Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The disclosed air conditioner includes: a housing; a discharge cover formed on an upper portion of the housing; a rotation transmission unit coupled to the discharge cover to rotate the discharge cover; a cover rotation motor that rotates the rotation transmission portion in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction; a fan housing to which a discharge fan for moving air is mounted; a magnet disposed at a position of the rotation transmission unit; a first sensor provided at a first position of the fan case to detect the magnet; a second sensor disposed at a second position of the fan case separated from the first position to detect the magnet; and a processor controlling the cover rotation motor to move the rotation transmission portion to a reference position based on a power-off condition of the air conditioner being satisfied, and determining whether to stop an operation of the cover rotation motor based on whether the first sensor or the second sensor detects the magnet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to an air conditioner with adjustable exhaust direction and a method for controlling the same. Background Technology

[0002] An air conditioner, as a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity regulation, cooling or heating in an air-conditioned space, means a device that has at least one of these functions.

[0003] For example, air conditioners can include air purifiers for removing pollutants from the air. Air purifiers can remove bacteria, viruses, filamentous fungi, dust particles, and chemicals that cause odors from the incoming air.

[0004] Air purifiers may include purification devices for purifying polluted indoor air. Air flowing into the air purifier is purified by removing pollutants through the purification device, resulting in clean air, which can then be exhausted outside the air purifier. For example, the purification device may include filters and / or dust collection devices.

[0005] Air purifiers can be used in a variety of spaces. An air purifier may include an exhaust device for adjusting at least one of the following: the direction of exhaust, the exhaust speed, and the exhaust volume of the purified air. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical solution The disclosed invention provides an air conditioner and its control method that can easily move the discharge cover and the rotation transmission part that rotates the discharge cover to a reference position.

[0007] The disclosed invention provides an air conditioner and its control method that can use a magnet and multiple magnetic sensors to provide feedback control of a cover rotation motor that rotates a rotation transmission part.

[0008] An air conditioner according to one embodiment may include: a housing; a discharge cover covering a discharge hole formed on the upper part of the housing and including a cover opening for air discharge; a rotation transmission unit coupled to the discharge cover to rotate the discharge cover; a cover rotation motor to rotate the rotation transmission unit in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction; a fan housing equipped with an exhaust fan for moving air toward the discharge hole and the cover opening; a magnet disposed at a position of the rotation transmission unit; a first sensor disposed at the first position of the fan housing to detect the magnet; a second sensor disposed at a second position of the fan housing spaced from the first position to detect the magnet; and a processor. The processor may control the cover rotation motor to move the rotation transmission unit to a reference position based on satisfying a power-off condition of the air conditioner, and may determine whether to stop the operation of the cover rotation motor based on whether the first sensor or the second sensor detects the magnet.

[0009] In a control method for an air conditioner including an exhaust hole formed on the upper part of a housing, an exhaust cover covering the exhaust hole and including a cover opening for air exhaust, a fan housing with an exhaust fan that moves air toward the exhaust hole and the cover opening, and a processor, the control method according to one embodiment may include the following steps: identifying by the processor whether a power-off condition of the air conditioner is met; controlling a cover rotation motor that rotates a rotation transmission unit to move the rotation transmission unit coupled with the exhaust cover to a reference position based on the satisfaction of the power-off condition; identifying whether a magnet provided at a position of the rotation transmission unit is detected by a first sensor provided at a first position of the fan housing or a second sensor provided at a second position of the fan housing spaced apart from the first position; and determining whether to stop the operation of the cover rotation motor based on whether the first sensor or the second sensor detects the magnet.

[0010] The disclosed air conditioner and its control method can easily move the discharge cover and the rotation transmission part that rotates the discharge cover to a reference position.

[0011] The disclosed air conditioner and its control method can make the rotating transmission part move accurately to a reference position by feedback control of the cover rotating motor that makes the rotating transmission part rotate.

[0012] The technical problems to be solved in this article are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 An air conditioner according to one embodiment is shown.

[0014] Figure 2 A portion of the air supply panel of an air conditioner according to one embodiment is shown in exploded view.

[0015] Figure 3 A cross-section of an air conditioner according to one embodiment is shown.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the exhaust device of an air conditioner according to an embodiment disassembled from the casing.

[0017] Figure 5 An exploded view of a discharge device according to one embodiment is shown.

[0018] Figure 6 A portion of the cross-section of a discharge device according to one embodiment is shown.

[0019] Figure 7 This illustrates the state in which the discharge device according to one embodiment has its discharge port closed.

[0020] Figure 8 This illustrates the connection between the configurations related to the movement of the discharge cover when the discharge port of the discharge device according to one embodiment is closed.

[0021] Figure 9 The lower part of the configuration related to the movement of the discharge cover is shown when the discharge port of the discharge device according to one embodiment is closed.

[0022] Figure 10 This illustrates the state in which the discharge port of the discharge device according to one embodiment is open.

[0023] Figure 11 This illustrates the connection between the configurations related to the movement of the discharge cover when the discharge device according to one embodiment has the discharge port open.

[0024] Figure 12 The lower part of the configuration related to the movement of the discharge cover is shown when the discharge port of the discharge device according to one embodiment is open.

[0025] Figure 13 This illustrates the connection between the configuration related to the rotation of the discharge cover when the discharge device according to one embodiment has the discharge port open.

[0026] Figure 14 The discharge cover of the discharge device according to one embodiment is shown in a rotated state.

[0027] Figure 15 This illustrates the connection between the configurations related to the rotation of the discharge cover in a state where the discharge cover of the discharge device according to an embodiment is rotated.

[0028] Figure 16This is a plan view of a portion of the discharge device according to one embodiment, viewed from above.

