KR102530507B1 - Air purifier management system and method for operating thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An air purifier management system and an operating method thereof are disclosed. An operating method of an air purifier management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include relaying, by a dongle device, communication between an air purifier to which the dongle device is connected and a management device managing the air purifier through a network; and for the management device to collect filter state data from the air purifier through the network, determine whether or not the filter replacement time for the air purifier has arrived based on the filter state data, and perform filter replacement according to the arrival of the filter replacement time. It may include providing a service.

Description

Air purifier management system and its operation method {AIR PURIFIER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THEREOF}

The present disclosure relates to an air purifier management system that provides preemptive repair and management services for functional filters through self-diagnosis of filter life and an operating method thereof.

In general, home appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, water purifiers, and air purifiers are designed to perform set functions by direct manipulation by users, and typically have a plurality of function buttons on their bodies.

In most of these home appliances, the entire operation is controlled by the control of a micom with a built-in driving program, and when a user sets a corresponding function using a function button, the micom performs the corresponding function by controlling the driver according to the set function.

However, when a failure occurs while performing a function in a home appliance, a failure code is displayed to determine the cause of the failure. However, since the general user could not accurately understand the cause of the failure, it is not a serious failure such as parts replacement due to a device defect. Even in this case, most users request a failure check.

For this reason, even when a simple failure occurs due to the user's negligence, the request for inspection has increased. Therefore, there is an urgent need to frequently perform fixed diagnosis of home appliances to perform a failure check before a failure occurs to provide a better failure service to users.

In particular, in the case of air purifiers, since it is not possible to guarantee a quantitative value for the life of the filter and the life of the filter is only guaranteed for a period of use such as 1 year or 6 months, it is impossible to present information on the actual life of the filter that reflects different situations. do. Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide users with optimal service for using the air purifier by frequently performing fixed diagnosis on the filter replacement of the air purifier so that the filter replacement can be performed when the filter replacement period arrives.

The foregoing background art is technical information that the inventor possessed for derivation of the present invention or acquired during the derivation process of the present invention, and cannot necessarily be said to be known art disclosed to the general public prior to filing the present invention.

Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-0408966 (2003.11.27)

An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to diagnose the lifespan of the functional filter through self-diagnosis of the functional filter and to perform filter replacement when the filter replacement period of the functional filter is reached.

An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a preemptive repair and management service of a functional filter through self-diagnosis of filter life.

An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a microcurrent to flow through a functional filter so that the formation of minimum surface resistance for collecting fine dust particles is maintained.

An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to perform safe filter replacement by not automatically applying a minute current during filter replacement.

An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to remotely diagnose a home appliance by using a self-diagnosis program at predetermined intervals and perform a failure check when a failure occurs due to a defect in the home appliance.

An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to remotely or automatically provide a firmware update function when a recall occurs due to a program error due to characteristics of a home appliance.

One problem of an embodiment of the present disclosure is that when an AS diagnosis or firmware update situation occurs for a customer who has purchased a home appliance that does not have an IoT function, on-site measures are not taken, and the factory (manufacturer) receives it to diagnose or replace parts. It is to solve the inconvenient problem of replacement.

An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to realize AS diagnosis service standardization by providing primary diagnosis information capable of diagnosing a failure due to a defect in a home appliance.

One task of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to improve customer service satisfaction through proactive service rather than post-service by utilizing a real-time self-diagnosis algorithm, although post-management service is mainly used when a failure occurs due to a defect in a home appliance. are doing it

The purpose of the embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned tasks, and other objects and advantages of the present invention not mentioned above can be understood by the following description and will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of the present invention. will be. It will also be seen that the objects and advantages of the present invention may be realized by means of the instrumentalities and combinations indicated in the claims.

An operating method of an air purifier management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include relaying, by a dongle device, communication between an air purifier to which the dongle device is connected and a management device managing the air purifier through a network; and for the management device to collect filter state data from the air purifier through the network, determine whether or not the filter replacement time for the air purifier has arrived based on the filter state data, and perform filter replacement according to the arrival of the filter replacement time. It may include providing a service.

An air purifier management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure collects state data of an air purifier through a network, determines whether a filter replacement time for the air purifier has arrived based on the state data, and determines whether a filter replacement time has arrived. a management device that provides a service for performing filter replacement according to; and a dongle device for relaying communication between the air purifier and the management device.

In addition to this, another method for implementing the present invention, another system, and a computer-readable recording medium storing a computer program for executing the method may be further provided.

Other aspects, features and advantages other than those described above will become apparent from the following drawings, claims and detailed description of the invention.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the service life of the functional filter is diagnosed through self-diagnosis of the functional filter, and when the filter replacement period of the functional filter is reached, the filter replacement can be performed, thereby improving customer service response satisfaction. .

In addition, a microcurrent is passed through the functional filter so that the formation of the minimum surface resistance for collecting fine dust particles is maintained, but the microcurrent is not automatically applied during filter replacement, thereby enabling safe filter replacement. .

In addition, it is possible to remotely diagnose a home appliance using a self-diagnosis program at predetermined intervals and perform a breakdown inspection when a failure occurs due to a defect in the home appliance, thereby improving customer satisfaction with service response.

In addition, due to the nature of home appliances, when a recall occurs due to a program error, a firmware update function can be provided remotely or automatically to improve customer satisfaction with service response.

In addition, for customers who have purchased home appliances that do not have IoT functions, in the event of an AS diagnosis or firmware update situation, it is possible to solve the inconvenient problem of not taking action on site and diagnosing or replacing parts by returning to the factory (manufacturer). there is.

In addition, AS diagnosis service standardization can be realized by providing primary diagnosis information capable of diagnosing failures due to defects in home appliances.

In addition, when a failure occurs due to a defect in a home appliance, post-management service is the main focus, but by using a real-time self-diagnosis algorithm, customer service satisfaction can be improved through pre-service rather than post-service.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

1 is an exemplary diagram schematically illustrating an air purifier management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
2 is a schematic block diagram of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
3 is a diagram for explaining the structure of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
4 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a filter of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
5 is a cross-sectional view of a filter of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
6 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an air purifier management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a dongle device included in the air purifier management system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for self-diagnosing an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
9 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a management device included in the air purifier management system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
10 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the management device of FIG. 9 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for managing an air purifier by a management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them will become clear with reference to the detailed description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented below, but may be implemented in a variety of different forms, and includes all conversions, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. . The embodiments presented below are provided to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention to which the present invention belongs. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

Terms used in this application are only used to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, the terms include or have are intended to designate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but one or more other features, numbers, or steps However, it should be understood that it does not preclude the possibility of existence or addition of operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Terms such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but components should not be limited by the terms. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding components are assigned the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof are omitted. I'm going to do it.

1 is an exemplary diagram schematically illustrating an air purifier management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1 , the air purifier management system may include an air purifier 100 , a dongle device 200 , a management device 300 , a user terminal 400 and a network 500 .

The air purifier 100 is a home appliance that filters or collects dust or dust in the air introduced into the case by driving a motor fan and discharges the purified air. In this embodiment, an air purifier is used as an example, but the air purifier may be replaced with other home appliances.

