Patent Publication Number: US-2022235954-A1

Title: Air cleaner

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to an air cleaner, and more particularly, an air cleaner which may selectively discharge purified air through a plurality of discharge ports. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     An air cleaner is a device for purifying polluted air into fresh air, and may perform a function of removing dust and germs along with odors by allowing incoming air to pass through an air-purifying filter. 
     A general air cleaner may include a blowing fan (a blowing unit) for intaking air to be purified and an air-purifying filter for purifying air, and may be configured to discharge the purified air through a discharge port disposed on the front or upper surface of a housing. 
     Recently, an air cleaner including a discharge port installed on each of the front and upper surfaces of a housing, and selectively discharging air to a portion of the plurality of discharge ports has been suggested. 
     As an example, in Korean Patent Publication No. 2017-0066025 of the present applicant, an air cleaner in which a first discharge port and a second discharge port are installed in a housing, and a channel switching member for guiding air discharged by a blowing unit fan to at least one of the first discharge port and the second discharge port is provided has been suggested. 
     In air cleaner according to the above-mentioned Patent Publication No. 2017-0066025, a channel connecting the first or second discharge port in the blowing fan has a cross-sectional structure similar to a rectangular shape, and by partially opening and closing the channel having a rectangular cross-sectional structure by rotating the channel switching member about a horizontal shaft, an air flow to the first or second discharge port may be formed. 
     However, since the air cleaner has a structure in which the channel switching member opens and closes the channel having a rectangular cross-sectional structure, there may be many limitations in the shape of the discharge port connected to the channel switching member and the design of the housing. 
     Also, in the air cleaner, the channel switching member is configured to rotate over a range of approximately 180 degrees about a shaft disposed in the horizontal direction, and the distance between the discharge port and the channel switching member may be large, such that a substantial space may be used to install the channel switching member and the discharge port, which may be problematic. 
     An air cleaner is a device purifying polluted air into fresh air, and may perform a function of removing dust and germs along with odors by allowing incoming air to pass through an air-purifying filter. 
     A general air cleaner may include a blowing fan (a blowing unit) for intaking air to be purified and an air-purifying filter for purifying air, and may be configured to discharge the purified air through a discharge port disposed on the front or upper surface of a housing. 
     Recently, an air cleaner including a discharge port installed on each of the front and upper surfaces of a housing, and selectively discharging air to a portion of the plurality of discharge ports has been suggested. 
     As an example, in Korean Patent Publication No. 2017-0066025 of the present applicant, an air cleaner in which a first discharge port and a second discharge port are installed in a housing, and a channel switching member for guiding air discharged by a blowing unit fan to at least one of the first discharge port and the second discharge port is provided has been suggested. 
     In air cleaner according to the above-mentioned Patent Publication No. 2017-0066025, a channel connecting the first or second discharge port in the blowing fan has a cross-sectional structure similar to a rectangular shape, and by partially opening and closing the channel having a rectangular cross-sectional structure by rotating the channel switching member about a horizontal shaft, an air flow to the first or second discharge port may be formed. 
     However, since the air cleaner has a structure in which the channel switching member opens and closes the channel having a rectangular cross-sectional structure, there may be many limitations in the shape of the discharge port connected to the channel switching member and the design of the housing. 
     Also, in the air cleaner, the channel switching member is configured to rotate over a range of approximately 180 degrees about a shaft disposed in the horizontal direction, and the distance between the discharge port and the channel switching member may be large, such that a substantial space may be used to install the channel switching member and the discharge port, which may be problematic. 
     REFERENCE 
     (Reference 1) KR2017-0066025 A (publicized on Jun. 14, 2017) 
     DISCLOSURE 
     Technical Problem 
     One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an air cleaner which may reduce a space occupied by a discharge port and a channel switching member. 
     Also, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an air cleaner having a structure in which purified air may be selectively supplied to a first discharge port and a second discharge port through a channel switching member after passing through a ring-shaped air channel. 
     Further, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an air cleaner which may control the amount of air discharged to the first and second discharge ports instantly when purified air is discharged to the first and second discharge ports. 
     Also, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an air cleaner in which purified air may pass through a ring-shaped air channel, such that a shape of a discharge port and a design of a housing may be implemented differently from that of a general air cleaner. 
     Technical Solution 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an air cleaner includes a housing having a suction port for intaking air, a first discharge port for discharging air in a first direction, and a second discharge port for discharging air in a second direction; an air-purifying filter provided in the housing and filtering air flowing in from the suction port; a blowing unit for providing blowing power such that air flowing in from the suction port flows to at least one of the first discharge port and the second discharge port; and a channel switching member for switching a discharge channel such that air supplied from the blowing unit to at least one of the first discharge port and the second discharge port, wherein the channel switching member includes an elevating member having a first communication unit opened to allow air supplied from the blowing unit to flow to a first discharge port-side channel, and a blocking unit for blocking air to flow to a second discharge port-side channel; and an opening/closing member moveably installed to open and close at least a portion of the first communication unit, wherein the first discharge port-side channel and the second discharge port-side channel are opened and closed as the elevating member moves up and down and the opening/closing member moves, wherein the housing includes a discharge port-side housing in which an inlet port through which air supplied from the blowing unit flows into, the first discharge port, and the second discharge port are formed, and wherein the discharge port-side housing includes a base member having the inlet port formed therein, and a cover member disposed on an upper side of the base member and including the first discharge port-side channel and the second discharge port-side channel formed therein. 
     The opening/closing member may open and close the first communication unit by sliding in a radial direction of the elevating member. 
