Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

An air conditioner according to one aspect of the disclosed invention may comprise: a housing in which a plurality of discharge ports are formed; the heat exchanger is arranged in the shell; a compressor connected to the heat exchanger so that a refrigerant circulates through the heat exchanger; a plurality of fans blowing air so that the air passes through the heat exchanger and is discharged from the plurality of discharge ports; and a control unit that executes an automatic cleaning operation when all of the plurality of fans are turned on and then sequentially turned off after the cooling operation is completed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an air conditioner and a control method thereof which perform a drying operation to dry the inside of the air conditioner after performing a cooling operation. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, an air conditioner is a device which cools or heats air using movement of heat generated in the evaporation and condensation of a refrigerant, and adjusts the air of an indoor space by discharging the cooled or heated air.

[0003] The air conditioner can circulate a refrigerant when performing a cooling operation or a heating operation, and inhale indoor air by rotating a fan provided around an indoor heat exchanger. In addition, the air conditioner can exchange heat of the inhaled air in the indoor heat exchanger, and discharge the heat-exchanged air to the indoor space.

[0004] In addition, the air conditioner performs a drying operation to remove moisture condensed in the indoor heat exchanger during the cooling operation after the cooling operation is completed. The air conditioner can stop the circulation of the refrigerant during the drying operation, and cause the moisture condensed on the indoor heat exchanger to fall or evaporate by rotating the fan provided around the indoor heat exchanger.

[0005] The existing air conditioner rotates the fan at a high speed for a predetermined drying time in order to perform the drying operation, and thus generates a large amount of noise. In addition, during the drying operation, microorganisms such as mold are discharged together with the air, and thus cause an odor. If the user ends the drying operation due to the odor, the moisture cannot be sufficiently evaporated, and thus microorganisms can be more generated. SUMMARY TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0006] An aspect of the disclosed invention provides an air conditioner and a control method thereof which minimize unnecessary noise and uncomfortable air flow by sequentially turning off a plurality of fans when performing a drying operation.

[0007] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and other technical problems not mentioned above can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description. TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0008] An air conditioner according to an aspect of the disclosed invention can include a case formed with a plurality of discharge ports, a heat exchanger disposed within the case, a compressor connected with the heat exchanger so that a refrigerant circulates through the heat exchanger, a plurality of fans that blow air so that the air passes through the heat exchanger and is discharged from the plurality of discharge ports, and a control portion that performs an automatic drying operation when the plurality of fans are sequentially turned off after being all turned on after a cooling operation ends.

[0009] A control method of an air conditioner according to an aspect of the disclosed invention, among control methods of an air conditioner including a case formed with a plurality of discharge ports, a heat exchanger disposed within the case, a compressor connected with the heat exchanger so that a refrigerant circulates through the heat exchanger, and a plurality of fans that blow air so that the air passes through the heat exchanger and is discharged from the plurality of discharge ports, can include the steps of turning on all of the plurality of fans after a cooling operation ends, and performing an automatic drying operation when the plurality of fans are sequentially turned off. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 A refrigerant circulation circuit of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0011] Figure 2 An external appearance of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0012] Figure 3 An exploded view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0013] Figure 4 A situation in which discharge ports of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure are opened is illustrated.

[0014] Figure 5 A cross section of A-A' of Figure 4 is illustrated.

[0015] Figure 6 A situation in which discharge ports of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure are closed is illustrated.

[0016] Figure 7 A cross section of B-B' of Figure 6 is illustrated.

[0017] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a control block of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] Figure 10is a flowchart illustrating a case in which all of the plurality of fans according to an embodiment of the disclosure are turned on.

[0020] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which all of the plurality of fans according to an embodiment of the disclosure are turned on.

[0021] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a case in which the plurality of fans according to an embodiment of the disclosure are sequentially turned off.

[0022] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating a state in which one of the plurality of fans according to an embodiment of the disclosure is turned off.

[0023] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating a case in which the plurality of fans according to an embodiment of the disclosure are sequentially turned off.

[0024] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating a state in which another one of the plurality of fans according to an embodiment of the disclosure is further turned off.

[0025] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating a case in which a drying operation is performed based on a result of sensing a person according to an embodiment of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The various embodiments of the present specification and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present specification to particular embodiments, but should be understood as including various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the corresponding embodiments.

[0027] With regard to the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals can be used to refer to similar or related constituent elements.

[0028] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item can include one or more of the items unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0029] In the present specification, each of the statements such as "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 "at least one of A, B, or C" can include all possible combinations of the items listed in the corresponding statement.

[0030] The term "and / or" includes a combination of the plurality of relevantly described constituent elements or some of the plurality of relevantly described constituent elements.

[0031] Terms such as "1st", "2nd" or "first", "second" can simply be used to distinguish a corresponding constituent element from another corresponding constituent element, and do not limit the corresponding constituent element in other aspects (for example, importance or order).

[0032] In the case where a certain (for example, first) constituent element is referred to as being "combined" or "connected" to another (for example, second) constituent element, regardless of whether the term "functionally" or "communicatively" is used, it means that the certain constituent element can be connected to the other constituent element directly (for example, wiredly), wirelessly, or through a third constituent element.

[0033] The terms "include" or "have" or the like are used to designate the presence of a characteristic, number, step, operation, constituent element, component or a combination thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the presence or possibility of addition of one or more other characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0034] When a certain constituent element is referred to as being "connected", "combined", "supported" or "contacted" to another constituent element, this not only includes the case where the constituent elements are directly connected, combined, supported or contacted, but also includes the case where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported or contacted through a third constituent element.

[0035] When a certain constituent element is positioned "on" another constituent element, this not only includes the case where the certain constituent element is in contact with the other constituent element, but also includes the case where there is still another constituent element between the two constituent elements.

[0036] The air conditioner according to various embodiments can be referred to as a device provided with at least one of functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity adjustment, cooling or heating functions, etc. in an air conditioning space (hereinafter referred to as "indoor").

[0037] According to an embodiment, the air conditioner can include a heat pump device to perform a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump device can include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant is circulated according to a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All constituent components of the heat pump device can be built in one housing forming an appearance of the air conditioner, and a window type air conditioner or a mobile type air conditioner correspond to such an air conditioner. On the other hand, a part of the constituent components of the heat pump device can be divided and built in a plurality of housings forming one air conditioner, and a wall-mounted air conditioner, a floor standing air conditioner, a system air conditioner, etc. are included therein.

[0038] An air conditioner including a plurality of casings can include at least one outdoor unit provided in an outdoor and at least one indoor unit provided in an indoor. As an example, the air conditioner can be equipped with one outdoor unit and one indoor unit connected through a refrigerant pipe. As an example, the air conditioner can be equipped with one outdoor unit connected with two or more indoor units through a plurality of refrigerant pipes. As an example, the air conditioner can be equipped with two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units connected through a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0039] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected with the indoor unit. For example, information (or an instruction) for controlling the air conditioner can be input through an input interface equipped in the outdoor unit or the indoor unit, and in response to a user input, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can operate simultaneously or sequentially.