The home appliance 100 may include products that perform various functions for user convenience by using energy such as electricity, water, gas, and the like. Such home appliances include, for example, a water purifier that provides purified cold/hot water, a washer/dryer/dryer that performs washing/drying/drying of laundry, an air conditioner that cools/heats indoor air, and a food processor. Refrigerators that perform freezing/refrigeration for fresh storage may also be included.

In this embodiment, the air purifier 100 is provided in a home and may include a network 500 and a communication function. That is, in this embodiment, the air purifier 100 has a communication function and can communicate with the management device 300 through the network 500 .

The dongle device 200 may relay so that communication is possible between the air purifier 100 and the management device 300 . The air purifier 100 is not a device designed for IoT and may not have a communication function, and the dongle device 200 may be connected to the air purifier 100 to provide a communication function. Alternatively, the air purifier 100 may have a basic communication function, but may not be equipped with communication performance for filter life diagnosis and service according to the filter life diagnosis according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this case, the dongle device 200 A filter life diagnosis according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and communication performance for receiving a service according to the filter life diagnosis may be assigned.

As the dongle device 200 is connected to the input/output terminal of the air purifier 100, the air purifier 100 executes a self-diagnosis algorithm that is stored inside and can diagnose the filter life of the air purifier 100 at a preset cycle. Filter state data is collected from the filter state data and reference data preset in the manual of the management device 300 are compared to determine the filter lifespan of the air purifier 100 (whether filter replacement time has been reached), filter replacement A filter replacement code corresponding to the arrival of the time may be transmitted to the management device 300 .

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the filter life diagnosis of the air purifier 100 is specifically described as an example, but it can be applied not only to the filter life diagnosis but also to the air purifier 100 self-diagnosis. That is, the dongle device 200 is connected to the input/output terminals of the air purifier 100 and executes a self-diagnosis algorithm that is stored inside and can diagnose the air purifier 100 at a predetermined cycle, thereby preventing the air purifier 100 from Collect state data, compare the state data with reference data preset in the manual of the management device 300 to determine a defect in the air purifier 100, and send a fault code corresponding to the occurrence of the defect to the management device 300. can transmit

When communication with the air purifier 100 through the network 500 is possible, the management device 300 may remotely diagnose and monitor the filter life of the air purifier 100 . In this case, the management device 300 executes a self-diagnosis algorithm inside to collect filter state data from the air purifier 100 through the network 500, and based on the filter state data, the filter of the air purifier 100 It is determined whether the replacement time has arrived, and a service can be provided so that the filter can be replaced according to the arrival of the filter replacement time.

In addition, as described above, for self-diagnosis of the air purifier 100 as well as filter replacement, when the management device 300 can communicate with the air purifier 100 through the network 500, the air purifier is remotely (100) can be diagnosed and monitored. In this case, the management device 300 executes an internal self-diagnosis algorithm to collect state data from the air purifier 100 through the network 500, and based on the state data, defects in the air purifier 100 occur and can provide services to solve defects.

The dongle device 200 may receive a model number from the air purifier 100 as it is connected to the air purifier 100 . Here, the model number may be an identification number for identifying a product model of the air purifier 100, and may be stored in a memory within the air purifier 100.

The dongle device 200 may be configured to receive reference data for the air purifier 100 and a self-diagnosis algorithm for the air purifier 100 from the management device 300 according to the received model number.

The management device 300, as a server, may have a database of reference data for determining whether or not a defect and the type of defect are defective for various home appliances as well as air purifiers. In particular, in this embodiment, the database may have reference data for diagnosing the filter life of the air purifier. At this time, the database may store such reference data for each type and model of home appliances, particularly air purifiers.

In addition, the management device 300 includes self-diagnosis algorithms for diagnosing the lifespan of filters for each type and model of home appliances, particularly air purifiers, according to reference data, and determining whether other home appliances are defective or broken. It may store self-diagnostic algorithms that allow

The self-diagnosis algorithm may be configured to cause a processor of the dongle device 200 to compare filter state data and reference data to determine a filter replacement code corresponding to the lifespan of the filter of the air purifier 100, that is, the arrival of the filter replacement period.

The self-diagnosis algorithm is computer software, and when executed by the processor of the dongle device 200, the processor compares filter state data and reference data to determine a filter replacement code corresponding to the arrival of the filter replacement time of the air purifier 100. It may contain commands that allow

The management device 300 may transmit filter life diagnosis request information for the air purifier 100 to the dongle device 200, and result data for the filter life diagnosis of the air purifier 100 or air air purifier 100 from the dongle device 200. A filter replacement code corresponding to the arrival of the filter replacement time of the purifier 100 may be received. Here, the dongle device 200 collects filter state data from the air purifier 100 by executing a self-diagnosis algorithm stored therein, and compares the filter with reference data to a filter corresponding to the arrival of the filter replacement period of the air purifier 100. A replacement code may be generated and transmitted to the management device 300 .

In this embodiment, a service provided for filter replacement according to the arrival of the filter replacement period of the air purifier 100 by the management device 300 may include one of the first to third services.

The first service may include a service for updating the firmware of the air purifier 100 to the latest firmware by transmitting the latest firmware for the air purifier 100 to the dongle device 200 . The second service transmits a filter replacement code and a filter replacement manual corresponding to the filter replacement code to the counselor terminal 400, and allows the counselor to consult with a customer equipped with the air purifier 100 to determine the quality of the air purifier 100. A service for performing filter replacement through manipulation may be included. The third service transmits a filter replacement code, a repair manual corresponding to the filter replacement code, and necessary material information to the AS technician terminal 400, and allows the AS technician to visit the customer's home equipped with the air purifier 100. A service for performing filter replacement for the air purifier 100 may be included.

In this embodiment, the management device 300 orders a material capable of performing filter replacement of the air purifier 100 in response to a filter replacement code to a material management device (not shown) along with providing a third service. , AS technicians can visit customers' homes with materials.

The management device 300 may be a server for managing and operating the air purifier 100 . For example, the management device 300 may be an operation server that manages the air purifier 100 and is in charge of operating various devices so that necessary information can be smoothly exchanged. For example, the management device 300 may be an operation server that manages new registration of the air purifier 100, sensor status check, filter replacement, etc., and is in charge of operating various devices so that necessary information can be smoothly exchanged.

Also, the management device 300 may be a database server that provides big data necessary for applying various artificial intelligence algorithms and data for managing the air purifier 100 . In addition, the management device 300 includes a web server or application server for remotely monitoring the operation of the air purifier 100 using an air purifier management application installed in the user terminal 400 or an air purifier management web browser. can do.

Here, artificial intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science and information technology that studies how to enable computers to do thinking, learning, and self-development that can be done with human intelligence. It can mean allowing you to imitate intelligent behavior.

Also, artificial intelligence does not exist by itself, but has many direct or indirect relationships with other fields of computer science. In particular, in modern times, attempts to introduce artificial intelligence elements in various fields of information technology and use them to solve problems in the field are being very actively made.

Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that can encompass the field of study that gives computers the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed. Specifically, machine learning can be said to be a technology that studies and builds a system that learns based on empirical data, makes predictions, and improves its own performance, as well as algorithms for it. Algorithms in machine learning can take the form of building specific models to derive predictions or decisions based on input data, rather than executing rigidly defined static program instructions.