     The channel switching member may include a driving member for providing driving force to allow the opening/closing member to slide; and a power transfer member for transferring driving force of the driving member to the opening/closing member, and the opening/closing member may slide in the radial direction of the elevating member as the power transfer member rotates by driving of the driving member. 
     The driving member may include a driving motor and a driving gear unit connected to the driving motor, and the power transfer member may include a body unit, a driven gear unit formed in the body unit and rotating in engagement with the driving gear unit, and an arc-shaped guide groove formed in the body unit to transfer rotational force of the driven gear unit to the opening/closing member. 
     A plurality of the opening/closing members may be provided, and the plurality of opening/closing member may slide to an inner side and an outer side in the radial direction of the elevating member according to rotation of the driven gear unit. 
     The opening/closing member may include a first protrusion guided by the arc-shaped guide groove and a second protrusion guided by a linear guide groove formed on a lower surface of the elevating member. 
     The opening/closing member may be disposed between the elevating member and the power transfer member, and may open and close the first communication unit by sliding on the lower side of the elevating member according to rotation of the power transfer member. 
     The inlet may have a ring shape, the first discharge port-side channel may be formed in the elevating member, and the second discharge port-side channel may be formed on the external side of the elevating member by surrounding the first discharge port-side channel. 
     The base member may include an inclined guide unit for guiding upward and downward movements of the channel switching member, and the power transfer member may include an inclined portion having an inclination so as to move up and down while being guided by the inclined guide unit as the body unit rotates. 
     Upward and downward movements of the channel switching member may be guided by an elevation guide member installed between the cover member and the base member. 
     The cover member may include a channel separation unit for partitioning the first discharge port-side channel and the second discharge port-side channel. 
     The base member may have a seating unit on which the channel switching member is seated in the center, and the inlet port may be formed in a ring shape around the seating unit. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an air cleaner includes a housing having a suction port for intaking air, a first discharge port for discharging air in a first direction, and a second discharge port for discharging air in a second direction; an air-purifying filter provided in the housing and filtering air flowing in from the suction port; a blowing unit for providing blowing power such that air flowing in from the suction port flows to at least one of the first discharge port and the second discharge port; and a channel switching member for switching a discharge channel such that air supplied from the blowing unit to at least one of the first discharge port and the second discharge port, wherein the channel switching member includes an elevating member having a first communication unit opened to allow air supplied from the blowing unit to flow to a first discharge port-side channel, and a blocking unit for blocking air to flow to a second discharge port-side channel; and an opening/closing member moveably installed to open and close at least a portion of the first communication unit, wherein the inlet port has a ring shape, wherein the first discharge port-side channel is formed in the elevating member, and the second discharge port-side channel is formed on the external side of the elevating member by surrounding the first discharge port-side channel, and the first discharge port-side channel and the second discharge port-side channel are opened and closed by upward and downward movements of the elevating member and movement of the opening/closing member. 
     Advantageous Effects 
     According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an effect of reducing a space occupied by a discharge port and a channel switching member may be obtained. 
     Also, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an effect of selectively supplying purified air to a first discharge port and a second discharge port through a channel switching member after purified air passes through a ring-shaped air channel. 
     Further, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an effect of instantly adjusting the amount of purified air discharged to a first discharge port and a second discharge port when purified air is discharged to the first discharge port and a second discharge port. 
     Also, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by allowing purified air to pass through a ring-shaped air channel, a shape of a discharge port and a design of a housing may be implemented differently from that of a general air cleaner. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective diagram illustrating an air cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an air cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective diagram illustrating an example in which a discharge port-side housing is separated from the air cleaner illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective diagram illustrating a discharge port-side housing and a channel switching member accommodated therein, viewed from above; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective diagram illustrating a discharge port-side housing and a channel switching member accommodated therein, viewed from below; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective diagram illustrating a channel switching member illustrated in  FIG. 4 , viewed from above; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective diagram illustrating a channel switching member illustrated in  FIG. 5 , viewed from below; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective diagram illustrating a state in which an opening/closing body is extended in the channel switching member illustrated in  FIG. 6 , viewed from above; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective diagram illustrating the channel switching member illustrated in  FIG. 8 , viewed from below; and 
         FIGS. 10 and 11  are cross-sectional perspective diagrams taken along line I-I′ in  FIG. 3 , where  FIG. 10  is a perspective cross-sectional diagram illustrating a state in which air is discharged to a first discharge port (an upper discharge port), and  FIG. 11  is a perspective cross-sectional diagram illustrating a state in which air is discharged to a second discharge port (a front/side discharge port). 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, preferable embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. Also, the embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to describe the present disclosure more completely to a person having ordinary skill in the art. The shapes and sizes of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clearer description. 
     Also, in the present specification, a singular term may include a plural form unless otherwise indicated, and the same reference numerals refer to the same element or a corresponding element throughout the embodiments. 
     In the description below, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective diagram illustrating an air cleaner  10  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an air cleaner  10  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 3  is a perspective diagram illustrating an example in which a housing  100  on a discharge port-side is separated from the air cleaner  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective diagram illustrating a housing  100  on a discharge port-side and a channel switching member  200  accommodated therein, viewed from above.  FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective diagram illustrating a housing  100  on a discharge port-side and a channel switching member  200  accommodated therein, viewed from below. 
