Air conditioner and operation method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to an air conditioner and an operation method thereof. An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise: an indoor unit; an indoor temperature sensor for sensing the indoor temperature of an indoor space in which the indoor unit is disposed; and a control unit for monitoring the indoor temperature by means of the indoor temperature sensor. When the indoor temperature changes above a first reference, the control unit starts power-saving operation. The control unit may interrupt the power-saving operation when the indoor temperature changes to a second reference or more in a state in which the power-saving operation is executed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner and an operation method thereof, and more particularly, to an air conditioner that performs operation in consideration of the state of an indoor space. Background Art

[0002] Air conditioners are provided to create a comfortable indoor environment by discharging hot and cold air into the room to adjust the indoor temperature and purify the indoor air, thereby providing a more comfortable indoor environment for humans. Generally, an air conditioner includes: an indoor unit, which is composed of a heat exchanger and is installed indoors; and an outdoor unit, which is composed of a compressor, a heat exchanger, etc., and supplies refrigerant to the indoor unit.

[0003] An air conditioner performs cooling operation or heating operation according to the flow of refrigerant. During cooling operation, a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant is supplied from the compressor of the outdoor unit to the indoor unit via the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit. The refrigerant expands and vaporizes in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit, causing the temperature of the surrounding air to drop. As the indoor unit fan rotates, cold air is discharged into the room. During heating operation, a high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant is supplied from the compressor of the outdoor unit to the indoor unit, and the air warmed by the energy released when the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant is liquefied in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit is discharged into the room as the indoor unit fan operates.

[0004] Recently, with the addition of various new functions related to the operation of air conditioners, concepts such as so-called smart air conditioners or intelligent air conditioners have emerged. Generally, an air conditioner includes a sensor for detecting the indoor temperature as in the prior art document 1 (Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0085101), and performs operation according to the indoor temperature detected by the sensor. For example, the air conditioner can control the operating frequency of the compressor to make the indoor temperature detected by the sensor reach the target value.

[0005] On the other hand, when the indoor space to be cooled or heated is connected to another space, for example, when a door or window arranged on the wall forming the indoor space is opened for ventilation, a convection phenomenon of air may occur between the indoor space and the other space. At this time, there is a problem that even if the air heat-exchanged in the indoor unit is discharged into the indoor space for cooling or heating, it is difficult for the indoor temperature to reach the target value due to the convection phenomenon of air. In addition, as the indoor space is connected to another space, it is difficult to cool or heat the indoor space, but the air conditioner still operates to make the indoor temperature reach the target value, resulting in unnecessary power consumption.

[0006] Prior Art Documents

[0007] Patent Documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: KR 10-2018-0085101A Summary of the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and an operation method thereof that can discharge air so that the heat-exchanged air flows along the ceiling constituting the indoor space.

[0011] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and an operation method thereof that can discharge air so that the heat-exchanged air flows toward a specific area of the indoor space.

[0012] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and an operation method thereof that can determine whether the indoor space communicates with another space.

[0013] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and an operation method thereof that can perform power-saving operation during the period when the indoor space communicates with another space.

[0014] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and an operation method thereof that can perform normal operation when the communication between the indoor space and another space is disconnected.

[0015] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and an operation method thereof that can perform power-saving operation in various ways according to whether the main air outlet realized by the main blade is opened or closed.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, it is possible to sense a change in the indoor temperature by using an indoor temperature sensor that senses the indoor temperature of the indoor space in which the indoor unit is disposed, and it is possible to determine whether the indoor space communicates with another space based on the change in the indoor temperature.

[0017] The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit that monitors the indoor temperature by using the indoor temperature sensor. When the indoor temperature changes by more than a first reference, the control unit starts power-saving operation. In the state of performing the power-saving operation, if the indoor temperature changes by more than a second reference, the control unit interrupts the power-saving operation.

[0018] The operation method of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: an operation of starting power-saving operation when the indoor temperature of the indoor space in which the indoor unit is disposed sensed by the indoor temperature sensor changes by more than a first reference; and an operation of interrupting the power-saving operation if the indoor temperature changes by more than a second reference in the state of performing the power-saving operation.

[0019] Next, the effects of the air conditioner and its operation method according to the present invention will be described.

[0020] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to discharge air so that the heat-exchanged air flows along the ceiling constituting the indoor space, thereby enabling constant cooling and heating of the entire indoor space.

[0021] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to discharge air so that the heat-exchanged air flows toward a specific area of the indoor space, thereby enabling cooling and heating of the entire indoor space to be gradually achieved starting from a specific area of the indoor space.

[0022] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to accurately determine whether the indoor space communicates with another space based on changes in the indoor temperature.

[0023] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by performing power-saving operation during the period when the indoor space communicates with another space, unnecessary power consumption can be reduced.

[0024] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by performing normal operation when the communication between the indoor space and another space is disconnected, operation based on user needs can be performed.

[0025] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by performing power-saving operation in various ways according to whether the main air outlet realized by the main blade is opened or closed, power-saving operation optimized for a preset operation mode can be performed.

[0026] From the following detailed description, additional scopes to which the present invention is applicable will become apparent. However, those skilled in the art can clearly understand various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments such as the preferred embodiments of the present invention are given only by way of example. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 is a front view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 is a rear view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 is an exploded view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 is a side sectional view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a diagram for reference when explaining the configuration of the moving blades and the flow of air in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 9 and Figure 10 is a diagram for reference when explaining the mode in which the main discharge port is closed in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 11 and Figure 12 is a diagram for reference when explaining the mode in which the main discharge port is open in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 13 and Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing the operation method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figures 15 to 18 is a diagram for reference when explaining the operation of an air conditioner according to various embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0038] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, in order to clearly and briefly illustrate the present invention, illustrations of parts irrelevant to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used throughout the specification for the same or extremely similar parts.

[0039] In the following description, the suffixes "module" and "unit" of the components used are only given for the convenience of writing this specification, and they do not themselves give any particularly important meaning or function. Therefore, the above "module" and "unit" can be used interchangeably.

[0040] In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" should be understood as specifying the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and are not intended to preclude the existence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0041] In addition, in this specification, in order to describe various elements, terms such as first and second may be used, but these elements are not limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0042] The direction indicators of up U, down D, left Le, right Ri, front F, and rear R shown in the figures are only for convenience of explanation, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited thereto.

[0043] Refer to Figure 1, describe the configuration of the air conditioner of the present invention.

[0044] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a housing 101 that forms the outer shape. The housing 101 forms an intake port 12 on the upper side. The air on the upper side of the housing 101 can flow into the interior of the housing 101 through the intake port 12.

[0045] The housing 101 forms a space inside for arranging a fan 50 (refer to Figure 4 ) and a heat exchanger 70 (refer to Figure 4 ). The housing 101 forms a first discharge port 36 toward the front. The air conditioner may include a discharge cover 30 arranged in front of the housing 101 and forming the first discharge port 36. The air conditioner may include fixed vanes 40 arranged on one side of the discharge cover 30 and guiding the direction of the air discharged through the first discharge port 36.

[0046] A display 170 may be arranged on the front surface of the housing 101.

[0047] An intake grille 20 may be arranged on the upper side of the housing 101. The intake grille 20 is detachably arranged on the housing 101.

[0048] The intake grille 20 may be arranged on the upper side of the housing 101 where the intake port 12 is formed. The intake grille 20 may include a plurality of ribs 22 extending in the left - right direction or the front - back direction.

[0049] A mesh screen 24 for filtering foreign matters in the air flowing into the intake port 12 may be arranged on the intake grille 20. The mesh screen 24 may be arranged between the plurality of ribs 22.

[0050] Refer to Figure 2 , describe the structure of the air conditioner.

[0051] A display 170 may be arranged on the front surface of the housing 101. The display 170 may display information such as the operating state of the air conditioner or the temperature of the indoor space.

[0052] The intake grille 20 may have a shape protruding upward. Therefore, when observing the housing 101 from the front, a structure where one side of the intake grille 20 is exposed may be formed.

