KR20160069035A - Air purifier, system for managing air purifier and method for controling air purifier - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air purifier, a system for managing the air purifier, and a method for controlling the air purifier. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air purifier includes: a filter purifying air by allowing air to pass though an internal part; a filter sensing part sensing state information of the filter; and a communication part receiving a signal including the state information and further receiving a control signal based on the state information. The filter is managed based on the control signal received by the communication part, thereby efficiently managing and operating the air purifier.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air purifier, an air purifier, and an air purifier,

The present invention relates to an air cleaner, an air cleaner management system, and a method for controlling an air cleaner.

Recently, interest in air pollution in living space is increasing. Accordingly, there is a demand for an air purifier capable of efficiently improving the air quality of a living space.

However, in order to improve the air quality of the air purifier efficiently, it is necessary to consider a variety of variables such as the size, characteristics, environment, personnel, life patterns of the living space, and the air purifier needs to be efficiently managed.

In order to solve the above problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides an air cleaner, an air cleaner management system, and an air cleaner control method.

An air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a filter for purifying air by passing air therethrough; A filter detection unit for detecting status information of the filter; A communication unit for transmitting a signal including status information and receiving a control signal based on status information; And the filter can be managed based on the control signal received through the communication unit.

The air cleaner may further include: a display unit for displaying filter replacement information; And a pattern sensing unit for sensing pattern information of the surrounding environment; As shown in FIG.

Here, the pattern sensing unit senses the pattern information of the surrounding environment by using the illuminance sensor, the human body sensor, or the microphone, and may determine the pattern of the surrounding environment by measuring the pattern sensing time.

An air cleaner management system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of air cleaners each including a filter and detecting status information of the filter; A server for receiving a signal including status information and air quality information from a plurality of air cleaners; A solution determination unit for determining a filter management solution for each air cleaner based on state information and air quality information; . ≪ / RTI >

The air cleaner management system may further include a solution provider for providing a filter management solution to the terminal.

In addition, the server may transmit a program for updating a control program included in the plurality of air cleaners based on the filter management solution.

The solution determining unit may determine the filter management solution based on the state information, determine the filter management solution by receiving the attribute information and the event information of the space in which the plurality of air cleaners are disposed, have.

Here, the filter management solution may include usage information and replacement information of at least one of a pre-filter, a functional filter, and a high efficiency particulate air filter.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an air purifier, including: detecting a state of a filter included in an air cleaner; An air sensing step of sensing air quality information from air around the air cleaner; A communication step of transmitting a signal including state information and air quality information, and receiving a control signal based on state information and air quality information; And a control step of controlling the air cleaner based on the control signal; . ≪ / RTI >

An embodiment of the present invention can efficiently manage and operate the air cleaner.

1 is a view illustrating an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a view illustrating an air cleaner management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 shows a filter replacement information and filter management solution.
4 is a flowchart illustrating an air purifier control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention are different, but need not be mutually exclusive. For example, certain features, structures, and characteristics described herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in connection with an embodiment. It is also to be understood that the position or arrangement of the individual components within each disclosed embodiment may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled, if properly explained. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar functions throughout the several views.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in order that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention.

1 is a view illustrating an air purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1, an air cleaner 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a filter 101, a filter sensing unit 102, an air sensing unit 110, a communication unit 120, a controller 130, A display unit 140, and a pattern sensing unit 150.

The filter 101 can purge the air by passing air through it. Here, the filter 101 may be managed based on a control signal received through the communication unit 120. For example, since the filter 101 may be disposed inside the air cleaner 100, direct management of the user by the filter 101 may be difficult. The filter 101 is managed based on control signals received from a server, a computer, a smart phone, etc., so that it can be efficiently and conveniently managed.

The filter sensing unit 102 may sense state information of the filter 101. [ Here, the status information may include the use time of the filter, the usage environment, performance, size, usage, and the like. For example, state information can be a comprehensive indicator that reflects all of the factors that affect the state of the filter. Thus, the state information can be a numerical value derived through a particular formula, and can be expressed in a brief rating.

