AIR PURIFYING DEVICE AND FUNCTION MODULE USED THEREIN

BACKGROUND
Field

The disclosure relates to an air purifying device and a function module used therein.

Description of Related Art

An air purifying device is used to remove contaminants from air. An air purifying device may remove bacteria, viruses, mold, fungi, and chemical substances that cause bad odors, such as fine dust, from air which is sucked in.

An air purifying device may be required to perform a variety of functions in addition to an air purification function for cleaning indoor air. For example, depending on a consumer's needs, an air purifying device may be required to have a booster fan function of quickly spreading out the purified air. For example, depending on a consumer's needs, an air purifying device may also be required to have a function of controlling the humidity of indoor air.

SUMMARY

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, an air purifying device includes: a main body including at least one filter, a blower configured to induce air flow to pass through the at least one filter, a main controller comprising circuitry configured to control operation of the blower, a power supply configured to supply power to the main controller, and an output terminal configured to output power received from the power supply to outside.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the air purifying device includes: at least one function module comprising a fan detachably assembled onto the main body and including a function unit comprising a fan configured to perform a function of assisting the main body or a function different from a function of the main body, an auxiliary controller comprising circuitry configured to control operation of the function unit, a connection terminal electrically connectable to the output terminal, and a second power supply configured to receive power separate from the power supplied to the power supply.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, a function module comprising a fan detachably assembled onto a main body of an air purifying device includes a function unit comprising a fan configured to perform a function of assisting the main body module or a function different from a function of the main body module, a connection terminal electrically connectable to an output terminal configured to output power from the main body to outside, and a second power supply configured to receive power separate from the power supplied to a power supply of the main body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example air purifying device according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an air purifying device according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an air purifying device, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a function module according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view illustrating an arrangement of a function module in an air purifying device, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view illustrating an arrangement of a function module in an air purifying device, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of a configuration in which a function module and a main body module of an air purifying device are detachably assembled together according to various embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of first and second connection units of the air purifying device of FIG. 6 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating various portions of the first and second connection units of FIG. 7 being separated according to various embodiments;

FIG. 9A is an exploded perspective view of the portion of the first connection unit of FIG. 8, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 9B is an exploded perspective view of the portion of the second connection unit of FIG. 8 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating operations of the first and second connection units of FIGS. 8, 9A and 9B according to various embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating operations of the first and second connection units of FIGS. 8, 9A and 9B according to various embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an example of first and second connection units of the air purifying device of FIG. 6 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of the first and second connection units of the air purifying device of FIG. 12 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an operation of the first and second connection units of FIG. 12 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first and second connection units of the air purifying device of FIG. 6 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of the first and second connection units of the air purifying device of FIG. 15 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an operation of the first and second connection units of FIG. 15 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the first and second connection units of the air purifying device of FIG. 6 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating an operation of the first and second connection units of FIG. 18 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a structure for electrical connection between a function module and a main body module of an air purifying device, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a structure for electrical connection between a function module and a main body module of an air purifying device, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example connection process using a structure for electrical connection between a function module and a main body module of an air purifying device, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an air purifying device when a function module is separated from a main body module, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an air purifying device when a function module is assembled onto a main body module according to various embodiments;

FIG. 25A is a diagram illustrating an example of use when a function module and a main body module are assembled together, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 25B is a diagram illustrating an example of use when a function module is separated from a main body module, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a main body module and a function module of an air purifying device, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view illustrating an example in which a function module of an air purifying device is a humidifying module, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the function module of FIG. 27 according to various embodiments.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view illustrating an example in which a function module of an air purifying device includes a charging module, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 30 is a block diagram for illustrating an example configuration of the function module of FIG. 29 according to various embodiments; and

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating example operation of an air purifying device, according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various example embodiments of the disclosure will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals or symbols represent like components or elements performing substantially the same functions.

It will be understood that, although the terms including an ordinal number such as “first”, “second”, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are simply used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component. For example, as used herein, a first element or component may be termed a second element or component without departing from the scope of the disclosure, and similarly, a second element or component may be termed a first element or component. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any combination of a plurality of associated items listed or any one of the plurality of associated listed items.

The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing various embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, singular forms are intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise,” “include,” or “have” used herein are intended to specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof. In the drawings, like reference numerals represent like elements performing substantially the same functions.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example air purifying device 1 according to various embodiments. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an air purifying device according to various embodiments, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the air purifying device 1, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 1 to 3), the air purifying device 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be a device configured to control properties of air such as air cleanliness, airflow, etc. For example, the air purifying device 1 may be a device for improving the cleanliness or quality of indoor air. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air purifying device 1 may include a main body module 100 that performs an air purification function to purify the surrounding air.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the main body module 100 includes at least one filter unit (e.g., including a filter) 110, a blower unit (e.g., including a blower) 120 that induces air flow to pass through the filter unit 110, and a main controller (e.g., including circuitry) 130 that controls operation of the blower unit 120. The filter unit 110, the blower unit 120, and the main controller 130 may be arranged inside a main body housing 101.

The main body housing 101 may include an air inlet (not shown) through which air is introduced from the outside, and an air outlet 102 through which the introduced air is discharged. The main body housing 101 may include a plurality of housing members. The plurality of housing members may include a top housing 1011, a bottom housing 1012, and a plurality of side housings 1013. However, the configuration of the main body housing 101 is not limited thereto and may vary depending on a shape of the main body housing 101, an assembly method, etc.

The filter unit 110 may include a filter be configured to filter the introduced air. The filter unit 110 may perform a function of filtering out dust from the introduced air. The filter unit 110 may have a cylindrical shape with a hollow center, but is not limited thereto, and may vary in shape.

The filter unit 110 may include a plurality of filter members (e.g., filters) having different functions. For example, although not shown, the filter unit 110 may include a dust collection filter member for collecting fine dust and a deodorizing filter member for removing bad odors.

The blower unit 120 may include a blower or fan and generate a flow so that air introduced via the air inlet inside the main body housing 101 passes through the filter unit 110 and is discharged via the air outlet 102.

For example, the blower unit 120 is located between the filter unit 110 and the air outlet 102 and may generate air flow in a direction toward the air outlet 102. The blower unit 120 may include at least one axial fan. However, the arrangement of the blower unit 120 and a manner in which the blower unit 120 blows air are not limited thereto and may vary. For example, although not shown, the blower unit 120 may be located between the air inlet and the filter unit 110, or may include a centrifugal fan.

The main controller 130 may include various circuitry and control operation of the air purifying device 1. For example, the main controller 130 may control operation of the main body module 100 of the air purifying device 1. For example, the main controller 130 may control operation of the blower unit 120 provided inside the main body module 100. For example, the main controller 130 may adjust a rotation speed of the blower unit 120. In addition, the main controller 130 may control various components for the operation of the main body module 100.

The main body module 100 may include a power supply 140 configured to supply power to the main controller 130. The power supply 140 may be configured to receive power from the outside. The power supply 140 may be configured to receive alternating current (AC) power. However, the power supplied to the power supply 140 is not necessarily limited to AC power, and may be direct current (DC) power.

The main body module 100 may further include at least one of a communication unit (e.g., including communication circuitry) 160, an input/output unit (e.g., including input/output circuitry) 190, or a sensor unit (e.g., including at least one sensor) 170.

