WO2023120851A1

WO2023120851A1 - Modular air care system

Info

Publication number: WO2023120851A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/010514
Authority: WO
Inventors: 최헌정; 최영준; 오병윤; 백정우; 안예지; 송주현
Original assignee: 주식회사 위니아
Priority date: 2021-12-20
Filing date: 2022-07-19
Publication date: 2023-06-29
Also published as: KR20230094223A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular air care system which performs an air conditioning function in order to keep indoor air pleasant, the system comprising: at least one module having an air conditioning function; and a cradle having at least one docking slot which is formed at the top portion of the cradle and to which the module is detachably connected, whereby a module having an air purification function, a module having a humidification function, a module having a dehumidification function, a module having an accommodation function, or a combination thereof can be selected as necessary and mounted to the system.

Description

Modular air care system

The present invention relates to a modular air care system, and more particularly, to a modular air care system that performs an air conditioning function to keep indoor air comfortable.

In general, in order to maintain comfortable indoor air, an air conditioner with the purpose of air conditioning such as dehumidification, humidification or air purification is used to control the indoor humidity or purify the indoor air, thereby providing users with comfortable indoor air. be able to provide Such an air conditioner may be provided by arranging devices each composed of a dehumidifier, a humidifier, and an air purifier in a room to perform respective functions, or may be provided as a single complex type air conditioner in which these functions are integrated.

However, conventional hybrid air conditioners have the advantage of being able to perform dehumidification, humidification, and air purification functions with one device, but as components that perform these functions are put into one device at once, the size of the device is reduced. Inevitably, the large size is inevitable, and since various functions are complexly controlled through an integrated controller in one device, there is a disadvantage in that the intuitiveness of individual device control is low.

In addition, since the conventional composite type air conditioner performs two or more functions, there is a risk of performance degradation, such as mutual mixing of clean air and steam while being simultaneously discharged through one discharge port. In particular, most of the combined air conditioners have humidification and dehumidification functions added to air purifiers, so they only perform humidification-purification functions or dehumidification-purification functions in addition to the main function of purification, so the humidification or dehumidification performance There is a disadvantage that this is not excellent, and there were many cases in which a humidifier or dehumidifier was additionally purchased and used. As such, in the prior art, rather than using a complex type air conditioner, rather than using a single function air purifier, humidifier or dehumidifier individually provided and used as necessary has also increased in households.

On the other hand, due to the design limitations of conventional air conditioners or individual air conditioners of home appliances, it is difficult to harmonize with other furniture disposed in the room together with these conditioners. In other words, due to the nature of home appliances, a sense of difference with furniture was inevitable.

In order to solve this problem, manufacturers have provided not only air conditioners but also home appliances in which the exteriors of products such as refrigerators and washing machines are unified with a specific design. In the case of an air conditioner, it is mainly installed alone or placed adjacent to indoor furniture in a living room or private room, not in a kitchen where a plurality of kitchen appliances are installed, and there is still a problem in that a sense of difference with furniture is generated.

(Prior art literature)

(patent literature)

(Patent Document 1) Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0119475 (published on October 31, 2012)

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is a modular mounting structure that selectively combines one or more modules having functions necessary for a user to use each function in one device. It is to provide a type air care system.

In addition, the present invention is to provide a modular air care system in which each module mounted on a cradle can individually function and each function can be individually controlled in an individual module operation method rather than a device-integrated operation method.

In addition to this, the present invention is to provide a space-friendly modular air care system in harmony with indoor furniture through a furniture-like exterior.

In addition, the present invention is a modular air care system in which a user can apply for a subscription by combining a product with a desired air conditioning function by combining with a subscription service technology, or can propose, receive, and install a product according to changes in the season and environment. is to provide

A modular air care system of the present invention for achieving the above object includes at least one module having an air conditioning function; and a cradle on which at least one docking slot detachably connected to the module is formed.

Then, the module includes a coupling protrusion protruding from the bottom so as to be coupled with the docking slot; and an electrical connector formed on the coupling protrusion and electrically communicating with the cradle. The coupling protrusion is formed as a protruding portion having an area smaller than that of the lower surface of the module, and includes an inclined surface inclined at a predetermined inclination and a flat surface extending from an end of the inclined surface.

In addition, the docking slot formed in the cradle has an inward slope formed downwardly inwardly from the upper surface of the cradle corresponding to the size of the coupling protrusion, and an accommodation groove extending from the inward slope and formed stepwise recessed from the upper surface of the cradle. Includes a seating portion on which the coupling protrusion of the module is seated; and a connector formed on the seating portion and connected to the electrical connection portion of the module. The connector may include a first connection portion and a second connection portion, and the first connection portion is formed of a ring-shaped member including an outer cone portion and a flat portion.

