Air conditioner

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner. The present invention may comprise cases (10, 20) which are installed in the ceiling and have an inner space (S) formed therein. An air suction portion (30) and an air discharge portion (40) connected to the inner space (S) may be opened in the cases (10, 20). A blower fan (50) may be arranged in the inner space (S) to suck in the air from the indoor space (I) through the air suction portion (30) and discharge the air into the indoor space (I) via the air discharge portion (40). A sterilization device (100) may be arranged on the cases (10, 20) to face the indoor space (I). Accordingly, the sterilization device (100) may irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the indoor space (I). Accordingly, as compared with the sterilizing of circulating air or the air conditioner itself, the sterilization device (100) may sterilize the indoor space (I) more effectively and provide high sterilization power.

Description

air conditioner

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

[0002] Air conditioners, including air conditioners, are devices that use refrigerant or water to exchange heat with air and supply the heat-exchanged air to a specific space within the room to control the temperature. Depending on the location of the indoor unit, air conditioners can be categorized into ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, and stand-mounted types. Ceiling-mounted air conditioners may have an outlet for discharging air from the indoor unit into the room, and an intake port for drawing in air from the room, each formed on the bottom of the case.

[0003] Recently, technologies for sterilizing indoor units of air conditioners by installing sterilizing devices within them have been developed. Korean Patent No. 10-2344398 (prior patent 1), Korean Patent Publication Nos. 10-2022-0117777 (prior patent 2), and 10-2022-0096532 (prior patent 3) disclose technologies for installing sterilizing devices in indoor units of system air conditioners.

[0004] Among these, prior patents 1 and 2 are technologies for sterilizing the air sucked into an indoor unit using a sterilizing device and then supplying it back into the room, and prior patent 3 is a technology for sterilizing the blower fan of an indoor unit by generating ultraviolet rays near the blower fan.

[0005] However, these conventional technologies have limitations: they only sterilize the air flowing into the indoor unit of an air conditioner or the indoor unit itself. In other words, these technologies cannot directly sterilize the indoor space where the indoor unit is installed. Instead, they generate ultraviolet rays directed toward the interior of the indoor unit to sterilize the air or components within it.

[0006] Furthermore, in conventional technologies, the sterilizer is positioned along the airflow path within the room. To sterilize the air flowing into the indoor unit (prior patent 1, prior patent 2) or the blower fan provided in the indoor unit (prior patent 3), the sterilizer must be positioned along the airflow path within the indoor unit. However, if the sterilizer is positioned along the airflow path in this manner, the sterilizer impedes the airflow, which in turn reduces the performance of the indoor unit.

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and the purpose of the present invention is to directly sterilize the indoor space in which the air conditioner is placed, rather than the air flowing into the interior of the air conditioner or the components of the air conditioner.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to place a sterilizing device in an air conditioner so as not to obstruct the flow of air drawn into or discharged from the air conditioner.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to enable the sterilizing device of an air conditioner to sterilize an indoor space while also sterilizing a portion of the air sucked in / discharged by the air conditioner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to enable a sterilizing device placed in an air conditioner to irradiate ultraviolet rays that are harmless to the human body.

[0011] According to a feature of the present invention for achieving the above-described object, the present invention can include a case installed on a ceiling and having an internal space. An air intake section and an air discharge section connected to the internal space can be opened in the case. A blower fan can be arranged in the internal space to intake indoor air through the air intake section and discharge air into the indoor space through the air discharge section. A sterilizing device can be arranged in the case so as to face the indoor space. The sterilizing device can irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the indoor space. Accordingly, the sterilizing device can directly sterilize the indoor space, and compared to sterilizing only the circulated air or the air conditioner itself, the sterilizing device can sterilize the indoor space more effectively, thereby providing a high sterilizing power.

[0012] Additionally, the sterilizing device may be positioned so that the air intake and air discharge ports face the open direction. Accordingly, the sterilizing device irradiates ultraviolet rays downward from a high position, enabling even sterilization of a wide area of ​​an indoor space.

[0013] Additionally, the sterilizing device may be positioned outside the interior space. When the sterilizing device is positioned outside the interior space of the indoor unit, it does not obstruct the airflow flowing through the interior space.

[0014] In addition, the sterilizing device may be equipped with an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays. At least a portion of the surface of the ultraviolet lamp may be positioned to face the room.

[0015] Additionally, the surface of the UV lamp may be positioned so as to face the ground of the room.

[0016] In addition, the case may include an upper case that is stored in the ceiling and forms the interior space. The case may include a lower case that is positioned below the upper case and exposed to the interior, and in which the air intake portion and the air exhaust portion are formed. In this case, the sterilizing device may be positioned in the lower case.

[0017] Additionally, the sterilizing device may be placed at the edge of the lower case.

[0018] In addition, the lower case further protrudes from one side of the upper case in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the air intake portion is opened to form an extension portion, and the sterilizing device can be placed in the extension portion.

[0019] In addition, the lower case may include a first surface facing the room and a second surface formed opposite the first surface and facing the ceiling. The sterilizing device may be placed on the second surface.

[0020] Additionally, the sterilizing device may be equipped with a sterilizing lamp that generates far ultraviolet rays (Far UVC).

[0021] In addition, a portion of the indoor air flow path sucked into the air intake unit may be included in the irradiation range of ultraviolet rays irradiated by the sterilizing device. Accordingly, the present invention can achieve a high sterilizing effect by sterilizing both the object to be sterilized and the air within the ultraviolet irradiation range of the sterilizing device.

[0022] Additionally, a portion of the flow path of air discharged into the room through the air discharge unit may be included in the irradiation range of ultraviolet rays irradiated by the sterilizing device.

[0023] In addition, a plurality of the air discharge units may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the case. The sterilizing device may be arranged between the plurality of air discharge units.

[0024] Additionally, a plurality of the air outlets may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the case. The sterilizing device may be arranged in an area between the edge of the case and two adjacent air outlets.

[0025] In addition, a suction area in which the air suction part is opened may be formed in the case. The sterilizing device may be placed in a sterilizing area formed closer to the edge of the case than the suction area.

[0026] In addition, the case may be formed with an intake area in which the air intake section is opened. The case may be formed with an exhaust area in which the air exhaust section is opened. The sterilizing device may be positioned between the intake area and the exhaust area.

[0027] In addition, the case may be formed with an intake area in which the air intake part is opened. The case may be formed with an exhaust area in which the air exhaust part is opened. The sterilizing device may be placed in an area surrounded by the intake area and the exhaust area.

[0028] Additionally, a heat exchanger may be placed in the internal space. The sterilizing device may be placed on the opposite side of the blower fan with the heat exchanger as the center.

[0029] In addition, the sterilizing device may be equipped with a sterilizing lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays. The longitudinal direction of the sterilizing lamp may be formed in a direction parallel to an imaginary extension line connecting the centers of the air discharge units positioned on both sides with the sterilizing device in between.

