AIR PURIFIER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Application No. 10-2022-0130152, filed in Korea on Oct. 12, 2022, whose entire disclosure(s) is/are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND
1. Field

An air purifier, more particularly, to an air purifier having a water collection structure located under a cover, is disclosed herein.

2. Background

An air purifier is a device for purifying air drawn into a case and supplying the purified air to a room. The air purifier may include a case having an inlet and an outlet, and an air-blowing fan may be mounted inside the case of the air purifier.

Recently, there is a demand for an air purifier on which objects may be placed and having various functions, such as charging electronic devices placed on the air purifier. For example, a table-shaped device may be incorporated into an air purifier such that a space above the air purifier may be used by a user to place objects thereon or to position an object for charging above the air purifier. In certain examples, the table-shaped device may be detachable from the air-purifier.

However, a liquid spilled on the device or generated by the device, such as through condensation, may leak into the device, thereby causing damage to the device. In addition, any liquid leaking into the device may spread throughout the device, making it difficult to remove the liquid from the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second body of the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a second body of the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cover of the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an upper body of the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an upper body of the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second body of the air purifier along a first line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second body of the air purifier along a second line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to designate the same or similar components, and a redundant description thereof will be omitted. The terms “module” and “unit” for elements used in the following description are given simply in view of the ease of the description, and do not have a distinguishing meaning or role.

It will be noted that a detailed description of known arts will be omitted if it is determined that the detailed description of the known arts can obscure the embodiments of the invention. Further, the accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. As used herein, a singular representation is intended to include a plural representation unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Referring to FIG. 1, an air purifier 1 will be described below. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the overall appearance of an air purifier 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The air purifier 1 may include a first body 10. The first body 10 may have a cylindrical or conical shape. The first body 10 may have an internal space. The first body 10 may be disposed at a lower portion of the air purifier 1.

The first body 10 may include an inlet 11. The inlet 11 may be formed on a circumferential surface of the first body 10. The inlet 11 may allow the inside of the first body 10 to communicate with an interior space in which the air purifier 1 is positioned. Air outside the air purifier 1 may be introduced into the first body 10 through the inlet 11.

The first body 10 may include an outlet 12. The outlet 12 may be formed at an upper portion of the first body 10. The outlet 12 may be open at the top and bottom. The air purified inside the first body 10 may be discharged upward through the outlet 12.

The air purifier 1 may include a second body 100. The second body 100 may have an internal space. The second body 100 may be disposed at an upper portion of the air purifier 1. The second body 100 may be disposed over the first body 10. The second body 100 may be coupled to an upper portion of the first body 10. The second body 100 may vertically face the outlet 12. A bottom surface of the second body 100 may be spaced above the outlet 12.

The second body 100 may be configured to function as a table. For example, a top of the second body 100 may be a flat surface, and a user may place an object on the flat surface top surface of the second body 100. The second body 100 may cover at least a portion of the outlet 12, such as to guide a flow of air from the outlet 12.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the air purifier 1. Referring to FIG. 2, aspects of the air purifier 1 will be described below.

The air purifier 1 may include an inlet grille 13. The inlet grille 13 may be detachable from the first body 10. The inlet grille 13 may extend around at least a portion of a circumference of the first body 10. The inlet 11 may be formed in the inlet grille 13, such that air may be received into the first body 10 through openings of the inlet grille 13.

The air purifier 1 may include an outlet grille 14. The outlet grille 14 may be detachable from the first body 10. The outlet grille 14 may be disposed at a top portion of the first body 10 or otherwise configured to guide a flow of filtered air from the first body upwards. The outlet 12 may be formed in the outlet grille 14, such that air may be outputted from the first body 10 through openings of the outlet grille 14.

The air purifier 1 may include a case 15. The case 15 may form an outer later or circumferential surface of the first body 10. The outlet grille 13 may be detachable from the case 15. The outlet grille 14 is detachable from the case 15.

The second body 100 may include a boundary portion (or boundary region) 101. The boundary portion 101 may be disposed adjacent to the top of the outlet grille 14. The boundary portion 101 may extend circumferentially in a direction in which the outlet 12 extends. The boundary portion 101 may refer to a contact portion between a portion of the outlet grille 14 (e.g., a top of the outlet grille 14) and the second body 100.

The second body 100 may include a bottom wall 102. The bottom wall 102 may be spaced above the outlet grille 14. The bottom wall 102 may be spaced above the outlet 12. The bottom wall 102 may extend diagonally upward from the boundary portion 101. The bottom wall 102 may be formed in an annular shape in the direction in which the outlet 12 extends. A discharge space S may be formed between the outlet 12 and the bottom wall 102. The bottom wall 102 may vertically face the outlet 12, and the discharge space S may refer to a space formed between the bottom wall 102 and the outlet 12.

The second body 100 may include an edge 103. The edge 103 may be formed at an end portion of the bottom wall 102. The edge 103 may extend around a circumference of the second body 100.

The bottom wall 102 may be inclined upward in a radially outward direction of the air purifier 1. The bottom wall 102 may be inclined in a direction away from the outlet 12.

The outlet grille 14 may be inclined upward in a radially inward direction of the air purifier 1. The outlet grille 14 may be inclined upward in a radially inward direction toward the center of the first body 10.

The bottom wall 102 and the outlet grille 14 may be inclined in opposite directions. The bottom wall 102 may be inclined in the radially outward direction of the air purifier 1, and the outlet grille 14 may be inclined in the radially inward direction of the air purifier 1.