On the other hand, the status information may be influenced by the usage environment of the filter. Accordingly, the filter sensing unit 102 can sense the state information of the filter in association with the air sensing unit 110. [

The air sensing unit 110 can sense air quality information from surrounding air. Here, the air quality information may include parameters such as concentrations of fine dust, total volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and the like, and parameters such as temperature and humidity. For example, air quality information can be a comprehensive indicator that reflects all factors that affect air quality. Thus, the air quality information can be a numerical value derived from a specific formula, and can be expressed simply as a grade.

For example, the air sensing unit 110 may include a dust sensor 113, a gas sensor 114, a temperature sensor 115, and a humidity sensor 116.

Meanwhile, since the air sensing unit 110 senses the indoor air quality and the outdoor air quality, the filter management solution can be more accurate. For example, when the indoor air quality is bad and the outdoor air quality is bad, both indoor and outdoor air quality is bad, the use frequency of the air purifier 100 may be increased. The state of the filter 101 included in the air cleaner 100 having an increased frequency of use can be easily deteriorated.

The communication unit 120 transmits a signal including the sensed state information sensed by the filter sensing unit 102 and the air quality information sensed by the air sensing unit 110 and outputs a control signal based on the state information and the air quality information . For example, signals including state information and air quality information may be transmitted to a server, a computer, a smart phone, or the like. The server, computer, smart phone, and the like may analyze the control and filter management solution of the air cleaner 100 based on status information and air quality information. The server, the computer, the smartphone, and the like may transmit a control signal including the analysis result to the air cleaner 100. Accordingly, the air purifier 100 can be controlled without providing complicated calculations, and can provide a solution.

In addition, the communication unit 120 may receive a filter management solution based on the status information and the air quality information. That is, the control signal received by the communication unit 120 may include a filter management solution.

On the other hand, the filter management solution may be transmitted to the user's terminal. That is, the control signal and the air cleaning solution may be transmitted separately from each other.

Meanwhile, the communication unit 120 may transmit a signal including the pattern information sensed by the pattern sensing unit 150, and may receive a control signal based on the pattern information.

The control unit 130 may control the air sensing unit 110 based on the control signal received through the communication unit 120. For example, the control unit 130 may control the sensitivity or sensing range of the sensors included in the air sensing unit 110 based on the control signal.

The various sensors included in the air sensing unit 110 may have different characteristics of the sensor itself, different characteristics of the measured values, and different resolutions. By controlling the various sensors by the control unit 130, the air quality information can be efficiently detected.

In addition, the various sensors included in the air sensing unit 110 may vary in sensitivity or sensing range according to pattern information, an air cleaning solution, and the like. For example, since the temperature and humidity may be irregularly changed by the air cleaning solution, the control unit 130 receives the control signal to organically control the sensitivity or the detection range of the temperature sensor 115 and the humidity sensor 116 . For example, the number of persons around the area can suddenly increase due to the pattern information, so that the control unit 130 can control the sensitivity or sensing range of the gas sensor that senses the concentration of carbon dioxide by receiving the control signal.

The display unit 140 can display filter replacement information based on the filter status information. That is, the display unit 140 provides filter replacement information to the user, so that the user can efficiently manage the filter. For example, the display unit 140 may be a human machine interface (HMI) including a display device or a speaker.

On the other hand, the filter replacement information may be information included in the filter management solution. For example, the filter management solution may be an automatically managed solution provided to the air purifier 100, or it may be a solution that is provided to the user and managed manually.

The filter replacement information may include usage information and replacement information of at least one of a pre-filter, a functional-filter, and a high efficiency particulate air filter. Specific details thereof will be described later with reference to Fig.

The pattern sensing unit 150 can sense pattern information of the surrounding environment. Here, the pattern information may include surrounding environmental change patterns, user behavior patterns, and the like. The pattern information may be transmitted along with the air quality information and may be considered in the analysis of the air purifier 100's control and air quality improvement solution.

For example, the pattern sensing unit 150 may include an illuminance sensor 151, a time measurement unit 152, and a pattern determination unit 153.

