KR20240115687A - air conditioner AND controlling method OF AIR CONDITIONER - Google Patents

Abstract

An air conditioner according to the present invention comprises: an indoor controller receiving an operation command from a user and generating a plurality of first signals corresponding to the operation command; a main controller connected to the indoor controller to receive the plurality of first signals and converting the plurality of first signals into one second signal by combining the plurality of first signals; an outdoor unit connected to the main controller to operate based on the one second signal received from the main controller, and generating a third signal corresponding to an operation state of the outdoor unit; and an indoor unit connected to the main controller and provided with an indoor fan. The main controller can control the indoor fan based on the plurality of first signals and the third signal.

Description

Air conditioner and controlling method of air conditioner {air conditioner AND controlling method OF AIR CONDITIONER}

The disclosed invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method thereof.

An air conditioner is a device that cools or heats air using the movement of heat generated from the evaporation and condensation of a refrigerant, and discharges the cooled or heated air to condition the air in an indoor space. During cooling or heating operation, the air conditioner circulates refrigerant through a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor heat exchanger, and discharges heat-exchanged air from the indoor heat exchanger into the indoor space, thereby cooling or heating the indoor space.

The air conditioner may include an indoor controller that generates a contact signal, and can control cooling and heating according to the contact signal input through the indoor controller. However, external input devices such as conventional indoor controllers have limitations in being compatible with outdoor devices with improved energy efficiency.

In addition, since the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are connected to the indoor controller through a contact point, there was a problem in that it was impossible to separately control the indoor fan function.

The disclosed invention is an air conditioner and a control method of an air conditioner that can replace an outdoor unit with an inverter outdoor unit with improved energy efficiency without replacing the indoor controller and indoor unit, and can control an indoor fan based on the status of the outdoor unit and indoor unit. provides.

The technical problem to be achieved in this document is not limited to the technical problem mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. There will be.

An air conditioner according to an embodiment includes an indoor controller that receives an operation command from a user, generates a plurality of first signals corresponding to the operation command, and is connected to the indoor controller to receive the plurality of first signals, A main controller that combines a plurality of first signals and converts them into one second signal, is connected to the main controller and operates based on the one second signal received from the main controller, and a second signal corresponding to the outdoor unit operating state. An outdoor unit that generates three signals and an indoor unit connected to the main controller and provided with an indoor fan, wherein the main controller controls the indoor fan based on the plurality of first signals and the third signal.

In an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment, an indoor controller receives an operation command from a user and generates a plurality of first signals corresponding to the operation command, and a main controller is connected to the indoor controller to generate the plurality of first signals. Receives a first signal, combines the plurality of first signals and converts them into one second signal, and the outdoor unit is connected to the main controller and operates based on the one second signal received from the main controller, Generating a third signal corresponding to the outdoor unit operating state. and controlling the indoor unit fan based on the plurality of first signals and the third signal.

Figure 1 shows the configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment.
Figure 2 shows the control configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.
Figure 3 shows a main controller according to one embodiment.
Figure 4 shows the connection between the main controller and the air conditioner in the air conditioner according to one embodiment.
Figure 5 shows a process in which the defrost operation is controlled by the main controller according to one embodiment.
Figure 6 shows a process in which the cold wind prevention function is controlled by the main controller according to one embodiment.
Figure 7 shows a process in which the wind speed is controlled to a weak wind by the main controller according to one embodiment.
Figure 8 shows a weak wind signal being output from an outdoor unit in an air conditioner according to an embodiment.
Figure 9 shows a process in which wind volume is controlled to be a gentle breeze by the main controller according to one embodiment.
FIG. 10 shows a breeze signal being output from an outdoor unit in an air conditioner according to an embodiment.
Figure 11 shows a control flowchart when the second signal includes a defrost operation start signal in an air conditioner according to an embodiment.
FIG. 12 shows a control flowchart when the second signal includes a cold wind prevention signal in an air conditioner according to an embodiment.
Figure 13 shows a control flowchart when the second signal includes an air volume control signal in an air conditioner according to an embodiment.

The various embodiments of this document and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various changes, equivalents, or replacements of the embodiments.

In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numbers may be used for similar or related components.

The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “A Each of phrases such as “at least one of , B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or any possible combination thereof.

The term “and/or” includes any element of a plurality of related described elements or a combination of a plurality of related described elements.

Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one element from another, and may be used to distinguish such elements in other respects, such as importance or order) is not limited.

One (e.g. first) component is said to be "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g. second) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively". Where mentioned, it means that any of the components can be connected to the other components directly (e.g. wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

Terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to designate the existence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, but are not intended to include one or more other features, numbers, or steps. , does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact” with another component, this means not only when the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with a third component. This includes cases where it is indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or contacted through.

When a component is said to be located “on” another component, this includes not only cases where a component is in contact with another component, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

The air conditioner 1 according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air conditioning space (hereinafter referred to as “indoor”), and performs these functions. means a device equipped with at least one of the following:

According to one embodiment, the air conditioner 1 may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump device may include a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a refrigeration cycle in which refrigerant is circulated through a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device can be built into one housing that forms the exterior of the air conditioner (1), and a window-type air conditioner or a mobile air conditioner corresponds to this air conditioner (1). On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be divided and built into a plurality of housings forming one air conditioner 1, and these include wall-mounted air conditioners, stand-type air conditioners, and system air conditioners.

The air conditioner 1 including a plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit 20 installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit 30 installed indoors. For example, the air conditioner 1 may be equipped with one outdoor unit 20 and one indoor unit 30 connected through a refrigerant pipe. For example, the air conditioner 1 may be configured so that one outdoor unit 20 is connected to two or more indoor units 30 through a refrigerant pipe. For example, the air conditioner 1 may be equipped with two or more outdoor units 20 and two or more indoor units 30 connected through a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

The outdoor unit 20 may be electrically connected to the indoor unit 30. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner 1 can be input through an input interface provided on the outdoor unit 20 or the indoor unit 30, and in response to the user input, the outdoor unit 20 and The indoor units 30 may operate simultaneously or sequentially.

The air conditioner 1 may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit 20, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit 30, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

An outdoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and outdoor air using a phase change (eg, evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant is condensed in an outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may release heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the outdoor air.

The indoor unit 30 is provided indoors. For example, the indoor unit 30 may be classified into a ceiling-type indoor unit 30, a stand-type indoor unit 30, a wall-mounted indoor unit 30, etc., depending on how it is arranged. For example, the ceiling-type indoor unit 30 may be classified into a 4-way indoor unit 30, a 1-way indoor unit 30, a duct-type indoor unit 30, etc. depending on the way air is discharged.

Likewise, an indoor heat exchanger may utilize a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air. For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit 30, the refrigerant may absorb heat from indoor air, and the indoor air can be cooled by blowing the cooled indoor air through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. Additionally, while the refrigerant is condensed in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat into the indoor air, and the indoor air can be heated by blowing the heated indoor air while passing through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger.

In other words, the air conditioner (1) performs a cooling or heating function through the phase change process of the refrigerant circulating between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. For this circulation of the refrigerant, the air conditioner (1) compresses the refrigerant. May include a compressor. The compressor can suck in refrigerant gas through a suction part and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge unit. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit 20.

The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipe in the following order: compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and indoor heat exchanger, or may circulate in the following order: compressor, indoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and outdoor heat exchanger.

For example, when the air conditioner (1) has one outdoor unit (20) and one indoor unit (30) directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant is connected to one outdoor unit (20) and one indoor unit (30) through the refrigerant pipe. It can be arranged to circulate between them.