The communication unit 160 may include various communication circuitry for communicating with an external device. The communication unit 160 may communicate with the external device via wireless communication methods such as Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), wireless fidelity (WI-FI), etc. The main controller 130 may transmit various types of data to the external device via the communication unit 160 and receive various types of data from the external device. For example, the main controller 130 may receive, via the communication unit 160, a user command for controlling the operation of the air purifying device 1.

The input/output unit 190 may include various input/output circuitry including an input interface for receiving user commands. For example, the input interface may include a plurality of buttons for receiving user commands. The input/output unit 190 may include an output interface for displaying various screens related to the operation of the air purifying device 1. For example, the output interface may include a display. The display may be implemented as various displays such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, etc. For example, the output interface may include a speaker for providing acoustic information.

The main controller 130 may, via the input/output unit 190, receive an input from the user and provide information to the user.

The sensor unit 170 may include at least one sensor and detect information about the surrounding environment of the air purifying device 1. For example, the sensor unit 170 may detect a pollution level of the surrounding air or information related thereto. For example, the sensor unit 170 may detect at least one of a dust concentration or a carbon dioxide concentration in the surrounding air. The sensor unit 170 may further detect at least one of temperature or humidity.

The main controller 130 may control the operation of the blower unit 120 based on information detected by the sensor unit 170. For example, when a dust concentration is detected by the sensor unit 170 to be higher than or equal to a reference concentration, the main controller 130 may increase the rotation speed of the blower unit 120.

The air purifying device 1 may include at least one function module 200 configured to be detachably assembled onto the main body module 100. The function module 200 may be configured to perform a function of assisting the purification function of the main body module 100, or to perform a function different from the purification function of the main body module 100.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the function module 200 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 1 to 4), the function module 200 includes a function unit 210 configured to perform a function of assisting the purification function of the main body module 100 or a function different from the purification function of the main body module 100. The function module 200 further includes a sub-housing 201 that accommodates the function unit 210.

For example, the function module 200 may perform a function of more widely or quickly spreading air discharged from the main body module 100. For example, the function module 200 may be a blower module configured to adjust a blowing speed or blowing direction of air discharged from the air outlet 102 of the main body module 100. For example, the function module 200 may function as a booster fan. The function module 200 may perform a function of assisting a blowing function of the main body module 100.

The function module 200 may include the function unit 210 capable of generating a flow of air independently of the main body module 100. The function unit 210 may perform a function of converting at least one of the blowing speed or the blowing direction of the air discharged from the main body module 100. As an example for this, the function unit 210 may include a fan (not shown) that rotates to generate air flow. The function unit 210 may further include a plurality of blades 203 that control a direction of the air flow. The fan may be provided inside the sub-housing 201, and the blades 203 may be located at an upper portion of the sub-housing 201.

The function unit 210 may be different from the blower unit 120 of the main body module 100. For example, a blowing speed of air from the function unit 210 may be different from a blowing speed of air from the main body module 100. A rotation speed of the fan of the function unit 210 may be different from the rotation speed of the blower unit 120 of the main body module 100. For example, a fan structure of the function unit 210 may be different from a fan structure of the blower unit 120 of the main body module 100. When one of the function module 200 and the main body module 100 blows air via an axial fan, the other one of the function module 200 and the main body module 100 may blow air via a centrifugal fan.

The sub-housing 201 may include a second air inlet (205 of FIG. 6) arranged to face the air outlet 102 of the main body module 100, and a second air outlet 202 through which air introduced from the second air inlet 205 is discharged.

The second air outlet 202 may include an upper outlet 2021 arranged to at least partially overlap an upper portion of the second air inlet 205. The plurality of blades 203 capable of selectively opening and closing the upper outlet 2021 may be arranged in the upper outlet 2021.

The plurality of blades 203 may open and close the upper outlet 2021 by adjusting a rotation angle thereof. The plurality of blades 203 may control a direction of air flow by adjusting the rotation angle thereof. The plurality of blades 203 may include a plurality of fine holes that allow air to be discharged. When the plurality of blades 203 have closed the upper outlet 2021, the air may be discharged via the plurality of fine holes. In other words, the air may be discharged in a windless manner.

The second air outlet 202 may include a side outlet 2022 for discharging the air sucked in from the second air inlet 205 in a planar direction. The side outlet 2022 may have a plurality of micro holes. The side outlet 2022 may be provided on a side of the sub-housing 201.

The air introduced via the second air outlet 205 may be discharged in all directions through the upper outlet 2021 and the side outlet 2022. For example, when the fan rotates with the plurality of blades 203 closing the upper outlet 2021, the air may be discharged via the plurality of fine holes in the blades 203 and the plurality of micro holes in the side outlet 2022.

The function module 200 may be controlled by the auxiliary controller 260. The function unit 210 of the function module 200 may be controlled by the auxiliary controller 260. For example, the auxiliary controller 260 may control the rotation speed of the fan. By controlling the rotation angle of the blades 203, the auxiliary controller 260 may open and close the upper outlet 2021 or control a direction of air discharged via the upper outlet 2021.

The function module 200 may be provided with a second power supply 230. An input terminal 231 of the second power supply 230 may be located at a corner of the sub-housing 201. However, the arrangement of the second power supply 230 is not limited thereto and may vary.

A shape of the sub-housing 201 may correspond to a shape of the main body housing 101. For example, a planar area of the sub-housing 201 may correspond to a planar area of the main body housing 101. For example, when the main body housing 101 is a hexahedron having a first height, the sub-housing 201 may be a hexahedron having a second height that is less than the first height.

However, the shape of the sub-housing 201 is not limited thereto and may vary. For example, the sub-housing 201 may have a different shape than that of the main body housing 101. For example, the main body housing 101 of the air purifying device 1 may have a hexahedral shape, and the sub-housing 201 of the function module 200 may have a spherical shape.

The function module 200 may be arranged to overlap the main body module 100 in an upward and downward direction (or a vertical direction). For example, the function module 200 may be disposed on top of the main body module 100. However, the arrangement of the function module 200 is not limited thereto, and may be disposed on at least one of a top or a bottom of the main body module 100. For example, an air purifying device 1A (e.g., refer to FIG. 5A) according to an embodiment of the disclosure may have the function module 200 disposed on the bottom of the main body module 100, as shown in FIG. 5A, or an air purifying device 1B (e.g., refer to FIG. 5B) according to an embodiment of the disclosure may have the function module 200 disposed on both the top and bottom of the main body module 100, as shown in FIG. 5B.

The main body module 100 and the function module 200 may be configured to be assembled together. The main body module 100 may be configured to be electrically connected to the function module 200. For example, the main body module 100 may include an output terminal 150 configured to output power received from the power supply 140 to the outside. For example, the function module 200 may include a connection terminal 220 provided to be electrically connected to the main body module 100. The function module 200 may further include a second power supply 230 configured to receive power that is separate from the power supplied to the power supply 140 of the main body module 100.

The main body module 100 and the function module 200 may be configured to be detachably assembled together.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of a configuration in which the function module 200 and the main body module 100 of an air purifying device 1 are detachably assembled together according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, in the air purifying device 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the function module 200 may be detachably assembled onto the main body module 100. In the air purifying device 1, the main body module 100 and the function module 200 may operate integrally with each other in an assembled state.