[0030] Additionally, the sterilizing device may be equipped with a sterilizing lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays. The longitudinal direction of the sterilizing lamp may be formed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of either the air discharge portion or the air intake portion.

[0031] In addition, the sterilizing device may include a device frame fixed to the case. A device housing may be coupled to the device frame, and a mounting space may be formed inside. A pair of electrode parts may be arranged in the mounting space. A sterilizing lamp may be in close contact with the electrode parts and receive power from the electrode parts.

[0032] Additionally, the sterilizing device may be equipped with an inverter device that supplies AC power to the pair of electrode parts. The inverter device may be placed on the opposite side of the sterilizing lamp with the pair of electrode parts as the center.

[0033] In addition, an inspection hole may be opened in the case. The surface of the sterilizing lamp may be exposed to the outside of the case through the inspection hole.

[0034] Additionally, a plurality of sterilizing devices may be arranged in the case. The plurality of sterilizing devices may be spaced apart from each other along the edge of the case.

[0035] In addition, the case may be equipped with a sensing device. The sensing device may measure at least one of the indoor fine dust concentration, ultrafine dust concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, humidity, and VOC gas concentration, or the sensing device may detect whether a user is present in the room.

[0036] Additionally, the case may be equipped with a control unit. The control unit may operate or stop the sterilizing device depending on whether a user is present or not through the sensing device.

[0037] In addition, all or part of the sterilizing lamp may be exposed to the outside through an irradiation hole formed on the surface of the case. The sterilizing lamp may irradiate ultraviolet rays in a direction parallel to the direction in which air is discharged through the air discharge portion.

[0038] In addition, the irradiation area of ​​ultraviolet rays irradiated by the sterilizing device may overlap the intake path through which the indoor air is sucked into the internal space through the air intake unit and the discharge path through which the indoor air is discharged into the internal space through the air discharge unit, respectively, from the outside of the case.

[0039] The air conditioner according to the present invention as discussed above has the following effects.

[0040] In the present invention, the sterilizing device included in the air conditioner can directly sterilize the space where the air conditioner is installed (indoor space), rather than the interior of the air conditioner. Accordingly, compared to sterilizing the circulated air or the air conditioner itself, the device can sterilize the indoor space more effectively and provide a higher sterilizing power.

[0041] In particular, in the present invention, the air conditioner may be installed on the ceiling, and the sterilizer may be positioned so as to face the indoor space. Accordingly, the sterilizer irradiates ultraviolet rays downward from a high position, enabling even sterilization of a wide area of ​​the indoor space.

[0042] Furthermore, the sterilizing device provided in the air conditioner of the present invention can not only directly sterilize objects to be sterilized, such as floors and walls in indoor spaces, but also sterilize air flowing within the ultraviolet ray range irradiated by the sterilizing device. Therefore, the present invention can achieve a high sterilizing effect by sterilizing both objects to be sterilized and air within the ultraviolet ray irradiation range of the sterilizing device.

[0043] Furthermore, the sterilizing device of the present invention may be positioned outside the interior space of the air conditioner. When the sterilizing device is positioned outside the interior space of the air conditioner, for example, the indoor unit, it does not obstruct the airflow flowing through the interior space. Accordingly, the sterilizing device of the present invention can sterilize the space outside the air conditioner (indoor space) while maintaining the cooling / heating efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0044] In addition, in the present invention, the sterilizing device may be positioned between the air discharge port and the air intake port of the air conditioner. The sterilizing device positioned between the air discharge port and the air intake port can irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the air being sucked in and the air being discharged. Accordingly, the air sucked in and discharged by the air conditioner can be effectively sterilized and then supplied back to the indoor space.

[0045] In addition, since the sterilizing device of the present invention generates only wavelengths harmless to the human body, it has the advantage of high safety as it can sterilize indoor spaces without adversely affecting the human body.

[0046] In addition, in the present invention, the sterilizing device can be positioned on the opposite side of the blower fan, with the heat exchanger built into the interior of the air conditioner as the center. This allows for a structure where the heat exchanger naturally blocks the airflow between the blower fan and the sterilizing device. Accordingly, the sterilizing device is completely blocked from the airflow generated by the blower fan, preventing interference with the airflow.

[0047] Furthermore, in the present invention, the sterilizing device is positioned within the air conditioner case, such that no portion of the device, excluding the sterilizing lamp, protrudes toward the interior. This minimizes the area exposed to the interior of the sterilizing device. This minimized exposure of the sterilizing device enhances the aesthetic appeal of the air conditioner and also enhances safety by preventing users from directly viewing the lamp portion.

[0048] Additionally, the air conditioner of the present invention is equipped with a sensing device that determines whether the sterilizer operates based on indoor air quality or occupancy. For example, the sterilizer may operate only when indoor air quality is low or when no one is present. This active operation of the sterilizer allows for more efficient sterilization of the indoor space.

[0049] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

[0050] Figure 2 is an exemplary diagram showing the structure of an interior to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0051] Figure 3 is a plan view showing an example of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

[0052] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of an air conditioner according to the present invention from a different angle than Fig. 1.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a sterilizing device constituting an embodiment of the present invention, enlarged from a portion of FIG. 4.

[0054] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI' of Fig. 1.

[0055] Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of Fig. 6.

[0056] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a sterilizing device constituting an embodiment of the present invention, enlarged from a portion of Fig. 7.

[0057] Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the range of ultraviolet rays irradiated and the intake / exhaust path of indoor air in a sterilizing device constituting an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the structure of a sterilizing device constituting one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the structure of a sterilizing device constituting an embodiment of the present invention from a different angle than Fig. 10.

[0060] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the disassembled parts of a sterilizing device constituting one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Fig. 13 is a plan view showing a second embodiment of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

[0062] Fig. 14 is a plan view showing a third embodiment of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

[0063] Fig. 15 is a plan view showing a fourth embodiment of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

[0064] Fig. 16 is a plan view showing a fifth embodiment of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

[0065] Fig. 17 is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of Fig. 16.

[0066] Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII' of Fig. 16.

[0067] Fig. 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of Fig. 18.

[0068] Figure 20 is a plan view showing a sixth embodiment of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

[0069] Figure 21 is a plan view showing a seventh embodiment of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

[0070] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components will be given the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known structure or function is deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0071] The refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner performs a series of processes, including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. The air conditioner can supply conditioned air through heat exchange with the refrigerant. Below, an indoor unit that includes a heat exchanger for the refrigeration cycle in an air conditioner will be described as an example. In particular, a ceiling-mounted indoor unit, which is installed on the ceiling, will be described as an example.

[0072] In the present invention, the air conditioner is equipped with a sterilizing device (100). The sterilizing device (100) can irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the interior (I, see FIG. 2) of the location where the air conditioner is installed. Here, the interior (I) refers to the location where the air conditioner is installed, and refers to the space where the air conditioner aims to control temperature or humidity. Hereinafter, the structure of the sterilizing device (100) equipped in the air conditioner will be mainly described.