On the other hand, the module, the coupling protrusion and the electrical connection is formed on the lower surface, the frame of the enclosure type in which the space is formed therein; A front cover coupled to the front of the frame; and a rear cover coupled to the rear surface of the frame, and a portion of the front cover is accommodated in the inner space of the frame and is slidably coupled to the frame.

And, the frame is formed on the side of the rear cover intake for sucking in the outside air; a discharge port formed on the top to discharge clean air or steam; a status indicator provided to be spaced apart from the discharge port; and an operating button disposed adjacent to the status indicator.

In addition, the front cover, the indicator light is formed on the outside and the panel coupled to the front of the frame; a unit mounting block connected to the panel, accommodated in the inner space of the frame, and providing a space in which a unit performing an air conditioning function is mounted; and guide protrusions formed to protrude from the bottom or side of the unit mounting block and bound to guide grooves provided in the frame. And, the front cover further includes an unlock button for releasing the binding state of the guide protrusion and moving the front cover in a direction spaced apart from the frame.

Here, the unit mounting block is configured to be separable from the panel, enabling replacement of units mounted on the unit mounting block. In addition, the front cover is provided with a button on the top of the panel to release the binding state of the guide protrusion to move the front cover in a direction spaced apart from the frame.

Moreover, the back cover includes at least one filter that is detachably coupled.

In addition, the cradle of the present invention may be configured as either a single type in which a single module is mounted or a multi-type in which two or more modules are mounted.

In addition, a unit performing any one of an air cleaning function, a humidifying function, a dehumidifying function, and a storage function is installed in the module.

Here, when the module is configured to perform a storage function, the module is a furniture-type housing having a storage space partitioned by at least one storage compartment having an open front portion or at least one drawer compartment that is openable and closeable through a rail. made up of

As described above, the modular air care system according to the present invention performs an air conditioning function to keep the indoor air comfortable, and due to the modular installation structure, various air conditioning function modules are combined as needed to provide various air conditioning functions. It has the advantage of being able to use the function. Therefore, according to the present invention, since the air conditioning function of various functions operates according to the air condition, air cleanliness or humidity can be optimized in a complex manner.

In particular, the modular air care system according to the present invention has a detachable structure and can be easily and conveniently used by selectively installing functions desired by the user.

In addition, according to the present invention, in addition to the method of replacing the entire module, only the unit provided in the module can be replaced, so that it can be easily replaced with a unit with a different function if necessary, and accordingly, the cost of replacing the function of the device can be reduced, and maintenance of modules and units is convenient.

In addition, since the modular air care system according to the present invention is provided with a plurality of modules that each perform a single function, rather than being driven by combining two or more functions, even if various air conditioning functions are used in one device, Performance degradation can be minimized due to the individual driving of the modules. In particular, since each module is provided with a suction port and a discharge port, it is possible to function without interfering with each other's air conditioning function.

In addition, according to the present invention, since it is possible to intuitively check and operate the status of each module through the status indicator and control button in an individual operation rather than the structure of the integrated operation method, individual function driving in the conventional integrated operation method device is possible. Inconvenient points have been improved and restrictions on the use of each function of the device can be minimized.

Moreover, according to the present invention, the module mounted on the cradle can be stably fixed through the combination structure of the docking unit and the docking slot to prevent separation due to external impact, and since power can be supplied to each module, one power source It is possible to operate multiple modules and perform complex functions.

In addition, according to the present invention, the external design is configured to have a furniture-like appearance, so that a sense of difference with furniture can be minimized, so that it can be provided as a space-friendly device while harmonizing with other furniture arranged together in the room. In particular, since the present invention provides a module having a storage function rather than simply designing a furniture type product, it can be used as a practical furniture type product.

On the other hand, the present invention can be combined with subscription service technology to combine a product with an air conditioning function desired by a user to subscribe to a product, or to propose and receive and install a product according to changes in seasons and environments.

1 is a perspective view showing a modular air care system of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view showing the modular air care system of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view schematically showing a cross-section of the modular air care system of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a front cover open state of the modular air care system of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a front view showing a modular air care system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a front view showing a modular air care system according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

7 is a front view showing a modular air care system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them, will become clear with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and will be implemented in various different forms.

Hereinafter, technical features of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 and 2 are diagrams showing a modular air care system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the modular air care system of the present invention may include a module 100 and a cradle 200 .