[0053] The first discharge port 36 is arranged at the lower part of the front surface of the housing 101. Fixed vanes 40 are arranged at the first discharge port 36. The fixed vanes 40 are fixedly arranged on one side of the housing 101. Therefore, the fixed vanes 40 can guide the air flowing toward the first discharge port 36 in one direction.

[0054] The discharge cover 30 forming the first discharge port 36 may be disposed on the housing 101. The discharge cover 30 may be disposed on the housing 101 forming the front side. The discharge cover 30 may have a structure disposed inside the housing 101. The discharge cover 30 may form the first discharge port 36 extending in the left - right direction. The fixed blade 40 may be disposed on the discharge cover 30.

[0055] Refer to Figure 3 to describe the lower structure of the air conditioner.

[0056] The air conditioner includes a lower cover 46. The lower cover 46 is disposed on the open lower side of the housing 101. A second discharge port 48 is formed between the lower cover 46 and the housing 101. A first moving blade 120 for opening and closing the second discharge port 48 is disposed between the lower cover 46 and the housing 101.

[0057] The second discharge port 48 may be formed in front of the lower cover 46.

[0058] According to the arrangement of the moving blade, the second discharge port 48 can be opened or closed.

[0059] Refer to Figure 4 to briefly describe the overall structure of the air conditioner.

[0060] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a housing 101 forming the outer shape. The housing 101 may have a structure covering the front side and both sides. The housing 101 may have a structure with an open lower side.

[0061] The housing 101 may have a structure with an open upper side. An intake port 12 may be formed on the upper surface of the housing 101. An upper rib 14 may be disposed on the upper surface of the housing 101. The upper rib 14 can hold the arrangement of the intake grille 20.

[0062] The housing 101 may form the first discharge port 36 facing forward. The discharge cover 30 forming the first discharge port 36 may be disposed in front of the housing 101. The discharge cover 30 may also be integrally formed with the housing 101.

[0063] The housing 101 may have an open - ended shape at the rear. The housing 101 may form a space inside for disposing the fan 50 and the heat exchanger 70.

[0064] The air conditioner of the present invention includes an intake grille 20 disposed at the intake port 12 of the housing 101. A plurality of ribs 22 extending in the left - right direction or the front - rear direction are disposed on the intake grille 20. A mesh screen 24 may be disposed between the plurality of ribs 22.

[0065] The intake grille 20 may be disposed above the upper rib 14 formed on the housing 101.

[0066] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a discharge cover 30 that forms a first discharge port 36. The discharge cover 30 is fixedly disposed in front of the housing 101. A first discharge port 36 that extends long in the left-right direction is formed in the discharge cover 30.

[0067] A plurality of front ribs 38 that extend in the up-down direction and are spaced apart in the left-right direction are disposed in the discharge cover 30. The front ribs 38 can be connected to the fixed blades 40. The front ribs 38 can maintain the arrangement of the fixed blades 40.

[0068] The air conditioner of the present invention includes fixed blades 40 that guide the wind direction of the air discharged through the first discharge port 36. The fixed blades 40 can be fixedly disposed in the discharge cover 30. The fixed blades 40 can be fixedly disposed in the housing 101.

[0069] The fixed blades 40 can have a structure that is respectively connected to a plurality of front ribs 38 of the discharge cover 30. The fixed blades 40 can convey the air flowing toward the first discharge port 36 in a direction parallel to the ground or in a direction more upward than the direction parallel to the ground.

[0070] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a lower cover 46 disposed on the lower surface of the housing 101. The lower cover 46 can be disposed to cover a part of the open lower side of the housing 101. A second discharge port 48 can be formed in the lower cover 46.

[0071] The lower cover 46 is detachably disposed on the housing 101. The lower cover 46 can be fixedly disposed on the housing 101 or an inner main body 80 to be described later. The lower cover 46 can be a plate shape having a substantially "C" shape. The second discharge port 48 can be formed between the housing 101 and the lower cover 46.

[0072] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a stabilizer 100. The stabilizer 100 can guide the flow of the air discharged by the fan 50. The stabilizer 100 can guide the air flowing downward to the front side through the fan 50 to the upper side. The stabilizer 100 can support one side of the heat exchanger 70.

[0073] Moving blades 120 and 130 can be disposed in the stabilizer 100. The moving blades 120 and 130 can be disposed to be changeable in configuration in the stabilizer 100.

[0074] A blade motor 108 that changes the configuration of the moving blades 120 and 130 can be disposed in the stabilizer 100.

[0075] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a first moving blade 120 that opens and closes the second discharge port 48. The moving blades 120 and 130 can guide the wind direction of the air discharged from the second discharge port 48. The moving blades 120 and 130 can guide the air flowing through the fan 50 to the first discharge port 36.

[0076] The air conditioner of the present invention includes an inner main body 80 disposed inside the housing 101 and supporting the fan 50 to be rotatable. The fan 50 may be disposed in the inner main body 80. A fan motor 52 for rotating the fan 50 may be disposed in the inner main body 80.

[0077] The inner main body 80 is fixedly disposed inside the housing 101. The inner main body 80 may guide the air flowing rearward or downward through the fan 50. A louver 90 for adjusting the air flow direction of the flowing air to the left and right may be disposed in the inner main body 80. The louver 90 may guide the direction of the air flowing to the first discharge port 36 or the second discharge port 48 to the left and right directions.

[0078] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a fan 50 for blowing air from the suction port 12 to the first discharge port 36 or the second discharge port 48. The fan 50 is rotatably disposed inside the housing 101. The fan 50 may use a cross-flow fan that sucks air from one side in the radial direction with respect to the rotation axis and discharges the air to the other side in the radial direction.

[0079] The fan 50 may suck air from the suction port 12 located above the fan 50. In addition, the fan 50 may discharge air to the first discharge port 36 or the second discharge port 48 located below the fan 50.

[0080] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a fan motor 52 for rotating the fan 50. The fan motor 52 is disposed on one side of the inner main body 80.

[0081] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a motor cover 54 covering one side of the fan motor 52. The motor cover 54 may be installed on the inner main body 80. The motor cover 54 may be installed on one side of the inner main body 80 or on one side of a control box 60 described later.

[0082] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a heat exchanger 70 for heat-exchanging the air flowing inside the housing 101. The heat exchanger 70 may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air. The heat exchanger 70 may heat-exchange the air discharged toward the indoor space. The heat exchanger 70 may heat-exchange the air flowing to the first discharge port 36 or the second discharge port 48.

[0083] The heat exchanger 70 may have at least one bent shape. The heat exchanger 70 is disposed above the fan 50. The heat exchanger 70 may heat-exchange the air flowing to the fan 50.

[0084] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a control box 60 in which electrical components for adjusting the operation of the air conditioner are disposed. The control box 60 may be installed on one side of the inner main body 80. The control box 60 may be disposed on one side of the fan motor 52. The fan motor 52 may be disposed between the control box 60 and the fan 50.

[0085] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a display 170 for displaying temperature or operating status. The display 170 can be arranged on one side of the control box 60. The display 170 is arranged inside the housing 101. The display 170 is arranged behind the front wall of the housing 101. The display 170 can output the status to the front wall of the housing 101.

[0086] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a rear cover 190 arranged at the rear of the housing 101. The rear cover 190 can install the air conditioner on the wall. The rear cover 190 can have a structure combined with the housing 101 or the inner main body 80.

[0087] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a heat exchanger holder 180 arranged on one side of the inner main body 80 and maintaining the arrangement of the heat exchanger 70. The heat exchanger holder 180 is fixedly arranged on the inner main body 80. The fan 50 is rotatably arranged in the area where the heat exchanger holder 180 is combined with the inner main body 80.

[0088] The heat exchanger holder 180 is arranged to be combined with the inner main body 80 on the opposite side of the side where the fan motor 52 is arranged.

[0089] The air conditioner of the present invention includes an upper cover covering the upper side of the control box 60 or the fan motor 52. The upper cover can cover the upper side of the fan motor 52 in the area where the housing 101 is open upward.

[0090] Refer to Figure 5 , and describe the arrangement of the components shown in the cross-section of the air conditioner.

[0091] The suction port 12 is formed on the upper side of the housing 101. The suction port 12 is formed on the upper side of the fan 50.

