Air purifier

Abstract

An air purifier is disclosed. The air purifier of the present invention comprises a main body and legs. The main body comprises an inlet and an outlet. The legs space the bottom surface of the main body from the ground. The outlet is opened laterally along the circumference from below the upper surface of the main body, and the inlet is opened downward from the bottom surface of the main body. According to the present invention, an air purifier capable of securing strong purification performance by improving a flow path structure for drawing in and discharging air is provided.

Description

air purifier

[0001] The present invention relates to an air purifier, and more specifically, to an air purifier that purifies contaminated indoor air and converts it into clean air.

[0002] The air can contain various pollutants, such as harmful bacteria, viruses, mold, fine dust, hazardous gases, and odor-causing components. Air purifiers are used to remove these pollutants.

[0003] In this regard, Korean Published Patent No. 2024-0018221 (hereinafter referred to as the "prior art") discloses an "air cleaner," wherein the air cleaner comprises a first body, a second body, a fan, and a filter.

[0004] A second body is positioned on top of a first body. The first body includes an intake port and a discharge port. A fan is positioned inside the first body between the intake port and the discharge port. A filter is positioned inside the first body to filter out foreign substances contained in the air introduced through the intake port. The intake port is formed along the lower perimeter of the first body. The discharge port is formed on the upper part of the first body. The second body covers the upper part of the discharge port.

[0005] According to the aforementioned prior art, air is drawn in from the lower circumference of the first body, and purified air is discharged from the upper circumference of the first body. That is, the air purifier forms a side-intake and side-discharge structure. Consequently, clean air discharged from the discharge port flows back into the intake port, which may reduce the filtration efficiency of the air purifier relative to the intake flow rate.

[0006] According to the aforementioned prior art, the filter is positioned inside the first body. The intake grille is detachable from the first body. The filter is provided inside the intake grille. Therefore, whenever it is time to replace the filter, the user must directly disassemble the intake grille from the first body and replace the filter.

[0007] The air purifier described above is a tabletop air purifier that allows items to be placed on its top. Generally, air purifiers have a function that automatically adjusts airflow based on air quality, regardless of the user's location. However, if a user is close to the tabletop air purifier, they may feel uncomfortable due to the noise caused by the inhaled and exhaled air and the sensation of the wind hitting their body.

[0008] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems associated with air purifiers that purify contaminated indoor air and convert it into clean air.

[0009] Specifically, the purpose is to provide an air purifier capable of securing powerful purification capabilities by improving the air intake and exhaust air flow structure.

[0010] In addition, the present invention aims to provide an air purifier that allows the user to not only visually recognize the filter replacement time but also easily and quickly replace the filter at each replacement time.

[0011] In addition, the present invention aims to provide an air purifier capable of automatically recognizing the user's location and distance to adjust the wind speed.

[0012]

[0013] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0014] The air purifier described in this application is an air purifier that draws in air from an intake port and discharges purified air from an outlet port, and may include a main body and legs.

[0015] The main body may include an intake port and an exhaust port.

[0016] The legs can raise the bottom surface of the main body away from the ground.

[0017] The discharge port is opened sideways along the perimeter below the upper surface of the main body, and the intake port can be opened downwards from the bottom surface of the main body.

[0018] The air purifier described in this application may include a case and a driving unit.

[0019] The case can wrap around the sides of the main body.

[0020] The drive unit can move the case so that the case covers or opens the discharge port.

[0021] With the top surface of the main body stationary, the case can descend to open the discharge port.

[0022] The case can descend to a height lower than the bottom surface of the main body.

[0023] The main body may include a main body tube portion that forms a circular tube shape around a vertical central axis and has a spiral through hole around the central axis.

[0024] The case may include an insertion projection that is slidably inserted into a spiral through-hole.

[0025] The case may include a case body to which an insertion projection is coupled, and in which the inner surface faces the outer surface of the main body tube.

[0026] The drive unit may include a drive tube, a guide rail, and a motor.

[0027] The drive tube can be rotatably coupled to the main body around a central axis.

[0028] The guide rail is coupled to the drive tube section and can guide the vertical sliding movement of the insertion projection inside the main body tube section.

[0029] The electric motor is coupled to the main body and can rotate the drive tube.

[0030] The drive tube can form gear teeth along the circumferential direction.

[0031] The electric drive unit may include a pinion and a motor.

[0032] The pinion can mesh with the gear teeth.

[0033] The motor can rotate the pinion.

[0034] A speaker can be connected to the drive tube.

[0035] An acoustic passage hole through which speaker sound passes can be formed in the case body.

[0036] A fiber member can cover the outer surface of the case body to conceal the acoustic passage hole.

[0037] The air purifier described in this application may include a sensing sensor, a fan, and a control unit.

[0038] The detection sensor can detect people.

