Patent ID: 12196431

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shownFIGS.1-3B, the housing10provides an outer appearance of the air management device and may have a hexahedron shape extending from side to side. The lower surface of the housing10faces the floor of the living space, and the rear surface of the housing10faces the wall of the living space. The upper surface of the housing10may have a rectangular shape of a predetermined surface area. The upper surface of the housing10may be located at a height such that a person may look down on the upper surface while standing up. The housing10may have a width from side to side which is at least two times the height, and the height may be greater than the front to back lengths of the upper surface. For example, the width may be 2000 mm (approximately 79 inches), the front-back length may be 450 mm (approximately 18 inches), and the height may be 600 mm (approximately 24 inches).

The bottom plate11provides a bottom of the housing10. The bottom plate11may have a rectangular shape and is positioned at a predetermined distance above a floor of a livable space. Side plates12are attached on both sides of the bottom plate11to provide the side surfaces of the housing10. A top plate14may provide an upper surface of the housing10. The upper surface of the top plate may provide a flat planar surface to allow placement of various articles and/or electronics. As can be appreciated, the placement of articles and/or electronics may be restricted to prevent interference with retractable first and second fans200,200′ (or first and second pop-up fans200,200′) described below.

A back plate13provides a rear surface of the housing10. The back plate13may be provide at a rear of the bottom plate11, the side plates12and the top plate14. However, as shown inFIG.2, the back place13is attached a predetermined distance from the rear ends of the bottom plate11, the side plates12and the top plate14such that a predetermine gap exists between the back plate13and the wall of the livable space. When the housing10is installed in the livable space, a rear space13sis may be between a rear surface of the back plate13and the wall surface. The back plate may further include first and second holes13′aand13′bthrough which a discharge pipe506and a gas supply hose510may pass therethrough, which is described inFIGS.30A-30C. A pair of third holes13′callows passage for a connection duct413of a humidifier described below. Through hole13″ allow passage of adjacent inlet and outlet pipes of a heat exchanger104. Reference numeral29is a through hole formed in the second partition plate19′ for the gas supply hose510. These holes13′a,13′band29are formed slightly larger than the diameter of the corresponding hoses506and510.

A power supply hole26may be provided to have a size corresponding to the size of a wall outlet516(FIG.30C), and may have a size larger than the through hole13″. The power supply hole26is formed at an upper end of the rear plate13corresponding to the rear surface of the second secondary space24. The power supply hole26allows passage of the power cord512to the wall outlet516. The power supply26also allows the user to access the outlet514on the wall to perform engagement and separation of the power cord512and the outlet514. The size of the power supply hole26may be at least larger than the front area of the outlet514. The size of the power supply hole26may be such that the outlet514can be easily seen by the user through the rear space13′ and the power cord512can be manually connected. The through hole13″ may be smaller than the power supply hole26.

The front plate15may provide a front surface of the housing10. The front plate15may not provide the entire front surface of the housing10, but may be provided along a position corresponding to a primary air flow space20described below. First, second and third discharge ports15′-1,15′-2, and15′-3in a side-by-side configuration may be formed at the upper end of the front plate15. The discharge ports15′-1,15′-2, and15′-3have a rectangular shape, which may correspond to the shape of the housing10.

An input unit17, e.g., a user interface, through which a user's may be received may provide along a front of the housing10. For example, the input unit17may be formed on the front lower end of the housing10, but as can be appreciated, the position at which the input unit17may be place is not limited to the lower end. For example, it may be formed as part of the front plate15of the housing10. The input unit17may be formed so that a part of the user's input is displayed on the outside, and the remaining components may be formed in the inner space.

The input unit17may receive a user's input for the overall operation of the air management device of the present disclosure. Thus, the user can input the ON/OFF of the air management device, the temperature of the discharged air, the air volume, the wind direction, and a user operation for the operation of various components described later through the input unit17. The input unit17may comprise a push button, a touch input and/or a display.

The input unit17may be implemented in the form of a button or a touch pad. As can be appreciated, the input unit17may be implemented in the form of a touch screen on the display. In another embodiment, the input unit17and the display may be integrally implemented. A touch panel may be formed on the display to receive a manipulation input of a user through touch.

The display may also include a flat panel display. The display may display a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI) related to driving and operation of the air management apparatus. The display may be, e.g., a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, a three-dimensional display 3D display). When the display and the touch sensor for detecting the touch operation form a mutual layer structure to form a touch screen, the display may be used as an input device in addition to the output device. The touch sensor may have, for example, a form of a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, or the like.

In one embodiment, the user may directly touch the input unit17to input a user operation. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the input unit17may receive a user manipulation input through a wireless signal of an external device. The input unit17may include a wireless communication module for performing wireless communication with the external device. The wireless communication may be based on infrared (IR) protocol, near field communication (NFC) protocol, Wi-Fi protocol, Bluetooth protocol, Zigbee protocol, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) protocol, telecommunication protocol, e.g., LTE or 5G, and/or other wireless communication protocol. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, a remote controller may be used to allow a user's manipulation to be received through infrared communication.

At least four corners of the housing10, legs18of predetermined height to allow a lower surface of the bottom plate11to be a predetermined distance from a floor or bottom surface of the living space. Further, the legs18may create a space in which air can be sucked into a bottom inlet11′ formed in the bottom plate11. As can be appreciated, additional legs18may be provided based on, e.g., the side-to-side length of the housing10.

The outer surfaces of the side plate12, the top plate14, the front plate15, the first movable panel or plate16, and a second movable panel or plate16′ of the housing10may be made of a material to provide an aesthetically appealing appearance. The outer surface of the housing10may be formed to have an appearance of a household furniture. For example, the material surface of the housing10may have an appearance of a wood material, a varnished finish or coated finish.

The interior of the housing10may be divided into three spaces, where a first partition wall19separates the primary air flow space20and a first secondary space22and a second partition wall19′ separates the primary air flow space20and a second secondary space24. Within the primary air flow space20, the air in the livable space is forced through the bottom inlet11′ to be heat exchanged, and exhausted through the first, second and third discharge ports15′-1,15′-2,15′-3into the livable space. The first retractable fan or first pop-up fan200and the humidifier400may be installed within the first secondary space22, and a machine room500and the second retractable fan or second pop-up fan200′ may be installed in the second secondary space24. The left and right width of the primary air flow space20may be at least two times greater than the left and right widths of the first secondary space22and the second secondary space24. The left and right width of the primary air flow space20may be dependent upon the number of discharge ports15′-1,15′-2,15′-3, . . .15′-n to be formed in the front plate15of the housing10.

Access to the first and second space22,24may be made through the first and second moveable panels16,16′. The first and second movable panels16,16′ may be installed on the remaining front of the housing10not covered by the front plate15. The first and second movable panels16,16′ may be configured as slidable access panels or plates. SeeFIG.38. Alternatively, the first and second movable panels may be configured to be hinged, similar doors, to open or close the first secondary space22and the second secondary space24.

As shown inFIG.4, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system100may be installed in the primary air flow space20and may be configured to exchange heat with air drawn through the bottom inlet11′. Thereafter, the suctioned air may discharge to the first, second, and third discharge ports15′-1,15′-2,15′-3. A replaceable filter300may be placed at a position corresponding to the bottom inlet11′. Air passing through the replaceable filter300flows through the air passage102formed in the primary air flow space20.

A heat exchanger104may be provided in the air flow path102. The heat exchanger104may allow a heat exchange between the air flowing in the air flow path102and the working fluid of the heat exchange cycle. For example, in the case of a cooling operation, the heat exchanger104may receive heat from the air and may transfer the heat to the outdoor unit for discharge to the outside. In the heating operation, the heat may be transferred from the working fluid while the air passes through the heat exchanger104to be transferred into the living space. Of course, in the heating operation, the heat may be supplied from a separate configuration without using the heat exchanger104. The working fluid delivered from the outdoor unit is delivered to the heat exchanger104through the inlet pipe, and the working fluid passed through the heat exchanger104is delivered to the outdoor unit through the outlet pipe. A drain pan108may be provided under the heat exchanger104. The drain pan108collects and discharges condensed liquid condensed from the air passing through the heat exchanger104.

In order to form the air passage102, the primary air flow space20may include components for guiding the flow of air. There may be an inlet guide110to face the replaceable filter300. The inlet guide110may be provided over a region corresponding to the inlet11′. The inlet guide110may face most of the region or area of the bottom inlet11′. An angled guide surface110′ may formed in the inlet guide110so that air passing through the inlet11′ region adjacent to the front end of the housing10may be directed or guided to the back plate13. The slope of the angled guide surface110′ moves away from the bottom inlet11′ toward the rear plate13such that a clearance over the replaceable filter300may increase from the front to the rear of the replaceable filter300.

The air inlet guide110may extend toward the rear plate13, and the air inlet guide110may extend about ⅔ of the bottom inlet11′. As such, the air inlet guide110may allow majority of the suctioned air to be delivered to the rear of the air passage102inside the housing10. The drain pan108and a primary impeller guide120may be located over an upper surface of the inlet guide110, which is opposite of the angled guide surface110′.

The air passage102may include an upper guide112. The upper guide112may serve as a ceiling or a top cover of the air flow path102. The upper guide112extends from the back plate13to the primary impeller guide120. The upper guide112has a curved surface to prevent formation of a vortex or air turbulence at the portion that meets or connects to the rear plate13. In other words, the back plate13and the upper guide112may not be perpendicular to each other. Further, a portion of the inner surface of the rear plate13corresponding to the air flow path102may be curved. The back plate13and the upper guide112is to be a continuous curved surface rather than abrupt coupling joints. To accomplish such curved surface, the rear surface of the rear plate13may be formed to protrude or curve to the outside.

The inlet guide110and the upper guide112may be made of a heat insulating material or the surfaces of thereof may be coated with a heat insulating material. The heat insulating material may prevent a heat exchange with the surroundings. The upper guide112may contact the upper end of the heat exchanger104and may extend to the primary impeller guide120.