The edge 103 may be disposed further outward in a radial direction from a vertical center axis of the air purifier 1 than an exterior surface of the first body 10. The edge 103 may be disposed further outward in a radial direction from a vertical center axis of the air purifier 1 than the inlet 11.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the air purifier 1. Referring to FIG. 3, aspects of the air purifier 1 will be described below.

The air purifier 1 may include a filter 16. The filter 16 may be disposed inside the first body 10. The filter 16 may face the inlet grille 13. The filter 16 may filter out foreign matter contained in the air introduced through the inlet 11. In one example, the filter 16 may have a cylindrical shape.

The air purifier 1 may include a fan 17 and a fan motor 18 to rotate the fan 17. The fan 17 and the fan motor 18 may be disposed inside the first body 10. The fan 17 may be disposed above the filter 16. The fan 17 may draw in air from the outside of the air purifier 1 through the inlet 11. The fan 17 may blow the drawn air in an upward direction The fan 17 may blow the drawn air toward the outlet 12.

The air purifier 1 may include a mount 19. The mount 19 may be disposed inside the first body 10. The second body 100 may be coupled to the mount 19. A section of the second body 100 may be detached from the upper portion of the mount 19. A section of the second body 100 may be inserted into the mount 19 to be fixed therein.

The air drawn into the first body 10 through the inlet grille 13 may pass through the filter 16 to be blown upward by the fan 17. The air, blown upward, may flow into the discharge space S through the outlet 12. The air discharged into the discharge space S may flow along the bottom wall 102 and outside from the air purifier 1. The outlet grille 14 and the bottom wall 102, which are inclined, may guide a flow direction of the air discharged through the outlet 12, such as to guide the discharged air to flow radially outward from the outlet 12.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, aspects of the air purifier 1 will be described below. For example, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second body 100, and FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the second body 100.

The second body 100 may include a lower body 110. A portion of the lower body 110 may be coupled to the first body 10. For example, at least a portion of the lower body 110 may be coupled to the mount 19 (see FIG. 3) inside the first body 10. The lower body 110 may be removably coupled to the mount 19 such that the second body 100 may be removably coupled to the first body 10.

The second body 100 may include an upper body 120. The upper body 120 may be disposed on top of the lower body 110. The upper body 120 and the lower body 110 may be coupled together.

The second body 100 may include a cover 130. The cover 130 may be disposed on top at least a portion of the upper body 120. The cover 130 and the upper body 120 may be coupled together.

The second body 100 may include a wireless charger 140. The wireless charger 140 may be exposed to the outside of or otherwise operate through the cover 130. The wireless charger 140 may supply power to an electronic device positioned on the second body 100. For example, the wireless charger 140 may provide inductive charging using electromagnetic induction to provide electricity to portable devices. For example, the wireless charger 140 may include an induction coil that receives an alternating current (AC) input and creates a fluctuating magnetic field, and another induction coil in the portable device creates an alternating electric current due to the changing magnetic field.

The second body 100 may include a display 150. The display 150 may provide an indication of an operating state of the air purifier 1 or other information. For example, the display 150 may provide light output of various color, intensity and/or shape to indicate the operating state of the air purifier 1. The display 150 may be exposed to the outside of the cover 130.

The second body 100 may have a table shape. For example, a top surface of the second body 100 may be substantially flat. A top portion of the second body 100 may have a disc shape when viewed in plan.

The second body 100 may have a central portion (or central region) 108. The central portion 108 may include a portion passing through the center of the cover 130 having a disc shape. The central portion 108 may be a portion passing through the center of the upper body 120 having a disc shape. The central portion 108 may be a portion passing through the center of the lower body 110. The central portion 108 may extend along a center line C of the second body 100 extending vertically.

A first line L1 passing horizontally through the central portion 108 of the second body 100 may be defined. A second line L2 passing horizontally through the central portion 108 of the second body 100 may be defined. The first line L1 and the second line L2 may intersect each other along a horizontal plane (e.g., along cover 130).

A block (or latch) 160 (see FIG. 5) and a cover coupling part (or protrusion) 136 (see FIG. 6) may be located on the first line L1. As described below, the block 160 may be manipulated by a user to be selectively received in an opening the cover coupling part 136 so as to allow the cover 130 to be selectively coupled to or released from the second body 100.

The wireless charger 140 and the display 150 may be located on the second line L2. Thus, the wireless charger 140 and the display 150 may be separated from the block 160 and the cover coupling part 136 such force applied by a user to the block 160 to couple or release the cover 130 is not directly applied to potentially delicate electronic components of the wireless charger 140 and the display 150.

The lower body 110 may include a body coupling part (or coupling extension) 111. The body coupling part 111 may extend vertically. The body coupling part 111 may be coupled to the first body 10. For example, a portion of the body coupling part 111 may be received in and fixed to the mount 19 (see FIG. 3). In one example, the body coupling part 111 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. In another example, the body coupling part 111 may have a shape that varies in a different horizontal directions from the center portion 108, such as to have an elliptical shape and/or to include at least one horizontal extension to guide an insertion orientation of the body coupling part 111 within the mount 19.

The lower body 110 may include an outer plate 112. The outer plate 112 may have an annular shape. The outer plate 112 may extend radially outwardly from the body coupling part 111. The outer plate 112 may form the bottom wall 102 (see FIG. 2) of the second body 100. The outer plate 112 may vertically face the outlet 12 of the first body 10 (see FIG. 2).