[0039] A fan may be installed in the air passage connecting the intake and the discharge port.

[0040] The control unit can control the fan by receiving a signal from the detection sensor.

[0041] The air purifier described in this application may include a filter tray and an actuator.

[0042] The filter tray can form an intake port. An air filter can be inserted into the filter tray from the side.

[0043] The actuator can be coupled to the main body. The actuator can raise and lower the filter tray.

[0044] The control unit can control the actuator so that the filter tray lowers at the input filter replacement time.

[0045] The air passage may include an intake passage and a discharge passage.

[0046] The intake path can be the path through which air moves from the intake port to the fan.

[0047] The discharge path can be the path through which air travels from the fan to the discharge port.

[0048] The filter tray can form an intake passage.

[0049] The light-emitting part can illuminate the discharge path when the case is open to the discharge port.

[0050] A wireless charging device may be provided below the upper surface of the main body.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air purifier can form a table shape with a plurality of legs attached to the lower part of a main body having a flat upper surface. Therefore, the air purifier can be used as a table-type air purifier.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the main body may include an intake port and a discharge port. The intake port may be opened downward from the bottom surface of the main body. The discharge port may be opened sideways along the perimeter from below the top surface of the main body. Legs may separate the bottom surface of the main body from the ground. Thus, air located between the ground and the bottom surface of the main body can be drawn in through the intake port, and purified air can be discharged in all directions (360 degrees) around a vertical central axis from the discharge port located below the top surface of the main body. Therefore, the phenomenon of clean air discharged from the discharge port flowing back into the intake port can be structurally blocked. Thus, by maximizing the filtration efficiency of the air purifier relative to the intake flow rate, powerful purification capability can be secured.

[0053] According to an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, when a user turns on the air purifier, the case can descend while the upper surface of the main body remains stationary to open the discharge port. When the user turns off the air purifier, the case can ascend while the upper surface of the main body remains stationary to close the discharge port. Therefore, since the upper surface of the main body always remains stationary regardless of whether the air purifier is in use, the air purifier can be used as a table-compatible air purifier with the upper surface of the main body used as a table surface.

[0054] According to an air purifier of an embodiment of the present invention, when a user turns on the air purifier, the case descends to a height lower than the bottom surface of the main body. Therefore, while the air purifier is in operation, the lower part of the case can block the path through which clean air discharged from the discharge port flows back into the intake port. Thus, by maximizing the filtration efficiency of the air purifier relative to the intake flow rate, powerful purification capability can be secured.

[0055] According to an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, an upper flow path and a lower flow path may form surfaces facing each other (hereinafter referred to as "opposing surfaces"). The lower part of the lower flow path may form a shape that surrounds a fan around a central axis. Accordingly, the upper flow path and the lower flow path may form a discharge flow path between the opposing surfaces. The upper part of the filter tray and the lower part of the lower flow path may be spaced apart from each other in the radial direction of the central axis. The discharge flow path may form a symmetrical shape around the central axis. The opposing surfaces may form an inclination approximately parallel to the horizontal direction from the discharge port. Accordingly, the discharge port can discharge purified air in all directions, 360 degrees around the central axis.

[0056] According to an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, the top plate can form the upper surface of the main body. The top plate can form a circular shape around a central axis. The upper surface of the top plate can form a surface parallel to a level surface. Therefore, a user can place various objects on the upper surface of the top plate.

[0057] According to an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, the case can surround the side of the main body. The case can move to cover or open the discharge port. When the user turns on the air purifier, the control unit can rotate the shaft of the electric motor clockwise around the central axis. Accordingly, the case can slide in a spiral (clockwise downward) together with the insertion projection to open the discharge port. When the user turns off the air purifier, the control unit can rotate the shaft of the electric motor counterclockwise around the central axis. Accordingly, the case can slide in a spiral (counterclockwise left) together with the insertion projection to close the discharge port. Accordingly, the case can move smoothly in a spiral to open and close the discharge port.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air purifier may include a detection sensor and a control unit. The detection sensor may detect a person. The detection sensor may detect the location and distance of a person relative to the air purifier. The control unit may control the fan of the air purifier based on the signal from the detection sensor to adjust the airflow of the air purifier. The control unit may reduce the airflow of the air purifier as the person gets closer to the air purifier. Therefore, a user close to the air purifier may not feel discomfort from the airflow of the air purifier.

[0059] According to an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, an indicator may be coupled to a case. The indicator may be provided as an LED lamp. A control unit may adjust the color or brightness of the indicator. The indicator may display air quality, the airflow of the air purifier, the volume of the speaker, etc., by adjusting the color or brightness. Accordingly, the user can easily recognize the airflow of the air purifier, the volume of the speaker, etc., through the color or brightness of the indicator.