As illustrated inFIGS.6-8, the primary impeller guide120is installed in front of the heat exchanger104. The primary impeller guide120may guide air to be sucked into the air flow passage102and discharged to the indoor space through the discharge ports15′-1,15′-2,15′-3. Primary impellers131,131′ and131″ with primary impeller blades130,130′ and130″ and primary motors132,132′ and132″ may be positioned therein. By dividing the air flow into, e.g., three paths, the primary impeller guide120separates the air passing through the heat exchanger104. The primary impeller guide120may be made of a thermal insulation material to ensure that the heat-exchanged air passed through the heat exchanger104can be delivered to the livable space with minimal heat loss rather than being dissipated inside the housing10.

A primary impeller frame122may be formed of or coated with a thermal insulation material, and serve as the skeleton of the primary impeller guide120. The primary impeller frame122may have a predetermined thickness in the front-rear direction, and a plurality of primary impeller openings124,124′, and124″ may formed therein. As shown inFIG.7, the first, second and third primary impellers131,131′,131″ may be respectively installed in the first, second, third primary impeller openings124,124′, and124″ to allow rotation of the first, second, and third primary impeller blades130,130′,130″. The axial centers of the primary impellers may be equal distant from each other or may be different.

The primary impeller openings124,124′, and124″ face the heat exchanger104to form the primary impeller inlet126for the primary impellers. However, only a portion of the primary impeller openings124,124′,124″ may be open to serve as the primary impeller outlets128, corresponding to the discharge ports15′-1,15′-2,15′-3. In other words, the primary impeller outlets128may be formed at a position corresponding to the upper side at primary impeller openings124,124′ and124″, corresponding to the positions of the first to third discharge ports15′-1,15′-2, and15′-3of the front plate15. Hence, the cross-sectional area of the primary impeller outlets128may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the primary impeller openings124,124′ and124″ or the primary impeller inlets126. The primary impeller outlets128may be provided at an upper end of the openings124,124′ and124″. Alternatively, the primary impeller outlets may be provided at the middle or lower section of the openings124,124′ and124″ depending on the position of the first to third discharge ports15′-1,15′-2,15′-3.

A branch air flow channel or passage129, e.g., a duct, a passageway, conduit, tunnel, etc., may be formed in the primary impeller frame122at one side of an inner surface defining the first primary impeller opening124and/or the third primary impeller opening124″. A portion of the air flowing through the first primary impeller opening124and/or the third primary impeller opening124″ may be diverted to the first and/or second retractable fans200,200′. The branch passage129may be open (e.g., an outlet) on both sides of the impeller frame122to transfer the diverted air to the first secondary space22and/or the second secondary space24.

As shown inFIG.7, the primary impellers131,131′, and131″ are installed in the first, second and third primary impeller openings124,124′, and124″, respectively. The first, second and third primary impeller blades130,130′,130″ are rotated by the first, second and third primary impeller motors132,132′,132″, respectively, to provide a driving force for the air flow. The impeller motors132-132″ may be controlled by a controller600(FIG.42). In the present embodiment, the controller600may operate the primary impellers131-131″ to operate simultaneously or independently from each other. Although three (3) primary impellers131-131″ are illustrated, additional impellers may be provided, e.g., additional primary impellers for each of the primary impeller openings and/or additional impellers based on the number of primary impeller openings. Further, although the primary impellers may have the same size and/or the same cubic feet per minute (CFM) for air flow, different sizes or CFM may be used, and/or the size of primary impeller openings may vary. Depending on the location of the primary impeller inlet and outlet, an appropriate fan type may be use. In this embodiment, a turbo fan in which air is drawn in the rotational axis direction and discharged in the centrifugal direction may be used.

In the present embodiment, three (3) dampers, e.g., louvers141,142,143, may be positioned corresponding to the three primary impellers131,131′,131″. For example, a first louver141may be installed in the first discharge port15′-1, a second louver142may be installed at the second discharge port15′-2, and a third louver143may be installed at the third discharge port15′-3. The louvers141,142,143may be simultaneously or independently driven by the same driving source or by separate driving sources, respectively, to open and close the discharge ports15′-1,15′-2,15′-3, and to discharge the air. Further, the degree of opening of the discharge ports15′-1,15′-2,15′-3may be same or different. As can be appreciated, the number of dampers may be changed based on aesthetics of the housing, the number and/or size of the primary impeller openings, and/or the number or size of primary impellers in each primary impeller opening.

Opening or closing the louvers141,142,143may be performed by louver motors141′,142′,143′. The output shafts of the louver motors141′,142′, and143′ are connected to the rotational axes of the louvers141,142and143so that the louvers141,142and143are rotated when the output shafts are rotated. The louver motors141′,142′, and143′ may be driven and/or controlled by the controller600to open or close the discharge ports15′-1,15′-2,15′-3. The louver motors141′,142′,143′ may also adjust the opening angles of the louvers141,142,143.

As shown inFIG.9, a pair of pivot brackets145may be attached or formed on each rear surface of the louvers141,142,143. A pivot axis hole145′ may formed in each pivot bracket145. An output shaft of each louver motor141′,142′,143′ may be coupled to one of the pivot axis hole145′. Although the pivot bracket145may have a wedge or triangular shape, other shapes may be used. Further, as can be appreciated, the pair of pivot brackets145may not be required to be located along the central longitudinal axis of each louvre. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the louvre may be configured to slide, e.g., up and down, to open and close the primary impeller outlet128.

The louvre motors141′,142′, and143′ may be fixed to the installation groove150formed in the primary impeller guide120using a motor block146. One side of the motor block146coupled to the louvre motors141′,142′,143′ has a shape based on the exterior contour of the louvre motors141′,142′, and143′, and the other side of the motor block146is inserted and coupled to the installation groove150.

Each of the louvers141,142,143may include the pair of pivot brackets145, each bracket having a pivoting hole145′. One of the pivoting hole is coupled to a shaft of a corresponding louvre motor141′,142′, or143′ and the other pivoting hole is coupled to a slave shaft or pin147. The motor shaft and the slave shaft147form a rotation or pivoting axis for the louvers141,142, and143. A pair of support pieces149, fixed to the installation groove150of the fan guide120, supports each end of the slave shaft.

In the illustrated embodiment, the slave shaft may be provided for one of the pair of pivot brackets145. However, in certain instances, two adjacent louvers may share the same slave shaft. As shown inFIG.8, the second and third louvers142and143each include a slave shaft147and pair of support pieces. Instead, the adjacent pivot brackets of the second and third louvers may share a single slave pin. Alternatively, the slave shafts147may be omitted if the shaft of the drive motors141′,142′ or143″ extends all the way across between the pivot holes145′ of the pair of pivot brackets145.

The particular structure and arrangements of the pivot brackets145are not limited to the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the heat exchanged air is exhausted upwards the louvers141-143are opened (FIG.33), where the maximum opened position of the louvers141-143being limited due to the pivot brackets being located along the central longitudinal axis of the louvers. However, a lever or linkage may be provided between the pivot hole145′ and the motor and slave shafts to allow the louvers141-143to be at least perpendicular to the front plate15. In such a configuration, heat exchanged air may be exhausted perpendicular to the front plate15. Alternatively, the pivot brackets145may be provided near the bottom of the louvers141-143.

The output shafts of the louvre motors141′,142′, and143′ may be operated by setting the speed and torque of the gears therein. The rotational angles of the louvers141,142, and143may be set by the degree of rotation of the output shafts of the louvre motors141′,142′, and143′. The rotational angles of the louvers141,142, and143may be controlled based on the user selection or a preset operational setting.

The impellers (impeller blades130,130′,130″ and corresponding impeller motors132,132′,132″) may all be operated simultaneously or independently. The impellers may be operated in various combinations according to the operation mode of the air management device.

For example, all louvers141,142and143may be opened to discharge the heat-exchanged air to the front of the housing10when all the impellers may be operated. At this time, the heat exchanged air may be prevented from being supplied to the branch passage129, e.g., a secondary flow path, by closing a first damper206(FIG.10). The first damper206is opened or closed by an operation of a damper driving motor, which is controlled by the controller600. Alternatively, only one or two of the impellers may be turned on with one or two of the respective louvers being opened, while the first damper206is closed to prevent heat exchanged air from being supplied to the branch passage129.

The suctioned air may be supplied to the additional retractable first or second fan200,200′ in a state in which at least one of the louvers141,142, and143are closed. For example, when all the louvers141-143are closed, a primary first impeller131(primary first impeller blade130and primary first impeller motor132) and the primary third impeller131″(primary third impeller blade130″ and primary third impeller motor132″) may be turned on and the first damper206may be opened, the suctioned air flows through the secondary flow passage129. Alternatively, the three primary impellers131,131′,131″ may be turned on with the louvers141and143closed and the damper206and louvers142opened, the heat exchanged air may be supplied to the secondary flow passage and also discharged through the middle of the housing10.

As shown inFIGS.1and2, the discharge units or retractable fan200or200′ may be provided on either side of the upper surface of the housing10. The retractable fans200,200′ may allow first and second retractable ducts234,234′ (or first and second pop-up ducts) to protrude from the upper surface of the housing10to further disperse the heat-exchanged air to a wider area.

As illustrated inFIGS.10-16, the first and second retractable fans200,200′ may be installed on at least one of the first secondary space22and/or the second secondary space24of the housing10. Although the drawings illustrate the first and second retractable fans200,200′ installed in the first secondary space22and the second secondary space24, a detailed description of first retractable fan200installed in the first secondary space22is provided. Based on similar configuration, one of ordinary skill in the art may readily understand the installation of the second retractable fan200′ in the second secondary space24.

As shown inFIGS.10-12, a first inner frame202may partition the first secondary space22to form an first inner space203and a first vertical duct208, which are adjacent to each other and allows installation of the first retractable fan200and the humidifier400, respectively. The first inner space203may be accessed through the first movable panel16, which slides left and right with respect to the housing10to open or close the first inner space203.

