Patent ID: 12196221

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

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

With respect to components used in the following description, the suffixes “module” and “unit” are merely given or mixed in consideration of only facilitation of description and do not have any distinct importance or role.

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

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

It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another component, the two components may be directly connected or coupled to each other, or intervening components may be present between the two components. It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being “directly connected or coupled,” no intervening components are present between the two components.

A singular expression includes a plural expression, unless the context clearly states otherwise.

Referring toFIG.1, the overall structure of the blower1will be described first.FIG.1shows the overall outer shape of the blower1.

The blower1may be named by other names such as an air conditioner, an air clean fan, and an air purifier, in that it sucks air and circulates the sucked air.

The blower1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a suction module100through which air is sucked, and a blower module200through which the sucked air is discharged.

The blower1may have a columnar shape that decreases in diameter toward an upper portion, and the blower1may have a conical or truncated cone shape as a whole. When the cross section becomes narrower toward am upper side, there are benefits in that the center of gravity is lowered and the overturn risk due to external impact is reduced. However, unlike the present embodiment, the cross section does not need to be in a form that becomes narrower toward the upper side.

The suction module100may be formed to gradually decrease in diameter toward an upper end, and the blower module200may also be formed to gradually decrease in diameter toward the upper end.

The suction module100may include a base110, the lower case120disposed on an upper side of the base110, and a filter130disposed in an inner side of the lower case120.

The base110may be seated on the ground, and may support the load of the blower1. The lower case120and the filter130may be seated on an upper side of the base110.

The outer shape of the lower case120may be cylindrical, and may form a space in which the filter130is disposed therein. The lower case120may have a suction port121that is opened toward an inner side of the lower case120formed therein. A plurality of suction ports121may be formed along a circumference of the lower case120. Each of the plurality of suction ports121may be elongated in an up-down direction.

The outer shape of the filter130may be cylindrical, and may filter out foreign substances contained in the air introduced through the suction port121.

The blowing module200may be disposed separately in the form of two columns elongated up and down. The blowing module200may include the first tower220and the second tower230that are spaced apart from each other. The blowing module200may include a tower base160connecting the first tower220and the second tower230to the suction module100. The tower base160may be disposed in an upper side of the suction module100, and may be disposed in a lower side of the first tower220and the second tower230.

The outer shape of the tower base160may be cylindrical, and may be disposed in an upper side of the suction module100to form a continuous outer circumferential surface with the suction module100. The tower base160may be a portion of the lower case120. The lower case120may include the tower base160.

An upper surface of the tower base160may be formed to be concave downward, and may form a groove161elongated in a front and rear direction. The first tower220may be elongated to an upper side from one side161aof the groove161, and the second tower230may be elongated to an upper side from an other side161bof the groove161.

The tower base160may distribute the filtered air blown from an inside of the suction module100, and provide the distributed air to each of the first tower220and the second tower230.

The tower base160, the first tower220, and the second tower230may be manufactured as each separate parts, or may be manufactured integrally. The tower base160and the first tower220may form a continuous outer circumferential surface of the blower1, and the tower base160and the second tower230may form a continuous outer circumferential surface of the blower1. The tower base160may be a portion of the lower case120. The first tower220and the second tower230may be referred to as an “upper case” disposed in an upper side of the lower case120.

Unlike the present embodiment, the first tower220and the second tower230may be directly assembled to the suction module100without the tower base160, and may be manufactured integrally with the suction module100.

The first tower220and the second tower230may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other, and a blowing space S may be formed between the first tower220and the second tower230.

The blowing space S may be understood as a space between the first tower220and the second tower230in which a forward, a rearward, and an upward are opened.

The outer shape of the blower module200composed of the first tower220, the second tower230, and the blowing space S may be a truncated cone.

Discharge ports222and232formed in each of the first tower220and the second tower230may discharge air toward the blowing space S. When it is necessary to distinguish the discharge ports222and232, a discharge port formed in the first tower220is referred to as the first discharge port222, and a discharge port formed in the second tower230is referred to as the second discharge port232.

The first tower220and the second tower230may be disposed symmetrically with respect to the blowing space S. Since the first tower220and the second tower230are disposed symmetrically, the flow is uniformly distributed in the blowing space S, which is more beneficial for controlling the horizontal airflow and the rising airflow.

The first tower220may include a first tower case221that forms an outer shape of the first tower220, and the second tower230may include a second tower case231that forms an outer shape of the second tower230. The first tower case221and the second tower case231may be referred to as upper cases disposed in an upper side of the lower case120and having each of the discharge ports222and232through which air is discharged formed therein. The lower case120and the upper cases221and231may be included in a “case” and may be a specific concept of the case.

The first discharge port222may be elongated long in the first tower220along an up-down direction, and the second discharge port232may be elongated long in the second tower230along an up-down direction.

The flow direction of the air discharged from the first tower220and the second tower230may be formed in a front and rear direction.

The width of the blowing space S, which is an interval between the first tower220and the second tower230, may be formed to be the same in an up-down direction. However, the width of an upper end of the blowing space S may be formed to be narrower or wider than the width of a lower end.

By forming the width of the blowing space S uniformly along an up-down direction, it is possible to evenly distribute the air flowing forward with respect to the blowing space S in an up-down direction.

When the width of a upper side is different from the width of a lower side, the flow velocity of the wider side may be formed low, and a deviation of the velocity may occur based on an up-down direction. When the air flow velocity deviation occurs in an up-down direction, the amount of clean air supplied may vary depending on an up-down direction position where the air is discharged.

After the air discharged from each of the first discharge port222and the second discharge port232is joined in the blowing space S, it may be supplied to a user.

The air discharged from the first discharge port222and the air discharged from the second discharge port232do not individually flow to a user, but may be supplied to the user after being joined in the blowing space S.