[0073] Referring to Fig. 1, an air conditioner is illustrated. The air conditioner can be installed on a ceiling. When the air conditioner is installed on a ceiling, a part of the air conditioner can be stored inside the ceiling, and the remaining part can be exposed to the interior (I). More precisely, among the cases (10, 20) described below, the upper case (10) can be stored inside the ceiling, and the lower case (20) can be exposed to the interior (I). For reference, in the drawing, U means a direction toward the ceiling, and D means a direction toward the interior (I).

[0074] Among the above cases (10, 20), the overall shape of the upper case (10) may be approximately a rectangular parallelepiped. The upper case (10) may include a base plate (11) arranged inside the ceiling, and a side plate (13) erected along the edge of the base plate (11). An internal space (S, see FIG. 6) may be formed between the base plate (11) and the side plate (13).

[0075] The upper case (10) may be coupled with a lower case (20). The lower case (20) may cover the open bottom surface of the upper case (10). Here, the bottom surface of the lower case (20) is based on the direction shown in FIG. 1. That is, the lower case (20) may be arranged to face the floor of the room (I). The lower case (20) may be a separate object from the upper case (10) and may be coupled to the upper case (10). As another example, the lower case (20) may be provided integrally with the upper case (10).

[0076] The lower case (20) may include an inner plate (21) and an outer plate (22). The inner plate (21) may form the central portion of the lower case (20). An air intake portion (30), which will be described later, may be provided at the central portion of the inner plate (21). An air discharge portion, which will be described later, may be provided at the outer portion of the inner plate (21). The outer plate (22) may be arranged around the periphery of the inner plate (21). That is, the outer plate (22) may be provided along the edge of the inner plate (21). Therefore, the outer plate (22) may also be referred to as an edge plate. The inner plate (21) and the outer plate (22) may be configured integrally.

[0077] The inner plate (21) and the outer plate (22) may be connected to each other to form a roughly plate-like structure. In the present embodiment, the inner plate (21) and the outer plate (22) form a roughly square plate-like structure. As another example, the inner plate (21) and the outer plate (22) may be connected to each other to form a rectangular plate-like structure, or a circular structure.

[0078] The lower case (20) above may be formed with an air intake portion (30) through which air is introduced into the case (10, 20) and an air discharge portion through which air inside the case (10, 20) is discharged to the indoor space (I). In the drawing, the air discharge portion is covered by a vane (40) that opens and closes the air discharge portion. For convenience, the vane (40) will be referred to as an air discharge portion (40) hereinafter.

[0079] A grille portion (31) may be arranged in the air intake portion (30). A plurality of ribs may be arranged in a grid shape in the grille portion (31), and a plurality of square-shaped air intake portions (30) may be formed between the plurality of ribs. Since the plurality of air intake portions (30) are connected to each other, it can be seen that they form a single air intake portion (30).

[0080] A part of the surface of the lower case (20) may be exposed to the interior (I). Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first surface (22A), which is the bottom surface of the lower case (20), is exposed to the interior (I). In the air conditioner, a portion positioned higher than the first surface (22A) of the lower case (20) may be stored in the ceiling and not exposed. For example, the second surface (22B, see FIG. 4), which is opposite the first surface (22A) of the lower case (20), faces the interior of the ceiling and is therefore not exposed to the interior (I). Referring to FIG. 2, the upper case (10) is illustrated as being stored inside the ceiling.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 2, the sterilizing device (100) disposed in the lower case (20) can irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the room (I). In Fig. 2, α represents half of the irradiation angle of ultraviolet rays irradiated by the sterilizing device (100). The ultraviolet rays irradiated in this way reach the ground of the room (I), and the reference symbol X represents the shortest distance between the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the sterilizing device (100) and the ground of the room (I). Since the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the sterilizing device (100) are spread at an angle α, a sterilizing range (F) surrounded by the reference symbol Y can be provided. The inside of the sterilizing range (F) can be sterilized by the sterilizing device (100).

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the sterilizing device (100) is placed in the lower case (20). More precisely, the sterilizing device (100) can be placed in the mounting portion (25) provided in the lower case (20). Since the mounting portion (25) is a portion that is not exposed to the room (I), most of the sterilizing device (100) is hidden from the room (I). However, a part of the sterilizing device (100) is placed so as to face the room (I), and thus, a part of the sterilizing device (100) facing the room (I) can generate ultraviolet rays to sterilize the room (I). This structure will be described again below.

[0083] Referring to Fig. 6, the internal structure of the air conditioner is illustrated. As can be seen, an internal space (S) may be formed between the upper case (10) and the lower case (20). A blower (50) including a blower fan (50), a fan motor (58), a heat exchanger, etc. may be placed in the internal space (S).

[0084] The above internal space (S) can be a path through which the sucked indoor air flows. Here, the path means a path from the air intake unit (30) through which air is sucked in to the air discharge unit (40) through which the heat-exchanged air is discharged again. The blower fan (50) can rotate by the fan motor (58) to cause the air to flow through the path. Although not shown, the internal space (S) may further include a filter module that filters out foreign substances in the air sucked into the internal space (S) through the air intake unit (30).

[0085] The air intake part (30) may be arranged in the center of the lower case (20), and the air discharge part (40) may be arranged on the outside of the air intake part (30). The air discharge part (40) may be spaced apart from the air intake part (30). In the present embodiment, one air intake part (30) is formed in the lower case (20), and four air discharge parts (40) are formed. As another example, a plurality of air intake parts (30) may be formed in the lower case (20), and one or a plurality of air discharge parts (40) may be arranged.

[0086] Referring to Fig. 6, an inner panel (60) may be arranged on the upper portion of the suction grill (31). The inner panel (60) may be mounted on the upper case (10). The inner panel (60) may form a suction path (63) and a discharge path (65). The suction path (63) may be connected to the air intake unit (30), and the discharge path (65) may be connected to the air discharge unit (40). An air guide (70) may be mounted on the inner panel (60). The air guide (70) may be mounted on the suction path (63) formed on the inner panel (60). A drain pan (62), which will be described later, may be arranged on the upper portion of the inner panel (60).

[0087] The above blower fan (50) is arranged in the internal space (S) and can form air flow in the internal space (S). With reference to Fig. 6, the blower fan (50) can be arranged above the air intake part (30). The blower fan (50) can be configured as a centrifugal blower that sucks air into the center and discharges air in the circumferential direction.

[0088] When the blower fan (50) rotates around the rotation axis, air can be drawn into the fan intake port (52a) through the air intake portion (30) and discharged to the air discharge portion (40) through the fan air discharge portion (52b). The blower fan (50) can include a hub (51) connected to the fan motor (58) and a plurality of rotating blades (52) extending vertically downward from the hub (51). A rim (53) forming the fan intake port (52a) can be provided at the upper end of the rotating blades (52). The hub (51) can be arranged to face the base plate (11) of the upper case (10). The center of the hub (51) can be connected to the fan motor (58). The hub (51) can have a circular plate structure with a protruding center. Drawing symbols 52a and 52b represent the fan inner space (52a) and the fan outer space (52b) respectively, which are separated by the rotating blade (52).

