioned humidity sensor unit is provided in a plurality, and one of the plurality of humidity sensor units may extend toward the inside of the humidity storage unit, and another of the plurality of humidity sensor units may extend toward the bottom surface of the humidity storage unit.

[0022] In addition, the humidifier may further include a movement limiting unit configured to limit the heater unit from moving downward regardless of the distance moved upward from the covering state when in the open state.

[0023] Additionally, the movement restriction unit may be placed at a position symmetrical to the humidifying module with respect to the center of the air purifier.

[0024] In addition, the movement restriction unit may include a support body; and an elastic member that is wound around the support body and provides upward elastic force to the heater unit when the heater unit is switched from the covering state to the open state.

[0025] In addition, the humidifying unit may further include a through-hole for guiding the humidified air provided from the humidifying module to the outside, and the heater unit may be arranged to surround the through-hole.

[0026] In addition, the humidifier further includes a humidifier body that is arranged on the lower side of the heater part and accommodates the humidifier module therein; and a guide column that has a shape extending in the vertical direction from the lower side of the heater part, and the humidifier body includes a moving channel configured such that one side is open to the outside and is inserted into the guide column, and the guide column can guide the heater part to move in the vertical direction by sliding relative to the moving channel.

[0027] In addition, the guide column includes a second guide column that is arranged adjacent to the movement restriction unit and guides the heater unit to be in the open state or the covering state, and the second guide column may be formed with a guide engaging groove that provides a space for at least a part of the movement restriction unit to be connected.

[0028] An air purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention has a heater section positioned above a humidifying section, so that heated and sterilized water can be moved to the humidifying section without additional power to provide humidified air.

[0029] In addition, an air purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed so that parts positioned above the humidifying module can move in the vertical direction, thereby making it easy to remove the humidifying module.

[0030] In addition, an air purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured so that the direction in which the humidifying module moves for removal and the direction in which parts positioned above the humidifying module move for exposing the humidifying module to the outside are different from each other, thereby making it easier to remove the humidifying module.

[0031] In addition, an air purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention has an effect in that the humidifying module includes a plurality of sensors, so that when the humidifying module is removed, the plurality of sensors can also be removed.

[0032] In addition, the air purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention has an effect in that the humidifying module can be maintained in a state of being exposed to the outside even when the user holds it or does not apply external force.

[0033] In addition, the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention has an effect in which movement of the heater unit can be guided by a guide column.

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an air purifier according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the air purifier of Fig. 1 showing the heater unit of the air purifier in a covered state.

[0036] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the air purifier of Fig. 1 showing the heater section of the air purifier in the open state.

[0037] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the humidifier section taken along the IV-IV cut line when the heater section of the air purifier of Fig. 1 is in an open state.

[0038] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 4.

[0039] Fig. 6 shows a cross-section of the heater section of the air purifier illustrated in Fig. 4 when it is switched to a covering state. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of part B of Fig. 6.

[0040] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the humidifying module of the air purifier of Figure 1 being removed.

[0041] Hereinafter, specific embodiments for implementing the technical idea of ​​the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0042] In addition, when explaining the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0043] Additionally, when it is said that a component is 'inflowing into', 'provided to', or 'discharged into' another component, it should be understood that it may be directly inflowing into, provided to, or discharged from that other component, but there may also be other components present in between.

[0044] The terminology used herein is intended solely to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0045] Additionally, please note that the terms "top," "bottom," and "side" in this specification are based on the illustrations in the drawings and may be expressed differently if the orientation of the subject changes. For the same reason, some components in the attached drawings are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted, and the sizes of each component do not fully reflect the actual size.

[0046] Additionally, terms that include ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by such terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0047] The term "comprising" as used in the specification means specifying a particular characteristic, region, integer, step, operation, element and / or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of other particular characteristics, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups.