The blowing space S may be used as a space where the discharge air is joined and mixed. An indirect air flow is formed in the air around the blower1by the discharge air discharged to the blowing space S, and the air around the blower1may also flow toward the blowing space S.

Since the discharge air of the first discharge port222and the discharge air of the second discharge port232are joined in the blowing space S, it is possible to improve the straightness of the discharge air. By joining the discharge air of the first discharge port222and the discharge air of the second discharge port232in the blowing space S, the air around the first tower220and the second tower230may also be induced flow forward along an outer circumferential surface of the blower module200by an indirect airflow.

The first tower case221may include a first tower upper end221aforming an upper side surface of the first tower220, a first tower front end221bforming a forward surface of the first tower220, a first tower rear end221cforming a rearward surface of the first tower220, the a first outer wall221dforming an outer circumferential surface of the first tower220, and the first inner wall221eforming an inner side surface of the first tower220.

The second tower case231may include a second tower upper end231aforming an upper side surface of the second tower230, a second tower front end231bforming a forward surface of the second tower230, a second tower rear end231cforming a rearward surface of the second tower230, the second outer wall231dforming an outer circumferential surface of the second tower230, and the second inner wall231eforming an inner side surface of the second tower230.

The first outer wall221dand the second outer wall231dmay be formed to be convex outward in a radial direction to form an outer circumferential surface of each of the first tower220and the second tower230.

The first inner wall221eand the second inner wall231eare formed to be convex inwardly in a radial direction to form an inner circumferential surface of each of the first tower220and the second tower230.

The first discharge port222may be formed to be elongated in an up-down direction with respect to the first inner wall221e, and may be formed to be opened inwardly in a radial direction. The second discharge port232may be formed to be elongated in an up-down direction with respect to the second inner wall231e, and may be formed to be opened inwardly in a radial direction.

The first discharge port222may be formed at a position closer to the first tower rear end221cthan the first tower front end221b. The second discharge port232may be formed at a position closer to the second tower rear end231cthan the second tower front end231b.

A first board slit223through which a first airflow converter401(seeFIG.5) to be described later penetrates may be formed to be elongated in an up-down direction with respect to the first inner wall221e. A second board slit233through which a second airflow converter402(seeFIG.5) to be described later penetrates may be formed to be elongated in an up-down direction with respect to the second inner wall231e. The first board slit223and the second board slit233may be formed to be opened toward the blowing space S.

The first board slit223may be formed at a position closer to the first tower front end221bthan the first tower rear end221c. The second board slit233may be formed at a position closer to the second tower front end231bthan the second tower rear end231c. The first board slit223and the second board slit233may be formed to face each other.

Hereinafter, the internal structure of the blower1will be described with reference toFIGS.2and3.FIG.2is a cross-sectional perspective view of the blower1cut along line P-P′ illustrated inFIG.1, andFIG.3is a cross-sectional perspective view of the blower1cut along line Q-Q′ illustrated inFIG.1.

Referring toFIG.2, a substrate assembly150for controlling the operation of a fan assembly300may be disposed in an upper side of the base110. A control space150S in which the substrate assembly150is disposed may be formed in the upper side of the base110. The filter130may be disposed in an upper side of the control space150S. The outer shape of the filter130may be a cylindrical shape, and a cylindrical filter hole131may be formed in an inner side of the filter130.

Air introduced through the suction port121may pass through the filter130and flow to the filter hole131.

A suction grill140through which air flowing to an upper side through the filter130passes may be disposed in an upper side of the filter130. The suction grill140may be disposed between the fan assembly300and the filter130. The suction grill140may prevent a hand of a user from being put into the fan assembly300when the lower case120is removed and the filter130is separated from the blower1.

The fan assembly300may be disposed in an upper side of the filter130, and may generate suction force for the air outside the blower1.

By the driving of the fan assembly300, the air outside the blower1passes through the suction port121and the filter hole131sequentially and blows to the first tower220and the second tower230.

Between the filter130and the blower module200, a pressurized space300sin which the fan assembly300is disposed may be formed.

A first distribution space220sin which the air passing through the pressurized space300sflows to an upper side may be formed inside the first tower220, and a second distribution space230sin which the air passing through the pressurized space300sflows to an upper side may be formed inside the second tower230. The tower base160may distribute the air that has passed through the pressurized space300sto the first distribution space220sand the second distribution space230s. The tower base160may be a channel connecting the first and second towers220and230and the fan assembly300. The first distribution space220smay mean an internal space of the first tower220. The second distribution space230smay mean an inner space of the second tower230.

The first distribution space220smay be formed between the first outer wall221dand the first inner wall221e. The second distribution space230smay be formed between the second outer wall231dand the second inner wall231e.

The first tower220may include a first air guide520for guiding a flow direction of the air in the first distribution space220s. A plurality of first air guides520may be disposed to be vertically spaced apart from each other.

The first air guide520may be elongated from the first tower rear end221ctoward the first tower front end221b. The first air guide520may be spaced apart from the rear of the first tower front end221b. The first air guide520may be elongated to be inclined to a lower side toward the front. An angle at which each of the plurality of first air guides520is inclined to a lower side may be smaller as disposed closer to an upper side. A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

The second tower230may include a second air guide530for guiding a flow direction of the air in the second distribution space230s. A plurality of second air guides530may be disposed to be vertically spaced apart from each other.

The second air guide530may be elongated from the second tower rear end231ctoward the second tower front end231b. The second air guide530may be spaced apart from the rear of the second tower front end231b. The second air guide530may be elongated to be inclined downward toward the front. An angle at which each of the plurality of second air guides530is inclined downward may be smaller as disposed closer to an upper side. A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

The first air guide520may guide a flow direction of the air discharged from the fan assembly300toward the first discharge port222. The second air guide530may guide a flow direction of the air discharged from the fan assembly300toward the second discharge port232.