A connection duct204is installed on the right side of the first inner frame202. The first connection duct204is bent to have a reverse I′ shape (or “L” shape on the other side), where the inlet communicates with the branch passage129of the fan guide120and the outlet communicates with the first vertical duct208. A first connection flow passage205is provided at the inlet of the first connection duct204, where the first connection flow passage is opened or closed by the first damper206. Although the first connection duct204is shown to have a bent shape, other shapes and configurations are possible in view of the present disclosure and knowledge to one of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown inFIGS.13-16, the first vertical duct208extends in the vertical direction to guide the lifting and lowering of a first lifting box or lift platform214such that the retractable first duct234of the first retractable fan200may move along a predetermined trajectory. When the first retractable fan200is raised, a first vertical flow path210is form inside the first vertical duct208between the outlet of the first connection duct204and an inlet of the retractable first duct234. The vertical duct208does not necessarily need to be formed in the first inner frame202and may be made separately installed in the first secondary space22. The vertical duct208extends in the vertical direction to guide the lifting and lowering of the lifting box214to be described below so that the popup duct234can be lifted along a predetermined trajectory.

A first lift platform214of the retractable first duct234may vertically move inside the vertical duct208using a first lift gear212(e.g., a linear gear) and a second lift gear232(a circular gear, e.g., a pinion) driven by a first lift motor230. The first lift gear212may be a vertical rack formed from top to bottom of the first vertical duct208. The cross-sectional shape of the first lift platform214may be the same as the cross sectional shape of the first vertical duct208except for a first indentation221. The outer surfaces of the lift platform214may move in contact with the inner surface of the first vertical duct208.

As shown inFIG.14, a first support ring216of a cylindrical shape passes through the first lift platform214to create a first communication passage218. A first support base238is inserted into the first support ring216to be rotatably supported therein. The first communication channel218allows passage of air from the vertical flow path210to a retractable or pop-up channel236of the retractable first duct234. The first support ring216is rotatably fitted with the first support238at the lower end of the retractable first duct234.

A first impeller support219having two beams crossing each other may be provided inside the communication passage218. A first secondary impeller blade224driven by an impeller motor (not shown) may be mounted to the first impeller support to pressurize the air discharged from the first retractable fan200. The impeller motor may be driven or controlled by the controller600.

A rotary motor housing220formed of a ring shape may be provided adjacent to the first support ring216of the first lift platform214and may be configured to receive a rotary motor226. The first indentation221may be provided on one outer surface of the first lift platform214, and as shown inFIG.14, an elevating motor housing222may formed at the indentation221. The outer side surface of the first lift platform214may be optimized to have the largest possible surface to contact an inner side surface of the first vertical duct208.

As shown inFIG.10, the first secondary impeller blade224is installed in the first impeller support219of the first lift platform214. The operation of the first secondary impeller blade224pressurizes the air in the communication passage218to allow the air to be further force the air through retractable first channel236. In other words, the air drawn into the first connection duct204and the first vertical duct208by the impeller, e.g., the first impeller131, may be further pressurize by the first secondary impeller blade224for travel through the retractable first channel236.

A lift motor230may be mounted at the elevation motor housing222of the first lift platform214. The second lift gear232may be installed on an output shaft of the lift motor230to engaged with the first lift gear212. Due to engagement of the second lift gear232with the first lift gear212, the retractable first duct324coupled to the first lift platform214of the retractable fan200may ascend above or descend below the upper plate14of the housing10based on the operation of the lift motor230, which may be controlled or driven by the controller600. The retractable first duct234may be cylindrical as shown in this embodiment. However, the retractable first duct234may have other various shapes, e.g., a hexahedron shape.

The retractable first duct234forms the retractable first channel236, which is in communication with the first communication passage218. The first support base238of the retractable first duct is inserted into the first support ring216of the first lift platform214. The outer diameter of the first support base238may be equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first support ring216to allow rotation of the first support base238relative to the first support ring216.

A rotary motor226may be mounted to the rotary motor housing220. An output shaft of the rotary motor226has a first rotary gear228, e.g., a pinion. A second rotary gear240, e.g., a rack, may be formed around the outer surface of the first support base238, which engages with the first rotary gear228. The retractable first duct234rotates, e.g., side-to-side, along a path of the second rotary gear240when the first rotary gear228is rotated by the rotary motor226. The rotary motor226is driven or controlled by the controller600.

A plurality of discharge vents242may be formed on a section of an outer surface of the retractable first duct234. To allow forced discharge of the air flowing through the retractable first channel236, an area where discharge vents242is formed may be less than half the outer surface of the retractable first duct234. Further, the discharge vents242may be formed over an area less than 180 degrees with respect to the center of the retractable first channel236.

A plurality of first directional blades244may be stacked vertically inside the retractable first channel236. The directional blades244may pivot along a horizontal axis to adjust the vertical direction of the air discharged through the discharge vents242. The directional blades244, as shown inFIG.13, may have a semi-circular plate shape, and may be controlled individually or collectively, either manually or automatically. If manually, at least one of the directional blades244may include a tab protruding through the discharge vents242for a user to grab and orient the directional blades244, and if automatically, at least one of the directional blades244may be coupled to a motor driven or controlled by the controller600.

The second retractable fan200′ having same or similar configuration may be installed in the second secondary space24.FIG.30illustrates a second lift platform214′, a second support ring216′, a second secondary impeller blade224′ and second duct234′. As can be appreciated, the second retractable fan200′ may be implanted to have corresponding first lift gear, communication passage, impeller support, rotary motor housing, indentation, elevation motor housing, rotary motor, first rotary gear, lift motor, second lift gear, retractable channel, support base, second rotary gear, discharge vents, directional blades, etc.

In the described embodiments, the first retractable fan200and/or the second retractable fan200′ have a cylindrically shaped tower configuration. As can be appreciated, other shapes are possible, e.g., rectangular pillar shape configuration with discharged vents242provided on one side, by changing the shape of the retractable first and/or second ducts234,234′. The shape of the ducts may be determined based on the desire to further distribute or send the heat-exchanged air to a particular location or locations in a room. As can be appreciated, if other shapes are used, the first and/or second support bases238,238′ may be maintained to be cylindrical for the rotation of the retractable first and/or second ducts234,234′.

In the described embodiment, the discharge vents242extend in a vertical direction while the directional blades244are stacked vertically. As can be appreciated, the discharged vents242may extend horizontally while the directional blades244are stacked horizontally to achieve the same or similar results for distributing the air.

A replaceable filter300is provided within a push-in/pull-out drawer at a front center of the housing10. The replaceable filter300is installed at the bottom inlet11′ provided defined by the bottom plate11and purifies/filters the air passing through the bottom inlet11′.

As shown inFIG.3, the bottom inlet11′ is formed at the bottom plate11located a bottom of the housing10and faces the floor on which the housing10is placed. When the housing10is place on the floor of a livable space, the inlet11′ is not visible to a user. However, the user is able to access the replaceable filter300through the front of the housing10by pulling out the housing of the replaceable filter300provided at an entrance formed in the lower portion of the front plate15. CompareFIGS.1and3. Based on such a configuration, the replacement of the filter(s) at an end of its life cycle may be simplified.

A filter frame301, e.g., a drawer frame, forms a skeleton of the replaceable filter300. The filter frame301has a hexahedral shape, and a plurality of passage openings302are formed on the bottom. Each passage opening302is a path through which air is allowed to pass. In the present disclosure, three passage openings302are provided having a square shape in a plan view. The shape and size of each passage openings302may be based on prevention of a plurality of filters320,330, and340located therein from sagging. A first filter320, a second filter330, and a third filter340, are sequentially stacked over each of passage opening302.

A front wall303forms a front surface of the filter frame301. The front wall303forms a partial outer appearance of the housing10when the filter frame301of the replaceable filter300is inserted into the housing10. A handle303′ may be provided at a bottom center of the front wall303. A user may grasp the handle303′ to pull the filter frame through the entrance of the front plate15to access the replaceable filter300.

A pair of side walls305extends rearward from both ends of the front wall303and connects to a back wall307. The back wall307may extend parallel to the front wall303. A plurality of filter partition walls309connects to the front wall303and the rear wall307between the pair of side walls305to divide the inside of the housing to create the plurality of passage openings302.

A seating ledge311may extend at a lower end of the side wall305and the filter partition wall309to provide a seating surface for the edge of the first filter320. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the seating ledge311may be formed along a lower end of the front wall303and the back wall307. As can be appreciated, the surface area of the seating ledge311may be based on prevention of narrowing the air flow cross sectional area.

Support ribs313are formed at upper and lower ends of the rear wall307to protrude to the rear of the filter frame301. When the filter frame301is withdrawn from the entrance of the front place15for replacement filter, the filter frame301is supported inside the entrance even though the filter frame301is retained in the housing10by a rail assembly350. The filter frame301may be withdrawn all the way to expose the inside surface of the back wall to create a clearance for withdrawal of the filters while the support rib313or portion thereof is maintained within the entrance of the housing10.

The plurality of filters, e.g., first filter320, second filter330, and third filter340provided over each of the passage opening302. The first filter320is first installed over the passage opening302. The first filter320may serve as a pre-filter to filter, e.g., dust. A plurality of the filtering cells322in a mesh network may form the first filter320and a storage case324may be integrally formed, surround the edge of the meshed filtering cells322of the first filter320.

The rectangular walls of the storage case324may create a predetermined storage space325. The second filter330and a third filter340may be stacked inside the storage space325. Excluding the first filter320, a height of the storage case324may be higher than a stacked height of the second and third filters330,340. As shown inFIGS.18and19, such an arrangement may facilitate one-step removal of the first, second and third filters320,330,340housed by the storage case324from the passage opening302of the filter frame301when the retractable filter300is withdrawn from the entrance of the front plate15.

The second filter330is installed in the storage space325, and the third filer340is stacked on top thereof. The second filter330has a planar hexahedron shape corresponding to the shape of the storage space325. A HEPA filter may be used as the second filter330, and the third filter340may be a deodorizing filter of activated carbon components.