The function module 200 may be detachably assembled onto the main body module 100. The function module 200 may be assembled to and operate with the main body module 100. When the function module 200 is assembled onto the main body module 100, the function module 200 may be electrically connected to the main body module 100. However, the function module 200 may operate while being separated from the main body module 100 as well as while being assembled onto the main body module 100. The operation of the function module 200 while detached from the main body module 100 is described below.

The main body module 100 and the function module 200 may each include at least one connection unit (e.g., including a connector and/or terminal) configured to be detachably assembled together. The main body module 100 and the function module 200 may each include a plurality of connection units. For example, the main body module 100 and the function module 200 may each include two connection units, as shown in FIG. 6. In another example, the main body module 100 and the function module 200 may each include three or more connection units. However, the number of connection units in each of the main body module 100 and the function module 200 is not limited thereto and may be one.

The main body module 100 may include a first connection unit 300 provided to face the function module 200, and the function module 200 may include a second connection unit 400 provided to face the first connection unit 300. The second connection unit 400 may be provided to be detachably fixed to the first connection unit 300.

The number of first connection units 300 and the number of second connection units 400 may be equal to each other, but are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the number of first connection units 300 may be greater than the number of second connection units 400, or the number of first connection units 300 may be less than the number of second connection units 400.

The number of first connection units 300 and second connection units 400 may be plural. The second connection unit 400 may be configured to be fixed to the first connection unit 300 without rotational movement of the function module 200.

The first connection unit 300 of the main body module 100 and the second connection unit 400 of the function module 200 may be designed by taking into account an upper structure of the main body module 100 and a process of assembling the main body module 100 to the function module 200.

For example, in the main body module 100, the air outlet 102 for discharging air may be provided at an upper central portion of the main body housing 101. In the function module 200, the second air inlet 205 into which air discharged from the air outlet 102 is drawn may be provided at a lower central portion of the sub-housing 201. The second connection unit 400 of the function module 200 and the first connection unit 300 of the main body module 100 may be arranged so as not to interfere with an air movement path.

For example, the first connection unit 300 of the main body module 100 may be arranged at an edge portion of an end facing the function module 200. The first connection unit 300 may be arranged around the air outlet 102 at the top of the main body module 100. The second connection unit 400 of the function module 200 may be arranged at an edge portion of an end of the function module 200 facing the main body module 100. The second connection unit 400 may be arranged around the second air inlet 205 at the top of the function module 200.

The output terminal 150 of the main body module 100 may be arranged in the first connection unit 300. The output terminal 150 may be arranged at the edge portion of the end of the main body module 100 facing the function module 200. The connection terminal 220 of the function module 200 may be arranged in the second connection unit 400. The connection terminal 220 may be arranged at the edge portion of the end of the function module 200 facing the main body module 100.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the first connection unit 300 and the second connection unit 400 of the air purifying device 1 of FIG. 6 according to various embodiments. FIG. 8 is a diagram including perspective views illustrating portions of the first and second connection units 300 and 400 of FIG. 7 being separated according to various embodiments. FIG. 9A is an exploded perspective view illustrating the portion of the first connection unit 300 of FIG. 8 according to various embodiments, and FIG. 9B is an exploded perspective view illustrating the portion of the second connection unit 400 of FIG. 8 according to various embodiments. FIGS. 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views illustrating example operations of the first connection unit 300 and the second connection unit 400 of FIGS. 8, 9A and 9B according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9A, 9B, 10 and 11 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 6 to 11), according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first connection unit 300 and the second connection unit 400 may be configured to be assembled without rotational movement of the function module 200. For example, the first connection unit 300 and the second connection unit 400 may be configured to be fixed to each other by at least one of an up and down movement of the second connection unit 400 or a horizontal movement of the second connection unit 400. For example, the first connection unit 300 and the second connection unit 400 may be configured to be detachably fixed to each other by at least one of a push latch type or a lever lock type.

For example, the first connection unit 300 and the second connection unit 400 may be configured to be fixed (or connected) to each other via up and down movement of the second connection unit 400 and movement of a lever member 410 of the second connection unit 400. By fixing the second connection unit 400 to the first connection unit 300, the function module 200 may be electrically connected to the main body module 100.

For example, the first connection unit 300 of the main body module 100 includes a base member 310 and a lifting member 320 that is movable up and down with respect to the base member 310. A hook member 321 is provided at a lower portion of the lifting member 320, and the base member 310 includes a hook coupling member 311 configured to secure the hook member 321 using a push latch type when the lifting member 320 is lowered. Using the push latch type, the hook coupling member 311 may release its fastening to the hook member 321 when the lifting member 320 is lowered again.

The lifting member 320 may be elastically pressed in a direction where it is raised. An elastic member (e.g., a spring) 330 may be included between the lifting member 320 and the base member 310 to elastically press the lifting member 320 in an upward direction. The output terminal 150 for electrical connection with the function module 200 may be arranged around a rim of the lifting member 320.

The second connection unit 400 of the function module 200 may include the lever member 410 and a locking member 420 that is movable in a radial direction and a centrifugal direction in conjunction with the lever member 410. The second connection unit 400 further includes a direction change member 430 for converting a rotational movement of the lever member 410 into a centrifugal movement of the locking member 420.

The direction change member 430 may include a rotary member 431 that is fixed to the lever member 410 and rotates together with the lever member 410, and a guide member 432 that guides the centrifugal movement of the locking member 420. The locking member 420 may pass through the rotary member 431 and the guide member 432 and be fixed by a support member 433.

The locking member 420 may move in the radial or centrifugal direction in conjunction with operation of the lever member 410. When the lever member 410 is rotated, depending on a direction of rotation, the locking member 420 may be moved by the direction change member 430 in the centrifugal direction or in the radial direction opposite to the centrifugal direction. The locking member 420 may be provided with the connection terminal 220 for electrical connection with the main body module 100.

The locking member 420 may have a contact position 421 surrounding and contacting the rim of the lifting member 320 of the first connection unit 300, and a non-contact position 422 of being, by moving in a radial direction away from the contact position, spaced apart from and not in contact with the rim of the lifting member 320.

With the second connection unit 400 disposed on the first connection unit 300, when the second connection unit 400 is pressed downward, as shown in FIG. 10, the hook member 321 of the first connection unit 300 may be fixed to the hook coupling member 311 of the base member 310. In this case, the locking member 420 may be in the non-contact position 422 that does not contact the rim of the lifting member 320.

The locking member 420 may be moved to the contact position 421 as shown in FIG. 11 by rotating the lever member 410 while the hook member 321 is secured to the hook coupling member 311. For example, a user may rotate the lever member 410 in a first direction to move the locking member 420 to the contact position 421. In the process of moving the locking member 420 to the contact position 421, the connection terminal 220 may be electrically connected to the output terminal 150.