[0040] The air conditioner can include an outdoor heat exchanger equipped in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger equipped in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0041] The outdoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air using phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, the refrigerant can release heat to the outdoor air during condensation of the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger, and the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air during evaporation of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0042] The indoor unit is provided in an indoor. As an example, the indoor unit can be classified into a ceiling type indoor unit, a stand type indoor unit, a wall-mounted type indoor unit, etc. according to a layout method. As an example, the ceiling type indoor unit can be classified into a 4-way type indoor unit, a 1-way type indoor unit, a duct type indoor unit, etc. according to a way of discharging air.

[0043] Likewise, the indoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air using phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air during evaporation of the refrigerant from the indoor unit, and can cool the indoor by blowing indoor air cooled while passing through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. Also, the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air during condensation of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger, and can heat the indoor by blowing indoor air heated while passing through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger.

[0044] That is, the air conditioner can perform a cooling or heating function by circulating a phase change process of the refrigerant of the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger, but in order for such circulation of the refrigerant, the air conditioner can include a compressor compressing the refrigerant. The compressor can suck refrigerant gas through a suction portion and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge the refrigerant gas at high temperature and high pressure through a discharge portion. The compressor can be disposed inside the outdoor unit.

[0045] The refrigerant can circulate through the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the indoor heat exchanger in this order, or circulate through the compressor, the indoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the outdoor heat exchanger in this order through the refrigerant pipe.

[0046] As an example, in a case where one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are directly connected through the refrigerant pipe, the air conditioner can be equipped such that the refrigerant circulates between one outdoor unit and one indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0047] As an example, in the air conditioner, in a case where one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through the refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant can flow to the plurality of indoor units through the refrigerant pipe branched from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from the plurality of indoor units can be merged and circulated to the outdoor unit. As an example, the plurality of indoor units can be directly connected in parallel to one outdoor unit through separate refrigerant pipes, respectively.

[0048] The plurality of indoor units can be independently activated according to the activation mode set by the user, respectively. That is, a part of the plurality of indoor units can be activated in the cooling mode, and at the same time, another part of the plurality of indoor units can be activated in the heating mode. At this time, the refrigerant can be equipped to be selectively introduced into each indoor unit in a high-pressure or low-pressure state along a designated circulation flow path through a flow path switching valve to be described later, and then discharged and circulated to the outdoor unit.

[0049] As an example, in the air conditioner, when two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected through a plurality of refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from the plurality of outdoor units can be merged and flow through one refrigerant pipe, and then be branched again at a certain point and flow into the plurality of indoor units.

[0050] According to the operation load based on the operation amount of the plurality of indoor units, the plurality of outdoor units can all be driven, or at least a part of the plurality of outdoor units can not be driven. At this time, the refrigerant can be equipped to flow into the outdoor units selectively driven and circulate through the flow path switching valve. The air conditioner can include an expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. As an example, the expansion device can be disposed inside the indoor unit or inside the outdoor unit, or both inside the indoor unit and inside the outdoor unit.

[0051] As an example, the expansion device can reduce the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant using a throttling effect. The expansion device can include an orifice capable of reducing the cross-sectional area of the flow path. The refrigerant passing through the orifice can reduce the temperature and pressure.

[0052] As an example, the expansion device can be implemented as an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting an opening ratio (a ratio of a cross-sectional area of a flow path of the valve in a partially open state to a cross-sectional area of the flow path of the valve in a fully open state). According to the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled.

[0053] The air conditioner can further include a flow path switching valve disposed on the refrigerant circulation flow path. For example, the flow path switching valve can include a 4-way valve. The flow path switching valve can determine a circulation flow path of the refrigerant according to an operation mode (e.g., a cooling operation or a heating operation) of the indoor unit. The flow path switching valve can be connected to the discharge portion of the compressor.

[0054] The air conditioner can include an accumulator. The accumulator can be connected to the suction portion of the compressor. The accumulator can supply a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger or the outdoor heat exchanger to flow in.

[0055] When the refrigerant in which the refrigerant liquid and the refrigerant gas are mixed flows into the accumulator, the accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas and supply the refrigerant gas in which the separated refrigerant liquid is provided to the compressor.

[0056] An outdoor fan can be provided near the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan can blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0057] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner can include at least one sensor. As an example, the sensor of the outdoor unit can be equipped as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor can be disposed at any position inside or outside the outdoor unit. As an example, the outdoor unit sensor can include, for example, a temperature sensor for sensing an air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for sensing an air humidity around the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant temperature sensor for sensing a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for sensing a refrigerant pressure of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0058] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner can include an outdoor unit communication portion. The outdoor unit communication portion can be equipped to receive a control signal from a control portion of the indoor unit of the air conditioner described later. The outdoor unit can control the operation of the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, the flow path switching valve, the accumulator, or the outdoor fan based on the control signal received through the outdoor unit communication portion. The outdoor unit can transmit a sensed value detected from the outdoor unit sensor to the control portion of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication portion.

[0059] The indoor unit of the air conditioner can include a housing, a blower that circulates air to the inside or outside of the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with air flowing into the inside of the housing.

[0060] The housing can include a suction port. Air in the room can flow into the inside of the housing through the suction port.

[0061] The indoor unit of the air conditioner can include a filter equipped to filter foreign matter in air flowing into the inside of the housing through the suction port.

[0062] The housing can include a discharge port. Air flowing in the inside of the housing can be discharged to the outside of the housing through the discharge port.

[0063] The housing of the indoor unit can be equipped with an air flow guide directing air discharged through the discharge port. As an example, the air flow guide can include a vane located on the discharge port. As an example, the air flow guide can include an auxiliary fan for adjusting the discharge air flow. Without being limited thereto, the air flow guide can be omitted.

[0064] The inside of the housing of the indoor unit can be equipped with an indoor heat exchanger and a blower arranged on a flow path connecting the suction port and the discharge port.

[0065] The blower can include an indoor fan and a fan motor. As an example, the indoor fan can include an axial fan, a mixed flow fan, a cross flow fan, a centrifugal fan.

[0066] The indoor heat exchanger can be arranged between the blower and the discharge port, or arranged between the suction port and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger can absorb heat from air flowing in through the suction port, or can transfer heat to air flowing in through the suction port. The indoor heat exchanger can include a heat exchange tube in which a refrigerant flows inside, and a heat exchange fin in contact with the heat exchange tube to increase a heat transfer area.

[0067] The indoor unit of the air conditioner can include a drain pan arranged below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate water generated from the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate water housed in the drain pan can be discharged to the outside through a drain hose. The drain pan can be equipped to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0068] The indoor unit of the air conditioner can include an input interface. The input interface can include any type of user input unit including a button, a switch, a touch screen, and / or a touch pad. A user can directly input setting data (e.g., a desired indoor temperature, a cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification operation mode setting, a discharge port selection setting, and / or an air volume setting) through the input interface.

[0069] The input interface can also be connected with an external input device. For example, the input interface can be electrically connected with a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller can be disposed at a specific location of the indoor space (e.g., a portion of a wall surface). A user can manipulate the wired remote controller to input setting data regarding operation of the air conditioner. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data acquired through the wired remote controller can be transmitted to the input interface. Also, the input interface can include an infrared sensor. A user can remotely input setting data regarding operation of the air conditioner using a wireless remote controller. The setting data input through the wireless remote controller can be transmitted to the input interface through an infrared signal.