The management device 300 may receive and analyze service request information from the air purifier 100 , generate service response information corresponding to the service request information, and transmit the service response information to the air purifier 100 .

In this embodiment, when the voice recognition service is available in the air purifier 100, the management device 300 receives the spoken voice corresponding to the user's service request from the air purifier 100, and performs the voice recognition process to speak the spoken voice. The processing result of may be generated as service response information and provided to the air purifier 100 .

The user terminal 400 may receive an air purifier management service by accessing an air purifier management application and/or an air purifier management site provided by the management device 300 . Here, users refer to customers who can receive air purifier management services, counselors of AS management devices (not shown) who provide consultation information to customers who will receive air purifier management services, and households of customers who can receive air purifier management services. An AS technician of an AS processing unit (not shown) who visits and repairs home appliances, a manager of a home appliance division (not shown) that manufactures, supplies, and manages the air purifier 100, and materials that supply necessary materials upon request. It may include a manager of a management device (not shown), and the like. Hereinafter, the user terminal 400 may include one of a customer's terminal, a counselor's terminal, an AS technician's terminal, and a manager's terminal.

The user terminal 400 may include a communication terminal capable of performing functions of a computing device (not shown), and may include a desktop computer, a smart phone, a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a smart TV, a mobile phone, and a PDA operated by a user. personal digital assistants, laptops, media players, micro-servers, global positioning system (GPS) devices, e-readers, digital broadcasting terminals, navigation devices, kiosks, MP3 players, digital cameras, consumer electronics, and other mobile or non-mobile computing devices. It may be, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the user terminal 400 may be a wearable terminal such as a watch, glasses, hair band, and ring having a communication function and a data processing function. The user terminal 400 is not limited to the above, and a terminal capable of web browsing can be borrowed without limitation.

The network 500 may serve to connect the air purifier 100 and the management device 300 . Such a network 500 may be a wired network such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), and integrated service digital networks (ISDNs), wireless LANs, CDMA, Bluetooth, satellite communication, etc. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, the network 500 may transmit and receive information using short-range communication and/or long-distance communication. Here, the short-range communication may include Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), ZigBee, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology, Telecommunications include code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), and single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) technologies. can do.

The network 500 may include connections of network elements such as hubs, bridges, routers, and switches. Network 500 may include one or more connected networks, e.g., a multiple network environment, including a public network such as the Internet and a private network such as a secure corporate private network. Access to network 500 may be provided through one or more wired or wireless access networks. Furthermore, the network 500 may support an Internet of Things (IoT) network and/or 5G communication in which information is exchanged and processed between distributed components such as things.

2 is a schematic block diagram of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following description, descriptions of overlapping portions with those of FIG. 1 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the air purifier 100 includes a communication unit 130, a user interface 140, a sensor unit 150, a motor 160, a signal detection unit 170, a memory 180, and a control unit 190. can include

The communication unit 130 may be a communication interface necessary to provide transmission/reception signals between the air purifier 100, the management device 300, and the user terminal 400 in the form of packet data in conjunction with the network 500. In addition, the communication unit 130 may support various things intelligence communication (internet of things (IoT), internet of everything (IoE), internet of small things (IoST), etc.), machine to machine (M2M) communication, V2X ( vehicle to everything communication) communication, D2D (device to device) communication, and the like may be supported. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the second communication unit 710 may include a gateway.

The user interface 140 may include an input interface and an output interface of the air purifier 100 .

The input interface is a configuration through which the user can input information related to the overall operation and control of the air purifier 100. For example, the input interface includes a microphone (not shown) for voice recognition, a touch screen for touch input ( not shown) and the like.

The output interface may include a speaker (not shown), a display screen (not shown), and the like. In addition, the output interface may include a configuration through which the user can output information related to the overall operation and control of the air purifier 100 . That is, it may include a configuration for interface with a user.

The user interface 140 is a configuration through which a user can input information related to the air purifier 100 and check information related to the air purifier 100, and may refer to a control panel capable of inputting and outputting information. there is.

In this embodiment, the user interface 140 may be implemented in the user terminal 400 . For example, in this embodiment, user input and information output may be made possible through an air purifier management application of the user terminal 400 or an access screen of an air purifier management site.

3 is a view for explaining the structure of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the structure of a filter of the air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. This is a cross-sectional view of a filter of an air purifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In the following description, descriptions of portions overlapping those of FIGS. 1 and 2 will be omitted.

The structure of the air purifier 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , the air purifier 100 according to this embodiment may include a body part 110 and a composite filter part 120.

The main body 110 includes a case 111 in which an outdoor air inlet and an air outlet are formed, and a filter cover ( 112), a fan (not shown) that sucks outdoor air through an outdoor air inlet, passes through a filter, and discharges it through an air outlet, a BLDC (brushless direct current) motor (not shown) that rotates the fan, and an outdoor air inlet A heater (not shown) for heating the air sucked in and a plurality of sensors provided in the air purifier 100 to detect various situations may be included. In particular, in this embodiment, the air purifier 100 may include a humidity sensor 114 for detecting ambient humidity and a door sensor 115 for detecting opening and closing of the filter cover 112 .

On the other hand, the composite filter unit 120 may include various filters such as an ultra-fine pre-filter, a deodorization filter, and a HEPA filter. In this embodiment, a cylindrical composite filter in which a deodorization filter and a HEPA filter are combined may be applied. . However, the shape and type of the filter is not limited and may be variously selected and changed.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the composite filter unit 120 composed of composite filters will be described in detail. The composite filter unit 120 may include a deodorizing unit 121 that serves to deodorize and is composed of upper and lower caps on the flow path structure, and a filter unit 122 that serves as a HEPA filter. .

In particular, in this embodiment, the composite filter unit 120 has a filter means 122 for filtering foreign substances contained in the air introduced into the air purifier 100, and a disc shape coupled to the upper and lower parts of the filter means 122. It may be configured to include a deodorizing means 121 composed of an upper cap 121-1 and a lower cap 121-2. Since the composite filter unit 120 can be installed in or removed from the air purifier 100 for filter replacement, etc., the composite filter unit 120 can be configured to be mounted (coupled) in the air purifier 100.

The filter unit 122 has a cylindrical structure for filtering air, and may have a folded structure in which hills and valleys are repeatedly formed. Accordingly, it may be possible to filter more air in a larger area. In this embodiment, the filter means 122 is configured to include a HEPA filter as an example, but is not limited thereto. At this time, HEPA of HEPA filter stands for 'High Efficiency Particulate Air', and HEPA filter refers to a high-performance filter that can filter out most of the extremely fine particles. The size of the droplet is about 0.5㎛, and the HEPA filter can filter out more than 99.97% of particles of 0.3㎛ (micrometer) in the air.

The deodorizing means 121 may be formed in a structure in which the upper cap 121-1 and the lower cap 121-2 are symmetrical to each other, and corresponding to the hole size of the filter means 122, PM 1.0, PM 2.5 and It may be formed as a hole structure smaller than the size of at least one of PM 10.0. That is, the deodorizing means 121 may be formed as a hole structure capable of ventilation in the flow path structure.