For example, in the air conditioner (1), when one outdoor unit (20) is connected to two or more indoor units (30) through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant is supplied to a plurality of indoor units (30) through the refrigerant pipe branching from the outdoor unit (20). can flow. The refrigerants discharged from the plurality of indoor units 30 may be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit 20 . For example, a plurality of indoor units 30 may be connected directly to one outdoor unit 20 in parallel through separate refrigerant pipes.

Each of the plurality of indoor units 30 may operate independently according to an operation mode set by the user. That is, some of the plurality of indoor units 30 may be operated in a cooling mode and others may be operated in a heating mode at the same time. At this time, the refrigerant may be selectively introduced into each indoor unit 30 at high or low pressure along a designated circulation path through a flow path switching valve, which will be described later, and discharged to circulate to the outdoor unit 20.

For example, in the air conditioner (1), when two or more outdoor units (20) and two or more indoor units (30) are connected through a plurality of refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from the plurality of outdoor units (20) are combined to form one refrigerant. While flowing through the pipe, it may branch again at some point and flow into a plurality of indoor units (30).

All of the plurality of outdoor units 20 may be driven or at least some of them may not be driven depending on the operating load depending on the amount of operation of the plurality of indoor units 30 . At this time, the refrigerant may be arranged to flow into and circulate in the outdoor unit 20, which is selectively driven through a flow path switching valve. The air conditioner 1 may include an expansion device to lower the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be placed inside the indoor unit 30 or inside the outdoor unit 20, or may be placed on both.

For example, the expansion device can lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant using a throttling effect. The expansion device may include an orifice that may reduce the cross-sectional area of the flow path. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant that passes through the orifice may be lowered.

For example, the expansion device may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve that can adjust the opening ratio (ratio of the cross-sectional area of the valve's flow path in a partially opened state to the cross-sectional area of the valve's flow path in a fully opened state). Depending on the opening rate of the electronic expansion valve, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled.

The air conditioner 1 may further include a flow path switching valve disposed on the refrigerant circulation flow path. The flow path switching valve may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow path switching valve may determine the circulation path of the refrigerant depending on the operation mode (for example, cooling operation or heating operation) of the indoor unit 30. The flow path diverter valve may be connected to the discharge side of the compressor.

The air conditioner 1 may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction side of the compressor. Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporated from an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger may flow into the accumulator.

When a mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas flows into the accumulator, it can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

An outdoor fan may be provided adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger. An outdoor fan may blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

The outdoor unit 20 of the air conditioner 1 may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit 20 may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit 20 sensor may be placed at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit 20. As an example, the outdoor unit 20 sensor may be, for example, a temperature sensor for detecting the air temperature around the outdoor unit 20, a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity around the outdoor unit 20, or a refrigerant passing through the outdoor unit 20. It may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature in the pipe, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure in the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit 20.

The outdoor unit 20 of the air conditioner 1 may include an outdoor unit 20 communication unit 100. The communication unit 100 of the outdoor unit 20 may be provided to receive a control signal from the control unit 110 of the indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner 1, which will be described later. The outdoor unit 20 may control the operation of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, a flow path switching valve, an accumulator, or an outdoor fan based on a control signal received through the communication unit 100 of the outdoor unit 20. The outdoor unit 20 may transmit the sensing value detected from the sensor of the outdoor unit 20 to the control unit 110 of the indoor unit 30 through the communication unit 100 of the outdoor unit 20.

The indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner 1 may include a housing, a blower that circulates air inside or outside the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with air flowing into the housing.

The housing may include an intake port. Indoor air may flow into the interior of the housing through the intake port.

The indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner 1 may include a filter provided to filter foreign substances in the air flowing into the housing through the intake port.

The housing may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the housing may be discharged to the outside of the housing through an outlet.

The housing of the indoor unit 30 may be provided with an airflow guide that guides the direction of air discharged through the outlet. As an example, the airflow guide may include a blade positioned on the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan to regulate the exhaust airflow. It is not limited to this, and the airflow guide may be omitted.

Inside the housing of the indoor unit 30, an indoor heat exchanger and a blower may be provided on a flow path connecting the inlet and outlet.

The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, diagonal flow fans, crossflow fans, and centrifugal fans.

The indoor heat exchanger may be placed between the blower and the outlet, or between the inlet and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger can absorb heat from air introduced through the intake port or transfer heat to the air introduced through the intake port. The indoor heat exchanger may include a heat exchange tube through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tube to increase the heat transfer area.

The indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner 1 may include a drain tray disposed below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated from the indoor heat exchanger. Condensate contained in the drain tray can be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger.

The indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner 1 may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, touch screens, and/or touch pads. The user may directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode setting for cooling/heating/dehumidification/air purification, outlet selection setting, and/or wind volume setting) through the input interface.

The input interface may be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface can be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. A wired remote controller can be installed at a specific location in an indoor space (e.g., a portion of a wall). The user can input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (1) by operating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to setting data obtained through a wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. Additionally, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. The user can remotely input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (1) using a wireless remote controller. Setting data input through a wireless remote controller can be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

Additionally, the input interface may include a microphone. The user's voice command may be obtained through a microphone. The microphone can convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to the control unit 110 of the indoor unit 30. The indoor unit 30 control unit 110 may control the components of the air conditioner 1 to execute functions corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode settings for cooling/heating/dehumidification/air purification, outlet selection settings, and/or wind volume settings) acquired through the input interface are sent to the control unit 110 of the indoor unit 30, which will be described later. It can be delivered. In one example, setting data obtained through the input interface may be transmitted to the outside, that is, the outdoor unit 20 or a server, through the communication unit 100 of the indoor unit 30, which will be described later.

The indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner 1 may include a power module. The power module may be connected to an external power source to supply power to components of the indoor unit 30.

The indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner 1 may include an indoor unit 30 sensor. The sensor of the indoor unit 30 may be an environmental sensor placed inside or outside the housing. As an example, the sensor of the indoor unit 30 may include one or more temperature sensors and/or humidity sensors disposed in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit 30. As an example, the indoor unit 30 sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit 30. As an example, the sensor of the indoor unit 30 may include each refrigerant temperature sensor that detects the inlet, middle, and/or outlet temperatures of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

For example, each environmental information detected by the sensor of the indoor unit 30 may be transmitted to the control unit 110 of the indoor unit 30, which will be described later, or may be transmitted to the outside through the communication unit 100 of the indoor unit 30, which will be described later.

The indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner 1 may include a communication unit 100 of the indoor unit 30. The communication unit 100 of the indoor unit 30 may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-distance communication module. The communication unit 100 of the indoor unit 30 may include at least one antenna for wireless communication with other devices. The outdoor unit 20 may include an outdoor unit 20 communication unit 100 . The communication unit 100 of the outdoor unit 20 may also include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-distance communication module.

The short-range wireless communication module is a Bluetooth communication module, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, Near Field Communication module, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, and Zigbee communication module. , infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, Ant+ communication module, microwave (uWave) communication module, etc., but are limited thereto. That is not the case.