[0048] Hereinafter, a specific configuration of an air purifier (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an air purifier (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can provide filtered air by filtering dust, odor particles, etc. of air introduced into the interior, thereby filtering the air cleanly. The air purifier (1) can provide humidified air by vaporizing water to form water vapor and humidifying the filtered air. In addition, the air purifier (1) may not include a pump that pressurizes hot water into the humidifier between the humidifier and the heater. The air purifier (1) may include a humidifier (100), a heater (200), an air purifier (300), a fan unit (400), a head (500), a base (600), and a controller (700).

[0050] The humidifier (100) can store water and vaporize the stored water into water vapor to provide humidified air to the outside. This humidifier (100) can be positioned above the air purifier (300). In addition, the humidifier (100) can include a first cover (110), a tank (120), a first discharge port (130), a water purification filter module (140), and a humidifier module (150).

[0051] The first cover (110) may form the exterior of the air purifier (1). This first cover (110) may have a shape extending vertically. In addition, the first cover (110) may be formed such that the diameter size in the horizontal direction becomes smaller as it goes upward. The first cover (110) may include a first cover body (111) and a first slit groove (112).

[0052] The first cover body (111) can provide a space in which a tank (120) can be accommodated and a space in which humidified air can flow. The first cover body (111) can have a tapered shape such that the diameter in the horizontal direction becomes smaller as it goes upward.

[0053] The first slit groove (112) may have a shape recessed into the outer surface of the first cover body (111) to form an exterior appearance. This first slit groove (112) may extend in the vertical direction. In addition, the first slit groove (112) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple first slit grooves (112) may have a width smaller than the width of the second discharge port (350) in the horizontal direction. The multiple first slit grooves (112) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the first discharge port (130). The multiple first slit grooves (112) may be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals.

[0054] The tank (120) can provide a space for receiving water. This tank (120) can store water supplied from an external source. In addition, the tank (120) can be formed to surround a passage through which humidified air flows upward. The tank (120) can be placed above the water purification filter module (140).

[0055] The first discharge port (130) can discharge humidified air to the outside. This first discharge port (130) can be formed between the first cover (110) and the head body (510). In other words, the first discharge port (130) can be formed such that the upper circumferential surface of the first cover (110) and the outer circumferential surface of the head body (510) are spaced apart from each other. In addition, the first discharge port (130) can be formed to surround the head unit (500) in the circumferential direction. The first discharge port (130) can be formed toward the upper side of the air purifier (1).

[0056] The water purification filter module (140) can filter water introduced from the outside to provide purified water. This water purification filter module (140) can be placed on the lower side of the tank (120) and on the upper side of the humidification module (150). In addition, the water purification filter module (140) can include a water purification filter body (141), a water purification filter storage unit (142), and a water purification filter (143).

[0057] The water purifier body (141) can support the water purifier filter (143). One side of the water purifier body (141) can be connected to the tank (120), and the other side can be connected to the heater unit (200). In other words, water flowing into the water purifier body (141) from the tank (120) can be discharged to the heater unit (200).

[0058] The water filter storage unit (142) may be a space that accommodates water, purified water, and a water filter (143) that have entered the water filter body (141). In other words, the water filter storage unit (142) may be a space inside the water filter body (141). In addition, the water filter storage unit (142) may be formed to surround a through-hole (180) through which humidified air flows upward.

[0059] The water purifier (143) can filter water supplied from the outside and provide purified water to the heater unit (200). This water purifier (143) can be placed within the water purifier body (141) so as to be accommodated in the water purifier storage unit (142). In addition, the water purifier (143) can be formed to surround the through-hole (180) through which humidified air flows upward.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 8, the humidifying module (150) can provide humidified air by vaporizing water to form water vapor. This humidifying module (150) can provide humidified air to the outside so that filtered air discharged to the outside from the air purifying unit (300) can be humidified. In addition, the humidifying module (150) can be placed inside the first cover (110). The humidifying module (150) can be supported on the humidifying unit body (154). This humidifying module (150) can be selectively detached from the humidifying unit body (154) when the heater unit (200) is in an open state as described later, and can be configured so that movement with respect to the humidifying unit body (154) is restricted when the heater unit (200) is in a covering state as described later. Additionally, the humidifying module (150) may be configured to slide in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction when the heater unit (200) is in an open state. The humidifying module (150) may include an ultrasonic unit (151), a humidifying sensor unit (152), and a humidifying storage unit (153).