In addition, the deodorizing means 121 may include solidified activated carbon, and may have an open cell structure such as a honeycomb type, for example. However, it is not limited thereto.

Conventionally, a separate deodorizing filter made of activated carbon is provided, and a cylindrical HEPA filter is provided in a combined form with an injection plastic cap. Therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative materials to solve the environmental problems of injection plastic. In addition, in the prior art, the area where the injection cap and the HEPA filter are combined has a blockage structure in terms of the flow path structure, reducing air intake and discharge, thereby reducing the performance of the air purifier 100 (CADR, deodorization efficiency, noise, etc.) There was a problem with this degradation. In other words, in the case of the thermally fused section between the ejection cap and the HEPA filter fabric, the thickness of the filter, the width of the ejection cap, and the size of the portion seated on the air purifier 100 are the same, so air cannot flow.

That is, in this embodiment, the conventional separate deodorizing filter made of activated carbon is replaced with a deodorizing block having a hard property such as injection plastic, so that the fusion between the deodorizing block (activated carbon is kneaded and put into a mold and solidified) and the HEPA filter can be fused. A complex filter through can be applied. That is, by manufacturing a frame in the form of a deodorizing block and developing a cap-shaped deodorizing means case using the frame, it is possible to facilitate the production of a filter combined with a HEPA filter.

In other words, in the composite filter unit 120 of this embodiment, the filter unit 122 and the deodorization unit 121 are thermally fused and fixed so that they come into close contact with each other, and the deodorization unit 121 corresponds to the hole size of the filter unit 122. It is composed of a one-hole structure, so that there is no leakage of the junction part with the filter means 122. In addition, since the composite filter unit 120 of this embodiment has a flow path structure in which the air passing through the filter unit 122 passes through the cap-shaped deodorizing unit 121, the deodorizing unit 121 has a hole processing structure advantageous to ventilation. can do.

On the other hand, in the case of the filter of the air purifier 100, it is not possible to guarantee a quantitative value for life, and the filter life is generally guaranteed only with a usage time of 1 year or 6 months, etc. The problem is that it is difficult to present information.

Thus, in this embodiment, when dust accumulates on the filter, it is possible to diagnose the lifespan of the filter and determine whether or not the filter replacement time has arrived by using the principle that resistance is generated. Such filter dust may be collectively referred to as a filter sensor to be described below capable of detecting dust (FIG. 8). A detailed method of performing self-diagnosis on the filter by measuring the resistance value will be described later (FIG. 6).

In this embodiment, a structure as shown in FIG. 5 may be configured to implement the above method. Accordingly, referring to FIG. 5 , the composite filter unit 120 of the present embodiment is connected to the electrode units 123 and 124 provided to apply current to the filter means 122 and the electrode units 123 and 124 to filter the filter. It may be configured to include at least two or more metal wires (a) installed in the longitudinal direction of the means 122 . For example, the metal line (a) may be provided on the folded portions of the filter unit 122 and may be made of a conductor such as copper or iron.

In addition, the electrode units 123 and 124 may include two electrode terminals (eg, a 1-1 electrode and a 1-2 electrode) to measure resistance between the electrodes. These electrode parts 123 and 124 may be configured in a structure that can be in contact with the current applying part 113 provided in the body part 110 of the air purifier 100, and the metal wire (a) is each electrode part. Since it can be configured in a structure connected to the electrodes included in (123, 124), the number of terminals for current application of the current applying unit 113 and the electrode terminal included in each electrode unit 123, 123 The number of and the number of metal lines (a) may be the same.

In other words, the complex filter unit 120 includes the electrode units 123 and 124 provided so that current is applied by contacting the current applying unit 113 provided in the body unit 110 when the body unit 110 is mounted, and the electrode Consisting of two metal wires connected to the two electrode terminals (eg, 1-1 electrode and 1-2 electrode) of the units 123 and 124 and installed in the longitudinal direction of the composite filter unit 120 It can be. Depending on the embodiment, a minute voltage may be applied.

In this embodiment, for convenience of description, the electrode unit is divided into a first electrode unit 123 and a second electrode unit 124, and the first sensing line 125 and the second electrode unit 123 are connected to the first electrode unit 123. The second electrode unit 124 may be classified as a second sensing line 126 . In this case, it may be assumed that there is no dust in the first detection line 125, and it may be assumed that there is dust in the second detection line 126.

Therefore, since there is no dust in the first sensing line 125, resistance is not sensed, and thus, a reference voltage according to the applied minute current can be measured. Further, since resistance is sensed due to dust in the second sensing line 126, a resistance value against a reference voltage can be calculated and a voltage change can be sensed. That is, the presence or absence of dust can be determined by detecting the resistance difference between the metal wire to which current is applied and the metal wire to which current is not applied. At this time, in the present embodiment, after calculating the resistance value, which is an analog value, by the ADC, the ADC value and the reference value may be compared.

That is, in this embodiment, when the calculated ADC value (resistance value) is greater than or equal to the reference value, it is determined that a lot of dust has accumulated, and it can be determined that the filter replacement period has been reached.

6 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an air purifier management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following description, descriptions of portions overlapping those of FIGS. 1 to 5 will be omitted.

In step S610, the air purifier management system receives the ADC value of the detection line.

Here, the sensing line may refer to a resistance value measurement line for two metal lines corresponding to the electrode parts 123 and 124 . In this embodiment, the dongle device 200 detects the resistance value of the sensing line, calculates it as an ADC value, and transmits it to the management device 300 . However, it is not limited thereto, and when the dongle device 200 collects the resistance value of the sensing line and transmits it to the management device 300, the management device 300 may receive it and calculate it as an ADC value.

In step S620, the air purifier management system compares the ADC value of the detection line with the reference value.

In this case, the reference value may be a preset value and may be changeable according to settings. For example, the higher the reference value is set, the longer the filter replacement period may be. However, since the filter replacement time may be extended by the reference value regardless of the actual lifespan of the filter, the reference value should be set based on the lifespan of the filter.

In step S630, the air purifier management system determines whether filter replacement time has arrived based on the comparison result.

In this case, the filter replacement time may be set to when the life of the filter actually ends, or may be set to a time before a certain time before the end of the life of the filter.

In this embodiment, based on the result of comparing the ADC value and the reference value in the dongle device 200, if the ADC value is greater than or equal to the reference value, it is determined that the filter replacement time has arrived, and the information can be transmitted to the management device 300. Depending on the embodiment, the management device 300 may compare the ADC value and the reference value to determine whether the filter replacement time has arrived.

In step S640, the air purifier management system checks the signal from the humidity sensor 114 when it is determined that the filter replacement period has arrived (yes in step S630).

In this embodiment, the humidity around the air purifier 100 is measured through the humidity sensor 114, and when the ambient humidity is high, resistance can be measured high. Therefore, even if the resistance value is measured higher than the reference value in the sensing line of the complex filter unit 120, it is not immediately determined whether the filter replacement time has arrived, but after checking the humidity through the humidity sensor 114, it is time to replace the filter. reach can be reached.