[0092] The heat exchanger 70 is arranged on the upper side of the fan 50. The heat exchanger 70 can have a structure bent in at least one area. The heat exchanger 70 of the present invention can include an interval bent in two areas.

[0093] The heat exchanger 70 includes: a first heat exchanger 70a arranged in front of the fan 50; a second heat exchanger 70b bent from the first heat exchanger 70a and extending upward and rearward; and a third heat exchanger 70c bent from the second heat exchanger 70b and extending downward and rearward.

[0094] One end of the heat exchanger 70 is arranged on the upper side of the stabilizer 100. The other end of the heat exchanger 70 is arranged on the upper side of the inner main body 80.

[0095] The fan 50 is arranged between the inner main body 80 and the stabilizer 100. The fan 50 sucks air from the front and the upper side by rotation. The fan 50 discharges air to the rear and the lower side by rotation.

[0096] The air flowing through the fan 50 can flow into the discharge flow path 18 formed by the inner main body 80 and the stabilizer 100.

[0097] The inner main body 80 is disposed behind and below the fan 50.

[0098] The inner main body 80 includes: a support main body 82 disposed behind the fan 50 to support one side of the heat exchanger 70; and a guide main body 84 that guides the air flowing through the rotation of the fan 50 forward and downward.

[0099] The guide main body 84 includes an inflow guide main body 85 that protrudes upward from the fan 50 to guide the air flowing into the fan 50. The guide main body 84 includes a first guide portion 86 that guides the air flowing through the rotation of the fan 50 forward and downward.

[0100] The first guide portion 86 may be configured to be farther away from the fan 50 as it gets closer to the lower side. The first guide portion 86 may include: an upper guide portion 86a having a curved surface shape at the periphery of the fan 50; and a lower guide portion 86b extending forward and downward from the lower end portion of the upper guide portion 86a.

[0101] A baffle 90 for adjusting the direction of the air flowing downward through the rotation of the fan 50 to the left and right directions may be disposed on one side of the first guide portion 86. The baffle 90 may be changed in configuration to the left and right directions by an additional baffle motor (not shown).

[0102] A germicidal lamp 92 that irradiates ultraviolet light in the direction of the fan 50 may be disposed on one side of the first guide portion 86. The germicidal lamp 92 may be disposed on the side where the baffle 90 is disposed.

[0103] The stabilizer 100 is disposed at a distance upward from the first guide portion 86 of the inner main body 80.

[0104] The stabilizer 100 includes: a second guide portion 102 disposed at a distance upward from the first guide portion 86; an end guide portion 104 that bends and extends upward from the upper end portion of the second guide portion 102; and a plurality of upper protrusions 106 that are spaced apart in the front-rear direction and extend upward on the top surface of the second guide portion 102.

[0105] The second guide portion 102 includes at least two walls having different inclined surfaces. The second guide portion 102 may form the discharge flow path 18 between it and the first guide portion 86.

[0106] The stabilizer 100 may be configured with moving vanes 120 and 130. The moving vanes 120 and 130 for adjusting the wind direction of the air discharged to the second discharge port 48 may be disposed inside the housing 101. The moving vanes 120 and 130 include a first moving vane 120 that opens and closes the second discharge port 48 and a second moving vane 130 disposed on the discharge flow path 18.

[0107] The first moving vane 120 and the second moving vane 130 may be connected by a plurality of linkages. The air conditioner may include: a drive linkage 140 connected to the vane motor 108; a first linkage 142 connecting the drive linkage 140 and the first moving vane 120; and a second linkage 144 connecting the drive linkage 140 and the second moving vane 130. The air conditioner may include an auxiliary linkage 146 connecting the stabilizer 100 and the first moving vane 120.

[0108] The first moving vane 120 may open and close the second discharge port 48. The second moving vane 130 may be disposed above the first moving vane 120. The length of the first moving vane 120 formed in the front-rear direction may be formed to be longer than the length of the second moving vane 130 formed in the front-rear direction.

[0109] The stabilizer 100 may be configured with a wire mesh 160. The wire mesh 160 can prevent a user or the like from approaching the fan 50 side through the inside of the discharge flow path 18.

[0110] The second discharge port 48 is located on the lower surface of the housing 101. The first discharge port 36 is located on the front surface of the housing 101. When disposed at a position closing the second discharge port 48, the first moving vane 120 may guide the air flowing through the fan 50 to the first discharge port 36.

[0111] A discharge cover 30 may be disposed on one side of the housing 101 that is open forward. The first discharge port 36 is formed in the discharge cover 30. The discharge cover 30 includes: a discharge cover lower part 34 connected to the lower end of the housing 101; and a discharge cover upper part 32 disposed at a distance upward from the discharge cover lower part 34.

[0112] Fixed vanes 40 for guiding the air discharged through the first discharge port 36 are disposed in the discharge cover 30.

[0113] The housing 101 includes an edge wall 16 connected to the discharge cover lower part 34 at the lower end of the front surface.

[0114] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 6 , the content of the configuration for making the air discharged by the fan 50 flow in a state where the first moving vane 120 closes the second discharge port 48 will be described in detail.

[0115] The first guiding portion 86 of the inner main body 80 and the second guiding portion 102 of the stabilizer 100 form the discharge flow path 18. The first guiding portion 86 of the inner main body 80, the second guiding portion 102 of the stabilizer 100, and the first moving blade 120 can form the discharge flow path 18.

[0116] The inclination angle θ1 formed between the first guiding portion 86 and the imaginary horizontal line HL parallel to the ground can be formed to be larger than the inclination angle θ2 formed between the second guiding portion 102 and the imaginary horizontal line HL.

[0117] That is, the width formed by the cross-section of the discharge flow path 18 formed between the first guiding portion 86 of the inner main body 80 and the second guiding portion 102 of the stabilizer 100 can increase as it moves away from the fan 50.

[0118] The second guiding portion 102 includes: a rear guiding portion 102a; an intermediate guiding portion 102b extending forward from the rear guiding portion 102a; and a front guiding portion 102c extending forward from the intermediate guiding portion 102b.

[0119] The rear guiding portion 102a can be configured to extend more forward and downward as it moves away from the fan 50. The rear guiding portion 102a can have a shape inclined forward and downward.

[0120] The rear guiding portion 102a and the lower guiding portion 86b of the first guiding portion 86 can form the discharge flow path 18. The inclination angle θ2 formed between the rear guiding portion 102a and the imaginary horizontal line HL can be formed to be smaller than the inclination angle θ1 formed between the first guiding portion 86 and the imaginary horizontal line HL.

[0121] A part of the rear guiding portion 102a is disposed above the first guiding portion 86. Another part of the rear guiding portion 102a is disposed above the second discharge port 48. Another part of the rear guiding portion 102a is disposed above the first moving blade 120.

[0122] The length 102aL of the rear guiding portion 102a extending in the front-rear direction can be formed to be longer than the length 102bL of the intermediate guiding portion 102b extending in the front-rear direction. The length 102aL of the rear guiding portion 102a extending in the front-rear direction can be formed to be shorter than the length 86bL of the lower guiding portion 86b of the first guiding portion 86 extending in the front-rear direction.

[0123] The intermediate guiding portion 102b can be configured to be substantially parallel to the ground. The intermediate guiding portion 102b is disposed above the second discharge port 48. The intermediate guiding portion 102b can be disposed above the first moving blade 120. The intermediate guiding portion 102b is disposed substantially parallel to the first moving blade 120 in a state where the second discharge port 48 is closed.

[0124] The length 102bL that the middle guide part 102b extends in the front-rear direction can be formed to be shorter than the length 120L that the first moving blade 120 extends in the front-rear direction. The length 120aL that the rear guide part 102a extends in the front-rear direction can be formed to be 1.5 to 3 times the length 102bL that the middle guide part 102b extends in the front-rear direction.

[0125] The included angle θ3 formed by the middle guide part 102b and the rear guide part 102a can be formed to be larger than the included angle θ4 formed by the first guide part 86 and the first moving blade 120 in the state where the second discharge port 48 is closed.

[0126] The length 102bL that the middle guide part 102b extends in the front-rear direction can be formed to be longer than the length 102cL that the front guide part 102c extends in the front-rear direction. The length 102bL that the middle guide part 102b extends in the front-rear direction can be formed to be 2 to 4 times the length 102cL that the front guide part 102c extends in the front-rear direction.