[0060] According to an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, the case body may form a circular tube shape with a radius larger than that of the main body tube section around a central axis. The inner surface of the case body may face the outer surface of the main body tube section. A ball bearing may be coupled to the main body tube section. The ball bearing may support the inner surface of the case body. Therefore, friction between the inner surface of the case body and the outer surface of the main body tube section can be prevented when switching between the operating and non-operating states of the air purifier. Consequently, the switching between the operating and non-operating states of the air purifier is smooth, and noise caused by friction can be prevented.

[0061] According to an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, a fiber member can cover the outer surface of a case body. The fiber member can be attached to the outer surface of the case body by means of a magnet, a snap button, Velcro, etc. Therefore, it can be easily replaced by the consumer, allowing for a decoration effect that reflects the consumer's taste depending on the installed indoor environment. An acoustic passage hole through which speaker sound passes can be formed in the case body. The fiber member can cover the outer surface of the case body to conceal the acoustic passage hole. Accordingly, the outer surface of the case can form a smooth cylindrical surface.

[0062] According to an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, a ball bearing may be coupled to the main body tube portion. The ball bearing may support the inner surface of the case body and the outer surface of the drive tube portion, respectively. Therefore, friction between the inner surface of the case body and the outer surface of the main body tube portion can be prevented when switching between the operating and non-operating states of the air purifier. Additionally, friction between the inner surface of the main body tube portion and the outer surface of the drive tube portion can be prevented when switching between the operating and non-operating states of the air purifier. Therefore, the switching between the operating and non-operating states of the air purifier is performed smoothly, and noise caused by friction can be prevented.

[0063] According to an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of speakers may be coupled to the driving tube portion along the circumferential direction with respect to a central axis. The control unit may output various sounds, such as music, through the speakers. An acoustic passage hole through which the speaker sound passes may be formed in the case body. Accordingly, the speaker sound can be easily transmitted to the outside of the air purifier through the through hole and the acoustic passage hole.

[0064] According to an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can adjust the volume and airflow of the air purifier based on a signal from a detection sensor. The control unit can decrease the airflow and increase the volume of the air purifier as a person gets closer to the air purifier. Therefore, music can be effectively transmitted to a user close to the air purifier instead of the sound of wind from the air purifier.

[0065] According to an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, a filter tray can be inserted inside the lower tube section. The filter tray can be located below the fan. The filter tray can be opened upward and downward, respectively, while containing an air filter inside. The filter tray can form an intake port that opens downward from the bottom surface of the main body. The upper part of the filter tray can form a circular tube shape with a radius larger than that of the fan around a central axis. When the filter tray is inserted inside the lower tube section, the upper part of the filter tray can form a shape that surrounds the fan around a central axis. Accordingly, the filter tray can form a vertical intake path.

[0066] According to an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can control an actuator so that the filter tray descends at the input filter replacement time. The user can easily recognize the filter replacement time and replace the filter conveniently. The user can conveniently replace the air filter by moving it to the side of the filter tray that has descended below the bottom of the main body.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air purifier may be provided with a wireless charging device and an upper light below the upper surface of the main body. A user may place an electronic device, such as a smartphone, on the upper surface of the main body to wirelessly charge it. The upper light may be provided with an LED lamp. The top plate is made of a light-transmitting material, and the upper light may be used as a mood light. The air purifier may include a control unit. The control unit may adjust the color or brightness of the upper light. The upper light may display air quality, the airflow of the air purifier, the volume of the speaker, etc., by adjusting the color or brightness.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air purifier may include a remote control and a humidifier. A user can wirelessly charge the remote control and the humidifier by placing them on the upper surface of the main body. The user can control the operation of the air purifier, the volume of the speaker, etc., through the remote control.

[0069] According to an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting unit can illuminate the discharge path when the case is open to the discharge port. The light-emitting unit may be equipped with an LED lamp. The light-emitting unit may be installed in the main body to illuminate the discharge path. The upper path may be made of a light-transmitting material. Alternatively, an upper light may be used as the light-emitting unit. The control unit may adjust the color or brightness of the light-emitting unit. The light-emitting unit may display air quality, the airflow of the air purifier, the volume of the speaker, etc., by adjusting the color or brightness.

[0070] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front upper side, showing the non-operational state of the air purifier.

[0071] FIG. 2 is a front view of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the non-operational state and the operation state of the air purifier.

[0072] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front upper side.

[0073] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the non-operational state of the air purifier.

[0074] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the operating state of the air purifier.

[0075] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an electric motor device in the operating state of the air purifier.

[0076] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an insertion projection and a guide rail in a non-operating state of the air purifier.

[0077] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, schematically showing the main body tube and the driving part in a non-operating state of the air purifier.

[0078] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is a simplified drawing showing the main body tube and driving part in the operating state of the air purifier.