Referring toFIG.3, the fan assembly300may include the fan motor310for generating power, the fan motor housing330in which the fan motor310is accommodated, the fan320rotating by receiving power from the fan motor310, and a diffuser340for guiding the air pressurized by the fan320upward.

The fan motor310may be disposed in an upper side of the fan320, and may be connected to the fan320through a motor shaft311elongated downward from the fan motor310.

The fan motor housing330may include a first motor housing331covering an upper portion of the fan motor310and a second motor housing332covering a lower portion of the fan motor310.

The first discharge port222may be elongated to an upper side from the one side161aof a groove161. A first discharge port lower end222dmay be formed on the one side161aof the groove161.

The first discharge port222may be spaced apart from a lower side of the first tower upper end221a. A first discharge port upper end222cmay be spaced apart from a lower side of the first tower upper end221a.

The first discharge port222may to be elongated to be inclined in an up-down direction. The first discharge port222may be formed to be inclined to the front toward an upper side. The first discharge port222may be elongated to be inclined rearward with respect to a vertical shaft Z elongated in an up-down direction.

The first discharge port front end222aand the first discharge port rear end222bmay be elongated to be inclined in an up-down direction, and may be elongated in parallel with each other. The first discharge port front end222aand the first discharge port rear end222bmay be elongated to be inclined rearward toward a lower side with respect to the vertical axis Z elongated in an up-down direction.

The first tower220may include a first discharge guide225for guiding the air in the first distribution space220sto the first discharge port222.

The first tower220may be symmetrical with the second tower230with respect to the blowing space S, and may have the same shape and structure as the second tower230. The aforementioned description of the first tower220may be equally applied to the second tower230.

Hereinafter, an air discharge structure of the blower1for inducing a Coanda effect will be described with reference toFIGS.4and5.FIG.4illustrates a perspective view of the blower1from an upper side to a frontal lower part, andFIG.5illustrates a perspective view in which the blower1is cut along line R-R′ illustrated inFIG.1and is shown from the top.

Referring toFIG.4, gaps D0, D1, and D2between the first inner wall221eand the second inner wall231emay become smaller as they get closer to the center of the blowing space S.

The first inner wall221eand the second inner wall231emay be formed to be convex toward the blowing space S, and the shortest distance D0may be formed between the vertices of the first inner wall221eand the second inner wall231e. The shortest distance D0may be formed in the center of the blowing space S.

The first discharge port222may be formed rearward than a position in which the shortest distance D0is formed. The second discharge port232may be formed rearward than a position in which the shortest distance D0is formed.

The first tower front end (221b) and the second tower front end (231b) may be spaced apart by a first gap D1. The first tower rear end221cand the second tower rear end231cmay be spaced apart by a second interval D2.

The first interval D1and the second interval D2may be the same. The first interval D1may be greater than the shortest distance D0, and the second interval D2may be greater than the shortest distance D0.

The gap between the first inner wall221eand the second inner wall231emay decrease from the rear ends221cand231cto a position in which the shortest distance D0is formed, and increase from a position in which the shortest distance D0is formed to the front ends221band231b.

The first tower front end (221b) and the second tower front end (231b) may be formed to be inclined with respect to a front and rear shaft X.

A tangent line drawn at each of the first tower front end221band the second tower front end231bmay have a predetermined inclination angle A with respect to the front and rear shaft X.

Some of the air discharged forward through the blowing space S may flow with the inclination angle A with respect to the front and rear axis X.

By the aforementioned structure, a diffusion angle of the air discharged forward through the blowing space S may be increased.

The first airflow converter401may be in a state drawn to the first board slit223when the air is discharged forward through the blowing space S.

The second airflow converter402may be in a state drawn to the second board slit233when the air is discharged forward through the blowing space S.

Referring toFIG.5, the air discharged toward the blowing space S may be guided in a flow direction by the first discharge guide225and the second discharge guide235.

The first discharge guide225may include a first inner guide225aconnected to the first inner wall221eand a first outer guide225bconnected to the first outer wall221d.

The first inner guide225amay be manufactured integrally with the first inner wall221e, but may be manufactured as a separate part.

The first outer guide225bmay be manufactured integrally with the first outer wall221d, but may be manufactured as a separate part.

The first inner guide225amay be formed to protrude from the first inner wall221etoward the first distribution space220s.

The first outer guide225bmay be formed to protrude from the first outer wall221dtoward the first distribution space220s. The first outer guide225bmay be formed to be spaced apart from an outside of the first inner guide225a, and the first discharge port222may be formed with the first inner guide225atherebetween.

The radius of curvature of the first inner guide225amay be smaller than the radius of curvature of the first outer guide225b.

The air in the first distribution space220smay flow between the first inner guide225aand the first outer guide225band flow into the blowing space S through the first discharge port222.

The second discharge guide235may include a second inner guide235aconnected to the second inner wall231eand a second outer guide235bconnected to the second outer wall231d.

The second inner guide235amay be manufactured integrally with the second inner wall231e, but may be manufactured as a separate part.

The second outer guide235bmay be manufactured integrally with the second outer wall231d, but may be manufactured as a separate part.

The second inner guide235amay be formed to protrude from the second inner wall231etoward the second distribution space230s.

The second outer guide235bmay be formed to protrude from the second outer wall231dtoward the second distribution space230s. The second outer guide235bmay be formed to be spaced apart from an outside of the second inner guide235a, and the second discharge port232may be formed with the second inner guide235atherebetween.

The radius of curvature of the second inner guide235amay be smaller than the radius of curvature of the second outer guide235b.

The air in the second distribution space230smay flow between the second inner guide235aand the second outer guide235band flow into the blowing space S through the second discharge port232.