The lower body 110 may include a block insertion part (or block insertion region) 113. The block insertion part 113 may be open at the top and bottom. The block insertion part 113 may be formed in the outer plate 112. A plurality of block insertion parts 113 may be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the outer plate 112. For example, block insertion parts 113 may be provided along the first line L1. A portion of the fastening block 160 may be inserted into the block insertion part 113.

The block insertion part 113 may include a block insertion hole 113a. The block insertion hole 113a may be open at the top and bottom. The block insertion hole 113a may be formed on the inside of the block insertion part 113. For example, the block insertion part 113 may include a vertical wall that defines block insertion hole 113a to receive a portion of the block 160.

The upper body 120 may include an upper plate 121. The upper plate 121 may have a disc shape. The upper plate 121 may be disposed on top of the lower body 110. The upper plate 121 may be vertically coupled to the outer plate 112.

The upper body 120 may include a charger cover 122. The charger cover 122 may have an internal space. The wireless charger 140 may be disposed within the charger cover 122. The charger cover 122 may protrude upward from the upper plate 121, such as to the define the internal space to receive the wireless charger 140.

The upper body 120 may include a groove 123. The groove 123 may be recessed downward from the upper plate 121. The groove 123 may extend in at least a position of a circumferential direction of the upper plate 121. For example, the groove 123 may have an arc shape. Water or other liquid falling into the upper body 120 through the cover 130 may flow to and be collected in an internal space of the groove 123.

The upper body 120 may include a block penetration part 124. The block penetration part (or block insertion opening) 124 may be open at the top and bottom. The block penetration part 124 may be formed in the upper plate 121. A plurality of block penetration parts 124 may be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the upper plate 121. For example, block penetration parts 124 may be provided along the first line L1. A portion of the fastening block 160 may be inserted into the block penetration part 124. The block penetration part 124 may vertically face the block insertion part 113. For example, respective portions of fastening block 160 may be provided at the block penetration part 124 and the block insertion part 113.

The upper body 120 may be disposed between the lower body 110 and the cover 130. The upper body 120 may cover a portion of the top of the lower body 110, and the cover 130 may cover a portion of the top of the upper body 120.

The cover 130 may include a cover plate 131. The cover plate 131 may have a disc shape. The cover plate 131 may be disposed on top of the upper plate 121.

The cover 130 may include a cover hole 132. The cover hole 132 may be an opening in the cover plate 131. The charger cover 122 may pass through the cover hole 132 to be exposed to the outside of the second body 100.

The second body 100 may include the fastening block 160. The fastening block 160 may be coupled to the cover 130. The fastening block 160 may be removably coupled to the cover 130. The fastening block 160 may pass through at least one of the block insertion part 113 or the block penetration part 124. The fastening block 160 may be movably disposed inside at least one of the block insertion part 113 or the block penetration part 124. The fastening block 160 may be coupled to the cover 130 at the upper side of the block penetration part 124. The fastening block 160 may be referred to as a “block” or a “latch”.

Referring to FIG. 6, other aspects of the air purifier 1 will be described below. In particular, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bottom surface of the cover 130.

The cover 130 may include a rim 133. The rim 133 may extend along at least a portion of an outer circumference of the cover plate 131. The rim 133 may extend downward along the outer circumference of the cover plate 131. The upper body 120 (see FIG. 5) may be disposed within a space defined by the rim 133. The rim 133 may form an outermost end portion of the second body 100. The rim 133 may be referred to as an “outer edge” and may correspond to the edge 103 of the second body 100. In another example, the outer edge, which refers to the outermost end portion of the second body 100, may be formed by the lower body 110 or the upper body 120, instead of the cover 130. For example, if an outer circumferential surface of the lower body 110 forms the outermost end portion of the second body 100, the outer edge may be a lower body edge 117 of the lower body 110 (see FIG. 9), such as the lower body edge 117 extending upwards to cover rim 133. In another example, if an outer circumferential surface of the upper body 120 forms the outermost end portion of the second body 100, the outer edge may be an upper body edge 125 of the upper body 110 (see FIG. 7), such as the upper body edge 125 extending downward to cover the lower body edge 117 and extending upwards to cover rim 133.

The cover 130 may include a reinforcement rib 134. The reinforcement rib 134 may protrude downward from the cover plate 131. The reinforcement rib 134 may be formed in a mesh shape on a lower surface of the cover plate 131. The reinforcement rib 134 may be referred to as a “rib.” The reinforcement rib 134 may also be referred to as a “cover rib.”

The cover 130 may include a coupling part 135 (or coupling region). The coupling part 135 may be a portion of the cover plate 131. The reinforcement rib 134 may not be formed on the coupling part 135.

The cover 130 may include a coupling protrusion 136. The coupling protrusion 136 may protrude downward from the cover plate 131. A plurality of coupling protrusions 136 may be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the cover plate 131. The coupling protrusion 136 may include a coupling hole 136a. The coupling hole 136a may be formed on the inside of the coupling protrusion 136. The coupling protrusion 136 may be referred to as a “cover coupling part.”

The cover 130 may include a cover central portion 137. The cover central portion 137 may form a central portion of the cover 130 having a disc shape. The central portion 108 (see FIG. 4) of the second body 100 may include the cover central portion 137.