[0079] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the non-operational state and the operation state of the air purifier.

[0080] FIG. 11 is a front view of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the inserted state and pop-up state of the filter tray in a non-operating state of the air purifier.

[0081] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, in describing the present invention, descriptions of already known functions or configurations will be omitted in order to clarify the gist of the present invention.

[0082] The X, Y, and Z directions described in the embodiments of the present invention may each be mutually orthogonal directions. The X and Y directions may each be directions parallel to the horizontal direction, and the Z direction may be a direction parallel to the vertical direction. When the X direction is a direction parallel to the left-right direction, the Y direction may be a direction parallel to the front-back direction. When the X direction is a direction parallel to the front-back direction, the Y direction may be a direction parallel to the left-right direction.

[0083] In the following, "front" refers to the direction indicated by the X-axis arrow, and "back" may refer to the opposite side of the direction indicated by the X-axis arrow. In the following, "up" refers to the direction indicated by the Z-axis arrow, and "down" may refer to the opposite side of the direction indicated by the Z-axis arrow.

[0084]

[0085] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air purifier (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front upper side, and is a drawing showing the non-operational state of the air purifier (1000).

[0086] FIG. 2 is a front view of an air purifier (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the non-operational state and the operational state of the air purifier (1000).

[0087] An air purifier (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention is an air purifier that sucks in air from an intake port (A1a) and discharges purified air from an outlet port (A2a), and may include a main body (100), legs (10), and a case (200).

[0088] An air purifier (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention can form a table shape in which a plurality of legs (10) are attached to the lower part of a main body (100) having a flat upper surface. Accordingly, the air purifier (1000) can be used as a table-type air purifier (1000).

[0089] The main body (100) may include an intake port (A1a) and an exhaust port (A2a). The intake port (A1a) may be opened downward from the bottom surface of the main body (100). The exhaust port (A2a) may be opened sideways along the perimeter below the top surface of the main body (100).

[0090] The leg (10) can separate the bottom surface of the main body (100) from the ground. A power line (W) can be extended from the leg (10).

[0091] Accordingly, the air purifier (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention can suck in air located between the ground and the bottom surface of the main body (100) at the intake port (A1a), and discharge purified air in all directions 360 degrees around the vertical central axis (CL) at the discharge port (A2a) located below the top surface of the main body (100).

[0092] Accordingly, the air purifier (1000) according to the embodiment of the present invention can structurally block the phenomenon in which clean air discharged from the discharge port (A2a) flows back into the intake port (A1a). Therefore, by maximizing the filtration efficiency of the air purifier (1000) relative to the intake flow rate, powerful purification capability can be secured.

[0093] The case (200) can surround the side of the main body (100). The case (200) can be moved to cover or open the discharge port (A2a). The non-operational state of the air purifier (1000) may mean the state in which the case (200) covers the discharge port (A2a). The operational state of the air purifier (1000) may mean the state in which the case (200) does not cover the discharge port (A2a).

[0094] An air purifier (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a detection sensor (20) and a control unit (400). The detection sensor (20) may detect a person. The detection sensor (20) may detect the location and distance of a person relative to the air purifier (1000).

[0095] The control unit (400) can control the fan (40) of the air purifier (1000) by the signal of the detection sensor (20) to control the airflow of the air purifier (1000).

[0096] The control unit (400) can reduce the airflow of the air purifier (1000) as a person gets closer to the air purifier (1000). Therefore, a user close to the air purifier (1000) may not feel discomfort from the wind of the air purifier (1000).

[0097] An indicator (60) may be combined with the case (200). The indicator (60) may be equipped with an LED lamp. The control unit (400) may adjust the color or brightness of the indicator (60).

[0098] The indicator (60) can display air quality, airflow of the air purifier (1000), volume of the speaker (80), etc. by adjusting the color or brightness. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the airflow of the air purifier (1000), volume of the speaker (80), etc. through the color or brightness of the indicator (60).

[0099] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an air purifier (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front upper side.

[0100] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the non-operational state of the air purifier (1000).

[0101] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a drawing showing the operating state of the air purifier (1000).

[0102] The main body (100) may include a main body tube section (110), a support tube section (120), a lower tube section (130), a top plate (140), an upper flow path section (142), and a lower flow path section (150).

[0103] The main body tube (110) can form a circular tube shape centered on a vertical central axis (CL). A spiral through hole (111) can be formed in the main body tube (110). The spiral through hole (111) can penetrate the main body tube (110).

[0104] The spiral through hole (111) can form a spiral that descends as it moves clockwise around the central axis (CL). The two ends of the spiral through hole (111) can form an angle of approximately 120 degrees around the central axis (CL). The spiral through hole (111) can be formed on opposite sides of the central axis (CL).