The widths w1, w2, and w3of the first discharge port222may be formed to gradually decrease from an inlet to an outlet of the first discharge guide225and then increase.

The size of an inlet width w1of the first discharge guide225may be greater than an outlet width w3of the first discharge guide225.

An inlet222iof the first discharge port222may have the inlet width w1. An outlet222oof the first discharge port222may have an outlet width w3. The inlet222iof the first discharge port222may be positioned at the rear of the outlet222o. The air introduced into the first discharge port222may flow forward from the inlet222ito the outlet222o.

The inlet width w1may be defined as a gap between an outer end of the first inner guide225aand an outer end of the first outer guide225b. The outlet width w3may be defined as a gap between the first discharge port front end222a, which is an inner end of the first inner guide225a, and the first discharge port rear end222b, which is an inner end of the first outer guide225b.

The size of the inlet width w1and the outlet width w3may be greater than the size of the shortest width w2of the first discharge port222.

The shortest width w2may be defined as the shortest distance between the first discharge port rear end222band the first inner guide225a.

The width of the first discharge port222may gradually decrease from an inlet of the first discharge guide225to a position where the shortest width w2is formed, and may gradually increase from a position where the shortest width w2is formed to an outlet of the first discharge guide225.

Like the first discharge guide225, the second discharge guide235may have a second discharge port front end232aand a second discharge port rear end232bformed therein, and may have the same width distribution as the first discharge guide225.

Hereinafter, the disposition of an air guide500will be described with reference toFIG.6.FIG.6illustrates an internal structure of the second tower230and the tower base160by cutting out a portion of the case in the blower1illustrated inFIG.1.

The air guide500may include a first air guide520disposed in the first tower220, and a second air guide530disposed in the second tower230. The first air guide520and the second air guide530may have the same structure, and may be symmetrical to each other based on the blowing space S. The description of the second air guide530to be described below may be equally applied to the first air guide520.

The fan assembly300may introduce outside air of the blower1into the lower case120through the suction port121. The air introduced into the lower case120may flow into the pressurized space300sthrough the filter hole131. The lower case120may include a door129, and the door129may be detachably attached to the lower case120. When the door129is separated from the lower case120, the filter130may be in a state in which it may be withdrawn from an inside of the case.

The air introduced into the pressurized space300sby the fan assembly300may be introduced into the second tower230through the second distribution space230s. The air introduced into the second tower230may flow upward, and the flow direction may be guided by the second air guide530.

The second air guide530may be disposed in an upper side of the fan assembly300, and may be disposed in the second distribution space230s.

A plurality of second air guides530may be disposed to be paced apart in an up-down direction. The number of the second air guides530is not limited, but four thereof may be disposed.

The second air guide530may be elongated in a front and rear direction from the second tower rear end231ctoward the second tower front end231b. A guide rear end532of the second air guide530may be connected to the second tower rear end231c. A guide front end531of the second air guide530may be spaced apart from the rear of the second tower front end231b. The second air guide530may have a plate shape elongated in a horizontal direction, and may have a curved shape. A guide inner end533of the second air guide530may be in close contact with or connected to the second inner wall231e. A guide outer end534of the second air guide530may be in close contact with or connected to the second outer wall231d. The second air guide530may have a curved plate shape elongated between the second inner wall231eand the second outer wall231d.

Hereinafter, with reference toFIG.7, the structure of the air guide500will be described in detail.FIG.7is a view of the blower1illustrated inFIG.6as a perspective view from the side.

Hereinafter, the air guide500will be described with the second air guide530as an example for convenience of explanation, but the description of the second air guide530may be applied in the same manner as the first air guide520.

The second air guide530may be disposed closer to the second tower rear end231cthan the second tower front end231b. The guide front end531may be spaced apart from the rear of the second tower front end231b, and the guide rear end532may be spaced apart from the front of the second tower rear end231c.

The second air guide530may be fixed to the second tower case231by coupling the guide rear end532to the second tower rear end231c. The second air guide530may be fixed to the second tower case231by coupling the guide inner end533and the guide outer end534to the second inner wall231eand the second outer wall231d, respectively.

The air guide500may be disposed in a plural number to be spaced apart in an up-down direction. The air guides500,520, and530include a first guide530a, a second guide530bdisposed in an upper side of the first guide530a, a third guide530cdisposed in an upper side of the second guide530b, and a fourth guide530ddisposed in an upper side of the third guide530c.

The first guide530amay refer to the air guide500disposed at a lowermost side among the plurality of air guides500. A lower surface of the first guide530amay face the fan assembly300, and an upper surface of the first guide530amay face a lower surface of the second guide530b.

The second guide530bmay refer to the air guide500disposed adjacent to the first guide530aamong the plurality of air guides500. A lower surface of the second guide530bmay face an upper surface of the first guide530a, and an upper surface of the second guide530bmay face a lower surface of the third guide530c.

The third guide530cmay refer to the air guide500disposed adjacent to the fourth guide530damong the plurality of air guides500. A lower surface of the third guide530cmay face an upper surface of the second guide530b, and an upper surface of the third guide530cmay face a lower surface of the fourth guide530d.

The fourth guide530dmay refer to the air guide500disposed at an uppermost side among the plurality of air guides500. A lower surface of the fourth guide530dmay face an upper surface of the third guide530c, and an upper surface of the fourth guide530dmay face the second tower upper end231a.

The second guide530band the third guide530cmay refer to the air guide500disposed between the first guide530aand the fourth guide530d.

The air guide500may be formed to be curved. Some of the plurality of air guides500may be formed to be convex to an upper side. Some of the plurality of air guides500may be elongated to be inclined to an upper side. Some of the plurality of air guides500may be formed in a flat plate shape. Some of the plurality of air guides500may be formed to be curved to a lower side.