The coupling part 135 may be located along the first line L1. For example, the coupling protrusion 136 may be located along the first line L1. The cover hole 132 may be located on the second line L2. Thus, the cover hole 132 may be separated from the coupling protrusion 136.

Referring to FIG. 7, other aspects of the air purifier 1 will be described below. For example, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the upper body 120.

The upper body 120 may include the block penetration part 124. The block penetration part 124 may have a block through-hole 124a that is open at the top and bottom. As previously described, a portion of the block 160 may be received in the block penetration part 124.

The upper body 120 may include an upper body edge 125. The upper body edge 125 may extend along a circumference of the upper body 120. When the rim 133 of the cover 130 forms an outer edge of the second body 100, the upper body edge 125 may be disposed within the rim 133 (see FIG. 6) of the cover 130.

The block penetration part 124 may be formed between the groove 123 and the upper body edge 125. The block penetration part 124 may be located radially outside the groove 123 and may be located radially inside the upper body edge 125.

The upper body 120 may include a cut portion 126. The cut portion 126 may be a portion formed by cutting the groove 123 having an arc shape.

The charger cover 122 may face the cut portion (or cut region) 126. The charger cover 122 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the cut portion 126. For example, the charger cover 122 and the cut portion 126 may be provided along a section of second line L2.

The upper body 120 may include an upper body central portion (or upper body central region) 127. The upper body central portion 127 may form a central portion of the upper body 120 having a disc shape. The upper body central portion 127 may be located radially inside of the groove 123. The central portion 108 (see FIG. 4) of the second body 100 may include the upper body central portion 127.

The block penetration part 124 may be located along or adjacent to (e.g., within a prescribed distance of) the first line L1. A portion of the groove 123 may be located on the first line L1.

The charger cover 122 and the cut portion 126 may be located on the second line L2. A portion of the groove 123 may be located on the second line L2. For example, a portion of the groove 123 that is opposite to the cut portion 126 may be located on the second line L2.

Although two block penetration parts 124 are shown, it should be appreciated that upper body 120 may include more than two of the block penetration parts 124. In one example, a plurality of block penetration parts 124 may be provided symmetrically about the second line L2 passing through the cut portion 126 and the charger cover 122. For example, corresponding pairs of the block penetration parts 124 may be positioned equal distant from second line L2.

Referring to FIG. 8, other aspects of the air purifier 1 will be described below. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the upper body 120 illustrated in FIG. 7 along the first line L1.

The upper body 120 may include a fastening boss 128. The fastening boss 128 may protrude downward from the upper plate 121. The fastening boss 128 may be disposed between the groove 123 and the block penetration part 124. The upper body 128 may be coupled to the lower body 110 by a fastening member (or bolt) 105 (see FIG. 9) passing through the fastening boss 128.

The groove 123 may include a water collecting portion (or water collecting region) 1231. The water collecting portion 1231 may form a lower portion of the groove 123. Water or other liquid falling into the upper body 120 may flow into and be collected in the water collecting portion 1231. For example, the groove 123 may receive water in the water collecting portion 1231 to prevent the water from flowing to electronic components in wireless charger 140 and display 150.

The block penetration part 124, the fastening boss 128, and the groove 123 may be disposed between the upper body edge 125 and the upper body central portion 127. The block penetration part 124 may be disposed further away from the upper body central portion 127 than the fastening boss 128. The fastening boss 128 may be disposed further away from the upper body central portion 127 than the groove 123. For example, water in central portion 127 would flow to and be collected in groove 123 to prevent the water from reaching and then flowing through the block penetration part 124 or the fastening boss 128.

The upper body 120 may be inclined downward toward the upper body central portion 127. For example, the upper body edge 125 may be disposed above the upper body central portion 127. Thus, the upper body 120 may be inclined downward in a radially inward direction of the upper body 120. The upper body 120 may have an inclination angle θ with respect to a horizontal direction. The upper plate 121 may have an inclination angle θ with respect to a horizontal direction. Accordingly, water falling into the upper body 120 may flow toward the upper body central portion 127 to be collected in the water collecting portion 1231. Alternatively, water falling into the upper body 120 may be received and collected in the upper body central portion 127 of the upper body 120 that is surrounded by the groove 123.

Referring to FIG. 9, other aspects of the air purifier 1 will be described below. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the second body 100 along the first line L1.

The second body 100 may include the bottom wall 102. The bottom wall 102 may extend radially outwardly from the body coupling part 111. The bottom wall 102 may be inclined upward with respect to a horizontal direction as the bottom wall 102 extends outwards from the body coupling part 111.

The lower body 110 may include a fastening member insertion part (or fastening member insertion region) 114. The fastening member insertion part 114 may be disposed under the fastening boss 128. For example, the fastening member insertion part 114 and the fastening boss 128 may be aligned along an extension direction of the fastening member 105. For example, the fastening member insertion part 114 and the fastening boss 128 may be vertically aligned.

The air purifier 1 may include the fastening member 105. The fastening member 105 may be a screw or bolt. The fastening member 105 may pass through the fastening boss 128 and the fastening member insertion part 114. The lower body 110 and the upper body 120 may be coupled to each other by the fastening member 105.

The lower body 110 may include a mover penetration part (or mover penetration region) 115. The mover penetration part 115 may be open in the bottom wall 102. A mover (also referred to as mover section or mover plate) 163 of the block 160 may protrude downward from the mover penetration part 115.

The mover penetration part 115 may include a mover through-hole 115a. The mover through-hole 115a may provide a space through which the mover 163 passes.