[0061] The ultrasonic unit (151) is placed in the humidifying storage unit (153) and can vibrate the water stored in the ultrasonic unit (151) so that the water is vaporized. The ultrasonic unit (151) can change the state of the water into water vapor by vibrating. In addition, the ultrasonic unit (151) can be placed on the lower side of the humidifying storage unit (153).

[0062] The humidity sensor unit (152) can sense the water level or temperature of hot water stored in the humidity storage unit (153). A plurality of such humidity sensor units (152) may be provided. One of the plurality of humidity sensor units (152) may be formed to face the inside of the humidity storage unit (153). In addition, another of the plurality of humidity sensor units (152) may be formed to face the bottom surface of the humidity storage unit (153). The lengths of each of the plurality of humidity sensor units (152) may be provided differently.

[0063] The humidification storage unit (153) can store hot water to be humidified. This humidification storage unit (153) can form the outer shape of the humidification module (150). In addition, a humidification sensor unit (152) can be arranged on one surface of the humidification storage unit (153).

[0064] The humidifier body (154) can support the humidifier module (150). This humidifier body (154) can be positioned lower than the heater unit (200). In addition, the upper surface of the humidifier body (154) can be exposed to the outside when the heater unit (200) is in an open state. A moving channel (154a) can be formed in this humidifier body (154).

[0065] A moving channel (154a) may be formed in the humidifier body (154) so ​​that a guide column (170) may be inserted. This moving channel (154a) may guide the vertical movement of the guide column (170). In addition, one side of the moving channel (154a) may be opened to the outside.

[0066] The movement restriction unit (160) can restrict downward movement of the heater unit (200) by maintaining the heater unit (200) in a stationary state when the heater unit (200) is in an open state. This movement restriction unit (160) can restrict downward movement of the heater unit (200) by maintaining the heater unit (200) in a stationary state regardless of the distance moved upward from the covering state when the heater unit (200) is in an open state. In addition, the movement restriction unit (160) can be arranged at a position symmetrical with respect to the humidifying module (150) with respect to the center of the air purifier (1). For example, the movement restriction unit (160) can be configured to include a static load spring. The movement restriction unit (160) can include a support body (161), an elastic member (162), a moving member (163), and a catch member (164).

[0067] The support body (161) can support an elastic member (162). This support body (161) is a constant-load spring configured to allow the elastic member (162) to be wound, and can provide a space that can be accommodated inside when the elastic member (162) is wound.

[0068] The elastic member (162) can provide elasticity to the guide column (170) so that the heater unit (200) is wound around the support body (161) when the heater unit (200) is switched from the covering state to the open state. The elastic member (162) can provide elasticity so that the heater unit (200) can be maintained in the open state even when the user does not hold it or apply an external force when the heater unit (200) is placed in the open state. The elastic member (162) can be, for example, a constant-load spring. When the elastic member (162) is configured as a constant-load spring, it can apply elasticity to the guide column (170) so that the heater unit (200) can withstand the load of the components applied in the direction in which the heater unit (200) moves to the covering state when the heater unit (200) is placed in the open state. When the heater unit (200) is placed in an open state, the direction of the elastic force applied by the elastic member (162) may be the direction in which the heater unit (200) receives an upward force. In addition, the elastic member (162) may be connected to the moving member (163) and may move up and down together with the moving member (163).

[0069] The moving member (163) can be supported on the humidifying module (150) so as to be able to move up and down by being connected to the end of the elastic member (162). As the moving member (163) moves up and down, the end of the elastic member (162) can slide up and down. The moving member (163) can be connected to the engaging member (164) so ​​as to move up and down together with the second guide column (170) when the heater unit (200) is switched from an open state to a covering state or from a covering state to an open state. In addition, a moving member engaging groove (163a) can be formed on the moving member (163).

[0070] A catch piece (164) can be engaged in the moving piece engaging groove (163a) so that the moving piece (163) and the second guide column (170) are connected. This moving piece engaging groove (163a) may be a groove formed in the moving piece (163) in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the second guide column (172) described later moves.