[0089] The above hub (51) can constitute the central portion of the blower fan (50). That is, the hub (51) and the plate-like structure extending around the hub (51) become the central portion of the blower fan (50). Since the rotational axis of the fan motor (58) is coupled to the hub (51), the hub (51) can become the rotational center of the blower fan (50). Hereinafter, the axial direction means the direction in which the rotational axis of the blower fan (50) extends, that is, the up-down direction with reference to FIG. 6.

[0090] The plurality of rotating blades (52) may be spaced apart radially from the center of rotation of the hub (51). Each of the plurality of rotating blades (52) may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction. A fan air discharge portion (52b) may be formed between each of the plurality of rotating blades (52). The plurality of rotating blades (52) extend in the circumferential direction to form air flow. Through this, the blower fan (50) may have a structure that discharges air between the plurality of rotating blades (52). Drawing reference numeral 52a represents a fan suction space where the blower fan (50) sucks air.

[0091] Meanwhile, the heat exchanger (68) may be arranged around the blower fan (50). The heat exchanger (68) may exchange heat with the air flowing from the air intake part (30) to the air discharge part (40) with the refrigerant. In the present embodiment, the heat exchanger (68) may divide the inside of the upper case (10) into an inner side and an outer side. That is, the blower fan (50) may be arranged on the inner side of the heat exchanger (68), and an air discharge path (65) through which air flows to the air discharge part (40) may be formed on the outer side of the heat exchanger (68).

[0092] In the above internal space (S), a drain pan (62) for temporarily storing condensate generated in the heat exchanger (68) and a drain pump (not shown) for discharging the condensate collected in the drain pan (62) to the outside may be arranged. The drain pan (62) may be mounted on the heat exchanger (68). A directional inclined surface may be formed on the drain pan (62) to collect and store the condensate flowing down from the heat exchanger (68) on one side. The drain pump may be fixedly arranged on the inside of the upper case (10).

[0093] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger (68) is placed between the sterilizing device (100) and the blower fan (50). That is, the sterilizing device (100) is placed on the opposite side of the blower fan (50) with the heat exchanger as the center. In this way, the heat exchanger (68) can naturally block the space between the blower fan (50) and the sterilizing device (100). That is, the heat exchanger acts as a kind of partition wall, and the sterilizing device (100) is completely blocked from the airflow by the blower fan (50), thereby preventing interference with the airflow.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 6, the internal space (S) may include a control box (64) that forms a space in which electronic components are arranged. The control box (64) forms a space in which electronic components are arranged, and various electronic components for controlling the operation of the fan motor (58) that rotates the blower fan (50) or for controlling the arrangement and angle of the vane (40) may be arranged in the control box (64).

[0095] A control unit (not shown) may be placed in the above control box (64). The control unit may control the operation of the sterilizing device (100). The control unit may include a communication means, allowing the sterilizing device (100) to be controlled remotely. In the present embodiment, the communication means may also control a sensing device (80) to be described later. As another example, the control unit may be placed outside the case (10, 20).

[0096] Next, let's look at the sterilizing device (100). The sterilizing device (100) can irradiate ultraviolet light to the outside of the case (10, 20). More precisely, the sterilizing device (100) is placed in the case (10, 20) so as to face the room (I) and can irradiate ultraviolet light to the room (I). Through this, the sterilizing device (100) can sterilize the room (I). Here, the room (I) is a concept that includes not only the space of the room (I), but also the floor surface, wall surface, and equipment placed in the room (I) that constitute the room (I).

[0097] The ultraviolet light irradiated by the sterilizing lamp (140) constituting the sterilizing device (100) can be subdivided according to the wavelength. For example, the ultraviolet light can be divided into UV-A with a wavelength of 320 nm to 400 nm, UV-B with a wavelength of 280 nm to 320 nm, and UV-C with a wavelength of 200 nm to 280 nm. Among these, UV-C, which is a short-wavelength ultraviolet ray, has the characteristic of destroying the DNA of bacteria and causing a chemical reaction with special substances, and thus can be effectively used for sterilization.

[0098] In this embodiment, the sterilizing lamp (140) irradiates UV-C, and more precisely, can generate far-UVC, a narrow spectrum within UV-C light. Far-UVC is known to provide the same pathogen sterilizing effect as UV-C light, but without the harmful side effects of other frequencies or wavelengths. The sterilizing device (100) can utilize excimer discharge to generate far-UVC in a specific wavelength range.

[0099] The sterilizing lamp (140) of the present invention can use a far UV-C excimer lamp that can have an effect over a long distance of about 2.5 m, and can sterilize furniture, floors, and walls within a space in addition to simply sterilizing the air. However, the UV-C excimer sterilizing lamp (140) also contains a small amount of light of other frequency bands, and since wavelengths of 238 nm or more are harmful to the human body, an optical filter (not shown) that removes ultraviolet rays of wavelengths of 238 nm or more may be further provided. The optical filter can transmit 80% or more of ultraviolet rays of 200 to 238 nm that are harmless to the human body, and transmit 5% or less of ultraviolet rays of 238 nm to 280 nm that are harmful to the human body. As another example, the optical filter may be omitted.

[0100] The sterilizing device (100) may be directed toward the room (I), but only a portion of the sterilizing device (100) may be exposed to the room (I). In this embodiment, the surface (141A) of the sterilizing lamp (140) constituting the sterilizing device (100) is exposed to the room (I), but the remaining portion of the sterilizing device (100) may be positioned at the rear of the lower case (20) and may not be exposed. Accordingly, the sterilizing device (100) does not protrude from the lower case (20) toward the room (I), and the exposure area may be minimized.

[0101] The sterilizing device (100) may be arranged so that the air intake part (30) and the air discharge part (40) face the direction in which they are opened. Here, the direction in which the air intake part (30) and the air discharge part (40) are opened means the direction toward the room (I). When the sterilizing device (100) faces the direction in which the air intake part (30) and the air discharge part (40) are opened, the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the sterilizing device (100) may face the room (I). With reference to Fig. 6, the sterilizing device (100) is arranged downward.

[0102] Referring to Fig. 7, the sterilizing device (100) has a device housing (120) to be described below facing the second surface (22B) of the outer plate (22), and an inverter device (150) is spaced upward from the second surface (22B). The sterilizing lamp (140) provided in the device housing (120) can be exposed downward, i.e., toward the interior (I), through an irradiation hole (23) provided in the outer plate (22).

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the device frame (110) of the sterilizing device (100) can be placed on the mounting portion (25) provided on the second surface (22B) of the outer plate (22). The device housing (120) fixed to the device frame (110) and the sterilizing lamp (140) placed on the device housing (120) can be placed close to the second surface (22B) through the device frame (110). The detailed structure of the sterilizing device (100) will be described again below.