[0029] Figure 17 Showing equipped with Figure 16 The magnet in the rotating transmission section of the discharge device shown.

[0030] Figure 18 Showing equipped with Figure 16 The sensor in the fan housing of the exhaust device shown.

[0031] Figure 19 This is a control block diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 20 This is a sequence diagram that briefly illustrates a control method for an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 21 This is a sequence diagram illustrating in more detail the control method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The various embodiments described herein and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents or alternatives to the corresponding embodiments.

[0035] Regarding the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to indicate similar or related constituent elements.

[0036] Unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items mentioned.

[0037] In this document, 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 one of the items listed together in the corresponding statement or all possible combinations thereof.

[0038] The term "and / or" includes a combination of elements of a plurality of related records or one element of a plurality of related records.

[0039] Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first,” “second” can be used simply to distinguish one constituent element from another, and do not limit the constituent element in other respects (e.g., importance or order).

[0040] When a component (e.g., the first) is referred to as “connected” or “linked” to another component (e.g., the second), whether or not the terms “functionally” or “communically” are used, it means that the first component can be connected to the second component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or via a third component.

[0041] Terms such as “comprising” or “having” are used to specify the presence of features, figures, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof described in this specification, without precluding the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features or figures, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0042] When a constituent element is referred to as “connected,” “joined,” “supported,” or “in contact” with another constituent element, this includes not only cases where the constituent elements are directly connected, joined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, joined, supported, or in contact through a third constituent element.

[0043] When a constituent element is "on" another constituent element, this includes not only the case where a constituent element is connected to another constituent element, but also the case where there is another constituent element between the two constituent elements.

[0044] An air conditioner according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as "indoor"), meaning a device equipped with at least one of these functions.

[0045] According to one embodiment, an air conditioner may include a heat pump unit to perform a cooling or heating function. The heat pump unit may include a refrigeration cycle in which refrigerant circulates according to a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump unit may be housed within a single housing forming the exterior of the air conditioner; window-type or portable air conditioners are examples of such air conditioners. Alternatively, some components of the heat pump unit may be housed within multiple housings forming an air conditioner; wall-mounted air conditioners, floor-standing air conditioners, and system air conditioners are examples of such air conditioners.

[0046] An air conditioner comprising multiple enclosures may include at least one outdoor unit located outdoors and at least one indoor unit located indoors. As an example, an air conditioner may be configured as having one outdoor unit and one indoor unit connected via refrigerant lines. As an example, an air conditioner may be configured as having one outdoor unit connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant lines. As an example, an air conditioner may be configured as having two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units connected via multiple refrigerant lines.

[0047] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner can be input through input interfaces provided on the outdoor or indoor unit, and in response to user input, the outdoor and indoor units can operate simultaneously or sequentially.

[0048] An air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger installed in an outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger installed in an indoor unit, and refrigerant pipes connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0049] An outdoor heat exchanger can utilize the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation) to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. For example, during the period when the refrigerant is condensing in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the outdoor air, and during the period when the refrigerant is evaporating through the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air.

[0050] Indoor units are installed indoors. As an example, indoor units can be categorized based on their placement method, such as ceiling-mounted, floor-standing, and wall-mounted indoor units. As an example, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be categorized based on their air exhaust method, such as 4-channel, 1-channel, and ducted indoor units.

[0051] Similarly, indoor heat exchangers can utilize the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation) to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air. For example, during the evaporation of the refrigerant from the indoor unit, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air and cool the room by supplying air through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. Conversely, during the condensation of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air and heat the room by supplying air through the heated indoor heat exchanger.

[0052] In other words, an air conditioner performs cooling or heating functions by circulating the refrigerant through the phase change process of the refrigerant in the outdoor and indoor heat exchangers. However, for this refrigerant circulation, the air conditioner may include a compressor to compress the refrigerant. The compressor draws in refrigerant gas through its suction section and compresses it. The compressor discharges the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through its discharge section. The compressor may be located inside the outdoor unit.

[0053] The refrigerant can circulate through refrigerant pipes in the order of compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device and indoor heat exchanger, or in the order of compressor, indoor heat exchanger, expansion device and outdoor heat exchanger.

[0054] As an example, in the case where an outdoor unit and an indoor unit are directly connected by a refrigerant pipe, the air conditioner can be configured to circulate the refrigerant between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit via the refrigerant pipe.

[0055] As an example, in an air conditioner where one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes, refrigerant can flow to multiple indoor units via refrigerant pipes branching off from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from the multiple indoor units can be configured to merge and circulate back to the outdoor unit. As another example, multiple indoor units can each be connected directly in parallel to one outdoor unit via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0056] Multiple indoor units can operate independently according to the user-defined operating mode. That is, some of the indoor units can operate in cooling mode, while others can operate in heating mode. In this case, the refrigerant can be configured to selectively flow into each indoor unit at high or low pressure along a designated circulation path via a flow path switching valve (described later), and then be discharged and circulated to the outdoor unit.

[0057] As an example, in an air conditioner, when two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected by multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from multiple outdoor units can merge and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, and then branch off again at some point and flow into multiple indoor units.

[0058] Depending on the operating load based on the operation of multiple indoor units, multiple outdoor units may be driven, or at least some of the outdoor units may not be driven. In this case, refrigerant may be configured to flow through a flow path switching valve into the selectively driven outdoor units and circulate. The air conditioner may include an expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. As an example, the expansion device may be arranged inside the indoor unit or the outdoor unit, or both.

[0059] As an example, an expansion device can utilize a throttling effect to reduce the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion device may include an orifice that reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. Refrigerant passing through the orifice can experience a reduction in temperature and pressure.