[0071] The hook (164) can connect the moving piece (163) and the second guide column (172). The hook (164) can be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the second guide column (172) moves. In addition, the hook (164) can be moved together when the second guide column (172) moves.

[0072] The guide column (170) can extend vertically from the lower side of the heater section (200). The guide column (170) can slide vertically with respect to the moving channel (154a). In addition, the guide column (170) can include a first guide column (171) and a second guide column (172).

[0073] The first guide column (171) can support the heater unit (200) positioned above the humidifying module (150). A plurality of first guide columns (171) can be provided. In addition, the first guide column (171) can be inserted into the humidifying unit body (154) so ​​as to be able to slide upward and downward. When the heater unit (200) changes from a covered state to an open state, the heater unit (200) can move upward by a distance shorter than the extended length of the first guide column (171).

[0074] The second guide column (172) is connected to the movement limiting unit (160) so that the heater unit (200) can be elastically supported by the movement limiting unit (160) when the heater unit (200) is placed in a covering state. For example, the second guide column (172) is connected to the moving member (163) so that an elastic force can be applied to the movement limiting unit (160) so that the heater unit (200) is not converted to the covering state by the weight of the heater unit (200) when the heater unit (200) is placed in an open state. In addition, the second guide column (172) can support the heater unit (200). A guide engaging groove (172a) can be formed in the second guide column (172).

[0075] The guide engaging groove (172a) can provide a space in which at least a portion of the movement restriction unit (160) is connected. A engaging piece (164) can be arranged in the guide engaging groove (172a).

[0076] The penetration portion (180) can guide humidified air provided from the humidifying module (150). The penetration portion (180) can guide the humidified air to move upward and be discharged to the outside. In addition, the penetration portion (180) can be arranged to be surrounded by the heater portion (200). For example, the penetration portion (180) can extend upward from the center of the heater portion (200).

[0077] The heater unit (200) can heat water to provide hot water. The heater unit (200) can store water that has fallen from the tank (120) by gravity. In addition, the heater unit (200) can be positioned above the humidifying module (150). This heater unit (200) can be positioned above the air purifying unit (300). In addition, the heater unit (200) can be provided as a sheath heater, a surface heating heater, an immersion heater, an infrared heater, etc. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other types of heaters can also be used. The heater unit (200) can be configured to be placed in an open state or a covering state by moving up and down with respect to the humidifying module (150).

[0078] When the heater unit (200) is in the covering state, the heater unit (200) is moved to the lowest side so that the upper side of the humidifying module (150) is covered, so that the heater unit (200) can be arranged closest to the humidifying module (150) and the upper surface of the humidifying module (150) can be covered so that it is not exposed to the outside. When the heater unit (200) is in the covering state, the heater unit (200) can be engaged with the humidifying module (150) so that the humidifying module (150) is not unintentionally removed. In addition, when the heater unit (200) is in the open state, the heater unit (200) is moved higher than the covering state so that the upper side of the humidifying module (150) can be exposed to the outside. When the heater unit (200) is in the open state, the heater unit (200) is disengaged from the humidifying module (150), so that the humidifying module (150) can be removed by the user. In addition, this open state may include a maximum open state in which the heater unit (200) is moved to the highest position without being completely separated from the air purifying unit (300). When the heater unit (200) is in the maximum open state, it may be positioned at a predetermined height higher than when it is in the covered state. For example, when the heater unit (200) is switched from the covered state to the maximum open state, it may be moved to a position higher than the water level that can be accommodated in the humidifying module (150).

[0079] The air purifier (300) can filter external air drawn in from the outside and discharge the filtered air. The air purifier (300) is supported by a base (800) and can be rotated by the base (800). In addition, the air purifier (300) can be positioned lower than the humidifier (100). The air purifier (300) can include a second cover (310), an inlet (320), an air filter (330), a motor (340), and a second discharge port (350).