In step S650 , the air purifier management system determines that the filter replacement time has been reached, and generates filter replacement data, when it is determined that the signal from the humidity sensor 114 is normal.

In this embodiment, the dongle device 200 collects the humidity detection value from the humidity sensor 114, compares the humidity detection value with a preset threshold value, and determines that the humidity is normal when the humidity detection value is less than the threshold value. By judging, it is possible to finally determine whether or not the filter replacement time has arrived. Also, the dongle device 200 may generate filter replacement data for the final determination result. However, according to embodiments, the final determination of whether the filter replacement time has arrived and the generation of filter replacement data may be performed in the management device 300 .

In step S660, the air purifier management system transmits filter replacement data and outputs an alarm about whether or not the filter replacement time has arrived.

In this embodiment, the dongle device 200 may transmit filter replacement data to the management device 300 . That is, the management device 300 may receive filter replacement data from the dongle device 200 and provide a service according to the arrival of the filter replacement period.

In addition, the dongle device 200 may output a filter replacement alarm according to the arrival of the filter replacement time to notify the user. This filter replacement alarm may be output as vibration, light, or voice from the air purifier 100 itself, and the user may It may be output through a user terminal, and may be transmitted to the management device 300 so that the management device 300 may notify users and managers.

Meanwhile, when the filter replacement is performed according to the arrival of the filter replacement time, in step S670, the air purifier management system checks the signal from the door sensor 115.

Then, in step S680, the air purifier management system detects whether the filter cover 112 is opened according to a signal from the door sensor 115.

At this time, in step S691, when the air purifier management system detects the opening of the filter cover 112 (yes in step S680), it controls the application of current to be OFF, and in step S692, the filter cover 112 When the opening is not detected (No in step S680), that is, when the filter cover 112 is closed, the application of current may be continuously turned on.

More specifically, in the air purifier management system of the present embodiment, when the composite filter unit 120 is mounted on the main body 110 of the air purifier 100, it is provided on the main body 110 of the air purifier 110. Surface resistance formation of the filter means 122 may be maintained by applying a minute current through the electrode parts 123 and 124 in contact with the current applying part 113 .

This is because the HEPA filter fabric is not contaminated, but under environmental conditions where the surface resistance of MB (Melt Blown) fabric is lost (e.g., capacitance loss inevitably occurs due to charge transfer when a person touches the filter), fine dust This is because a minimum surface resistance formation structure that collects particles is required.

At this time, in this embodiment, the door sensor 115 is provided in the main body 110 of the air purifier 100 to detect the opening and closing of the filter cover 112, so that when replacing the filter, current application control is possible. can make it That is, when receiving the filter cover opening signal from the door sensor 115, the air purifier management system turns off the application of the minute current, and when receiving the signal to close the filter cover from the door sensor 115, turns on the application of the minute current. (on) By enabling control, it is possible to perform safe filter replacement.

Referring to FIG. 2 again, the sensor unit 150 collectively refers to the plurality of sensors described above, and the type of sensor is a carbon dioxide sensor (not shown) for sensing the carbon dioxide concentration in the room where the air purifier 100 is equipped. ), a dust sensor for sensing the concentration of fine dust in the room in which the air purifier 100 is provided, a temperature sensor (not shown) for sensing the temperature in the room in which the air purifier 100 is provided, and the air purifier 100 It may include a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the room provided, and a Hall sensor provided in the BLDC motor to detect the position of the extrinsic electron.

The motor 160 is the above-described BLCD motor, and may be a motor in which the disadvantages of a general DC motor are improved by implementing commutator and brush functions of a DC motor through a semiconductor switch. In this embodiment, the BLDC motor may be driven by the control of the controller 190 to rotate the fan. These BLDC motors maintain the characteristics of general DC motors, have a simple structure, and can be operated at high torque and high speed. However, in a BLDC motor, unlike a general DC motor in which the position of the magnetic flux of the rotor and the stator is kept constant by brushes, the position of the magnetic flux of the rotor cannot be known, so the position of the rotor, that is, the position of the permanent magnet, must be detected for operation. . Accordingly, the BLDC motor uses three Hall sensors to detect the position of the rotor, and the position of the rotor is divided into six areas through the output values of the Hall sensors.

The signal detector 170 may detect an operating voltage signal and/or an operating current signal of the air purifier 100 . In this embodiment, the signal detector 170 may detect the operating current of the BLDC motor.

The memory 180 may be connected to one or more processors to store codes that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to support various functions of the air cleaner 100 . That is, the memory 180 may store a plurality of application programs (applications) driven by the air purifier 100 , information for operation of the air purifier 100 , and commands. At least some of these application programs may be downloaded from the management device 300 through the network 500 . Also, the memory 180 may store information of one or more users who want to interact with the air purifier 100 . This user information may include authorization information (eg, face information and body shape information, voice information, etc.) that can be used to identify who the recognized user is. For example, in this embodiment, user information of an air purifier manager and at least one user may be respectively stored. That is, in this embodiment, a user-customized service may be provided by recognizing a user with stored user information.

Also, the memory 180 may store task information to be performed by the air purifier 100 in response to a user's voice command (eg, a command for controlling the air purifier 100).

The controller 190, as a kind of central processing unit, may control the entire operation of the air purifier 100 by driving control software loaded in the memory 180. In this embodiment, the control unit 190 performs overall control of the air purifier 100, and in particular diagnoses the state of the air purifier 100 based on signals from the sensor unit 150 and the signal detection unit 170. and can manage. In particular, the controller 190 may diagnose and manage the filter replacement cycle of the air purifier 100 and the replacement cycle of the BLDC motor.

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a processing unit (not shown) may be further included. The processing unit may be provided outside the control unit 190 or may be provided inside the control unit 190 and may operate like the control unit 190. That is, the processing unit may be for overall processing of the air cleaner 100 . However, it is not limited thereto, and the processing unit may be omitted.

7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a dongle device included in the air purifier management system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following description, descriptions of portions overlapping those of FIGS. 1 to 6 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the dongle device 200 may include an interface unit 210, a wireless communication unit 220, a second memory 230, and a second control unit 240.

The interface unit 210 is for connecting the air purifier 100 to the management device 300 as a host device, and a USB interface or the like may be used.

The wireless communication unit 220 may serve to access a mobile communication network so that the dongle device 200 can perform wireless data communication. The wireless communication unit 220 may receive a filter diagnosis request signal of the air purifier 100 from the management device 300, filter status data of the air purifier 100 received through the interface unit 210, status data, Self-diagnosis result data, filter replacement codes, fault codes, and the like may be transmitted to the management device 300 . Here, the mobile communication network may include one of Bluetooth, zigbee, wifi, wifi-direct, and near field communication (NFC).

The second memory 230 may store a self-diagnosis algorithm capable of diagnosing the air purifier 100 and/or a filter of the air purifier 100 . The self-diagnosis algorithm may vary depending on the product type of the air purifier 100 . For example, not only diagnosing the filter life of the air purifier 100, but also diagnosing the current of the BLDC motor, the carbon dioxide sensor, the gas sensor, the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, the BLDC Hall sensor, and the input voltage It may include an algorithm that

In addition, the second memory 230 may store filter state data obtained from the air purifier 100, and self-diagnosis result data obtained by executing a self-diagnosis algorithm, for example, the filter life of the air purifier 100 You can store how much is left and the filter replacement code when the filter is due to be replaced.