The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit 100. The mobile communication unit 100 transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

The communication unit 100 of the indoor unit 30 can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances through a nearby access point (AP). The access repeater (AP) can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner 1 or the user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner 1 or the user device may be connected to the server through a wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner 1 may include an indoor unit 30 control unit 110 that controls components of the indoor unit 30, including a blower. The outdoor unit 20 of the air conditioner 1 may include an outdoor unit 20 control unit 110 that controls components of the outdoor unit 20, including a compressor. The control unit 110 of the indoor unit 30 may communicate with the control unit 110 of the outdoor unit 20 through the communication unit 100 of the indoor unit 30 and the communication unit 100 of the outdoor unit 20. The communication unit 100 of the outdoor unit 20 transmits a control signal generated by the control unit 110 of the outdoor unit 20 to the communication unit 100 of the indoor unit 30, or transmits a control signal transmitted from the communication unit 100 of the indoor unit 30. It can be transmitted to the outdoor unit 20 control unit 110. That is, the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 can communicate in two directions. The outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 can transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner 1.

The outdoor unit 20 control unit 110 may be electrically connected to the components of the outdoor unit 20 and may control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit 20 control unit 110 can adjust the frequency of the compressor and control the flow path switching valve to change the circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit 20 control unit 110 can control the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. Additionally, the outdoor unit 20 control unit 110 may generate a control signal to adjust the opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit 20 control unit 110, the refrigerant may circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including a compressor, a flow path switching valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an indoor heat exchanger.

Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 may transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected temperatures to the control unit 110 of the outdoor unit 20 and/or the control unit 110 of the indoor unit 30. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 may transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity to the control unit 110 of the outdoor unit 20 and/or the control unit 110 of the indoor unit 30. You can.

The control unit 110 of the indoor unit 30 can obtain user input from a user device, including a mobile device, through the communication unit 100 of the indoor unit 30, and obtains user input directly through an input interface or through a remote controller. can do. The indoor unit 30 control unit 110 may control the components of the indoor unit 30, including the blower, in response to a received user input. The control unit 110 of the indoor unit 30 may transmit information about the received user input to the control unit 110 of the outdoor unit 20 of the outdoor unit 20 .

The outdoor unit 20 control unit 110 may control the configurations of the outdoor unit 20, including the compressor, based on information about user input received from the indoor unit 30. For example, when the control unit 110 of the outdoor unit 20 receives a control signal corresponding to a user input for selecting an operation mode such as cooling operation, heating operation, blowing operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidifying operation, from the indoor unit 30, The configurations of the outdoor unit 20 can be controlled so that the operation of the air conditioner 1 corresponding to the selected operation mode is performed.

The control unit 110 of the outdoor unit 20 and the control unit 110 of the indoor unit 30 may include a processor 111 and a memory 112, respectively. The control unit 110 of the indoor unit 30 includes at least one first processor 111 and at least one first memory 112, and the control unit 110 of the outdoor unit 20 includes at least one second processor 111. and at least one second memory 112.

The memory 112 can remember/store various information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner 1. The memory 112 may store instructions, applications, data, and/or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner 1. For example, the memory 112 may store various programs for cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, and/or defrosting operation of the air conditioner 1. The memory 112 may include volatile memory 112 such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAM) for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory 112 is a non-volatile memory (such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) for long-term storage of data. 112) may be included.

The processor 111 may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1 based on instructions, applications, data, and/or programs stored in the memory 112. The processor 111 is hardware and may include a logic circuit and an operation circuit. The processor 111 may process data according to programs and/or instructions provided from the memory 112 and generate control signals according to the processing results. The memory 112 and the processor 111 may be implemented as one control circuit or as a plurality of circuits.

The indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner 1 may include an output interface. The output interface is electrically connected to the control unit 110 of the indoor unit 30 and can output information related to the operation of the air conditioner 1 under the control of the control unit 110 of the indoor unit 30. For example, information such as operation mode, wind direction, wind volume, and temperature selected by user input may be output. Additionally, the output interface may output sensing information and warning/error messages obtained from the indoor unit 30 sensor or the outdoor unit 20 sensor.

The output interface may include a display and speakers. A speaker is an audio device that can output various sounds. The display can display information input by the user or information provided to the user using various graphic elements. For example, operation information of the air conditioner 1 may be displayed as at least one of an image or text. Additionally, the display may include indicators that provide specific information. The display may include an LCD panel (Liquid Crystal Display Panel), an LED panel (Light Emitting Diode Panel), an OLED panel (Organic Light Emitting Diode Panel), a micro LED panel, and/or a plurality of LEDs.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 includes an outdoor unit 20 provided in an outdoor space to perform heat exchange between outdoor air and a refrigerant, and an indoor unit 30 provided in an indoor space to perform heat exchange between indoor air and a refrigerant. ) includes. The outdoor unit 20 may be located outside the air conditioning space, and the indoor unit 30 may be located within the air conditioning space. The air conditioning space refers to a space that is cooled or heated by the air conditioner (1). For example, the outdoor unit 20 may be placed outside a building, and the indoor unit 30 may be placed in a space separated from the outside by a wall, such as a living room or office.

As described above, the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 may be connected through an external pipe. The refrigerant may circulate through the outdoor unit 20, external piping, and the indoor unit 30. One end of the external pipe may be connected to a pipe valve provided on one side of the outdoor unit 20. Additionally, the external pipe may be connected to the refrigerant pipe provided inside the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30.

The refrigerant circulates between the indoor unit 30 and the outdoor unit 20 along the refrigerant flow path, and absorbs or releases heat through a change in state (e.g., change in state from gas to liquid, change in state from liquid to gas). You can. The air conditioner 1 may include a liquid pipe that connects the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 and serves as a passage through which liquid refrigerant flows, and a gas pipe through which gas phase refrigerant flows. The liquid pipe and the gas pipe may extend inside the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30.

The outdoor unit 20 includes a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between outdoor air and the refrigerant, and a four-way guide that guides the refrigerant compressed by the compressor to the outdoor heat exchanger or the indoor heat exchanger based on cooling or heating operation. It may include a valve (4-way valve), an expansion valve that depressurizes the refrigerant, and an accumulator that prevents non-evaporated liquid refrigerant from flowing into the compressor.

The compressor can operate by receiving electrical energy from an external power source. The compressor includes a compressor motor, and compresses low-pressure gaseous refrigerant to high pressure using the rotational force of the compressor motor. The compressor can change its operating frequency to correspond to the capacity required by the indoor unit 30. The compressor may be an inverter air compressor, positive displacement compressor, or dynamic compressor, and various types of compressors that the designer may consider may be used.

The indoor unit 30 may include an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan. The indoor heat exchanger performs heat exchange between indoor air and refrigerant. An indoor fan can move indoor air to an indoor heat exchanger. A plurality of indoor fans may be provided. Indoor heat exchanger temperature sensors may be provided on both sides (inlet and outlet) of the indoor heat exchanger to detect the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor may be installed around the inlet and/or outlet of the indoor heat exchanger, or may be installed to contact a refrigerant pipe connected to the inlet and/or outlet of the indoor heat exchanger. An indoor temperature sensor may be provided inside the indoor unit 30 to detect the indoor temperature. The temperature sensor may be implemented as at least one of a bimetal thermometer, a thermistor thermometer, or an infrared thermometer. In addition, the air conditioner 1 may include various temperature sensors.

During cooling operation, the refrigerant may emit heat from the outdoor heat exchanger of the outdoor unit 20 and absorb heat from the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit 30. During cooling operation, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor of the outdoor unit 20 may first be supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger through a four-way valve and then to the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit 30 through an expansion valve. During cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger operates as a condenser that condenses the refrigerant, and the indoor heat exchanger operates as an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant. During cooling operation, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor moves to the outdoor heat exchanger. The liquid or near-liquid refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger expands and depressurizes in the expansion valve. Two-phase refrigerant that passes through the expansion valve moves to the indoor heat exchanger. The refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger exchanges heat with the surrounding air and evaporates. Accordingly, the temperature of the heat-exchanged surrounding air decreases and cold air is discharged to the outside of the indoor unit 30.