[0080] The second cover (310) may form the exterior of the air purifier (1). This second cover (310) may have a shape extending vertically. In addition, the second cover (310) may be placed below the first cover (110). The second cover (310) may be formed such that the diameter size in the horizontal direction becomes smaller as it goes upward. This second cover (310) may provide a shape extending continuously from the first cover (110). In addition, the second cover (310) may include a second cover body (311) and a second slit groove (312).

[0081] The second cover body (311) can provide a space in which the air purifier (300) can be accommodated and a space in which filtered air can flow. The second cover body (311) can have a tapered shape such that the diameter in the horizontal direction becomes smaller as it goes upward.

[0082] The second slit groove (312) may have a shape recessed into the outer surface of the second cover body (311) to form an exterior appearance. This second slit groove (312) may extend in the vertical direction. In addition, the second slit groove (312) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple second slit grooves (312) may be formed to extend continuously from the second discharge port (350) and the inlet port (320). The multiple second slit grooves (312) may be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals.

[0083] The inlet (320) can introduce outside air. A plurality of inlets (320) may be provided. In addition, the inlet (320) may extend vertically. The vertical length of the inlet (320) may be longer than the vertical length of the second outlet (350) so that the air discharge speed from the second outlet (350) is greater than the inflow speed of outside air from the inlet (320).

[0084] The air filter (330) can filter external air flowing into the inlet (320) to provide filtered air. The air filter (330) can be positioned adjacent to the inlet (320). In addition, the air filter (330) can be positioned above the base (800) and below the main fan (410). The filtered air passing through the air filter (330) can move upward and be discharged through the second discharge port (350).

[0085] The motor (340) can provide power to the fan unit (400) to drive the fan unit (400) so that air flows. The motor (340) can be placed inside the air purifier (300). Specifically, the motor (340) can be placed above the main fan (410).

[0086] The second discharge port (350) can discharge the filtered air to the outside so that a portion of the filtered air flows upward along the outer surface of the first cover (110). In other words, the second discharge port (350) can discharge the filtered air so that a portion of the filtered air flows along the direction in which the plurality of first slit grooves (112) extend. The second discharge port (350) can be positioned lower than the first discharge port (130). In addition, the second discharge port (350) can be formed upper than the plurality of second slit grooves (312). The second discharge port (350) can have a shape that extends vertically so as to continuously extend upward from the second slit grooves (312). The second discharge port (350) may have a shape extending vertically so that a portion of the filtered air flows upward along the outer surface of the first cover (110) and another portion of the filtered air flows horizontally. A plurality of such second discharge ports (350) may be provided.

[0087] The fan unit (400) can provide a blowing force so that air can be drawn from the outside into the internal space of the air purifier (1). The blowing force of the fan unit (400) causes the outside air to flow to the air filter (330), and the filtered air provided from the air filter (330) can move upward. In addition, the fan unit (400) can include a main fan (not shown) and an auxiliary fan (not shown).

[0088] The main fan can provide a blowing force to draw in air from the outside. This main fan can be placed inside the air purifier (300). Additionally, the main fan can be placed above an air filter (not shown).

[0089] The auxiliary fan can provide blowing force so that the humidified air discharged from the humidifying module (150) is discharged through the first discharge port (112). This auxiliary fan can be placed inside the humidifying unit (100). In addition, the auxiliary fan can provide blowing force so that the filtered air flows into the humidifying module (150). In addition, the auxiliary fan can be placed in the humidifying unit (100). Specifically, the auxiliary fan can be placed adjacent to the humidifying module (150).

[0090] The head unit (500) may be configured to be selectively detachable from the humidifier unit (100) so as to supply water to the humidifier unit (100). The head unit (500) may be positioned on the upper side of the humidifier unit (100). In addition, the head unit (500) may include a head body (510) and a handle (520).

[0091] The head body (510) can selectively open and close the tank (120). When the head body (510) is opened, water can be supplied to the tank (120) from the outside, and when the head body (510) is closed, the tank (120) can be covered so that it is not exposed to the outside. In addition, the head body (510) can be placed on the upper side of the tank (120). In addition, a handle (520) can be connected to the head body (510).