[0060] As an example, the expansion device can be implemented as an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path in a partially open state to the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path in a fully open state). Based on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled.

[0061] Air conditioners may also include a refrigerant recirculation valve disposed in the refrigerant circulation path. For example, the refrigerant recirculation valve may include a four-way valve. The refrigerant recirculation valve can determine the refrigerant circulation path according to the operating mode of the indoor unit (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The refrigerant recirculation valve may be connected to the discharge section of the compressor.

[0062] Air conditioners may include a receiver-of-refrigerant (ROR). The RRO may be connected to the suction section of the compressor. The RRO may allow the flow of low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant that has evaporated in the indoor or outdoor heat exchanger.

[0063] When the refrigerant mixture of liquid and gas flows into the receiver, the receiver can separate the liquid refrigerant from the gas and supply the separated liquid refrigerant gas to the compressor.

[0064] An outdoor fan can be installed near the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan can blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0065] The outdoor unit of an air conditioner may include at least one sensor. As an example, the outdoor unit sensor may be equipped as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be located anywhere inside or outside the outdoor unit. As an example, the outdoor unit sensor may include, for example, a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the air around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for sensing the humidity of the air around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant pipe of the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for sensing the pressure of the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant pipe of the outdoor unit.

[0066] The outdoor unit of an air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit. This outdoor unit communication unit may be equipped to receive control signals from the control unit of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, as described later. The outdoor unit may control the operation of the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device, flow path switching valve, liquid receiver, or outdoor fan based on the control signals received through the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit may also transmit sensed values ​​detected by outdoor unit sensors to the control unit of the indoor unit via the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0067] An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include a casing, a fan that circulates air to the inside or outside of the casing, and an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air flowing into the inside of the casing.

[0068] The housing may include an intake port. Indoor air can flow into the interior of the housing through the intake port.

[0069] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include a filter equipped to filter out foreign objects in the air that flows into the casing through the intake.

[0070] The enclosure may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the enclosure can be discharged to the outside of the enclosure through the outlet.

[0071] The indoor unit's casing may be equipped with an airflow guide to direct the air exhausted through the outlet. As an example, the airflow guide may include blades located on the outlet. As an example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for regulating the exhaust airflow. However, it is not limited to these features; the airflow guide may be omitted.

[0072] The indoor unit may be equipped with an indoor heat exchanger and a blower arranged in the flow path connecting the inlet and outlet.

[0073] The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. As an example, the indoor fan may include an axial fan, a mixed-flow fan, a cross-flow fan, or a centrifugal fan.

[0074] An indoor heat exchanger can be positioned between the supply fan and the exhaust port, or between the intake port and the supply fan. The indoor heat exchanger can absorb heat from the air flowing in through the intake port, or it can transfer heat to the air flowing in through the intake port. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer area.

[0075] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include a drain pan, positioned below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate produced by the heat exchanger. The condensate collected in the drain pan can be drained to the outside via a drain hose. The drain pan may also be configured to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0076] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input unit, including buttons, switches, touch screens and / or touchpads. Users can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification operation mode settings, exhaust outlet selection settings and / or airflow settings) through the input interface.

[0077] The input interface can also be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface can be electrically connected to a wired remote control. The wired remote control can be placed in a specific location in the indoor space (e.g., a part of a wall surface). The user can operate the wired remote control to input setting data for the operation of the air conditioner. The electrical signal corresponding to the setting data acquired through the wired remote control can be transmitted to the input interface. Furthermore, the input interface can include an infrared sensor. The user can remotely input setting data for the operation of the air conditioner using a wireless remote control. The setting data input via the wireless remote control can be transmitted to the input interface via an infrared signal.

[0078] Furthermore, the input interface may include a microphone. User voice commands can be acquired via the microphone. The microphone can convert the user's voice commands into electrical signals and transmit the converted electrical signals to the indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit can control the configuration of the air conditioner to perform functions corresponding to the user's voice commands. Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or airflow settings) can be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface can be transmitted to the outside (i.e., the outdoor unit or a server) via the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0079] An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include a power module. The power module can be connected to an external power source to supply power to the components of the indoor unit.

[0080] An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor disposed in a space inside or outside the housing. As an example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature and / or humidity sensors disposed in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. As an example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the refrigerant through the refrigerant pipes of the indoor unit. As an example, the indoor unit sensor may include individual refrigerant temperature sensors for sensing the inlet, intermediate, and / or outlet temperatures of the refrigerant pipes through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0081] As an example, each piece of environmental information sensed by the indoor unit's sensors can be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit (described later) or to the outside via the indoor unit communication unit (described later).

[0082] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wireless communication with another device. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may also include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.

[0083] Short-range wireless communication modules can include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication modules, Near Field Communication modules, Wireless Local Area Networks (Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication modules, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication modules, Ultra Wide Band (UWB) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, and uWave communication modules.

[0084] The long-distance communication module may include communication modules that perform various types of long-distance communication, and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0085] The indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other household appliances via surrounding access points (APs). The access point (AP) connects the local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user equipment is connected to to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or user equipment can connect to the server via the WAN. The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit control unit comprising controls for indoor units including fans, etc. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit control unit comprising controls for outdoor units including compressors, etc. The indoor unit control unit can communicate with the outdoor unit control unit via both the indoor unit communication unit and the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit can transmit control signals generated by the outdoor unit control unit to the indoor unit communication unit, or it can transmit control signals transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit to the outdoor unit control unit. That is, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can perform bidirectional communication. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit can send and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0086] The outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to the components of the outdoor unit and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit control unit can adjust the compressor frequency and control the flow path switching valve to change the refrigerant circulation direction. The outdoor unit control unit can adjust the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. Furthermore, the outdoor unit control unit can generate control signals for adjusting the opening of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, the refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant circulation loop, which includes the compressor, flow path switching valve, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion valve, and indoor heat exchanger.