[0070] Also, the input interface can include a microphone. A user's voice instruction can be acquired through the microphone. The microphone can convert the user's voice instruction into an electrical signal and deliver the converted electrical signal to the indoor unit control portion. The indoor unit control portion can control the constitution of the air conditioner to perform a function corresponding to the user's voice instruction. Setting data (e.g., a desired indoor temperature, a run mode setting of cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, an outlet selection setting, and / or a wind volume setting) acquired through the input interface can be delivered to the indoor unit control portion described later. In an example, the setting data acquired through the input interface can be transmitted to the outside (i.e., the outdoor unit or the server) through the indoor unit communication portion described later.

[0071] The indoor unit of the air conditioner can include a power module. The power module can be connected with an external power source to supply power to the constituent elements of the indoor unit.

[0072] The indoor unit of the air conditioner can include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor can be an environmental sensor arranged in a space inside or outside the housing. As an example, the indoor unit sensor can include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors arranged in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. As an example, the indoor unit sensor can include a refrigerant temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of a refrigerant passing through a refrigerant pipe of the indoor unit. As an example, the indoor unit sensor can include respective refrigerant temperature sensors that sense an inlet, middle, and / or outlet temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0073] As an example, each of the environmental information sensed by the indoor unit sensor can be transmitted to the indoor unit control portion described later, or can be transmitted to the outside through the indoor unit communication portion described later.

[0074] The indoor unit of the air conditioner can include an indoor unit communication portion. The indoor unit communication portion can include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication portion can include at least one antenna for wireless communication with another device. The outdoor unit can include an outdoor unit communication portion. The outdoor unit communication portion can also include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0075] The short-range wireless communication module can include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a Near Field Communication module, a Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an Ultra Wide Band (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a uWave communication module, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0076] The long-range communication module can include a communication module that performs a plurality of types of long-range communication, and can include a mobile communication part. The mobile communication part transceives a wireless signal with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server over a mobile communication network.

[0077] The indoor unit communication part can communicate with an external device such as a server, a mobile device, another home appliance, etc. through an access point (AP) around. The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or the user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or the user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit of the air conditioner can include an indoor unit control part that controls a constitution of the indoor unit including a blower fan, etc. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner can include an outdoor unit control part that controls a constitution of the outdoor unit including a compressor, etc. The indoor unit control part can communicate with the outdoor unit control part through the indoor unit communication part and the outdoor unit communication part. The outdoor unit communication part can transmit a control signal generated by the outdoor unit control part to the indoor unit communication part, or can deliver a control signal transmitted from the indoor unit communication part to the outdoor unit control part. That is, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can perform bidirectional communication. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit and receive a plurality of signals generated in the operation of the air conditioner.

[0078] The outdoor unit control portion can be electrically connected with the constituent elements of the outdoor unit, and can control the operation of each of the constituent elements. For example, the outdoor unit control portion can adjust the frequency of the compressor and control the flow path switching valve to switch the circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit control portion can adjust the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. Also, the outdoor unit control portion can generate a control signal for adjusting the opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control portion, the refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, the flow path switching valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0079] The various temperature sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the temperatures detected, respectively, to the outdoor unit control portion and / or the indoor unit control portion. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the humidity detected, respectively, to the outdoor unit control portion and / or the indoor unit control portion.

[0080] The indoor unit control portion can acquire a user input from a user device including a mobile device, etc., through the indoor unit communication portion, and can acquire a user input directly through an input interface or through a remote controller. The indoor unit control portion can control the constitution of the indoor unit including a blower, etc., in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control portion can transmit information about the received user input to the outdoor unit control portion of the outdoor unit.

[0081] The outdoor unit control portion can control the constitution of the outdoor unit including a compressor, etc., based on information about the user input received from the indoor unit. For example, if a control signal corresponding to a user input selecting an operation mode such as a cooling operation, a heating operation, a ventilation operation, a defrosting operation, or a dehumidifying operation is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor control portion can control the constitution of the outdoor unit to perform the operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode.

[0082] The outdoor unit control portion and the indoor unit control portion can each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit control portion can include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control portion can include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0083] The memory can memorize / store various information required for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs required for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory can store various programs for the cooling operation, the heating operation, the dehumidifying operation, and / or the defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory can include a volatile memory such as a static random access memory (S-RAM) and a dynamic random access memory (D-RAM) for temporarily memorizing data. Also, the memory can include a non-volatile memory such as a read only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) for storing data for a long time.

[0084] The processor can generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on the instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in the memory. The processor, as hardware, can include a logic circuit and an arithmetic circuit. The processor can process data according to the programs and / or instructions provided from the memory, and generate a control signal according to the processing result. The memory and the processor can be implemented as one control circuit, or can be implemented as a plurality of circuits.

[0085] The indoor unit of the air conditioner can include an output interface. The output interface can be electrically connected with the indoor unit control portion, and can output information related to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit control portion. For example, information such as an operation mode, a wind direction, a wind volume, and a temperature selected by a user input can be output. Also, the output interface can output sensed information acquired from the indoor unit sensor or the outdoor unit sensor and a warning / error message.

[0086] The output interface can include a display and a speaker. The speaker, as a sound device, can output various sounds. The display can display information input by a user or information provided to the user as various graphic elements. For example, operation information of the air conditioner can be displayed as at least one of an image or text. Also, the display can include an indicator that provides specific information. The display can include a liquid crystal display panel, a light emitting diode panel, an organic light emitting diode panel, a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0087] Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0088] Figure 1 A refrigerant circulation circuit of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0089] Referring to Figure 1 The air conditioning system includes an indoor unit 1 and an outdoor unit 2.

[0090] The indoor unit 1 can be located in a space in which air conditioning is performed. The space in which air conditioning is performed indicates a space in which cooling or heating is performed by the air conditioner 1. The indoor unit 1 can be disposed inside a space separated from the outside by a wall or a partition, such as a room in a house or a room in an office.

[0091] The outdoor unit 2 can be located outside the space in which air conditioning is performed. For example, the outdoor unit 2 can be disposed outdoors.

[0092] The air conditioning system includes a refrigerant flow path that circulates a refrigerant between the indoor and the outdoor. The refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant flow path between the indoor and the outdoor, and can absorb heat or discharge latent heat in a state change (for example, a state change from a gas to a liquid, a state change from a liquid to a solid).

[0093] To induce a state change of the refrigerant, the refrigerant circulation device can include a compressor 3, an outdoor heat exchanger 4, an expansion valve 5, and an indoor heat exchanger 20.

[0094] The compressor 3 can compress the refrigerant in a gas state, thereby can heat the refrigerant. The high-temperature / high-pressure gas refrigerant can be delivered to the outdoor heat exchanger 4 through the compressor 3. In the outdoor heat exchanger 4, the high-temperature / high-pressure gas refrigerant is changed from the gas state to the liquid state and releases heat. The liquid-state refrigerant can be delivered to the expansion valve 5. The expansion valve 5 can decompress the liquid-state refrigerant, thereby can cool the refrigerant. The low-temperature / low-pressure liquid refrigerant can be delivered to the indoor heat exchanger 20. In the indoor heat exchanger 20, the low-temperature / low-pressure liquid refrigerant is changed from the liquid state to the gas state and absorbs heat.