The second controller 240 may control the entire operation of the dongle device 200 . In this embodiment, the second controller 240 executes a self-diagnosis algorithm stored in the second memory 230 at a preset cycle or in response to diagnosis request information about the air purifier 100 from the management device 300. can The second control unit 240 compares the filter state data of the air purifier 100 collected from the air purifier 100 with reference data preset in the air purifier 100 manual of the management device 300 to obtain the air purifier. In (100), it is possible to determine a defective state such as the need to replace a filter. The second controller 240 may generate a filter replacement code corresponding to the arrival of the filter replacement time of the air purifier 100 and transmit the generated filter replacement code to the management device 300 .

In this embodiment, the second controller 240 updates the latest firmware for the air purifier 100 provided by the management device 300 in response to a firmware update request signal corresponding to the filter replacement code from the management device 300. received, and firmware stored in the air purifier 100 may be updated to the latest firmware through the interface unit 210 . Here, firmware refers to a program that controls hardware stored in a ROM or non-volatile memory. It is the same as software in terms of a program, but is distinguished from general application software in that it has a close relationship with hardware. It can be.

Meanwhile, when a fault code other than the aforementioned filter replacement code is received, the management device 300 sends a firmware update request signal of the air purifier 100 to the dongle device 200 only when the fault code is a fault code related to firmware. can transmit.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for self-diagnosing an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following description, descriptions of portions overlapping those of FIGS. 1 to 7 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 8 , in step S810, the dongle device 200 may collect dongle signals. Here, collecting the dongle signal may include generating a self-diagnosis signal every predetermined period (eg, 24 hours). In particular, in this embodiment, collecting the dongle signal may include generating a self-diagnosis signal in response to filter life diagnosis request information for the air purifier 100 from the management device 300 .

In step S820, the dongle device 200 may execute a self-diagnosis algorithm for diagnosing the air purifier 100. In particular, in this embodiment, the dongle device 200 may execute a self-diagnosis algorithm for diagnosing the filter life of the air purifier 100 .

In step S830, the dongle device 200 executes a self-diagnosis algorithm for the life of the air purifier 100 and/or the filter of the air purifier 100, and measures the filter sensor for detecting dust in the filter and the surrounding humidity. Status data from the humidity sensor (may include status data for diagnosing filter life, and in the case of sensing data detected by the humidity sensor, if collected for diagnosing filter life, may be included in filter status data, and the status of the air purifier itself When collected for diagnosis, it may be included in state data) may be collected and compared with reference data preset in a manual for diagnosing air purifier filter life collected from the management device 300 . At this time, the dongle device 200 calculates the sensor value collected from the filter sensor as an ADC value and compares it with the reference data, and calculates the sensor value collected from the humidity sensor as an ADC value and compares it with the reference data. Reference data (reference value) compared with the filter sensor and reference data (threshold value) compared with the humidity sensor may be set differently.

In step S840, the dongle device 200 may generate self-diagnosis result data for determining whether or not the filter replacement time of the air purifier 100 has arrived by using the comparison result. For example, the dongle device 200 may generate self-diagnosis result data such as 'filter replacement required' when the sensor value collected from the filter sensor is greater than or equal to the reference value. In addition, if the sensor value collected from the humidity sensor is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the dongle device 200 determines that a high resistance value has been detected due to humidity, and if it is less than the threshold value, self-diagnosis result data such as 'filter replacement required' is provided. can create Here, when the dongle device 200 determines from the self-diagnosis result data that the air purifier 100 has reached the filter replacement time, it may generate a filter replacement code corresponding to the arrival of the filter replacement time.

In step S850, the dongle device 200 stores the self-diagnosis result data for the air purifier 100 in the second memory 230, and stores the self-diagnosis result data for the air purifier 100 and the air purifier 100. The collected filter state data may be transmitted to the management device 300 .

9 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a management device included in the air purifier management system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the management device of FIG. 9 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is the block diagram shown. In the following description, descriptions of portions overlapping those of FIGS. 1 to 8 will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 , the management device 300 may include a processor 310 , a third memory 320 and a database 330 .

When communication through the network 500 is possible, the processor 310 may remotely diagnose and monitor the air purifier 100 by collecting status (API) data from the air purifier 100 . In addition, the processor 310 may remotely diagnose and monitor the air purifier 100 based on self-diagnosis result data collected from the dongle device 200 when communication through the network 500 is impossible.

The processor 310 may provide one of the first service, the second service, and the third service when it is determined that the filter replacement time of the air purifier 100 has arrived. The first service may include a service for updating the firmware of the air purifier 100 to the latest firmware by transmitting the latest firmware for the air purifier 100 to the air purifier 100 or the dongle device 200. The second service transmits a filter replacement code and a filter replacement manual corresponding to the filter replacement code to the counselor terminal 400, and allows the counselor to consult with a customer equipped with the air purifier 100 to determine the quality of the air purifier 100. A service for performing filter replacement through manipulation may be included. The third service transmits a filter replacement code, a repair manual corresponding to the filter replacement code, and necessary material information to the AS technician terminal 400, and allows the AS technician to visit the customer's home equipped with the air purifier 100. A service for performing filter replacement for the air purifier 100 may be included.

The processor 310 may provide a function allowing a customer center and a customer to consult through chatting in association with a customer IoT device (not shown). The processor 310 may provide a function allowing counselors and customers to consult with each other in association with an AS management device (not shown). Here, the customer IoT device and/or AS management device receives the confirmation of the filter replacement code (or fault code) of the air purifier 100 or the AS reception by the customer, and the customer's consultation and response, remote control and remote control of the air purifier. 100 to diagnose (e.g., filter life), direct AS to AS technicians, check AS processing history, handle repair costs, manage parts inventory, conduct customer satisfaction surveys, and evaluate the work of AS technicians. can

The processor 310 may provide a function of automatically ordering a material or part according to a filter replacement code or a required material or part for each failure code in association with a material management device (not shown). The processor 310 may provide a function of monitoring all data collected from the air purifier 100 and/or the dongle device 200 and managing an AS manual in association with a home appliance division (not shown). Here, the home appliance division can monitor all tasks of the receptionist and processor, grant authority to the receptionist and processor, and conduct manual management and training.

The processor 310 may provide a function allowing the AS engineer to manage customer information, air purifier 100 information, and AS history in association with an AS processing device (not shown). Here, the AS engineer's terminal can input AS processing results, check the AS manual, check and secure materials required for AS, transmit repair details to the database, and inquire parts inventory and place orders.

The processor 310 has a function of linking with an AS manual device (not shown) to share an AS terminal database linkage, a manual according to a filter replacement code, a repair manual for each failure code, and a necessary parts manual for each failure code with other devices. can provide.

The processor 310 may communicate with the user and provide a service desired by the user in association with a chatbot system so as to perform a specific task through a conversation with the customer through voice or text.