In order for the filter frame301to be pulled out or pushed in of the housing10, a rail assembly350, e.g., drawer slide set, may be is installed on the sides of the filter frame301and corresponding inner surfaces of the housing10. SeeFIG.20. The rail assembly350includes a first rail352, a second rail356and a third rail360, each rail352,356,360having guide rails at top and bottom, see e.g., guide rails354of first rail352. The first rail352is attached to the side of the filter frame301and extends in front-to-rear direction, and the second rail356is attached to the inner surface of the housing. The third rail360is sandwiched in between the first and second rails352,358.

Stop rails354a,354bof the first rail352prevent the second and third rails356,360from falling out of the first rail352when the filter frame301is extended out of or retracted into the housing10. A plurality of ball rails362are provided at upper and lower ends of the third rail360, and a ball bearing364is rotatably installed at the ball bearing rails362to facilitate movement of the second and third rails356,360. When the filter frame301is pulled out, the first rail352moves with the filter frame301and the second and third rails356,360slide along the first rail352relatively. The first rail352comes to a stop by bumping into an one end of the second rail356with the stop rail354b. When the filter frame302is pushed in, the first and third rails352,360slides rearward until the first rail352bumps into the other end of the second rail356with the stop rail354a, as shown inFIG.20.

As shown inFIGS.4and21, a cleaner370configured to remove dust and foreign matter from the first and/or second filters320and330may be provided under the bottom plate11of the housing10. The cleaner370may be configured to linearly reciprocate along the bottom inlet11′. The cleaner370may be configured to operate similar to a vacuum cleaner having a suction motor and may optionally include a dust bin and at least one cyclone in a cleaner body371. The cleaner370is configured and/or positioned to prevent obstruction of the bottom inlet11′. This configuration allows the air in the living room to flow smoothly the bottom inlet11′ and then into the air passage102.

As shown inFIG.22, the cleaner body371forms the appearance and skeleton of the cleaner370. A surface372of the cleaner body371faces the bottom plate11and may have a predetermined width in front-to-rear direction which may be at least wider than the width of the bottom inlet11′. A suction opening or port373may be provided on the surface372, which is divided into two by cleaner rail380extending therethrough. In an alternative embodiment, a pair of cleaner rails380may be provided on the bottom plate11at corresponding edges of the bottom inlet11′ to provide a single suction port373. However, when the size of the cleaner370increases, the weight may become heavy, so that the size of the cleaner370may be reduced by allowing the cleaner rail380to cross the suction port11′. In addition, when the cleaner suction openings373are divided into a plurality, the flow cross-sectional area of each of the cleaner suction openings373may be reduced, and the suction force leakage due to the sagging of the cleaner370may be prevented.

An air outlet377is provided at one side of the outer surface of the cleaner body371. The air outlet377may be located at a relatively remote position from the cleaner suction opening373exhaust air is discharged to the outside after dust or foreign matter is removed from the air sucked into the cleaner suction opening373. In such a case, the dust in the air suction into the cleaner suction opening373is collected in a dust bin inside the cleaner body371. In an alternative embodiment, the dust may be collected in the dust tank at a separate position by connecting the discharge hose to the air outlet377without a dust bin inside the cleaner370.

The cleaner rail380is installed across the bottom inlet11′ on the bottom surface of the bottom plate11to allow the cleaner370to linearly reciprocate along the cleaner rail380. The cleaner rail380may have an “I” beam shape, where the flanges at top and bottom engage grooves from in the cleaner body371. Further, a linear gear, e.g., a rack, may be provided between the flanges at the top and bottom of the “I” beam, and may be provided on both sides of the “I” beam. A motor coupled to a circular gear, e.g., pinion, may be provided in the cleaner body371, where the teeth of the pinion engages with the teeth of the rack. Based on the actuation of the motor, the cleaner370travels along the cleaner rail380, and a number of passes which the cleaner370travels across the length of the cleaner rail380or across the retractable filter300, either in entirety or partially, may be based on a predetermined cleaning cycle determined by the controller600.

As shown inFIGS.22and23, elastic bristles375are installed around the edge of the cleaner suction port373. The elastic bristles375may rub against the surface of the first filter320and sweep the dust for entry into the cleaner suction port373. The elastic bristles375may be arranged to form a wall around the cleaner suction opening373. Although a single line of elastic bristles375is shown inFIG.22, the elastic bristles375may be arranged to have a plurality of lines to minimize or eliminate the leakage of suction force. The density of the elastic bristles375around the cleaner suction port373allows sufficient seal around the edge of the cleaner suction port373such that the suction air/force of the cleaner370may not leak outside of the cleaner suction port373.

The elastic bristles375may be made of a material capable of elastic deflection from 0 degrees at the upper end of the elastic bristles375, and may have a predetermined diameter and a predetermined length. The elastic bristles375may be made of a synthetic material, e.g., plastic, rubber, resin, etc. As can be appreciated, the elastic bristles375may be also made of a natural or organic material, e.g., hair, of predetermined stiffness and capable of prescribed degree of elastic deflection. If the length of the elastic bristles375is too long relative to the prescribed distance between the first filter320and the surface372, the middle and bottom end of the elastic bristles375may deform to create gaps between the elastic bristles375. Such gaps create leakage of air, resulting in reduction of suction force. To prevent such leakage and deformation rather than deflection, the length of the bristles are preselected based on the distance created between the first filter320and the surface372.

Depending on the weight of cleaner370and/or stiffness of the cleaner rail380, sagging of the cleaner rail380or wobbling of the cleaner370on the cleaner rail380may occur. However, the elastic bristles375may remain in contact with the surface of the first filter320due to the elastic deflection, thereby preventing the leakage of suction force. For example, at a location where the cleaner370sags due to gravity or wobbles on the cleaner rail380, the degree of deflection of the elastic bristles375may be less, but ends of the elastic bristles375remain in contact with the surface of the first filter320to prevent loss of suction force.

Since the replaceable filter300is inside the bottom inlet11′ of the housing10and the cleaner370is on the bottom plate11of the housing10, a distance between the bottom surface of the first filter320and the surface372of the cleaner body371may be greater than a distance between a bottom surface of the bottom plate11and the surface372of the cleaner body. To prevent such a difference in distance, a step may be provided at an edge of the first filter320such that the bottom surface of the first filter320may be coplanar with bottom surface of the bottom plate11. Alternatively, a height of the step may be greater than a thickness of the bottom plate such that the bottom surface of the first filter320protrudes closer to the surface372of the cleaner370than the bottom surface of the bottom plate11.

FIGS.24-29illustrates a humidifier400installed in the first inner space203. The humidifier includes an inlet duct401penetrating through the first partition wall19to communicate with the main air passage102. A portion of the air in the main air passage102is delivered to the air inlet duct401. A inlet fan403having an impeller, e.g., circular impeller, is coupled to the inlet duct401such that the air in the main air passage102is sucked into the air inlet duct401when the inlet fan is actuated. Because air flowing into the inlet duct401has passed through the replaceable filter300(prior to the air being heat exchanged by the heat exchanger104), the air delivered to the air inlet duct401is in a purified/filtered state.

The pressurized air of the inlet fan403is directed through a transfer duct405to a steam generator407. The steam generator407generates steam by heating the water supplied from a bucket419, e.g., a liquid storage tank. The steam generator may include a heater to heat the liquid to generate the steam for the humidifier400, but water molecules may be vaporized using ultrasonic waves. In other words, different means may be used for generating the steam in the steam generator407.

The steam generator407includes a first discharge duct409to exhaust humified air formed by mixing of the steam generated by the steam generator407and the air suctioned through the air inlet duct401. The first discharge duct409may be connected to first connection passage205of the first connection duct204. SeeFIG.10. The humidified air flowing through the first discharge duct409may be transferred to the first connection duct204to flow through the first vertical flow path210, the first communication passage218, and the retractable first channel236, and then expelled through discharge vents242when the first retractable fan is raised and activated by the controller600.

As illustrated inFIGS.24and25, the steam generator407may include a second discharge duct411in a direction different or opposite from that of the first discharge duct409. As can be appreciated, the second discharge duct411may not be needed if the second retractable fan200′ is not provided. The second exhaust duct411delivers humidified air to a connection duct413. When the humidified air is exhausted to the connecting duct413through the second discharge duct411, the mixed humidified air travels to the second vertical duct208′ of the second secondary space24for expelling of humified air by the second retractable fan200′. The connecting duct413extends through the rear space13sformed between a rear surface of the rear plate13and the wall surface. Dampers may be provided at the first discharge duct409and the second discharge duct411to control discharge of humidified air providing humidity to the living space through the first retractable fan200and/or second retractable fan200′.

A bucket seat415is installed on a bottom surface of the first inner space203to support the bucket419with a reservoir429and a tilting table449provided there between. A humidification pump417is installed adjacent to the bucket seat415to deliver the water supplied from the bucket419to the steam generator407. The tilting table449may allow tilting of the bucket419such that an upper end of the bucket419protrudes outward from the first inner space203to facilitate installation and removal of the bucket419into and from the first inner space203. See, e.g.,FIG.38.

As shown inFIG.27, the bucket seat415may include a base421for mounting of the bucket seat415at the bottom of the first inner space203of the first inner frame202. A pair of guide columns423may be provided at a rear end (closer to the back plate13) of the base frame421. A pair of guide rails425forming a guide slot427is provided in a gap formed between the pair of guide columns423. The guide rails425may be integrally formed on inner surfaces of the guide column423facing each other, and a space between the guide rails425may form the guide slot427. The guide rails425may have a curved shape of a predetermined radius of curvature.

A reservoir tank429may protrude from an upper surface of the base421and may include a temporary liquid bin431inside the reservoir tank429to temporarily store liquid supplied from the bucket419. An upper plate433is installed over the reservoir tank429over an upper surface of the water storage portion429of the base frame421and a seal is provided in a groove formed around an upper opening of the temporary liquid bin431between the reservoir tank and the upper plate433to prevent liquid leakage. As can be appreciated, the upper plate433may be integrally formed on the base frame421.