[0095] Thus, the refrigerant can release heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and absorb heat in the indoor heat exchanger 20. The indoor heat exchanger 20 can be provided together with the expansion valve 5 in the indoor unit 1, and the outdoor heat exchanger 4 can be provided together with the compressor 3 in the outdoor unit 2. Accordingly, the indoor heat exchanger 20 can cool the air of the space (indoor) in which air conditioning is performed.

[0096] Hereinafter, the indoor unit 1 will be referred to as an "air conditioner", and the indoor heat exchanger 20 will be referred to as a "heat exchanger".

[0097] Figure 2 An appearance of an air conditioner according to an embodiment is illustrated. Figure 3 An exploded view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment is illustrated. Figure 4 A case in which a discharge port of an air conditioner according to an embodiment is opened is illustrated. Figure 5 An A-A' cross section of Figure 4 is illustrated. Figure 6 A case in which a discharge port of an air conditioner according to an embodiment is closed is illustrated. Figure 7 A B-B' cross section of Figure 6 is illustrated.

[0098] Referring to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the air conditioner 1 includes a case 10 having at least one discharge port 41, a heat exchanger 20 that exchanges heat with air flowing into an inside of the case 10, a blowing portion 30 that circulates the air to the inside or the outside of the case 10, and a discharging portion 40 that discharges the air blown from the blowing portion 30 to the outside of the case 10.

[0099] The housing 10 can include a front surface panel 10a forming at least one discharge port 41, a rear surface panel 10b disposed behind the front surface panel 10a, a side surface panel 10c provided between the front surface panel 10a and the rear surface panel 10b, and upper / lower panels 10d disposed at upper and lower portions of the side surface panel 10c. The at least one discharge port 41 can be provided in a circular shape, and at least two or more discharge ports 41 can be arranged spaced apart in an upper / lower direction of the front surface panel 10a. For example, the discharge ports 41 can include first, second, and third discharge ports 41a, 41b, and 41c.

[0100] A suction port 19 capable of sucking external air into the inside of the housing 10 can be formed in the rear surface panel 10b.

[0101] The suction port 19 can be provided on the rear surface panel 10b disposed behind the heat exchanger 20 to guide air outside the housing 10 to flow into the inside of the housing 10. The air flowing into the inside of the housing 10 through the suction port 19 absorbs or carries away heat while passing through the heat exchanger 20. The air heat-exchanged while passing through the heat exchanger 20 can be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the discharge portion 40 by the blowing portion 30.

[0102] The blowing portion 30 can include a fan 32 and a grill 34.

[0103] The grill 34 can be provided in a discharge direction of the fan 32. In an embodiment, the fan 32 is a forward-curved fan, but the type of the fan 32 is not limited as long as it is configured to flow air flowing from the outside of the housing 10 to be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 again. As an example, the fan 32 can be a cross-flow fan, a turbo fan, or a multi-blade fan. The number of the fan 32 is not limited, and in an embodiment, at least one fan 32 can be provided to correspond to at least one discharge port 41. For example, the fan 32 can include first, second, and third fans 32a, 32b, and 32c.

[0104] The blowing portion 30 can be provided with a fan motor 33 provided at the center of the fan 32 to drive the fan 32. For example, the fan motor 33 can include a first fan motor 33a to drive the first fan 32a, a second fan motor 33b to drive the second fan 32b, and a third fan motor 33c to drive the third fan 32c.

[0105] The grill 34 can be disposed in front of the fan 32 to guide air flow. In addition, the grill 34 can be disposed between the fan 32 and the discharge port 41, thereby minimizing the influence of the fan 32 from the outside.

[0106] The grill 34 can include a plurality of vanes 35. The plurality of vanes 35 can adjust the wind direction or the wind volume of the air blown from the fan 32 to the discharge port 41 by adjusting the number, shape, arrangement angle thereof.

[0107] The center of the grill 34 can be provided for the door actuator 66 to be described later. The door actuator 66 and the fan motor 33 can be arranged in the same line in the front-rear direction. Through this configuration, the plurality of vanes 35 of the grill 34 can be provided in front of the fan vanes of the fan 32.

[0108] The air supply part 30 can include a duct 36. The duct 36 is provided to surround the circular shape of the fan 32, and is provided to guide the flow of the air flowing toward the fan 32.

[0109] The heat exchanger 20 is arranged between the fan 32 and the suction port 19 to absorb heat from the air flowing in through the suction port 19 or to transfer heat to the air flowing in through the suction port 19. The heat exchanger 20 can include a tube 21, a header 22 combined to the upper side and the lower side of the tube 21. However, the type of the heat exchanger 20 is not limited.

[0110] The number of the heat exchanger 20 arranged inside the housing 10 can be provided with at least one to correspond to the number of the discharge port 41. For example, the discharge port 41 can include a first discharge port 41a, a second discharge port 41b, and a third discharge port 41c.

[0111] The air conditioner can have a plurality of operation modes to operate. The plurality of operation modes can include a first cooling mode in which the heat-exchanged air is discharged through the at least one discharge port 41, and a second cooling mode in which the heat-exchanged air is discharged through the discharge holes 42 provided to the porous discharge plate 14. The size of the discharge port 41 can be greater than the size of the discharge hole 42. In addition, the number of the discharge hole 42 can be greater than the number of the discharge port 41, and the discharge hole 42 can be substantially uniformly distributed in the entire discharge plate 14.

[0112] Specifically, in the first cooling mode, the heat-exchanged air can be discharged to the outside of the air conditioner 1 through the open first discharge port 41a, the second discharge port 41b, or the third discharge port 41c. At this time, the air conditioner 1 can selectively open the first discharge port 41a, the second discharge port 41b, or the third discharge port 41c according to the sensed indoor temperature, so that the cooling operation of the first cooling mode can be performed.

[0113] In the second cooling mode, the first discharge port 41a, the second discharge port 41b, and the third discharge port 41c can be all closed, and the heat-exchanged air can be discharged through the discharge holes 42 provided to the discharge plate 14.

[0114] That is, the air that has undergone heat exchange by the heat exchanger 20 can be discharged to the outside of the air conditioner by the fan 32 through the at least one discharge outlet 41, the discharge hole 42.

[0115] In the first cooling mode, although the heat-exchanged air is discharged through the discharge outlet 41, a portion of the heat-exchanged air can also be discharged through the discharge hole 42, not only through the discharge outlet 41. That is, in the first cooling mode, most of the heat-exchanged air can be discharged through the discharge outlet 41. In the second cooling mode, as in the first cooling mode, most of the heat-exchanged air can also be discharged through the discharge hole 42.

[0116] The air passing through the air supply part 30 can be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the discharge outlet 41.

[0117] When the air conditioner is in the first cooling mode, the heat-exchanged air can be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the discharge outlet 41. The discharge outlet 41 is provided to enable the heat-exchanged air to be directly discharged to the outside. The discharge outlet 41 can be provided to be exposed to the outside of the housing 10. The discharge outlet 41 is provided in the blowing direction of the fan 32 and is provided so that the heat-exchanged air can be directly discharged to the outside. The air blown by the fan 32 can flow through the first discharge flow path 41d formed between the fan 32 and the discharge outlet 41. The first discharge flow path 41d can be formed by the discharge guide 45.

