Blower

A blower is provided. The blower according to the present disclosure includes: a fan causing airflow; a lower body forming an inner space at which the fan is disposed, and having a suction hole through which air passes; and a first upper body positioned above the lower body, and the first upper body may include a first wall forming a first flow path communicating with the inner space of the lower body and a first panel surrounding the first wall, and the first panel may include a first slit formed through the first panel and discharging air flowing through the first flow path to an outside of the first panel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0184748, filed on Dec. 28, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to a blower. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a blower capable of forming an airflow using a coanda effect.

BACKGROUND

A blower may cause a flow of air to circulate air in an indoor space or form airflow toward a user. Recently, many studies have been conducted on an air discharge structure of the blower that may give the user a sense of comfort.

In this regard, KR2011-0051724 disclose a blower forming an air flow using a coanda effect. A nozzle of the blower may form an internal passage through which air flowing by an impeller passes and may form the airflow toward an outside of the blower.

The inner passage is formed by an outer wall and an inner wall of the nozzle. However, the outer wall and the inner wall approach each other to form a mouse, thereby inducing the flow of air to a coanda surface formed on the outer wall. That is, the inner passage, the mouth, and the coanda surface are all formed by the outer wall and the inner wall.

Accordingly, the above prior art has a problem in that it is difficult to optimally design an air flow path or a surface of each configuration according to a minimization of air flow resistance or a direction of required air flow. In addition, the above prior art has a problem in that it is difficult to manufacture the outer wall and the inner wall, each of which is provided as one piece. In addition, the above prior art has a problem in that it is difficult to clean or repair a part where foreign matter such as dust is likely to accumulate because a narrow passage as a part for forming the mouse cannot be separated from the outer wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is an object of the present disclosure to solve the above and other problems.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a blower capable of forming an airflow supplied to a user or an airflow circulating in an indoor space by using the coanda effect.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a blower capable of forming an airflow provided in a wide range.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a blower capable of smoothly guiding air rising from an inside of an upper body to a slit that is an air discharge hole of the blower.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a blower capable of smoothly guiding flow of air discharged from a slit to a panel guiding air flow of the blower.

It is another object of the present disclosure to form an air flow path inside a blower so that a flow resistance of air is minimized, and to form an airflow in an optimum state toward an outside of the blower.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a blower that can be manufactured by simply assembling an upper body having various and complex curves.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a blower capable of cleaning or repairing pieces by easily disassembling pieces that are likely to accumulate foreign substances such as dust.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, the above and other objects can be accomplished by providing a blower, including: a fan causing airflow; a lower body forming an inner space at which the fan is disposed, and having a suction hole through which air passes; and a first upper body positioned above the lower body, the first upper body including a first wall forming a first flow path communicating with the inner space of the lower body and a first panel surrounding the first wall. That is, when the fan is operated, air is introduced into the inner space of the lower body through the suction hole and provided to the first flow path.

The first panel includes a first slit formed through the first panel and discharging air flowing through the first flow path to an outside of the first panel.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the blower may further include a second upper body spaced apart from the first upper body above the lower body, the second upper body including a second wall forming a second flow path communicating with the inner space of the lower body, and a second panel second surrounding the second wall; and a space formed between the first upper body and the second upper body and opened in a frontward-rearward direction. That is, air flowing by the fan may be distributed to the first flow path of the first upper body and the second flow path of the second upper body spaced apart from each other with the space therebetween.

The second panel may include a second slit formed through the second panel and discharging air flowing through the second flow path to an outside of the second panel. That is, the second slit may be provided as an air discharge hole distinguished from the first slit.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the first panel may include a first inner panel facing the space and at which the first slit is formed; and a first outer panel opposite the first inner panel with respect to the first wall, the first outer panel that contacts the first inner panel and forms a first front end and a first rear end of the first upper body, the second panel may include a second inner panel facing the space and at which the second slit is formed; and a second outer panel opposite the second inner panel with respect to the second wall, the second outer panel that contacts the second inner panel and forms a second front end and a second rear end of the second upper body. That is, the first inner panel and the second inner panel may guide the flow of air while defining a boundary of the space.

The space may be formed between the first inner panel and the second inner panel. That is, the first slit and the second slit may discharge air into the space.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the first upper body may be spaced in a left direction from the second upper body, the first inner panel may be convex in a right direction, the first outer panel may be convex in the left direction, the second inner panel may be convex in the left direction, the second outer panel may be convex in the right direction, a curvature of the first inner panel may be smaller than a curvature of the first outer panel, and a curvature of the second inner panel may be smaller than a curvature of the second outer panel.

A gap between the first inner panel and the second inner panel may decrease from a rear of the space to a center of the space and increases from the center of the space to a front of the space. That is, air may be dispersed in a left-right direction while passing through the space, so that the blower may form airflow provided in a wide range.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the first upper body may further include a first opening communicating with the first flow path and having an outlet forming the first slit. That is, air flowing through the first flow path may flow into the first opening and pass through the first slit that is an outlet of the first opening.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the first panel further may include a first bending part bent from the first panel toward the first flow path; a first guide part connected to the first bending part in a front of the first bending part; and a first inlet part spaced apart from the first bending part rearward,

The first slit may be formed between the first bending part and the first inlet part.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the first wall may have one end adjacent to the first guide part, and the other end spaced apart from the one end and connected to the first inlet part.

At least a portion of the first bending part may be disposed between the one end of the first wall and the other end of the first wall, and the first upper body further include a first connecting member disposed between the one end of the first wall and the first bending part, and connected to the one end of the first wall and the first bending part.

The first opening may be formed between the first connecting member and the first bending part, and the first wall and the first inlet part.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, one end of the first connecting member may be disposed between the first wall and the first guide part, and the other end of the first connecting member may be connected to an end of the first bending part. That is, the first connecting member may define a part of the boundary of the first opening.

The first connecting member may further include a first part forming the one end of the first connecting member; a second part bent from the first part toward the first opening; and a third part extending from the second part toward the first bending part and forming the other end of the first connecting member.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the other end of the first wall may be connected to an inside of the first inlet part, and the first inlet part may further include a front part protruding from the other end of the first wall toward the first bending part and having an inner surface facing the third part.

The first opening may be formed between the second part, the third part and the first bending part, and the first wall and the front part.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a gap between the second part and the first wall may be constant or become smaller toward a downstream of the first opening. That is, a portion between the second part and the first wall as a portion of the first opening may reduce a flow loss or increase a flow velocity while changing the flow direction of air.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a gap between the third part and the front part may be constant or become smaller toward a downstream of the first opening. That is, a portion between the third part and the front part as a portion of the first opening may guide air to the first guide part forming a coanda surface, thereby reducing flow loss or increasing flow rate.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the first upper body may further include a groove formed in at least one of the third part and the first bending part and facing an inner surface of the front part. That is, the groove may minimize disturbance in the flow direction of the air passing through the first opening.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the first upper body may further include a spacer coupled to the first bending part and the first inlet part, and disposed between the first bending part and the front part. That is, the spacer may fix a position of the first bending part with respect to the front part.

A thickness of the front part may be increased as it is adjacent to the spacer. That is, the stiffness of the spacer may be improved through a change in the thickness of the front part of with respect to the spacer.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the first connecting member may be detachably coupled to the first wall through a hook coupling between a first hook and a first locking part.