The first guide530amay be formed to be curved to a lower side toward the front. The guide front end531aof the first guide530amay be positioned at a lower side than the guide rear end532a. The first guide530amay be elongated to be curved in a horizontal direction from the tower rear end231ctoward the front, and may be curved to a lower side toward the front. A tangent line at the guide front end531aof the first guide530amay have a downward inclination angle θ1with respect to the horizontal direction.

The second guide530bmay be formed to be convex to an upper side. The second guide530bmay be elongated to be curved from the tower rear end231ctoward the front, and may have an upwardly convex shape. The guide front end531bof the second guide530bmay be positioned at a lower side than the guide rear end532b. A tangent line at the guide front end531bof the second guide530bmay have a downward inclination angle θ2with respect to the horizontal direction. A tangent line at the guide rear end532bof the second guide530bmay have a downward inclination angle α1with respect to the horizontal direction.

The third guide530cmay be formed to be convex to an upper side. The third guide530cmay be elongated to be curved from the tower rear end231ctoward the front, and may have an upwardly convex shape. The guide front end531cof the third guide530cmay be positioned at an upper side than the guide rear end532c. A tangent line at the guide front end531cof the third guide530cmay have a downward inclination angle θ3with respect to the horizontal direction. A tangent line at the guide rear end532cof the third guide530cmay have a downward inclination angle α2with respect to the horizontal direction.

The fourth guide530dmay be elongated to be inclined to an upper side. The fourth guide530dmay be elongated from the tower rear end231ctoward the front, and may have a flat plate shape. The guide front end531dof the fourth guide530dmay be located at an upper side than the guide rear end532d. The upper and lower surfaces of the fourth guide530dmay have an upward inclination angle θ4with respect to the horizontal direction. The inclination angle θ4of the fourth guide530dmay be constantly maintained in a front and rear direction.

A distance that each of the plurality of air guides530a,530b,530c, and530dand the tower front end231bare spaced apart may be formed to be different from each other.

The first guide530amay be spaced apart from the tower front end231bby a first gap G1. The second guide530bmay be spaced apart from the tower front end231bby a second gap G2. The third guide530cmay be spaced apart from the tower front end231bby a third gap G3. The fourth guide530dmay be spaced apart from the tower front end231bby a fourth gap G4.

As the plurality of air guides500are disposed in a lower side, the gaps G1, G2, G3, and G4between the plurality of air guides500and the tower front end231bmay be widened. The first gap G1may be wider than the second gap G2, the second gap G2may be wider than the third gap G3, and the third gap G3may be wider than the fourth gap G4.

The second tower front end231bmay be elongated to be inclined in an up-down direction. The second tower front end231bmay be elongated to be inclined to the rear toward an upper side. The second tower front end231bmay be closer to the vertical axis Z positioned at a center toward an upper side. The second tower front end231bmay have a rearward inclination angle (31with respect to the up-down direction.

The second tower rear end231cmay be elongated to be inclined in an up-down direction. The second tower rear end231cmay be elongated to be inclined to the front toward an upper side. The second tower rear end231cmay be closer to the vertical axis Z positioned at a center toward an upper side. The second tower rear end231cmay have a forward inclination angle (32with respect to the up-down direction.

The second discharge port232may be elongated to be inclined in an up-down direction. The second discharge port232may be elongated to be inclined to the front toward an upper side. The second discharge port232may be closer to the vertical axis Z positioned at a center toward an upper side. The second discharge port232may be elongated in parallel with the second tower rear end231c. The second discharge port front end232aand the second discharge port rear end232bmay be elongated in parallel.

The tower front end231b, the tower rear end231c, and the discharge port232are formed to be inclined, and the gaps G1, G2, G3, and G4between the air guide500and the tower front end231bbecome narrower toward an upper side. Accordingly, the air blown by the fan320may be smoothly guided to the discharge port232by the air guide500. In addition, the tower front end231b, the tower rear end231c, and the discharge port232are formed to be inclined, and the gaps G1, G2, G3, and G4between the air guide500and the tower front end231bbecome narrower toward an upper side. Accordingly, the air discharged through the discharge port232may be uniformly distributed up and down.

In more detail, the air blown by the fan320has a higher pressure as it is closer to the fan320and a lower pressure as it moves away from the fan320. Accordingly, by forming a wide gap between the air guide500positioned close to the fan320and the tower front end231b, a higher flow rate of air is induced to be diffused upward, and simultaneously, the air discharged through the discharge port232is prevented from being concentrated in a lower portion. In addition, by forming a narrow gap between the tower front end231band the air guide500positioned far away from the fan320, the air whose flow rate has been reduced in the process of flowing upward is not detached and is induced to be guided to the discharge port232by the air guide500.

Hereinafter, the handle170will be described with reference toFIG.8.FIG.8is an enlarged view of a portion of a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the blower1.

The blower1may include the handle170disposed between the fan320and the air guide500. The handle170may be elongated toward the first tower front end221bfrom upstream of the air guide500.

The handle170may protrude toward an inner space of the lower case120. The handle170may protrude toward an inner space of the tower base160. A cut portion may be formed on an outer circumferential wall of the tower base160, and the handle170may be inserted into the cut portion of the tower base160.

The handle170may be disposed on a rear portion of the lower case120. The handle170may be disposed closer to the tower rear end221cthan the tower front end221b. When the blower1is viewed from the front, the handle170may be hidden from a front portion of the lower case120.

The handle170may be disposed between the groove161and the fan320. The handle170may be disposed in an inner space of the tower base160, and may be disposed in a lower side of the groove161.

The handle170may include a first wall171elongated forward toward the inside of the lower case120, a guide wall172spaced apart from a lower side of the first wall171, and a second wall173connecting the first wall171and the guide wall172.

The first wall171may penetrate through the lower case120and may be elongated forward. The first wall171may be elongated in a horizontal direction.