During heating operation, the refrigerant can emit heat from the indoor heat exchanger and absorb heat from the outdoor heat exchanger. That is, during heating operation, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor may be first supplied to the indoor heat exchanger through a four-way valve and then to the outdoor heat exchanger. In this case, the indoor heat exchanger operates as a condenser that condenses the refrigerant, and the outdoor heat exchanger operates as an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant. During heating operation, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor moves to the indoor heat exchanger. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger exchanges heat with low-temperature, dry air. The refrigerant condenses into a liquid or near-liquid refrigerant and releases heat, and the air absorbs the heat, thereby discharging warmth to the outside of the indoor unit 30.

Although the air conditioner 1 has been described as including one outdoor unit 20 and one indoor unit 30, it may also include a plurality of outdoor units 20 and a plurality of indoor units 30. For example, a plurality of indoor units 30 may be connected to one outdoor unit 20. Additionally, the shape of the indoor unit 30 is not limited to that described. Any type of indoor unit 30 can be applied as long as it is installed in an indoor space and can cool or heat the indoor space.

Additionally, the air conditioner 1 may include an indoor controller 10 and a main controller 2. The main controller 2 may be electrically connected to the outdoor unit 20, the indoor unit 30, and the indoor controller 10. The outdoor unit 20, indoor unit 30, and indoor controller 10 may be connected to the main controller 2 by wire. The indoor controller 10 may also be called a 'contact controller'.

The indoor controller 10 can obtain user input. The indoor controller 10 may obtain user input regarding indoor temperature settings or cooling/heating. The main controller 2 may receive a plurality of first signals corresponding to user input from the indoor controller 10.

The main controller 2 can control the operation of the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30. The main controller 2 can operate the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 in response to user input input through the indoor controller 10. The main controller 2 can control the operation of the air conditioner 1 based on the received electrical signal.

The main controller (2) can serve as an adapter to connect various outdoor units (20) to the air conditioner (1). The main controller 2 can control the outdoor unit 20 produced by the same manufacturer as that of the outdoor unit 20, as well as the outdoor unit 20 produced by a different manufacturer and/or an outdoor unit with a different communication protocol. It is provided to control up to (20).

Figure 2 shows the control configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, the air conditioner 1 may include a main controller 2, an indoor unit 30, an outdoor unit 20, and an indoor controller 10, and the main controller 2 includes a memory 112. It may include a control unit 110 including a processor 111, and a communication unit 100.

The memory 112 of the main controller 2 can memorize/store various information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner 1. The memory 112 may store instructions, applications, data, and/or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner 1. As described above, the memory 112 includes volatile memory 112 such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data, and data It may include non-volatile memory 112 such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) for long-term storage.

The processor 111 of the main controller 2 may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1 based on instructions, applications, data and/or programs stored in the memory 112. The processor 111 is hardware and may include a logic circuit and an operation circuit. The processor 111 may process data according to programs and/or instructions provided from the memory 112 and generate control signals according to the processing results. The memory 112 and the processor 111 may be implemented as one control circuit or as a plurality of circuits.

The main controller 2 may determine the operation of the outdoor unit 20 and/or the indoor unit 30 by receiving a plurality of first signals transmitted from the indoor controller 10. The first signal may include a contact signal generated from a contact controller, and the contact signal refers to a signal indicating whether a contact point consisting of a switch is open or closed.

The control unit 110 of the main controller 2 may include a signal conversion unit that combines a plurality of received first signals and converts them into one second signal. At this time, the control unit 110 may combine signals that are in an ON state among the plurality of first signals and convert them into a second signal.

The second signal may include an RS 485 signal that corresponds to the RS 485 communication standard, and may include a communication signal that follows a communication standard different from the first signal.

The control unit 110 may determine the operation of the outdoor unit 20 by transmitting a second signal to the outdoor unit 20, and the outdoor unit 20 may operate based on the second signal. Accordingly, the air conditioner 1 according to one embodiment can ensure compatibility even if the previously used outdoor unit 20 is replaced with a different type of outdoor unit 20.

The control unit 110 can communicate two-way with the outdoor unit 20 through the outdoor unit connection terminal 21, which includes a transmitting terminal and a receiving terminal. Specifically, the control unit 110 controls the communication unit 100 to serve as a transmitting terminal. 2 signals can be transmitted, and a third signal, which is an operation signal related to the operation of the outdoor unit 20, can be received from the receiving terminal. Accordingly, the control unit 110 can determine the current operating state of the outdoor unit 20 and the control operation required for the outdoor unit 20. For example, the control unit 110 may determine whether to enter a defrost operation, whether to perform a cold wind prevention function, and whether to perform a wind volume control function based on the operation signal of the outdoor unit 20.

The control unit 110 may determine the operation of the indoor unit 30 based on the plurality of first signals, and may control the communication unit 100 to transmit the determined operation of the indoor unit 30 to the indoor unit 30. Specifically, the control unit 110 may determine the operation mode and set temperature of the indoor unit 30 corresponding to the plurality of first signals.

Additionally, the control unit 110 may determine the operation of the indoor unit 30 by blocking transmission of at least one first signal among the plurality of first signals for a reference time. For example, the control unit 110 may block the indoor fan signal among the plurality of first signals for a preset reference time to enable efficient defrosting operation. Accordingly, even if the indoor unit 30 is not an inverter indoor unit 30 but a different type of indoor unit 30, the air conditioner fan, auxiliary heat source, and other air conditioning devices can be controlled by partially delaying or blocking the signal.

At this time, the operation of the indoor unit 30 may include selecting one of the plurality of operation stages, and the plurality of operation stages may include mild, weak, and strong cooling and heating intensities.

Additionally, the control unit 110 may control the indoor fan based on a plurality of first signals and a third signal generated from the outdoor unit 20 and corresponding to the operating state of the outdoor unit 20 . At this time, the third signal may include any one of an air volume control signal, a defrost operation signal, and a cold wind prevention signal.

Specifically, based on the fact that the third signal is an air volume control signal, the control unit 110 combines the number of off signal outputs and the off signal output time of the indoor controller 10 to connect a plurality of air volume control terminals provided in the main controller 2. The air volume control terminal that outputs the indoor fan control signal can be determined. That is, the control unit 110 may determine the air volume control terminal to reduce the air volume of the indoor unit 30 based on the fact that the number of off signal output times is more than the reference number and the off signal output time is more than the standard time.

In addition, based on the fact that the third signal is a defrost operation signal, the control unit delays and outputs the off signal of the indoor fan for a reference time, and delays the defrost operation end signal from the outdoor unit 20. The indoor fan's on signal can be output in advance by an amount of time.

Based on the fact that the third signal is a cold wind prevention signal, the control unit delays the off signal of the indoor fan for a reference time and outputs it, and based on receiving a signal to restart the heating operation from the outdoor unit 20, the pressure of the compressor is increased. The indoor fan's on signal can be delayed and output until the pressure exceeds the standard pressure.

The communication unit 100 of the main controller 2 may include a circuit for electrically connecting the outdoor unit 20, the indoor unit 30, and the indoor controller 10. For example, the communication unit 100 may include a plurality of contact terminals connected to the indoor controller 10. The plurality of contact terminals may include an outdoor unit connection terminal 21 and an indoor unit connection terminal 31.