     Also,  FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective diagram illustrating a channel switching member  200  illustrated in  FIG. 4 , viewed from above.  FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective diagram illustrating a channel switching member  200  illustrated in  FIG. 5 , viewed from below.  FIG. 8  is a perspective diagram illustrating a state in which an opening/closing body  221  is extended in the channel switching member  200  illustrated in  FIG. 6 , viewed from above.  FIG. 9  is a perspective diagram illustrating a channel switching member  200  illustrated in  FIG. 8 , viewed from below.  FIGS. 10 and 11  are cross-sectional perspective diagrams taken along line I-I′ in  FIG. 3 , where  FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional perspective diagram illustrating a state in which air is discharged to a first discharge port A 51  (an upper discharge port), and  FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional perspective diagram illustrating a state in which air is discharged to a second discharge port A 52  (a front/side discharge port) 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , air cleaner  10  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing H forming the exterior of the product, the air-purifying filter  20  for filtering and purifying air, a blowing unit  30  for providing blowing power, and a channel switching member  200  for switching a channel, and may further include a manipulation unit  40  manipulated by a user, and a control unit  50  for controlling air cleaner  10 . 
     First, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the housing H may form the exterior of air cleaner  10  product, and may include a suction port A 1  for intaking external air, and a discharge port A 5  for discharging air treated in the housing to the outside. A plurality of the discharge port A 5  may be provided, and the discharge ports A 5  may include a first discharge port A 51  for discharging air in a first direction and a second discharge port A 52  for discharging air in a second direction. For example, the first discharge port A 51  may be formed on the upper surface of the housing H to discharge air toward the upper surface of the housing H, and the second discharge port A 52  may be formed on at least one of the front, rear, left, right, and right sides of the housing H to discharge air in at least a portion of the directions of the front, rear, left, and right sides of the housing H. However, the shapes and installation positions of the first discharge port A 51  and the second discharge port A 52  are not limited to the examples illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and may be modified in consideration of the internal channel structure or required discharge performance. 
     As for the housing H, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a suction port-side housing  150  in which the suction port A 1  is formed and a discharge port-side housing  100  in which the first discharge port A 51  and the second discharge port A 52  are formed may be separated manufactured and may be assembled for ease of manufacturing the housing body and assembly of the components. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the air-purifying filter  20  may be provided in the housing H and may be configured to filter (purify) air flowing in from the suction port A 1 , and for example, the air-purifying filter  20  may be disposed in the air channel on a rear end of the suction port Al. Also, the air-purifying filter  20  may be installed on the front end of the blowing unit  30  such that air flowing in from the suction port A 1  may be filtered by the air-purifying filter  20  and may flow into the blowing unit  30 . 
     The air-purifying filter  20  may be configured to correspond to the shape and cross-sectional area of the air channel on the rear end of the suction port A 1 . For example, when the suction port A 1  is formed throughout several surfaces of the housing H, the air-purifying filter  20  may be implemented as a three-dimensional filter having a circular or square cross-sectional surface and having a space therein. Also, the air-purifying filter  20  may be selected from among known filters having various shapes and functions, and the type of the filter, the number of the filter, and the shape of the filter may be varied depending on a required cleaning function and the shape of the channel. 
     Thereafter, the blowing unit  30  may provide blowing force such that air flowing in from the suction port A 1  may flow to at least one of the first discharge port A 51  and the second discharge port A 52 . 
     The blowing unit  30  may be configured to include a blowing fan and a fan motor similarly to a general air cleaner  10 , and may further include a fan casing to supply air flowing in from the suction port A 1  to the discharge port A 5 . 
     As an example, when the air-purifying filter  20  is implemented as a three-dimensional filter having a circular or square cross-sectional surface and having a space formed therein, a turbo fan or an axial flow fan may be used as the fan motor, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto. 
     Air blown by the blowing unit  30  may be supplied to the channel switching member  200  through an inlet port A 2  disposed on the lower side (the front end of the channel switching member on the air channel) of the channel switching member  200 , and may be selectively discharged to at least one of the first discharge port A 51  and the second discharge port A 52  by the channel switching of the channel switching member  200 . 
     Also, referring to  FIG. 2 , the control unit  50  may control the driving of the blowing unit  30  and the channel switching member  200  such that air from the blowing unit  30  may be discharged to at least one of the first discharge port A 51  and the second discharge port A 52 . In the case, the channel switching member  200  may be configured to switch the channel such that air may be discharged through the first discharge port A 51 , may be discharged through the second discharge port A 52 , or may be discharged through both the first discharge port A 51  and the second discharge port A 52 . The channel switching member  200  may be configured to adjust the ratio of air discharged through the first discharge port A 51  and the second discharge port A 52 . 
     Which discharge port between the discharge ports A 5  is to be used to discharge air may be automatically controlled by the control unit  50 , or may be determined manipulating the manipulation unit  40  by a user. 
     Thereafter, the configuration of the discharge port-side housing  100  and the channel switching member  200  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 3 to 11 . 
     First, the discharge port-side housing  100  may be disposed above of the suction port-side housing  150  (in  FIG. 1 ), and may include the inlet port A 2  through which air supplied from the blowing unit  30  flows in, the first discharge port A 51  and the second discharge port A 52 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4, 5, 10 and 11 , the discharge port-side housing  100  may include a base member  130  having an inlet port A 2  formed, and a cover member  110  provided on the upper side of the base member  130 . The cover member  110  may include a first discharge port-side channel A 3  (in  FIGS. 10 and 11 ) through which air from the inlet port A 2  flows toward the first discharge port A 51  side, and a second discharge port-side channel A 4  (in  FIGS. 10 and 11 ) through which air from the inlet port A 2  flows toward the second discharge port A 52  side. 