The module 100 is configured to provide various air conditioning functions to keep indoor air comfortable, and may be provided in one or two or more modules according to the user's needs or the configuration of the device, and the cradle 200 They are installed and perform their respective functions. The module 100 may be configured to perform any one of an air conditioning function including an air cleaning function, a humidifying function, and a dehumidifying function, or a storage function according to the structure of the unit installed inside the module. In addition, the air conditioning function performed by the module 100 may include an air conditioning method for controlling temperature such as a cooling function or a heating function.

The cradle 200 is a base supporting the module 100, and at least one docking slot 210 to which the module 100 is detachably connected may be formed on the upper portion. The cradle 200 includes an integrated power source (not shown) that is electrically connected to the docking slot 210 to supply power to the module 100 mounted through the docking slot 210 and is connected to an external power source. It is configured, and the docking slot 210 configured with one or more can receive power through a single power supply means and supply it to the module 100.

Here, the cradle 200 may be formed with only one docking slot 210 to mount a single module 100 or two or more docking slots 210 to mount two or more modules 100, Due to the docking slot 210 formed in the cradle 200, it can be provided as a single type, dual type or more multi-type device.

The modular air care system of the present invention configured as described above is composed of a modular mounting structure, so that each function can be used simultaneously in one device by selectively combining the modules 100 having the air conditioning function required by the user. .

In addition, the modular air care system of the present invention may perform individual air conditioning functions in each of the various modules 100 provided in one device, rather than performing a combined air conditioning function in one device.

Therefore, according to the present invention, unlike conventional integrated air conditioners that are integrated and operated in a single device, even if modules with multiple functions are installed in a single device, they are configured to individually perform their respective functions, An environment in which a desired air conditioning function can be simultaneously used in a device may be provided.

Specifically, let's take a look at the configuration of the modular air care system according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the modular air care system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a module 100 provided as three

module parts

101, 102, and 103, and three docking slot parts. (201, 202, 203) may be formed of the cradle 200 formed. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a configuration for one module and one docking slot will be assumed and described as an example.

First, as shown in FIG. 2 , the module 100 may include a coupling protrusion 111 and an electrical connection 112 as a docking unit 110 mounted in the docking slot 210 of the cradle 200. .

The coupling protrusion 111 is formed at the bottom of the module 100 and is coupled to the docking slot 210 of the cradle 200 . The coupling protrusion 111 may be formed to protrude from the bottom of the module 100 in a form inserted into the docking slot 210 . These coupling protrusions 111 are made of protrusions with an area smaller than that of the lower surface of the module 100, and include an inclined surface 111a formed inclined at a predetermined inclination and a flat surface 111b extending from the end of the inclined surface 111a. can be configured. Accordingly, the coupling protrusion 111 may be inserted into and seated in the docking slot 210 .

The electrical connector 112 is formed on the coupling protrusion 111 . The electrical connector 112 may be connected to the cradle 200 and electrically communicate with the cradle 200 . That is, the module 100 can function by means of a power source or control means provided in the cradle 200 . The electrical connector 112 may be configured as a protruding means and coupled to the docking slot 210 .

Here, as shown in FIG. 2 as the third module unit 103, when the module 100 provides a shelf function, the docking unit 110 is formed in the form of a plurality of coupling protrusions 110a without separate electrical connection units. It may be configured, and the plurality of coupling protrusions 110a may have an inclined surface and a flat surface separately formed as in the above-described coupling protrusion 111.

Next, the cradle 200 is configured to include at least one docking slot 210, and the docking slot 210 will be formed in a recessed groove shape to correspond to the docking unit 110 as shown in FIG. can The docking slot 210 may include a seating portion 220 and a connector portion 230 .

The mounting portion 220 is formed to correspond to the size of the coupling protrusion 111 formed on the module 100 . The seating portion 220 includes an inwardly inclined surface 221 inclined downward from the upper surface of the cradle 200 and an accommodation groove extending from the inwardly inclined surface 221 and recessed downward from the upper surface of the cradle 200 stepwise. (222). The seating portion 220 is formed as the inward inclined surface 221 corresponds to the inclined surface 111a of the coupling protrusion 111 and the receiving groove 222 corresponds to the flat surface 111b of the coupling protrusion 111, so that the coupling protrusion ( 111) to maintain a stable seating condition.

The connector part 230 is coupled to the electrical connection part 112 for communication or electrical connection, and may be provided in the center of the seating part 220 . The connector unit 230 is connected to a power source (not shown) provided in the cradle 200 . For example, the connector unit 230 may be provided in the form of a female terminal so as to be connected to the electrical connection unit 112 provided as a male element, and has a predetermined terminal connection structure. In other words, the connector unit 230 is connected to the electrical connection unit 112 and is supported by the first connection unit 231 that induces mechanical coupling with the electrical connection unit 112, and is supported by the first connection unit 231 and the electrical connection unit ( 112) may include a second connection part 232 for electrical connection.