[0127] The front guide part 102c can extend from the middle guide part 102b to the front lower side. The front guide part 102c is connected to the discharge cover upper part 32 of the discharge cover 30.

[0128] The front guide part 102c is arranged above the second discharge port 48. The front guide part 102c is arranged above the first moving blade 120.

[0129] The first guide part 86 includes an upper guide part 86a arranged on the periphery of the fan 50 and having a curved shape. The upper guide part 86a can be formed such that the separation distance from the fan 50 becomes larger as it gets closer to the lower side.

[0130] Based on the up-down direction, the upper guide part 86a can be arranged at a position more on the upper side than the second guide part 102. The upper guide part 86a can guide the air discharged rearward by the rotation of the fan 50 downward.

[0131] The first guide part 86 includes a lower guide part 86b that guides the air flowing downward by the rotation of the fan 50 forward. The lower guide part 86b can have a structure extending to the front lower side.

[0132] The first guide part 86 can guide the air flowing by the rotation of the fan 50 to the second discharge port 48. The lower guide part 86b of the first guide part 86 has a structure extending toward the second discharge port 48.

[0133] The first movable vane 120 can be arranged at a position closing the second discharge port 48. The first movable vane 120 includes an upper vane surface 121 that contacts the air flowing through the rotation of the fan 50. The first movable vane 120 includes a lower vane surface 122 arranged in a direction opposite to the upper vane surface 121.

[0134] Referring to the drawings, the upper vane surface 121 and the lower vane surface 122 can be formed on different plates from each other. However, differently from the drawings, the upper vane surface 121 and the lower vane surface 122 can be formed by one plate.

[0135] The upper vane surface 121 can be arranged substantially parallel to the middle guide portion 102b of the second guide portion 102. The upper vane surface 121 can contact the air flowing along the discharge flow path 18. The upper vane surface 121 can guide the air flowing along the discharge flow path 18.

[0136] As Figure 6 shown, in a state where the first movable vane 120 closes the second discharge port 48, the air flowing in the discharge flow path 18 can move along the upper vane surface 121 of the first movable vane 120 and flow toward the first discharge port 36.

[0137] As Figure 6 shown, the state where the first movable vane 120 closes the second discharge port 48 can be set as the first position P1 of the movable vane. That is, in the first position P1 of the movable vane, the first movable vane 120 can be arranged to close the second discharge port 48.

[0138] On the upper vane surface 121 of the first movable vane 120, a plurality of protrusions 121c protruding upward and spaced in the front-rear direction can be formed. The plurality of protrusions 121c can prevent condensation on the upper side of the first movable vane 120.

[0139] The rear end portion 121b of the upper vane surface 121 can be formed with an inclined surface that extends downward more toward the rear. The front end portion 121a of the upper vane surface 121 can be formed with an inclined surface that extends downward more toward the front.

[0140] The front-rear direction length 121bL of the rear end portion 121b can be formed to be 0.1 times to 0.2 times the front-rear direction length 120L of the first movable vane 120. The front-rear direction length 121aL of the front end portion 121a can be formed to be 0.1 times to 0.2 times the front-rear direction length 120L of the first movable vane 120.

[0141] A heat insulating material can be arranged inside the first movable vane 120.

[0142] The second moving blade 130 may be disposed above the first moving blade 120. In a state where the first moving blade 120 closes the second discharge port 48, the second moving blade 130 may be configured to convey air forward.

[0143] At the first position P1 of the moving blade, the second moving blade 130 conveys the air flowing downward and forward through the discharge flow path 18 to the first discharge port 36. At the first position P1 of the moving blade, the second moving blade 130 may be configured in a shape protruding downward.

[0144] At the first position P1 of the moving blade, the rear end portion 121b of the first moving blade 120 may be configured to face upward and rearward. At the first position P1 of the moving blade, the front end portion 121a of the first moving blade 120 may be configured to face forward or upward and forward.

[0145] The length 130L formed by the second moving blade 130 in the front-rear direction may be formed to be less than or equal to half of the length 120L formed by the first moving blade 120 in the front-rear direction.

[0146] The discharge cover 30 is disposed at the front portion of the housing 101. The discharge cover 30 may be disposed inside the housing 101. Inside the discharge cover 30, a first discharge port flow path 30a may be formed to guide the air flowing in the discharge flow path 18 to the first discharge port 36.

[0147] The first discharge port flow path 30a may be formed between the upper discharge cover portion 32 and the lower discharge cover portion 34. A first discharge port 36 may be formed at the front end portion of the first discharge port flow path 30a.

[0148] The lower discharge cover portion 34 may include: an inclined guide wall 34a that forms an inclined surface upward and forward; and a blade corresponding wall 34b that is disposed facing the first moving blade 120.

[0149] The inclined guide wall 34a causes the air flowing along the upper blade surface 121 of the first moving blade 120 to flow upward and forward. The inclined guide wall 34a may guide the air flowing along the upper blade surface 121 of the first moving blade 120 to the first discharge port 36.

[0150] The inclined guide wall 34a may be configured to be more inclined upward than the surface formed by the upper blade surface 121 of the first moving blade 120. That is, the air flowing through the discharge flow path 18 and along the upper surface of the first moving blade 120 can be made to flow upward. In this way, the air discharged through the first discharge port 36 can be discharged in the horizontal direction forward or more upward than the horizontal direction forward. In this way, the air discharged forward through the first discharge port 36 can be conveyed to a distance.

[0151] The front end of the inclined guide wall 34a can be connected to the edge wall 16 of the housing 101. The front end of the inclined guide wall 34a connected to the edge wall 16 of the housing 101 can be configured to be substantially horizontal.

[0152] The blade corresponding wall 34b is disposed facing the front end 121a of the first moving blade 120 disposed at the first position P1.

[0153] The upper part 32 of the discharge cover can form a substantially horizontal surface. The upper part 32 of the discharge cover can have a structure extending from the second guide part 102.

[0154] The fixed blade 40 is disposed between the lower part 34 of the discharge cover and the upper part 32 of the discharge cover. The fixed blade 40 extends in the front-rear direction and can guide the flow of the air discharged through the first discharge port 36. The fixed blade 40 can have a structure that extends more upwardly toward the front.

[0155] The inclination angle θ5 formed by the fixed blade 40 and the imaginary horizontal line HL can be formed to be smaller than the inclination angle θ6 formed by the lower part 34 of the discharge cover and the imaginary horizontal line HL. The inclination angle θ5 formed by the fixed blade 40 and the imaginary horizontal line HL can be formed to be smaller than the inclination angle θ6 formed by the inclined guide wall 34a of the lower part 34 of the discharge cover and the imaginary horizontal line HL.

[0156] The inclination angle θ5 formed by the fixed blade 40 and the imaginary horizontal line HL can be formed to be larger than the inclination angle θ7 formed by the upper blade surface 121 of the first moving blade 120 and the imaginary horizontal line HL. The inclination angle θ5 formed by the fixed blade 40 and the imaginary horizontal line HL can be formed to be larger than the inclination angle θ8 formed by the upper part 32 of the discharge cover and the imaginary horizontal line HL.

[0157] The first discharge port flow path 30a can be formed such that the cross-sectional area of the flow path becomes smaller toward the front. The first discharge port flow path 30a can be formed such that the separation interval in the up-down direction becomes smaller toward the front.

[0158] The area of the first discharge port 36 can be formed to be smaller than the area of the second discharge port 48. Refer to Figure 6 , the interval 36h formed by the first discharge port 36 in the up-down direction can be formed to be smaller than the interval 48w formed by the second discharge port 48 in the front-rear direction.

[0159] The air flowing by the rotation of the fan 50 flows forward and downward along the discharge flow path 18. In addition, the air flowing between the first moving blade 120 and the second guide part 102 can be discharged to the first discharge port 36 via the first discharge port flow path 30a. The air discharged to the first discharge port 36 via the first discharge port flow path 30a can flow forward and upward.