[0118] The first discharge flow path 41d can be formed by the discharge guide 45. The end 43 of the discharge guide 45 can be connected to the discharge outlet 41, and the first discharge flow path 41d can be formed along the inner circumferential surface of the discharge guide 45. The end 43 of the discharge guide 45 can be exposed to the outside through the discharge outlet 41 of the housing 10, and the discharge guide 45 can move the door 60 described later and be installed to the end 43 of the discharge guide 45.

[0119] The discharge outlet 41 can be opened and closed by the door 60.

[0120] The door 60 can open and close the discharge outlet 41, and the heat-exchanged air can be selectively discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the discharge outlet 41. For example, the door 60 can include a first door 60a that opens and closes the first discharge outlet 41a, a second door 60b that opens and closes the second discharge outlet 41b, and a third door 60c that opens and closes the third discharge outlet 41c.

[0121] The door 60 can move between an open position P1 that opens the discharge outlet 41 and a closed position P2 that closes the discharge outlet 41. The door 60 can move in the front-rear direction between the open position P1 and the closed position P2.

[0122] Specifically, the door 60 can include a door blade 62 and a door actuator 66 that operates the door blade 62.

[0123] The door blade 62 can be formed in a circular shape to correspond to the shape of the discharge port 41. In a case where the door 60 is in the open position P1, the door blade 62 is spaced apart from the end 43 of the discharge guide 45, and in a case where the door 60 is in the closed position P2, the door blade 62 can contact the end 43 of the discharge guide 45 and close the discharge port 41. For example, the door blade 62 can include a first door blade 62a that opens and closes the first discharge port 41a, a second door blade 62b that opens and closes the first discharge port 41a, and a third door blade 62c that opens and closes the first discharge port 41a.

[0124] The door blade 62 can include a blade body 63 disposed in a circular shape to correspond to the discharge port 41, and a blade coupling portion 64 formed to extend from the blade body 63 and coupled with the door actuator 66.

[0125] The blade body 63 can be disposed in a substantially circular plate shape. In addition, the blade body 63 can be disposed such that one side surface thereof faces the outside of the case 10, and the other side surface is disposed to face the discharge port 41.

[0126] A display can be disposed on the one side surface of the blade body 63, and the display can be disposed to display an operation state of the air conditioner or to be able to manipulate the air conditioner.

[0127] The door actuator 66 can move the door blade 62. The door actuator 66 can include a motor (not shown). The door actuator 66 can be coupled with the blade coupling portion 64 of the door blade 62 and move the door blade 62.

[0128] For example, the door actuator 66 can include a first door actuator 66a that moves the first door blade 62a, a second door actuator 66b that moves the second door blade 62b, and a third door actuator 66c that moves the third door blade 62c.

[0129] The above-described grill 34 can be disposed along the periphery of the door actuator 66. Air blown from the fan 32 disposed on the back surface of the grill 34 can pass through the grill 34 and be discharged to the front.

[0130] When the air conditioner is in the second cooling mode, heat-exchanged air can be discharged to the outside of the case 10 through the discharge hole 42. Through this configuration, the heat-exchanged air can be discharged to the outside while reducing the wind speed. The discharge hole 42 can include a plurality of discharge holes 42 formed in the porous discharge plate 14 described later.

[0131] In a case where the heat-exchanged air is discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the discharge hole 42, the air blown by the fan 32 can flow in a second discharge flow path 42a formed between the fan 32 and the discharge hole 42. The second discharge flow path 42a can be formed by the discharge guide portion 45 and a discharge panel 12 to be described later.

[0132] The discharge panel 12 can form the second discharge flow path 42a. The heat-exchanged air can be slowly discharged to the outside of the air conditioner through the second discharge flow path 42a formed by the discharge panel 12 and the discharge panel 14 to be described later.

[0133] The discharge panel 12 can include a flow path forming frame 13 and the discharge panel 14.

[0134] The flow path forming frame 13 can divide the inside of the housing 10 from the second discharge flow path 42a. It can be prevented that the heat-exchanged air flows again into the inside of the housing 10 through the flow path forming frame 13. In an embodiment, the flow path forming frame 13 can be formed to extend from the grill 34 and be connected with the appearance panel 11.

[0135] The discharge hole 42 can be formed in the discharge panel 14. The shape of the discharge hole 42 is not limited, but in an embodiment of the disclosed invention, the shape of the plurality of discharge holes 42 can be formed. The discharge hole 42 can penetrate the front surface and the rear surface of the discharge panel 14.

[0136] The discharge hole 42 can form a discharge region. In the discharge region, the plurality of discharge holes 42 can be uniformly distributed, and can be concentratedly disposed in at least a portion of the discharge region. In an embodiment, it can be disposed that the plurality of discharge holes 42 are uniformly distributed in the discharge region.

[0137] The discharge region can be formed in at least a portion of the discharge panel 14. However, it is not limited thereto, and can be discharged through the entire surface (full surface) of the discharge panel 14.

[0138] The discharge portion 40 can include the first discharge flow path 41d and the second discharge flow path 42a.

[0139] The air blown by the fan 32 can flow through at least one of the first discharge flow path 41d and the second discharge flow path 42a.

[0140] In the first cooling mode, the air blown by the fan 32 can flow in the first discharge flow path 41d formed between the fan 32 and the discharge hole 41. Further, in the second cooling mode, the air blown by the fan 32 can flow in the second discharge flow path 42a formed between the fan 32 and the discharge hole 42.

[0141] The discharge portion 40 can include a discharge guide 45. The air blown by the fan 32 can be controlled by the discharge guide 45. The discharge guide 45 is disposed in front of the air supply portion 30, and is disposed so that the air flowing from the air supply portion 30 can flow in at least one of the first discharge flow path 41d and the second discharge flow path 42a.

[0142] The discharge guide 45 can include a guide body 46 and a guide groove 47.

[0143] The guide body 46 can form the first discharge flow path 41d in the inner side thereof. The guide body 46 can be disposed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion. In detail, the guide body 46 can be disposed in the shape of a tube, and can be disposed so that one side faces the air supply portion 30 and the other side faces the discharge port 41.

[0144] The guide groove 47 is formed to pass the second discharge flow path 42a. The guide groove 47 can be disposed on the guide body 46. The shape of the guide groove 47 is not limited, and as long as it is a configuration disposed on the guide body 46 so that the air can flow in the direction of the outer side of the guide body 46. In an embodiment, the guide groove 47 can have a plurality of hole shapes along the circumference thereof in the guide body 46.

[0145] In the first cooling mode, the door 60 opens the discharge port 41. In this case, the air blown from the air supply portion 30 passes through the first discharge flow path 41d formed in the inner side of the guide body 46 and is discharged through the discharge port 41.

[0146] In the second cooling mode, the door 60 closes the discharge port 41. In this case, one side of the guide body 46 is blocked by the door 60, so that the air blown from the air supply portion 30 passes through the guide groove 47 formed in the guide body 46 and is discharged through the discharge hole 42.

[0147] Hereinafter, the operation of the air conditioner according to the present application will be described.

[0148] The air flowing into the casing 10 from the outside is heat-exchanged with the heat exchanger 20. The air heated or cooled by the heat exchanger 20 is discharged to the outside of the casing 10 through the air supply portion 30.