Additionally, the communication unit 100 may include a wired communication unit 102 and/or a wireless communication unit 101 for communicating with the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30. The communication unit 100 may transmit a control signal transmitted from the processor 111 to the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30, or transmit an electrical signal transmitted from the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 to the processor 111. there is.

Additionally, the communication unit 100 can communicate with an access point (AP) (not shown) provided separately in the air conditioning space, and can be connected to a network through the access point. The communication unit 100 may communicate with an external device (eg, a smartphone) through an access point. The communication unit 100 can receive information on an external device connected to the access point and transmit the information on the external device to the processor 111. Through this, the user can remotely control the air conditioner (1).

The air conditioner 1 according to one embodiment may further include a remote controller (not shown). The remote controller may include an input unit and a display. The input unit of the remote controller can acquire user input and output an electrical signal (voltage or current) corresponding to the user input to the main controller 2. For example, the remote controller may provide a power on/off input to turn on or off the air conditioner (1), an operation mode selection input to set the operation mode of the air conditioner (1), and/or a temperature control input to adjust the room temperature. Control input can be obtained.

The input unit of the remote controller may be implemented with various buttons and/or dials. For example, the plurality of buttons may include a push switch that is activated by a user pressing it, a membrane switch, and/or a touch switch that is activated by contact with a part of the user's body. You can. The buttons include an operation mode button to select operation modes such as cooling operation, heating operation, and blowing operation, a temperature button to set the target temperature of the indoor space (conditioned space), a wind direction button to set the wind direction, and/ Alternatively, it may include a wind volume button to set the wind strength (rotation speed of the indoor fan). These buttons may also be implemented as rotatable dials.

The display of the remote controller may display information regarding the status and/or operation of the air conditioner 1. The display can display information input by the user or information provided to the user on various screens. The display may display information related to the operation of the air conditioner 1 as at least one of an image or text. Additionally, the display may display a graphic user interface (GUI) that enables control of the air conditioner 1. That is, the display can display UI elements (User Interface Elements) such as icons.

The display of the remote controller may include various types of display panels. For example, the display may be a Liquid Crystal Display Panel (LCD Panel), a Light Emitting Diode Panel (LED Panel), an Organic Light Emitting Diode Panel (OLED Panel), or a micro LED. Can include panels. The display may be implemented as a touch display. The touch display may include a display panel that displays an image and a touch panel that receives touch input. When the display is provided as a touch display, a separate input unit may not be provided in the remote controller.

The indoor controller 10 can obtain user input. For example, the indoor controller 10 may obtain a driving mode selection input for selecting a driving mode and a temperature setting input for setting the indoor temperature. The indoor controller 10 may be a separate input device that is distinct from the remote controller. The indoor controller 10 may be provided with a simpler structure than the remote controller. The indoor temperature setting or the current setting of the outdoor unit 20 can be simply input by the indoor controller 10.

The indoor controller 10 may include an operation mode input unit and a controller. The operation mode input unit and controller may each be provided as a rotatable dial. The form of the operation mode input unit and controller is not limited to a dial and can be provided in various forms. The driving mode input unit and controller may include various buttons.

The operation mode input unit may be provided to select the operation mode of the air conditioner (1). The indoor controller 10 may transmit an electrical signal (driving mode selection signal) corresponding to the operation of the driving mode input unit to the main controller 2. For example, the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 may include a cooling operation mode, a heating operation mode, and an automatic operation mode. The air conditioner 1 can operate in an operation mode selected according to the operation of the operation mode input unit. That is, the air conditioner 1 can perform cooling operation, heating operation, or automatic operation. The user can select power-off, cooling operation, heating operation, or automatic operation by manipulating the operation mode input unit.

The components of the air conditioner 1 are not limited to those described above. In addition to the components of the outdoor unit 20 described above, other components may be added.

Figure 3 shows a main controller according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, the main controller 2 may include a main circuit board 4 and a plurality of contact terminals 3. A memory 112 and a processor 111 may be mounted on the main circuit board 4. The processor 111 may also be referred to as 'Micom'. In addition to the contact terminals 3, the communication unit 100 can communicate with external devices through terminal blocks for connection to other devices.

The outdoor unit 20, the indoor unit 30, and the indoor controller 10 may be connected to the plurality of contact terminals 3. The contact terminals 3, the outdoor unit 20, the indoor unit 30, and the indoor controller 10 may each be connected by wires and/or cables.

For example, the outdoor unit 20 may be connected to the F1 terminal and the F2 terminal among the contact terminals 3. The main controller 2 can communicate with the outdoor unit 20 through the F1 terminal and F2 terminal. For example, the signal generated by the processor 111 of the main controller 2 may be transmitted to the outdoor unit 20 through the F1 and F2 terminals, and the signal generated by the outdoor unit 20 may be transmitted to the F1 and F2 terminals. It can be transmitted to the processor 111 through .

The indoor unit 30 may be connected to the TR terminal, TEI terminal, and TEO terminal among the contact terminals 3. As described above, the indoor unit 30 may include an indoor temperature sensor and an indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor. A signal generated by the indoor temperature sensor of the indoor unit 30 may be input to the processor 111 of the main controller 2 through the TR terminal. A signal generated by the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor of the indoor unit 30 may be input to the processor 111 of the main controller 2 through the TEI terminal and the TEO terminal.

The remote controller may be connected to terminals F3 and F4 of the contact terminals 3. The main controller 2 can communicate with the remote controller through the F3 and F4 terminals. For example, the signal generated by the processor 111 of the main controller 2 may be transmitted to the remote controller through the F3 and F4 terminals, and the signal generated by the remote controller may be transmitted to the processor (111) through the F3 and F4 terminals. 111).

The indoor controller 10 may be connected to the COM terminal, AUT terminal, HP terminal, CO terminal, AV1 terminal, and AV2 terminal among the contact terminals 3. The COM terminal, AUT terminal, HP terminal, and CO terminal may be connected to the operation mode input unit of the indoor controller 10. The COM terminal may refer to a common terminal, an Auto operation signal may be input to the AUT terminal, a heating operation signal may be input to the HP terminal, and a cooling operation signal may be input to the CO terminal. Depending on the operation of the operation mode input unit, a signal may be input to one of the AUT terminal, HP terminal, and CO terminal.

The AV1 terminal and AV2 terminal can be connected to the regulator of the indoor controller 10. The AV1 terminal may be referred to as a first contact terminal, and the AV2 terminal may be referred to as a second contact terminal. The voltage of the signal applied to the first contact terminal (AV1 terminal) may vary depending on the operation of the regulator. In other words, the voltage applied between the first contact terminal (AV1 terminal) and the second contact terminal (AV2) may vary depending on the operation of the regulator. The main controller 2 may determine the target temperature for the indoor space or the maximum current applied to the outdoor unit 20 based on the voltage of the signal applied to the first contact terminal (AV1 terminal).

Figure 4 shows the connection between the main controller and the components of the air conditioner in the air conditioner according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, unlike the prior art, the contact signal line of the indoor controller 10 may be connected to the main controller 2. Specifically, a first compressor terminal (Y1) for controlling the compressor and fan output, a second compressor terminal (Y2) for more finely controlling the compressor and fan output, and a first auxiliary heat source for controlling the first auxiliary heat source. terminal (W1), a second auxiliary heat source terminal (W2) for controlling the second auxiliary heat source, a fan terminal (G) for controlling the indoor fan, and a four-way valve terminal (O/B) for controlling the four-way valve. It may not be directly connected to the indoor unit 30 or the outdoor unit 20, but may be connected to the main controller 2.