One of the first hook and the first locking part may be formed at the first connecting member, and the other may be formed at the first wall.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the first connecting member may be detachably coupled to the first bending part through a hook coupling between a second hook and a second locking part.

One of the second hook and the second locking part may be formed at the first connecting member, and the other may be formed at the first bending part.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the first flow path may be formed to be elongated in an up-down direction, and the first slit may be formed at a rear portion of the first panel. That is, air may rise in the first flow path and may pass through the first slit at the rear portion of the first panel.

The first upper body may further include a first vane disposed in the first flow path adjacent to the first slit and having a convex upward shape, and a rear end of the first vane may be positioned above a front end of the first vane. That is, the first vane may smoothly guide air rising from the first flow path to the first slit.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the first flow path may be formed to be elongated in an up-down direction, and the first slit may be formed to be elongated in a rear portion of the first panel. That is, air may rise in the first flow path and may pass through the first slit over a long range at the rear portion of the first panel.

The first upper body may further include a first heater extending in a longitudinal direction of the first slit and installed in the first flow path and heating air flowing through the first flow path. That is, when the heater is driven, the blower may provide warm air to a user or the like.

The first heater may include a plurality of first fins extending in a direction crossing or perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the first heater, spaced apart from each other, and forming a flow path for air. That is, the plurality of first fins may smoothly guide air rising from the first flow path to the first slit.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the first upper body may further include a first protrusion disposed between an inner side of the first wall and the first heater and protruding from the inner side of the first wall toward the first flow path.

The first protrusion may include a first vertical part elongated in the up-down direction; and a first curved part bent toward the first slit from an upper end of the vertical part. That is, the first vertical part and the first curved part may more smoothly guide air rising in the first flow path to the first slit.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a blower including: a fan causing airflow; a lower body forming an inner space at which the fan is disposed and having a suction hole through which air passes; and an upper body positioned above the lower body and having a wall disposed inside the upper body, forming a flow path communicating with the inner space of the lower body, and having one end and the other end spaced apart from each other.

That is, when the fan is operated, air may be introduced into the inner space of the lower body through the suction hole and provided to the flow path of the wall.

The upper body may include a slit formed on a surface of the upper body; and an opening positioned between the one end of the wall and the other end of the wall, communicating with the flow path, and having an outlet forming the slit. That is, a portion of the upper body forming the slit may form a portion of the opening.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a blower including: a fan causing airflow; a lower body forming an inner space at which the fan is disposed, and having a suction hole through which air passes; and an upper body positioned above the lower body, the upper body providing a flow path communicating with the inner space of the lower body, and the upper body may include a wall disposed inside the upper body and forming the flow path; and a panel accommodating the wall and forming a surface of the upper body. That is, when the fan is operated, air may be introduced into the inner space of the lower body through the suction hole and provided to the flow path of the wall.

The panel may include an inner panel having a slit discharging air flowing through the flow path to an outside of the panel; and an outer panel opposite the inner panel with respect to the wall. That is, the slit may be provided as an air discharge hole.

The inner panel may be detachably coupled to the wall. That is, the user may easily clean or repair the inner panel by separating the inner panel from the wall.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but identical or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, when it is determined that a detailed description of related known technologies may obscure the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical idea disclosed in the present specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and it is to be understood as including all changes, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

Direction indications of up U, down D, left Le, right Ri, front F and rear R shown in the drawings are for convenience of description only, and the disclosed technical idea is not limited by these.

Referring toFIG.1, a blower1may be elongated long in an up-down direction. The blower1may include a base2, a lower body3, upper bodies10and20.

The base2may form a lower surface of the blower1and may be placed on a floor of an indoor space. The base2may be formed in a circular plate shape as a whole.

The lower body3may be disposed above the base2. The lower body3may form a lower side of the blower1. The lower body3may be formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole. For example, a diameter of the lower body3may decrease from a lower part to an upper part of the lower body3. For another example, the diameter of the lower body3may be kept constant in the up-down direction. A suction hole3amay be formed to pass through a side surface of the lower body3. For example, a plurality of suction holes3amay be evenly disposed along a circumferential direction of the lower body3. As a result, air may flow from an outside to an inside of the blower1through the plurality of suction holes3a.

The upper bodies10and20may be disposed above the lower body3. The upper bodies10and20may provide a flow path communicating with an inner space of the lower body3.

Referring to the drawings, for example, the upper bodies10and20may include a first upper body10and a second upper body20spaced apart from each other.

For another example, the upper bodies10and20may be provided as a single upper body. In this case, the upper bodies10and20may be elongated in the up-down direction from an upper side of the lower body3or formed in a shape of a circle (oval) or track-shaped ring or an open ring. A position of the single upper bodies10and20with respect to the lower body3may be determined in consideration of the shape of the upper bodies10and20, and a position, shape, and number of slits formed on surfaces of the upper bodies10and20as air discharge holes formed at the upper bodies10and20.

Hereinafter, for brief description, it will be described based on a case where the upper bodies10and20include the first upper body10and the second upper body20. In addition, the description of this may be applied equally to a case where the upper bodies10and20are provided as a single upper body, unless it is applicable only when the number of the upper bodies10and20is two.

The first upper body10and the second upper body20may be disposed above the lower body3. The first upper body10and the second upper body20may form an upper side of the blower1. The first upper body10and the second upper body20extend long in the up-down direction and may be spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction. Meanwhile, the first upper body10may be referred to as a first tower or a first nozzle tower, and the second upper body20may be referred to as a second tower or a second nozzle tower.

A space S is formed between the first upper body10and the second upper body20to provide a flow path for air. The space S may be opened in a front-rear direction. Meanwhile, the space S may be referred to as a blowing space, a valley, or a channel.

The first upper body10may be spaced apart from the second upper body20to the left. The first upper body10may be elongated in the up-down direction. The first upper body10may include a first panel12forming an outer surface or a surface of the first upper body10. The first panel12may include a first inner panel121facing the space S and a first outer panel122opposite to the first inner panel121.

The first inner panel121may be convex in a direction from the first upper body10toward the space S or the right. For example, the first inner panel121may be elongated in the up-down direction. The first outer panel122may be convex in a direction opposite to the direction from the first upper body10toward the space S or to the left. For example, the first outer panel122may be inclined and extended by a predetermined angle (acute angle) toward the space S or to the right with respect to a vertical line extending in the up-down direction.

In this case, a curvature of the first outer panel122may be greater than a curvature of the first inner panel121. In addition, the first outer panel122may meet the first inner panel121to form an edge. The edge may be provided as a first front end10F and a first rear end10R of the first upper body10. For example, the first front end10F may be inclined and extended by a certain angle (acute angle) backward with respect to the vertical line extending in the up-down direction. For example, the first rear end10R may be inclined and extended by a predetermined angle (acute angle) forward with respect to the vertical line extending in the up-down direction.

The second upper body20may be spaced apart from the first upper body10to the right. The second upper body20may be elongated in the up-down direction. The second upper body20may include a second panel22forming an outer surface or a surface of the second upper body20. The second panel22may include a second inner panel221facing the space S and a second outer panel222opposite to the second inner panel221.