As shown enlarged in FIG. 2 , the first connection part 231 may be formed of a ring-shaped member protruding upward from the central surface of the receiving groove 222 . A portion of the first connection portion 231 is fitted into the electrical connection portion 112 to provide a mechanical binding force. The first connection portion 231 includes an outer cone portion 231a inclined at a circumferential side of the ring shape and a flat portion 231b extending flatly from the outer cone portion 231a. The shape of the first connection part 231 may correspond to the shape of the electrical connection part 112 .

As shown enlarged in FIG. 2 , the second connection part 232 is located inside the first connection part 231 and may be configured in the form of a protruding terminal. The second connection part 232 may be formed in a structure such as a pogo pin. The second connection portion 232 is connected to and electrically connected to the electrical connection portion 112 .

As such, the cradle 200 of the present invention allows the coupling protrusion 111 of the module 100 to be seated by the seating portion 220 composed of the inward inclined surface 221 and the receiving groove 222, so that the module 100 ) is stably fixed to the docking slot 210. That is, the seating portion 220 of the cradle 200 restricts the flow of the coupling protrusion 111 in the horizontal direction by the inward inclined surface 221, and a part of the module 100 is moved by the receiving groove 222 having a step difference. Due to the inserted and seated structure, the module 100 can be stably fixed.

In particular, a stable fixing structure of the module 100 and the cradle 200 is formed due to physical coupling through the first connection part 231 of the connector part 230, and terminal contact by the second connection part 232 is prevented. It is provided to enable electrical connection through. In addition, the electrical connector 112 may be stably supported through the outer cone portion 231a and the flat portion 231b of the first connection portion 231 .

Therefore, according to the modular air care system of the present invention, power can be supplied by stably fixing the module 100 mounted in the docking slot 210 of the cradle 200 due to the coupling structure as described above, thereby preventing external impact. As a result, it is possible to prevent the module 100 from being separated from the cradle 200 . In addition, according to the present invention, driving of a plurality of modules 100 can be provided through one power source provided in the cradle 200 .

At this time, the modular air care system of the present invention can conveniently perform coupling and separation operations between the module 100 and the cradle 200 through the aforementioned docking structure, but in addition to the docking structure, the module 100 and the cradle 200 ) A locking structure may be provided to maintain the binding state. That is, although not shown in the drawings, an additional locking structure is provided to maintain a stable binding state, and after releasing the locked state through a separate release button (not shown), the module 100 is separated from the cradle 200 It may be provided in a structure that does.

3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modular air care system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a cross-sectional portion represented by a cross-sectional line crossing the middle of the second module unit 102. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front cover of the modular air care system according to an embodiment of the present invention is opened.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the module 100 may include a body frame 120 , a front cover 130 and a rear cover 140 . The frame 120, the front cover 130 and the rear cover 140 constitute the external housing of the module 100.

The frame 120 is configured in an enclosure type in which a space is formed therein, and a coupling protrusion 111 and an electrical connection part 112 as the docking part 110 described above are provided on the bottom surface. A unit performing any one of an air cleaning function, a humidifying function, and a dehumidifying function may be accommodated in the inner space of the frame 120 . These units are connected to the electrical connector 112 through a terminal connection or an electric wire connection, and are electrically connected to the cradle 200 through the electrical connector 112 to perform unique functions.

Front cover 130 is coupled to the front of the frame (120). A part of the front cover 130 may be accommodated in the inner space of the frame 120 . The front cover 130 may be slidably coupled to the frame 120 . That is, the front cover 130 is movably constrained to the frame 120 in the form of a drawer, so that a portion of the front cover 130 is inserted into the frame 120 through a sliding motion or is positioned to be inserted to the outside. can be located At this time, the unit accommodated in the above-described frame 120 may be mounted on the front cover 130 and detachably provided from the frame 120 together with the front cover 130 . That is, the front cover 130 is slidably coupled to the frame 120 in a state in which the unit is mounted, so that the replacement or maintenance work of the unit can be easily performed. The configuration of the front cover 130 will be described in more detail below.