The guide wall172may be elongated to be inclined upward toward the front end221bof the first tower220. The guide wall172may have an inclination angle θ with respect to the horizontal direction. The guide wall172may be disposed in an upper side of the fan320, and may face the fan320in an up-down direction.

The second wall173may be elongated to an upper side from the guide wall172to be connected to the first wall171. The second wall173may be elongated in a vertical direction.

The handle170may include the gripping space174recessed toward a radially inner side of the lower case120. The gripping space174may be formed between the first wall171and the guide wall172. The second wall173may shield the front of the gripping space174.

A channel301through which air blown from the fan320flows may be formed between the fan motor housing330and the lower case120. The channel301may provide a passage through which the air blown from the fan320flows upward.

The fan motor housing330may include a first housing wall333elongated in an up-down direction, and a second housing wall334connected to the first housing wall333from an upper side of the fan320and elongated to be inclined toward the handle170.

The first housing wall333may be disposed to surround the fan motor310. The first housing wall333may be spaced apart from the lower case120.

The second housing wall334may be elongated to be inclined downward from the first housing wall333. The second housing wall334may be inclined toward a radially inner side of the lower case120toward a lower side.

The channel301may be formed between the fan motor housing330and the lower case120. The channel301may be formed in a space between the first housing wall333and the lower case120and between the second housing wall334and the lower case120.

Between the second housing wall334and the lower case120, the channel301may become narrower in width in a horizontal direction toward an upper side. Accordingly, the air blown from the fan320may be accelerated while passing through the channel301.

A diffuser340may be disposed between the first housing wall333and the lower case120. The diffuser340may be elongated in an up-down direction. The diffuser340may guide the flow direction of the air introduced into the channel301upward.

The handle170may be disposed in an upper side of the channel301. The handle170may face the channel301up and down. The handle170may be disposed in an upper side of the diffuser340.

The air blown from the fan320may pass through the channel301to reach the guide wall172of the handle170. The air reaching the guide wall172may flow toward the front end221bof the first tower220along the inclined surface of the guide wall172.

The width w1of the handle170protruding into the inner space of the lower case120may be smaller than the width w2of the channel301. Accordingly, some of the air passing through the channel301may flow upward without reaching the guide wall172.

An acceleration channel302may be formed between the handle170and the fan motor housing330. The acceleration channel302may communicate with the channel301. The acceleration channel302may refer to a space elongated from an upper side of the channel301toward the front end221bof the first tower220.

The fan motor housing330may include an edge335facing the guide wall172. The edge335may be formed in an upper portion of the fan motor housing330. The edge335may refer to an upper end of the first housing wall333.

The acceleration channel302may be formed between the edge335and the guide wall172. The width w3of the acceleration channel302may be smaller than the width w2of the channel301.

The flow rate of the air passing through the channel301may increase while passing through the acceleration channel302. The air passing through the channel301may be guided in the flow direction by the guide wall172, and simultaneously, the flow rate may increase while passing through the acceleration channel302. The air flowing toward the first tower front end221balong the guide wall172may be diffused forward by increasing the flow rate in the acceleration channel302.

The first tower220may include a protrusion228protruding toward the first discharge port222from the first tower front end221b. The protrusion228may be positioned between the air guide500and the handle170. The protrusion228may be integral with the first tower front end221b.

The protrusion228may be positioned at an upper side than the groove161. The protrusion228may be positioned at an upper side than an extension line L of the guide wall172.

The first tower220may include a lower guide227that is elongated to a lower side from the protrusion228and an upper guide229that is elongated to an upper side from the protrusion228.

The air flowing toward the first tower front end221balong the guide wall172may reach the lower guide227. The air reaching the lower guide227may be guided rearward by the protrusion228to reach the air guide500. The air that has reached the air guide500may flow backward along the air guide500and be discharged into the blowing space S through the first discharge port222. However, the flow path of the air blown from the fan320is not limited as described above. For example, the air blown from the fan320may be directly discharged through the first discharge port222, may flow upward along the first distribution space220s, may be guided forward by the guide wall172to reach the projection228, or may be guided forward by the guide wall172to reach the upper guide229.

The air guide500may be inclined downward toward the front. The air guide500may be inclined toward the protrusion228toward the front. The air guided backward by the protrusion228may reach the guide front end501of the air guide500. The guide front end501may be positioned forward than the first discharge port222. The air that has reached the guide front end501may flow backward along the air guide500and be discharged through the first discharge port222.

Hereinafter, a detailed structure of the handle170will be described with reference toFIG.9.FIG.9is an enlarged view of the handle170on the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the blower1.

A gripping space174may be formed in a rear portion of the lower case120. The gripping space174may refer to an inner space of the handle170. A user may carry the blower1by putting his or her hand in the gripping space174.

The handle170may include a gripping portion175protruding downward from the first wall171. The gripping portion175may protrude toward a lower side than a lower surface of the first wall171.

The gripping portion175may include a first gripping portion175aprotruding downward from the first wall171and a second gripping portion175belongated to be inclined upward from the first gripping portion175atoward the front.

A user may put his or her hand in the gripping space174and mount his or her fingers on the gripping portion175. The user may mount his or her fingers on the inclined surface of the second gripping portion175b.

A first fastening hole175sopened in an up-down direction may be formed in the gripping portion175. The gripping portion175may be fixed to the handle170by a first fastening member176penetrating through the first fastening hole175s.

The handle170may include a mounting portion177protruding downward from the guide wall172. The mounting portion177may be positioned at an inner side of the lower case120.

The lower case120may include an end portion120adisposed adjacent to the handle170. The end portion120amay be elongated to be curved toward an outside of the lower case120toward an upper side.

The mounting portion177may be disposed in an inner side of the end portion120a. The mounting portion177may be connected to the lower case120and may be connected to the end portion120a. The mounting portion177may be coupled to the lower case120through a separate fastening member (not shown).