[0105] The support tube section (120) can form a circular tube shape with a radius smaller than that of the main body tube section (110) around the central axis (CL). The support tube section (120) can be positioned between the central axis (CL) and the main body tube section (110).

[0106] The lower part of the support tube section (120) can be connected to the inner surface of the main body tube section (110) by a connecting part (121). The connecting part (121) can extend radially from the lower part of the support tube section (120).

[0107] The main body (100) can form an air passage (A) connecting an intake port (A1a) and an exhaust port (A2a). A fan (40) is provided in the air passage (A) to generate an airflow from the intake port (A1a) to the exhaust port (A2a) in the air passage (A).

[0108] The air passage (A) may include an intake passage (A1) and a discharge passage. The intake passage (A1) may be a passage through which air travels from the intake port (A1a) to the fan (40). The discharge passage (A2) may be a passage through which air travels from the fan (40) to the discharge port (A2a).

[0109] The lower tube section (130) can form a circular tube shape with a radius smaller than that of the main tube section (110) around the central axis (CL). The upper end of the lower tube section (130) can be connected to the bottom surface of the connecting section (121).

[0110] The light-emitting part (90) can illuminate the discharge channel (A2) when the case (200) has the discharge port (A2a) open. The light-emitting part (90) may be equipped with an LED lamp. The upper channel part (142) may be made of a light-transmitting material, and the light-emitting part (90) may be installed in the main body (100) to illuminate the discharge channel (A2). Alternatively, the upper light (70) may be used as the light-emitting part (90).

[0111] The control unit (400) can adjust the color or brightness of the light-emitting unit (90). The light-emitting unit (90) can display air quality, airflow of the air purifier (1000), volume of the speaker (80), etc., by adjusting the color or brightness.

[0112] The filter tray (30) can be inserted into the inside of the lower tube section (130). The filter tray (30) can be located below the fan (40). The filter tray (30) can accommodate an air filter (AF) inside.

[0113] The filter tray (30) can be opened upward and downward, respectively, while containing an air filter (AF) inside. The filter tray (30) can form an intake port (A1a) that is open downward from the bottom surface of the main body (100).

[0114] The upper part of the filter tray (30) can form a circular tube shape with a radius larger than that of the fan (40) around the central axis (CL). When the filter tray (30) is inserted into the inside of the lower tube section (130), the upper part of the filter tray (30) can form a shape that surrounds the fan (40) around the central axis (CL). Thus, the filter tray (30) can form a vertical suction channel (A1).

[0115] The air purifier (1000) may include an actuator (31). The actuator (31) may be coupled to the main body (100). The actuator (31) may raise and lower the filter tray (30).

[0116] The actuator (31) may be provided as a linear actuator (31). The actuator (31) may include a motor, a gear, and a rack. A vertically elongated rack may be coupled to the filter tray (30), and a gear that engages with the rack and rotates by a motor may be provided on the main body (100).

[0117] Three or more legs (10) are connected to the leg connecting part (11), and the bottom surfaces of the main body tube part (110) and the lower tube part (130) can be seated and connected to the upper surface of the leg connecting part (11). The leg connecting part (11) can form a ring shape around a central axis (CL).

[0118] The lower flow path (150) can form a symmetrical shape around the central axis (CL). The upper part of the lower flow path (150) can be connected to the upper surfaces of the main body pipe (110) and the support pipe (120) by means of bolts, respectively.

[0119] The lower flow path (150) can form a funnel shape with a radius that narrows as it goes downwards, roughly centered around the central axis (CL). The lower flow path (150) can form the lower part of the discharge flow path (A2).

[0120] A motor coupling part (151) may be provided on the lower inner side of the lower flow path part (150). The motor coupling part (151) may form a fan insertion hole (152) and an air passage hole (153).

[0121] The lower part of the fan motor (41) can be inserted into the fan insertion hole (152) in the direction of gravity. The fan (40) can be coupled to the shaft of the fan motor (41) at the bottom of the motor coupling part (151). An air passage hole (153) can be formed along the circumference of the fan insertion hole (152).

[0122] The top plate (140) can form the upper surface of the main body (100). The top plate (140) can form a circular shape around the central axis (CL). The upper surface of the top plate (140) can form a surface parallel to the level surface.

[0123] Therefore, the user can place various items on the upper surface of the top plate (140). A top plate ring (141) can be attached around the perimeter of the top plate (140). The top plate ring (141) can finish the side of the top plate (140).

[0124] The upper flow path (142) can form a symmetrical shape around the central axis (CL). The upper part of the upper flow path (142) can be connected to the bottom surface of the top plate (140). A fan motor (41) can be connected to the lower part of the upper flow path (142).

[0125] The lower side of the upper flow path (142) can form a funnel shape with a radius that narrows as it goes downwards, roughly centered around the central axis (CL). The upper flow path (142) can form the upper part of the discharge flow path (A2).