[0087] Multiple temperature sensors included in both the outdoor and indoor units can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected temperatures to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit. Similarly, humidity sensors included in both the outdoor and indoor units can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity levels to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit.

[0088] The indoor unit control unit can acquire user input from user devices, including mobile devices, through the indoor unit communication unit, and can acquire user input directly through an input interface or through a remote control. The indoor unit control unit can control the configuration of the indoor unit, including the air blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit can transmit information about the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit.

[0089] The outdoor unit control unit can control the configuration of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on information received from the indoor unit regarding user input. For example, if a control signal corresponding to user input selecting an operating mode such as cooling operation, heating operation, fan operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor control unit can control the configuration of the outdoor unit to perform air conditioning operation corresponding to the selected operating mode.

[0090] The outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0091] The memory can remember / 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 air conditioner's cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and / or defrosting operations. The memory can include volatile memory such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAM) for temporary data storage. Furthermore, the memory can include non-volatile memory such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) for long-term data storage.

[0092] A processor can generate control signals for controlling the operation of an air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. As hardware, the processor may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from memory and generate control signals based on the processing results. The memory and processor can be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0093] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an output interface. This output interface can be electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit and, under the control of the indoor unit control unit, can output information related to the operation of the air conditioner. For example, it can output information such as the operating mode, airflow direction, air volume, and temperature selected by the user. Furthermore, the output interface can output sensing information and warning / error messages obtained from indoor or outdoor unit sensors.

[0094] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker, as a sound device, can output various sounds. The display can show information input by the user or information provided to the user as various graphic elements. For example, air conditioner operation information can be displayed as at least one of an image or text. Furthermore, the display may include indicators that provide specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display panel, a light-emitting diode panel, an organic light-emitting diode panel, a micro-LED panel, and / or multiple LEDs.

[0095] The blocks of each sequence diagram and combinations of sequence diagrams can be executed by one or more computer programs that include instructions. One or more complete computer programs can be stored in a single memory device, or one or more computer programs can be divided and stored in multiple memory devices that are different from each other.

[0096] All functions or operations described herein can be handled by a processor or a combination of processors. A processor or combination of processors can be circuitry that performs processing and can include circuitry such as an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural network processing unit (NPU, an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near-field communication (NFC) chip, a connectivity chip, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a fingerprint sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio codec chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), an integrated circuit (IC), and the like.

[0097] In the following, air conditioners according to various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of explanation, although an air purifier is described as an example of an air conditioner, this disclosure is not limited to air purifiers and can be applied to a variety of household appliances, including indoor units of air conditioners containing heat exchangers.

[0098] Figure 1 An air conditioner according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 2 A portion of the air supply panel of an air conditioner according to one embodiment is shown in exploded view. Figure 3 A cross-section of an air conditioner according to one embodiment is shown.

[0099] Reference Figures 1 to 3Air conditioner 1 may include housing 10. Housing 10 may form the appearance of air conditioner 1.

[0100] The outer casing 10 may include a frame body 11 and an air supply panel 12 disposed on the outside of the frame body 11. The frame body 11 may support various configurations of the air conditioner 1. The frame body 11 may be configured to house various configurations of the air conditioner 1. The frame body 11 may be configured such that at least a portion of the frame body 11 is covered by the air supply panel 12.

[0101] The air supply panel 12 can be detachably mounted to the frame body 11. For example, the air supply panel 12 may include a first air supply panel forming the front surface of the air conditioner 1, a second air supply panel forming the rear surface of the air conditioner 1, a third air supply panel forming the right side surface of the air conditioner 1, and a fourth air supply panel forming the left side surface of the air conditioner 1. The first air supply panel may be referred to as the front panel. The second air supply panel may be referred to as the rear panel. The third air supply panel may be referred to as the right side panel. The fourth air supply panel may be referred to as the left side panel.

[0102] The first, second, third, and fourth air supply panels can be configured as independent units. However, at least a portion of the first, second, third, and fourth air supply panels can also be integrated as a single unit. At least a portion of the first, second, third, and fourth air supply panels can be separable from the frame body 11.

[0103] The air supply panel 12 may include a panel portion 12a. The panel portion 12a may include a plurality of ribs. The plurality of ribs may extend in one direction. For example, the plurality of ribs may extend in a vertical direction. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0104] The panel portion 12a can be formed covering the entire area of ​​the air supply panel 12. For example, the panel portion 12a can be configured with a uniform pattern covering the entire area of ​​the air supply panel 12. Accordingly, the design freedom of the air supply panel 12 can be increased to improve its aesthetics.

[0105] The housing 10 may include an air outlet 13. For example, the air outlet 13 may be formed on the air outlet panel 12. The air outlet 13 may extend in the vertical direction. Multiple air outlets 13 may be formed. For example, multiple air outlets 13 may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z direction). For example, multiple air outlets 13 may be arranged in the horizontal direction (Y direction) or in the front-back direction (X direction).

[0106] Air outlet 13 may be formed corresponding to panel portion 12a. For example, air outlet 13 may be an opening formed between multiple ribs of panel portion 12a. Air outside housing 10 may flow into or out of housing 10 through air outlet 13. Air outlet 13 may include multiple openings.