The illuminance sensor 151 can sense the illuminance. The illuminance can be usefully used for determining the characteristics of the user's life pattern and space. For example, depending on whether a user is present or not, the on / off state of ambient lighting may be different. Further, through detection of whether sunlight is sensed, the user behavior pattern can be analyzed.

The time measuring unit 152 may measure the sensing time of the illuminance sensor 151 and the air sensing unit 110. That is, a history of the air quality information and the pattern information can be accumulated by the pattern sensing unit 150 by measuring the time.

The pattern determination unit 153 may determine the pattern of the surrounding environment based on the illuminance measured by the illuminance sensor 151 and the time measured by the time measurement unit 152. [ The pattern information may be transmitted through the communication unit 120 and analyzed from the outside, and may be determined by the pattern determination unit 153. [ This may vary depending on the amount of analysis of the pattern information.

In addition, the pattern sensing unit 150 may include a human body sensor 153 and a microphone 154. Here, the human body sensor 153 may measure presence or activity of a person. Here, the microphone 154 may measure noise generated in a person and an environment. The pattern sensing unit 150 may sense a surrounding environment change pattern, a user behavior pattern, or the like, using measurement results of the human body sensor 153 or the microphone 154.

The human body sensor 153 and the microphone 154 may be used together with the illuminance sensor 151, the time measurement unit 152, and the pattern determination unit 153. Accordingly, the pattern sensing unit 150 can more accurately detect the pattern information of the surrounding environment.

2 is a view illustrating an air cleaner management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2, an air purifier management system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of air purifiers 210, a server 220, a solution determination unit 230, and a solution provider 240 .

The plurality of air purifiers 210 each include a filter, can sense the status information of the filter, and can sense air quality information from the surrounding air. Here, the plurality of air purifiers 210 may be a collective body of the air purifier 100 described with reference to FIG.

For example, a plurality of air purifiers 210 may be deployed for each household. That is, the air cleaner management system 200 can independently manage the air cleaners disposed in each of the plurality of households.

On the other hand, the greater the number of the plurality of air cleaners 210, the more accurate the filter management solution can be. Here, the filter management solution may include filter swapping, filter selection, filter cleaning, and the like.

The server 220 can receive a signal including the state information of the filter and the air quality information from the plurality of air purifiers 210. [ When the number of the plurality of air cleaners 210 is large, the total amount of communication data can be large. Accordingly, the server 220 can perform a control role or a relay role by rapidly communicating a large amount of data.

In addition, the server 220 may transmit a program for updating the control programs included in the plurality of air cleaners 210 based on the filter management solution. For example, the control program may be a program that can automatically control the air flow rate, the wind direction, the control method, and the like of the air cleaner. That is, by transmitting the update program, the operation of the air cleaner can be controlled efficiently.

Meanwhile, the server 220 may transmit a control signal for controlling the sensitivity or sensing range of the sensors based on the air quality information.

The solution determination unit 230 can determine a filter management solution for each air sensor based on the filter status information and the air quality information. For example, the solution determination unit 230 may be a big data platform capable of complex analysis of a large amount of data. Here, the filter management solution may include usage information and replacement information of at least one of a pre-filter, a functional filter, and a high efficiency particulate air filter. Specific details thereof will be described later with reference to Fig.

In addition, the solution determining unit 230 may determine the filter class based on the state information of the filter, and may determine the filter management solution based on the filter class.

In addition, the solution determining unit 230 receives the attribute information and the event information of the space in which the plurality of air cleaners 210 are disposed, and can determine the filter management solution based on the attribute information and the event information. For example, the solution determination unit 230 may receive the results of the questionnaire to the user through the terminal. Here, the result of the questionnaire may be attribute information of the space and event information.

Here, the attribute information of the space may include local information, residential environment, household information, product use information, life pattern, and the like. For example, the attribute information of the space may be determined through an interview between the manager of the air cleaner management system 200 and the user of the air cleaner. The attribute information of the determined space can be input to the solution determination unit 230 by the administrator.

Here, the event information may include outdoor weather, construction, accidents, and the like. For example, if the humidity around the air cleaner is high and it rains outdoors, then the filter management solution may be more likely to replace the filter.