As described above, by pressing the second connection unit 400 in the downward direction and rotating the lever member 410, the function module 200 and the main body module 100 may be structurally assembled and electrically connected to each other. Structural separation and electrical separation between the function module 200 and the main body module 100 may be performed in a reverse order to that of the method described above. For example, by rotating the lever member 410 in the opposite direction and repressing the second connection unit 400 in the downward direction, the function module 200 and the main body module 100 may be structurally separated and electrically disconnected from each other.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the method of assembling the first connection unit 300 and the second connection unit 400 has been described with respect to an example in which a lever lock type and a push latch type are used. However, the method of assembling the first connection unit 300 and the second connection unit 400 is not limited thereto and may vary.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a first connection unit 300A and a second connection unit 400A as an example of the first connection unit 300 and the second connection unit 400 of the air purifying device 1 of FIG. 6 according to various embodiments. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of the first and second connection units 300A and 400A of the air purifying device 1 of FIG. 12 according to various embodiments. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operations of the first and second connection units 300A and 400A of FIG. 12 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 12 to 14), the first connection unit 300A and the second connection unit 400A may be configured to be assembled via movement in an upward and downward direction. The first connection unit 300A includes a lifting member 320a, and a base member 310a provided to fix a position of the lifting member 320a or release the lifting member 320a from the fixed position in an upward and downward direction. The first connection unit 300A includes a cover member 350 to prevent/suppress the lifting member 320a from being separated.

The lifting member 320a may include a first coupling portion 323 for assembly with the second connection unit 400A. The second connection unit 400A may include a second coupling portion 450 for coupling to the first coupling portion 323.

The first coupling portion 323 and the second coupling portion 450 may be configured to be fitted into each other. For example, a shape of an outer circumferential surface of the first coupling portion 323 may correspond to a shape of an inner circumferential surface of the second coupling portion 450. An outer diameter of the first coupling portion 323 may correspond to an inner diameter of the second coupling portion 450. For example, the outer diameter of the first coupling portion 323 may be equal to or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the second coupling portion 450. In this case, ‘slightly larger’ may refer, for example to a size large enough for the first coupling portion 323 to be inserted into the second coupling portion 450 by deformation without damage of the first coupling portion 323 or the second coupling portion 450.

In the process of moving the function module 200 in the upward and downward direction relative to the main body module 100, the second coupling portion 450 may be fitted into the first coupling portion 323. In this state, the second coupling portion 450 may press the first coupling portion 323 in the upward and downward direction.

The base member 310a includes an accommodating portion that defines an accommodating space where a portion of the lifting member 320a is accommodated when the lifting member 320a is lowered. An inner circumferential surface of the accommodating portion includes a plurality of guide grooves 312 that guide raising and lowering of the lifting member 320a when the lifting member 320a is raised and lowered, and a stopper 3123 that limits up and down movement of the lifting member 320a. The plurality of guide grooves 312 may extend in the upward and downward direction.

The lifting member 320a includes a vertical movable portion 325 that moves up and down along the base member 310a, and a rotation induction portion 324 that induces rotation of the vertical movable portion 325.

An outer circumferential surface of the vertical movable portion 325 may include a plurality of guide protrusions 326a that move along the plurality of guide grooves 312. The plurality of guide protrusions 326a include first and second guide protrusions 3261 and 3262 having different protrusion heights in a radial direction. A protrusion height of the first guide protrusion 3261 is greater than a protrusion height of the second guide protrusion 3262. The first guide protrusion 3261 may be alternately arranged with the second guide protrusion 3262 on an outer circumferential surface of the lifting member 320a.

The plurality of guide grooves 312 may include a first guide groove 3121 that guides up and down movement of the first guide protrusion 3261 and a second guide groove 3122 that guides up and down movement of the second guide protrusion 3262. The stopper 3123 of the base member 310a may limit the up and down movement of the first guide protrusion 3261 while allowing the up and down movement of the second guide protrusion 3262. For example, the stopper 3123 may be provided in the second guide groove 3122.

The rotation induction portion 324 may be disposed above the vertical movable portion 325. A rim of the rotation induction portion 324 includes at least one rotation induction protrusion 3241. The rotation induction protrusion 3241 may be disposed above the guide protrusions 326a. A lower portion of the rotation induction protrusion 3241 may be provided with an inclined surface that guides rotation of the guide protrusions 326a.

When the lifting member 320a is lowered, the first guide protrusion 3261 descends along the first guide groove 3121, and the second guide protrusion 3262 descends along the second guide groove 3122. When the guide protrusions 326a of the vertical movable portion 325 descend to leave the guide grooves 312, the vertical movable portion 325 is rotatable in the circumferential direction. The guide protrusions 326a of the vertical movable portion 325 are pressed by the rotation induction protrusion 3241 of the rotation induction portion 324 to rotate. The guide protrusion 326a rotates so that the first guide protrusion 3261 may be disposed below the second guide groove 3122, and the second guide protrusion 3262 may be disposed below the first guide groove 3121.

Even when an elastic force is exerted in the upward direction by the elastic member 330, the movement of the first guide protrusion 3261 in the upward direction is limited by the stopper 3123 of the second guide groove 3122. Thus, the position of the lifting member 320a in the upward and downward direction may be fixed while the lifting member 320a is inserted into the base member 310a.

When a force is applied again to the lifting member 320a in the upward and downward direction, the guide protrusions 326a of the vertical movable portion 325 may be further rotated by the rotation induction portion 324. The first guide protrusion 3261 may be disposed below the first guide groove 3121, and the second guide protrusion 3262 may be disposed below the second guide groove 3122. Because an elastic force is exerted by the clastic member 330 on the lifting member 320a in the upward direction, the first guide protrusion 3261 rises along the first guide groove 3121, and the second guide protrusion 3262 rises along the second guide groove 3122. Thus, the lifting member 320a is moved in the upward direction.

The structure for raising and lowering the lifting member 320a is an example of a structure for the push latch type, so it is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be modified in various ways as long as the structure is a structure for assembling in the upward and downward direction.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a first connection unit 300B and a second connection unit 400A as an example of the first and second connection units 300 and 400 of the air purifying device 1 of FIG. 6 according to various embodiments. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of the first and second connection units 300B and 400A of the air purifying device 1 of FIG. 15 according to various embodiments. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating example operation of the first and second connection units 300B and 400A of FIG. 15 according to various embodiments.

For example, referring to FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 15 to 17), the first connection unit 300B and the second connection unit 400A may be configured to be assembled via movement in an upward and downward direction. The first connection unit 300B includes a lifting member 320b, and a base member 310b provided for fixing or releasing a position of the lifting member 320b in an upward and downward direction. The first connection unit 300B includes a cover member 350 to prevent/block the lifting member 320b from being separated.

A first coupling portion 323 and a second coupling portion 450 may be configured to be fitted into each other. For example, the shape of an outer circumferential surface of the first coupling portion 323 may correspond to the shape of an inner circumferential surface of the second coupling portion 450. An outer diameter of the first coupling portion 323 may correspond to an inner diameter of the second coupling portion 450. For example, the outer diameter of the first coupling portion 323 may be equal to or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the second coupling portion 450. In this case, ‘slightly larger’ may refer, for example, to a size large enough for the first coupling portion 323 to be inserted into the second coupling portion 450 by deformation without damage of the first coupling portion 323 or the second coupling portion 450.

The base member 310b includes an accommodating portion that defines an accommodating space where a portion of the lifting member 320b is accommodated when the lifting member 320a is lowered. An inner circumferential surface of the accommodating portion includes a plurality of guide rails 313 that guide the lifting and rotating of the lifting member 320b when the lifting member 320b is raised and lowered. The plurality of guide rails 313 may extend to be inclined with respect to the upward and downward direction. A stopper (not shown) may be provided at an end of the guide rail 313 to maintain a position of guide protrusions 326b.