[0107] The housing 10 may include an inlet 13a and an outlet 13b. The inlet 13a may be configured to allow air from outside the housing 10 to flow into the interior of the housing 10. The outlet 13b may be configured to allow air from inside the housing 10 to flow out of the housing 10. The inlet 13a and the outlet 13b may be formed on the air supply panel 12. The air outlet 13 may include an inlet 13a and an outlet 13b. The inlet 13a may be provided by a portion of the air outlet 13, and the outlet 13b may be provided by another portion of the air outlet 13. A portion of the air outlet 13 may be the inlet 13a, and another portion of the air outlet 13 may be the outlet 13b.

[0108] The housing 10 may include an inlet opening 14 and an outlet opening 15. The inlet opening 14 and the outlet opening 15 may be formed on the frame body 11. The inlet opening 14 may be configured as an inlet portion 13a corresponding to the air outlet 13. The outlet opening 15 may be configured as an outlet portion 13b corresponding to the air outlet 13.

[0109] The disclosed air conditioner 1 can be equipped to allow air to flow into the interior of the housing 10 through the inlet 13a and the inlet opening 14, and to discharge the purified air to the exterior of the housing 10 through the outlet opening 15 and the outlet 13b.

[0110] For example, inflow section 13a may include a first inflow section and a second inflow section spaced apart from the first inflow section, and inflow opening 14 may include a first inflow opening corresponding to the first inflow section and a second inflow opening corresponding to the second inflow section. The first inflow section and the second inflow section may be arranged in a vertical direction, and correspondingly, the first inflow opening and the second inflow opening may be arranged in a vertical direction.

[0111] For example, the discharge section 13b may include a first discharge section and a second discharge section spaced apart from the first discharge section, and the discharge opening 15 may include a first discharge opening corresponding to the first discharge section and a second discharge opening corresponding to the second discharge section. The first discharge section and the second discharge section may be arranged in a vertical direction, and correspondingly, the first discharge opening and the second discharge opening may be arranged in a vertical direction.

[0112] The inlet portion 13a and the outlet portion 13b can be formed on the first air supply panel, the second air supply panel, the third air supply panel, and the fourth air supply panel, respectively. Correspondingly, the first inlet opening 14 and the second outlet opening 15 can be formed on the front surface, the rear surface, the right side surface, and the left side surface of the frame body 11, respectively.

[0113] For example, air outside the housing 10 can flow from the periphery of the housing 10 into the interior of the housing 10 through the inlet 13a and the inlet opening 14. For example, air outside the housing 10 can flow into the interior of the housing 10 from all directions through the inlet 13a and the inlet opening 14.

[0114] Furthermore, for example, air inside the housing 10 can flow from the housing 10 toward the outside of the housing 10 around the housing 10 via the discharge section 13b and the discharge opening 15. For example, air inside the housing 10 can flow toward the outside of the housing 10 in all directions via the discharge section 13b and the discharge opening 15.

[0115] Because air flows in and / or flows out from all directions, air circulation inside the housing 10 can proceed smoothly. The air conditioner 1 can achieve high dust collection efficiency.

[0116] The housing 10 may include an upper frame 16. The upper frame 16 may be mounted on the upper end of the housing 10. The upper frame 16 may be arranged on the upper side of the frame body 11.

[0117] The upper frame 16 may be equipped with a user interface. For example, the user interface may include an operation unit. The user interface can receive user input or output operation information of the air conditioner 1 to the user.

[0118] The housing 10 may include a support frame 19. The support frame 19 may be arranged at the lower end of the housing 10 to support the housing 10 and the elements constituting the air conditioner 1.

[0119] Air conditioner 1 may include a blower 30. The blower 30 can generate airflow. The blower 30 can move air. The blower 30 can force airflow. The blower 30 can rotate to form an airflow within the housing 10. The blower 30 can cause air to flow in through the inlet 13a and inlet opening 14 and to exit through the outlet 13b and outlet opening 15. For example, the blower 30 can cause air to move upwards. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto; when the inlet 13a is positioned above the outlet 13b, the blower 30 can cause air to move downwards.

[0120] The blower 30 can be arranged inside the housing 10. The blower 30 can be located downstream of the inlet 13a. The blower 30 can be located upstream of the outlet 13b. The blower 30 can be arranged between the inlet 13a and the outlet 13b.

[0121] Air conditioner 1 may include a plurality of blowers 30. The plurality of blowers 30 may be arranged along a generally vertical direction (Z direction). The plurality of blowers 30 may be spaced apart along a generally vertical direction (Z direction). For example, air conditioner 1 may include a first blower and a second blower. However, the number of blowers 30 is not limited.

[0122] A flow path 20 may be formed inside the housing 10. The flow path 20 may extend from the inlet 13a to the outlet 13b. Air supplied by the blower 30 may flow into the flow path 20.

[0123] Air can flow through the housing 10 in the airflow direction. The airflow direction can be from upstream to downstream of the flow path 20 formed inside the housing 10. For example, within the housing 10, the airflow direction can include a vertical direction (Z direction). The airflow direction can be the direction from which air flowing into the housing 10 through the inlet 13a and inlet opening 14 towards the outlet opening 15 and outlet 13b. For example, the airflow direction can be the direction in which air flows into the housing 10 through the inlet 13a and inlet opening 14 and then passes through the dust collection device 50, deodorizing device 40, and blower 30. For example, air flowing in through the blower 30 from the front, rear, left, and right sides of the housing 10 can flow upwards and then be discharged again through the front, rear, left, and right sides of the housing 10. However, the airflow direction is not limited to the examples described above.

[0124] Air conditioner 1 may include an air guide 17. Air flowing into the housing 10 through the inlet 13a and inlet opening 14 can be guided to the blower 30 side by the air guide 17. The air guide 17 may form part of a flow path 20 inside it. The air guide 17 can guide air inside the housing 10 and / or the flow path 20 to the blower 30. Air passing through the interior of the air guide 17 can flow into the interior of the blower housing 18 and into the blower 30.