The lower body 110 may include a block receiving part (or block receiving region) 116. The block receiving part 116 may be disposed on an upper side of the bottom wall 102. A portion to the block penetration part 124 may be inserted into the block receiving part 116. The block 160 may be movably disposed within the block receiving part 116.

The block 160 may include a block body 161. A portion of the block body 161 may be movably disposed within the block penetration part 124.

The block 160 may include a block protrusion 162. The block protrusion 162 may protrude from one side of the block body 161. For example, the block protrusion 162 may protrude from an upper side of the block body 161. A portion of the block protrusion 162 may be inserted into the cover coupling part 136 of the cover 130 to be fixed therein. The block protrusion 162 and the cover coupling part 136 may be coupled to each other, for example, by hook fastening. The block 160 may be movable within the block penetration part 124, and by movement of the block 160, the block protrusion 162 may be inserted into the cover coupling part 136 to be fixed therein. As the block protrusion 162 and the cover coupling part 136 are coupled to each other, the cover 130 may be fixed to the second body 100.

The block 160 may include the mover 163. The mover 163 may be connected to a lower side of the block body 161. The mover 163 may pass through the mover penetration hole 115a to protrude downward from the bottom wall 102. The mover 163 may be movably exposed to the lower side of the bottom wall 102.

The block 160 may include a grip (or grip extension) 164. The grip 164 may protrude downward from the mover 163. A user may move the mover 163 by manipulating the grip 164. The block body 161 and the block protrusion 162 may move together with the mover 163.

The lower body 110 may include a lower body edge 117. The lower body edge 117 may form an end portion of the lower body 110. The lower body edge 117 may extend in an annular shape. In one example, rim 133 of cover 130 may form an outer edge of the second body, and the lower body edge 117 may be located radially inside the rim 133. In this example, the rim 133 may limit radially outward movement of the lower body edge 117.

In one example, the upper body edge 125 may be located radially inside the lower body edge 117. The lower body edge 117 may limit radially outward movement of the upper body edge 125.

The block 160 may be disposed between the lower body edge 117 and the central portion 108. In one example, the block receiving part 116 may be disposed at a position closer to the central portion 108 than the lower body edge 117.

The fastening member insertion part 114 may be disposed closer to the central portion 108 than the block receiving part 116. Thus, the fastening member insertion part 114 may be disposed radially inward and farther from the lower body edge 117 than the block receiving part 116. Thus, the lower body 110 and the upper body 120 may be coupled to each other at a position (e.g., at the block receiving part 116) that is closer to the central portion 108 to securely couple the lower body 110 and the upper body 120 before coupling the cover 130 to the lower body 110 and the upper body 120 through the block 160.

The block penetration part 124 may be disposed between the upper body edge 125 and the fastening boss 128. The fastening boss 128 may be disposed between the block penetration part 124 and the groove 123. The groove 123 may be disposed between the fastening boss 128 and the central portion 127, such as to collect water that is generated between cover 130 and upper body 120.

The upper body 120 may be inclined downward toward the central portion 108. The upper body 120 may have an inclination angle θ with respect to a horizontal direction. Thus, water on the upper surface of upper body 120 may flow downward toward the central portion 108.

The upper plate 121 may be inclined downward from the upper body edge 125 toward the groove 123. The upper plate 121 may have an inclination angle θ with respect to a horizontal direction. Thus, water near the upper body edge 125 of the upper body 120 may flow downward toward the groove 123.

The block penetration part 124 and the fastening boss 128 may be disposed between the upper body edge 125 and the groove 123. A portion of water failing into the upper body 120 may flow downward through the block penetration part 124 or the fastening boss 128.

The upper plate 121 may be inclined downward from the groove 123 toward the central portion 108. The above structure allows water falling into the upper body 120 to flow toward the water collecting portion 1231 of the groove 123. In addition, the water falling into the upper body 120 may be collected in the central portion 108. Accordingly, the water falling into the upper body 120 may be easily collected and removed. For example, water collected in groove 123 and central region and may be cleaned by a user based on removing cover 130 (e.g., by moving block 160 to release cover 130).

A distance between the cover 130 and the upper body 120 may increase toward the central portion 108. This is because the upper body 120 is inclined downward toward the central portion 108 while the upper surface of cover 130 may be substantially flat to support received object For example, a distance D1 between the cover 130 and the upper body 120 in a radially outward direction of the groove 123 (e.g., between fastening boss 128 and the groove 123) may be smaller than a distance D2 between the cover 130 and the upper body 120 in a radially inward direction of the groove 123. Similarly, the distance D2 between the cover 130 and the upper body 120 at a position between the groove 123 and the central portion 108 may be smaller than a distance D3 between the cover 130 and the upper body 120 at the central portion 108.

The cover 130 may include the rib 134 disposed between the cover plate 131 and the upper body 120. The rib 134 may protrude from the cover plate 131 toward the upper body 120. The rib 134 may support the upper body 120 from the top of the upper body 120. For example, the rib 134 may contact an upper surface of the upper plate 121 to limit upward movement of the upper plate 121.

A plurality of ribs 134 may be spaced apart from each other in a radial direction of the second body 100. For example, the rib 134 may include a first rib 1341 located radially outside the groove 123. The rib 134 may include a second rib 1342 located radially inside the groove 123. The rib 134 may include a third rib 1343 located at the central portion 108 or located closer to the central portion 108 than the second rib 1342.