The lifting member 320b is inserted into the guide rails 313 and may include guide protrusions 326b that move along the guide rails 313. When the lifting member 320b is lowered, the guide protrusions 326b move along the guide rails 313, causing the lifting member 320b to rotate counterclockwise and descend. When the lifting member 320b is raised, the guide protrusions 326b move along the guide rails 313, causing the lifting member 320b to rotate clockwise and rise.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a first connection unit 300C and a second connection unit 400C as an example of the first and second connection units 300 and 400 of the air purifying device 1 of FIG. 6 according to various embodiments. FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating an operation of the first and second connection units 300C and 400C of FIG. 18 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the first connection unit 300C and the second connection unit 400C according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be assembled via movement in the horizontal direction. For example, with the function module 200 placed on top of the main body module 100, the function module 200 may be moved in the horizontal direction and fixed to the main body module 100.

For example, the first connection unit 300C may include a protruding portion 340 that projects upward. A rim of the protruding portion 340 may include a locking protrusion 341 protruding in the horizontal direction.

The second connection unit 400C may include a locking groove 440 that accommodates the first connection unit 300C. The locking groove 440 includes a first accommodating portion 441 that accommodates the protruding portion 340 and the locking protrusion 341, and a second accommodating portion 442 that is connected to the first accommodating part 441 and has a size smaller than the first accommodating portion 441 to correspond to the protruding portion 340. After positioning the function module 200 above the main body module 100 so that the first connection unit 300C is inserted into the first accommodating portion 441, the function module 200 may be moved entirely in the horizontal direction to position the first connection unit 300C in the second accommodating portion 442. The second accommodating portion 442 may limit up and down movement of the first connection unit 300C and the second connection unit 400C by limiting the up and down movement of the locking protrusion 341.

Although not shown, the output terminal 150 may be provided in the first connection unit 300A, 300B, or 300C, and the connection terminal 220 may be provided in the second connection unit 400A, or 400C. In the process of moving the first connection unit 300 and the second connection unit 400 in the horizontal direction or upward and downward direction, the output terminal 150 and the connection terminal 220 may be electrically connected to each other. In this way, in the process of moving the function module 200 in the horizontal direction or upward and downward direction, the function module 200 and the main body module 100 may be electrically connected and structurally connected to each other at the same time.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example structure for electrical connection between the function module 200 and the main body module 100 of the air purifying device 1, according to various embodiments. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example structure for electrical connection between the function module 200 and the main body module 100 of the air purifying device 1, according to various embodiments. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example connection process using a structure for electrical connection between the function module 200 and the main body module 100 of the air purifying device 1, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 20 to 22), output terminals 150a, 150b, and 150c and connection terminals 220a, 220b, and 220c for electrical connection may be configured to be connected via movement in an upward and downward direction or movement in a horizontal direction.

For example, one of the output terminals 150a, 150b, and 150c and the connection terminals 220a, 220b, and 220c may have a protruding structure. For example, the connection terminals 220a, 220b, and 220c may have a protruding structure. For example, one of the output terminals 150a, 150b, and 150c and the connection terminals 220a, 220b, and 220c may have a protruding structure. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the output terminal 150a may have a concave structure, and the connection terminals 220a, 220b, 220c may have a protruding structure configured to be insertable into the concave structure. At least one of the output terminal 150a or the connection terminal 220a may move in an upward and downward direction, so that the output terminal 150a and the connection terminal 220a may be connected to each other.

At least one of the output terminal 150b or the connection terminal 220b may have a structure that is elastically deformable in an upward and downward direction for connection stability. For example, at least one of the output terminal 150b or the connection terminal 220b may further include an elastic member (e.g., spring) 221 that provides an elastic force in an upward and downward direction. For example, the elastic member 221 may be arranged in a protruding structure. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the elastic member 221 may be arranged inside the connection terminal 220b. Depending on the expansion and contraction of the elastic member 221, a protrusion length of the connection terminal 220b may change. However, the arrangement of the clastic member 221 is not limited thereto and may vary. For example, although not shown, the clastic member 221 may be arranged in a concave structure. The output terminal 150b may have a flat plate structure capable of contacting the connection terminal 220b.

However, the structures of the output terminals 150a, 150b, and 150c and the connection terminals 220a, 220b, and 220c are not limited thereto and may vary. For example, although not shown, the output terminals 150a, 150b, and 150c may have a protruding structure, and the connection terminals 220a, 220b, and 220c may have a concave structure into which the protruding structure is insertable.

A method of connecting the output terminals 150a, 150b, and 150c to the connection terminals 220a, 220b, and 220c is not limited to connection via movement in the upward and downward direction, and may vary. For example, at least one of the output terminals 150a, 150b, and 150c or the connection terminals 220a, 220b, and 220c may move in the horizontal direction and be electrically connected. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, while the connection terminal 220c moves in the horizontal direction, the connection terminal 220c may be electrically connected to the output terminal 150c.

The main body module 100 and the function module 200 may be configured to operate in an assembled state as well as in a separated state. The function module 200 may be configured to operate when it is separated from the main body module 100.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating example operation of the air purifying device 1 when the function module 200 is separated from the main body module 100, according to various embodiments, and FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating example operation of the air purifying device 1 when the function module 200 is assembled onto the main body module 100 according to various embodiments. FIG. 25A is a diagram illustrating an example of use when the function module 200 or 200A and the main body module 100 are assembled together, according to various embodiments, and FIG. 25B is a diagram illustrating an example of use when the function module 200 or 200A is separated from the main body module 100, according to various embodiments. FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the main body module 100 and the function module 200 of the air purifying device 1, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air purifying device 1 may be configured to be operable in a state in which the function module 200 is assembled onto the main body module 100 and in a state in which it is separated from the main body module 100.

For example, the function module 200 may include the second power supply 230 configured to receive power separate from the power supplied to the power supply 140 of the main body module 100. Even when separated from the main body module 100, the function module 200 is able to operate using power received via the second power supply 230.

The second power supply 230 may include a power adapter 232 provided to supply power to the function module 200. For example, the second power supply 230 may include the power adapter 232 provided to be removable from the function module 200 and an input terminal 231 provided to be electrically connectable to the power adapter 232. The second power supply 230 may be configured to receive AC power. The power adapter 232 may be configured to receive AC power. However, the power supplied to the second power supply 230 is not necessarily limited to the AC power, and may be DC power.

The second power supply 230 of the function module 200 may further include a battery (not shown). The battery may be a rechargeable secondary battery. However, the battery is an optional component of the function module 200, so may be omitted as needed. The second power supply 230 may also include the battery instead of the power adapter 232.

The function module 200 may include a switch 240 configured to selectively receive power from one of the connection terminal 220 and the second power supply 230.

The switch 240 may change a path of power supplied to the function unit 210 depending on whether the second power supply 230 is coupled to the function module 200. For example, the switch 240 may change the path of power supplied to the function unit 210 depending on whether the power adapter 232 of the second power supply 230 is attached to the function module 200.