Since the mounting portion177is connected to the lower case120from an inner side of the lower case120, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon that the handle170is separated from the lower case120.

The handle170may include a boss178protruding toward the groove161. The boss178may protrude toward an upper side from the first wall171.

The boss178may include a second fastening hole178sopened in an up-down direction. The handle170may be coupled to the groove161by a second fastening member179inserted into the second fastening hole178s.

As described above, the tower base160may be disposed in a lower side of the first tower220and the second tower230to connect the first tower220and the second tower230, and may be disposed in an upper side of the lower case120. The inner space of the tower base160may be referred to as a distribution channel160s. The distribution channel160smay distribute the air that has passed through the pressurizing space300sto the first distribution space220sand the second distribution space230s. The distribution channel160smay have one end communicating with the pressurizing space300s, and the other end communicating with the first distribution space220sand the second distribution space230s.

The aforementioned groove may be referred to as the bridge161in the sense of connecting the first tower220and the second tower230spaced apart with the blowing space S interposed therebetween. As described above, the first inner wall221eof the first tower220may be elongated upward from one side161aof the bridge161, and the second inner wall231eof the second tower230may be elongated upward from the other side161bof the bridge161. The bridge161may connect the lower portions of the first inner wall221eand the second inner wall231e. The bridge161may connect the lower portions of the surfaces221eand231ein which the first tower220and the second tower230face each other among the outer surfaces of the first tower220and the second tower230. The bridge161may connect the lower portions of the first inner wall221eof the first tower220and the second inner wall231eof the second tower230(seeFIG.1).

As described above the bridge161may have a concave shape downward. Accordingly, the air flowing through the distribution channel160smay flow smoothly into the first distribution space220sand the second distribution space230salong a concave surface of the bridge161.

As described above, the blower1may have a conical or truncated cone shape as a whole (seeFIG.1). Accordingly, the first tower220, the second tower230, and the blowing space S that form a continuous surface with the lower case120may have a conical or truncated cone shape as a whole. In other words, the continuous surface formed by the first tower220, the second tower230, and the blowing space S with the lower case120may have a narrower cross-sectional area toward an upper side.

The gaps D0, D1, and D2between the first inner wall221eand the second inner wall231emay become smaller as they get closer to the center of the blowing space S (seeFIG.4). The tower front ends221band231b, the tower rear ends221cand231c, and the discharge ports222and232may be formed to be inclined toward the center on a planar cross-section. The load of the first tower220and the second tower230may be concentrated on a central portion of the tower base160on a planar cross-section.

Since the first tower220and the second tower230are spaced apart with the blowing space S interposed therebetween, the load of the first tower220and the second tower230may be concentrated on the lower portions of the first inner wall221eand the second inner wall231e.

Since the first discharge port222and the second discharge port232may be elongated long in an up-down direction, and the first tower220and the second tower230may be elongated long in an up-down direction, the blower1may be vulnerable to an external force that widens or narrows the first tower220and the second tower230.

In this need, the support620may be provided for transferring the load of an upper portion of the blower1(in particular, the load concentrated on the inner walls221eand231eof the first tower220and the second tower230) to a lower portion of the blower1. Hereinafter, the supporter620will be described with reference in particular toFIG.8amongFIGS.1,8, and9.

The supporter620may be disposed inside the tower base160. The supporter620may be disposed inwardly spaced apart from the tower base160. The supporter620may be disposed in the vicinity of the center on a planar cross-section inside the tower base160. The supporter620may be disposed in a lower side of the first tower220and the second tower230. The supporter620may be disposed in an upper side of the motor housing330.

The supporter620may connect the bridge161and the motor housing330. The supporter620may connect the motor housing330to the lower portions of the surfaces of the tower230facing each other (that is, the first inner wall221eand the second inner wall231e). The supporter620may transfer the loads of the first tower220and the second tower230to the motor housing330. The motor housing330may transfer the received load to the lower case120through the aforementioned diffuser340.

The supporter620may be connected to the vicinity of a center in a front and rear direction of the bridge161. Accordingly, due to the shape of the blower1described above, it is possible to stably support the load concentrated on the central portion on a planar flat cross-section.

The supporter620may include the first protrusion622aelongated upward from an upper portion of the supporter620, and the second protrusion622belongated upward from an upper portion of the supporter620and spaced apart from the first protrusion622a. The first protrusion622aand the second protrusion622bmay face each other. The first protrusion622aand the second protrusion622bmay have a symmetrical shape. The first protrusion622aand the second protrusion622bmay be integrally formed with the supporter620.

A portion of the bridge161may be inserted between the first protrusion622aand the second protrusion622b. The bridge161may be inserted between the first protrusion622aand the second protrusion622bto be fastened to the supporter620. The bridge161may include an insertion portion161cinserted between the first protrusion622aand the second protrusion622b. The insertion portion161cof the bridge161may have a shape protruding downward from the bridge161. The insertion portion161cof the bridge161may be integrally formed with the bridge161. The insertion portion161cmay have a shape corresponding to the space between the first protrusion622aand the second protrusion622b. The lower surface of the insertion portion161cmay be fixed to an upper surface of the supporter620by a separate fastening member650. The fastening member650may be, for example, a bolt penetrating a lower surface of the insertion portion161cand an upper surface of the supporter620.

The supporter620may have a columnar shape as a whole. The supporter620may include the elongation624elongated laterally from a lower portion of the supporter620. The elongation624may be connected to an upper portion of the motor housing330. The elongation624may have a cross-sectional area corresponding to a cross-sectional area of an upper portion of the motor housing330. In this connection, the upper portion of the motor housing330may be understood as the elongation624of the supporter620. The edge335of the motor housing330may be understood as an outer end of the elongation624. The elongation624having a wider cross-sectional area is provided at a lower portion of the supporter620to stably transfer a load transferred from an upper portion to the motor housing330.