The second inner panel221may be convex in a direction from the second upper body20toward the space S or to the left. For example, the second inner panel221may be elongated in the up-down direction. The second outer panel222may be convex in a direction opposite to the direction from the second upper body20toward the space S or to the right. For example, the second outer panel222may extend in the direction toward the space S or to the left by a certain angle (acute angle) with respect to the vertical line extending in the up-down direction.

In this case, a curvature of the second outer panel222may be greater than a curvature of the second inner panel221. In addition, the second outer panel222may meet with the first inner panel221to form an edge. The edge may be provided as a second front end20F and a second rear end20R of the second upper body20. For example, the second front end20F may be inclined and extended by a predetermined angle (acute angle) backward with respect to the vertical line extending in the up-down direction. For example, the second rear end20R may be inclined and extended by a predetermined angle (acute angle) with respect to the vertical line extending in the up-down direction.

Meanwhile, the first upper body10and the second upper body20may be symmetrical in the left-right direction with the space S interposed therebetween. And the surface of the first outer panel122and the surface of the second outer panel222may be positioned on a virtual curved surface extending along an outer surface or a surface of the lower body3. In other words, the surface of the first outer panel122and the surface of the second outer panel222may be smoothly connected to the surface of the lower body3. In addition, an upper surface121uof the first upper body10and an upper surface221uof the second upper body20may be provided as horizontal surfaces. In this case, the blower1may be formed in a truncated cone shape as a whole. As a result, the risk of the blower1being overturned by an external impact may be lowered.

A groove31may be positioned between the first upper body10and the second upper body20and may be elongated long in a front-rear direction. The groove31may be a curved surface concave downward. The groove31may include a first side31aconnected to a lower side of the first inner panel121and a second side31bconnected to a lower side of the second inner panel221. The groove31may define a boundary of the space S together with the first inner panel121and the second inner panel221. Meanwhile, the groove31may be referred to as a connection groove or a connection surface.

For example, a cover3bmay be detachably coupled to the lower body3. The cover3bmay be provided as a part of the lower body3. At this time, the suction holes3amay also be formed in the cover3b. When the cover3bis separated from the lower body3, the user can access the inner space of the lower body3.

For example, a display (not shown) may be provided at the front of the lower body3to display driving information of the blower1or may provide an interface for receiving a user's command. The display may include a touch panel.

Referring toFIG.2, the lower body3may provide the inner space in which a filter4, a control unit5, a fan6, and an air guide7to be described later are installed.

The filter4may be detachably installed in the inner space of the lower body3. The filter4may be formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole. That is, the filter4may include a hole4P formed to pass through the filter4in the up-down direction. In this case, indoor air may flow into the lower body3through the suction hole3a(seeFIG.1) by an operation of the fan6. And, indoor air flowing into the lower body3may be purified by flowing from an outer circumferential surface of the filter4to an inner circumferential surface of the filter4and may flow to an upper side of the filter4through the hole4P.

The control unit5may be installed in the inner space of the lower body3. The control unit5is disposed between the base2and the filter4and may be fixed to the base2. The control unit5may support the filter4and may be referred to as a supporter for the filter4. The control unit5is electrically connected to each component of the blowerto control the operation of the blower1. Meanwhile, the flow of air passing through the filter4may also be used for cooling the control unit5including a heat generating element.

The fan6may be installed in the inner space of the lower body3and may be disposed above the filter4. The fan6may cause the flow of air that is introduced into the blower1or discharged from the blower1to the outside. The fan6may include a fan housing6a, a fan motor6b, a hub6c, a shroud6d, and a blade6e. Meanwhile, the fan6may be referred to as a fan assembly or a fan module.

The fan housing6amay form an exterior of the fan6. The fan housing6amay include a suction port (unsigned) formed through the fan housing6ain the up-down direction. The suction port may be provided at a lower end of the fan housing6aand may be referred to as a bell mouth.

The fan motor6bcan provide rotational force. The fan motor6bmay be a centrifugal fan or a four-flow fan motor. The fan motor6bmay be supported by a motor cover7bto be described later. At this time, a rotation shaft of the fan motor6bmay extend from the fan motor6bto a lower side of the fan motor6band may penetrate a lower surface of the motor cover7b. The hub6cmay be rotated together with the rotation shaft by being coupled to the rotation shaft. The shroud6dmay be spaced from the hub6cto the outside of the hub6c. Plurality of blades6emay be disposed between the hub6cand the shroud6d.

Accordingly, when the fan motor6bis driven, air may be introduced in an axial direction of the fan motor6bthrough the suction port and discharged to a radial direction of the fan motor6band to an upper side of the fan motor6b.

The air guide7may be disposed above or below the fan6to provide a flow path7P through which air discharged from the fan6flows. For example, the flow path7P may be an annular flow path. The air guide7may include a guide body7a, a motor cover7b, and vanes7c. Meanwhile, the air guide7may be referred to as a diffuser.

The guide body7amay form an exterior of the air guide7. The motor cover7bmay be disposed in a center of the air guide7. For example, the guide body7amay be formed in a cylindrical shape. In addition, the motor cover7bmay be formed in a bowl shape. In this case, the above-described annular flow path7P may be formed between the guide body7aand the motor cover7b. Plurality of vanes7cmay be disposed in the annular flow path7P and may be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the guide body7a. Each of the plurality of vanes7cmay extend from an outer surface of the motor cover7bto an inner circumferential surface of the guide body7a. Accordingly, the plurality of vanes7cmay guide air provided from the fan6to the flow path7P to an upper side of the air guide7.

The distribution unit8may be disposed above or downstream of the air guide7and may be disposed below or upstream of the upper bodies10and20. The distribution unit8may provide a flow path8P through which the air passing through the air guide7flows. Air passing through the air guide7may be distributed to the first upper body10and the second upper body20through the distribution unit8. In other words, the air guide7can guide the air flowing by the fan6to the distribution unit8and the distribution unit8may guide air introduced from the air guide7to the first upper body10and the second upper body20. Meanwhile, the distribution unit8may be referred to as a splitter, a middle body, an inner body, a tower base, or a nozzle tower base.

The first upper body10may provide a first flow path10P through which a part of the air passing through the air guide7and the distribution unit8flows. The first flow path10P may be formed in the inner space of the first upper body10. The second upper body20may provide a second flow path20P through which the rest of the air passing through the air guide7and the distribution unit8flows. The second flow path20P may be formed in the inner space of the second upper body20. That is, the first flow path10P and the second flow path20P may communicate with the flow path8P of the distribution unit8and the flow path7P of the air guide7.

Referring toFIGS.3and5, the first upper body10may include a first wall11in addition to the first inner panel121and the first outer panel122described above. The first wall11may be positioned between the first inner panel121and the first outer panel122. That is, the first panel12may surround the first wall11. In other words, the first wall11may be accommodated in the first panel12. The first wall11may include a first inner wall111facing an inner side of the first inner panel121and a first outer wall112facing an inner side of the first outer panel122.

The first inner wall111may be detachably coupled to an inside of the first inner panel121. The first outer wall112may be detachably coupled to the inner side of the first outer panel122. The first inner wall111and the first outer wall112may be coupled to each other to form the first flow path10P. In addition, the first inner panel121may be coupled to or fixed to a groove body30having the groove31.