A vertical length of the plurality of ribs 1341, 1342, and 1343 may increase toward the central portion 108 to reflect the changing heights H1-H3 between the cover 130 and the upper body 120. For example, a first length H1 of the first rib 1341 protruding downward outside of the groove 123 may be less than a second length H2 of the second rib 1342 protruding downward radially within the groove 123. The length H2 of the second rib 1342 may be less than a length H3 of the third rib 1343 protruding downward at the central portion 108.

In the above structure, by changing the lengths H1, H2, and H3 of the ribs 1341, 1342, and 1343 according to a change in distances D1, D2, and D3 between the upper body 120 and the cover 130, vibration of the upper body 120 and the cover 130 may be prevented since the ribs 1341, 1342, and 1343 vary in height to be in close contact with an upper surface of the upper body 120. In addition, the upper body 120 may be firmly supported between the lower body 110 and the cover 130.

Referring to FIG. 10, other aspects of the air purifier 1 will be described below. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the second body 100 along the second line L2.

The second body 100 may include the display 150. The display 150 may project light outside the second body 100. For example, as previously described, the display 150 may provide an indication of an operational status of the air purifier 1.

The display 150 may include a substrate 151. The substrate 151 may have a planar shape. The substrate 151 may receive power from an external power source.

The display 150 may include a light source 152. The light source 152 may be connected to the substrate 151 to receive power from the substrate 151. A plurality of light sources 152 may be spaced apart from each other.

The display 150 may include a first plate 153. The first plate 153 may have a plate shape. The first plate 153 may be coupled to the cover 130. The first plate 153 may positioned to combine with a top surface of the cover 130 to form an upper surface of second body 100. The first plate 153 may be transparent or translucent allow at least a portion of light generated by the light sources 152 to be transmitted therethrough.

The display 150 may include a second plate 154. The second plate 154 may have a plate shape. The second plate 154 may be disposed between the upper body 120 and the cover 130. The second plate 154 may be supported by the upper body 120 and the cover 130. The second plate 154 may be spaced below the first plate 153. The second plate 154 may be transparent or translucent allow at least a portion of light generated by the light sources 152 to be transmitted therethrough. The second plate 154 may cover and protect the light sources 152 when the cover 130 is removed.

The second body 100 may include a button 118. The button 118 may be disposed on the bottom wall 102. The button 118 may be movably disposed on the bottom wall 102. The button 118 may be connected to the substrate 151. The button 118 may control a supply of power to the substrate 151. For example, a user may turn on/off the light sources 152 by pressing the button 118. In another example, a user may adjust a type of operational information to be displayed through display 150 by pressing the button 118.

The first plate 153 may be disposed on an upper side of the upper body 120. The first plate 153 may be supported by the cover 130. For example, the first plate 153 may be positioned in a hole in cover plate 131 and coupled to surrounding portions of the cover plate 131.

The cover 130 may include a first partition body (or first partitions) 138. There may be a plurality of first partition bodies 138 that are spaced apart from each other in a radial direction of the second body 100. The plurality of first partition bodies 138 may be disposed between the rim 133 and the central portion 108.

The cover 130 may include a first compartment space 139. The first compartment space 139 may be formed between the plurality of first partition bodies 138. There may be a plurality of first compartment spaces 139 that are spaced apart from each other in the radial direction of the second body 100. The plurality of first compartment spaces 139 may be disposed between the rim 133 and the central portion 108 in the radial direction.

The first plate 153 may be seated on top of the plurality of first partition bodies 138. The first plate 153 may be disposed at the upper part of the first compartment spaces 139. The first plate 153 may allow light, emitted by the light sources 152 to the first compartment spaces 139, to be transmitted through the top of the cover 130.

The plurality of light sources 152 may be disposed under the plurality of first compartment spaces 139. The plurality of light sources 152 may emit light toward the plurality of first compartment spaces 139.

The second plate 154 may be disposed between the upper body 120 and the cover 130. The second plate 154 may be seated on top of the upper body 120. For example, the second plate 154 may be provided in an opening in top plate 121 of the upper cover and may be coupled to surrounding portions of the top plate 131.

The upper body 120 may include a second partition body (or second partition) 1291. There may be a plurality of second partition bodies 1291 that are spaced apart from each other in the radial direction of the second body 100. The plurality of second partition bodies 1291 may be disposed between the upper body edge 125 and the central portion 108 in a radial direction. The plurality of second partition bodies 1291 may be disposed under the plurality of first partition bodies 139. The second partition bodies 1291 may be disposed at positions corresponding to the first partition bodies 139 such that the second partition bodies 1291 and the first partition bodies 139 may be vertically aligned.

The upper body 120 may include a second compartment space 1292. The second compartment space 1292 may be formed between the plurality of second partition bodies 1291. There may be a plurality of second compartment spaces 1292 that are spaced apart from each other in the radial direction of the second body 100. The plurality of second compartment spaces 1292 may be disposed between the upper body edge 125 and the central portion 108 in a radial direction. The plurality of second compartment spaces 1292 may be disposed under the plurality of first compartment spaces 139. The second compartment spaces 1292 may be formed at positions corresponding to the first compartment spaces 139 so that the second compartment spaces 1292 and the first compartment spaces 139 may be vertically aligned.