[0160] Therefore, when the moving blade is at the first position P1, air can be discharged through the first discharge port 36. Through the operation of the fan 50, air can be discharged forward from the first discharge port 36 to the front of the housing 101. At this time, the air discharged through the first discharge port 36 can flow far forward.

[0161] Refer to Figure 7 , and describe the configuration of the moving blade and the flow of air at the second position P2 of the moving blade.

[0162] The second position P2 of the moving blade can be a state where the second discharge port 48 is open. Therefore, at the second position P2 of the moving blade, the first moving blade 120 can be arranged below the second discharge port 48. At the second position P2 of the moving blade, the first moving blade 120 can be arranged at a position spaced downward from the second discharge port 48. At the second position P2 of the moving blade, the first moving blade 120 can cause the air flowing toward the second discharge port 48 to flow forward and downward or downward.

[0163] Differently from the drawings, at the second position P2 of the moving blade, a part of the first moving blade 120 can also be located above the second discharge port 48.

[0164] When moving from the first position P1 of the moving blade to the second position P2 of the moving blade, the second moving blade 130 can move downward. When moving from the first position P1 of the moving blade to the second position P2 of the moving blade, the second moving blade 130 can be arranged to be inclined downward.

[0165] At the second position P2 of the moving blade, the first moving blade 120 can guide the wind direction of the air flowing toward the second discharge port 48. At the second position P2 of the moving blade, the air discharged through the second discharge port 48 can flow forward and downward along the first moving blade 120.

[0166] At the second position P2 of the moving blade, both the first discharge port 36 and the second discharge port 48 are open. At this time, the main flow direction of the air flowing in the discharge flow path 18 can flow toward the second discharge port 48 that is open forward and downward or downward. A part of the air can also be discharged through the first discharge port 36. However, most of the air can be discharged through the second discharge port 48 and can flow forward and downward or downward along the first moving blade 120 that configures the second discharge port 48 to be open.

[0167] When the moving blade is arranged at the second position P2, the air discharged through the second discharge port 48 and / or the first discharge port 36 can flow forward and downward. Since the main air flow of the discharged air is discharged through the second discharge port 48, the air can be discharged forward and downward.

[0168] Figure 8 It is a block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0169] Referring to Figure 8 , the air conditioner 1 may include a communication unit 310, a sensor unit 320, a memory 330, a fan driving unit 340 for driving a fan 341, a compressor driving unit 350 for driving a compressor 351, a vane 360, and / or a control unit 370.

[0170] The communication unit 310 may include at least one communication module. For example, the communication unit 310 may be respectively provided in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit 10, and the outdoor unit and the indoor unit 10 may transmit and receive data to and from each other.

[0171] The communication method between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit 10 may be, for example, a communication method using a power line, a serial communication method (e.g., RS-485 communication), a wired communication method via a refrigerant pipe, and may also be a wireless communication method such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Beacon, Zigbee, etc.

[0172] The communication unit 310 may transmit and receive data to and from an external device. For example, the communication unit 310 may also transmit and receive data by accessing a server connected to an external network.

[0173] The sensor unit 320 may have at least one sensor, and may send data regarding a detection value detected by the sensor to the control unit 370.

[0174] The sensor unit 320 may have a heat exchanger temperature sensor (not shown). For example, the heat exchanger temperature sensor may be disposed in the indoor heat exchanger 70 to detect the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70.

[0175] The sensor unit 320 may have a pipe temperature sensor (not shown). The pipe temperature sensor may detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through each pipe of the air conditioner 1. For example, the pipe temperature sensor may be disposed on the inlet side pipe and / or the outlet side pipe of the indoor unit 10 to detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the pipe. For example, the pipe temperature sensor may be disposed on the pipe connected to the compressor 351 of the outdoor unit to detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor 351 (hereinafter, refrigerant suction temperature) and / or the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 351 (hereinafter, refrigerant discharge temperature).

[0176] The sensor unit 310 may include a pressure sensor (not shown). The pressure sensor (not shown) may detect the pressure of the gaseous refrigerant flowing through each pipe of the air conditioner 1. For example, the pressure sensor may be disposed in the pipe connected to the compressor 351 to detect the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor 351 (hereinafter, the suction pressure) and / or the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 351 (hereinafter, the discharge pressure).

[0177] The sensor unit 320 may include an indoor temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the indoor temperature and / or an outdoor temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the outdoor temperature.

[0178] The sensor unit 320 may include an indoor humidity sensor (not shown) for detecting the indoor humidity and / or an outdoor humidity sensor (not shown) for detecting the outdoor humidity.

[0179] The memory 330 may store data of reference values related to the operations of the respective components of the air conditioner 1.

[0180] The memory 330 may store programs for processing and controlling the respective signals within the control unit 370, and may store the processed data and the data to be processed. For example, the memory 330 may store application programs designed to execute various operations that can be processed by the control unit 370, and may selectively provide a part of the stored application programs when requested by the control unit 370.

[0181] The memory 330 may include at least one of, for example, volatile memories (such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.) and non-volatile memories (such as flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), etc.).

[0182] The fan driving unit 340 may drive the fan 341 provided in the air conditioner 1. For example, the fan 341 may include an outdoor fan and / or an indoor fan 50. The indoor fan 50 may be referred to as the air supply fan 50.

[0183] The fan driving unit 340 may include: a rectifying unit (not shown) that rectifies an AC power supply into a DC power supply and outputs it; a DC terminal capacitor (not shown) that stores the pulsating voltage from the rectifying unit; an inverter (not shown) that has a plurality of switching elements and converts the smoothed DC power supply into a three-phase AC power supply of a specified frequency and outputs it; and / or at least one motor that drives the fan 341 according to the three-phase AC power supply output from the inverter.

[0184] On the other hand, the fan driving unit 340 may be configured to separately drive the outdoor fan and the indoor fan 50. For example, the air conditioner 1 may include a first fan driving unit for driving the outdoor fan and a second fan driving unit for driving the indoor fan 50.

[0185] The compressor driving unit 350 may drive the compressor 351. The compressor driving unit 350 may include: a rectifying unit (not shown) that rectifies an AC power supply into a DC power supply and outputs it; a DC terminal capacitor (not shown) that stores the pulsating voltage from the rectifying unit; an inverter (not shown) having a plurality of switching elements that converts the smoothed DC power supply into a three-phase AC power supply of a specified frequency and outputs it; and / or a compressor motor that drives the compressor 351 according to the three-phase AC power supply output from the inverter.

[0186] The blade 360 may be disposed at an air outlet of the indoor unit 10 through which air flows inside the indoor unit 10 by the indoor fan 50. The blade 360 may include a fixed blade 40 disposed at the first air outlet 36 and a first movable blade 120 disposed at the second air outlet 48. Hereinafter, the first air outlet 36 may be referred to as a secondary air outlet, and the second air outlet 48 may be referred to as a main air outlet. The fixed blade 40 may be referred to as a secondary blade, and the first movable blade 120 may be referred to as a main blade.

[0187] The air conditioner 1 may further include a blade motor that drives the blade 360 and a connecting rod or the like connected between the blade 360 and the blade motor. For example, when the connecting rod rotates as the blade motor rotates, the orientation of the blade 360 may be changed according to the rotation of the connecting rod. At this time, as the orientation of the blade 360 changes, the direction in which air is discharged through the air outlet of the indoor unit 10 (hereinafter, the wind direction) may be changed. The blade motor may be implemented by a step motor, but is not limited thereto.

[0188] The control unit 370 may control the overall operation of the air conditioner 1. The control unit 370 may be connected to each component provided in the air conditioner 1 and send and / or receive signals to / from each component, thereby controlling the overall operation of each component.

[0189] The control unit 370 may control the operation of the fan driving unit 340 to change the rotation speed of the fan 341. For example, the fan driving unit 340 may change the frequency of the three-phase AC power supply output to the outdoor fan motor according to the control of the control unit 370, thereby changing the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. For example, the fan driving unit 340 may change the frequency of the three-phase AC power supply output to the indoor fan motor according to the control of the control unit 370, thereby changing the rotation speed of the indoor fan 50.

[0190] The control unit 370 can control the operation of the compressor drive unit 350 to change the operating frequency of the compressor 351. For example, the compressor drive unit 350 can change the frequency of the three-phase AC power supply output to the compressor motor according to the control of the control unit 370, thereby changing the operating frequency of the compressor 351.