     The cover member  110  may include a channel separation unit  113  for partitioning the first discharge port-side channel A 3  and the second discharge port-side channel A 4 , a side cover unit  115  disposed on the external side of the channel separation unit  113  and forming the second discharge port-side channel A 4  between the cover member  110  and the channel separation unit  113 , and an upper cover unit  111  disposed on the upper side of the channel separation unit  113  and the side cover unit  115  and having the first discharge port A 51  formed therein. The cover member  110  illustrated in FIGS.  4  and  5  may be divided into the channel separation unit  113 , the side cover unit  115 , and the upper cover unit  111 , but the divisional structure of the cover member  110  may be varied. For example, the cover member  110  may be divided into two or four or more members, or may be formed as an integrated structure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 to 5, 10 and 11 , the upper cover unit  111  may include the first discharge port A 51  penetrating the upper surface thereof, and a cover unit  111   a  may be installed in the center of the lower surface and may be configured to cover the portion in which the driving member  240  is installed. 
     The channel separation unit  113  may be disposed below the upper cover unit  111  and may partition the first discharge port-side channel A 3  and the second discharge port-side channel A 4  as illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . To the end, the channel separation unit  113  may include a sidewall unit  113   a  extending in the vertical direction. In the case, the first discharge port-side channel A 3  may be formed in the sidewall unit  113   a,  and the second discharge port-side channel A 4  may be formed in a ring shape around the outer periphery of the sidewall unit  113   a.    
     The sidewall unit  113   a  may have a shape corresponding to that of the second communication unit  213  to close the second communication unit  213  formed on the side surface of an elevating member  210  described later. 
     Also, since an opening  113   d  is formed in the center of the channel separation unit  113 , air passing through the first discharge port-side channel A 3  may be discharged to the first discharge port A 51 . 
     A side cover unit  115  may be provided on the lower side the channel separation unit  113 . The side cover unit  115  maybe coupled to the channel separation unit  113 , and the second discharge port A 52  may be formed between the channel separation unit  113  and the side cover unit  115 . In the case, a plurality of extension bars  115   a  spaced apart from each other may be provided between the channel separation unit  113  and the side cover unit  115 . The second discharge port A 52  may be configured as a spacing between the extension bars  115   a.  Although the extension bar  115   a  is formed in the side cover unit  115  in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the extension bar  115   a  may be formed in the channel separation unit  113 . 
     The opening  115   c  through which air flows may be formed in the center of the side cover unit  115 , and the inner circumferential surface surrounding the opening  115   c  may correspond to the side surface of the air channel formed in the housing H. Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the second discharge port-side channel A 4  may be formed between the inner circumferential surface surrounding the opening  115   c  of the side cover unit  115  and the sidewall unit  113   a  of the channel separation unit  113 . Accordingly, when the air flow to the second discharge port A 52  is blocked, the inner circumferential surface surrounding the opening  115   c  may be configured to be in contact with the blocking unit  215  of the elevating member  210  described later. 
     Also, the side cover unit  115  may include a discharge limitation unit  115   b  which may partially block the second discharge port A 52  such that air may be discharged only through a portion of the front, rear, left, and right sides of the discharge port-side housing  100 . For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the discharge limitation unit  115   b  may be configured to block about half of the second discharge port A 52 , such that air may be discharged through a portion of the second discharge port A 52  corresponding to a portion adjacent to the front surface among the front, left, and right side surfaces of the housing H. By the configuration of the discharge limitation unit  115   b,  air may be discharged intensively (with strong blowing force) to an area in which air has to be discharged. The discharge limitation unit  115   b  may be formed to protrude upwardly from the side cover unit  115 , and the upper end of the discharge limitation unit  115   b  may be fitted into a mounting groove  113   c  formed in the lower surface of the channel separation unit  113 . 
     Alternatively, when air is discharged through the entire front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the housing H, the above-described discharge limitation unit  115   b  may not be installed. 
     The base member  130  may include a base unit  131  and a side guide unit  135  installed above the base unit  131  and forming an air channel therein together with the side cover unit  115 . 
     The base unit  131  may include, in the center thereof, a seating unit  131   a  on which the power transfer member  230  of the channel switching member  200  described later may be seated. A ring-shaped inlet port A 2  may be formed around the seating unit  131   a.  To form the inlet port A 2 , the seating unit  131   a  may be connected to an outer body portion of the base unit  131  through a support bar  131   b.  The inlet port A 2  may form a circular or prismatic ring shape. In  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the inlet port A 2  may form a circular ring shape, but the shape of the inlet port A 2  is not limited thereto and may have a prismatic (e.g., a polygon such as a quadrangle) ring shape. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the upper side of the side guide unit  135  may be coupled to the lower side of the side cover unit  115  to form an air channel therein, and the lower side of the side guide unit  135  may be coupled to the base unit  131 . 
     Also, the opening  135   a  formed in the center of the side guide unit  135  may become a passage through which the channel switching member  200  may move up and down, and may also provide a path through which air flows. 
     In the description below, the channel switching member  200  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 4 to 11 . 
     The channel switching member  200  may be configured to switch the discharge channel such that air supplied from the blowing unit  30  may flow to at least one of the first discharge port A 51  and the second discharge port A 52 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 to 11 , the channel switching member  200  may include an elevating member  210 , an opening/closing member  220 , a power transfer member  230  and a driving member  240 , and a cap member  250  may be coupled to the lower side of the power transfer member  230 . Also, the channel switching member  200  may be configured to move up and down in the housing H. 
     The elevating member  210  may include an elevating body  211 , a first communication unit  216  opened such that air supplied from the blowing unit  30  through the inlet port A 2  may flow to the first discharge port-side channel A 3 , and a blocking unit  215  for blocking a flow to the second discharge port-side channel A 4 . In the case, the first discharge port-side channel A 3  may be formed in the elevating body  211 , and the second discharge port-side channel A 4  may be formed on the external side of the elevating body  211  by surrounding the first discharge port-side channel A 3 . 