In this embodiment, the processor 310 may generate various types of information using data collected from the air purifier 100 and/or the dongle device 200 . For example, the processor 310 uses air quality data for each customer location and data on the performance of the air purifier 100 (performance at the time of release or current performance according to use of the product itself) as inputs to control the interior and exterior of the air purifier 100. Contamination levels inside and outside the air purifier 100 may be determined based on the machine learning-based first learning model trained to extract the pollution level. At this time, air quality data for each customer location can be collected using API (Application Programming Interface) data of a public data open site. It means that the platform is open to the outside and external program developers and users utilize it to create new and diverse services. A public data open site may refer to a website that manages and provides air quality information across the country.

In addition, the processor 310 takes the air quality data for each customer location, the performance data of the air purifier 100, and the internal and external pollution level data of the air purifier 100 output through the above-described first learning model as inputs to obtain the corresponding air purifier ( 100), a filter type required for the air purifier 100 for each customer may be selected based on the machine learning-based second learning model trained to extract the filter type required for operation 100).

In particular, in this embodiment, the processor 310 calculates the filter life estimation value of the air purifier 100 by taking the usage time of the air purifier 100, sensing data of the filter sensor, ambient air quality data, and user air purifier use data as inputs. Based on the machine learning-based third learning model trained to extract , the lifespan of the filter of the air purifier 100 may be estimated and a replacement time may be determined. At this time, when a plurality of filters are included in the air purifier 100, the individual replacement time may be estimated. That is, the processor 310 may perform machine learning such as deep learning, and the third memory 320 may store data used for machine learning, result data, and the like.

The third memory 320 is connected to the processor 310 and, when executed by the processor 310, causes the processor 310 to support various functions of the air purifier 100 and/or the dongle device 200. Codes that cause it can be saved.

The database 330 may include a first database 331 and a second database 332 . The first database 331 may include information on materials or parts required when a defect occurs, such as a situation in which filter replacement of the air purifier 100 is required. For example, the first database 331 may store filter information required when a defect occurs in the air purifier 100 .

The second database 332 may be a user database that stores user information to be provided with an air purifier management service. Here, the user's information includes basic information about the user, such as the user's name, affiliation, personal information, gender, age, contact information, e-mail, address, and image, as well as user ID (or e-mail) and password. It may include information about authentication (login), country of access, access location, information about the device used for access, and information related to access, such as the connected network environment.

In addition, the second database 332 includes the user's unique information, information and/or category history provided by the user accessing the air purifier management application or air purifier management site, environment setting information set by the user, and resource usage used by the user. Information, and billing and payment information corresponding to the user's resource usage may be stored.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for managing an air purifier by a management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following description, descriptions of portions overlapping those of FIGS. 1 to 10 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 11 , in step S1110, the management device 300 may collect filter state data and/or diagnosis result data from the air purifier 100 and/or the dongle device 200. As an optional embodiment, the management device 300 may collect public data and portal API data from the outside. Here, the public data and portal API data may include atmospheric information, weather information, and the like of the area where the air purifier 100 is located.

In step S1120, the management device 300 uses the collected data to determine whether the air purifier 100 has a defect, such as a need to replace a filter, and when a defect occurs in the air purifier 100, a first service, a second service, and One of the third services may be selected and processed.

In step S1130, the management device 300 may select a customer-customized material using the first database 331. For example, a customer-customized filter may be selected based on the average atmospheric condition of the user's location or the degree of air purification required by the user.

In step S1140 , the management device 300 may collect customer information using the second database 332 and perform AS processing on the air purifier 100 . Here, AS processing may include one or more of the above-described first to third services.

Embodiments according to the present invention described above may be implemented in the form of a computer program that can be executed on a computer through various components, and such a computer program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. At this time, the medium is a magnetic medium such as a hard disk, a floppy disk and a magnetic tape, an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM and a DVD, a magneto-optical medium such as a floptical disk, and a ROM hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program instructions, such as RAM, flash memory, and the like.

Meanwhile, the computer program may be specially designed and configured for the present invention, or may be known and usable to those skilled in the art of computer software. An example of a computer program may include not only machine language code generated by a compiler but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

In the specification of the present invention (particularly in the claims), the use of the term "above" and similar indicating terms may correspond to both singular and plural. In addition, when a range is described in the present invention, it includes an invention in which individual values belonging to the range are applied (unless there is a description to the contrary), and each individual value constituting the range is described in the detailed description of the invention Same as

The steps constituting the method according to the present invention may be performed in any suitable order unless an order is explicitly stated or stated to the contrary. The present invention is not necessarily limited according to the order of description of the steps. The use of all examples or exemplary terms (eg, etc.) in the present invention is simply to explain the present invention in detail, and the scope of the present invention is limited due to the examples or exemplary terms unless limited by the claims. it is not going to be In addition, those skilled in the art can appreciate that various modifications, combinations and changes can be made according to design conditions and factors within the scope of the appended claims or equivalents thereof.

Therefore, the spirit of the present invention should not be limited to the above-described embodiments and should not be determined, and all scopes equivalent to or equivalently changed from the claims as well as the claims described below are within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. will be said to belong to

100: air purifier 110: main body
111: case 112: filter cover
113: current supply unit 114: humidity sensor
115: door sensor 120: composite filter unit
121: deodorizing means 121-1: upper cap
121-2 lower cap 122: filter means
123: first electrode part 124: second electrode part
125: first sensing line 126: second sensing line
130: communication unit 140: user interface
150: sensor unit 160: motor
170: signal detection unit 180: memory
190: control unit 200: dongle device
210: interface unit 220: wireless communication unit
230: second memory 240: second control unit
300: management unit 310: processor
320: third memory 330: database (DB)
400: user terminal 500: network

Claims (20)