The rear cover 140 is coupled to the back of the frame 120. The rear cover 140 is provided in a structure that can be separated from the frame 120 by a handle 141 provided on one side. Components required for each function, such as an air purifying filter or an evaporating filter, may be coupled to the rear cover 140, and a replacement operation may be advantageously performed due to the separation structure. For example, when a unit having an air cleaning function is installed in the module 100, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of air purifying filters F may be coupled to the rear cover 140, and in this case, the rear cover 140 may be formed as a grill-shaped member for air communication with the filter (F).

Here, the exterior shape of these housings is preferably configured to have a furniture-like exterior in order to harmonize with adjacent furniture in the room where the modular air care system of the present invention is installed.

As such, the modular air care system of the present invention can provide a space-friendly device in harmony with indoor furniture as the exterior design of the module 100 is formed into a furniture-like exterior. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the module 103 having a shelf function unit with a storage compartment 103a is installed, a part of it can be used as a storage closet like a real furniture, so it is furniture that harmonizes with indoor furniture. It can be provided as a molded device.

In addition, the modular air care system of the present invention allows the filter (F) to function properly through air communication by the rear cover 140, and the replacement of the filter (F) can be easily performed with a detachable structure.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 3 , the frame 120 may include a suction port 121, a discharge port 122, a status indicator 123, and an operation button 124.

The inlet 121 is formed on the rear side of the frame 120 to which the rear cover 140 is coupled, and is configured to communicate with the rear cover 140 or the outside as it is provided in an open shape to suck in external air.

The outlet 122 is formed on the top of the frame 120 . The outlet 122 may discharge clean air or steam according to the function of the module 100 . The discharge port 122 may be provided as grill-shaped holes formed with a plurality of slits in the width direction on the upper surface of the frame 120 .

As such, the module 100 of the present invention may have a flow path structure in which air is sucked in from the rear side through the suction port 121 and discharged through the upper discharge port 122 when a unit performing the air purification function is installed. . The inlet 121 may be configured to discharge internal heat through the rear cover 140 as needed.

The status indicator 123 is spaced apart from the outlet 122 and is formed on the top of the frame 120 . The status indicator 123 can display information related to the operating status of the module 100 or the current air condition, and is made in the form of a display or composed of an LED displaying specific contents to display the status.

The operation button 124 may be provided adjacent to the status indicator 123. Control buttons 124 are disposed on the top of the frame 120 for intuitive operation of the module (100).

In addition, the module 100 can be easily manipulated and checked by the status indicator 123 and the operation button 124 provided at the top.

As such, the frame 120 of the present invention checks the operating state of the current function of the module 100 or information related to air conditioning through the status indicator 123 and the control button 124 provided adjacent to the upper part, while the user The individual modules of the device can be operated with a simple touch.

In addition, the front cover 130 may include a panel 131, an indicator light 132, and a unit mounting block 133, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .

The panel 131 is coupled to the front surface of the frame 120 as a member forming the exterior of the front cover 130 . An indicator light 132 is provided on the outer surface of the panel 131 .

The indicator light 132 is configured to display different information according to the function of the module 100, for example, in the case of a humidification or dehumidification function, the current humidity or the current amount of water (water used for humidification or generated by dehumidification) water) as status information, or in the case of an air purification function, air quality (eg, fine dust concentration information) may be displayed. The indicator light 132 may be installed as a bar-shaped display unit having a predetermined length in the height or width direction on the outer surface of the panel 131, and depending on the state change, lights of different colors are turned on or filled in the length direction of the bar. may be configured to indicate a state with an amount of lighting. Accordingly, since the indicator light 132 displays status information with lights, it is possible to provide intuitive information even in a room where the lights are turned off. The indicator light 132 may provide information overlapping with the status indicator 123 of the frame 120 described above, or may provide other information not provided by the status indicator 123. However, since the indicator light 132 can provide limited information compared to the status indicator 123 of the frame 120, it is preferable to provide important information related to the function of the module 100. That is, the indicator light 132 may be configured to display the current concentration of fine dust or the amount of water.

The unit mounting block 133 is connected to the rear surface of the panel 131 and can be accommodated in the inner space of the frame 120 . The unit mounting block 133 is detachably coupled to the panel 131 . The unit mounting block 133 may be configured to accommodate a driving device and other components of units performing air conditioning functions.

For example, when a unit performing a humidifying function among air conditioning functions is installed in the module 100, a heat generating means (not shown) located on the lower side of the unit mounting block 133 and a heat generating means Water tanks (not shown) containing water to be vaporized may be respectively provided. At this time, a groove-shaped pocket 133a may be formed at the top of the unit mounting block 133, and a water tank T containing water for humidification may be accommodated in the pocket 133a. The water tank (T) communicates with the water tank provided inside the unit mounting block 133 through a hole (not shown) formed in the lower part to supply water, and the water contained in the water tank is vaporized by a heating means. Accordingly, steam may be discharged through the discharge port 122 at the top of the frame 120. Alternatively, when a unit that performs a dehumidification function is mounted, components for dehumidification (eg, a dryer, a condenser, etc.) may be provided on the unit mounting block 133, and the water tank ( T) may be provided to serve as a water trap.