[0125] Air conditioner 1 may include a blower housing 18. A blower 30 may be disposed within the blower housing 18. The blower housing 18 may form part of a flow path 20 within itself. The blower housing 18 may guide the flow of air flowing within the housing 10. The blower housing 18 may communicate with an air guide 17.

[0126] Air conditioner 1 may include a dust collection device 50. The dust collection device 50 may be configured to filter air. The dust collection device 50 may capture aerosols in the air. For example, the dust collection device 50 may include a first component 51 configured to charge aerosols in the air and a second component 52 configured to collect the aerosols charged by the first component 51.

[0127] The dust collection device 50 can be arranged inside the housing 10. The dust collection device 50 can be configured to allow air flowing in through the inlet 13a and inlet opening 14 to pass through it. The dust collection device 50 can be configured to allow air to pass through it before being discharged through the outlet opening 15 and outlet 13b. The dust collection device 50 can be arranged between the inlet 13a and outlet 13b. The dust collection device 50 can be arranged between the inlet opening 14 and outlet opening 15. The dust collection device 50 can filter the air flowing into the housing 10 through the inlet 13a by the blower 30. The filtered air can be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the outlet 13b.

[0128] For example, the dust collection device 50 may be arranged below the blower 30. For example, the blower 30 may be arranged above the dust collection device 50. For example, the dust collection device 50 and the blower 30 may be arranged apart from the deodorizing device 40. However, the positions of the deodorizing device 40, the dust collection device 50, and the blower 30 are not limited to the examples described above.

[0129] Air conditioner 1 may include multiple dust collection devices 50. The multiple dust collection devices 50 may be arranged along a generally vertical direction (Z direction). The multiple dust collection devices 50 may be spaced apart along a generally vertical direction (Z direction). For example, air conditioner 1 may include a first dust collection device and a second dust collection device. However, the number of dust collection devices 50 is not limited.

[0130] Air conditioner 1 may include a deodorizing device 40. The deodorizing device 40 may be configured to deodorize the air. The deodorizing device 40 may be configured to remove odorous substances from the air. The deodorizing device 40 may be configured to sterilize the air. For example, the deodorizing device 40 may decompose organic matter in the air and sterilize the air. Odors can be removed as air flowing inside the housing 10 passes through the deodorizing device 40.

[0131] The deodorization device 40 may include a light source device 41 and a photocatalyst filter 42. The photocatalyst filter 42 can react with light irradiated from the light source device 41 to generate reactants, which can decompose odor substances to deodorize the air.

[0132] The deodorizing device 40 can be disposed inside the housing 10. The deodorizing device 40 can be configured to allow air flowing in through the inlet 13a and inlet opening 14 to pass through it. The deodorizing device 40 can be configured to allow air to pass through it before being discharged through the outlet opening 15 and outlet 13b. The deodorizing device 40 can be disposed between the inlet 13a and outlet 13b. The deodorizing device 40 can be disposed between the inlet opening 14 and outlet opening 15.

[0133] The deodorizing device 40 can be configured to deodorize the air passing through the dust collection device 50. The deodorizing device 40 can be located downstream of the dust collection device 50 in the airflow direction. The deodorizing device 40 can be arranged between the dust collection device 50 and the discharge section 13b. The deodorizing device 40 can be arranged between the dust collection device 50 and the discharge opening 15. However, this disclosure is not limited to this; the deodorizing device 40 can also be located upstream of the dust collection device 50 in the airflow direction. In this case, the dust collection device 50 can be configured to capture aerosols in the air passing through the deodorizing device 40.

[0134] For example, the deodorizing device 40 may be positioned above the dust collection device 50. Alternatively, the dust collection device 50 may be positioned below the deodorizing device 40. Or, the deodorizing device 40 may be positioned between the dust collection device 50 and the blower 30. However, the positions of the deodorizing device 40, the dust collection device 50, and the blower 30 are not limited to the examples described above.

[0135] Air conditioner 1 may include a plurality of deodorizing devices 40. The plurality of deodorizing devices 40 may be arranged along a generally vertical direction (Z direction). The plurality of deodorizing devices 40 may be arranged spaced apart along a generally vertical direction (Z direction). For example, air conditioner 1 may include a first deodorizing device and a second deodorizing device. However, the number of deodorizing devices 40 is not limited.

[0136] For example, a first deodorizing device may be mounted above a first dust collecting device. For example, a second deodorizing device may be mounted on a second dust collecting device. For example, a first blower may be mounted between the first and second dust collecting devices. For example, the second dust collecting device may be separated from the first dust collecting device by the first blower and positioned upwards. For example, a first blower may be mounted between the first deodorizing device and the second dust collecting device. For example, a second blower may be mounted on the second dust collecting device. For example, a second blower may be arranged on the second dust collecting device to move air passing through the second dust collecting device toward the discharge section 13b. For example, a second blower may be mounted on the second deodorizing device. For example, a second blower may be arranged on the second deodorizing device to move air passing through the second deodorizing device toward the discharge section 13b. However, this disclosure is not limited to the above examples, and the positions of the dust collecting device 50, the deodorizing device 40, and the blower 30 are not limited to the above examples.

[0137] For example, the air conditioner 1 may omit the blower 30, deodorizing device 40 and dust collection device 50 arranged below, as well as the components related to them.

[0138] Dust collection device 50 may be located on flow path 20. Deodorization device 40 may be located on flow path 20. Blower 30 may be located on flow path 20. For example, air flowing into flow path 20 through inlet 13a may pass through dust collection device 50, deodorization device 40 and blower 30 before flowing to outlet 13b. Air flowing to outlet 13b may be discharged from flow path 20.