The main controller 2 converts the first signal received from the indoor controller 10 to generate a second signal, transmits the second signal to the outdoor unit 20, and delays or blocks the first signal to The operation of (30) can be controlled in detail.

Accordingly, conventionally, an outdoor unit 20 with a different communication method from the indoor controller 10 could not be installed, but according to the air conditioner 1 according to one embodiment, even an outdoor unit 20 with a different communication method can be used as the main controller. In (2), the signal is converted according to the communication method, so the outdoor unit 20 with a different communication method can be used. In addition, conventionally, it was not possible to precisely control the air conditioner fan, auxiliary heat source, and other air conditioning devices using the contact communication method, but detailed control is possible based on signal blocking or delay of the main controller 2.

Specifically, the indoor controller 10 and the indoor unit 30 may transmit and receive a first signal using the first communication method of the contact method, but may not support the second communication method of the RS 485 method. Additionally, the outdoor unit 20 may receive a second signal using a second communication method of the RS 485 method, but may not support the first communication method of a contact method. Here, supporting a communication method means having a connection terminal and a signal processing circuit for communicating in that communication method, and may mean that signals can be transmitted and received in that communication method.

5 and below, technical problems that can be solved by the main controller 2 will be described in detail.

Figure 5 shows a process in which the defrost operation is controlled by the main controller according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, the control unit 110 of the main controller 2 receives a plurality of first signals, which are contact signals, from the indoor controller 10, and delays or blocks some signals, making it impossible to control with conventional contact signals. You can control functions that were previously unavailable.

The control unit 110 of the main controller 2 according to one embodiment may receive a defrost signal of the outdoor unit 20 from the outdoor unit 20 and enter the defrost operation (a) based on this. Unlike the prior art, the control unit 110 connects the first compressor terminal (Y1), the second compressor terminal (Y2), the first auxiliary heat source terminal (W1), and the second auxiliary heat source terminal at the time of receiving the defrost signal of the outdoor unit 20. (W2), four-way valve terminal (O/B), and indoor fan terminal (G) signals can be controlled to OFF.

At this time, the control unit 110 changes the indoor fan terminal (G) to the OFF state (b) later than the other terminals by a preset time, and changes it to the ON state (b) earlier than the other terminals by a preset time. c) It can be done.

The defrost operation is an operation to remove frost generated by a drop in temperature around the outdoor unit 20, and corresponds to a process of melting frost on the surface of the outdoor unit 20 according to the principle of cooling operation. Therefore, when the control unit 110 enters the defrost operation during the heating operation, the control unit 110 blocks the contact signal output from the main controller to the air conditioner (1) to prevent cold wind from leaking into the room during the defrost operation. and other devices can be stopped during defrosting operation, and residual heat inside the air conditioner (1) can be removed by delaying the switching of the indoor fan signal (G) to the off state when defrosting is initiated compared to other signals. Afterwards, when the defrost operation ends (c), the control unit 110 outputs the indoor fan signal and then outputs other signals with a delay to prevent overheating when the heat exchanger and heater are operating. At this time, the reference time for which the control unit 110 delays or outputs the indoor fan signal G in advance may be predetermined by the designer of the air conditioner 1 or set by the user.

As above, according to the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment, the function of the indoor unit 30, which could not be provided by the conventional contact type air conditioner 1, can be provided, so the user's convenience is increased. There is.

Figure 6 shows a process in which the cold wind prevention function is controlled by the main controller according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, the control unit 110 may provide a cold wind prevention function by delaying or blocking the plurality of first signals received from the indoor controller 10.

When a user connects the power to the air conditioner 1 and operates it in heating mode, the frequency of the compressor gradually increases, so cold wind may flow into the room at the beginning of operation. Accordingly, the control unit 110 can control the signal of the indoor fan terminal (G) to be turned off until the pressure of the compressor reaches the target pressure, thereby preventing cold wind from flowing into the room at the beginning of the heating operation. You can.

Specifically, when a situation in which heating must be stopped (a) occurs, such as when a defrost operation signal is received, the control unit 110 connects the first compressor terminal (Y1), the second compressor terminal (Y2), and the first auxiliary heat source terminal. The signals of (W1), the second auxiliary heat source terminal (W2), the four-way valve terminal (O/B), and the indoor fan terminal (G) can be controlled to be in the OFF state. At this time, as described in FIG. 5, the control unit may output an off signal after delaying the signal from the indoor fan terminal (G) for a preset reference time to remove residual heat inside the air conditioner.

In the prior art, when a situation requiring heating to be restarted (b) occurs, the indoor fan output signal is controlled to be immediately changed to the ON state.

However, in the present disclosure, when a situation in which heating must be restarted (b) occurs, the control unit 110 sends a signal to the indoor fan terminal (G) until the pressure (P _c ) of the compressor reaches the preset design pressure (c). is controlled to OFF, and when the pressure of the compressor (P _c ) reaches the preset design pressure (c), the signal of the indoor fan terminal (G) can be controlled to ON (e). . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent cold air from entering the room during heating by controlling wind from flowing into the room until the pressure of the compressor reaches the design pressure.

The control unit 110 sets an additional delay time (d) after the indoor fan starts operating to connect the first compressor terminal (Y1), the second compressor terminal (Y2), the first auxiliary heat source terminal (W1), and the second auxiliary heat source terminal. (W2) and the four-way valve terminal (O/B) signal can be controlled to be ON, and thus the auxiliary heat source can be operated with sufficient air volume secured.

FIG. 7 shows a process in which the air volume is controlled to be a weak wind by the main controller according to an embodiment, and FIG. 8 shows a weak wind signal being output from the outdoor unit in the air conditioner according to an embodiment.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8 together, the main controller (2) of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment includes an indoor fan terminal (G), a strong wind terminal (G3), and a weak wind terminal ( Additional terminals of G2) and breeze terminal (G1) may be provided. Accordingly, it was impossible to control the air volume in the conventional air conditioner using the contact communication method, but according to the present disclosure, the air volume can be controlled in the air conditioner 1 using the contact communication method.

7 and 8 show an embodiment in which the air volume is controlled from strong wind to weak wind during the cooling process of the air conditioner (1), but in the heating process, the first compressor terminal (Y1) and the second compressor terminal (Y2) are The first auxiliary heat source terminal (W1) can be replaced with the second auxiliary heat source terminal (W2) and operate in the same manner.

Referring to Figure 7, the control unit 110 sets the cooling to strong wind in the initial stage of cooling and uses signals from the first compressor terminal (Y1), the second compressor terminal (Y2), the indoor fan terminal (G), and the strong wind terminal (G3). can be controlled to the ON state to provide cooling at maximum operating capacity.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8, the outdoor unit 20 may output a weak wind signal (a). The outdoor unit 20 operates with strong wind and may transmit a weak wind signal (a) to the main controller 2 when a preset time has elapsed or based on the load applied to the outdoor unit 20.

Thereafter, the main controller 2 adjusts the plurality of wind volumes provided in the main controller 2 by combining the off signal output count and the off signal output time of the indoor controller 10 based on the weak wind signal (a) of the outdoor unit 20. Among the terminals, the air volume control terminal that outputs the indoor fan control signal can be determined.

For example, when the main controller 2 receives the OFF signal of the outdoor unit 30 and the indoor unit 30 more than three times, which is a preset standard number, from the indoor controller 10 within the strong wind setting time, the main controller 2 performs cooling. If it is determined that the power is sufficient, the wind speed can be changed to low wind. That is, the main controller 2 can control the signal of the weak wind terminal G2 to be ON in order to change the air volume of the indoor unit 30 to weak wind. Additionally, the main controller 2 can control the signals of the second compressor terminal Y2 and the strong wind terminal G3 to be OFF so that the indoor unit 30 can be operated with weak wind.