As an operating method of a management system for self-diagnosing an air purifier,
relaying, by a dongle device, communication between an air purifier to which the dongle device is connected and a management device managing the air purifier to be performed through a network; and
A management device collects filter state data from the air purifier through the network, determines whether a filter replacement time for the air purifier has arrived based on the filter state data, and replaces the filter according to the arrival of the filter replacement time Including the step of providing a service to perform,
The relaying step is
receiving a model number from the air purifier as the dongle device is connected to the air purifier;
receiving, by the dongle device, standard data preset in a manual for diagnosing a filter life of the air purifier and a self-diagnosis algorithm from the management device according to the model number;
Collecting filter state data from the air purifier by executing the self-diagnosis algorithm at a predetermined cycle according to the dongle device being connected to the air purifier;
determining, by the dongle device, whether filter replacement time of the air purifier has arrived by comparing the filter state data with the reference data; and
Transmitting, by the dongle device, a filter replacement code corresponding to the arrival of the filter replacement time to the management device;
The self-diagnosis algorithm,
Configured to cause a processor of the dongle device to compare the filter state data and the reference data to determine whether or not a filter replacement time of the air purifier has arrived and the filter replacement code corresponding to the arrival of the filter replacement time,
How the air purifier management system works.
According to claim 1,
The air purifier includes a main body and a composite filter that is detachable from the main body,
The complex filter unit is connected to an electrode unit provided to contact and apply current to a current supply unit provided in the body unit when the body unit is mounted, and two electrode terminals of the electrode unit, respectively, in the longitudinal direction of the compound filter unit. It consists of two installed metal wires,
The relaying step is
Collecting, by the dongle device, resistance values of the two metal lines;
comparing, by the dongle device, a resistance value of the two metal wires with a reference value; and
Checking, by the dongle device, whether filter replacement time of the air purifier has arrived based on the comparison result.
How the air purifier management system works.
According to claim 2,
The relaying step is
collecting, by the dongle device, a humidity value through a humidity sensor provided in a main body of the air purifier when it is determined that the filter replacement time has arrived by checking whether the filter replacement time has arrived;
comparing, by the dongle device, the humidity value with a threshold value; and
Further comprising determining whether to transmit filter state data according to the arrival of filter replacement time to the management device based on the comparison result.
How the air purifier management system works.
According to claim 3,
The step of providing the service is,
Outputting, by the management device, a filter replacement alarm through at least one of a user terminal and the air purifier when filter state data according to the arrival of filter replacement time is received from the dongle device.
How the air purifier management system works.
According to claim 2,
The air purifier, when the composite filter unit is mounted on the body unit, applies a fine current through the electrode unit in contact with the current applying unit provided in the body unit to maintain the formation of surface resistance of the composite filter unit,
How the air purifier management system works.
According to claim 5,
The air purifier further includes a door sensor that detects opening and closing of the filter cover,
The relaying step is
transmitting, by the dongle device, a microcurrent application off signal to the management device so that the microcurrent is not applied when receiving a filter cover opening signal from the door sensor; and
When the dongle device receives a filter cover closing signal from the door sensor, transmitting a microcurrent application ON signal to the management device to apply a microcurrent,
How the air purifier management system works.
According to claim 1,
After the step of transmitting to the management device,
In response to a firmware update request signal corresponding to the filter replacement code from the management device, the latest firmware for the air purifier provided by the management device is received, and the firmware stored in the air purifier is converted to the latest firmware. Including further updating,
How the air purifier management system works.
delete According to claim 1,
The step of providing the service is,
Further comprising, by the management device, providing one of a first service, a second service, and a third service upon receiving a filter replacement code corresponding to the arrival of the filter replacement time from the dongle device;
The first service,
A service for updating the firmware of the air purifier to the latest firmware by transmitting the latest firmware for the air purifier to the dongle device;
The second service,
Sending the filter replacement code and the filter replacement manual corresponding to the filter replacement code to the counselor's terminal, and having the counselor perform the filter replacement by manipulating the air purifier through consultation with a customer equipped with the air purifier includes services;
The third service,
The filter replacement code, the repair manual corresponding to the filter replacement code, and necessary material information are transmitted to the AS technician terminal, and the AS technician visits the customer's home equipped with the air purifier to replace the filter for the air purifier. including services that enable
How the air purifier management system works.
According to claim 9,
The management device, along with the provision of the third service, orders a material capable of replacing the filter of the air purifier in response to the filter replacement code to the material management device, and the AS technician takes the material and Further comprising the step of inducing a visit to the customer's home,
How the air purifier management system works.
As a management system for self-diagnosing air purifiers,
A service for collecting filter state data of an air purifier through a network, determining whether a filter replacement time for the air purifier has arrived based on the filter state data, and performing filter replacement according to the arrival of the filter replacement time providing management devices; and
A dongle device for relaying communication between the air purifier and the management device,
The dongle device,
Receiving a model number from the air purifier as it is connected to the air purifier;
Receive reference data and self-diagnosis algorithm preset in a manual for diagnosing the filter life of the air purifier from the management device according to the model number;
Collecting filter state data from the air purifier by executing the self-diagnosis algorithm at a predetermined cycle as connected to the air purifier;
Comparing the filter state data with the reference data to determine whether the filter replacement time of the air purifier has arrived;
configured to transmit a filter replacement code corresponding to the arrival of the filter replacement time to the management device;
The self-diagnosis algorithm,
Configured to cause a processor of the dongle device to compare the filter state data and the reference data to determine whether or not a filter replacement time of the air purifier has arrived and the filter replacement code corresponding to the arrival of the filter replacement time,
Air purifier management system.
According to claim 11,
The air purifier includes a main body and a composite filter that is detachable from the main body,
The complex filter unit is connected to an electrode unit provided to contact and apply current to a current supply unit provided in the body unit when the body unit is mounted, and two electrode terminals of the electrode unit, respectively, in the longitudinal direction of the compound filter unit. It consists of two installed metal wires,
The dongle device,
Collecting the resistance values of the two metal wires, comparing the resistance values of the two metal wires with a reference value, and determining whether the filter replacement time of the air purifier has arrived based on the comparison result,
Air purifier management system.
According to claim 12,
The dongle device,
When it is determined that the filter replacement time has been reached by checking whether the filter replacement time has arrived, a humidity value is collected through a humidity sensor provided in the main body of the air purifier, and based on a comparison result between the humidity value and the threshold value Is configured to determine whether to transmit filter state data according to the arrival of filter replacement time to the management device,
Air purifier management system.
According to claim 13,
The management device,
configured to output a filter replacement alarm through at least one of a user terminal and the air purifier when filter state data according to the arrival of filter replacement time is received from the dongle device.
Air purifier management system.
According to claim 12,
The air purifier, when the composite filter unit is mounted on the body unit, applies a fine current through the electrode unit in contact with the current applying unit provided in the body unit to maintain the formation of surface resistance of the composite filter unit,
Air purifier management system.
According to claim 15,
The air purifier further includes a door sensor that detects opening and closing of the filter cover,
When receiving a filter cover opening signal from the door sensor, the dongle device transmits a microcurrent application OFF signal to the management device so that microcurrent is not applied, and when receiving a filter cover closing signal from the door sensor , configured to transmit a microcurrent application ON signal to the management device so that the microcurrent is applied,
Air purifier management system.
According to claim 11,
The dongle device,
After transmission to the management device, the latest firmware for the air purifier provided by the management device is received in response to a firmware update request signal corresponding to the filter replacement code from the management device, and the air purifier is equipped with a mechanical shaft. Is configured to update the firmware to the latest firmware,
Air purifier management system.
delete According to claim 11,
the management device is configured to provide one of a first service, a second service, and a third service upon receiving a filter replacement code corresponding to the filter replacement arrival from the dongle device;
The first service,
A service for updating the firmware of the air purifier to the latest firmware by transmitting the latest firmware for the air purifier to the dongle device;
The second service,
Sending the filter replacement code and the filter replacement manual corresponding to the filter replacement code to the counselor's terminal, and having the counselor perform the filter replacement by manipulating the air purifier through consultation with a customer equipped with the air purifier includes services;
The third service,
The filter replacement code, the repair manual corresponding to the filter replacement code, and necessary material information are transmitted to the AS technician terminal, and the AS technician visits the customer's home equipped with the air purifier to replace the filter for the air purifier. including services that enable
Air purifier management system.
According to claim 19,
The management device,
Along with the provision of the third service, the material management device orders a material capable of replacing the filter of the air purifier in response to the filter replacement code, and the AS technician visits the customer's home with the material. configured to induce
Air purifier management system.

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