As such, the modular air care system of the present invention can provide a structure that can be installed by replacing the module 100 mounted on the cradle 200 with a module with a different function or by changing the mounting location, and in addition to this, the frame It is configured in such a way that the unit mounting block 133 accommodated in 120 is replaced with a block equipped with a unit with a different function (replacing the entire block together with the unit or replacing only the unit mounted on the block), as needed. It can also be used as an air care system with a function.

In particular, the modular air care system of the present invention is provided with a structure in which only the unit or unit mounting block 133 installed in the module 100 can be replaced in addition to the structure of an integral module exchange type, which is the repair of the device It has the advantage of being easy to replace parts.

Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the front cover 130 of the modular air care system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a guide protrusion 134 and a lock release button 135 .

The guide protrusion 134 may be formed to protrude from the bottom or side of the unit mounting block 133 . The guide protrusion 134 may be inserted into or bound to the guide groove 120a provided in the frame 120 . These guide protrusions 134 may be provided to guide the sliding operation of the front cover 130 or to maintain binding with the frame 120 . For example, although not shown in the drawings, the guide protrusion 134 is provided at the bottom of the unit mounting block 133 to have a predetermined length along the moving direction of the front cover 130 and is fitted into the guide groove 120a. It is configured or configured in the form of a guide roller coupled to the guide rail, it is possible to guide the sliding operation of the front cover (130). In addition, the front cover 130 has a lock release button 135 provided on the top of the panel 131 to release the binding state of the guide protrusion 134 through a button operation, thereby moving the front cover 130 to the frame 120. can be separated from

The unlock button 135 releases the binding state of the guide protrusion 134 so that the front cover 130 can be moved in a direction spaced apart from the frame 120 . At this time, the unlock button 135 may be composed of a physical button or an electronic button. For example, in the case of a physical button, the binding state between the guide grooves 120a can be released by separating the guide protrusions 134 by a link member (not shown) linked to the pressing operation of the unlock button 135. . Unlike this, in the case of an electronic button, a cylinder (not shown) operated hydraulically or pneumatically by a touch operation of the unlock button 135 releases the binding state of the guide protrusion 134 or moves the guide protrusion 134 in one direction. It can be separated from the guide groove (120a) by moving to. At this time, an elastic means (not shown) for elastically supporting the front cover 130 to the frame 120 in correspondence with the sliding motion direction, or a separate driving force so that the front cover 130 can be moved by a button operation. It may be additionally configured to move the front cover 130 by a moving means (not shown) that generates.

As such, the module 100 of the present invention stably guides the sliding operation of the front cover 130 by the guide protrusion 134, and uses the unlock button 135 that is operated simply to release the front cover 130. It can be easily opened from the frame 120.

Referring back to FIG. 3 , the modular air care system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a station 150 for providing information and controlling operations.

Station 150 may be fixed or detachably coupled to the top of module 100 . Such a station 150 may be composed of a display 151 providing information on a screen and a controller 152 providing a manipulation unit for operation control.

The display 151 is provided on one side of the station 150, and displays environmental information such as weather, current temperature, indoor temperature, air quality, indoor air quality, and humidity, as well as time information on the screen to provide to the user. can In this case, the display 151 may receive and provide external information based on server communication, or may be configured to provide information based on data measured through a built-in sensor unit.

The controller 152 is configured to manipulate screen information provided to the display 151 or functions of the station 150, or to control each module 100 mounted on the cradle 200 in an integrated operation method. . The controller 152 is composed of a touch panel built into the station 150 and provided together with the display 151 so that the device can be easily operated. In contrast, a physical button provided on one side of the station 150 may consist of The controller 152 may communicate with a user's mobile device and be manipulated through an application.

In addition, a speaker (not shown) may be embedded in the station 150, and state information related to an air conditioning function or current indoor air condition information may be notified to a user by voice. The speaker of the station 150 can be connected to a user's personal terminal in a Bluetooth manner, and can play music, so that the modular air care system of the present invention can also function as an acoustic furniture.

As such, the station 150 of the present invention is an integrated information and control system, which is intuitively provided on the upper part of the device apart from the status information and operation unit provided by the module 100 itself, and provides the user with information related to the function of the device. A variety of information can be provided, operation is convenient in a touch method, and convenient functions can be additionally provided.