[0139] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the exhaust device of an air conditioner according to an embodiment disassembled from the casing. Figure 5 An exploded view of a discharge device according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 6 A portion of the cross-section of a discharge device according to one embodiment is shown.

[0140] Reference Figures 4 to 6 The air conditioner 1 may include a discharge device 100. The discharge device 100 may be installed on the housing 10. The discharge device 100 may be installed on the frame body 11 of the housing 10. The discharge device 100 may be installed on the upper portion 11a of the frame body 11. The discharge device 100 may be located between the upper portion 11a of the frame body 11 and the upper frame 16.

[0141] An air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a discharge port 16a formed on the upper frame 16. The discharge port 16a may be configured to face a direction different from the direction facing the discharge portion 13b. For example, the discharge port 16a may be configured to face upwards. The discharge port 16a may be configured at the end of a flow path branching off from the flow path formed between the blower 30 and the discharge portion 13b. Air supplied from the blower 30 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the discharge portion 13b or the discharge port 16a.

[0142] The discharge device 100 may be configured to open and close the discharge port 16a. The discharge device 100 may be configured to guide a portion of the air supplied to the discharge section 13b by the blower 30 to the discharge port 16a.

[0143] The discharge device 100 may include a base 101. The base 101 may be fixed to the housing 10. The base 101 may be mounted and fixed to the frame body 11. The base 101 may support various configurations of the discharge device 100. For example, the base 101 may include a drive source housing 104 for mounting the cover lifting motor 102 and the cover rotating motor 103.

[0144] The discharge device 100 may include a cover lifting motor 102 mounted on the base 101. The cover lifting motor 102 may be equipped with power to move the discharge cover 110. For example, the cover lifting motor 102 may be located at the right rear corner of the base 101. With the operation of the cover lifting motor 102, the discharge cover 110 may move upward or downward.

[0145] As an example, the discharge device 100 may include a movable gear 102a for transmitting power from the lid lifting motor 102 to the rotating component 120. The lid lifting motor 102 may include the movable gear 102a. The lid lifting motor 102 may be connected to the rotating component 120 via the movable gear 102a. For example, the movable gear 102a may include a plurality of gears.

[0146] The discharge device 100 may include a cover rotation motor 103 mounted on the base 101. The cover rotation motor 103 may be configured to provide power for rotating the discharge cover 110. For example, the cover rotation motor 103 may be located at the left rear corner of the base 101. The cover rotation motor 103 may include a stepper motor. With the operation of the cover rotation motor 103, the discharge cover 110 may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0147] As an example, the discharge device 100 may include a rotating gear 103a for transmitting power from the cap rotation motor 103 to the rotation transmission unit 140. The cap rotation motor 103 may include the rotating gear 103a. The cap rotation motor 103 may be connected to the rotation transmission unit 140 via the rotating gear 103a. For example, the rotating gear 103a may include a plurality of gears.

[0148] The rotary transmission unit 140 may also be referred to as a discharge cover rotor, a rotary carrier, or a rotary transmitter. In addition to the exemplary terms, the rotary transmission unit 140 may also be referred to by a variety of other terms.

[0149] The discharge device 100 can be configured such that the cover rotation motor 103 is fixed to the base 101 during the movement of the discharge cover 110. Furthermore, the discharge device 100 can be configured such that the cover lifting motor 102 is fixed to the base 101 during the rotation of the discharge cover 110. Since both the cover lifting motor 102 and the cover rotation motor 103 are fixed to the base 101 and do not move during the movement or rotation of the discharge cover 110, the operational stability of the discharge device 100 can be improved.

[0150] Since the exhaust device 100 of the disclosed air conditioner 1 is configured such that both the cover lifting motor 102 and the cover rotating motor 103 are fixed to the base 101 and the cover lifting motor 102 and the cover rotating motor 103 do not move during the movement or rotation of the exhaust cover 110, it is possible to prevent the wires connected to the cover lifting motor 102 and / or the cover rotating motor 103 from moving, twisting or breaking and causing malfunctions.

[0151] Since the exhaust device 100 of the disclosed air conditioner 1 is configured such that both the cover lifting motor 102 and the cover rotating motor 103 are fixed to the base 101 and the cover lifting motor 102 and the cover rotating motor 103 do not move during the movement or rotation of the exhaust cover 110, the safety rate reduction caused by the weight of the drive sources 102 and 103 can be prevented.

[0152] The discharge device 100 may include a discharge cover 110. The discharge cover 110 may be configured to open and close the discharge port 16a. The discharge cover 110 may be configured to be movable and rotatable relative to the base 101. For example, the discharge cover 110 may have a cylindrical shape with an open lower portion.

[0153] The discharge cover 110 may include a cover opening 117 formed on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the discharge cover 110. When the discharge cover 110 closes the discharge port 16a, the cover opening 117 may be located inside the housing 10. When the discharge cover 110 opens the discharge port 16a, at least a portion of the cover opening 117 may be located outside the housing 10. For example, the cover opening 117 may be configured to orient air discharged from the housing 10 through the discharge port 16a in a generally vertical direction toward a generally horizontal direction.

[0154] The discharge cover 110 can be coupled to the conversion member 130. The discharge cover 110 can be rotatably coupled to the conversion member 130. The discharge cover 110 can be coupled to the conversion member 130 so as to be movable together with the conversion member 130 in the vertical direction. The discharge cover 110 can be coupled to the conversion member 130 in a manner that allows it to rotatably relative to the conversion member 130 and to be movable together with the conversion member 130 in the vertical direction.