A pair of holes435may be provided through supporting walls437protruding from the upper plate433. The pair of holes435forms a rotational or pivoting axis for the tilting table449. The supporting wall437further adds rigidity to the upper plate437and the tilting table449to further support a weight of the liquid in the bucket419. The supporting walls437are formed symmetrically on opposite sides of a reservoir inlet formed by an opening on the upper plate. Further, a valve protrusion443may extend through the reservoir inlet to extend through a valve seal of the bucket419to allow liquid to flow into the temporary liquid bin431of the reservoir tank429. As can be appreciated, the pair of holes435may be formed at both sides of the reservoir tank429.

A tilt stopper439may extend from an end of the seating wall437. The tilt stopper439may comprise at least one angled wall having an incline lowered toward the front end (closer to the first movable panel16) of the reservoir plate433. The tilt stopper439may support the lower surface of the tilting table449when the tilting table449is tilted toward the front.

A pair of tilt brackets445may include shafts447protruding, e.g., inwards, and inserted into the holes435. The tilt brackets445may be configured to be attached to the tilting table449by, e.g., screws. Because the shafts447are rotatable within holes435and the tilt bracket is attached to the tilting table449, the shafts447and holes435function as a tilt or pivot axis for the tilting table449, and the tilting table449is configured to tilt relative to the base421from a horizontal position to a predetermined angled position, where the limit of the predetermined angled position is set by the tilt stopper439.

The driving force for the tilting the tilting table449is transmitted through a tilting rack gear451. As shown inFIG.28, the tilting rack gear451is provided at a rear end of the tilting table449. The tilting rack gear451is curved to have a predetermined radius of curvature. The tilting rack gear451is configured to interlock with the guide rail425of the base421. Rack teeth453are formed on an outer surface of the tilting rack gear451. The rack gear453is operated in engagement with an output gear467. An interlocking channel455is provided on both sides of the tilting rack gear451. The guide rail425of the base421is positioned in the interlocking channel455to guide the movement of the tilting rack gear451.

The tilting table449may include a reservoir cover457having a water supply hole459. A bellows type connection hose protruding from the bucket419may be inserted through the water supply hole459to the reservoir inlet441. Upon insertion, the valve protrusion443extends through the valve seal provided in the bellow type connection hose to allow liquid in the bucket419to flow temporary liquid bin431of the reservoir tank431.

The driving force for the operation of the tilting table449is provided by the tilting driving source461shown inFIGS.26and29. The tilting driving source461may be an electric motor. The tilting driving source461is installed at the rear of the base frame421. A tilting reducer463which decelerates and transmits the driving force of the tilting driving source461is connected to the output shaft of the tilting driving source461. The reducer housing465forms the appearance of the tilting reducer463, and a plurality of gears are installed in the reducer housing465. The last gear in the gear train of the tilting reducer463is the output gear467. The output gear467is engaged with the rack gear453of the tilting table449.

A proximity sensor470may be place on the front of the housing10. SeeFIG.1. The proximity sensor470detects an approach of a user who intends to replace or refill the bucket419. When the user approaches the proximity sensor470, the first movable panel16slides automatically to an open position to reveal the first inner space203, and the tilting table9may be automatically tilted so that the top of the bucket419protrudes from the first inner space203. SeeFIG.38. As can be appreciated, a manual or touch button may be used instead of the proximity sensor470, or any other means may be used in place of the proximity sensor470to recognize a user's intention to replace or refill the bucket419.

As shown inFIGS.30A-30C and31, the machine room500is formed at one side of the second inner frame202′. The machine room500may comprise a remaining space other the second vertical duct208′ formed by the second space frame202′. The upper compartment plate501form a ceiling of the machine room500and may be located at a position which is a first predetermined distance from the upper plate14of the housing10. The lower compartment plate501′ may form a bottom of the machine room500and may be located at a position which is a predetermined second distance above the bottom plate11of the housing10. A second connection duct204′ forming the second connection passage205′ to the second vertical duct208′ is provided below the lower compartment plate501. The air flow from the branch air flow passage129(provided on the right side) may be controlled by another damper (not shown), similar to the first damper206for the air flow to the first vertical duct208. Further, the controller600is provided in the machine room500for easy access and service if needed in the future.

A drain pump502may be installed on the bottom of the lower compartment plate501′. The drain pump502may be situated at a lower position than a bottom of the drain pan108. A connection hose504, e.g., a pipe or a tube, may connect the drain pump with the drain pan108. Based on the lower position, the connection hose504transfers the condensed water to the drain pump502by gravity. The connection hose504may penetrate a side surface of the drain pan108. The bottom surface of the drain pan108and a corresponding inner surface of the connection hose504may be aligned. As can be appreciated, the connection hose504may be connected to penetrate a bottom of the drain pan108. The drain pan108may be inclined such that the bottom surface of the drain pan108is tilted toward a side connected to the connection hose504.

The connection hose504may be divided into an upper end505, a connection section505′ and a lower end505″. The upper end505is connected to the drain pan108and the lower end505″ is connected to the drain pump502. The lower end505″ is located at the lowest position of the connecting hose504, and a predetermined height difference exists between the upper and lower ends505,505″. The connection section505′ is provided where the height difference exists between the upper and lower ends505,505″.

A discharge hose506, e.g., a pipe or a tube, is connected to the drain pump502. The discharge hose506serves to transfer the condensed water pumped through the connection hose504and to the outside through the discharge hose. The discharge hose506extends through a hole13′bof the rear plate13to the outside. A minimum height H of the discharge hose506is at least 400 mm, and a maximum height H of the discharge hose506of the hose through a first hole13′bof the rear plate13may be an uppermost end of the rear plate13.

The machine room500has a gas supply hose510, e.g., a pipe or a tube, provided through a second hole13′aof the back plate13. The gas supply hose510may be used to supply air containing a higher concentration of oxygen and/or anion (compared to the ambient air) to the air passage102. The supply of higher concentration of oxygen and/or anion may create a healthier living environment. The supply hose510may penetrate through the back plate13, e.g., the second hole13′a, the second inner space frame202′ and the second partition plate19′ such that the main air passage102may be configured to receive an additional air supply provided via an external source, e.g., an oxygen tank and/or an anion generator or an air ioniser. Depending on the size, the anion generator may be provided inside of the main air passage102while the oxygen tank is coupled to the gas supply hose501.

As shown inFIG.30D, the second inner frame202′, which is provided inside the second secondary space24, provides the second inner space for the machine room500, the second vertical duct208′, the upper compartment plate501, and the lower compartment plate501′. The second inner frame202′ includes holes202′a,202′b,202′c,202′dand202′ealigning with the power supply hole26, through hole29, a first hole13′a, a second hole13′b, and through hole13″, respectively. Further, the second inner frame202′ may include additional holes or openings for the third hole13′cand the second connection duct204′.

As shown inFIGS.32and33of the air management apparatus or device, ambient air or indoor air is drawn through the bottom inlet11′ by turning on at least one of the primary impellers130,130′,130″. The air passes through the replaceable filter300for removal of dust, foreign substances, and odors. The air suctioned through the bottom inlet11′ is directed to flows to the rear end of the air passage102by the inlet guide110. Because of the angled guide surface11′ of the air inlet guide110being inclined upward toward the rear plate13, i.e., the space between the angled guide surface110′ and the replaceable filter300becomes wider toward the rear plate13, air passing through the replaceable filter300is mainly guided toward the rear plate13.

Air flowing to the rear end of the main air flow passage102near the rear plate13is directed to enter the primary impeller openings124,124′ and124″ by the operation and suction force of the primary impellers131,131′ and131″. Prior to entering the primary impeller openings124,124′,124″, the air drawn into the main air flow passage102is heat-exchanged while passing through the heat exchanger104. The upper guide112guides the air flowing in the air flow path102so that air is transferred or directed to the heat exchanger104. The upper guide112may allow all of the air flowing in the main air flow path102to pass through the heat exchanger104while preventing the air from flowing over the top of the heat exchanger104.

Based to the number of primary impeller openings and/or the number of primary impellers being driven, the air flow path may be separated. For example, if all three primary impellers131,131′,131″ are driven, the heat exchanged air enters corresponding primary impeller openings124,124′,124″. The heat exchanged air is drawn through the primary impeller inlet126and exhausted to the primary impeller outlet128. When the louvers142,142,143of the corresponding discharge ports15′-1,15′-2,15′-3are opened to be at a predetermined angle, heat exchanged air exhausted through the primary impeller outlet128is guided by the louvers141,142,143and discharged into the indoor space.

In the present embodiment, the air or heat exchanged air may be discharged through the discharge ports15′-1,15′-2and15′-3based on the operation of the primary impellers131,131′ and130″. The discharge of the air through the discharge ports15′-1,15′-2,15′-3may be independently set according to whether the specific primary impellers130,130′,130″ are turned ON. For example, when only the first primary impeller130is turned ON while second and third primary impellers131′,131″ are turned OFF, the first louver141may be opened at a predetermined to discharge the heat-exchanged air or air is dispersed only through the first discharge port15′-1. When only the second primary impeller131′ is turned ON, the second louver142may be opened at a predetermined angle to discharge the air, e.g., heat exchanged air, only through the second discharge port15′-2. Similarly, when only the third primary impeller131″ is turned ON, the third louver143may be opened at a predetermined angle to disperse the air only through the third discharge port15′-3. However, as can be appreciated, the operation of the primary impellers131,131′ and/or131″ may be combined to disperse the air through a combination of corresponding discharge ports15′-1,15′-2,15′-3.