[0126] The upper flow path (142) and the lower flow path (150) can form opposing surfaces (hereinafter referred to as 'opposing surfaces'). The lower part of the lower flow path (150) can form a shape that surrounds the fan (40) with the central axis (CL) as the center.

[0127] Accordingly, the upper flow path (142) and the lower flow path (150) can form a discharge flow path (A2) between opposing surfaces. The upper part of the filter tray (30) and the lower part of the lower flow path (150) may be spaced apart from each other in the radial direction of the central axis (CL).

[0128] The discharge channel (A2) can form a symmetrical shape around the central axis (CL). The opposing surface can form an inclination approximately parallel to the horizontal direction at the discharge port (A2a). Therefore, the discharge port (A2a) can discharge purified air in all directions 360 degrees around the central axis (CL).

[0129] A groove may be formed on the upper surface of the upper channel (142). A wireless charging device (50) and an upper light (70) may be inserted into the groove. Thus, a wireless charging device (50) and an upper light (70) may be provided below the upper surface of the main body (100).

[0130] The user can place an electronic device, such as a smartphone, on the upper surface of the main body (100) and wirelessly charge it. The upper lighting (70) may be provided with an LED lamp. The top plate (140) is made of a light-transmitting material, and the upper lighting (70) may be used as a mood light.

[0131] The air purifier (1000) may include a control unit (400). The control unit (400) may adjust the color or brightness of the upper light (70). The upper light (70) may display air quality, the airflow of the air purifier (1000), the volume of the speaker (80), etc., by adjusting the color or brightness.

[0132] The case (200) may include a case body (210), an insertion projection (220), and a fiber member (230).

[0133] The case body (210) can form a circular tube shape with a radius larger than that of the main body tube (110) around the central axis (CL). The inner surface of the case body (210) can face the outer surface of the main body tube (110).

[0134] A ball bearing (112) can be attached to the main body tube (110). The ball bearing (112) can support the inner surface of the case body (210). Therefore, friction between the inner surface of the case body (210) and the outer surface of the main body tube (110) can be prevented when switching between the operating and non-operating states of the air purifier (1000). Thus, the switching between the operating and non-operating states of the air purifier (1000) is smooth, and noise caused by friction can be prevented.

[0135] The fiber member (230) can cover the outer surface of the case body (210). The fiber member (230) can be attached to the outer surface of the case body (210) by means of a magnet, a snap button, Velcro, etc. Thus, the consumer can easily replace it, and a decoration effect reflecting the consumer's taste can be displayed according to the installed indoor environment.

[0136] An acoustic passage hole (211) through which the sound of a speaker (80) passes can be formed in the case body (210). A fiber member (230) can cover the outer surface of the case body (210) to cover the acoustic passage hole (211).

[0137] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an electric motor (330) in an operating state of the air purifier (1000).

[0138] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of an air purifier (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an insertion projection (220) and a guide rail (320) in a non-operational state of the air purifier (1000).

[0139] An insertion projection (220) can be attached to the inner surface of the case body (210). The insertion projections (220) can be formed on opposite sides of the central axis (CL). The insertion projections (220) can be inserted into the spiral through-hole (111) so as to be slidably movable.

[0140] The insertion projection (220) can form a cylindrical shape centered on a horizontal direction perpendicular to the central axis (CL). Therefore, friction between the outer surface of the insertion projection (220) and the inner surface of the spiral through hole (111) can be minimized.

[0141] The driving unit (300) can move the case (200) so that the case (200) covers or opens the discharge port (A2a). The driving unit (300) may include a driving pipe unit (310), a guide rail (320), and a motor device (330).

[0142] The driving tube section (310) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (100) around the central axis (CL). The driving tube section (310) can form a circular tube shape with a radius smaller than that of the main body tube section (110) around the central axis (CL). The driving tube section (310) can be positioned between the main body tube section (110) and the support tube section (120).

[0143] A plurality of speakers (80) can be coupled to the drive tube section (310) along the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis (CL) (see FIG. 5). The control section (400) can output various sounds, such as music, through the speakers (80). The sound from the speakers (80) can be easily transmitted to the outside of the air purifier (1000) through the spiral through hole (111) and the acoustic pass hole (211).

[0144] The control unit (400) can adjust the volume and airflow of the air purifier (1000) based on the signal from the detection sensor (20). The control unit (400) can decrease the airflow and increase the volume of the air purifier (1000) as a person gets closer to the air purifier (1000). Therefore, music can be effectively transmitted to a user close to the air purifier (1000) instead of the sound of wind from the air purifier (1000).

[0145] The fiber member (230) can cover the outer surface of the case body (210) to cover the acoustic passage hole (211). Thus, the outer surface of the case (200) can form a smooth cylindrical surface.