The second plate 154 may be seated on top of the plurality of second partition bodies 1291. The second plate 154 may be disposed at the upper part of the second compartment spaces 1292. The second plate 154 may allow light, emitted by the light sources 152 to the second compartment spaces 1292, to be transmitted through the top of the upper body 120. Since the second compartment spaces 1292 and the first compartment spaces 139 may be vertically aligned, light received in the second compartment spaces 1292 may be guided to the first compartment spaces 139.

The plurality of light sources 152 may be disposed to face the plurality of second compartment spaces 1292. The plurality of light sources 152 may emit light toward the plurality of second compartment spaces 1292. The light emitted by the light sources 152 may sequentially pass through the second compartment spaces 1292 and the first compartment spaces 139, to be emitted to the outside of the second body 100 through the first plate 153.

The substrate 151 may be fixed to the lower body 110. The substrate 151 may be disposed under the second partition bodies 1291. The light sources 152 may protrude from the substrate 151 toward the second compartment spaces 1292.

The upper body 120 may be inclined downward toward the central portion 108. The upper body 120 may have an inclination angle θ with respect to a horizontal direction.

The cover 130 may include a rib 134 protruding toward the upper body 120. The rib 134 may support the upper body 120 from the top of the upper body 120.

The rib 134 may include a fourth rib 1344. The fourth rib 1344 may be disposed between the rim 133 and the display 150. The fourth rib 1344 may protrude between the upper body edge 125 and the second plate 154 toward the upper body 120.

The rib 134 may include a fifth rib 1345. The fifth rib 1345 may be disposed between the display 150 and the central portion 108. The second rib 1345 may protrude between the second plate 154 and the central portion 108 toward the upper body 120.

A length H4 of the fourth rib 1344 may be less than a length H5 of the fifth rib 1345. The ribs 1344 and 1345 may be disposed between the cover 130 and the upper body 120 and may have a length corresponding to a distance D4, D5 between the cover 130 and the upper body 120.

The upper body 120 may include lower ribs 1293a and 1293b protruding toward the substrate 151. The lower ribs 1293a and 1293b may support the substrate 151 from the top of the substrate 151.

A distance between the upper body 120 and the substrate 151 may decrease toward the central portion 108. This is because the upper body 120 is inclined downward toward the central portion 108 while the substrate 151 may have a flat, planar shape. For example, a distance G1 between the upper body 120 and the substrate 151 at a position between the upper body edge 125 and the second compartment spaces 1292 may be greater than a distance G2 between the upper body 120 and the substrate 151 at a position between the second compartment spaces 1292 and the central portion 108.

The lower ribs 1293a and 1293b may include a first lower rib 1293a. The first lower rib 1293a may be disposed between the upper body edge 125 and the second compartment space 1292. The first lower rib 1293a may protrude between the upper body edge 125 and the second compartment space 1292 toward the substrate 151.

The lower ribs 1293a and 1293b may include a second lower rib 1293b. The second lower rib 1293b may be disposed between the second compartment space 1292 and the central portion 108. The second lower rib 1293b may protrude between the second compartment space 1292 and the central portion 108 toward the substrate 151.

A length W1 of the first lower rib 1293a may be greater than a length W2 of the second lower rib 1293b. The lower ribs 1293a and 1293b may be disposed between the upper plate 121 and the substrate 151 and may have a length corresponding to a distance between the upper plate 121 and the substrate 151.

The upper body 120 may include upper ribs 1294a and 1294b protruding toward the cover 130. The upper ribs 1294a and 1294b may support the cover 130 from the bottom of the cover 130. A distance between the upper body 120 and the cover 130 may increase toward the central portion 108. This is because the upper body 120 is inclined downward toward the central portion 108, while the cover 130 may be substantially flat. Thus, a distance D4 between the upper body 120 and the cover 130 at a position between the rim 133 and the second plate 154 may be smaller than a distance D5 between the upper body 120 and the cover 130 at a position between the second plate 14 and the central portion 108.

The upper ribs 1294a and 1294b may include a first upper rib 1294a. The first upper rib 1294a may be disposed between the first rib 1344 and the second plate 154. The first upper rib 1294a may protrude between the first rib 1344 and the second plate 154 toward the cover plate 131. The upper ribs 1294a and 1294b may include a second upper rib 1294b. The second upper rib 1294b may be disposed between the second plate 154 and the second rib 1345. The second upper rib 1294b may protrude between the second plate 154 and the second rib 1345 toward the cover plate 131.

A length W3 of the first upper rib 1294a may be smaller than a length W4 of the second upper rib 1294b. The upper ribs 1294a and 1294b may be disposed between the upper plate 121 and the cover plate 131 and may have a length corresponding to a distance between the upper plate 121 and the cover plate 131.

The above structure allows water, falling into the upper body 120, to be easily collected, as well as minimizes vibration of the components 120, 130, and 150 of the second body 100. In addition, by adjusting the lengths of the ribs 1344, 1345, 1293a, 1293b, 1294a, and 1294b according to the inclination of the upper body 120 that is inclined toward the central portion 108, the components 120, 130, and 150 included in the second body 100 may be firmly fixed. The components 120, 130, and 150 included in the second body 100 may be readily supported by the ribs 1344, 1345, 1293a, 1293b, 1294a, and 1294b.