Accordingly, the first panel12may form the surface of the first upper body10, and the first wall11may provide the first flow path10P through which air (refer to the arrow inFIG.5) flows.

Referring toFIGS.4and5, the second upper body20may include a second wall21in addition to the second inner panel221and the second outer panel222described above. The second wall21may be positioned between the second inner panel221and the second outer panel222. That is, the second panel22may surround the second wall21. In other words, the second wall21may be accommodated in the second panel22. The second wall21may include a second inner wall211facing an inner side of the second inner panel221and a second outer wall212facing an inner side of the second outer panel222.

The second inner wall211may be detachably coupled to the inner side of the second inner panel221. The second outer wall212may be detachably coupled to the inner side of the second outer panel222. The second inner wall211and the second outer wall212may be coupled to each other to form the second flow path20P. In addition, the second inner panel221may be coupled to or fixed to the groove body30having the groove31.

Accordingly, the second panel22may form the surface of the second upper body20, and the second wall21may provide the second flow path20P through which air (refer to the arrow inFIG.5) flows.

Referring toFIG.6, a first vane16may be installed in the first flow path10P. The first vane16may be coupled to an inner side of the first wall11. For example, the first vane16may be positioned between the first inner wall111and the first outer wall112(refer toFIG.3), and a right end of the first vane16may be detachably coupled or fixed to the inner surface of the first inner wall111. For another example, the first vane16may be positioned between the first inner wall111and the first outer wall112(refer toFIG.3), a left end of the first vane16may be detachably coupled or fixed to the inner surface of the first outer wall112. Accordingly, the first vane16may be coupled to or separated from the first wall11.

The first vane16may be adjacent to a first slit10SL of the first upper body10to be described later. The first vane16may have a convex upward shape. A rear end of the first vane16may be positioned above a front end of the first vane16. In this case, the front end of the first vane16may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the first inner wall111, and at least a part of the rear end of the first vane16may be connected to a first connecting member13of the first upper body10to be described later. For example, the first vane16may include a plurality of first vanes16a,16b, and16cspaced apart from each other in the up-down direction. A left end of each of the plurality of first vanes16a,16b, and16cmay contact an inner surface of the first outer wall112(refer toFIGS.2and3). The inner surface of the first outer wall112may have a large curvature. A right end of each of the plurality of first vanes16a,16b, and16cmay contact an inner surface of the first inner wall111(refer toFIG.2). The inner surface of the first inner wall111may have a small curvature. In the horizontal direction, a width of each of the plurality of first vanes16a,16b, and16cmay gradually decrease from the front end to the rear end thereof. In the horizontal direction, among the plurality of first vanes16a,16b, and16c, a vane positioned at a relatively upper side may have a smaller width than a vane positioned at a relatively lower side. In the direction of curvature of the plurality of first vanes16a,16b, and16c, among the plurality of first vanes16a,16b, and16c, a vane positioned at a relatively upper side may have a shorter length than a vane positioned at a relatively lower side. That is, among the plurality of first vanes16a,16b, and16c, a vane positioned at a relatively upper side may be smaller than a vane positioned at a relatively lower side. The plurality of first vanes16a,16b, and16cmay be disposed along the first connecting member13. That is, the plurality of first vanes16a,16b, and16cmay be disposed along an imaginary line inclined forward by a certain angle with respect to a vertical line VL (refer toFIG.9).

Meanwhile, a second vane (refer toFIG.4) may be installed in the second flow path20P, and the above-described contents for the first vane16may be applied in the same manner.

Accordingly, the first vane16may smoothly guide the air rising in the first flow path10P to the rear. In addition, the second vane16may smoothly guide the air rising in the second flow path20P (refer toFIG.4) to the rear.

Referring toFIG.7, the first connecting member13may be positioned in the first flow path10P, may be coupled to or fixed to the first inner wall111, and may be connected to the rear end of the first vane16. A second connecting member23may be positioned in the second flow path20P, and may be connected to a rear end of the second vane26.

The first connecting member13may extend obliquely to the left toward the rear from the first inner wall111. In addition, the first connecting member13may be adjacent to a first rear end10R of the first upper body10and spaced apart from the first outer wall112. In this case, a part of a first opening LO may be positioned between the first connecting member13and the first outer wall112and may be formed to be inclined to the right toward the front. Here, the first opening LO may communicate with the first flow path10P. Meanwhile, the first opening LO may be referred to as a first discharge port or a first mouse.

Accordingly, the air flowing through the first flow path10P may be guided rearward by the first vane16and may be introduced into an inlet of the first opening LO.

The first slit10SL may be adjacent to the first rear end10R of the first upper body10and may be formed to penetrate the first inner panel121. The first slit10SL may be elongated along the first rear end10R of the first upper body10. The first slit10SL may be an outlet of the first opening LO. Accordingly, the first slit10SL may discharge air flowing through the first flow path10P into the space S.

For example, a part of the first inner panel121may be adjacent to the first rear end10R of the first upper body10and may be cut from the rest of the first inner panel121along a line drawing an open loop. In this case, a part of the first inner panel121may be bent toward the first flow path10P and form the first slit10SL. That is, a first guide part121a, a first bending part121band a first inlet part121cwhich are described later may be formed as one body. Meanwhile, the first slit10SL may be referred to as a first cutout.

In this case, the first inner panel121may include a first bending part121bbent toward the first flow path10P as a part of the first inner panel121, a first guide part121aand a first inlet part121c. Meanwhile, the first guide part121amay be referred to as a first front part, and the first inlet part121cmay be referred to as a first rear part.

The first guide part121amay be smoothly connected to the first bending part121bin front of the first bending part121b. The first inlet part121cmay be spaced rearward from the first bending part121b. That is, the first bending part121bmay be bent from the first guide part121atoward the first flow path10P and may be separated from the first inlet part121c. In addition, the first guide part121aand the first inlet part121cmay have a convex surface to the right, and may define a part of the boundary of the space S. In addition, the first slit10SL may be formed between the first bending part121band the first inlet part121c.

In the front-rear direction, a width of the first guide part121amay be greater than a width of the first inlet part121c. For example, in the front-rear direction, the width of the first guide part121amay be four or more times greater than the width of the first inlet part121c.

Meanwhile, a first spacer15may be positioned in the first opening LO and may be coupled to the first bending part121band the first inlet part121c. For example, the first spacer15may include a plurality of first spacers15spaced apart from each other in a length direction of the first opening LO. Accordingly, a position of the first bending part121bwith respect to the first inlet part121cmay be fixed by the first spacer15. In addition, the first spacer15may improve rigidity of the first inlet part121cand the first bending part121b. In this case, it may be desirable to minimize the flow resistance of air passing through the first opening LO by designing a small thickness of the first spacer15in the up-down direction. Meanwhile, the first spacer15may be referred to as a first horizontal rib.

The second connecting member23may extend inclined to the right toward the rear from the second inner wall211. In addition, the second connecting member23may be adjacent to the second rear end20R of the second upper body20and spaced apart from the second outer wall212. In this case, a part of a second opening RO may be positioned between the second connecting member23and the second outer wall212and may be formed to be inclined to the left toward the front. Here, the second opening RO may communicate with the second flow path20P. Meanwhile, the second opening RO may be referred to as a second discharge port or a second mouth.