The supporter620may have a narrower cross-sectional area toward an upper side. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the flow resistance by minimizing the area in the distribution channel160soccupied by the supporter620while stably transferring the load transferred from an upper portion to the motor housing330.

The aforementioned fan motor housing330may be briefly referred to as the motor housing330. As described above, the motor housing330may be disposed inwardly spaced apart from the lower case120to form the channel301therebetween. As described above, the motor housing330may be disposed to surround the fan motor310. As described above, the diffuser340may be disposed between the motor housing330and the lower case120. The diffuser340may connect a circumference of the motor housing330and the lower case120. Accordingly, the load transferred from the supporter620to the motor housing330may be transferred to the lower case120by the diffuser340.

As described above, the handle170may protrude toward an inner space of the tower base160. Since the tower base160may be manufactured integrally with the lower case120, the description of the lower case120related to the handle170may be understood as relating to the tower base160.

The handle170may be disposed at a portion having a height corresponding to the supporter620in the tower base160. The supporter620may include the first surface626afacing one surface (in other words, the second wall173) of the handle170protruding into an inner space, and the second surface626adisposed in an opposite side of the first surface626a. For example, the first surface626amay be a rear surface of the supporter620, and the second surface626bmay be a front surface of the supporter620. The first surface626amay face the front surface of the tower base160, and the second surface626bmay face the rear surface of the tower base160and the handle170.

The first surface626amay be inclined at a predetermined first angle s1toward the second surface626b. The first angle may be a degree to which the first surface626ais inclined toward the second surface626bwith respect to a virtual up-down direction vertical line. The second surface626bof the supporter620may be inclined at a predetermined second angle s2toward the first surface626a. The second angle may be a degree to which the second surface626bis inclined toward the first surface626awith respect to a virtual up-down direction vertical line. The first angle s1may be greater than the second angle s2.

As the handle170protrudes into an inner space of the tower base160, the flow resistance of the air flowing through the distribution channel160smay increase. Accordingly, the first surface626aof the supporter620, which is the surface facing the handle170, is formed to be inclined to correspond to the direction in which the handle170protrudes as described above, so that it is possible to prevent an increase in flow resistance by the handle170in the distribution channel160s.

The blower1may include: the lower case120formed with the suction port121; the fan320disposed inside the lower case120; the fan motor310disposed in an upper side of the fan320; the motor housing330that is spaced apart from an inner side of the lower case120and surrounds the fan motor310; the diffuser600connecting a circumference of the motor housing330and the lower case120; the first tower220disposed in an upper side of the lower case120, elongated long upward, and formed with the first discharge port222; the second tower230disposed in an upper side of the lower case120, spaced apart from the first tower220, elongated long upward, and formed with the second discharge port232; and the supporter620connecting a lower portion of surfaces221eand231ein which the first tower220and the second tower230face each other among the outer surfaces of the first tower220and the second tower230and the motor housing330.

The blower1may further include the bridge161connecting lower portions of the surfaces221eand231ein which the first tower220and the second tower230face each other among the outer surfaces of the first tower220and the second tower230. The supporter620may connect the bridge161and the motor housing330.

In the blower1, the supporter620may include the elongation624elongated laterally from a lower portion of the supporter620. The elongation624may be connected to an upper portion of the motor housing330.

In the blower1, the cross-sectional area of the elongation624may correspond to the cross-sectional area of the upper portion of the motor housing330.

In the blower1, the supporter620may have a narrower cross-sectional area toward an upper side.

The blower1may further include the handle170disposed in a portion having a height corresponding to the supporter620in the lower case120, wherein one surface protrudes inward and the other surface is opened to an outer side to form the gripping space174. The supporter620may include the first surface626afacing the handle170, and the second surface626bdisposed in an opposite side of the first surface626a. The first surface6226amay be inclined at a predetermined first angle s1toward the second surface626b.

In the blower1, the second surface626bof the supporter620may be inclined at a predetermined second angle s2toward the first surface626a, and the first angle s1may be greater than the second angle s2.

The blower1may further include the blowing space S opened back and forth between the first tower220and the second tower230. The first tower220, the second tower230, and the blowing space S may form a continuous surface with the lower case120.

In the blower1, the continuous surface may be a truncated cone whose cross-sectional area becomes narrower toward an upper side.

In the blower1, the first tower220may include the first inner wall221efacing the second tower230and forming an inner surface of the first tower220, and the first outer wall221dforming an outer surface of the first tower220. The second tower230may include the second inner wall231efacing the first tower220and forming an inner surface of the second tower230, and a second outer wall231dforming an outer surface of the second tower230. The bridge161may connect the lower portions of the first inner wall221eand the second inner wall231e.

In the blower1, the bridge161may be concave downward.

In the blower1, the supporter620may be connected to the vicinity of a center in a front and rear direction of the bridge161.

In the blower1, the supporter620may include the first protrusion622aelongated upward from an upper portion of the supporter620, and the second protrusion622belongated upward from an upper portion of the supporter620and spaced apart from the first protrusion622a. A portion of the bridge161may be inserted between the first protrusion622aand the second protrusion622b.

Hereinbefore, although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be individually understood from technical concepts or prospects of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure is able to be modified and implemented in various forms, so that the scope thereof is not limited to the above-described implementations. Therefore, when the modified implementation includes the components of the claims of the present disclosure, it should be viewed as belonging to the scope of the present disclosure.

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

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

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

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1: BLOWER110: BASE120: LOWER CASE160: TOWER BASE170: HANDLE220: FIRST TOWER230: SECOND TOWER320: FAN330: FAN MOTOR HOUSING340: DIFFUSER500: AIR GUIDE