The switch 240 may be operated by a force exerted by attaching the power adapter 232 of the second power supply 230. For example, the switch 240 may be pressed by the force of attaching the power adapter 232 to the input terminal 231 to electrically connect the function unit 210 to the second power supply 230. The switch 240 may be a switch operated by an external force. For example, the switch 240 may be a micro switch, but is not limited thereto, and may be modified in various ways as long as it may be operated by an external force.

When the power adapter 232 of the function module 200 is assembled to the input terminal 231, the switch 240 may electrically connect the function unit 210 to the power adapter 232. When the power adapter 232 of the function module 200 is separated from the input terminal 231, the switch 240 may release the electrical connection between the function unit 210 and the power adapter 232.

Depending on whether the connection terminal 220 of the function module 200 is assembled to the output terminal 150 of the main body module 100, the switch 240 may change the path of power supplied to the function unit 210 or the auxiliary controller 260. Power supplied to the auxiliary controller 260 is transmitted to the function unit 210.

For example, when the connection terminal 220 of the function module 200 is assembled to the output terminal 150 of the main body module 100, the switch 240 may electrically connect the auxiliary controller 260 to the connection terminal 220. For example, when the connection terminal 220 of the function module 200 is separated from the output terminal 150 of the main body module 100, the switch 240 may release the electrical connection between the auxiliary controller 260 and the connection terminal 220.

The function module 200 may further include a DC power supply 245 located between the auxiliary controller 260 and the switch 240. The DC power supply 245 may convert AC power to DC power. The DC power supply 245 may be a switching mode power supply (SMPS). However, a type of the DC power supply 245 is not limited thereto and may vary.

The main body module 100 may further include a module detection sensor 180 that detects the function module 200. The module detection sensor 180 may be configured to identify whether the function module 200 is assembled onto the main body module 100. For example, the module detection sensor 180 may detect whether the function module 200 is assembled with or approaches the main body module 100. For example, the module detection sensor 180 may be a magnet sensor. The main controller 130 may detect a magnet mounted on the function module 200 via the module detection sensor 180 to determine whether the function module 200 is assembled with or approaches the main body module 100.

The main controller 130 of the main body module 100 may control the operation of the main body module 100 based on information detected by the module detection sensor 180. For example, the main controller 130 may selectively supply power to the output terminal 150 based on information detected by the module detection sensor 180.

For example, the main controller 130 may electrically connect or disconnect the output terminal 150 to or from the power supply 140 based on information detected by the module detection sensor 180. As an example for this, the main body module 100 may further include a main body switch 131 located between the output terminal 150 and the power supply 140. The main body module 100 may further include a DC power supply 135 located between the main controller 130 and the power supply 140. The main body switch 131 may be a relay switch, but is not necessarily limited thereto and may be of various other types.

The main controller 130 may selectively connect the output terminal 150 to the power supply 140 by controlling an on/off state of the main body switch 131 based on the information detected by the module detection sensor 180. For example, when the module detection sensor 180 determines that the function module 200 is assembled onto the main body module 100, the main controller 130 may control the main body switch 131 to electrically connect the output terminal 150 to the power supply 140. When the module detection sensor 180 determines that the function module 200 is separated from the main body module 100, the main controller 130 may control the main body switch 131 to electrically disconnect the output terminal 150 from the power supply 140. When the function module 200 is not assembled onto the main body module 100, the main body module 100 may prevent/suppress the current supplied via the power adapter 232 from flowing to the output terminal 150 via the main body switch 131.

For example, the main controller 130 may control the operation of the main body module 100 based on information detected by the module detection sensor 180. For example, when the module detection sensor 180 determines that the function module 200 is assembled onto the main body module 100, the main controller 130 may control an operating speed of the main body module 100.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 25A, and 26, the function module 200 or 200A of the air purifying device 1 may be a blower module. The function unit 210 may be assembled onto the main body module 100. In the process of assembling the function module 200 onto the main body module 100, the connection terminal 220 of the function module 200 or 200A may be electrically connected to the output terminal 150 of the main body module 100. Due to the force of assembling the function module 200 onto the main body module 100, the switch 240 may release a connection between the auxiliary controller 260 and the second power supply 230, and connect the connection terminal 220 to the auxiliary controller 260. The function module 200 may operate in conjunction with the main body module 100 via power supplied through the connection terminal 220.

The module detection sensor 180 of the main body module 100 may detect whether the function unit 210 is assembled onto the main body module 100. The main controller 130 may control the operation of the air purifying device 1 based on information detected by the module detection sensor 180.

According to an operating mode set in the air purifying device 1, the main controller 130 may control the function unit 210 of the function module 200. For example, when the operating mode of the air purifying device 1 is a mode that requires rapid diffusion of clean air into the room, the main controller 130 may control the operation of the function module 200 to induce the rapid diffusion of clean air. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the function unit 210 includes the fan and the blades 203, the main controller 130 may adjust the rotation speed of the fan and the rotation angle of the blades 203 to discharge clean air at a high speed at various angles.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 25B, and 26, the air purifying device 1 may operate with the function module 200 and the main body module 100 spaced apart from each other. The function module 200 may operate in conjunction with the main body module 100. As an example for this, the function module 200 may further include a communication unit 250 for communication with an external device.

The communication unit 250 of the function module 200 may receive a signal applied from the main body module 100. For example, the auxiliary controller 260 may receive a user command from the main body module 100 via the communication unit 160. The communication unit 250 may communicate with the external device via wireless communication methods such as BT, BLE, WI-FI, etc.

For example, when the function module 200 or 200A is separated from the main body module 100, the function module 200 or 200A may receive power via the second power supply 230, but may operate in conjunction with the main body module 100. For example, when the function module 200 or 200A is separated from the main body module 100, a signal may be transmitted between the main body module 100 and the function module 200 or 200A via a wireless communication method.

For example, when the function module 200 or 200A is a blower module, the main controller 130 may control the operation of the function module 200 or 200A. For example, as shown in FIG. 25B, when the main body module 100 and the function module 200 or 200A are spaced apart in an indoor space, the main controller 130 may control a blowing direction of air from the main body module 100 to be different from a blowing direction of air from the function module 200. For example, the main controller 130 may control the blowing direction of air from the main body module 100 and the blowing direction of air from the function module 200 to face each other, or may control the blowing direction of air from the main body module 100 to be different from the blowing direction of air from the function module 200 so as to induce air circulation in the room.

Various example embodiments of the disclosure have been described above mainly with respect to an example in which the function module 200A is a blower module that functions as a booster fan. However, the function and structure of the function module 200A are not limited thereto and may vary.

For example, the function module 200 or 200A may include at least one of a blower module having the above-described blowing function, a humidifying module performing a humidifying function, or a charging module performing a charging function. The function module 200, 200A, 200B, or 200C may be at least one of a blower module having the above-described blowing function, a humidifying module performing a humidifying function, or a charging module performing a charging function.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view illustrating an example in which the function module 200B of the air purifying device 1 is a humidifying module, according to various embodiments. FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the function module 200B of FIG. 27 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 27 and 28, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air purifying device 1 may include the main body module 100 and the function module 200B. The function module 200B may be a humidifying module having a humidification function.

For example, the function module 200B may include a water vapor generating unit (e.g., including circuitry) 210a for generating water vapor and an auxiliary controller (e.g., including circuitry) 260 for controlling the water vapor generating unit 210a.