In the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the module 100 is mounted in the docking slot 210 of the cradle 200 and forms an integral device with the cradle 200 . That is, mounting of the module 100 is completed simply by mounting the docking unit 110 provided on the bottom of the module 100 to the docking slot 210 of the cradle 200 .

Conversely, when the module 100 is separated from the cradle 200 for replacement or repair, the module 100 can be separated from the cradle 200 by lifting the module 100 upwards because it has the aforementioned docking structure without a separate binding device. can At this time, if a separate locking structure is provided to maintain a stable binding state, the module 100 may be separated from the cradle 200 by lifting the module 100 upward after releasing the binding state through a release button (not shown). .

The module 100 is electrically connected to the cradle 200 and receives electricity through a power source of the cradle 200 to perform an air conditioning function. The module 100 is stably fixed by being coupled to the docking part 110 by the docking slot 210 of the cradle 200 . At this time, in the module 100, the coupling protrusion 111 is seated on the seating portion 220 of the docking slot 210 to prevent movement, and the electrical connection portion 112 is electrically connected through the connector portion 230 to the module. Electrical driving of (100) becomes possible.

In particular, in the embodiment of the present invention, as the number of docking slots 210 formed in the cradle 200 is changed, the number of mounted modules 100 can be configured in various ways, and as a modular mounting structure, as needed It is possible to mount modules with different functions according to the

Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present invention, other air conditioning functions can be used only by replacing a unit mounted on the unit mounting block 133. For example, a unit having a humidification function, a dehumidification function, or an air purification function is mounted on the unit mounting block 133 to perform the corresponding function. In addition to replacing the unit, various air purification functions are performed by replacing the entire module 100.

In addition, the rear cover 140 of the module 100 is also detachably provided from the frame 120, so that the separation of the rear cover 140 is required when the filter F installed on the rear cover 140 needs to be replaced. The replacement operation is carried out through

Therefore, the modular air care system according to the embodiment of the present invention as described above can perform the air conditioning function to keep the indoor air comfortable, and can perform various air conditioning functions as needed due to the modular installation structure. Combining the modules 100 has the advantage of using multiple functions. Therefore, according to the present invention, since the air conditioning function of various functions operates according to the air condition, air cleanliness or humidity can be optimized in a complex manner.

In particular, according to the present invention, the installation and electrical driving of the module 100 are possible only when the docking part 110 of the module 100 is coupled to the docking slot 210 of the cradle 200 in a detachable structure, It is easy and convenient to install and use the functions desired by the user.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the air conditioning unit can be mounted in a replaceable manner on the unit mounting block 133 provided on the front cover 130 detachably coupled to the frame 120, the entire module 100 In addition to the replacement method, only the unit provided in the module 100 can be replaced, so that it can be easily replaced with a unit with a different function if necessary, and in particular, the cost of replacing the function of the device can be reduced, and the number of modules and units It has the advantage of convenient maintenance.

In addition, since the modular air care system according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a plurality of modules 100 each performing a single function, rather than driving two or more functions, Even if the air conditioning function is used, performance degradation due to individual operation of the module can be minimized. In particular, since each module 100 is provided with a suction port 121 and a discharge port 122, it is possible to function without interfering with each other's air conditioning function.

In addition, according to the present invention, since it is not a structure of an integrated operation method, it is possible to intuitively check and operate the status of each module 100 through the status indicator 123 and the control button 124, so that the conventional integrated operation method It has improved the inconvenience of operating individual functions in the devices of the device, and can minimize restrictions on the use of each function of the device.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the module 100 mounted on the cradle 200 can be stably fixed through the coupling structure of the docking unit 110 and the docking slot 210 to prevent separation due to external impact. Since power can be supplied to the module 100, a plurality of modules 100 can be driven with one power source, so that multiple functions can be performed.

In addition, the present invention can be configured to have a furniture-type appearance in order to harmonize with other furniture placed together in the room, and to minimize the sense of dissimilarity with furniture, so that it is in harmony with indoor furniture and is space-friendly device can be provided. In particular, since the present invention can perform the function of a storage cabinet according to the configuration of the module 100, rather than simply designing a furniture type product, it can be provided as a practical furniture type product.

5 is a diagram showing a modular air care system provided as a single type device as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The modular air care system according to the present embodiment may include a single module 100 and a single cradle 200. As an example, an air purifying unit may be installed in the module 100 to perform only an air purifying function. The module 100 is mounted and electrically connected to the docking slot of the cradle 200 .