[0149] The air conditioner discharges the air passing through the heat exchanger 20 to the outside through at least one of the discharge port 41 and the discharge hole 42. That is, it is possible to discharge through the discharge port 41 and rapidly implement heating or cooling as in the first cooling mode, and it is also possible to discharge through the discharge hole 42 and slowly perform heating or cooling throughout the room as in the second cooling mode.

[0150] The discharge port 41 can be opened and closed by operation of the door 60. In a case where the discharge port 41 is open, the heat-exchanged air can be discharged through the discharge port 41, and in a case where the discharge port 41 is closed, the heat-exchanged air can be discharged through the discharge hole 42.

[0151] The first cooling mode will be described. In the first cooling mode, the heat-exchanged air can be discharged through the discharge port 41. In the first cooling mode, the door blade 62 is located at the open position P1, and the door blade 62 opens the discharge port 41 by being spaced apart from the tip 43 of the discharge guide 45.

[0152] In this case, the air flowing from the air supply part 30 flows to the discharge port 41 through the first discharge flow path 41d formed by the guide body 46 of the discharge guide 45.

[0153] In a case where the air is discharged to the outside of the casing 10 through the discharge port 41, the air is discharged to the outside while maintaining the wind speed generated by the air supply part 30.

[0154] The second cooling mode will be described. In the second cooling mode, the heat-exchanged air can be discharged through the discharge hole 42. In the second cooling mode, the door blade 62 can be located at the closed position P2, and the door blade 62 closes the discharge port 41 by being in contact with the tip 43 of the discharge guide 45.

[0155] In this case, the air flowing from the air supply part 30 flows to the discharge hole 42 through the second discharge flow path 42a because the discharge port 41 is blocked by the door blade 62. Thus, the air flowing from the air supply part 30 flows to the discharge hole 42 through the second discharge flow path 42a.

[0156] In a case where the air is discharged to the outside of the casing 10 through the discharge hole 42, the air passes through the plurality of discharge holes of the discharge plate 14 and the wind speed is reduced, and thus the air is discharged to the outside at a low speed.

[0157] With this configuration, the user can achieve cooling or heating of the indoor space at a comfortable wind speed.

[0158] Hereinafter, an operation of performing a drying operation of the air conditioner 1 after the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1 is ended will be described in detail.

[0159] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure,

[0160] As described above, the air conditioner 1 can include a casing, a heat exchanger, a compressor 3, and a plurality of fans 32.

[0161] The air conditioner 1 can further include an indoor temperature sensor 131, a heat exchanger temperature sensor 132, a humidity sensor 133, a human body sensing sensor 134, and a control portion 160. The control portion 160 can include a processor 161 and a memory 162.

[0162] The indoor temperature sensor 131 can sense a temperature of an indoor space in which the air conditioner 1 is installed.

[0163] The heat exchanger temperature sensor 132 can sense a temperature of a heat exchanger. Also, the heat exchanger temperature sensor 132 can sense a temperature of an inlet side of the heat exchanger and a temperature of an outlet side of the heat exchanger, respectively, and calculate an average value thereof.

[0164] The humidity sensor 133 can be installed in the housing to sense a humidity of air passing through the heat exchanger.

[0165] The human body sensing sensor 134 can sense a human being around the air conditioner 1.

[0166] The control portion 160 can include a memory 162 that memorizes a control program and control data for controlling a plurality of fans 32, and at least one processor 161 that generates a control signal according to the control program and control data stored in the memory 162. The memory 162 and the processor 161 can be installed in an integrated manner or in a separate manner.

[0167] The memory 162 can store a sensed value sensed by a sensor, etc., and can store a program and data for controlling the plurality of fans 32.

[0168] The memory 162 can include a volatile memory such as a Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM), a Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAM), etc., for temporarily memorizing data. Also, the memory 162 can include a non-volatile memory such as a Read Only Memory (ROM), an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), etc., for storing data for a long time.

[0169] The processor 161 can include various logic circuits and arithmetic circuits, can process data according to a program provided from the memory 162, and can generate a control signal according to a processing result.

[0170] If the refrigeration operation ends (901), the control unit 160 can turn on all the plurality of fans 32 (903), and then turn off the plurality of fans 32 one by one (905).

[0171] Specifically, the control unit 160 can turn on the plurality of fans 32 and determine whether a first condition is satisfied.

[0172] The first condition can include that the operation time of the compressor 3 is less than a reference time. That is, if the operation time of the compressor 3 is less than the reference time, it can be determined that the first condition is satisfied. The reference time can be set to an appropriate time for performing the drying operation, for example, can be 15 minutes.

[0173] The control unit 160 can turn off one of the plurality of fans 32 based on whether the first condition is satisfied. That is, in the case where the first condition is satisfied, the control unit 160 can perform the automatic drying operation. The detailed operation thereof will be described later.

[0174] In addition, the control unit 160 can determine whether a second condition is satisfied.

[0175] The second condition can include that the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the temperature of the heat exchanger is less than a reference temperature and the sensed humidity is less than a reference humidity. The reference temperature and the reference humidity can be set to appropriate temperature and humidity for performing the drying operation, the reference temperature can be, for example, 3℃, and the reference humidity can be, for example, 60%.

[0176] That is, if the value obtained by subtracting the temperature of the heat exchanger from the sensed indoor temperature is less than 3℃ and the sensed humidity is less than 60%, it can be determined that the second condition is satisfied.

[0177] The control unit 160 can turn off another one of the plurality of fans 32 based on whether the second condition is satisfied. The detailed operation thereof will be described later.

[0178] Hereinafter, the operation in which the control unit 160 turns off the plurality of fans 32 one by one based on the first condition and the second condition will be described in detail.

[0179] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a case in which all the plurality of fans 32 according to an embodiment of the disclosure are turned on, Figure 11 FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the plurality of fans 32 according to an embodiment of the disclosure are turned on.

[0180] As described above, the plurality of fans 32 can include a first fan 32a, a second fan 32b, and a third fan 32c.

[0181] The first fan 32a can be positioned at the top. The second fan 32b can be positioned below the first fan 32a, and the third fan 32c can be positioned below the second fan 32b.

[0182] That is, the first fan 32a can be arranged at the top, the second fan 32b can be arranged in the middle, and the third fan 32c can be arranged at the bottom.

[0183] After the cooling operation ends (1001), the control unit 160 can turn on the first fan 32a, the second fan 32b and the third fan 32c during the first time period (1003).

[0184] Then, the control unit 160 can sequentially shut down the multiple fans 32 and perform a drying operation.

[0185] First, the purpose of the present invention of sequentially shutting down multiple fans 32 will be explained.

[0186] Reference Figure 3 The heat exchanger can be installed in a long vertical direction, and condensate may be generated in such a heat exchanger as it operates in refrigeration mode.

[0187] Because the condensate flows downwards under the influence of gravity, the amount of condensate at the lower end of the heat exchanger is greater than that at the upper end, which makes the upper end of the heat exchanger relatively easier to dry. Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to reduce unnecessary noise and power consumption and reduce odor by sequentially shutting down the first fan 32a located around the upper end of the heat exchanger.