Accordingly, the air flowing through the second flow path20P may be guided rearward by the second vanes26and may be introduced into an inlet of the second opening RO.

A second slit20SL may be adjacent to the second rear end20R of the second upper body20and may be formed to penetrate the second inner panel221. The second slit20SL may be elongated along the second rear end20R of the second upper body20. The second slit20SL may be an outlet of the second opening RO. Accordingly, the second slit20SL may discharge air flowing through the second flow path20P into the space S.

For example, a part of the second inner panel221may be adjacent to the second rear end20R of the second upper body20and may be cut from the rest of the second inner panel221along a line drawing an open loop. In this case, a part of the second inner panel221may be bent toward the second flow path20P and form the second slit20SL. Meanwhile, the second slit20SL may be referred to as a second cutout.

In this case, the second inner panel221may include a second bending part221bbent toward the second flow path20P as a part of the second inner panel221, a second guide part221aand a second inlet part221c. Meanwhile, the second guide part221amay be referred to as a second front part, and the second inlet part121cmay be referred to as a second rear part.

The second guide part221amay be connected to the second bending part221bin front of the second bending part221b. The second inlet part221cmay be spaced rearward from the second bending part221b. That is, the second bending part221bmay be bent from the second guide part221atoward the second flow path20P and may be separated from the second inlet part221c. In addition, the second guide part221aand the second inlet part221cmay have a convex surface to the left, and may define a part of the boundary of the space S. In addition, the second slit20SL may be formed between the second bending part221band the second inlet part221c.

In the front-rear direction, a width of the second guide part221amay be greater than a width of the second inlet part221c. For example, in the front-rear direction, the width of the second guide part221amay be four or more times greater than the width of the second inlet part221c.

Meanwhile, a second spacer25may be positioned in the second opening RO and may be coupled to the second bending part221band the second inlet part221c. For example, the second spacer25may include a plurality of second spacers25spaced apart from each other in a length direction of the second opening RO. Accordingly, a position of the second bending part221bwith respect to the second inlet part221cmay be fixed by the second spacer25. In addition, the second spacer25may improve rigidity of the second inlet part221cand the second bending part221b. In this case, it may be desirable to minimize the flow resistance of air passing through the second opening RO by designing a small thickness of the second spacer25in the up-down direction. Meanwhile, the second spacer25may be referred to as a second horizontal rib.

For example, the first connecting member13and the second connecting member23may be symmetrical left and right, and the first slit10SL and the second slit20SL may face each other.

In this case, the first opening LO may be formed to be inclined or bent toward the front of the second slit20SL. In addition, the second opening RO may be formed to be inclined or bent toward the front of the first slit10SL. Meanwhile, the first slit10SL and the second slit20SL may be hidden from a user's gaze looking from the front to the rear of the blower1(refer toFIG.1).

First ribs1111may protrude outward from an outer surface of the first inner wall111to contact or be coupled to an inner surface of the first inner panel121. In this case, the first ribs1111may support the first inner panel121. Second ribs2111may protrude outward from an outer surface of the second inner wall211to contact or be coupled to an inner surface of the second inner panel221. In this case, the second ribs2111may support the second inner panel221.

Referring toFIGS.8and9, the blower1may include heaters17and27. A first heater17may be installed in the first flow path10P of the first upper body10to increase the temperature of air flowing through the first flow path10P. A second heater27may be installed in the second flow path20P of the second upper body20to increase the temperature of air flowing through the second flow path20P. At this time, the control unit5(refer toFIG.2) may be electrically connected to the first heater17and the second heater27and may control the operation of the first heater17and the second heater27.

For example, the first heater17and the second heater27may be electric heating instruments using a heating action of electric current. For another example, the first heater17and the second heater27may be heat exchangers using heat of condensation of a high-temperature refrigerant.

The first heater17may be generally formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape and may be elongated along the first connecting member13. Here, a longitudinal direction of the first connecting member13is the same as a longitudinal direction of the aforementioned first slit10SL (refer toFIG.7), and the first connecting member may be inclined forward by a first angle theta A with respect to a vertical line VL extending in the up-down direction. In addition, a longitudinal direction of the first heater17may be inclined by a second angle theta B forward with respect to the vertical line VL. In this case, the second angle theta B may be the same as or similar to the first angle theta A.

In this case, the first heater17may include a coil through which current flows, or a first tube17athrough which high-temperature refrigerant flows. The first tube17amay extend long in a longitudinal direction of the first heater17.

And the first heater17may include a plurality of first fins17bcoupled to an outer circumferential surface of the first tube17aand spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the first tube17ato provide a flow path of air. For example, each of the plurality of first fins17bmay extend in a direction intersecting or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first tube17a. For another example, each of the plurality of first fins17bmay be formed to be convex upward and may have a rear end positioned at a relatively upper side and a front end positioned at a relatively lower side.

Meanwhile, the first heater17and the second heater27may be symmetrical left and right. That is, the description of the first heater17may be equally applied to the second heater27.

Accordingly, the first heater17may not only heat the air flowing through the first flow path10P, but also may smoothly guide the air rising in the first flow path10P to the rear. In addition, the second heater27may not only heat the air flowing through the second flow path20P, but also may smoothly guide the air rising in the second flow path20P to the rear.

Referring toFIGS.9and10, the first heater17may be detachable inside the first inner wall111. For example, the first heater17may be detachably coupled to an inside of the first inner wall111through screw fastening or snap fit fastening.

A first protrusion18may protrude from an inside of the first inner wall111toward the first flow path10P. The first protrusion18may be disposed between the first heater17and the inside of the first inner wall111. The first protrusion18may include a first vertical part extending in up-down direction and a first curved part bent rearward or in a direction from an upper end of the vertical part toward the first connecting member13. In this case, an end of the first vertical part may form a lower end of the first protrusion18, and an end of the first curved part may form an upper end of the first protrusion18. In addition, the upper end of the first protrusion18may be adjacent to the first connecting member13. For example, the first protrusion18may include a plurality of first protrusions18a,18b,18c,18d,18e, and18fspaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction.

A 1-1 protrusion18amay include a 1-1 vertical part18aahaving an end spaced forward from a lower end of the first connecting member13and a 1-1 curved part18abbent toward the first connecting member13from the 1-1 vertical part18aa.

A 1-2 protrusion18bmay include a 1-2 vertical part18bahaving an end spaced forward from the end of the 1-1 vertical part18aaand a 1-2 curved part18bbbent toward the first connecting member13from the 1-2 vertical part18ba. In this case, a length of the 1-2 vertical part18bamay be greater than a length of the 1-1 vertical part18aaand a length of the 1-2 curved part18bbmay be greater than a length of the 1-1 curved part18ab.

A 1-3 protrusion18cmay include a 1-3 vertical part18cahaving an end spaced forward from the end of the 1-2 vertical part18baand a 1-3 curved part18cbbent toward the first connecting member13from the 1-3 vertical part18ca. In this case, a length of the 1-3 vertical part18camay be greater than the length of the 1-2 vertical part18ba, and a length of the 1-3 curved part18cbmay be greater than the length of the 1-2 curved part18bb.