     Also, the elevating member  210  may have a lower surface portion  214  formed on the lower surface of the elevating body  211 , and the first communication unit  216  may penetrate the lower surface portion  214 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first communication unit  216  may be divided into a plurality of portions adjacent to the periphery of the lower surface portion  214  and may be configured to be opened and closed by the sliding of an opening/closing member  220  described later. 
     The blocking unit  215  of the elevating member  210  may be disposed in the space between the channel separation unit  113  and the side cover unit  115  such that air from the inlet port A 2  may be prevented from flowing to the second discharge port-side channel A 4 . The blocking unit  215  may be formed to extend outwardly in a radial direction on the upper side of the elevating body  211 . 
     The elevating member  210  may further include the second communication unit  213  penetrating the side portion of the elevating body  211  such that air supplied from the blowing unit  30  through the inlet port A 2  may flow to the first discharge port-side channel A 3 , in addition to the first communication unit  216 . The second communication unit  213  may include an opening formed through a plurality of connecting bars  212  on the side portion of the elevating body  211 . Also, the second communication unit  213  may have a shape corresponding to that of the sidewall unit  113   a  of the channel separation unit  113 . In the case, the second communication unit  213  may be closed when being in contact with the sidewall unit  113   a  of the channel separation unit  113 . 
     Thereafter, the opening/closing member  220  may be movably installed to open and close at least a portion of the first communication unit  216 . For example, the opening/closing member  220  may be configured to open and close the first communication unit  216  by sliding in the radial direction of the elevating member  210 , that is, sliding to the inner side and the outer side in the radial direction. Also, the opening/closing member  220  may be installed between the lower side of the elevating member  210  and the upper side of the power transfer member  230  described later, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4  to However, the installation position is not limited to any particular position as long as the first communication unit  216  is able to be opened and closed. Also, although the embodiment in which the opening/closing member  220  closes the first communication unit  216  in the outer position (the extended position) in the radial direction is illustrated, but the position in which the first communication unit  216  maybe modified such that the first communication unit  216  may be opened in the outer position (the extended position) in the radial direction. 
     The opening/closing member  220  may be divided into a plurality of portions to be able to slide to the inner side and the outer side in the radial direction of the elevating member  210 , and may slide by the driving of the driving member  240  described later and may open and close the first communication unit  216 . 
     The channel switching member  200  may include the driving member  240  and the power transfer member  230  for the movement of the opening/closing member  220  and/or the upward and downward movements of the elevating member  210 . 
     The driving member  240  may be configured to include a driving motor  241  and a driving gear unit  242  connected to the driving motor  241 , and may provide driving force for the movement and/or the elevating and lowering of the elevating member  210 . The driving member  240  may be fixed to a motor mounting unit  219  formed on the lower surface of the elevating member  210  and may be configured to move up and down together with the elevating member  210 . 
     Also, the power transfer member  230  may transmit the driving force of the driving member  240  to the opening/closing member  220 , and may be disposed on the lower side of the opening/closing member  220 . 
     The power transfer member  230  may include the body unit  231 , a driven gear unit  232  rotating in engagement with the driving gear portion  242 , and an arc-shaped guide groove  233  formed in the body unit  231  to transfer the rotational force of the driven gear unit  232  to the opening/closing member  220 . 
     Also, the opening/closing member  220  may include an opening/closing body  221 . A first protrusion  222  guided by the arc-shaped guide groove  233  may be formed on the lower surface of the opening/closing body  221 . Also, a second protrusion  223  guided by a linear guide groove  217  formed on the lower surface of the elevating member  210  may be additionally formed on the upper surface of the opening/closing body  221 . 
     In the case, the number of the arc-shaped guide groove  233  may be formed to correspond to the plurality of opening/closing members  220 , and the first protrusion  222  of the opening/closing member  220  may be inserted into the each of the arc-shaped guide grooves  233 . Also, the first protrusion  222  may be guided in the linear direction by the lower guide groove  133  penetrating the arc-shaped guide groove  233  and formed on the upper surface of the base unit  131  of the base member  130 . 
     Accordingly, when the driving gear unit  242  of the driving member  240  rotates, the driven gear unit  232  engaged with the driving gear unit  242  may rotate, and accordingly, the entire power transfer member  230  may move in one direction (the curved arrow in  FIG. 9 ) . Also, the first protrusion  222  of the opening/closing member  220  may be guided by the arc-shaped guide groove  233  according to the rotation of the power transfer member  230 . In the case, the first protrusion  222  formed on the lower surface of the opening/closing member  220  may penetrate the arc-shaped guide groove  233  and the rotational movement thereof may be limited by the lower guide groove  133 , and accordingly, the rotation of the second protrusion  223  formed on the lower surface of the opening/closing member  220  may be limited by the linear guide groove  217  formed on the lower surface of the elevating member  210 . Accordingly, when the power transfer member  230  rotates, the first protrusion  222  of the opening/closing member  220  may be guided by the arc-shaped guide groove  233  having a shape of being further away from the center of the body unit  231 , and the opening/closing member  220  may linearly move in the outward direction (the linear arrows in  FIGS. 6 and 9 ) in the radial direction of the elevating member  210 . Accordingly, as illustrated in FIGS .  8  and  9 , the opening/closing body  221  of the opening/closing member  220  may close the first communication unit  216  of the elevating member  210 . Also, when the driving gear unit  242  rotates in the opposite direction to the direction described above, the opening/closing member  220  may move in the inward direction in the radial direction of the elevating member  210 , and accordingly, the first communication unit  216  may be in an opened state. 