[0146] A support rail (122) may be provided on the upper surface of the connecting part (121). The support rail (122) may form a ring shape with a radius smaller than that of the main body pipe part (110) around the central axis (CL). The lower part of the driving pipe part (310) may be seated on the upper surface of the support rail (122).

[0147] An upper guide (123) may be provided on the upper surface of the main body tube (110). The upper guide (123) may form a ring shape with a radius smaller than that of the main body tube (110) around the central axis (CL). The upper guide (123) may support the upper part of the driving tube (310) so as to be rotatable around the central axis (CL).

[0148] A ball bearing (112) can be attached to the main body tube (110). The ball bearing (112) can support the inner surface of the case body (210) and the outer surface of the drive tube (310), respectively. Thus, friction between the inner surface of the case body (210) and the outer surface of the main body tube (110) can be prevented when switching between the operating and non-operating states of the air purifier (1000).

[0149] In addition, friction between the inner surface of the main body tube (110) and the outer surface of the drive tube (310) can be prevented when switching between the operating and non-operating states of the air purifier (1000). Therefore, the switching between the operating and non-operating states of the air purifier (1000) is smooth, and noise caused by friction can be prevented.

[0150] The guide rail (320) can be connected to the drive pipe section (310). The guide rail (320) can form a long rod shape in the direction of the central axis (CL) (vertical direction).

[0151] Guide rails (320) may be provided on opposite sides of the central axis (CL). A vertically elongated passage groove (311) may be formed in the drive pipe section (310). The passage groove (311) may be provided on opposite sides of the central axis (CL).

[0152] The insertion projection (220) can pass through the through hole and be mounted so as to slide vertically on the guide rail (320). Thus, the guide rail (320) can guide the vertical sliding movement of the insertion projection (220) inside the main body tube (110).

[0153] The drive tube portion (310) may form a gear portion (312) on its lower inner surface. The gear portion (312) may form gear teeth along the circumferential direction.

[0154] The electric motor (330) can be coupled to the support tube (120) by a bracket. The electric motor (330) may include a pinion (331) and an electric motor (332). The pinion (331) may mesh with a gear tooth. The electric motor (332) can rotate the pinion (331). The control unit (400) can control the electric motor (332) to rotate the drive tube (310).

[0155] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention, schematically showing the main body tube (110) and the driving unit (300) in a non-operating state of the air purifier (1000).

[0156] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a simplified view showing the main body tube (110) and the driving unit (300) in the operating state of the air purifier (1000).

[0157] To facilitate understanding of the operating and non-operating states of the air purifier (1000), the guide rail (320) in FIGS. 8 and 9 is simplified and depicted in the form of a pin.

[0158] When the air purifier (1000) is not in operation, the insertion projection (220) can be positioned at the top of the spiral through hole (111). The insertion projection (220) can pass through the spiral through hole (111) and be mounted so as to slide vertically on the guide rail (320). The spiral through hole (111) can form a spiral that descends as it moves clockwise around the central axis (CL).

[0159] When the user turns on the air purifier (1000), the control unit (400) can rotate the shaft of the electric motor (332) clockwise around the central axis (CL). Accordingly, the drive tube unit (310) rotates clockwise by means of the gear meshed with the pinion (331), so that the insertion projection (220) can slide spirally (downward clockwise) along the spiral through hole (111).

[0160] Accordingly, the case (200) can slide in a spiral (clockwise downward) together with the insertion projection (220) to open the discharge port (A2a). In the operating state of the air purifier (1000), the insertion projection (220) can be located at the bottom of the spiral through hole (111).

[0161] As described above, when the user turns on the air purifier (1000), the case (200) can be lowered while the upper surface of the main body (100) remains stationary to open the discharge port (A2a). And when the user turns off the air purifier (1000), the case (200) can be raised while the upper surface of the main body (100) remains stationary to close the discharge port (A2a).

[0162] Accordingly, since the upper surface of the main body (100) always remains stationary regardless of whether the air purifier (1000) is in use, the air purifier (1000) can be used as a table-type air purifier (1000) that uses the upper surface of the main body (100) as a table surface.

[0163] When the user turns on the air purifier (1000), the case (200) descends to a height lower than the bottom surface of the main body (100). Therefore, while the air purifier (1000) is in operation, the lower part of the case (200) can block the path through which clean air discharged from the discharge port (A2a) flows back into the intake port (A1a). Thus, by maximizing the filtration efficiency of the air purifier (1000) relative to the intake flow rate, powerful purification capabilities can be secured.

[0164] When the user turns off the air purifier (1000), the control unit (400) can rotate the shaft of the electric motor (332) counterclockwise around the central axis (CL). Thus, the drive tube unit (310) rotates counterclockwise by means of the gear teeth engaged with the pinion (331), and the insertion projection (220) can slide spirally (counterclockwise to the left) along the spiral through hole (111).