A 1-4 protrusion18dmay include a 1-4 vertical portion18dahaving an end spaced forward from the end of the 1-3 vertical part18caand a 1-4 curved part18dabent toward the first connecting member13from the 1-4 vertical part18da. In this case, a length of the 1-4 vertical part18damay be greater than the length of the 1-3 vertical part18ca, and a length of the 1-4 curved part18dbmay be greater than the length of the 1-3 curved part18cb.

A 1-5 protrusion18emay include a 1-5 vertical part18eahaving an end spaced forward from the end of the 1-4 vertical part18daand a 1-5 curved part18ebbent toward the first connecting member13from the 1-5 vertical part18ea. In this case, a length of the 1-5 vertical part18eamay be greater than the length of the 1-4 vertical part18da, and a length of the 1-5th curved part18ebmay be greater than the length of the 1-5 curved part18db.

A 1-6 protrusion18fmay be positioned above the 1-5 curved part18eband may be convex upward or extend obliquely toward the first connecting member13.

On the other hand, a second protrusion28(not shown) may protrude from an inside of the second inner wall211toward the second flow path20P, and the above description for the first protrusion18may be applied in the same manner.

Accordingly, the first protrusion18may more smoothly guide the air rising in the first flow path10P together with the first heater17to the rear. In addition, the second protrusion28may more smoothly guide the air rising in the second flow path20P together with the second heater27to the rear.

Referring toFIG.11, the first heater17may be adjacent to the first connecting member13, and air may be introduced into the first opening LO through the first heater17. The second heater27may be adjacent to the second connecting member23, and air may be introduced into the second opening RO through the second heater27.

Accordingly, when the first heater17is operated, the first slit10SL may discharge air flowing through the first flow path10P and heated by the first heater17to the space S. In addition, when the second heater27is operated, the second slit20SL may discharge air flowing through the second flow path20P and heated by the second heater27into the space S. Meanwhile, the first heater17may be positioned between the first inner wall111and the first outer wall112, and may be spaced apart from the first inner wall111and the first outer wall112. The second heater27may be positioned between the second inner wall211and the second outer wall212, and may be spaced apart from the second inner wall211and the second outer wall212. The double structure of the upper body10and20having the walls11and21and the panels12and22may reduce a transfer of heat from the heaters17and27to the panels12and22through the walls11and21. In addition, an air gap may be formed between the first inner wall111and the first inner panel121by the first ribs1111, an air gap may be formed between the second inner wall211and the second inner panel221by the second ribs2111. The air gap may reduce a transfer of heat from the heaters17and27from the walls11and21to the panels12and22.

Referring toFIGS.12to14, the first wall11, the first connecting member13, and the first inner panel121may be detachably coupled to each other. In this case, an end111aof the first inner wall111and an end112aof the first outer wall112may be spaced apart from each other. Here, the end111aof the first inner wall111may form one end of the first wall11, and the end112aof the first outer wall112forms the other end of the first wall11. In addition, at least a part of the first bending part121bmay be disposed between the end111aof the first inner wall111and the end112aof the first outer wall112.

The first connecting member13may be disposed between the end111aof the first inner wall111and the first bending part121band connected to the first inner wall111and the first bending part121b. Meanwhile, unlike as described above and described later, the first connecting member13may be provided integrally with the first inner wall111or may be provided integrally with the first bending part121b.

Referring toFIGS.12and13, the first connecting member13may be detachably coupled to the first inner wall111. For example, a first hook133may protrude toward the first inner wall111from one end13aof the first connecting member13, and a first locking part113may protrude toward the first inner panel121from the end111aof the first inner wall111. Accordingly, the first connecting member13may be detachably coupled to the first inner wall111through hook coupling between the first hook133and the first locking part113.

Referring toFIGS.13and14, the first inner panel121may be detachably coupled to the first connecting member13. For example, a second hook124may protrude toward the first connecting member13from an inner surface of the first bending part121b, and a second locking part134may protrude toward the first bending part121bbetween one end13aand the other end13bof the first connecting member13. Accordingly, the first inner panel121may be detachably coupled to the first connecting member13through hook coupling between the second hook124and the second locking part134.

Accordingly, shapes of the first inner wall111and the first outer wall112of the first wall11may be designed to smoothly guide air to the first opening LO while minimizing the flow resistance of air flowing through the first flow path10P. In addition, the shape of the first inner panel121may be designed to smoothly guide the air flowing through the space (S, seeFIG.11) in accordance with the desired airflow by the user. That is, the first wall11and the first inner panel121may be separately formed according to the respective design purposes.

And, as described above, each of the first inner wall111, the first outer wall112, the first connecting member13, and the first inner panel121may be manufactured separately and may be easily assembled. In addition, maintenance and cleaning such as removing foreign substances such as dust attached to the first inner panel121and/or the first connecting member13may be easily performed by separating the first inner panel121and/or the first connecting member13from the first inner wall111.

Meanwhile, the second hook124and the second locking part134coupled to each other may function as a rigid member for the first connecting member13and the first bending part121b. That is, the second hook124and the second locking part134may improve torsional rigidity and/or flexural rigidity of the first connecting member13and the first bending part121b. Also, as described above, since a position of the first bending part121bwith respect to the first inlet part121cmay be fixed by the first spacer15, a position of the first connecting member13coupled to the first bending part121bmay be also fixed.

Accordingly, vibration or noise of the first connecting member13due to the flow of air may be minimized. As described above with reference toFIG.6and the like, the first connecting member13may be connected to the first vane16coupled to the first inner wall111and/or the first outer wall112. The first vane16may support the first connecting member13, and may improve rigidity of the first connecting member13. For example, the plurality of first vanes16and the plurality of first spacers15may be alternately disposed with the first connecting member13interposed therebetween. In this case, in the longitudinal direction of the first connecting member13, the rigidity of the first connection member13and the first bending part121bconnected thereto may be strengthened as a whole.

Meanwhile, the above-described contents may be equally applied to the second wall21, the second connecting member23, and the second inner panel221.

Referring toFIGS.15to18, the second connecting member23may be formed in the shape of an airfoil or a long S-shaped hook as a whole. The second connecting member23may include a first part231, a second part232, and a third part233. Here, an end211aof the second inner wall211may form one end of the second wall21, and an end212aof the second outer wall212may form the other end of the second wall21. Meanwhile, the above-described and later-described contents may be similarly applied to the first opening LO, the first connecting member13, and the first inner panel121.

One end of the first part231may form one end23aof the second connecting member23. At this time, one end23aof the second connecting member23may be disposed between the first inner wall211and the first guide part221a. The first part231may be obliquely extended rearward toward the first flow path10P. In other hands, the first part231may be inclined to the right with respect to an imaginary straight line (not shown) extending in the front-rear direction, and one end and the other end of the first part231may be formed to be curved.

One end of the second part232may be connected to the other end of the first part231and may be bent toward the second opening RO from the other end of the first part231. The second part232may extend by drawing an arc with a first radius R1with respect to a center C positioned inside the second connecting member23.

One end of the third part233may be connected to the other end of the second part232, and the other end of the third part233may form the other end23bof the second connecting member23. The third part233may extend from the other end of the second part232toward the second bending part221b. In this case, the other end23bof the second connecting member23may be connected to the end of the second bending part221b. A surface of the third part233may be smoothly connected to a surface of the second bending part221b.