The water vapor generating unit 210a may be configured to generate water vapor. For example, the water vapor generating unit 210a may be a heater for generating water vapor using a heating method. In another example, the water vapor generating unit 210a may be an ultrasonic vibrator for generating water vapor using an ultrasonic method. In another example, the water vapor generating unit 210a may be a fan for generating water vapor using a vaporization method. The auxiliary controller 260 may control operation of the water vapor generating unit 210a.

The function module 200B may further include a sensor unit (e.g., including at least one sensor) 281 for detecting humidity. The sensor unit 281 may detect humidity. The sensor unit 281 may detect at least one of temperature or humidity. For example, the sensor unit 281 may detect both temperature and humidity. The auxiliary controller 260 may control the operation of the water vapor generating unit 210a based on the temperature and humidity detected by the sensor unit 281.

The auxiliary controller 260 may include various circuitry and control the operation of the water vapor generating unit 210a based on at least one of temperature or humidity detected via the sensor unit 281. The auxiliary controller 260 may increase the amount of humidification by the water vapor generating unit 210a when humidity of the surrounding air is lower than a reference humidity. The auxiliary controller 260 may decrease the amount of humidification by the water vapor generating unit 210a when the humidity of the surrounding air is higher than the reference humidity.

The function module 200B and the main body module 100 may operate in conjunction with each other. For example, when the sensor unit 281 of the function module 200B detects information related to at least one of temperature or humidity, and the sensor unit 170 of the main body module 100 detects information related to a pollution level of the surrounding air, the main controller 130 may control the blower unit 120 of the main body module 100 and the water vapor generating unit 210a of the function module 200B based on the information detected via the sensor unit 170 of the main body module 100 and the sensor unit 281 of the function module 200B. Through this, the air purifying device 1 may perform efficient purification and humidification functions.

For example, when it is determined by the sensor unit 170 of the main body module 100 and the sensor unit 281 of the function module 200B that the cleanliness of the surrounding air is in a good condition that meets the reference concentration, but the humidity is at a low level that does not meet the reference humidity, the main controller 130 may rotate the blower unit 120 of the main body module 100 at a high speed for a certain period of time for rapid humidification and maintain the amount of humidification by the water vapor generating unit 210a at a high level. When it is determined by the sensor unit 281 of the function module 200B that the surrounding air has reached an appropriate humidity, the rotation speed of the blower unit 120 of the main body module 100 may be reduced. In this way, by simultaneously controlling the function module 200B and the main body module 100, the humidity of the surrounding air may be quickly increased.

The function module 200B may further include an input/output unit (e.g., including input/output circuitry) 270. The input/output unit 270 may include an input interface for receiving user commands. For example, the input interface may include a plurality of buttons for receiving user commands. The input/output unit 270 may include a display for displaying various screens related to the operation of the humidifying module or the air purifying device 1. For example, the display may be implemented as various displays such as an LCD, an OLED display, etc. However, the input/output unit 270 may be an optional component, and may be omitted from the function module 200B.

The function module 200B may further include a communication unit (e.g., including communication circuitry) 250. The communication unit 250 may receive a signal applied from the main body module 100. The main controller 130 may transmit various types of data to an external device via the communication unit 160 and receive various types of data from the external device. For example, the auxiliary controller 260 may receive a user command from the main body module 100 via the communication unit 250. The communication unit 250 may communicate with the external device via wireless communication methods such as BT, BLE, WI-FI, etc. The function module 200B and the main body module 100 may operate in conjunction with each other via the communication units 160 and 250 while being spaced apart from each other.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view an example in which the function module 200C of the air purifying device 1 is a charging module, according to various embodiments. FIG. 30 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the function module 200C of FIG. 29 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 29 and 30, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air purifying device 1 may include the main body module 100 and the function module 200C. The function module 200C may be a charging module having a charging function.

The function module 200C may include at least one charging unit (e.g., including charging circuitry) 210b and an auxiliary controller (e.g., including circuitry) 260 that controls the charging unit 210b.

The charging unit 210b may include a wireless charging unit capable of wirelessly charging an external device. The charging unit 210b may further include a wired charging unit that is connected to the external device via a connection terminal to charge the external device.

The function module 200C may include a charging detection unit (e.g., including detecting circuitry) 282 for detecting a state of charging of a battery by the charging unit 210b. The charge detection unit 282 may detect whether charging of the battery is completed. When it is detected by the charging detection unit 282 that the charging of the battery is completed, the auxiliary controller 260 may stop operation of the charging unit 210b. The charging detection unit 282 may detect whether the battery is being charged on the charging unit 210b. For example, the charging detection unit 282 may detect whether the battery of the external device is outside a chargeable range of the charging unit 210b. In other words, the charging detection unit 282 may detect whether a charging error occurs in which charging does not proceed even though the battery of the external device is placed on the charging unit 210b.

The function module 200C may operate in conjunction with the main body module 100. For example, the function module 200C may be assembled onto the main body module 100 and operate in conjunction with the main body module 100. For example, the main controller 130 of the main body module 100 may provide an operating status of the function module 200C to the user via the input/output unit 190 of the main body module 100.

For example, when charging is completed in the function module 200C, the main controller 130 of the main body module 100 may inform the user that the charging is completed via the output interface of the main body module 100. For example, the main controller 130 may, via the display of the main body module 100, visually inform the user of a charging completion status of the external device on the function module 200C. For example, the main controller 130 may, via the display and the speaker of the main body module 100, visually and audibly inform the user of the charging completion status of the external device on the function module 200C.

For example, when a charging error occurs in which charging does not proceed in the external device on the function module 200C, the user may be informed via the output interface of the main body module 100 that a charging status needs to be checked. For example, via the display of the main body module 100, the user may be visually informed that the charging status needs to be checked. For example, via the display and the speaker of the main body module 100, the user may be visually and audibly informed that the charging status needs to be checked.

The function module 200C may further include a lighting unit (e.g., including a light source) 290. The lighting unit 290 may include a light source that emits light around the function module 200C. However, the lighting unit 290 is an optional component of the function module 200C, and may be omitted as needed.

The function module 200C may further include a communication unit (e.g., including communication circuitry) 250. The communication unit 250 may receive a signal applied from the main body module 100. The communication unit 250 is a component for communicating with an external device. The main controller 130 may transmit various types of data to the external device via the communication unit 160 and receive various types of data from the external device. The auxiliary controller 260 may receive a user command from the main body module 100 via the communication unit 250. The communication unit 250 may communicate with the external device via wireless communication methods such as BT, BLE, WI-FI, etc. The function module 200C and the main body module 100 may operate in conjunction with each other via the communication units 160 and 250 while being spaced apart from each other.

The function module 200C may further include an input/output unit 270. The input/output unit 270 may include an input interface for receiving user commands. For example, the input interface may include a plurality of buttons for receiving user commands. The input/output unit 270 may include an output interface for displaying various screens related to the operation of the charging module. For example, the output interface may include a display. For example, the display may be implemented as various displays such as an LCD, an OLED display, etc. For example, the output interface may include a speaker for providing acoustic information.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating example operation of the air purifying device 1, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 31, the main body module 100 may be configured to operate differently depending on the function module 200A, 200B, or 200C disposed thereon. For example, the module detection sensor 180 of the main body module 100 may be configured to detect a type of the function module 200A, 200B, or 200C. For example, the module detection sensor 180 may be a near field communication (NFC) sensor configured to identify NFC tags attached to the function modules 200A, 200B, and 200C. The main controller 130 may identify the function module 200A, 200B, or 200C assembled onto the main body module 100 by identifying the NFC tags attached to the different function modules 200A, 200B, and 200C via the module detection sensor 180. However, the type of sensor is not limited thereto, and sensors of various other types may be applied as long as they are capable of identifying the function modules 200A, 200B, and 200C or approach thereof.