     By configuring the arc shape of the arc-shaped guide groove  233  and the position of the first communication unit  216  in the radial direction, the degree of opening the first communication unit  216  according to the rotation angle of the driving gear unit  242  and whether to open or close the first communication unit  216  may be adjusted, and accordingly, the amount of air discharged through the first communication unit  216  may be adjusted. 
     Also, by installing the arc-shaped guide groove  233  and the first protrusion  222  to correspond to the plurality of opening/closing members  220 , the plurality of opening/closing members  220  may be configured to simultaneously slide to the inner side and the outer side in the radial direction of the elevating member  210  according to the rotation of the driving gear unit  242  and the driven gear unit  232 . 
     To allow the elevating member  210  to slide between the inner side and the outer side in the radial direction, the arc-shaped guide groove  233  may have an arc shape in which the distance between the arc-shaped guide groove  233  and the body unit  231  may be formed to be greater in the outer side portion than in the inner side portion of the body unit  231 . 
     The cap member  250  may be coupled to the lower side of the power transfer member  230 , and a guide hole  252  in which an elevation guide member G is installed by penetrating therethrough may be formed in the cap body  251  of the cap member  250 . 
     The channel switching member  200  may be configured to move up and down in the housing H, that is, in the discharge-side housing  100  particularly. 
     Specifically, the channel switching member  200  may be installed and seated on the base unit  131  of the base member  130 , and may be configured to move up and down according to the rotation of the power transfer member  230 . 
     To the end, the base unit  131  of the base member  130  fixed to and installed in the discharge-side housing  100  may include an inclined guide unit  132  having an inclination to guide the upward and downward movements of the channel switching member  200 . Also, the power transfer member  230  include an inclined portion  234  (in  FIGS. 7 and 9 ) having an inclination and a shape corresponding to the inclined guide unit  132  so as to move up and down by being guided by the inclined guide unit  132 . 
     When the driving gear unit  242  and the driven gear unit  232  engaged therewith rotate by the driving of the driving member  240 , the body  231  and the inclined portion  234  of the power transfer member  230  may rotate. Accordingly, the inclined portion  234  may move in the vertical direction along the inclined guide unit  132  of the fixed base member  130 . 
     To guide the upward and downward movements of the channel switching member  200 , an elevation guide member G (in  FIGS. 4, 5, 10, and 11 ) may be disposed between the cover member  110  and the base member  130 . The elevation guide member G may penetrate a guide hole  252  of the cap member  250  and a through hole of the elevating member  21  and may be fixed to and installed in the cover member  110  and the base member  130 . 
     As described above, when the driving gear unit  242  and the driven gear unit  232  engaged therewith rotate by the driving of the driving member  240 , the body unit  231  of the power transfer member  230 , the arc-shaped guide groove  233  and the inclined portion  234  may rotate. Accordingly, the opening/closing member  220  may rotate to the inner side and the outer side in the radial direction of the elevating member  210 , and the inclined portion  234  of the power transfer member  230  may move up and down according to the inclined guide unit  132  of the base member  130 , such that the elevating member  210  may move up and down. 
     As described above, the opening/closing of the first discharge port-side channel A 3  and the second discharge port-side channel A 4  may be made by the lifting of the elevating member  210  and the movement of the opening/closing member  220 . 
     For example, when the driving member  240  is driven in the forward direction as illustrated in FIGS .  8 ,  9  and  11 , the arc-shaped guide groove  233  and the inclined portion  234  of the power transfer member  230  may rotate in the forward direction. Accordingly, the opening/closing member  220  may be disposed in an outer position (the extended position) in the radial position of the elevating member  210 , and the channel switching member  200  may move up and down such that the elevating member  210  may be disposed in the elevated position in  FIG. 11 . In the case, the opening/closing body  221  of the opening/closing member  220  may be in contact with the first communication unit  216  and may close the first communication unit  216 , and accordingly, the inlet port A 2  may not be communicated with the first discharge port-side channel A 3  formed in the elevating member  210 . 
     Also, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , when the elevating member  210  is disposed in the elevated position, the blocking unit  215  may be spaced apart from the side cover unit  115 , such that the space between the channel separation unit  113  and the side cover unit  115  maybe opened. Accordingly, the second discharge port-side channel A 4  may be opened, such that the discharging through the second discharge port A 52  may be performed. 
     When the driving member  240  is driven in the reverse direction in the state in  FIG. 11 , the arc-shaped guide groove  233  of the power transfer member  230  and the inclined portion  234  may rotate in the reverse direction. Accordingly, the opening/closing member  220  may be disposed in the inner position (the reduced position) in the radial direction of the elevating member  210 , and the channel switching member  200  may move down such that the elevating member  210  may be disposed in the lowered position in  FIG. 10 . In the case, the opening/closing member  220  may not be in contact with the first communication unit  216  such that the first communication unit  216  may be in an open state, and accordingly, the inlet port A 2  may be communicated with the first discharge port-side channels A 3  formed on the inner side of the elevating member  210  such that the discharging through the first discharge port A 51  may be performed. 
     Also, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , when the elevating member  210  is disposed in the lowered position, the blocking unit  215  may be configured to be in contact with the channel separation unit  113  and the side cover unit  115  and may close the space between the channel separation unit  113  and the side cover unit  115 . Accordingly, the inlet port A 2  may not be communicated with the second discharge port-side channel A 4 . 
     The elevating member  210  may further include the second communication unit  213  penetrating the side portion of the elevating body  211  such that air supplied from the blowing unit  30  through the inlet port A 2  may flow to the first discharge port-side channel A 3 , in addition to the first communication unit  216 . In the case, the first discharge port-side channel A 3  may be configured to communicate with the first communication unit  216  and the second communication unit  213 . 