Meanwhile, a part of the second outer wall212may be positioned behind the second connecting member23, and the end212aof the second outer wall212may be connected to the inside of the second inlet part221c. A part of the second outer panel222may be positioned behind the second outer wall212, and an end222aof the second outer panel222may be connected to the second inlet part221c. At this time, a front part221caof the second inlet part221cmay protrude from the end212aof the second outer wall212toward the second bending part221b, and have an inner surface facing the third part233. In addition, a length of the front part221camay be greater than a length of the third part233.

In this case, the second opening RO may be formed between the second part232, the third part233, and the second bending part221b, the second outer wall212, and the front part221ca.

In other words, the second part232, the third part233, and the second bending part221bmay define a front boundary of the second opening RO, and the second outer wall212and the front part221camay define a rear boundary of the second opening RO.

In addition, the inlet of the second opening RO may be formed between one end of the second part232and the second outer wall212. The outlet of the second opening RO may be formed between a part of the second bending part221bconnected to the second guide part221aand the front part221ca. In this case, the outlet of the second opening RO may be provided as the second slit20SL.

For example, a first gap G1which is a gap between one end of the second part232and the second outer wall212may be the same as a second gap G2which is a gap between the other end of the second part232and the second outer wall212. In addition, a gap between the second part232and the second outer wall212may be constant between one end and the other end of the second part232. In this case, the second outer wall212may extend while drawing an arc with a second radius R2with respect to the center C positioned inside the second connecting member23. Here, the second radius R2may be larger than the first radius R1, and a center of curvature of the second part232and a center of curvature of the second outer wall212may be the same. Accordingly, flow resistance or loss of air passing between the second part232and the second outer wall212may be reduced.

For another example, a first gap G1which is a gap between one end of the second part232and the second outer wall212may be larger than a second gap G2which is a gap between the other end of the second part232and the second outer wall212. In addition, a gap between the second part232and the second outer wall212may decrease from one end of the second part232to the other end. Accordingly, the flow velocity of air passing between the second part232and the second outer wall212may be increased.

Meanwhile, a section positioned between the second part232and the second outer wall212as a part of the second opening RO may be referred to as a curved section ROa. Air flowing backward from the second flow path20P may be introduced into the inlet of the second opening RO (see A in), and the flow direction of the air may pass through the curved section ROa and may be switched forward.

Meanwhile, a gap between one end of the third part233and the front part221camay be the same as the second gap G2.

Referring toFIG.15, a third gap G3, which is a gap between the other end of the third part233and the front part221ca, may be smaller than the second gap G2. In addition, a gap between the third part233and the front part221camay decrease from one end of the third part233to the other end. In this case, the inner surface of the front part221camay be smoothly connected to the second outer wall212while facing the third part233.

Accordingly, the flow velocity of air passing between the third part233and the front part221camay be increased.

Meanwhile, a section positioned between the third part233and the front part221caas a part of the second opening RO may be referred to as a tapered section ROb or a converging section. The tapered section ROb may be positioned downstream of the curved section ROa. The air that has passed through the tapered section ROb may flow along the second bending part221band pass through the second slit20SL (see Aout). Further, due to the coanda effect, air discharged from the second slit20SL may flow forward along the second guide part221a.

Referring toFIG.16, a third gap G3′, which is a gap between the other end of the third part233and a front part221ca′, may be the same as the second gap G2. In addition, a gap between the third part233and the front part221ca′ may be constant between one end and the other end of the third part233. In this case, an inner surface of the front part221ca′ may be smoothly connected to the second outer wall212while facing the third part233. In addition, the inner surface of the front part221ca′ may be parallel to the third part233.

Accordingly, flow resistance or loss of air passing between the third part233and the front part221ca′ may be reduced.

On the other hand, a section positioned between the third part233and the front part221ca′ as part of the second opening RO may be referred to as a straight section ROb′, or a constant section. The straight section ROb′ may be positioned downstream of the curved section ROa. The air that has passed through the straight section ROb′ may flow along the second bending part221band pass through the second slit20SL (see Aout). Further, due to the coanda effect, air discharged from the second slit20SL may flow forward along the second guide part221a.

Referring toFIG.17, a thickness of the front part221ca″ may vary according to a position of the front part221ca″ with respect to the second spacer25. Here, the second spacer25may be coupled to the second bending part221band the front part221ca″ of the second inlet part221c(seeFIGS.7and11). That is, a thickness t1of a part of the front part221ca″ positioned relatively close to the second spacer25may be greater than a thickness t2of a part positioned far from the second spacer25.

For example, the second spacer25may include a plurality of second spacers25spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the second opening RO. In this case, the thickness of the front part221ca″ may increase as it is adjacent to each of the spacers25from a center of the spacers25adjacent to each other.

Accordingly, the front part221ca″ having a relatively large thickness adjacent to the second spacer25may improve the rigidity of the second spacer25coupled thereto. In addition, as the thickness of the front part221ca″ increases, the gap between the third part233and the front part221ca″ may decrease.

Referring toFIG.18, a groove24may be formed in the third part233′ and/or the second bending part221b′. The groove24may be formed while being depressed inward from the third part233′ and/or the second bending part221b′. Meanwhile, the groove24may be referred to as a dimple.

For example, the groove24may include a plurality of grooves24formed by drawing different arcs with respect to different centers. In this case, the plurality of grooves24may face the inner surface of the front part221ca. A first groove24amay be adjacent to one end of the third part233′, a second groove24b, a third groove24c, and a fourth groove24dmay be placed as sequentially from the first groove24a.

In this case, a gap between the third part233′ and the front part221camay not be constant. That is, a first distance d1, which is a distance between an end of the front part221caand the first groove24a, may be greater that a second distance d2, which is a distance between the end of the front part221caand the second groove24b. In addition, the second distance d2may be greater than a third distance d3, which is a distance between the end of the front portion221caand the third groove24c. In addition, the third distance d3may be greater than a fourth distance d4, which is a distance between the end of the front portion221caand the fourth groove24d.

Accordingly, a flow characteristic or directionality of air passing between the third part233′ and the front part221camay be effectively maintained.

Meanwhile, the air that have passed through between the third part233′ and the front part221camay flow along the second bending part221b′ and pass through the second slit20SL (see Aout). Further, due to the coanda effect, air discharged from the second slit20SL may flow forward along the second guide part221a.

Referring toFIG.19, the second slit20SL may discharge air flowing through the second flow path20P (refer toFIGS.7and11) to the space S. The second slit20SL may be adjacent to the second rear end20R of the second upper body20and may be formed to penetrate through the second inner panel221. The second slit20SL may be elongated along the second rear end20R.

In this case, the second slit20SL may be formed to be inclined forward at a predetermined angle (acute angle) with respect to a vertical line V extending in the up-down direction.

For example, the second slit20SL may be parallel to the second rear end20R. For another example, the second slit20SL may not be parallel to the second rear end20R. In this case, the second slit20SL may be inclined at a first angle (theta1, for example, 4 degrees) with respect to the vertical line V, and the second rear end20R may be inclined at a second angle (theta2, for example, 3 degrees) smaller than the first angle theta1with respect to the vertical line V.

Meanwhile, the first slit10SL (refer toFIGS.7and11) and the second slit20SL may be symmetrical while facing each other in the left-right direction.