An angle θ of inclination of the upper body 120 toward the central portion 108 may be within a range of 0.25 degrees to 0.35 degrees. If the inclination angle of the upper body 120 is excessively large (e.g., greater than 0.35 degrees), a top surface of the cover 130 may be excessive sloped such that that it may be difficult for objects placed on the top of the cover 130 to remain on the cover 130. Further, if the inclination angle of the upper body 120 is excessively small (e.g., below 0.25 degrees), water falling into the upper body 120 may not be collected in the central portion 108 or the groove 123 since a gravitational force due to the slow of the upper body may not be sufficient to overcome a surface tension of the water relative to an upper surface of the upper body 120 due to relatively strong cohesion forces of water molecules. Accordingly, by optimizing the inclination angle of the upper body 120 within a range of 0.25 degrees to 0.35 degrees, the above problem does not occur in the upper body 120 of the present disclosure.

It is an aspect of the present disclosure to solve various problems. It is another aspect of the present disclosure to guide water from an air purifier. It is yet another aspect of the present disclosure to collect water of an air purifier in a space. It is yet another aspect of the present disclosure to prevent failure in an air purifier. It is further another aspect of the present disclosure to simplify the structure of an air purifier. It is further another aspect of the present disclosure to reduce vibration of an air purifier. It is further another aspect of the present disclosure to allow components of an air purifier to be firmly fixed. The aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned objectives and other objectives not described herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, the above and other objectives can be accomplished by providing an air purifier which may include a first body including a case having an inlet and an outlet, and a fan disposed inside the case. The air purifier may include a second body coupled to a top of the first body and including a central portion and an outer edge surrounding the central portion. The second body may include a lower body coupled to the first body. The second body may include a cover disposed over the lower body.

The second body may include an upper body disposed between the lower body and the cover, the upper body having a greater height at a portion thereof that corresponds to the outer edge than at a portion thereof that corresponds to the central portion, thereby allowing water, penetrating into the second body, to be collected. The upper body may include an upper plate inclined downward from the outer edge toward the central portion. The upper body may include an upper body edge corresponding to the outer edge. The upper body may include an upper body central portion surrounded by the upper body edge. The upper body edge may be positioned higher than the upper body central portion.

The cover may include a rim forming the outer edge of the second body. The cover may include a cover central portion surrounded by the rim. The upper body may include an upper body edge located radially inside the rim. The upper body may include an upper body central portion positioned below the cover central portion. The cover may include a disc-shaped cover plate. The cover may include a rim protruding downward from the cover plate.

The upper body may include an upper plate that is located radially inside the rim and is inclined downward toward the central portion of the second body. The upper body may have an inclination angle within a range of 0.25 degrees to 0.35 degrees with respect to a horizontal direction.

The upper body may include a groove protruding downward from the upper plate at a position between the outer edge and the central portion. The groove may surround the upper body central portion. The second body may include a block passing through the upper plate at a position between the outer edge and the groove, and coupled to the cover.

The cover may include a cover plate spaced above the upper body. A distance between the upper body and the cover plate may increase toward the central portion. The cover may include a plurality of ribs protruding from the cover plate toward the upper body, and spaced apart from each other between the outer edge and the central portion. A length of the plurality of ribs, protruding toward the upper body, may increase toward the central portion.

The upper body may include a plurality of upper ribs protruding from the upper plate toward the cover plate, and spaced apart from each other between the outer edge and the central portion. A length of the plurality of upper ribs, protruding toward the cover plate, may increase toward the center portion.

The air purifier may include a display configured to emit light outside the second body. The display may include a substrate disposed at a lower side of the upper body. The display may include a light source electrically connected to the substrate. The upper body may include an upper plate spaced above the substrate, a spaced-apart distance between the upper plate and the substrate decreasing toward the central portion.

The upper body may include a plurality of lower ribs protruding from the upper plate toward the substrate, and spaced apart from each other between the outer edge and the central portion. A length of the plurality of lower ribs, protruding toward the substrate, decreases toward the central portion.

The display may include a first plate disposed on the cover. The display may include a second plate spaced below the first plate and seated on the upper plate.

The cover may include a cover rib protruding toward the upper body. The upper body comprises an upper rib protruding from the upper plate toward the cover and disposed between the cover rib and the second plate.

The outlet may extend annularly around a circumference of the case, and the central portion of the second body may be located radially inside the outlet. The outer edge of the second body may be located further radially outside the first body than an outer circumferential surface of the case. Other detailed matters of the exemplary embodiments are included in the foregoing detailed description and the drawings.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an upper body is inclined such that water falling into the upper body may be collected in one space. According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, water falling into the upper body may be collected in one space, such that water penetrating into a second body may be easily removed. According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an inclined structure of an upper body may prevent water, leaking into a second body, from flowing into electronic components.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by adjusting an inclination angle of an upper body while minimizing a structural change, water may be easily collected. According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by adjusting the height of a protrusion of a cover according to the inclination of an upper body, the cover and the upper body may be firmly coupled together. According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by adjusting the height of a protrusion between an upper body and a display according to the inclination of an upper body, the upper body and the display may be firmly coupled together. The aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforesaid, and other effects not described herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the appended claims.

While the preferred embodiments have been particularly shown and described, the present specification shall not be limited to the particular embodiments described above, and it will be understood by an ordinary skilled person in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims, and the alternative embodiments should not be individually understood from the inventive concept and prospect of the present disclosure.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made, and thus, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the aforementioned embodiments. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.

For example, a configuration “A” described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings and a configuration “B” described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on another element or layer or intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Spatially relative terms, such as “lower”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “lower” relative to other elements or features would then be oriented “upper” relative to the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures). As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

AIR PURIFIER

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Priority Claims (1)