[0191] The control unit 370 can be provided not only in the outdoor unit, but also in the indoor unit 10, a central controller (not shown) that controls the operation of the outdoor unit and / or the indoor unit 10, etc.

[0192] The control unit 370 can include at least one processor, and the overall operation of the air conditioner 1 can be controlled using the processor included therein. Here, the processor can be a general processor such as a CPU (central processing unit). Of course, the processor can be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or other hardware-based processor.

[0193] The control unit 370 can acquire data related to each component provided in the air conditioner 1. At this time, the control unit 370 can also consider the operation load and acquire data related to each component provided in the air conditioner 1 at regular time intervals according to a specified period.

[0194] The control unit 370 can perform various operations based on the acquired data, and control the overall operation of each component provided in the air conditioner 1 according to the operation result.

[0195] Data related to each component provided in the air conditioner 1 can include, for example, the operating frequency of the compressor 351, the refrigerant suction temperature of the compressor 351, the refrigerant discharge temperature, the suction pressure, the discharge pressure, the inlet-side pipe temperature of the indoor unit 10, the outlet-side pipe temperature of the indoor unit 10, the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve (EEV), etc.

[0196] On the other hand, the air conditioner 1 can further include an input device capable of receiving user input. For example, when the air conditioner 1 receives user input using the input device (such as a touch panel, keys, etc.), it can perform an operation corresponding to the user input.

[0197] The air conditioner 1 can further include an output device that outputs a message about the operation state of the air conditioner 1. For example, the output device can include display devices such as a display 170, a light emitting diode (LED), etc. and / or audio devices such as a speaker, a buzzer, etc.

[0198] The control unit 370 can control the blade 360 according to the operation mode. The operation mode of the air conditioner 1 can be set to either the first mode in which the main discharge port 48 is closed to prevent air from being discharged through the main discharge port 48 or the second mode in which the main discharge port 48 is opened to allow air to be discharged through the main discharge port 48.

[0199] Refer to Figure 9 , when the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is set to the first mode, the main discharge port 48 can be closed by the main blade 120. At this time, the air flowing into the interior of the indoor unit 10 through the suction port 12 of the indoor unit 10 can flow through the discharge flow path 18 to the sub-discharge port 36 by the rotation of the indoor fan 50. The air flowing to the sub-discharge port 36 can be discharged into the indoor space along the first discharge direction AD1 corresponding to the sub-blade 40. For example, the first discharge direction AD1 corresponding to the sub-blade 40 can be a direction corresponding to the front direction F. For example, the first discharge direction AD1 corresponding to the sub-blade 40 can be a direction inclined upward to the upper side direction U at a predetermined angle with the front direction F.

[0200] Refer to Figure 10 , when the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is set to the first mode, the indoor temperature 1001, PMV (Predicted Mean Vote), and PPD (Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied) of the indoor space can be confirmed. Among them, PMV can be a value representing the average of the predicted meanings of people's thermal sensation scales in seven stages. The larger the value of PMV, the colder the feeling, and the smaller the value of PMV, the hotter the feeling. PPD is a value for predicting the ratio of people who feel uncomfortably hot, and the unit can be %. PMV and PPD can be calculated based on the activity amount (metabolic rate), clothing amount (thermal resistance), temperature (air temperature), mean radiant temperature, relative air velocity, partial water vapor pressure, etc.

[0201] As the main discharge port 48 is closed by the main blade 120, the air that flows into the interior of the indoor unit 10 through the suction port 12 and then undergoes heat exchange can be discharged through the sub-discharge port 36 along the first discharge direction AD1. The air discharged along the first discharge direction AD1 can flow along the ceiling forming the indoor space. At this time, the cooling and heating of the entire indoor space can be constantly performed by the air flowing along the ceiling.

[0202] According to an embodiment, when the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is set to the first mode, the compressor 351 can be controlled based on the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70. For example, when the operation mode is set to the first mode, the user can use the remote controller to set a target value (hereinafter referred to as the discharge target temperature) for the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit 10. At this time, the air conditioner 1 can control the compressor 351 so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 detected by the heat exchanger temperature sensor corresponds to the preset discharge target temperature. That is, when the heat-exchanged air flows along the ceiling, the indoor space can be cooled or heated as a whole starting from the ceiling, and the user can directly adjust the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit 10. For example, during cooling operation, the user can set the discharge target temperature in the temperature range of 16°C to 20°C.

[0203] On the other hand, referring to Figure 11 , when the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is set to the second mode, as the main blade 120 rotates by a specified angle, the main discharge port 48 can be opened. At this time, a part of the air flowing into the interior of the indoor unit 10 through the suction port 12 of the indoor unit 10 can flow through the discharge flow path 18 to the main discharge port 48 by the rotation of the indoor fan 50. The air flowing to the main discharge port 48 can be discharged into the indoor space along the second discharge direction AD2 corresponding to the main blade 120. For example, the second discharge direction AD2 corresponding to the main blade 120 can be a direction inclined downward to the side direction D at a specified angle with the front direction F.

[0204] Referring to Figure 12 , when the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is set to the second mode, the indoor temperature 1201, PMV 1202, and PPD 1203 of the indoor space can be confirmed.

[0205] As the main discharge port 48 is opened by the main blade 120, a part of the air that has flowed into the interior of the indoor unit 10 through the suction port 12 and has undergone heat exchange can be discharged along the first discharge direction AD1 through the sub-discharge port 36, and the remaining air can be discharged along the second discharge direction AD2 through the main discharge port 48. At this time, the amount of air discharged along the first discharge direction AD1 can be less than the amount of air discharged along the second discharge direction AD2. The air discharged along the second discharge direction AD2 can flow toward a specific area in the indoor space corresponding to the second discharge direction AD2. At this time, through the air flowing to the specific area in the indoor space, the cooling or heating of the entire indoor space can be gradually achieved starting from the specific area in the indoor space.

[0206] According to an embodiment, when the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is set to the second mode, the compressor 351 can be controlled based on the indoor temperature. For example, when the operation mode is set to the second mode, the user can use the remote controller to set the indoor target temperature for the indoor space. At this time, the air conditioner 1 can control the compressor 351 so that the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor corresponds to the preset indoor target temperature. That is, when the heat-exchanged air flows towards the ground, causing concentrated cooling or heating in a specific area of the indoor space, the temperature of the indoor space can reach or maintain the indoor target temperature set by the user. During cooling operation, the greater the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the indoor target temperature, the lower the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit 10, and the smaller the temperature difference, the higher the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit 10. For example, during cooling operation, when the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the indoor target temperature is 3°C or more, the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit 10 can be 11°C, and when the temperature difference is less than 3°C, the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit 10 can be 17°C.

[0207] According to an embodiment, the rotation speed of the indoor fan 50 corresponding to the preset air volume can vary according to the mode. When the air volume is set to a specified level, in the state where the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is set to the first mode, the rotation speed of the indoor fan 50 can be smaller than that in the state where it is set to the second mode. Thereby, in the state where the main outlet 48 is closed by the main blade 120, the noise generated by the rotation of the indoor fan 50 can be reduced.

[0208] Figure 13 and Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing the operation method of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0209] Referring to Figure 13 , in the operation S1310, the air conditioner 1 can monitor the indoor temperature of the indoor space through the indoor temperature sensor.

[0210] In the operation S1320, the air conditioner 1 can determine whether the indoor temperature has changed by more than a preset first reference. At this time, the first reference can be applied differently according to whether the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling operation or heating operation, considering the cooling and heating capabilities of the air conditioner 1, the density of air based on temperature, etc. For example, the air conditioner 1 can determine whether the indoor temperature has risen by more than 1.5°C within 5 minutes, which is a specified time, during cooling operation. For example, the air conditioner 1 can determine whether the indoor temperature has dropped by more than 2.5°C within 5 minutes, which is a specified time, during heating operation.