The solution provider 240 may provide a filter management solution to the user of the air purifier. For example, the filter management solution may be transmitted to each of the plurality of air cleaners 210 through solution provider 240. For example, the filter management solution may be provided to the air purifier and other objects (terminals, etc.) through the solution provider 240. For example, the filter management solution may be provided to the administrator through the solution provider 240 and may be provided directly to the user by the administrator.

On the other hand, the solution provider 240 can provide filter class, data, and the like to the user in real time. Also, the solution provider 240 can provide the user's action guide according to the filter state in real time. In other words, a filter management solution can be a complex guideline to improve air quality. In addition, since the solution provider 240 provides the filter management solution to the user, the life of the air cleaner can be extended and the utilization of the air cleaner can be increased.

Figure 3 shows a filter replacement information and filter management solution.

Referring to FIG. 3, the air cleaner 100 may include a pre-filter, a functional-filter, and a high efficiency particulate air filter. The air purifier 100 may utilize at least one of a prefilter, a functional filter, and a hepafi filter based on filter replacement information or a filter management solution.

For example, when the fine dust concentration of the air around the air cleaner 100 is high, the air cleaner 100 can use a dual filter such as a pre-filter and a HEPA filter.

For example, when the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VoCs) in the air around the air cleaner 100 is high, the air cleaner 100 can use a dual filter of the pre-filter and the functional filter.

In addition, a plurality of air purifiers 210 can be updated through the server 220 with a control program corresponding to the use filter. For example, the update can be performed using the wifi.

Hereinafter, an air purifier control method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the air cleaner control method can be performed in the air cleaner 100 or the air cleaner management system 200 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the same or corresponding contents to those described above are repeatedly described Not.

4 is a flowchart illustrating an air purifier control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4, the air purifier control method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an air sensing step S10, a communication step S20, a control step S30, a display step S40, an illumination sensing step S51 ), A time measurement step S52, and a pattern determination step S53.

The air purifier in the air sensing step S10 may sense air quality information and state information of the filter from ambient air.

The air purifier in the communication step S20 may transmit a signal including the air quality information and the state information sensed in the air sensing step S10 and may receive a control signal based on the air quality information and the state information. In addition, the air cleaner in the communication step S20 may transmit a signal including the pattern information determined in the pattern determination step, and may receive the control signal based on the pattern information.

The air purifier in the control step S30 can control the air purifier on the basis of the control signal received through the communication step S20. For example, the air purifier in the control step S30 may control the air volume of the air cleaner or the replacement of the filter on the basis of the control signal.

The air purifier in the display step S40 can display the filter replacement information contained in the control signal. Here, the control signal may include filter replacement information, and the air purifier may automatically / manually replace the filter according to the filter replacement information.

The air purifier in the illumination detection step S51 can sense illumination. The air purifier in the time measuring step S52 may measure the sensing time of the illumination sensing step S51 and the air sensing step S10. The air purifier in the pattern determining step S53 can determine the pattern of the surrounding environment based on the illuminance measured in the illuminance sensing step S51 and the time measured in the time measuring step S52.

In addition, the time measuring step S52 and the pattern detecting step S53 may determine the pattern of the surrounding environment using the information measured by the human body detecting sensor and the microphone.

While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Anyone can make various variations.

100: air cleaner 101: filter
102: filter detection unit 110: air sensing unit
113: Dust sensor 114: Gas sensor
115: Temperature sensor 116: Humidity sensor
120: communication unit 130:
140: display unit 150: pattern detection unit
151: illuminance sensor 152: time measuring unit
153: pattern determination unit 154: human body detection sensor
155: microphone 200: air purifier management system
210: a plurality of air purifiers 220:
230: solution decision section 240: solution provider
S10: Air sensing step S20: Communication step
S30: Control step S40: Display step
S51: illumination detection step S52: time measurement step
S53: Pattern determination step

Claims (17)