[0104] The above-mentioned mounting portion (25) may be provided with a mounting fence (26). The mounting fence (26) may protrude from the second surface (22B) of the outer plate (22) to surround the mounting portion (25). The mounting fence (26) may protrude from the second surface (22B) of the outer plate (22) to surround the sterilizing device (100) placed on the mounting portion (25).

[0105] As shown in Fig. 7, the sterilizing device (100) may be placed outside the internal space (S). When the sterilizing device (100) is placed outside the internal space (S), the sterilizing device (100) may not obstruct the airflow of the internal space (S). In the present embodiment, the side plate (13) is placed between the sterilizing device (100) and the internal space (S). As another example, the sterilizing device (100) may be placed inside the side plate (13), that is, between the heat exchanger (68) and the side plate (13).

[0106] The sterilizing device (100) may be placed at the edge of the lower case (20). The edge of the lower case (20) means a position closer to the outside than the center of the lower case (20). In the present embodiment, the sterilizing device (100) is placed in the outer case (10, 20) of the lower case (20). The outer case (10, 20) is provided to the outside than the inner case (10, 20), that is, in a direction that increases the area of ​​the lower case (20).

[0107] More precisely, the lower case (20) may further protrude from one side of the upper case (10) in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the air intake portion (30) is opened to form an extension portion. The extension portion may be placed in the sterilizing device (100). Here, the extension portion may refer to the outer case (10, 20). Alternatively, the extension portion may be a portion protruding outward from the outer case (10, 20).

[0108] Referring back to FIG. 3, a plurality of air discharge units (40) may be spaced apart from each other in the case (10, 20). More precisely, the plurality of air discharge units (40) may be arranged in the inner case (10, 20). At this time, the sterilizing device (100) is arranged between the plurality of air discharge units (40). Referring to the drawing, the sterilizing device (100) is arranged between the air discharge unit (40) arranged at the upper portion and the air discharge unit (40) arranged at the right portion. In this way, as shown in FIG. 9, the air discharged from the two air discharge units (40) can enter the ultraviolet ray region irradiated by the sterilizing device (100) from the lower portion of the air conditioner.

[0109] The sterilizing device (100) may be placed in the area between the edge of the case (10, 20) and the two adjacent air discharge portions (40). Referring to FIG. 3, the sterilizing device (100) is placed between the two air discharge portions (40) that are placed adjacent to each other in the inner case (10, 20). That is, among the four air discharge portions (40) in total, the sterilizing device (100) may be placed between the adjacent upper air discharge portion (40) and the right air discharge portion (40).

[0110] Referring to FIG. 3, a suction area (A) in which the air suction part (30) is opened may be formed in the case (10, 20). The suction area (A) may be configured in an approximately rectangular shape at the center of the case (10, 20). A discharge area (B) in which the air discharge part (40) is opened may be formed in the case (10, 20). The discharge area (B) is arranged on the outside closer to the edge of the case (10, 20) than the suction area (A). The discharge area (B) may have an approximately rectangular shape surrounding the suction area (A). As another example, the suction area (A) and the discharge area (B) may have circular shapes with different diameters.

[0111] At this time, the sterilizing device (100) may be placed between the suction area (A) and the discharge area (B). Accordingly, the sterilizing device (100) may be separated from the airflow caused by the suction area (A) and the discharge area (B). The sterilizing device (100) may be viewed as being placed in a sterilizing area formed closer to the edge of the case (10, 20) than the suction area (A). The sterilizing area is a portion where the sterilizing device (100) is placed, and in this embodiment, it is formed at a corner portion of the case (10, 20).

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, the sterilizing device (100) includes a device frame (110) that is fixed to the case (10, 20). The device frame (110) forms the skeleton of the sterilizing device (100) and allows the sterilizing device (100) to be fixed to the case (10, 20). As shown in FIG. 12, the device frame (110) may be composed of a pair of frames spaced apart from each other. The device housing (120) is arranged between the pair of frames.

[0113] The above device frame (110) may include a support portion (111) that is in close contact with the case (10, 20), and a post portion (115) that is erected from the support portion (111). Referring to FIG. 12, the bottom surface of the support portion (111) is in close contact with the second surface (22B) of the outer case (10, 20), and a pair of post portions (115) may extend from the upper surface of the support portion (111). The inverter device (150) may be mounted on the upper end of the post portion (115). A post hole (115a) may be formed in the post portion (115). The above post hole (115a) is connected to the inverter hole (153a) of the inverter device (150), and when a fastener (not shown) such as a bolt is fastened to the inverter hole (153a) and the post hole (115a), the inverter device (150) can be fixed to the post portion (115).

[0114] The support member (111) may be provided with a fixed end (113). The fixed end (113) may extend in a direction to increase the bottom surface area of ​​the support member (111). In the present embodiment, the fixed end (113) protrudes in a direction to narrow the gap between the pair of device frames (110). The device housing (120) may be arranged on the upper portion of the fixed end (113). The first fixed hole (113a) formed in the fixed end (113) may be connected to the second fixed hole (123a) provided in the device housing (120) and may be fastened using a separate fastener (not shown).

[0115] A device housing (120) is arranged in the device frame (110). The device housing (120) houses the sterilizing lamp (140) and a pair of electrode parts (130). The housing body (121) forming the skeleton of the device housing (120) has an approximately hexahedral shape, but may be deformed according to the shapes of the electrode parts (130) and the sterilizing lamp (140). A mounting space (122) may be sunken in the center of the housing body (121). The electrode parts (130) and the sterilizing lamp (140) may be stacked in the mounting space (122).

[0116] The housing body (121) may be formed with a second fixing hole (123a) corresponding to the first fixing hole (113a) formed in the fixed end (113) and may be fastened with a fastening member. As another example, the second fixing hole (123a) may be omitted, and the housing body (121) may be press-fitted to the device frame (110) or may be fixed by being hooked. Drawing reference numeral 123b denotes a holder assembly hole formed in the housing body (121), and an investigation holder (125) to be described later may be fastened to the holder assembly hole (123b).

[0117] Referring to Fig. 12, the housing body (121) may be provided with a storage fence (124). The storage fence (124) may have a structure that protrudes from the edge of the mounting space (122) so as to surround both sides of the mounting space (122). The mounting space (122) may be arranged between a pair of the storage fences (124). Referring to Fig. 10, an inclined portion is provided at the upper portion of the storage fence (124) to assist in mounting the electrode portion (130) and the sterilizing lamp (140), and may also reflect ultraviolet rays irradiated from the sterilizing lamp (140).

[0118] The above device housing (120) may include an irradiation holder (125). The irradiation holder (125) may be assembled to the housing body (121) and may hang a portion of the sterilizing lamp (140). The irradiation holder (125) may fix the sterilizing lamp (140) and the electrode portion (130) disposed at the lower portion thereof (based on FIG. 10). The irradiation holder (125) may be a separate object from the housing body (121) and may be fixed with a separate fastener (not shown). Reference numeral 127b denotes a relative fastening hole formed in the irradiation holder (125), and the relative fastening hole (127b) is connected to the holder assembly hole and fastened with a fastener.