[0165] Accordingly, the case (200) can slide in a spiral (counterclockwise to the left) together with the insertion projection (220) to close the discharge port (A2a). When the air purifier (1000) is not in operation, the insertion projection (220) can be positioned above the spiral through hole (111).

[0166] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an air purifier (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the non-operational state and operation state of the air purifier (1000).

[0167] An air purifier (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a remote control (51) and a humidifier (52). A user can place the remote control (51) and the humidifier (52) on the upper surface of the main body (100) and wirelessly charge them. The user can control the operation of the air purifier (1000), the volume of the speaker (80), etc., through the remote control (51).

[0168] FIG. 11 is a front view of an air purifier (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the inserted state and pop-up state of the filter tray (30) in a non-operating state of the air purifier (1000).

[0169] The control unit (400) can control the actuator (31) so that the filter tray (30) descends below the main body (100) and the case (200) at the input filter replacement time. The user can easily recognize the filter replacement time and replace the filter conveniently.

[0170] An air filter (AF) can be inserted sideways into the filter tray (30). The user can easily replace the air filter (AF) sideways into the filter tray (30) that has been lowered below the bottom surface of the main body (100).

[0171]

[0172] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated above, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments and can be modified and varied in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, such modifications or variations should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present invention, and the modified embodiments should be considered to fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0173] According to the air purifier of the present invention, the discharge port is opened along the perimeter below the upper surface of the main body, and the intake port is opened downward from the bottom surface of the main body. Therefore, by improving the air intake and exhaust flow path structure to secure powerful purification capabilities, the invention overcomes the limitations of existing technology. Consequently, it is an invention with industrial applicability, as it not only offers sufficient potential for the commercialization or business of the applied device—not just the use of related technology—but is also practically and clearly implementable.

Claims

1. An air purifier that draws in air from an intake port and discharges purified air from an outlet port, A main body including the above-mentioned intake port and the above-mentioned discharge port; and It includes legs that separate the bottom surface of the above-mentioned main body from the ground, and The discharge port is opened along the circumference below the upper surface of the main body, and the suction port is opened downward from the bottom surface of the main body. Air purifier.

2. In Paragraph 1, A case surrounding the side of the above-mentioned main body; and A driving unit comprising a driving unit that moves the case so that the case covers or opens the discharge port. Air purifier.

3. In Paragraph 2, The upper surface of the main body is stationary, and the case descends to open the discharge port. Air purifier.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above case descends to a height lower than the bottom surface of the main body. Air purifier.

5. In Paragraph 2, The above main body is, It includes a main body tube portion that forms a circular tube shape around a central axis and has a spiral through hole around the central axis. The above case is, including an insertion projection that is slidably inserted into the spiral through hole, Air purifier.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above case is, A case body comprising the insertion projection coupled thereto and having an inner surface facing the outer surface of the main body tube portion, Air purifier.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above driving unit is, A driving tube portion rotatably coupled to the main body around the central axis; A guide rail coupled to the above-mentioned driving tube portion and guiding the movement of the insertion projection inside the above-mentioned main body tube portion; and A device comprising a motor coupled to the above main body and rotating the above driving tube, Air purifier.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above driving tube portion forms gear teeth along the circumferential direction, and The above-mentioned electric motor is, A pinion meshed with the above gear; and A motor that rotates the pinion, Air purifier.

9. In Paragraph 6, A speaker is coupled to the above-mentioned drive tube, and An acoustic passage hole through which the sound of the speaker passes is formed in the above case body, and A fiber member covers the outer surface of the case body to cover the acoustic passage hole. Air purifier.

10. In Paragraph 1, A human detection sensor; A fan provided in an air passage connecting the intake port and the discharge port; and A control unit that receives a signal from the above detection sensor and controls the fan, Air purifier.

11. In Paragraph 1, A filter tray forming the above intake port and into which an air filter is inserted; and A device comprising an actuator coupled to the main body and raising or lowering the filter tray, Air purifier.

12. In Paragraph 9, A control unit comprising a control unit that controls the actuator to lower the filter tray at an input filter replacement time, Air purifier.

13. In Paragraph 11, A fan is provided in the air passage connecting the intake port and the discharge port, and The above air passage is, An intake passage through which air moves from the intake port to the fan; and It includes a discharge path through which air moves from the fan to the discharge port, The filter tray above forms the suction path, Air purifier.

14. In Paragraph 13, A case surrounding the side of the above-mentioned main body; A driving unit for moving the case so that the case covers or opens the discharge port; and The above case includes a light-emitting part that illuminates the discharge path when the discharge port is open, Air purifier.

15. In Paragraph 1, A wireless charging device is provided below the upper surface of the above main body. Air purifier.

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