Further, the distance of the air dispersed through the discharge port15′-1,15′-2,15′-3may be independently controlled by varying the rotational or pivot angle of the louvers141,142,143. As such, the air management or air dispersal may be performed and combined at the front region of the housing10according to the operation of the primary impellers131,131′,131″ and the rotation angles of the louvers141,142,143. Referring to an example in which the air management device is operated in the present embodiment, three users sitting or standing in front of the housing10in a position corresponding to each of the discharge ports15′-1,15′-2,15′-3, the operation of turning OFF and ON and rotational speed of the primary impellers131,131′,131″) and the rotation angle of the louvers141,142,143may be controlled according to each user based on individual needs to manage the air. In the example shown inFIG.33, the first damper206on the left side and corresponding damper on the right side may be closed to prevent air, e.g., heat exchanged air, from being diverted to the retractable first and second fans200,200′ through the branch air flow channel, e.g.,129, where air may directed to the retractable first duct or first pop-up duct234and/or retractable second duct or second pop-up duct234′.

The opening and angle adjustment of the louvers141,142, and143are performed by driving the louvre motors141′,142′, and143′. The louvers141,142,143are rotated to an angled opened position when pivot brackets145connected to the output shafts of the louver motors141′,142′,143′ are rotated. The output shafts of the louver motors141′,142′,143′ may be operated by setting a speed and a torque by a reduction gear therein. The rotation angles of the louvers141,142, and143may be set by the degree of rotation of the output shafts of the louver motors141′,142′,143′.

The rotation or pivot angles of the louvers141,142,143may be selected by the user selecting a corresponding operation mode from a plurality of preset operation modes. Through this operation, air, e.g., heat exchanged air, discharged through the discharge ports15′-1,15′-2, and15′-3may be directly delivered to a specific user or indirectly. For example, when the heat-exchanged air is discharged in the forward direction of the discharge ports15′-1,15′-2, and/or15′-3, the air may be directly delivered to the user in front of the housing10when the rotation angle of the louvers141,142,143is ninety (90) degrees from a vertical axis. Alternatively, by adjusting the rotation angle of the louvers141,142,143to be less than 90 degrees, air discharged from the discharge port15′-1,15′-2, and/or15′-3may be indirectly dispersed to the user. As can be appreciated, the rotation angle louvers141,142,143may not be fixed to a single angle. Instead, the rotation angle may change between two different angles to disperse the air into the livable space.

As shown inFIGS.34-35, the retractable first and second fans200may be operated to disperse air further and/or wider than using only the discharge port15′-1,15′-2,15′-3. The retractable first and/or duct234,234′ may protrude above the upper surface of the housing10and rotate to disperse air to a further and/or wider area including a space adjacent to the space in which the air management device is installed. For example, if the air management device of the embodiment is used in the living room, the air coming out through the retractable first and/or second fan(s)200,200′ may disperse the air to the adjacent kitchen.

In order for air to be discharged or dispersed to the surrounding space through the discharge vents242of the retractable first duct234, air may be supplied to through the branch air flow passage129. The first damper206may be opened to allow the branch air flow passage129and the first connection duct204communicate with each other. When at least one of the first primary impeller131or the third primary impeller131″ is turned on, the heat-exchanged air may be discharged through the discharge vents242of at least one of first or second retractable fans200,200′ protruding above the top surface of the housing10. Although the second louver142of the second discharge port15′-2is opened when the second primary impeller131′ is turned on, the second louver142may be closed similar to first louver141and third louver143and the second primary impeller131′ turned off while at least one of the first or third primary impeller131,131″ turn on such that air is discharged or dispersed only through the first and second retractable fans200,200′.

FIG.34illustrates the air flow through the first retractable fan200on the left side of the housing10. When the first primary impeller130is driven to be ON and the first damper206is opened, the air exchanged in the heat exchanger104flows to the branch air flow passage129. Air flowing into the branch air flow passage129passes through the opened first damper206to the first connection passage205of the first connection duct204. The first connection passage205is in communication with the first vertical flow path210of the first vertical duct208, so that the air passing through the first connection passage205flows to the first vertical flow path210.

In order to discharge the air through the discharge vents242of the first retractable duct234, the first retractable fan200is raised above the upper surface of the housing10. As previously described, the retractable first duct234is supported on a first lift platform214, and when the lift motor230is turned ON, the second lift gear232rotates along the first lift gear212to raise the lift platform214with the retractable first duct234, as shown inFIG.35in the direction of the arrow A. See alsoFIGS.13,15and16.

The first retractable fan200may also rotate in the direction of the arrow B shown inFIG.35. For rotation, the rotary motor226installed in the lift platform214may be turned ON. When the rotary motor226is driven, the retractable first duct234rotates in conjunction with the second rotary gear240formed on the first support base238of the retractable first duct234while the first rotary gear228rotates. By rotating the retractable first duct234in a protruding state, the heat-exchanged air may be sent to a desired position by the user.

The discharge vents242may formed in an area of less than half of the retractable first duct234when viewed from the front. Although the retractable first duct234may rotate 360 degrees, the rear surface of the housing10is installed adjacent to the wall of the living space, and the retractable first duct234may substantially discharge air over a rotational region of about 180 degrees. For example, when the user is in front of the discharge ports15′-1,15′-2,15′-3, the user may rotate the first retractable fan200such that discharge vents242are directed in the user direction to discharge air to the users. In other words, the air may be discharged to a particular by rotating the retractable fan200such that the discharge vents242face the corresponding space desired by the user.

Alternatively, the retractable first duct234may discharge the air while rotating the retractable first duct234by continuously reciprocating between predetermined angle ranges from side to side. Alternatively, or in addition thereof, the first directional blades244may adjust air dispersal in a vertical direction as the air exits through discharge vents242. By adjusting the longitudinal or lateral direction of air dispersion, the direction of the heat exchanged air may be adjusted. Further when the air is discharged through the discharge vents242of the first retractable duct234, the first secondary impeller blades224may be selectively rotated. The rotation of the first secondary impeller blades224pressurizes the air in the first communication passage218to send the air discharged through the retractable first duct234farther.

As can be appreciated similar to selective operation of the retractable first and/or second fans200,200′, the first to third discharge ports15′-1,15′-2and15′-3may be selectively opened or closed based on the operation of the first to third primary impellers131,131′,131″. For example, when more users are situated in front of the housing10, air dispersion of heat exchanged air may be manage air on different conditions and locations at the same time. InFIG.35, the first and third louvers141and143are shown in a closed position, but may be selectively opened to allow air to discharge through them depending on the number of users or location for air dispersal.

As previously described, the replaceable filter300filters the air. The air delivered to the bottom inlet11′ passes directly through the first filter320. Since the first filter320, the second filter330, and the third filter340are sequentially stacked on the filter frame301, filtered air further filtered through the second filter330and the third filter340to further remove dust, fine dust, and odors are removed. Thereafter, air passing through the replaceable filter300enters the main air flow passage102.

After extended and/or continuous filtering based on the operation of the air management device in the livable space, dust and odor components may be collected by the replaceable filter300. The filter cleaner370is operated to maintain the performance of the replaceable filter300above a certain level of performance. The filter cleaner370is installed at one side of the bottom surface of the bottom plate11, which is an area outside the bottom inlet11′, and moves along the cleaner rail380upon receiving an operation signal from the controller600.

As the filter cleaner370passes through the bottom inlet11′, dust and foreign matter are sucked through the cleaner suction port373, e.g., dust and foreign matter in the first filter320enter the cleaner suction port373by the suction force of the cleaner370. Based on the filter cleaner operation, the performance of replaceable filter300, e.g., the first filter320, may be improved.

As previously discussed, the filter cleaner370has a predetermined weight and may sag on the cleaner rail380due to gravity. For example, the filter cleaner may sag at the middle of the cleaner rail, which may correspond to the farthest location from the ends of the cleaner rail380mounted to the bottom plate11of the housing, the elastic deflection of the elastic bristles375around the cleaner suction port373provide continuous contact with the bottom inlet11′ to prevent loss of suction force. Even if the distance between the surface of the first filter320and the filter cleaner370changes, the degree of elastic deflection of the elastic bristles375may change to allow continuous contact between the first filter320and the filter cleaner370. The filter cleaner370performs the cleaning on the first filter320while linearly reciprocating along the cleaner rail380. When the cleaning of the first filter320is completed, the filter cleaner370rest on the bottom surface of the bottom plate11, e.g., at an end of the cleaner rail380, to prevent impediment of the bottom inlet11′.

After extended use or cleaning of the replaceable filter300is insufficient, the first, second and third filters320,330, and340in the filter frame301may be removed from the housing10for replacement. When the user grasps and pulls the handle303′, the filter frame301may be pulled out of the housing10like a drawer. The rail assembly350is assists in withdrawal of the filter frame301from the front of the housing10, as illustrated in inFIG.36. When the filter frame301is withdrawn from the front of the housing10, the support rib313at the rear end of the filter frame301is hooked inside the bottom entry for the filter frame301at the bottom of the front plate15of the housing10to support the rear end of the filter frame301and to prevent the front end of filter frame301from falling. Further, the rail assembly350couples the filter frame301to the housing10to the filter frame301from falling out arbitrarily.

In this state, the second filter330and the third filter340in the storage space325are simultaneously removed from the filter frame301together with the first filter320when the storage case324is lifted out of the filter frame301. The filters320,330, and340in the three pass openings302may be all be pulled out to perform maintenance or replacement. After maintenance or replacement with new filters, the storage case324with filters320,330, and340may be placed back into the plurality of passage openings302of the filter frame301. For example, the second filter330and the third filter340are sequentially stacked in the storage space325of the storage case324and are positioned in the passage openings302, and thereafter, the filter frame301is pushed or slide back into the housing10.

Humidification may be added to the air being discharged through the first and/or second retractable ducts234,234′ in two scenarios. In the first scenario, humidification of the air may be possible without the heat exchange through the heat exchanger104, i.e., humidification and filtering of the ambient air. In the second scenario, humidification of the air may be possible for all heating modes of operation.