     In the case, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the first communication unit  216  in the elevated position of the elevating member  210  and the extended position (the outer position in the radial direction) of the opening/closing member  220  may be in contact with the opening/closing body  221  of the opening/closing member  220  and may be closed, and also, the second communication unit  213  may be in contact with the channel separation unit  113  and may be closed. Accordingly, the communication between the inlet port A 2  and the first discharge port-side channel A 3  through the first communication unit  216  and the second communication unit  213  may not be performed in the elevated position of the elevating member  210 . Also, in the elevated position of the elevating member  210 , the blocking unit  215  may be spaced apart from the side cover unit  115 , such that the space between the channel separation unit  113  and the side cover unit  115  may be opened, and accordingly, the second discharge port-side channel A 4  may be opened, such that the discharging through the second discharge port A 52  maybe performed. 
     Differently from the above configuration, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , in the lowered position of the elevating member  210 , the first communication unit  216  may be opened as the first communication unit  216  is not in contact with the opening/closing body  221  of the opening/closing member  220 , and also, the second communication unit  213  may be in an open state as the second communication unit  213  is not in contact with the channel separation unit  113 . Accordingly, the inlet port A 2  may be communicated with the first discharge port-side channel A 3  through the first communication unit  216  and the second communication unit  213  such that the discharging through the first discharge port A 51  maybe performed. Also, when the elevating member  210  is disposed in the lowered position, the blocking unit  215  may be configured to be in contact with the channel separation unit  113  and the side cover unit  115 , such that the space between the channel separation unit  113  and the side cover unit  115  maybe closed. Accordingly, the inlet port A 2  may not be communicated with the second discharge port-side channel A 4 . 
     In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the discharging through the first discharge port A 51  may be performed in the lowered position of the elevating member  210  illustrated in  FIG. 10 , whereas the discharging through the second discharge port A 52  may be limited, and the discharging through the first discharge port A 51  may be limited in the elevated position of the elevating member  210  illustrated in  FIG. 11 , whereas the discharging through the second discharge port A 52  maybe performed has been described, but the elevating member  210  may be disposed in the intermediate position between the lowered position in  FIG. 10  and the elevated position in  FIG. 11 . 
     In the case, the first discharge port-side channel A 3  and the second discharge port-side channel A 4  may be in a partially open state, such that the discharging through both the first discharge port A 51  and the second discharge port A 52  may be performed. 
     In the case, the position/shape of the arc-shaped guide groove  233 , the inclination angles of the inclined guide unit  131  of the base member  130  and the inclined portion  234  of the power transfer member  220 , the installation position and size of the first communication unit  216  and/or the second communication unit  213  may be adjusted. In the case, the elevated height of the elevating member  210  according to the driving angle of the driving member  240  and whether to open the first communication unit  216  and/or the second communication unit  213  and the opening degree thereof may be adjusted. Accordingly, the amount of air discharged through the first discharge port A 51  and the amount of air discharged through the second discharge port A 52  may be adjusted. 
     In the description below, an operation of the channel switching member  200  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , when the elevating member  210  is in the lowered position, the first communicating portion  216  and the second communicating portion  213  of the elevating member  210  may be in an open state, such that the inlet port A 2  and the first discharge port-side channel A 3  communicate with each other. Accordingly, air from the inlet port A 2  may be discharged to the first discharge port A 51  through the first discharge port-side channel A 3 . For reference, the arrow on the left side in  FIG. 10  indicates a state in which air from the inlet port A 2  flows into the first discharge port-side channel A 3  through the first communication unit  216  and is discharged through the first discharge port A 51 . Also, the arrow on the right side in  FIG. 10  indicates a state in which air from the inlet port A 2  flows into the first discharge port-side channel A 3  through the second communication unit  213  and is discharged through the first discharge port A 51 . 
     In the lowered position of the elevating member  210  illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the limitation unit of the elevating member  210  may be in contact with the channel separation unit  113  and the side cover unit  115 , such that the space between the channel separation unit  113  and the side cover unit  115  may be closed, and accordingly, the communication between the inlet port A 2  and the second discharge port-side channel A 4  may be blocked, such that the discharging through the second discharge port A 52  may not be performed. 
     When the driving member  240  of the channel switching member  200  operates in the state in  FIG. 10 , the driving gear unit  242  and the driven gear unit  232  engaged therewith may rotate in the forward direction according to the forward rotation of the driving motor  241 , and accordingly, the entire power transfer member  230  may rotate. 
     As for the opening/closing member  220 , the first protrusion  222  formed on the lower surface may penetrate the arc-shaped guide groove  233  and may be guided in the linear direction by the lower guide groove  133  formed on the upper surface of the base unit  131  of the base member  130 , such that the rotational movement thereof may be limited, and the second protrusion  223  formed on the upper surface may be guided in the linear direction by the linear guide groove  217  formed on the lower surface of the elevating member  210 , such that the rotational movement thereof may be limited. The arc-shaped guide groove  223  may have a shape of being further away from the center of the body unit  231  according to the forward rotation of the power transfer member  230 . Accordingly, as the arc-shaped guide groove  223  presses the first protrusion  223  by the rotation of the power transfer member  230 , the plurality of opening/closing members  220  may simultaneously move to the outer side in the radial direction of the elevating member  210 , such that, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8, 9 and 11 , the first communication unit  216  may be closed. In the state in  FIG. 11 , the discharging of air through the first discharge port A 51  may be limited. 