A filter for passing air inside to purify the air;
A filter detection unit for detecting status information of the filter; And
A communication unit for transmitting a signal including state information sensed by the filter sensing unit and receiving a control signal based on the state information; Lt; / RTI >
Wherein the filter is managed based on a control signal received through the communication unit.
The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising an air sensing unit for sensing air quality information from ambient air,
Wherein the communication unit transmits a signal including air quality information sensed by the air sensing unit and receives a control signal based on the air quality information.
3. The method of claim 2,
And a control unit for controlling the sensitivity or sensing range of the sensors included in the air sensing unit based on the control signal,
Wherein the air sensing unit includes at least two of a dust sensor, a gas sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor.
The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a display unit for displaying filter replacement information,
Wherein the control signal includes the filter replacement information,
Wherein the filter replacement information includes usage information and replacement information of at least one of a pre-filter, a functional-filter, and a high efficiency particulate air filter.
The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a pattern detection unit for detecting pattern information of an environment,
Wherein the communication unit transmits a signal including the pattern information sensed by the pattern sensing unit and receives a control signal based on the pattern information.
6. The apparatus of claim 5,
An illuminance sensor for sensing illuminance;
A time measuring unit for measuring a sensing time of the illuminance sensor and the filter sensing unit; And
A pattern judging unit for judging a pattern of the surrounding environment based on the illuminance measured by the illuminance sensor and the time measured by the time measuring unit; And an air purifier.
A plurality of air cleaners each including a filter and sensing status information of the filter;
A server for receiving a signal including the status information from the plurality of air cleaners; And
A solution determination unit for determining a filter management solution for each air cleaner based on the status information; And an air purifier.
8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the plurality of air purifiers include an air sensing unit for sensing air quality information from ambient air,
Wherein the air sensing unit includes at least two of a dust sensor, a gas sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor,
Wherein the server receives a signal including the air quality information from the plurality of air cleaners and transmits a control signal for controlling the sensitivity or sensing range of the sensors included in the air sensing unit based on the air quality information, system.
8. The method of claim 7,
Further comprising a solution provider for providing the filter management solution,
Wherein the solution determining unit determines the filter class based on the state information, and determines the filter management solution based on the filter class.
8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the solution determining unit receives attribute information or event information of a space in which the plurality of air purifiers are disposed, determines a filter management solution based on the attribute information or the event information,
Wherein the filter management solution includes usage information and replacement information of at least one of a pre-filter, a functional-filter, and a high efficiency particulate air filter.
11. The method of claim 10,
Further comprising a solution provider for providing the filter management solution to the terminal,
Wherein the solution determining unit receives attribute information or event information through the terminal.
8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the plurality of air purifiers include a pattern sensing unit for sensing pattern information of an environment,
Wherein the server receives a signal including the pattern information sensed by the pattern sensing unit and transmits a control signal based on the pattern information to the plurality of air cleaners.
13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein the pattern sensing unit senses pattern information of an environment using a human body sensor or a microphone and measures a pattern sensing time to determine a pattern of an ambient environment.
8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the server transmits a program for updating a control program included in the plurality of air cleaners based on the filter management solution.
A filter sensing step of sensing status information of a filter included in the air cleaner;
An air sensing step of sensing air quality information from air around the air cleaner;
A communication step of transmitting a signal including the state information detected in the filter sensing step and the air quality information sensed in the air sensing step, and receiving a control signal based on the state information and the air quality information; And
A control step of controlling the air cleaner based on a control signal received through the communication step; And an air purifier.
16. The method of claim 15,
Further comprising a display step of displaying filter replacement information included in the control signal,
Wherein the control step controls the air volume of the air cleaner or replacement of the filter based on the control signal,
Wherein the filter replacement information includes usage information and replacement information of at least one of a pre-filter, a functional-filter, and a high efficiency particulate air filter.
16. The method of claim 15,
An illumination sensing step of sensing illumination;
A time measuring step of measuring a sensing time of the illumination sensing step and the air sensing step; And
A pattern determining step of determining a pattern of the surrounding environment based on the illuminance measured in the illuminance sensing step and the time measured in the time measuring step; Further comprising:
Wherein the communication step transmits a signal including the pattern information determined from the pattern determination step, and receives a control signal based on the pattern information.

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