[0211] In operation S1330, if the indoor temperature changes by more than a preset first reference, the air conditioner 1 may start power-saving operation. Here, the power-saving operation may be an operation that reduces the power consumed by the air conditioner 1. For example, in the case of performing power-saving operation, the air conditioner 1 may drive the compressor 351 at an operating frequency lower than the operating frequency of the compressor 351 in the operation based on the operation mode before entering the power-saving operation (hereinafter, normal operation). For example, in the case of performing power-saving operation, the air conditioner 1 may drive the outdoor fan at a rotational speed lower than the rotational speed of the outdoor fan in normal operation.

[0212] According to an embodiment, the air conditioner 1 may determine a first power consumption and a second power consumption smaller than the rated power consumption of the air conditioner 1 in the case of performing power-saving operation. At this time, if the current power consumption of the air conditioner 1 exceeds the first power consumption, the air conditioner 1 may reduce the operating frequency of the compressor 351. On the other hand, if the current power consumption of the air conditioner 1 is less than the second power consumption that is smaller than the first power consumption by a specified power consumption, the air conditioner 1 may increase the operating frequency of the compressor 351.

[0213] According to an embodiment, the air conditioner 1 may perform power-saving operation according to whether the operation mode is a mode using the main air outlet 48. Regarding this, refer to Figure 14 for description.

[0214] Refer to Figure 14 , in operation S1410, the air conditioner 1 may determine whether to perform an operation that minimizes the power consumed by the air conditioner 1 (hereinafter, maximum power-saving operation). For example, when the operating frequency of the compressor 351 corresponds to a preset minimum frequency, the air conditioner 1 may determine that maximum power-saving operation is being performed. For example, when the temperature set as the reference for controlling cooling and heating corresponds to the highest temperature during cooling or the lowest temperature during heating, the air conditioner 1 may determine that maximum power-saving operation is being performed.

[0215] In operation S1420, if maximum power-saving operation is not performed, the air conditioner 1 may determine whether the operation mode is a mode using the main air outlet 48. For example, a user may input an instruction for setting the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 to the air conditioner 1 using a remote controller. At this time, the air conditioner 1 may set the operation mode based on the control instruction received from the remote controller.

[0216] In operation S1430, if the operation mode is set to the first mode, the air conditioner 1 may change the preset discharge target temperature by a first temperature. For example, the air conditioner 1 may increase the preset discharge target temperature by 0.5 °C during cooling operation. For example, the air conditioner 1 may lower the preset discharge target temperature by 0.5 °C during heating operation.

[0217] In the S1440 operation, if the operation mode is set to the second mode, the air conditioner 1 can change the preset indoor target temperature to a second temperature. For example, the air conditioner 1 can increase the preset indoor target temperature by 1°C during cooling operation. For example, the air conditioner 1 can decrease the preset indoor target temperature by 1°C during heating operation.

[0218] That is, in the first mode of directly setting the discharge target temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit 10, compared with the second mode of setting the indoor target temperature of the indoor temperature, the temperature set as the control reference can be adjusted more finely.

[0219] According to an embodiment, the maximum value of the discharge target temperature can be different from the maximum value of the indoor target temperature. For example, during cooling operation, the maximum value of the discharge target temperature can be 20°C, and the maximum value of the indoor target temperature can be 30°C.

[0220] Refer back to Figure 13 , in the S1340 operation, the air conditioner 1 can determine whether the indoor temperature changes by more than a preset second reference. At this time, the second reference can be applied differently according to whether the air conditioner 1 performs cooling operation or heating operation, considering the cooling and heating capabilities of the air conditioner 1, the density of air based on temperature, etc. For example, the air conditioner 1 can determine whether the indoor temperature has dropped by more than 1°C during cooling operation. For example, the air conditioner 1 can determine whether the indoor temperature has risen by more than 2°C during heating operation.

[0221] In the S1350 operation, if the indoor temperature changes by more than the preset second reference, the air conditioner 1 can interrupt the power-saving operation and perform normal operation.

[0222] Refer to Figure 15 , a door 1505 can be arranged on the surface constituting the indoor space 1500 where the indoor unit 10 is arranged. During the closing of the door 1505, the indoor space 1500 can be cooled or heated by the air discharged after heat exchange in the indoor unit 10.

[0223] When the door 1505 is opened, the indoor space 1500 and another space 1510 can communicate. For example, the other space 1510 can be the outdoors or another indoor space. At this time, in the case of a convection phenomenon of air generated between the indoor space 1500 and the other space 1510 due to the temperature difference between the indoor space 1500 and the other space 1510, even if the air conditioner 1 is operating, the temperature of the indoor space 1500 may change by more than a first reference.

[0224] On the other hand, when the door 1505 is closed again, the connection between the indoor space 1500 and the other space 1510 can be disconnected. At this time, as the air that has undergone heat exchange through the operation of the air conditioner 1 is discharged into the indoor space 1500, the temperature of the indoor space 1500 can change by more than a second reference.

[0225] Refer to Figure 16 , when the air conditioner 1 is in the cooling operation state and the door 1505 is opened at the time point to, even if the air conditioner 1 is operating, the indoor temperature of the indoor space 1500 may rise by more than 1.5 °C, which is the first temperature ΔT1, within 5 minutes. At this time, the air conditioner 1 can determine that the door 1505 has been opened and thus perform power-saving operation.

[0226] On the other hand, when the door 1505 is closed at the time point tc, through the operation of the air conditioner 1, the temperature of the indoor space 1500 can be reduced by more than 1 °C, which is the third temperature ΔT3. At this time, the air conditioner 1 can determine that the door 1505 has been closed and thus perform normal operation.

[0227] Refer to Figure 17 , when the air conditioner 1 is in the heating operation state and the door 1505 is opened at the time point to, even if the air conditioner 1 is operating, the indoor temperature of the indoor space 1500 may drop by more than 2.5 °C, which is the second temperature ΔT2, within 5 minutes. At this time, the air conditioner 1 can determine that the door 1505 has been opened and thus perform power-saving operation.

[0228] On the other hand, when the door 1505 is closed at the time point tc, through the operation of the air conditioner 1, the temperature of the indoor space 1500 can rise by more than 2 °C, which is the fourth temperature ΔT4. At this time, the air conditioner 1 can determine that the door 1505 has been closed and thus perform normal operation.

[0229] Refer to Figure 18 , in the case of performing power-saving operation, the air conditioner 1 can determine a first power consumption P1 that is smaller than the rated power consumption of the air conditioner 1 and a second power consumption P2 that is smaller than the first power consumption P1 by a specified power consumption.

[0230] When the current power consumption of the air conditioner 1 is less than or equal to the first power consumption P1 and greater than or equal to the second power consumption P2 (1810), the air conditioner 1 can maintain the operating frequency of the compressor 351. When the current power consumption of the air conditioner 1 exceeds the first power consumption P1 (1820), the air conditioner 1 can reduce the operating frequency of the compressor 351. When the current power consumption of the air conditioner 1 is less than the second power consumption P2 (1830), the air conditioner 1 can increase the operating frequency of the compressor 351.

[0231] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, air can be discharged so that the heat-exchanged air flows along the ceiling constituting the indoor space, thereby enabling constant cooling and heating of the entire indoor space.

[0232] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, air can be discharged so that the heat-exchanged air flows toward a specific area of the indoor space, thereby enabling cooling and heating of the entire indoor space to be gradually achieved starting from a specific area of the indoor space.

[0233] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to accurately determine whether the indoor space communicates with another space based on changes in the indoor temperature.

[0234] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by performing power-saving operation during the period when the indoor space communicates with another space, unnecessary power consumption can be reduced.

[0235] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by performing normal operation when the communication between the indoor space and another space is disconnected, operation based on user needs can be performed.

[0236] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by performing power-saving operation in various ways according to whether the main air outlet realized by the main blade is opened or closed, power-saving operation optimized for a preset operation mode can be performed.

[0237] Referring to Figures 1 to 18 , an air conditioner 1 according to one aspect of the present invention may include: an indoor unit 10; an indoor temperature sensor that senses the indoor temperature of the indoor space 1500 in which the indoor unit 10 is disposed; and a control unit 370 that monitors the indoor temperature using the indoor temperature sensor; when the indoor temperature changes by more than a first reference, the control unit 370 starts power-saving operation; in a state where the power-saving operation is being performed, if the indoor temperature changes by more than a second reference, the control unit 370 may interrupt the power-saving operation.