[0119] The above-mentioned investigation holder (125) may include a holder body including the relative fastening hole (127b), and a hanging arm (126) extending from the holder body to fix the sterilizing lamp (140). The hanging arm (126) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the holder body and be placed on the surface (141A) of the sterilizing lamp (140).

[0120] As shown in Fig. 12, a power connection hole (128) may be formed in the housing body (121). The inverter device (150) may be connected to the power connection hole (128). A part of the inverter device (150) may be directly inserted into the power connection hole (128) to supply AC power. As another example, a wire or terminal extending from the inverter device (150) may be inserted into the power connection hole (128). As another example, the inverter device (150) may be omitted, and a wire or terminal for applying power from the outside may be inserted into the power connection hole (128). Reference numeral 129 denotes an inverter fixing groove for fixing the inverter device (150), and a fixing protrusion (159) of the inverter device (150) is inserted into the inverter fixing groove (129).

[0121] An electrode unit (130) may be placed in the device housing (120). The electrode unit (130) is for supplying power to the sterilizing lamp (140). The electrode unit (130) may receive AC power from the inverter device (150) and transmit it to the sterilizing lamp (140), thereby inducing discharge of the sterilizing lamp (140). The electrode unit (130) may be composed of a pair of electrode units (130a, 130b).

[0122] The pair of electrode parts (130a, 130b) may be supplied with AC power from the inverter device (150), respectively. The pair of electrode parts (130a, 130b) supplied with AC power may be brought into contact with the germicidal lamp (140), thereby inducing discharge of an inert gas filled inside the germicidal lamp (140). The pair of electrode parts (130a, 130b) are each made of a conductive material. In the present embodiment, the pair of electrode parts (130a, 130b) is in a block shape. As another example, the pair of electrode parts (130a, 130b) may be printed on a separate substrate in a mesh shape or a grid shape.

[0123] Referring to the above germicidal lamp (140), in the present embodiment, the germicidal lamp (140) generates far-UVC rays. The germicidal lamp (140) may have a generally plate-like structure. The germicidal lamp (140) supports the electrode portion (130) and is a component through which far-UV rays are transmitted. The germicidal lamp (140) may generally be made of a quartz or ceramic material having good far-UV ray transmittance. Alternatively, the germicidal lamp (140) may be made of fused silica, which has a lower OH content than quartz and thus has good far-UV ray transmittance.

[0124] The sterilizing lamp (140) is composed of a plurality of plate members, and a discharge space may be formed between the plate members. The plurality of plate members may be joined through melting, and the discharge space may be formed between them. As another example, the sterilizing lamp (140) may have a double pipe structure. In the present embodiment, the sterilizing lamp (140) is composed of an excimer lamp. Drawing reference numeral 143 denotes side ends provided at each of the longitudinal ends of the sterilizing lamp (140), and the side ends (143) may be viewed as parts that are melted and sealed.

[0125] The discharge space formed inside the sterilizing lamp (140) may be provided with an inert gas selected from the group consisting of argon (Ar), neon (Ne), xenon (Xe), and krypton (Kr). At this time, the inert gas may be selected from the group consisting of ArBr, ArCl, ArF, ArO, NeF, XeI, XeO, XeBr, XeCl, XeF, KrBr, KrCl, KrO, and KrF.

[0126] The discharge of this sterilizing lamp (140) generates and radiates far ultraviolet rays (far UVC). At this time, the wavelength of the radiated far ultraviolet rays may vary depending on the type of inert gas used. In the present embodiment, the sterilizing lamp (140) generates a wavelength of 235 to 260 nm, thereby eliminating foodborne pathogens, natural microorganisms, molds, yeasts, etc.

[0127] At least a portion of the surface (141A) of the sterilizing lamp (140) may be arranged to face the room (I). Referring to Fig. 8, the irradiation surface (141A) of the surface (141A) of the sterilizing lamp (140) is exposed downward through the irradiation hole (23) of the case (10, 20). Accordingly, the sterilizing lamp (140) can irradiate ultraviolet rays downward. In the present embodiment, since the air conditioner is installed on the ceiling, the surface (141A) of the sterilizing lamp (140) may be arranged to face the ground of the room (I). Reference numeral 141B indicates an electrode contact surface formed on the opposite side of the surface (141A) of the sterilizing lamp (140).

[0128] Referring to FIG. 3, the longitudinal direction of the sterilizing lamp (140) may be formed in a direction parallel to an imaginary extension line connecting the centers of the air discharge units (40) arranged on both sides with the sterilizing device (100) in between. Here, the longitudinal direction of the sterilizing lamp (140) means a direction that is relatively longer among the left-right / up-down lengths of the sterilizing lamp (140) based on the planar structure of the sterilizing lamp (140). As shown in FIG. 3, the direction connecting the centers of the air discharge units (40) arranged at the upper end and the air discharge units (40) arranged at the rear end may be the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the sterilizing lamp (140). Based on FIG. 3, the longitudinal direction of the sterilizing lamp (140) becomes a diagonal direction. Accordingly, the paths of the air discharged through the two air discharge units (40) can overlap with the irradiation area (K1-K2) of the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the sterilizing lamp (140) in a wider area.

[0129] The inverter device (150) can supply AC power to the pair of electrode parts (130). The inverter device (150) can be arranged on the opposite side of the sterilizing lamp (140) with the pair of electrode parts (130) as the center. The inverter device (150) can include an inverter body (151) and an AC generator (155) provided in the inverter body (151). The inverter device (150) can include a converter unit that converts commercial power from an air conditioner into DC power, and an inverter unit that removes ripples in a smoothing circuit and then converts it back into AC. As another example, the inverter device (150) can be omitted or arranged to be spaced apart from the sterilizing device (100).

[0130] Referring to Fig. 9, a part of the air flow path (①) of the room (I) sucked into the air intake unit (30) may be included in the irradiation range of the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the sterilizing device (100). Accordingly, bacteria in the air sucked into the air intake unit (30) may be first sterilized by the sterilizing device (100) and then introduced into the internal space (S). A separate sterilizing means (not shown) arranged in the internal space (S) of the air conditioner may secondarily sterilize the air introduced into the internal space (S).

[0131] A part of the air flow path (②) discharged into the room (I) through the air discharge unit (40) may be included in the irradiation range of the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the sterilizing device (100). In this way, the remaining bacteria in the air that has been primarily sterilized inside the air conditioner may be supplied to the room (I) after being secondarily sterilized by the sterilizing device (100). The sterilizing device (100) may further enhance the sterilizing effect by irradiating ultraviolet rays in a direction parallel to the direction in which air is discharged through the air discharge unit (40).

[0132] In this way, the irradiation area (K1-K2) of ultraviolet rays irradiated by the sterilizing device (100) can overlap with the intake path (①) through which air in the room (I) is sucked into the internal space (S) through the air intake unit (30) and the discharge path (②) through which air in the internal space (S) is discharged into the room (I) through the air discharge unit (40) outside the case (10, 20), respectively. In the present embodiment, the irradiation area (K1-K2) of ultraviolet rays by the sterilizing device (100) is formed outside the air conditioner, i.e., in the room (I), and therefore can intersect with the discharge path (②) and the suction path (①) in the room (I).