[0188] Furthermore, before all three fans (32a, 32b, and 32c) are fully turned on, the control unit 160 can turn them all off for a predetermined period of time to drain the condensate generated in the heat exchanger. That is, after waiting for the condensate to flow downwards in the heat exchanger for a predetermined time, all three fans can be turned on. The predetermined time can be approximately 3 minutes.

[0189] The control unit 160 can activate the first fan 32a, the second fan 32b, and the third fan 32c all within a single moment (1005). At this time, if... Figure 11 As shown, air can be completely discharged from the first outlet 41a, the second outlet 41b, and the third outlet 41c.

[0190] At this time, the control unit 160 can turn on the first fan 32a, the second fan 32b and the third fan 32c while controlling the door 60 with the outlet 41 open.

[0191] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a case of sequentially turning off the plurality of fans 32 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 13 is a diagram showing a state of turning off any one of the plurality of fans 32 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0192] The control portion 160 can turn on all of the first fan, the second fan 32b, and the third fan 32c during the first time, and if the first time elapses, it can determine whether the first condition is satisfied. Here, as described above, the first condition can include that the operation time of the compressor 3 is less than the reference time.

[0193] In a case where the first condition is satisfied (Yes in 1201), the control portion 160 can turn off the first fan 32a and turn on the second fan 32b and the third fan 32c (1203).

[0194] Hereinafter, air can be discharged by the windless operation in a state where the discharge port 41 is closed.

[0195] The control portion 160 can turn on the second fan 32b and the third fan 32c during the second time (1205). Here, the second time can be set to an appropriate time for performing the drying operation, and for example, can be 10 minutes.

[0196] If the second time elapses (Yes in 1205), the control portion 160 can turn off the second fan 32b and the third fan 32c (1207). That is, since the satisfaction of the first condition means that the operation time of the compressor 3 is not long, it is determined that the drying operation does not need to be performed for too long, and thus if the second time elapses, the second fan 32b and the third fan 32c can be turned off and the drying operation can be ended.

[0197] In a case where the first condition is not satisfied (No in 1201), the control portion 160 can turn off the first fan 32a and turn on the second fan 32b and the third fan 32c during the second time (1209). If the second time elapses (Yes in 1211), it can be determined whether the second condition is satisfied.

[0198] That is, since the non-satisfaction of the first condition means that the operation time of the compressor 3 is relatively long, it is determined that the drying operation needs to be further performed, and thus even if the second time elapses, it can be determined whether the additional condition is satisfied without turning off the second fan 32b and the third fan 32c.

[0199] At this time, as shown in FIG. 12B, air can be discharged only from the periphery of the second discharge port 41b and the third discharge port 41c. Figure 13

[0200] ​Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the sequential shutdown of a plurality of fans 32 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15 This is a diagram showing a state in which another of the plurality of fans 32 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is further shut off.

[0201] As described above, if the first condition is not met, the control unit 160 can activate the second fan 32b and the third fan 32c during a second period and determine whether the second condition is met. As described above, the second condition may include the difference between the indoor temperature and the temperature of the heat exchanger being less than a reference temperature and the sensed humidity being less than a reference humidity.

[0202] If the second condition is met ("Yes" in 1401), the control unit 160 can turn off the second fan 32b and turn on the third fan 32c during a third time period (1403). Then, if the third time has elapsed ("Yes" in 1405), the control unit 160 can turn off the third fan 32c (1407). The third time can be set to an appropriate time for performing the drying operation, for example, 10 minutes.

[0203] If the second condition is not met ("No" in 1401), the control unit 160 may turn off the second fan 32b and turn on the third fan 32c for a fourth time period longer than the third time period (1409). Then, if the fourth time period has elapsed ("Yes" in 1411), the control unit 160 may turn off the third fan 32c (1413).

[0204] The fourth time can be set to an appropriate time for performing the drying operation, for example, 15 minutes longer than the third time.

[0205] If the second condition is met, it is determined that the drying operation can be performed for a relatively short period of time, so the third fan 32c can only be turned on during the third time period (e.g., 10 minutes). If the second condition is not met, it is determined that the drying operation needs to be performed for a relatively long period of time, so the third fan 32c can only be turned on during the fourth time period (e.g., 15 minutes), which is longer than the third time period.

[0206] At this time, as Figure 15 As shown, air can be discharged only from the periphery of the third exhaust outlet 41c.

[0207] When the first fan 32a, the second fan 32b and the third fan 32c are turned on by the control unit, they can rotate at the same speed or at different speeds.

[0208] That is, for example, the first fan 32a can rotate at the slowest speed, the second fan 32b can rotate at a relatively faster speed than the first fan 32a, and the third fan 32c can rotate at the fastest speed.

[0209] By sequentially turning off the plurality of fans 32 during such a drying operation, it is possible to minimize unnecessary noise and uncomfortable air flow while maintaining the degree of dryness inside the air conditioner 1 and reduce power consumption.

[0210] In another exemplary embodiment, the control portion 160 can set appropriate times for each of the first fan 32a, the second fan 32b, and the third fan 32c to perform a drying operation based on the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor 133.

[0211] That is, for example, the first fan 32a can be turned on during a fifth time to perform a drying operation, the second fan 32b can be turned on during a sixth time to perform a drying operation, and the third fan 32c can be turned on during a seventh time to perform a drying operation. At this time, the sixth time can be longer than the fifth time, and the seventh time can be longer than the sixth time.

[0212] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating a case where a drying operation is performed based on a result of sensing a person according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0213] If the cooling operation ends (1601) and a person in the vicinity of the air conditioner 1 is sensed by the human body sensing sensor 134 (Yes in 1603), the control portion 160 can wait for a reference time before turning on all of the plurality of fans 32 (1605).

[0214] That is, if there is a person in the vicinity of the air conditioner 1, waiting for a reference time due to problems such as noise and odor that can occur due to a drying operation, and then performing a drying operation.

[0215] If the human body sensing sensor 134 does not sense a person in the vicinity of the air conditioner 1 (No in 1603), the control portion 160 can immediately perform the above-described drying operation without waiting for a reference time.

[0216] An air conditioner according to an embodiment can include a housing formed with a plurality of discharge ports, a heat exchanger disposed inside the housing, a compressor connected with the heat exchanger such that a refrigerant circulates through the heat exchanger, a plurality of fans that blow air to pass through the heat exchanger and be discharged from the plurality of discharge ports, and a control portion that performs an automatic drying operation when sequentially turning off after turning on all of the plurality of fans after a cooling operation ends.

[0217] According to the present disclosure, by sequentially turning off a plurality of fans during a drying operation, it is possible to minimize unnecessary noise and uncomfortable air flow while maintaining the degree of dryness inside the air conditioner and reduce power consumption.

[0218] The control portion can determine whether a first condition is satisfied, and turn off one of the plurality of fans based on whether the first condition is satisfied.

[0219] The control portion can determine whether a second condition is satisfied, and turn off another one of the plurality of fans based on whether the second condition is satisfied.

[0220] The plurality of fans can include a first fan, a second fan disposed at a position lower than the first fan, and a third fan disposed at a position lower than the second fan, and the control portion can turn on all of the first fan, the second fan, and the third fan during a first time period after the end of the cooling operation.

[0221] If the first time elapses, the control portion can determine whether a first condition is satisfied.

[0222] The first condition can include that the operation time of the compressor is less than a reference time.