Referring toFIG.20, the first inner panel121and the second inner panel221face each other, and may form left and right boundaries of the space S. In this case, the first inner panel121may be convex to the right, and the second inner panel221may be convex to the left. In other words, a gap between the first inner panel121and the second inner panel221may decrease from the rear to the front and then increase again. Meanwhile, the gap may be a width of the space S.

A first gap B1may be defined as a gap between the first front end10F of the first upper body10and the second front end20F of the second upper body20. A second gap B2may be defined as a gap between the first rear end10R of the first upper body10and the second rear end20R of the second upper body20. The second gap B2may be the same as or different from the first gap B1. The reference gap B0may be a minimum of the gaps between the first inner panel121and the second inner panel221.

For example, in the front-rear direction, a gap between a center of the first inner panel121and a center of the second inner panel221may be the reference gap B0. For another example, in the front-rear direction, a gap between a part positioned forward than the center of the first inner panel121and a part positioned forward than the center of the second inner panel221may be the reference gap B0. For another example, in the front-rear direction, a gap between a part positioned rearward than the center of the first inner panel121and a part positioned rearward than the center of the second inner panel221may be the reference gap B0.

In this case, a width of a rear part of the space S may be the second gap B2, a width of a center part of the space S may be the reference gap B0, and a width of the space S may decrease from the rear part to the center part. In addition, the width of the front part of the space S may be the first gap B1, and the width of the space S may increase from the center part toward a front part.

Referring back toFIGS.7and11, dampers19and29may be installed to be movable on the upper bodies10and20. Meanwhile, the dampers19and29may be referred to as boards.

A first damper19may be installed in a first space19S and may protrude into the space S through a first slot10H (refer toFIG.12) or may be inserted into the first space19S.

The first space19S may be positioned in front of the first wall11and may be formed between the first inner panel121and the first outer panel122. The first slot10H may be adjacent to the first front end10F of the first upper body10and may be formed to penetrate through the first inner panel121. The first slot10H may be formed long along the first front end10F. The first slot10H may be closed by the first damper19.

For example, the first damper19may be extended while drawing an arc with respect to a center positioned at the rear of the first damper19. In this case, the first damper may19extend a the longitudinal direction of the first slot10H, and a width of the first damper19may be the same as a gap of the first slot10H.

Meanwhile, a first moving assembly (not shown) may be installed in the first space19S to move the first damper19in a circumferential direction of the first damper19. For example, the first moving assembly may have a rack-pinion coupling structure or a link coupling structure capable of transmitting a rotational force of an electric motor to the first damper19. For another example, the first moving assembly may have a connecting structure capable of transmitting a driving force of an actuator to the first damper19.

A second damper29may be installed in a second space29S and may protrude into the space S through a second slot20H or may be inserted into the second space29S.

The second space29S may be positioned in front of the second wall21and may be formed between the second inner panel221and the second outer panel222. The second slot20H may be adjacent to the second front end20F of the second upper body20and may be formed to penetrate through the second inner panel221. The second slot20H may be elongated along the second front end20F. The second slot20H may be closed by the second damper29.

For example, the second damper29may extend while drawing an arc with respect to a center positioned at the rear of the second damper29. In this case, the second damper29may extend in a longitudinal direction of the second slot20H, and a width of the second damper29may be the same as a gap of the second slot20H.

Meanwhile, a second moving assembly (not shown) may be installed in the second space29S to move the second damper29in a circumferential direction of the second damper29. For example, the second moving assembly may have a rack-pinion coupling structure, a pulley-belt coupling structure, or a link coupling structure capable of transmitting the rotational force of the electric motor to the second damper29. For another example, the second moving assembly may have a connecting structure capable of transmitting the driving force of the actuator to the second damper29.

Meanwhile, the second slot20H may face the first slot10H. That is, a distance D between the second front end20F and the second slot20H may be the same as a distance D between the first front end10F and the first slot10H.

Referring toFIGS.20and21, in a first state of the blower1, an end of the first damper19may be inserted or concealed in the first slot10H, and an end of the second damper29may be inserted or concealed in the second slot20H. In this case, the end of the first damper19may form a surface continuous with the surface of the first inner panel121, and the end of the second damper29may form a surface continuous with the surface of the second inner panel221.

Air may be discharged from the first slit10SL and the second slit20SL to the space S in response to the operation of the fan6(refer toFIG.2). In addition, the air discharged to the space S may flow forward along a surface of the first guide part121aof the first inner panel121and a surface of the second guide part221aof the second inner panel221.

In this case, the air flowing forward may be dispersed left and right along a curvature of the first guide part121aand the second guide part221a. In addition, such a flow of air may form an airflow through which air around the upper bodies10and20is entrained into the space S, and may form an airflow that flows forward along the surface of the first outer panel122and the surface of the second outer panel222. In this case, the first inlet part121cof the first inner panel121and the second inlet portion221cof the second inner panel221may guide the flow of air introduced into the space S.

Accordingly, the blower1may provide an airflow with a rich air volume to a user or the like.

Referring toFIGS.22and23, in a second state of the blower1, a part of the first damper19may pass through the first slot10H and may be positioned in the space S, and a part of the second damper29may pass through the second slot20H and may be positioned in the space S. In this case, the end of the first damper19and the end of the second damper29may abut each other, and the first damper19and the second damper29may close a front of the space S.

Air may be discharged from the first slit10SL and the second slit20SL to the space S in response to the operation of the fan6(refer toFIG.2). In addition, the air discharged to the space S may flow forward along the surface of the first guide part121aof the first inner panel121and the surface of the second guide part221aof the second inner panel221, and may be blocked by the first damper19and the second damper29and rise upward.

Accordingly, the blower1may provide an upward airflow to circulate air in an indoor space in which the blower1is installed.

Meanwhile, by adjusting the length of the first damper19and the second damper29protruding into the space S or the positions of the first damper19and the second damper29with respect to a reference line L-L′ extending in the front-rear direction, the wind direction of the air discharged from the blower1may be adjusted.

The blower according to the present disclosure has the following effects.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a blower may be provided that is provided to a user or the like by using the coanda effect on air discharged from a slit or capable of forming an airflow circulating in an indoor space.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, as a first inner panel forming a left boundary of the space is convex to the right, and a second inner panel forming a right boundary of the space is convex to the left, the blower capable of forming an airflow provided in a wide range may be provided.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a blower capable of smoothly guiding air rising from the inside of the upper body by a vane, a heater, or a protrusion installed inside the upper body to a slit that is an air discharge hole of the blower may be provided.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a blower capable of smoothly guiding the flow of air discharged from a slit by a connecting member to a panel guiding the air flow of the blower may be provided.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, through the design of the wall, an air flow path inside the blower may be formed to minimize the flow resistance of air, and through the design of the panel, an optimal airflow toward the outside of the blower may be formed.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, as a wall, a panel, and a connecting member are detachably coupled to each other, a blower capable of easily assembling and manufacturing an upper body having various and complex curves may be provided.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a blower capable of easily disassembling and cleaning or maintaining a panel and/or a connecting member in which foreign matter such as dust is likely to accumulate may be provided.

Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description above. However, various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, and thus specific embodiments such as the detailed description and preferred embodiments of the present disclosure should be understood as being given by way of example only.