[0133] Meanwhile, referring to Fig. 2, the case (10, 20) may be equipped with a sensing device (80). The sensing device (80) may measure at least one of the fine dust concentration, ultrafine dust concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, humidity, and VOC gas concentration of the room (I).

[0134] The sensing device (80) can detect whether a user is present. The sensing device (80) is configured as a passive infrared sensor or a PIR sensor, and can detect infrared radiation emitted by a person to determine whether the person is moving. Alternatively, the sensing device (80) may be configured as an ultrasonic sensor or a microwave sensor.

[0135] The control unit can operate or stop the sterilizing device (100) depending on whether a user is present in the room through the sensing device (80). For example, if a user is present in the room (I), the control unit can stop the operation of the sensing device (80), and conversely, if a user is not present in the room (I), the control unit can operate the sensing device (80). In addition, the control unit can operate or stop the sterilizing device (100) depending on the air quality in the room (I). As another example, the control unit can be controlled through a remote controller, including a remote sensor such as an infrared sensor receiver.

[0136] Meanwhile, although not shown, the sensing device (80) can be rotated together with the vane (40). The vane (40) opens and closes the air discharge portion (40) while being rotated by a separate driving device (not shown), and the sensing device (80) is rotated together with the vane (40). Through this, the sensing device (80) can sterilize a wider area of ​​the room (I). As another example, the sensing device (80) can be operated by a separate driving device from the vane (40). As another example, the sensing device (80) can be manually rotated by a user.

[0137] Fig. 13 is a plan view showing a second embodiment of an air conditioner according to the present invention. The same structure as the previous embodiment will be omitted for description. As can be seen, a plurality of sterilizing devices (100A, 100B) can be arranged in the case (10, 20). The plurality of sterilizing devices (100A, 100B) can be spaced apart from each other along the edge of the case (10, 20). In the present embodiment, two sterilizing devices (100A, 100B) are arranged diagonally opposite to each other with the air intake unit (30) as the center. As another example, the number of sterilizing devices (100) may be three or more.

[0138] Fig. 14 is a plan view showing a third embodiment of an air conditioner according to the present invention. The description of the same structure as the previous embodiment will be omitted. As can be seen therein, the sterilizing device (100C) can be placed between the air intake part (30) and the air discharge part (40). The sterilizing device (100C) is placed on the inner plate (21) of the lower case (20). Although the sterilizing device (100C) is placed in the internal space (S), it is placed at a position outside the suction path (63, see Fig. 6) and the discharge path (65, see Fig. 6), so that it may not interfere with the air flow in the internal space (S).

[0139] Fig. 15 is a plan view showing a fourth embodiment of an air conditioner according to the present invention. The description of the same structure as the previous embodiment will be omitted. As can be seen, the sterilizing device (100D) may be placed at the center of one end of the case (10, 20) rather than at the corner of the case (10, 20). In the present embodiment, the sterilizing device (100D) is placed on the outer plate (22) of the lower case (20), and is placed between two adjacent corners among the four corners of the outer plate (22).

[0140] Figures 16 to 19 illustrate a fifth embodiment of an air conditioner according to the present invention. Structures identical to those of the previous embodiments are assigned a 1000-series number and a detailed description thereof is omitted. As shown, the planar structure of the air conditioner may be a rectangular shape in which one of the left / right / up / down directions is longer than the other. Figure 16 illustrates the planar structure of the air conditioner.

[0141] As can be seen here, the air intake section (1130) and the air discharge section (1140) of the air conditioner can be formed in a direction parallel to each other. More precisely, the air intake section (1130) and the air discharge section (1140) are formed in the case (1110, 1120), respectively, and with reference to FIG. 16, the air intake section (1130) and the air discharge section (1140) are formed in the left and right directions, respectively.

[0142] Referring to Fig. 17, the air intake unit (1130) can form an intake area (A) that intakes air from a room (I). The air discharge unit (1140) can form an exhaust area (B) that exhausts air into the room (I). At this time, the sterilizing device (1200) can be placed in an area surrounded by the intake area (A) and the exhaust area (B). With reference to Fig. 17, the exhaust area (B) is placed at the upper portion of the sterilizing device (1200), and the exhaust area (A) is placed at the lower portion.

[0143] In this way, when the sterilizing device (1200) is placed between the suction area (A) and the discharge area (B), the sterilizing device (1200) not only directly sterilizes the room (I), but also the irradiation area (K1-K2, see FIG. 9) of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the sterilizing device (1200) can overlap with the suction path (①) and the discharge path (②). Accordingly, the sterilizing device (1200) can sterilize the air in the room (I) sucked into the air conditioner and the air discharged from the air conditioner to the room (I), respectively. Drawing reference numeral 1225 represents a status display window that displays the status of the air conditioner.

[0144] The longitudinal direction of the sterilizing lamp (1240) may be formed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of either the air discharge unit (1140) or the air intake unit (1130). In the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the sterilizing lamp (1240) is formed in a direction (left-right direction based on FIG. 16) parallel to the longitudinal direction of each of the air discharge unit (1140) and the air intake unit (1130).

[0145] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, among the upper case (1110) and the lower case (1120) constituting the cases (1110, 1120) in the present embodiment, the sterilizing device (1200) is placed in the lower case (1120). The lower case (1120) includes an inner plate (1122) and an outer plate (1121), and the sterilizing device (1200) is placed in the inner plate (1122). The inner plate (1122) may have a form in which it is surrounded by the outer plate (1121).

[0146] As shown in Fig. 18, a mounting portion (1125) may be formed on the inner plate (1122) at a location outside the internal space (S) of the air conditioner. The sterilizing device (1200) may be placed on the mounting portion (1125). The mounting portion (1125) may be placed on the outside of the side plate (1113) of the upper case (1110). The mounting portion (1125) may be formed on the upper surface of the inner plate (1122). More precisely, the inner plate (1122) includes an extension portion (not given a drawing symbol) that protrudes further outward than the upper case (1110), and the mounting portion (1125) may be formed on the extension portion.

[0147] In this way, when the sterilizing device (1200) is placed on the mounting portion (1125), the side plate (1113) of the upper case (1110) may be placed between the sterilizing device (1200) and the internal space (S). It can be seen that the side plate (1113) blocks the space between the sterilizing device (1200) and the internal space (S). Although not shown, a heat exchanger may be placed between the sterilizing device (1200) and the internal space (S).