[0223] In the case where the first condition is satisfied, the control portion can turn off the first fan and turn on the second fan and the third fan during a second time period.

[0224] If the second time elapses, the control portion can turn off the second fan and the third fan.

[0225] In the case where the first condition is not satisfied, the control portion can turn off the first fan and turn on the second fan and the third fan during a second time period, and if the second time elapses, it can determine whether a second condition is satisfied.

[0226] It can further include an indoor temperature sensor that senses an indoor temperature, a heat exchanger temperature sensor that senses a temperature of the heat exchanger, and a humidity sensor that is disposed inside the housing to sense the humidity of air passing through the heat exchanger, and the second condition can include that the difference between the indoor temperature and the temperature of the heat exchanger is less than a reference temperature and the sensed humidity is less than a reference humidity.

[0227] In the case where the second condition is satisfied, the control portion can turn off the second fan and turn on the third fan during a third time period.

[0228] If the third time elapses, the control portion can turn off the third fan.

[0229] In a case where the second condition is not satisfied, the control portion can cause the second fan to be turned off and the third fan to be turned on during a fourth time which is longer than the third time.

[0230] If the fourth time elapses, the control portion can cause the third fan to be turned off.

[0231] The human body sensing sensor can sense a person around the air conditioner, and if the person around the air conditioner is sensed by the human body sensing sensor, the control portion can cause all of the plurality of fans to be turned on at a reference time after the cooling operation is ended.

[0232] A control method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment, in a control method of an air conditioner including a housing in which a plurality of discharge ports are formed, a heat exchanger provided in the housing, a compressor connected to the heat exchanger so that a refrigerant circulates through the heat exchanger, and a plurality of fans that blow air so that the air passes through the heat exchanger and is discharged from the plurality of discharge ports, can include the steps of: turning on all of the plurality of fans after a cooling operation is ended; and performing an automatic drying operation while the plurality of fans are sequentially turned off.

[0233] The step of sequentially turning off the plurality of fans can include the steps of: determining whether a first condition is satisfied, and turning off one of the plurality of fans based on whether the first condition is satisfied.

[0234] The step of sequentially turning off the plurality of fans can include the steps of: determining whether a second condition is satisfied, and turning off another one of the plurality of fans based on whether the second condition is satisfied.

[0235] The plurality of fans can include: a first fan; a second fan disposed at a position lower than the first fan; and a third fan disposed at a position lower than the second fan, and the step of turning on all of the plurality of fans can include the step of: turning on all of the first fan, the second fan, and the third fan during a first time after the cooling operation is ended.

[0236] The method can further include the step of: if the first time elapses, determining whether a first condition is satisfied.

[0237] The first condition can include an operation time of the compressor being less than a reference time.

[0238] The step of sequentially turning off the plurality of fans can include the steps of: in a case where the first condition is satisfied, turning off the first fan and turning on the second fan and the third fan during a second time.

[0239] The method can further include the step of, if the second time elapses, turning off the second fan and the third fan.

[0240] The step of sequentially turning off the plurality of fans can include the steps of, if the first condition is not satisfied, turning off the first fan and turning on the second fan and the third fan for a second time, and further include the step of, if the second time elapses, determining whether the second condition is satisfied.

[0241] The method can further include an indoor temperature sensor that senses an indoor temperature, a heat exchanger temperature sensor that senses a temperature of the heat exchanger, and a humidity sensor that is disposed in the housing to sense a humidity of air passing through the heat exchanger, and the second condition can include that the indoor temperature and the temperature of the heat exchanger differ by less than a reference temperature and the sensed humidity is less than a reference humidity.

[0242] The step of sequentially turning off the plurality of fans can include the steps of, if the second condition is satisfied, turning off the second fan and turning on the third fan for a third time.

[0243] The method can further include the step of, if the third time elapses, turning off the third fan.

[0244] The step of sequentially turning off the plurality of fans can include the steps of, if the second condition is not satisfied, turning off the second fan and turning on the third fan for a fourth time that is longer than the third time.

[0245] The method can further include the step of, if the fourth time elapses, turning off the third fan.

[0246] The method can further include a human body sensing sensor that senses a person around the air conditioner, and the step of turning on all of the plurality of fans can include the step of, if the person around the air conditioner is sensed by the human body sensing sensor, turning on all of the plurality of fans when a reference time elapses after the end of the cooling operation.

[0247] According to the disclosure, by sequentially turning off the plurality of fans during the drying operation, it is possible to minimize unnecessary noise and uncomfortable air flow while maintaining the degree of dryness inside the air conditioner and reduce power consumption.

[0248] In addition, the disclosed embodiments can be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores computer-executable instructions. The instructions can be stored in the form of a program code, and when executed by a processor, the instructions can generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium can be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0249] The computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording media storing computer-readable instructions. For example, there can be a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, an optical data storage device, etc.

[0250] The disclosed embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood by those skilled in the art to which the present application pertains that the present application can be implemented in various forms other than the disclosed embodiments without changing the technical idea or essential characteristics of the present application. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, comprising: The shell has multiple discharge ports; A heat exchanger is disposed within the housing; A compressor, connected to the heat exchanger, allows the refrigerant to circulate through the heat exchanger; Multiple fans blow air so that the air passes through the heat exchanger and is discharged from the multiple outlets; as well as The control unit performs automatic drying operation after the cooling operation ends, by turning on all the multiple fans and then turning them off sequentially.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit determines whether a first condition is met, and shuts down one of the plurality of fans based on whether the first condition is met.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit determines whether the second condition is met, and shuts down another of the plurality of fans based on whether the second condition is met.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit determines whether the first condition is met, and executes the automatic drying operation if the first condition is met.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of fans includes: First fan; The second fan is positioned lower than the first fan; and The third fan is positioned lower than the second fan. After the cooling operation ends, the control unit activates the first fan, the second fan, and the third fan during a first period of time.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein, If the first time interval has elapsed, the control unit determines whether the first condition is met.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein, The first condition includes the compressor's operating time being less than the reference time.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein, If the first condition is met, the control unit shuts off the first fan and turns on the second and third fans during a second time period.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 8, wherein, If the second time period has elapsed, the control unit shuts down the second fan and the third fan.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein, If the first condition is not met, the control unit shuts off the first fan and turns on the second and third fans during a second period. If the second time interval has elapsed, then determine whether the second condition is met.

11. The air conditioner according to claim 10, further comprising: Indoor temperature sensor, senses indoor temperature; A heat exchanger temperature sensor senses the temperature of the heat exchanger; as well as A humidity sensor, disposed within the housing, is used to sense the humidity of the air passing through the heat exchanger. The second condition includes that the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the heat exchanger is less than a reference temperature and that the sensed humidity is less than a reference humidity.

12. The air conditioner according to claim 10, wherein, If the second condition is met, the control unit shuts off the second fan and turns on the third fan during a third time period.

13. The air conditioner according to claim 12, wherein, If the third time period has elapsed, the control unit will shut down the third fan.

14. The air conditioner according to claim 10, wherein, If the second condition is not met, the control unit shuts off the second fan and turns on the third fan for a fourth time period that is longer than the third time period.

15. The air conditioner according to claim 14, wherein, If the fourth time interval has elapsed, the control unit will shut down the third fan.

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