Through this, the air conditioner 1 according to one embodiment can change the wind speed from strong wind to weak wind without stopping, thereby increasing efficiency.

FIG. 9 shows a process in which air volume is controlled to be a breeze by a main controller according to an embodiment, and FIG. 10 shows a breeze signal being output from an outdoor unit in an air conditioner according to an embodiment.

As described above, Figures 9 and 10 show an embodiment in which the air volume is controlled from a weak wind to a light breeze during the cooling process of the air conditioner (1), but during the heating process, the first compressor terminal (Y1) and the second compressor terminal (Y2) can be replaced with the first auxiliary heat source terminal (W1) and the second auxiliary heat source terminal (W2) and operate in the same manner.

Referring to Figure 9, the control unit 110 sets the cooling wind from strong wind to cooling weak wind and sends signals from the first compressor terminal (Y1), the second compressor terminal (Y2), the indoor fan terminal (G), and the weak wind terminal (G2). By controlling it to the ON state, cooling can be provided with weak wind.

Afterwards, as shown in FIG. 10, the outdoor unit 20 can output a breeze signal (a). The outdoor unit 20 operates with a weak wind and may transmit a breeze signal (a) to the main controller 2 when a preset time has elapsed or based on the load applied to the outdoor unit 20.

Thereafter, the main controller 2 adjusts the plurality of wind volumes provided in the main controller 2 by combining the off signal output count and the off signal output time of the indoor controller 10 based on the breeze signal (a) of the outdoor unit 20. Among the terminals, the air volume control terminal that outputs the indoor fan control signal can be determined.

For example, when the main controller 2 receives the OFF signal of the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 more than two times, which is a preset standard number, from the indoor controller 10 within the weak wind setting time, the main controller 2 turns on the weak wind. If it is determined that the cooling capacity provided is sufficient, the air volume can be changed to a gentle breeze. That is, the main controller 2 can control the signal of the breeze terminal G1 to be ON in order to change the air volume of the indoor unit 30 to a breeze. In addition, the main controller 2 controls the signals of the second compressor terminal Y2, the first compressor terminal Y1, and the weak wind terminal G2 to be OFF so that the indoor unit 30 can be operated with light wind. can do.

Through this, the air conditioner 1 according to one embodiment can change the air volume from light wind to light wind without stopping, thereby increasing efficiency.

Figure 11 shows a control flowchart when the second signal includes a defrost operation start signal in an air conditioner according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, a user can input a user command corresponding to a driving command into the indoor controller 10 (1100). The indoor controller 10 may generate a plurality of first signals corresponding to user input, and the main controller may receive the plurality of first signals (1110).

Additionally, the main controller 2 may receive a second signal corresponding to outdoor unit operation information from the outdoor unit (1120). At this time, the control unit 110 can control the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 differently depending on the type of the second signal, and thus can determine whether the second signal includes a defrost operation start signal (1130).

If it is determined that the second signal includes the defrost operation start signal (Yes in 1130), the control unit 110 may delay the indoor fan-off signal among the plurality of input signals by a reference time and output it (1140). Accordingly, residual heat inside the air conditioner 1 that is in heating operation can be removed.

Afterwards, in order to prevent overheating of heating elements such as the heat exchanger and heater inside the air conditioner (1) according to the defrosting operation, the control unit 110 outputs only the on signal of the indoor fan among the plurality of input signals when the defrosting operation is completed and then turns the other on signals. The signal can be output delayed by the reference time (1150).

FIG. 12 shows a control flowchart when the second signal includes a cold wind prevention signal in an air conditioner according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, the user can input a user command corresponding to the driving command into the indoor controller 10 (1200). The indoor controller 10 may generate a plurality of first signals corresponding to user input, and the main controller may receive the plurality of first signals (1210).

Additionally, the main controller 2 may receive a second signal corresponding to outdoor unit operation information from the outdoor unit (1220). At this time, the control unit 110 can control the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 differently depending on the type of the second signal, and thus can determine whether the second signal includes a cold wind prevention signal (1230).

If the control unit 110 determines that the second signal includes a cold wind prevention signal (example in 1230), the control unit 110 outputs a plurality of input signals as off signals so that the cold wind prevention signal is turned off until the cold wind prevention signal is completed. You can (1240).

Thereafter, the control unit 110 outputs the on signal of the indoor fan among the plurality of input signals after the design pressure is reached, and outputs the on signal of the other signals after a reference time after the off signal of the plurality of input signals is output. (1250). Accordingly, cold air can be prevented from entering the room during heating operation operation or re-entry.

Figure 13 shows a control flowchart when the second signal includes an air volume control signal in an air conditioner according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13, the user can input a user command corresponding to the driving command into the indoor controller 10 (1300). The indoor controller 10 may generate a plurality of first signals corresponding to user input, and the main controller may receive the plurality of first signals (1310).

Additionally, the main controller 2 may receive a second signal corresponding to outdoor unit operation information from the outdoor unit (1320). At this time, the control unit 110 can control the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 differently depending on the type of the second signal, and thus can determine whether the second signal includes an air volume control signal (1330).

If it is determined that the second signal includes an air volume control signal (Yes in 1230), the control unit 110 may change on/off the signal corresponding to the second signal among the plurality of input signals (1340).

Specifically, if the current operating state of the indoor unit 30 is a strong wind, the ON signal of the strong wind terminal G3 is changed to an OFF signal based on the weak wind signal of the outdoor unit 20, and the weak wind terminal G2 ) can be changed from an OFF signal to an ON signal. Similarly, if the current operating state of the indoor unit 30 is a weak wind, the ON signal of the weak wind terminal G2 is changed to an OFF signal based on the light wind signal of the outdoor unit 20, and the light wind terminal G2 is changed to an OFF signal. An OFF signal can be changed to an ON signal.

In this way, the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment converts a plurality of first signals into one second signal, enabling connection of the inverter outdoor unit (20) to an existing constant speed air conditioner through the main controller (2). It has the effect of satisfying both the compatibility of constant-speed products and the efficiency of inverter products, and has the effect of increasing user convenience because indoor fans, auxiliary heat sources, and other air conditioning devices can be controlled based on the status of the outdoor unit.

According to the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment, an indoor controller (10) that receives an operation command from a user and generates a plurality of first signals corresponding to the operation command, and is connected to the indoor controller (10). A main controller (2) that receives the plurality of first signals, combines the plurality of first signals and converts them into one second signal, and is connected to the main controller (2) and receives the plurality of first signals from the main controller (2). An outdoor unit 20 that operates based on the received second signal and generates a third signal corresponding to the operating state of the outdoor unit 20, and an indoor unit connected to the main controller 2 and provided with an indoor fan ( 30), wherein the main controller 2 controls the indoor fan based on the plurality of first signals and the third signal.

The third signal may include any one of an air volume control signal, a defrost operation signal, and a cold wind prevention signal.

Based on the fact that the third signal is an air volume control signal, the main controller 2 combines the number of off signal outputs and the off signal output time of the indoor controller 10 to generate a plurality of output signals provided in the main controller 2. Among the air volume control terminals, the air volume control terminal that outputs the indoor fan control signal can be determined.

The main controller 2 may determine the air volume control terminal to reduce the air volume of the indoor unit 30 based on the fact that the number of off signal output times is more than the reference number and the off signal output time is more than the reference time. there is.