[0092] A handle (520) may be provided on the upper side of the tank (120) so that a user can easily open the upper side when supplying water to the tank (120). This handle (520) may be placed on the upper side of the head body (510). In addition, an end of the handle (520) may be connected to the head body (510). The center of the handle (520) may be formed to be spaced upward from the head body (510).

[0093] The base (600) can support the air purifying unit (300). This base (600) can be placed at the lowest side of the air purifier (1). In addition, the base (600) can be configured to rotate about a center of rotation extending in the vertical direction. The base (600) can include a first base (610) and a second base (620).

[0094] The first base (610) can be connected to the lower side of the air purifying unit (300) to support the air purifying unit (300). This first base (610) can be placed above the second base (620). In addition, the first base (610) can guide a portion of the water stored in the humidifying module (150) or the heater unit (200) to be discharged to the outside.

[0095] The second base (620) may be positioned so as to be fixed to the ground. This second base (620) may be positioned lower than the first base (610).

[0096] The controller (700) can control the humidifying module (150), the heater unit (200), and the motor (340) to discharge filtered air or humidified air. The controller (700) can receive temperature and water level information sensed by the humidifying sensor unit (152). In addition, the controller (700) can be implemented by a computing device including a microprocessor, and the implementation method thereof is obvious to those skilled in the art, so further detailed description is omitted.

[0097] Below, the operation and effect of the air purifier (1) having the configuration described above will be described.

[0098] An air purifier (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can filter air drawn into the interior through an inlet (320), and the filtered air can be discharged through a second outlet (350). A portion of the filtered air discharged through the second outlet (350) can flow along the outer surface of the first cover (110), and another portion of the filtered air can flow horizontally, thereby providing the filtered air to a user in a relatively distant space.

[0099] When water is supplied to the tank (120) positioned above the humidifier (100), the water can flow from the tank (120) to the heater (200). The water flowing into the heater (200) can be heated to about 70 to 80 degrees Celsius when the heater (200) is operated. The heated water can fall freely due to gravity and move to the humidifier module (150). A portion of the heated water is stored in the humidifier storage (153) of the humidifier module (150), and the stored water can be vaporized by the vibration of the ultrasonic unit (151) and changed into water vapor. The water vapor can rise along the penetration (180) surrounding the tank (120) and be discharged through the first discharge port (130). In other words, since the heater unit (200) is positioned above the humidifying module (150), water sterilized in the heater unit (200) can be provided to the humidifying module (150) without a pump providing additional power.

[0100] When the ultrasonic unit (151) of the humidifying module (150) breaks down, needs to be replaced due to long-term use, or needs to be removed for cleaning, a structure may be provided in which the components arranged on the upper part of the humidifying module (150) can move upward. In other words, the heater unit (200) arranged to face the humidifying module (150) can be moved up and down, so that the heater unit (200) can be placed in an open state or a covering state. The user can switch from the covering state to the open state by pulling the heater unit (200) upward in order to remove the humidifying module (150). The heater unit (200) can be stopped at a predetermined distance upward from the humidifying module (150) by the elastic force provided by the elastic member (162), so that the humidifying module (150) can be exposed to the outside. When the heater unit (200) is stopped in the open state, the humidifying module (150) can be removed by sliding from the humidifying unit body (154). Meanwhile, in order for the heater unit (200) to be switched from the open state to the covering state, the user can press the heater unit (200) downward, thereby switching the heater unit (200) to the covering state.

[0101] A portion of the filtered air discharged through the second outlet (350) can flow in the indoor space together with the humidified air discharged from the first outlet (130) by moving upward toward the first outlet (130) due to the Coanda effect. Specifically, the outer diameters of the humidifying unit (100) and the air purifying unit (300) are formed to become smaller as they go upward, so that the filtered air can efficiently and quickly flow toward the first outlet (130). In addition, since the plurality of first slit grooves (112) can be arranged along the direction in which the filtered air discharged from the second outlet (350) moves upward, the filtered air can efficiently and quickly flow toward the first outlet (130).