In the first scenario, the inlet fan403is operated to suck air in from the main air flow passage102through the inlet duct401. The air pressurized by the inlet fan403is sent to the steam generator407through the transfer duct405. In the steam generator407, the liquid steam/vapors made by heating the liquid delivered from the bucket419is mixed with the air. The humidified air may be delivered through at least one of the first discharge duct409or the second discharge duct411to at least one of the first retractable duct234or the second retractable duct234′, respectively.

FIG.37illustrates the delivery of the humidified air to the retractable first duct234on the left side of the housing10by opening the first discharge duct409to the first connection passage205of the first connection duct204. The first damper206may be closed and the first primary impeller130may be turned OFF. Optionally, if the heat exchanger is maintained in an OFF state, the first damper206may be opened and the first primary impeller130may be turned ON to allow an air flow through the branch air flow passage129. The humidified air from the first discharge duct409passes through the first connection passage205and the first vertical flow path210to the retractable channel236of the first retractable duct234. The humidified air is discharged through the discharge vents242of the first retractable fan200protruding above the upper surface of the housing. The first retractable duct234may be rotated to disperse the humidified air to a farther and wider area. Further, the first secondary impeller blades224may be driven to pressurize the humidified air to be discharged farther.

In the second scenario, humidification may be additionally performed for during heating or cooling operation of the HVAC system100. In such a case, heat exchange is performed in the heat exchanger104, and the heat-exchanged air is dispersed through at least one of the discharge ports15′-1,15′-2,15′-3. While being discharged therethrough, the humidified air may be simultaneously discharged through the first connection passage205, the first vertical flow210, the retractable channel236in order to be discharged into the indoor space, similar to the first scenario.

As can be appreciated, liquid, e.g., water or mixture with solvent, is required for humidification, and may be stored and suppled from the bucket419. As previously described the bucket419is seated on the bucket seat415in the first inner space203. As shown inFIG.38, when the proximity sensor470recognizes the user, the first movable panel16slides to the left side, and the tilting table449of the bucket seat415is operated to be inclined downward toward the front of the housing10. The inclined position of the bucket219assists the user to readily remove and replace the bucket419from the first inner space203. After removal and/or replacement of the bucket219, the proximity sensor470operation instigates the return of the tilting table449to a horizontal position, and the first movable panel16closes the first inner space203.

FIGS.39and40illustrates the operation of the tilting table449. See alsoFIGS.26-28. When the tilting table449is rotated, the tilting table449is rotated about the shaft447with respect to the base421. The force for the rotation of the tilting table449is provided by the motor461, and the tilting reducer463operates the gear train. As the output gear467of the tilting reducer463is rotated in engagement with the rack teeth453, the tilting rack gear451moves along the guide rail425of the base421. Because the guide rail425is positioned in the interlocking channel455of the tilting rack gear451and guides the tilting rack gear451to be moved by the output gear467, the tilting table449is rotated about the shaft447.

As the tilting table449rotates about the shaft447, the tilting table449may be selectively positioned between the horizontal state and the inclined state. Because the bucket419is positioned on the tilting table449, the bucket419is in an inclined state when the first movable panel16is opened, and the bucket419is in an horizontal state when the first movable panel16is closed. When the bucket419seated on the tilting table449, the valve in the bucket419is opened by the valve protrusion443so that liquid may be delivered to the temporary liquid bin431. The liquid in the temporary liquid bin431may be delivered to the steam generator407by the humidification pump417to be heated and vaporized.

When the working fluid and air exchange heat in the heat exchanger104, moisture in the air may condense and water may form on the surface of the heat exchanger (104). As the size or the quantity of the condensate formed on the heat exchanger104increases, the condensed water may flow down the surface of the heat exchanger104and collect in the drain pan108, as illustrated inFIG.41. The condensed water collected in the drain pan108may flow by gravity into the connection hose504. When condensed water is delivered to the drain pump502through the connection hose504, the drain pump502operates to pressurize the condensed water. The pressurized water is pumped along the interior of the discharge hose506. The condensate flowing along the discharge hose506may be pressurized and moved up to the maximum height H of the discharge hose506. After the condensed water is delivered to the maximum height H of the discharge hose506, the condensed water may be discharged by gravity action thereafter.

Because the connection hose504has a lower end505″ connected to the drain pump502and the upper end505connected to the drain pan108and the drain pan108is inclined toward the connection hose504, the condensate collected at the drain pan108naturally flows down the connection hose504by gravity and fed to the drain pump502. Hence, the condensate on the drain pan108is naturally fed by gravity to first fill the connection hose504, and after the connection hose504is filled, the drain pan108starts collecting the condensate.

After the drain pan108has collected a predetermined amount of condensate or after a predetermined time period of operating the heat exchanger104, the drain pump502is operated or turned ON. For example, a sensing means may be provided in the drain pan108to determine the predetermined amount of condensate, or a timer may be started by the controller to start the operation of the drain pump502. If the condensed water stagnates too long in the drain pan108, there may be a hygiene problem, such as bacteria propagation, and it may beneficial to minimize the time that the condensed water pools in the drain pan108, the air to the drain pump502.

In order to minimize suction power and prevent damage to the drain pump502, the operation of the drain pump502may be stopped in the state where water may remain at the lower end505″ of the connection hose504. As shown inFIG.41, the operation of the drain pump502may be stopped at the water level A indicated by arrow A. The position indicated by arrow A may correspond to the minimum level of condensate inside the connection hose504. The highest water level in the connection hose504may be the upper position of the connection section505′.

FIG.42illustrates a schematic diagram of an air management apparatus, andFIG.43illustrates a flowchart of a control method for the air management apparatus.FIGS.44and45illustrate flowcharts of the control methods according to another embodiments.

As illustrated inFIGS.42and43, the input unit17may be configured to receive a user's manipulation provided on the front surface of the housing10. The user may input and set an operation of the air management device through the manipulation of the input unit17. The user may directly touch the input unit17or may input the user operation through a wireless communication with an external device. Upon determination of a valid user operation through the input unit17, the control unit600starts an operation for air discharge from the air management apparatus. [S101: User Operation Input step].

The controller600drives at least one of the primary impeller motors132,132′ and/or132″ upon a valid user operation through the input unit17. [S103: Primary Impeller Motor Driving Step]. Upon activation of the primary impeller motor(s), at least one of the primary impeller blades130,130′ and/or130″ of the primary impellers131,131′ and131″ installed in the primary impeller guide120rotates to create a suctioning force. [S105: Primary Impeller Operation Step]. The air outside of the air management system is sucked through the bottom inlet11′ and introduced into the primary air flow space20therein. [S107: Air Suction Step].

When air flows into the primary air flow space20through the bottom inlet11′, heat exchange proceeds in the heat exchanger104provided inside the housing10. To this end, the control unit600drives the heat exchanger104. Specifically, the air passing through the bottom inlet11′ flows through the primary air flow path102to exchange heat with the heat exchanger104. [S109: Heat Exchange Step]. At least one of the primary impellers131,131′ and/or131″ continue to operate to suction the air in the primary air flow passage102through the heat exchanger104to deliver the heat exchanged air to at least one of the discharge ports15′-1,15′-2, and/or15′-3provided on the front plate15of housing. [S111: Air Supply Step to Discharge Port]. In order to discharges the air provided to the at least one discharge ports15′-1,15′-2and/or15′-3to the outside, the corresponding louvers141,142and143, which are separately driven by louver motors141′,142′ and143′, must be opened. [S113: Louver Opening Step].

As previously described, the heat exchanged air may be supplied to the at least one of the first retractable fan200through the branch air flow passage129in the first primary impeller opening124or the second retractable fan200′ through another corresponding branch air flow passage in the third primary impeller opening124″. For example, the branch air flow passage129may transfer the heat-exchanged air to the first retractable fan200. The first retractable fan200allows the pop-up duct234to protrude from the upper surface of the housing10to disperse the heat exchanged air farther and wider.

If the first or the second retractable fan200or200′ is not used, the controller600closes the first damper206to prevent passage of air through the branch air flow passage [S115: Damper Closing Step], and the heat-exchanged air is discharged through at least one of the plurality of discharge ports15′-1,15′-2,15′-3with at least one of the louvers141,142,143opened to the front of the housing10. [S117: Air Discharge Step]. Further, the angle of the louvers141,142,143may be adjusted by the controller600based on the current supplied to the louver motors141′,142′ and143′.

FIG.44in conjunction withFIG.42illustrate an additional control method of the air management apparatus for discharging the heat exchanged through at least one of the first retractable fan200or the second retractable fan200′ without air discharge through the discharge ports15′-1,15′-2and15′-3. Steps S201to S209ofFIG.44may be the same or similar Steps S101to S109ofFIG.43, and hence, the description is omitted. For purpose of illustration, the following description pertains to discharge of air through the first retractable fan200.

In Step S211[S211: Louver Closure Step], the louvers141,142, and143are closed to prevent air from being discharged through the discharge ports15′-1,15′-2, and15′-3. The control unit600simultaneously or sequentially opens the first damper206to supply air to the first retractable fan200through the branch air flow passage129. [S213: First Damper Opening Step]. As such, the heat exchanged air is supplied to the branch air flow path129. [S215: Branch Air Flow Step]. Consequentially, the air through the branch air flow passage129is supplied to the first retractable fan200. [S217: Air supply Step for Additional Discharge]. The first retractable fan200protruding above one side of the upper surface of the housing10discharges the heat exchanged air to the outside. [S219: Air Discharge Step].

FIG.45in conjunction withFIG.42illustrate an additional control method of the air management apparatus for discharging the heat exchanged through at least one of the first retractable fan200or the second retractable fan200′, which may be rotated. For purpose of illustration, the following description pertains to discharge of air through the first retractable fan200.

A user may input a user operation for lifting and rotating the first retractable fan200through the input unit17. [S301: User Operation Input Step]. When the user's manipulation according to the operation of the first retractable fan200is received, the control unit600drives the lift motor230for the first retractable fan200to protrude above the upper surface of the housing10. [S303: Lift Motor Driving Step]. By the driving of the lift motor230, the first retractable fan200is raised to protrude to the upper surface of the housing (10). [S305: Raising of the Fan200step].