     Also, when the drive motor  241  rotates in the forward direction in the state in  FIG. 10 , the body unit  231  and the inclined portion  234  of the power transfer member  230  may also rotate together, and accordingly, inclined portion  234  may move in the upward direction according to the inclined guide unit  132  of the base member  130 , fixedly installed. In the case, in accordance with the upward movement of the power transfer member  230 , the channel switching member  200  may also move in the upward direction according to the guidance of the elevation guide member G. 
     When the elevating member  210  moves up and is disposed in the elevated position illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the blocking unit  215  of the elevating member  210  may move to the upper side and may not be in contact with the side cover unit  115 . Accordingly, the space between the channel separation unit  113  and the side cover unit  115  may be opened such that the inlet port A 2  and the second discharge port-side channel A 4  may be communicated with each other, and air from the inlet port A 2  may be discharged to the second discharge port A 52  via the second discharge port-side channel A 4  . Also, the second communication unit  213  of the elevating member  210  may move to the upper side and may be in contact with the sidewall unit  113   a  (in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) of the channel separation unit  113 . Accordingly, the communication between the inlet port A 2  and the first discharge port-side channel A 3  through the first communicating portion  216  as well as the second communicating portion  213  may not be performed, and the discharging through the first discharge port A 51  may not be performed. 
     When the driving motor  241  rotates in the reverse direction in the elevated position of the elevating member  210  illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the movement may be performed in the opposition direction to the example described above, and as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the opening/closing member  220  may be disposed on the inner side in the radial direction of the elevating member  210 , and the elevating member  210  may be disposed in the lowered position. 
     Alternatively, by adjusting the rotation angle of the driving motor  241 , the elevating member  210  may be disposed in the intermediate position between the lowered position in  FIG. 10  and the elevated position in  FIG. 11 . 
     As for the intermediate position, since the first communication unit  216  and/or the second communication unit  213  of the elevating member  210  is in a partially open (closed) state, the inlet port A 2  and the first discharge port-side channel A 3  may be partially communicated with each other. Also, since the limitation unit of the elevating member  210  is not in contact with the side cover unit  115 , the inlet port A 2  and the second discharge port-side channel A 4  maybe partially communicate with each other. Accordingly, the discharging through both the first discharge port A 51  and the discharge through the second discharge port A 52  may be performed. 
     Also, by adjusting the degree of opening of the first communicating portion  216  and/or the second communicating portion  213  of the elevating member  210 , the air supplied to the first discharge port-side channel A 3  and the second discharge port-side channel A 4  may be adjusted. In this case, the amount of air discharged through the first discharge port A 51  and the amount of air discharged through the second discharge port A 52  may be adjusted. 
     While the embodiments have been illustrated and described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations could be made without departing from the scope in the embodiment as defined by the appended claims. 
     DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERAL 
     
         
           10  . . . AIR CLEANER,  20  . . . AIR-PURIFYING FILTER,  30  . . . BLOWING UNIT  40  . . . MANIPULATION UNIT,  50  . . . CONTROL UNIT,  100  . . . DISCHARGE PORT-SIDE HOUSING  110  . . . COVER MEMBER,  111  . . . UPPER COVER UNIT,  111 A . . . COVER UNIT  113  . . . CHANNEL SEPARATION UNIT,  113 A . . . SIDEWALL UNIT,  113 C. . . MOUNTING GROOVE  113 D . . . OPENING,  115  . . . SIDE COVER UNIT,  115 A . . . EXTENSION BAR  115 B . . . DISCHARGE LIMITATION UNIT,  115 C . . . OPENING,  130  . . . BASE MEMBER  131  . . . BASE UNIT,  131 A . . . SEATING UNIT,  131 B . . . SUPPORT BAR  132  . . . INCLINED GUIDE UNIT,  133  . . . LOWER GUIDE GROOVE,  135  . . . SIDE GUIDE UNIT  135 A . . . OPENING,  150  . . . SUCTION PORT-SIDE HOUSING,  200  . . . CHANNEL SWITCHING MEMBER  210  . . . ELEVATING MEMBER,  211  . . . ELEVATING BODY,  212  . . . CONNECTING BAR  213  . . . SECOND COMMUNICATION UNIT,  214  . . . LOWER SURFACE PORTION,  215  . . . BLOCKING UNIT  216  . . . FIRST COMMUNICATION UNIT,  217  . . . LINEAR GUIDE GROOVE,  219  . . . MOTOR MOUNTING UNIT  220  . . . OPENING/CLOSING MEMBER,  221  . . . OPENING/CLOSING BODY,  222  . . . FIRST PROTRUSION  223  . . . SECOND PROTRUSION,  230  . . . POWER TRANSFERMEMBER,  231  . . . BODY UNIT  232  . . . DRIVEN GEAR UNIT,  233  . . . ARC-SHAPED GUIDE GROOVE,  234  . . . INCLINED PORTION  240  . . . DRIVING MEMBER,  241  . . . DRIVING MOTOR,  242  . . . DRIVING GEAR UNIT  250  . . . CAP MEMBER,  251  . . . CAP BODY,  252  . . . GUIDE HOLE A 1  . . . SUCTION PORT, A 2  . . . INLET PORT, A 3  . . . FIRST DISCHARGE PORT-SIDE CHANNEL A 4  . . . SECOND DISCHARGE PORT-SIDE CHANNEL, A 5  . . . DISCHARGE PORT A 51  . . . FIRST DISCHARGE PORT (FRONT/SIDE DISCHARGE PORT) A 52  . . . SECOND DISCHARGE PORT (UPPER DISCHARGE PORT) G . . . ELEVATION GUIDE MEMBER, H . . . HOUSING