[0148] Referring to Fig. 19, the sterilizing lamp (1240) constituting the sterilizing device (1200) may be directed downward, i.e., toward the interior (I). The surface (1241A) of the sterilizing lamp (1240) may be exposed to the interior (I) through the irradiation hole (1123) formed in the inner plate (1122). Since the structure of the sterilizing device (1200) is the same as that of the preceding embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0149] Fig. 20 illustrates a plan view of a sixth embodiment of an air conditioner according to the present invention. The description of the same structure as the previous embodiment will be omitted. As can be seen, the air conditioner may be equipped with a plurality of sterilizing devices (1200B, 1200B'). In this embodiment, two sterilizing devices (1200B, 1200B') are arranged in the lower case (1120). More precisely, the two sterilizing devices (1200B, 1200B') are arranged spaced apart from each other on the inner plate (1122) constituting the lower case (1120).

[0150] Fig. 21 illustrates a plan view of a seventh embodiment of an air conditioner according to the present invention. The description of the same structure as the previous embodiment will be omitted. As can be seen, a sterilizing device (1200C) is disposed in the air conditioner, and the sterilizing device (1200C) may be disposed on the outer side of the case (1110, 1120). More precisely, in this embodiment, the sterilizing device (1200C) is disposed in the lower case (1120). Among the inner plate (1122) and the outer plate (1121) constituting the lower case (1120), the sterilizing device (1200C) is disposed in the outer plate (1121). The sterilizing device (1200C) may be disposed on the opposite side of the air intake unit (1130) with the air discharge unit (1140) as the center.

[0151] The above description is merely an illustrative illustration of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. A case installed on a ceiling, having an internal space formed therein, and having an air intake section and an air discharge section opened to connect to the internal space; A blower fan placed in the above internal space, which sucks in indoor air through the air intake section and discharges air into the room through the air discharge section; and An air conditioner including a sterilizing device that is positioned in the case so as to face the room and irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the room.

2. An air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the sterilizing device is arranged so that the air intake part and the air discharge part face the open direction.

3. An air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the sterilizing device is positioned outside the internal space.

4. In claim 1, the sterilizing device is equipped with an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays, An air conditioner in which at least a portion of the surface of the above ultraviolet lamp is positioned so as to face the room.

5. An air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the ultraviolet lamp is arranged to face the ground of the room.

6. In claim 1, the case is An upper case that is stored in the ceiling and forms the internal space; and A lower case is disposed at the lower portion of the upper case and is exposed to the interior, and has the air intake portion and the air discharge portion formed therein; The above sterilizing device is an air conditioner placed in the lower case.

7. An air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein the sterilizing device is disposed at the edge of the lower case.

8. In claim 6, the lower case further protrudes from one surface of the upper case in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the air intake portion is opened to form an extension portion, The above sterilizing device is an air conditioner placed in the extension section.

9. In claim 6, the lower case includes a first side facing the room, and a second side formed on the opposite side of the first side and facing the ceiling. The above sterilizing device is an air conditioner arranged on the second surface.

10. An air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the sterilizing device is equipped with a sterilizing lamp that generates far ultraviolet rays (Far UVC).

11. An air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein a part of the indoor air flow path sucked into the air intake unit is included in the irradiation range of ultraviolet rays irradiated by the sterilizing device.

12. An air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein a part of the flow path of air discharged into the room through the air discharge unit is included in the irradiation range of ultraviolet rays irradiated by the sterilizing device.

13. In claim 1, a plurality of air discharge parts are arranged spaced apart from each other in the case, The above sterilizing device is an air conditioner arranged between the plurality of air outlets.

14. In claim 1, a plurality of air discharge parts are arranged spaced apart from each other in the case, An air conditioner in which the above sterilizing device is placed in the area between the edge of the case and two adjacent air outlets.

15. In claim 1, a suction area in which the air suction part is opened is formed in the case, An air conditioner in which the sterilizing device is placed in a sterilizing area formed closer to the edge of the case than the suction area.

16. In claim 1, a suction area in which the air suction part is opened is formed in the case, In the above case, a discharge area is formed in which the air discharge part is opened, The above sterilizing device is an air conditioner placed between the suction area and the discharge area.

17. In claim 1, a suction area in which the air suction part is opened is formed in the case, In the above case, a discharge area is formed in which the air discharge part is opened, An air conditioner in which the above sterilizing device is placed in an area surrounded by the above suction area and the above discharge area.

18. In claim 1, a heat exchanger is arranged in the internal space, The above sterilizing device is an air conditioner arranged on the opposite side of the blower fan with the heat exchanger as the center.

19. In claim 1, the sterilizing device is equipped with a sterilizing lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays, An air conditioner in which the longitudinal direction of the sterilizing lamp is formed in a direction parallel to an imaginary extension line connecting the centers of the air discharge units positioned on both sides with the sterilizing device in between.

20. In claim 1, the sterilizing device is equipped with a sterilizing lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays, An air conditioner in which the longitudinal direction of the sterilizing lamp is formed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of either the air discharge unit or the air intake unit.

21. In claim 1, the sterilizing device A device frame fixed to the above case; A device housing that is coupled to the above device frame and has a mounting space formed inside; A pair of electrode parts arranged in the above mounting space; and An air conditioner including a sterilizing lamp that is in close contact with the electrode portion and receives power from the electrode portion.

22. In claim 21, the sterilizing device is provided with an inverter device that supplies AC power to the pair of electrode parts, An air conditioner in which the inverter device is placed on the opposite side of the sterilizing lamp with the pair of electrodes as the center.

23. In claim 21, an inspection hole is opened in the case, An air conditioner in which the surface of the above sterilizing lamp is exposed to the outside of the case through the above inspection hole.

24. In claim 1, a plurality of sterilizing devices are arranged in the case, An air conditioner wherein the plurality of sterilizing devices are spaced apart from each other along the edge of the case.

25. In claim 1, the case is provided with a sensing device, An air conditioner in which the sensing device measures at least one of indoor fine dust concentration, ultrafine dust concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, humidity, and VOC gas concentration, or the sensing device detects whether a user is present in the room.

26. In claim 25, the case is provided with a control unit, An air conditioner in which the control unit operates or stops the sterilizing device depending on whether a user is present or not through the sensing device.

27. A case installed on the ceiling, and when an internal space is formed, an air intake section and an air discharge section connected to the internal space are opened; A blower fan placed in the above internal space, which sucks in indoor air through the air intake section and discharges air into the room through the air discharge section; and A sterilizing device is provided, which is placed in the above case and has a sterilizing lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays; All or part of the above sterilizing lamp is exposed to the outside through an inspection hole formed on the surface of the case, The above sterilizing lamp is an air conditioner that irradiates ultraviolet rays in a direction parallel to the direction in which air is discharged through the air discharge unit.

28. A case installed on the ceiling, and when an internal space is formed, an air intake section and an air discharge section connected to the internal space are opened; A blower fan placed in the above internal space, which sucks in indoor air through the air intake section and discharges air into the room through the air discharge section; and A sterilizing device is disposed in the above case and irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the room; An air conditioner in which the irradiation area of ​​ultraviolet rays irradiated by the above sterilizing device overlaps with the intake path through which the indoor air is sucked into the internal space through the air intake unit and the discharge path through which the indoor air is discharged into the indoor space through the air discharge unit, respectively, from the outside of the case.

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