The module detection sensor 180 of the main body module 100 may detect a type of the function module 200A, 200B, or 200C. For example, the module detection sensor 180 may detect the type of the function module 200A, 200B, or 200C disposed on the main body module 100. For example, the module detection sensor 180 may detect whether the function module 200A, 200B, or 200C disposed on the main body module 100 is a blower module, a humidifying module, or a charging module. The module detection sensor 180 may detect whether the function module 200A, 200B, or 200C assembled onto the main body module 100 is a blower module, a humidifying module, or a charging module.

The operation of the main body module 100 may be adjusted based on the information detected by the module detection sensor 180. The main controller 130 may control the operation of the main body module 100 differently depending on the detected type of the function module 200A, 200B, or 200C.

For example, when the function module 200A, 200B, or 200C assembled onto the main body module 100 is detected by the module detection sensor 180 as the function module 200A that is a blower module performing a blowing function, the main controller 130 may adjust a rotation speed of the blower unit 120 of the main body module 100. For example, the main controller 130 may adjust the rotation speed of the blower unit 120 of the main body module 100 in consideration of the operation of the function module 200A.

For example, when the function module 200A, 200B, or 200C assembled onto the main body module 100 is detected by the module detection sensor 180 as the function module 200B that is a humidifying module performing a humidifying function, the main controller 130 may adjust the rotation speed of the blower unit 120 of the main body module 100. For example, when the humidification amount by the function module 200B is at a low level, the main controller 130 may reduce the rotation speed of the blower unit 120 or maintain a low rotation speed.

For example, when the function module 200A, 200B, or 200C assembled onto the main body module 100 is detected by the module detection sensor 180 as the function module 200C that is a charging module performing a charging function, the main controller 130 may adjust the rotation speed of the blower unit 120 of the main body module 100. For example, the rotation speed of the blower unit 120 may be adjusted by taking into account a change in an air flow path due to the arrangement of the function module 200C, and a change in temperature of the surrounding air, etc.

Although reference has been made to various example embodiments of the disclosure illustrated in the drawings for understanding the disclosure, and specific terms have been used to describe various embodiments thereof, the scope of the disclosure is not limited by the specific terms, and the disclosure will be construed to encompass all embodiments that would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Various example implementations described herein merely correspond to various example embodiments of the disclosure and do not limit the scope of the disclosure in any way. For the sake of brevity of the disclosure, descriptions of conventional electronic configurations, control systems, software, and other functional aspects of the systems may be omitted. Furthermore, connecting lines or connection members shown in various figures are intended to represent example functional connections and/or physical or logical couplings between components in the figures, and in an actual device, connections between components may be represented by many alternative or additional functional relationships, physical connections, or logical connections. In addition, an element may not be necessarily essential to the practice of the disclosure unless the element is specifically described as “essential,” “critical,” etc. As used herein, the terms such as “comprising”, “including”, and the like are used to be understood as being an open-ended term for describing embodiments of the disclosure.

The use of the terms “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural. Furthermore, recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range (unless otherwise indicated herein), and each separate value is incorporated into the disclosure as if it were individually recited herein. Lastly, operations of a method according to the disclosure described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless clearly specified herein or contradicted by context. The disclosure is not limited to the described order of the operations. The use of any and all examples or example language, e.g., “such as”, etc., provided herein is merely intended to describe the disclosure in detail and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise limited by the claims. Furthermore, various changes and modifications will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

In an air purifying device and a function module used therein, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air purifying device may use the function module, which assists an air purification function that is the original function of the air purifying device or performs a function different from the air purification function, with the function module being assembled onto a main body module of the air purifying device or separated from the main body module, depending on a user's needs. In other words, the function module that is usable as part of the configuration of the air purifying device may be used in combination with the main body module, as well as separately from the main body module.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the functional module may be of various types, and the air purifying device may be capable of performing different operations depending on a type of the function module assembled or connected to the main body module.

An air purifying device according to an example embodiment may include: a main body including at least one filter, a blower configured to induce air flow to pass through the filter, a main controller comprising circuitry configured to control operation of the blower, a power supply configured to supply power to the main controller, and an output terminal configured to output power received from the power supply to outside, and at least one function module detachably assembled onto the main body and including a function unit comprising circuitry configured to perform a function of assisting the main body or a function different from a function of the main body, an auxiliary controller comprising circuitry configured to control operation of the function unit, a connection terminal provided to be electrically connectable to the output terminal, and a second power supply configured to receive power separate from the power supplied to the power supply.

The function module may further include a switch configured to selectively receive power from one of the connection terminal and the second power supply.

The second power supply may include a power adapter removably arranged to supply power to the function module, and an input terminal electrically connectable to the power adapter, wherein the switch may electrically connect the input terminal and the auxiliary controller to each other based on the power adapter being connected to the input terminal, and electrically connect the connection terminal to the auxiliary controller based on the power adapter being separated from the input terminal.

The main body may further include a module detection sensor configured to detect the function module, and the main controller may be configured to control operation of the main body based on information detected by the module detection sensor.

The main controller may be configured to selectively supply power to the output terminal based on the information detected by the module detection sensor.

The module detection sensor may detect a type of the function module assembled onto the main body, and the main controller may be configured to control the operation of the blower unit differently depending on the detected type of the function module.

The function module may include at least one of a blower configured to perform a blowing function, a humidifier configured to perform a humidifying function, or a charger comprising circuitry configured to perform a charging function.

The main body and the function module may be assembled to overlap in an upward and downward direction, and the connection terminal may be arranged at an edge portion of an end of the function module facing the main body.

The main body may include a first connection unit including a terminal provided to face the function module, the function module may include a second connection unit including a terminal facing the first connection unit and detachably fixed to the first connection unit, and the first connection unit and the second connection unit may be configured to be detachably fixed to each other using at least one of a push latch type or a lever lock type.

The power supply and the second power supply may be configured to receive AC power.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, a function module comprising circuitry configured to be detachably assembled onto a main body of an air purifying device may include: a function unit comprising circuitry configured to perform a function of assisting the main body or a function different from a function of the main body, a connection terminal electrically connectable to an output terminal configured to output power from the main body to outside, and a second power supply configured to receive power separate from the power supplied to a power supply of the main body.

The function module may further include a switch configured to selectively receive the power from one of the connection terminal and the second power supply.

The function module may include at least one of a blower module including a blower configured to perform a blowing function, a humidifying module including a humidifier configured to perform a humidifying function, or a charging module comprising charging circuitry configured to perform a charging function.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood that the various example embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and full scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	PCT/KR2024/011309	Aug 2024	WO
Child	18825588		US

AIR PURIFYING DEVICE AND FUNCTION MODULE USED THEREIN

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