[0238] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, if the indoor temperature rises by more than a first temperature during cooling operation or drops by more than a second temperature during heating operation within a specified time, the control unit 370 may determine that the indoor temperature has changed by more than the first reference.

[0239] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, the first temperature may be less than the second temperature.

[0240] In addition, according to an aspect of the present invention, in a state where the power-saving operation is being performed, if the indoor temperature drops by more than a third temperature during cooling operation or rises by more than a fourth temperature during heating operation, the control unit 370 may determine that the indoor temperature has changed by more than the second reference.

[0241] In addition, according to an aspect of the present invention, the third temperature may be less than the fourth temperature.

[0242] In addition, according to an aspect of the present invention, it may further include a compressor 351 that compresses refrigerant. In a state where the power-saving operation is being performed, if the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 exceeds a first power consumption, the control unit 370 reduces the operating frequency of the compressor 351. If the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 is less than a second power consumption, the control unit 370 increases the operating frequency of the compressor 351. The first power consumption may be less than the rated power consumption of the air conditioner 1 and exceed the second power consumption.

[0243] In addition, according to an aspect of the present invention, the indoor unit 10 may be a wall-mounted indoor unit 10 including a housing 101 provided on a wall. The wall-mounted indoor unit 10 includes: a main air outlet 48 that opens downward of the housing 101; a sub-air outlet 36 that opens forward of the housing 101; and a main vane 120 that opens and closes the main air outlet 48. In a case where the operation mode is set to a first mode in which the main air outlet 48 is not used, the control unit 370 determines the rotation angle of the main vane 120 as the minimum angle for closing the main air outlet 48 so that air is discharged through the sub-air outlet 36. In a case where the operation mode is set to a second mode in which the main air outlet 48 is used, the control unit 370 determines the rotation angle of the main vane 120 as an angle corresponding to a specified wind direction so that the air is discharged through the main air outlet 48 and the sub-air outlet 36.

[0244] In addition, according to an aspect of the present invention, if the power-saving operation is performed in a state where the operation mode is set to the first mode, the control unit 370 may adjust a first target temperature for the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit 10. If the power-saving operation is performed in a state where the operation mode is set to the second mode, the control unit 370 may adjust a second target temperature for the indoor temperature.

[0245] In addition, according to an aspect of the present invention, in a case where the operation mode is set to the first mode, the control unit 370 may change the first target temperature by a fifth temperature according to a specified period. In a case where the operation mode is set to the second mode, the control unit 370 may change the second target temperature by a sixth temperature higher than the fifth temperature according to the specified period.

[0246] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, the maximum value of the first target temperature set during the power-saving operation may be different from the maximum value of the second target temperature.

[0247] On the other hand, the operation method of the air conditioner 1 according to one aspect of the present invention may include: starting the operation of the power-saving operation when the indoor temperature of the indoor space 1500 where the indoor unit 10 is disposed sensed by the indoor temperature sensor changes above a first reference; and interrupting the operation of the power-saving operation if the indoor temperature changes above a second reference in a state where the power-saving operation is being performed.

[0248] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, starting the operation of the power-saving operation may include determining that the indoor temperature changes above the first reference if the indoor temperature rises above a first temperature during the cooling operation or drops below a second temperature during the heating operation within a specified time, and interrupting the operation of the power-saving operation may include determining that the indoor temperature changes above the second reference if the indoor temperature drops below a third temperature during the cooling operation or rises above a fourth temperature during the heating operation in a state where the power-saving operation is being performed.

[0249] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, the first temperature may be less than the second temperature, and the third temperature may be less than the fourth temperature.

[0250] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, it may further include performing the operation of the power-saving operation, and performing the operation of the power-saving operation may include: reducing the operating frequency of the compressor 351 if the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 exceeds a first power consumption; and increasing the operating frequency of the compressor 351 if the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 is less than a second power consumption; the first power consumption may be less than the rated power consumption of the air conditioner 1 and exceed the second power consumption.

[0251] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, it may further include an operation of performing the power-saving operation. The indoor unit 10 may be a wall-mounted indoor unit 10 including a housing 101 provided on a wall. The wall-mounted indoor unit 10 may include: a main air outlet 48 that opens downward of the housing 101; a sub-air outlet 36 that opens forward of the housing 101; and a main vane 120 that opens and closes the main air outlet 48. The operation of performing the power-saving operation may include: adjusting the first target temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit 10 if the power-saving operation is performed in a state where the operation mode is set to a first mode in which the main air outlet 48 is not used; and adjusting the second target temperature of the indoor temperature if the power-saving operation is performed in a state where the operation mode is set to a second mode in which the main air outlet 48 is used.

[0252] The drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. The technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited to the drawings. The present invention includes all changes, equivalents, and substitutes made within the technical idea and technical scope of the present invention.

[0253] On the other hand, the operation method of the present invention can be implemented in a processor-readable code in a processor-readable recording medium. The processor-readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording devices that store data readable by a processor. Examples of the processor-readable recording medium include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic disks, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, etc., and also include a recording medium implemented in the form of a carrier wave such as transmission through the Internet. In addition, the processor-readable recording medium is distributed on computer systems connected through a network, so that the processor-readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0254] In addition, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Without departing from the technical idea of the present invention claimed in the claims, those of ordinary skill in the art can implement various modifications. Such modified implementations should not be understood separately from the technical idea or prospect of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that: include: Indoor unit; An indoor temperature sensor for sensing the indoor temperature of an indoor space where the indoor unit is disposed; as well as A control unit, using the indoor temperature sensor to monitor the indoor temperature; When the indoor temperature changes by more than a first reference, the control unit starts a power-saving operation; In a state where the power-saving operation is being executed, if the indoor temperature changes by more than a second reference, the control unit interrupts the power-saving operation.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit determines that the indoor temperature has changed by more than the first reference if the indoor temperature rises by more than a first temperature during cooling operation or decreases by more than a second temperature during heating operation within a predetermined time.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first temperature is lower than the second temperature.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the power saving operation is executed, if the indoor temperature drops by a third temperature or more during cooling operation or rises by a fourth temperature or more during heating operation, the control unit determines that the indoor temperature has changed by more than the second reference.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that: The third temperature is lower than the fourth temperature.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a compressor for compressing the refrigerant; In the state of executing the power saving operation, if the power consumption of the air conditioner exceeds a first power consumption, the control unit reduces the operating frequency of the compressor, and if the power consumption of the air conditioner is less than a second power consumption, the control unit increases the operating frequency of the compressor; The first power consumption is less than a rated power consumption of the air conditioner and exceeds the second power consumption.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The indoor unit is a wall-mounted indoor unit including a housing arranged on a wall; The wall-mounted indoor unit comprises: A main discharge port is opened toward the bottom of the shell; A secondary discharge port, opening toward the front of the shell; and A main blade, opening and closing the main discharge port; When the operation mode is set to a first mode in which the main outlet is not used, the control unit determines the rotation angle of the main blade to be a minimum angle for closing the main outlet so that air is discharged through the auxiliary outlet; When the operation mode is set to the second mode using the main outlet, the control unit determines the rotation angle of the main blade to an angle corresponding to a predetermined wind direction so that the air is discharged through the main outlet and the sub-outlet.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that: If the power saving operation is executed in a state where the operation mode is set to the first mode, the control unit adjusts a first target temperature for the temperature of air discharged from the indoor unit; If the power-saving operation is executed in a state where the operation mode is set to the second mode, the control unit adjusts a second target temperature for the indoor temperature.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that: When the operation mode is set to the first mode, the control unit changes the first target temperature to a fifth temperature according to a predetermined period; When the operation mode is set to the second mode, the control unit changes the second target temperature to a sixth temperature higher than the fifth temperature according to the predetermined cycle.

10. A method for operating an air conditioner, wherein: include: When the indoor temperature of the indoor space where the indoor unit is arranged, sensed by the indoor temperature sensor, changes by more than a first reference value, the power saving operation is started; as well as When the indoor temperature changes by more than a second reference value while the power-saving operation is being executed, the power-saving operation is interrupted.

Images