6 is a diagram showing a modular air care system provided as a multi-type device as another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For example, the modular air care system according to the present embodiment includes a module 100 composed of a first module unit 101, a second module unit 102, and a third module unit 103, and a first docking unit. It may be configured to include a slot portion, a second docking slot portion, and a cradle 200 in which a third docking slot portion is formed. For example, a dehumidifying unit is installed in the first module unit 101 to perform a dehumidifying function, a humidifying unit is installed in the second module unit 102 to perform a humidifying function, and the third module unit 103 ) may be configured to perform an air purification function.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a modular air care system in which single-type devices and multi-type devices are simultaneously installed as another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The modular air care system according to this embodiment is illustrated as including a module having a storage function. For example, the modular air care system according to the present embodiment includes a first module 300 having three module parts, a second module 500 having one module, and first and second cradles coupled to each of them. (400, 600). Unlike the first module unit 301 and the second module unit 302, the third module unit 303 of the first module 300 may be provided as a furniture-type frame having a storage compartment 303a. That is, the third module unit 303 may be composed of at least one storage compartment 303a having an opening with an open front surface, and in contrast, a storage space partitioned by at least one drawer compartment that can be opened and closed in the opening. It may be configured to have.

Accordingly, since the modular air care system according to the present embodiment can perform an air conditioning function, it can also perform the function of a storage cabinet according to the configuration.

As such, the modular air care system of the present invention can be used by combining various air conditioning functions to suit the user's needs. In particular, through the subscription service technology, users can configure and combine products with desired air conditioning functions to subscribe to the corresponding products, or propose products configured according to seasonal or environmental changes within the system to users and provide them as a delivery service. can

The above description is merely an example of the technical idea of the present invention, and various modifications and variations can be made to those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are for explanation, not for limiting the technical idea of the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

(Description of code)

100: module 110: docking unit

111: coupling protrusion 112: electrical connection

120: frame 121: inlet

122: discharge port 123: status indicator

124: operation button 130: front cover

131: panel 132: indicator

133: unit mounting block 134: guide protrusion

140: rear cover 150: station

151: display 152: controller

Claims

At least one module having an air conditioning function; and

A modular air care system comprising a cradle having at least one docking slot detachably connected to the module formed thereon.
The method of claim 1, wherein the module,

a coupling protrusion formed to protrude from a lower portion to be coupled with the docking slot; and

A modular air care system comprising an electrical connector formed on the coupling protrusion and electrically communicating with the cradle.
The method of claim 2, wherein the docking slot,

An inward inclined surface corresponding to the size of the coupling protrusion and inclined downward from the upper surface of the cradle to the inside, and an accommodation groove extending from the inward inclined surface and recessed stepwise from the upper surface of the cradle; a seating portion where the coupling protrusion is seated; and

A modular air care system comprising a connector formed in the seating portion and connected to the electrical connection portion.
The method of claim 2, wherein the module,

An enclosure-type frame having the coupling protrusion and the electrical connection part formed on a bottom surface and having a space therein;

a front cover coupled to the front of the frame; and

Including a rear cover coupled to the rear surface of the frame,

The front cover is a modular air care system, characterized in that a part is accommodated in the inner space of the frame and slidably coupled to the frame.
The method of claim 4, wherein the frame,

a suction port formed on the side of the rear cover to suck in external air;

a discharge port formed on the top to discharge clean air or steam;

a status indicator provided to be spaced apart from the outlet; and

A modular air care system comprising an operating button disposed adjacent to the status indicator.
The method of claim 4, wherein the front cover,

A panel with an indicator light formed on the outside and coupled to the front surface of the frame;

a unit mounting block connected to the panel, accommodated in the inner space of the frame, and providing a space in which a unit performing an air conditioning function is mounted; and

A guide protrusion formed to protrude from the bottom or side of the unit mounting block and bound to a guide groove provided in the frame;

The unit mounting block is configured to be separable from the panel so that the unit can be replaced.
According to claim 4,

The rear cover is a modular air care system including at least one filter that is detachably coupled.
According to claim 1,

The cradle is a modular air care system, characterized in that either a single type in which a single module is mounted or a multi-type in which two or more of the modules are mounted.
According to claim 1,

A modular air care system, characterized in that a unit that performs any one of an air cleaning function, a humidifying function, a dehumidifying function, and a storage function is installed in the module.
According to claim 9,

The module is configured to perform a storage function,

The module is a modular air care system, characterized in that consisting of a furniture-type housing having a storage space partitioned by at least one storage compartment having an opening with an open front or at least one drawer compartment that can be opened and closed through a rail.