The controller600may drive a motor to rotate the first secondary impeller blade224to pressurize the air discharged through the first retractable fan200. The first secondary impeller blade224pressurizes the air in the first communication passage218received through the branch air flow passage219to send the air farther. [S307: Rotate Secondary Impeller Blade Step]. The air heat exchanged by the heat exchanger104is discharged through the discharge vents242. [S309: Air Discharge Step].

The first retractable fan200may be rotated at a predetermined angle. A user may input a user manipulation for the rotation of the first retractable fan200through the input unit17. If it is determined that the user operation for the rotation of the additional retractable fan200is input through the input unit17, the controller600controls the operation of the first retractable fan200in the air management apparatus. [S311: User Operation Input Step].

The control unit600may drive a rotary motor226that provides a rotational force to the first retractable fan200. [S313: Rotary Motor Drive Step]. The first retractable fan200may be rotated by the rotation motor226. As the first retractable fan200rotates, the air heat-exchanged in the heat exchanger104may be discharged to the outside. [S315: Rotational Air Discharge Step].

FIG.46in conjunction withFIG.42illustrate an additional control method of the air management apparatus for discharging the humidified air through at least one of the first retractable fan200or second retractable fan200′ with the heat exchanger104turned off. A user may input and set an operation for added humidity to the surrounding through the manipulation of the input unit17. The user may directly touch the input unit17, or may input the user operation through wireless communication with an external device. If user operation is determined to be valid, the controller600starts the operation control for humidification in the air management apparatus [S401: User Operation Input Step].

The controller600initiates the humidification process by raising at least one of the first retractable fan200or the second retractable fan200′ to protrude above the upper surface of the housing10. For example, the controller initiates the operation of the lift motor230installed in the first lift platform214. The rotation of the second lift gear232coupled to the shaft of the lift motor230and engaged with the first lift gear212vertically raises the first lift platform214. As a result, the first retractable duct234coupled to the first support ring216of the first lift platform vertically rises with the first lift platform214. [S403: Retractable Fan Rising Step].

Optionally, or in addition, the controller600may drive the first primary impeller131and may drive the second impeller131′ and/or third impeller131″ to supply the indoor air to the inside through the bottom inlet11′. If the heat exchanger104is turned OFF, and the corresponding louvers141,142, and/or143may be opened to allow discharge of air [S405: Optional Primary Impeller and Louver Operation Step]. If the corresponding primary impeller or impellers is operated, air is sucked from the outside into the housing10through the bottom inlet11′ to flow into the main air flow passage102. [S407: Optional Air Intake Step]. Further, the controller may open the corresponding dampers to allow passage of air from the branch air flow passage129at least one of the first retractable fan200or the second retractable fan200′. [S409: Optional Brach Flow Air Passage Step].

If the optional steps S405to S409is not desired based on the user input in step S401, the process may go immediately from step S403to step S411. [S411: Humidity Generation Step]. The air from the main air flow passage pressurized by the inlet fan403and sent to the steam generator407through the air transfer duct405. The humidification pump417supplies water from the bucket419to the steam generator407under control of the controller600, and the steam generator407produces steam from the liquid transferred from the bucket419. The generated steam is mixed with the air delivered through the transfer duct405.

The humidified air may be delivered to at least one of the first retractable duct234or the second retractable duct234′ through at least one of the first discharge duct409or the second discharge duct411based on opening or closing of dampers. [S413: Humidity Delivery to the Retractable Fan Step]. For example, when the humidified air is discharged through the first retractable duct234on the left side of the housing10, the damper for the first discharge duct409is opened for connection or communication the first connection passage205of the first connection duct204. The first damper206may be closed to cut off communication with between the branch air flow passage219and the first connection duct204to prevent mixing of air and humidified air causing formation of condensation or moisture in the first connection duct204.

If a user selects rotation of the first retractable fan200through the input unit17, the controller600initiates the rotation of the first retractable fan200. [S415: User Operation Input]. As can be appreciated, such an input may be previously provided through step S401. Based on the rotary motor226being driven, the first retractable fan200rotates to further disperse the humidified air. [S417: Rotation of Retractable Fan Step].

FIG.47in conjunction withFIG.42illustrate an additional control method of the air management apparatus for discharging the humidified air through at least one of the first retractable fan200or second retractable fan200′ with the heat exchanger104turned ON for simultaneously performing the air temperature setting and humidification.

The user may input a user operation for air temperature setting and humidification through the input unit17formed on the front surface of the housing10of the air management device. The user may directly input the user operation by directly touching the input unit17or may input the user operation through wireless communication with an external device. [S501: User Operation Input Step].

If it is determined that a valid user operation is input through the input unit17, the controller600may start the operation of the air management device by starting the operation of at least one of the primary impellers131,131′,131″ to rotate at least one of the primary impeller blades130,130′ and130″, respectively. [S503: Drive Fan Operation Step]. When at least one of the primary impellers131,131′,131″ are operated, air surround the housing10is drawn through the bottom inlet11′ and introduced into the main air flow passage102. [S505: Air Suction Step]. When the air flows into the main air flow passage102of the primary air flow space through the bottom inlet11′, heat exchange proceeds in the heat exchanger104disposed inside the housing10. To this end, the controller600drives the heat exchanger104to perform heat exchange. [S507: Heat Exchange Step].

The heat exchanged air of the heat exchanger104may be delivered to at least one of the discharge ports15′-1,15′-2,15′-3provided on the front plate15of the front plate15by the rotation of at least one of the primary impellers130,130′,130″. The discharge ports15′-1,15′-2, and15′-3serve to discharge the heat exchanged air to the livable space in which the housing10is located. [S509: Air Supply Step to Discharge Port]. Because the louvers141,142,143determine opening and closing of the outlets15′-1,15′-2,15′-3, the louvers141,142,143must be opened. [S511: Louver Opening Step].

The heat exchanged air as described above may be supplied to at least one of the first retractable fan200or the second retractable fan200′ through the corresponding branch air flow passage. For example, if the user input selected discharge of air through the first retractable fan200, the branch air flow passage129allows heat exchange air to flow to first connection passage205of the first connection duct204by opening the first damper206. [S513: Branch Air Flow Step].

The inlet fan403of the humidifier400draws in air from the main air flow passage102to deliver the air to the steam generator407through the air transfer duct405. The steam generator407heats the liquid delivered from the bucket419to generate steam, and the steam is thus mixed with the air delivered through the air transfer duct405. [S515: Humidifying Air Generation Step].

At least one of the first retractable fan200or the second retractable fan200′ may be raised to discharge humidified air or heat exchange air to the outside. For example, if the user selects on the first retractable fan200in step S501, the controller initiates the operation of the lift motor230installed in the first lift platform214. The rotation of the second lift gear232coupled to the shaft of the lift motor230and engaged with the first lift gear212vertically raises the first lift platform214. As a result, the first retractable duct234coupled to the first support ring216vertically rises with the first lift platform214. [S517: Retractable Fan Rising Step].

The humidified air is supplied to at least one of the first retractable fan200or the second retractable fan200′ through at least one the first discharge duct409or the second discharge duct411. For example, if the user selection in Step S501indicates discharge of heat exchanged air through the second retractable fan200′ and discharge of humidified air to the first retractable fan200, the first damper206may be closed while the first discharge duct409of the humidifier400is opened to allow passage of humified air to the first connection passage205such that the heat exchange air, especially cooled air, provided through the branch air flow passage129may not mix with the humidified air to form condensation of liquid in the first connection duct204. [S519: Delivery of Humidified Air to Selected Retractable Step].

If a user selects rotation of the first retractable fan200through the input unit17, the controller600initiates the rotation of the first retractable fan200. [S521: User Operation Input]. As can be appreciated, such an input may be previously provided through step S501. Based on the rotary motor226being driven, the first retractable fan200rotates to further disperse the humidified air. [S523: Rotation of Retractable Fan Step].

In the illustrated embodiment, three discharge ports15′-1,15′-2, and15′-3are disclosed, but any number may be possible with different sized opening. Further, there may be one-to-one correspondence between the number of discharge ports and number of louvers, variations are possible, e.g., two discharge ports with a single louver to open or close the discharge ports. Various configurations of discharge port opened/closed and first and second retractable fans protruding from the upper surface of the housing10are possible. For example, the louvers may be closed to deliver the heat exchange air only to at least one of the first retractable fan200or second retractable fan200′ or air sent to the opened louvers and protruding retractable fan. In other words, due to the independent operation of the louvers and retractable fans, the configuration for discharging air may be independently controlled by the user.

In the illustrated embodiment, the branch air flow passage129is in communication with the first vertical duct208through the first connection duct204. However, the branch air flow passage129and the vertical duct208may be directly connected with the first damper206interposed therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, in the position of the first vertical duct208in the first inner frame202is biased toward the end of the housing10relatively away from the primary air flow space20. However, if the position of the vertical duct208is adjacent to the primary air flow space20, the connection duct204may be omitted, and/or the first discharge duct409may be directly connected to the vertical duct208.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first movable panel16is described as being automatically opened and closed, but this may not be required. A user may directly open or close the first movable panel16. Further, the tilting table449of the bucket seat415may be tilted by pressing a button or manually tilted.

Further, the lift motor230may be installed at the top of the first vertical flow path210, and the first lift gear212may be formed in the vertical direction on the rear surface of the first retractable duct234.

Although three filters320,330, and340may be used, less than three filters may be used. In addition, although three passing regions302are formed in the filter frame301, the number may be less. The rail assembly350may assist moving the filter frame301in and out of the housing10, but the rail assembly350may not necessarily used, and the filter frame301may be pulled in and out without the rail assembly350.

In the illustrated embodiment, the suction force at the cleaner suction opening373may be prevented from being leaked using the elastic bristles375, but various leakage blocking members such as elastic seals are used.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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