[0102] The inlet (320) through which outside air is drawn in and the second outlet (350) through which filtered air is discharged are formed to extend in the vertical direction, but since the length of the inlet (320) in the vertical direction is formed longer, the discharge speed of air from the second outlet (350) can be faster than the inflow speed of air from the inlet (320). In other words, negative pressure is generated due to the flow of air discharged from the second outlet (350), so that outside air can be drawn into the air purifier (300) from the inlet (320).

[0103] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described as specific embodiments, these are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto, but should be construed to have the broadest scope in accordance with the technical concepts disclosed in this specification. Those skilled in the art may combine / substitute the disclosed embodiments to implement patterns of shapes not specified, but this also does not depart from the scope of the present invention. In addition, those skilled in the art may easily modify or alter the disclosed embodiments based on this specification, and it is clear that such modifications or alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air purifier that filters outside air drawn in from outside and discharges filtered air; A heater section that heats water to provide hot water; and A humidifying unit including a humidifying module that provides humidified air by vaporizing the hot water provided from the heater unit to form steam, The above humidifier is, The hot water is placed below the heater section so that it flows into the humidifying section by freely falling due to the gravity of the hot water from the heater section. Air purifier.

2. In paragraph 1, Excluding a pump that pressurizes the hot water between the humidifier and the heater to the humidifier. Air purifier.

3. In paragraph 1, The above heater part is configured to be placed in an open state or a covering state by moving up and down with respect to the humidifying module, In the above covering state, the heater part is moved to the lowest side so that the upper side of the humidifying module is covered, so that the heater part is placed closest to the humidifying module. In the above open state, the heater part moves upward from the covering state, so that the upper part of the humidifying module is exposed to the outside. Air purifier.

4. In paragraph 3, The above humidifier is, It further includes a humidifying body that is positioned lower than the above heater unit and supports the humidifying module, The above humidifying module, It is configured to be selectively removed from the humidifier body when in the open state, and to restrict movement with respect to the humidifier body when in the covering state. Air purifier.

5. In paragraph 4, The above humidifying module, When in the above open state, it is configured to move in a direction perpendicular to the above up-down direction, Air purifier.

6. In paragraph 4, The above humidifying module, A humidifying storage unit for storing the hot water to be humidified; An ultrasonic unit disposed in the above humidifying storage unit to vaporize at least a portion of the water; and Including a humidification sensor unit that senses the water level or temperature of the hot water stored in the humidification storage unit. Air purifier.

7. In paragraph 6, The above humidification sensor unit is provided in multiple units, One of the plurality of above-mentioned humidifying sensor parts extends toward the inside of the above-mentioned humidifying storage part, Another one of the plurality of above-mentioned humidifying sensor parts extends toward the bottom surface of the above-mentioned humidifying storage part, Air purifier.

8. In paragraph 3, The above humidifier is, Further comprising a movement limiting unit configured to limit the heater section from moving downward regardless of the distance moved upward from the covering state when in the open state. Air purifier.

9. In paragraph 8, The above movement restriction unit is positioned symmetrically with respect to the humidifying module with respect to the center of the air purifier. Air purifier.

10. In paragraph 8, The above movement restriction unit is, Support body; and When the heater part is switched from the covering state to the open state, an elastic member is wound around the support body and provides upward elastic force to the heater part. Air purifier.

11. In paragraph 2, The above humidifier is, It further includes a penetration part that guides the humidified air provided from the humidifying module to the outside, The above heater part is arranged to surround the penetration part, Air purifier.

12. In paragraph 8, The above humidifier is, A humidifying body arranged on the lower side of the heater section and housing the humidifying module therein; and It further includes a guide column having a shape extending in the vertical direction from the lower side of the heater section, The above humidifier body includes a moving channel configured such that one side thereof is open to the outside and is inserted into the guide column. The above guide column slides relative to the moving channel, thereby guiding the heater section to move in the up and down direction. Air purifier.

13. In paragraph 12, The above guide column is, A second guide column is disposed adjacent to the movement restriction unit and guides the heater unit to be placed in the open state or the covering state, The above second guide column is, A guide engaging groove is formed to provide space for at least a portion of the above movement restriction unit to be connected. Air purifier.

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