The main controller 2 may output the indoor fan off signal with a delay for a reference time based on the fact that the third signal is a defrost operation signal.

The main controller 2 may output a fan signal when a defrost operation end signal is received from the outdoor unit 20, and may delay the defrost operation by a set time and output other signals.

Based on the fact that the third signal is a cold wind prevention signal, the main controller 2 may delay output of a plurality of signals until a cold wind prevention completion signal is received.

The main controller 2 may delay and output a plurality of signals until the pressure of the compressor becomes higher than the reference pressure, based on receiving a signal to restart the heating operation from the outdoor unit 20.

In the control method of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment, the indoor controller (10) receives an operation command from a user and generates a plurality of first signals corresponding to the operation command, and the main controller (2) Connected to the indoor controller 10 to receive the plurality of first signals, combine the plurality of first signals and convert them into one second signal, and connect the outdoor unit 20 to the main controller 2. operates based on the one second signal received from the main controller 2, generates a third signal corresponding to the operating state of the outdoor unit 20, and responds to the plurality of first signals and the third signal. and controlling the indoor fan based on the indoor fan.

The third signal may include any one of an air volume control signal, a defrost operation signal, and a cold wind prevention signal.

The control method of the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment is based on the fact that the third signal is an air volume control signal, and the main It may further include determining an air volume control terminal that outputs an indoor fan control signal among a plurality of air volume control terminals provided in the controller 2.

Determining the air volume control terminal determines the air volume control terminal to reduce the air volume of the indoor unit 30 based on the fact that the number of off signal output times is greater than the reference number and the off signal output time is greater than the standard time. You can.

The control method of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment may further include delaying and outputting the off signal of the indoor fan for a reference time based on the fact that the third signal is a defrost operation signal.

The control method of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment includes outputting an on signal for the indoor fan by the reference time in advance of the time when the defrost operation end signal at which the defrost operation ends is received from the outdoor unit 20. It may include more.

The control method of the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment may further include delaying and outputting the off signal of the indoor fan for a reference time based on the fact that the third signal is a cold wind prevention signal.

Delaying the output of the off signal of the indoor fan is based on receiving a signal to restart the heating operation from the outdoor unit 20, and outputting the on signal of the indoor fan until the pressure of the compressor becomes higher than the reference pressure. Delayed output may be further included.

Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a storage medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. Instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by the processor 111, they may generate program modules to perform operations of the disclosed embodiments.

A storage medium that can be read by a device may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory storage medium' only means that it is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g. electromagnetic waves). This term refers to cases where data is semi-permanently stored in a storage medium and temporary storage media. It does not distinguish between cases where it is stored as . For example, a 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer where data is temporarily stored.

Methods according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided and included in a computer program product. Computer program products are commodities and can be traded between sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g. compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or through an application store (e.g. Play StoreTM) or on two user devices (e.g. It can be distributed (e.g. downloaded or uploaded) directly between smartphones) or online. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be stored in machine-readable storage, such as memory 112 of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server. It may be at least temporarily stored in a medium, or may be created temporarily.

As described above, the disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings. A person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be practiced in forms different from the disclosed embodiments without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

1: Air conditioner
2: Main controller
10: Indoor controller
11: Indoor controller connection terminal
20: Outdoor unit
21: Outdoor unit connection terminal
30: Indoor unit
100: Department of Communications
101: Wireless Communications Department
102: Wired communications department
110: control unit
111: processor
112: memory

Claims (16)

an indoor controller (10) that receives a driving command from a user and generates a plurality of first signals corresponding to the driving command;
a main controller (2) connected to the indoor controller (10) to receive the plurality of first signals, combine the plurality of first signals and convert them into one second signal;
an outdoor unit (20) connected to the main controller (2), operating based on the second signal received from the main controller (2), and generating a third signal corresponding to an operating state of the outdoor unit (20); and
It includes an indoor unit (30) connected to the main controller (2) and provided with an indoor fan,
The main controller (2) is an air conditioner (1) that controls the indoor fan based on the plurality of first signals and the third signal. According to paragraph 1,
The third signal is,
An air conditioner (1) including any one of a wind volume control signal, a defrost operation signal, and a cold air prevention signal. According to paragraph 1,
The main controller (2) is,
Based on the fact that the third signal is an air volume control signal, the number of off signal outputs and the off signal output time of the indoor controller 10 are combined to provide an indoor fan control signal among a plurality of air volume control terminals provided in the main controller 2. An air conditioner (1) that determines the air volume control terminal that outputs. According to paragraph 3,
The main controller (2) is,
An air conditioner (1) that determines the air volume control terminal to reduce the air volume of the indoor unit (30) based on the fact that the number of times the off signal is output is more than a reference number and the off signal output time is more than a standard time. According to paragraph 1,
The main controller (2) is,
An air conditioner (1) that delays and outputs an off signal of the indoor fan for a reference time based on the fact that the third signal is a defrost operation signal. According to clause 5,
The main controller (2) is,
An air conditioner (1) that outputs an on signal of the indoor fan among a plurality of signals when a defrost operation end signal that ends the defrost operation is received from the outdoor unit (20) and outputs other signals after a set time. According to paragraph 1,
The main controller (2) is,
An air conditioner (1) that delays and outputs an off signal of the indoor fan for a reference time based on the fact that the third signal is a cold wind prevention signal. In clause 7,
The main controller (2) is,
An air conditioner (1) that delays and outputs the on signal of the indoor fan until the pressure of the compressor becomes higher than the reference pressure, based on receiving a signal to restart the heating operation from the outdoor unit (20). The indoor controller 10 receives a driving command from a user and generates a plurality of first signals corresponding to the driving command;
A main controller (2) is connected to the indoor controller (10) to receive the plurality of first signals, combine the plurality of first signals and convert them into one second signal;
The outdoor unit 20 is connected to the main controller 2 and operates based on the second signal received from the main controller 2, and generates a third signal corresponding to the operating state of the outdoor unit 20. ;
Controlling the indoor fan based on the plurality of first signals and the third signal. According to clause 9,
The third signal is,
A control method of an air conditioner (1) including any one of a wind volume control signal, a defrost operation signal, and a cold wind prevention signal. According to clause 9,
Based on the fact that the third signal is an air volume control signal, the number of off signal outputs and the off signal output time of the indoor controller 10 are combined to provide an indoor fan control signal among a plurality of air volume control terminals provided in the main controller 2. A control method of the air conditioner (1) further comprising: determining an air volume control terminal that outputs. According to clause 11,
Determining the air volume control terminal is,
Control of the air conditioner (1) to determine the air volume control terminal to reduce the air volume of the indoor unit (30) based on the fact that the number of off signal output times is greater than the reference number and the off signal output time is greater than the standard time. method. According to clause 11,
Based on the fact that the third signal is a defrost operation signal, the control method of the air conditioner (1) further includes delaying and outputting the off signal of the indoor fan for a reference time. According to clause 13,
An air conditioning system further comprising outputting an on signal of the indoor fan among a plurality of signals when a defrost operation end signal indicating the end of the defrost operation is received from the outdoor unit 20 and outputting other signals after a set time. Control method of (1). According to clause 9,
The control method of the air conditioner (1) further comprising delaying and outputting the off signal of the indoor fan for a reference time based on the fact that the third signal is a cold wind prevention signal. According to clause 15,
Delaying and outputting the off signal of the indoor fan,
A control method of the air conditioner (1) for delaying and outputting the on signal of the indoor fan until the pressure of the compressor becomes higher than the reference pressure, based on receiving a signal for restarting the heating operation from the outdoor unit (20). .

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