[0155] The discharge cover 110 may include a swivel support 111 disposed around the periphery of the discharge cover 110. The swivel support 111 may engage with a swivel engagement 131 of the conversion member 130. For example, the swivel support 111 of the discharge cover 110 may have a groove shape, and the swivel engagement 131 of the conversion member 130 may have a shape that protrudes inward from the inner circumference of the conversion member 130.

[0156] The discharge cover 110 can be rotatably coupled to the rotation transmission unit 140 together with it. The discharge cover 110 can also be movably coupled to the rotation transmission unit 140 relative to it. For example, the discharge cover 110 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise together with the rotation transmission unit 140. The discharge cover 110 can also be movably coupled to the rotation transmission unit 140 in a vertical direction relative to it.

[0157] The discharge cover 110 may include a cover joint 115 movably coupled to the component joint 145 of the rotation transmission part 140 (see reference). Figure 9 The component engagement portion 145 of the rotation transfer unit 140 may extend along the direction of movement of the discharge cover 110 (e.g., vertical direction). For example, the cover engagement portion 115 may have a shape that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the discharge cover 110, and the component engagement portion 145 may have a groove shape that allows the cover engagement portion 115 to be slidably inserted. As the component engagement portion 145 of the rotation transfer unit 140 and the cover engagement portion 115 of the discharge cover 110 are engaged, the discharge cover 110 and the rotation transfer unit 140 may rotate together. Separation rotation of the discharge cover 110 and the rotation transfer unit 140 may be restricted.

[0158] While the discharge cover 110 is open to the discharge hole 16a, a portion of the air supplied by the blower 30 can be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the discharge section 13b, and another portion of the air supplied by the blower 30 can be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the discharge hole 16a.

[0159] The discharge device 100 may include movement transmission units 120, 130, and 106 that receive power from the cover lifting motor 102 and move the discharge cover 110. For example, the movement transmission units 120, 130, and 106 may include a rotating component 120, a conversion component 130, and a movement support component 106.

[0160] The discharge device 100 may include a rotating component 120. The rotating component 120 may be configured to be rotatable relative to the base 101. The rotating component 120 may be rotatably housed in the base 101. The rotating component 120 may be rotatably mounted on the base 101. The rotating component 120 may be connected to a cover lifting motor 102. The rotating component 120 may be connected to a moving gear 102a of the cover lifting motor 102.

[0161] The rotating component 120 may include a movable gear connecting portion 121 for connection with the lid lifting motor 102. The movable gear connecting portion 121 may be disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the rotating component 120 on at least a portion of the rotating component 120. The movable gear connecting portion 121 may have a gear shape. For example, with the movable gear 102a of the lid lifting motor 102 connected to the movable gear connecting portion 121 of the rotating component 120, the rotating component 120 can receive rotational force from the lid lifting motor 102 and rotate.

[0162] The rotating component 120 may include a movement guide 123 for guiding the movement of the conversion component 130. The movement guide 123 may extend along the direction of movement of the discharge cover 110. For example, the movement guide 123 may extend in a vertical direction. The movement guide 123 may be configured to engage with a movement coupling 133 of the conversion component 130. For example, the movement coupling 133 of the conversion component 130 may have a protruding shape, and the movement guide 123 may have a slit shape for slidably inserting the movement coupling 133. For example, the number of movement guides 123 may be single or multiple, corresponding to the number of movement couplings 133.

[0163] The discharge device 100 may include a conversion member 130. The conversion member 130 may be coupled to the rotating member 120 in a manner that allows it to rotate together with the rotating member 120. The conversion member 130 may be coupled to the rotating member 120 in a manner that allows it to move relative to the rotating member 120. For example, the conversion member 130 may have a ring shape.

[0164] The conversion member 130 may include a movable engagement portion 133 movably coupled to the movable guide 123 of the rotating member 120. For example, the movable engagement portion 133 may have a shape that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the conversion member 130, and the movable guide 123 may have a slit shape into which the movable engagement portion 133 is slidably inserted. For example, the number of movable engagement portions 133 may be configured as one or more, corresponding to the number of movable guides 123. As the movable engagement portion 133 moves along the movable guide 123 in a vertical direction, the conversion member 130 may move vertically relative to the rotating member 120.

[0165] The conversion member 130 may include a rotatable engagement portion 131 rotatably coupled to the rotatable support portion 111 of the discharge cover 110. The conversion member 130 may be configured such that movement of the discharge cover 110 is restricted as the rotatable support portion 111 engages with the rotatable engagement portion 131. For example, the rotatable engagement portion 131 may have a shape that protrudes inward from the inner peripheral surface of the conversion member 130, and the rotatable support portion 111 of the discharge cover 110 may have a groove shape formed on the outer peripheral surface of the discharge cover 110.

[0166] The conversion component 130 can be coupled to the discharge cover 110 in a manner that allows it to move together with the discharge cover 110. The conversion component 130 can also be coupled to the discharge cover 110 in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the discharge cover 110.

[0167] The discharge device 100 may include a movable support 106. During the rotation of the rotating member 120, the movable support 106 may guide the movement of the conversion member 130. The movable support 106 may guide the vertical movement of the conversion member 130. For example, the movable support 106 may be integrally formed with the base 101.

[0168] The movable support portion 106 may have an inclined shape to allow the movable coupling portion 133 of the conversion member 130 to move vertically during rotation of the conversion member 130. The movable support portion 106 may extend around the outer periphery of the conversion member 130. For example, the movable support portion 106 may be configured with an upwardly inclined portion and a downwardly inclined portion repeatedly formed around the outer periphery of the conversion member 130. The movable support portion 106 may support the movable coupling portion 133 of the conversion member 130. The movable coupling portion 133 of the conversion member 130 may slide along the movable support portion 106.

[0169] The discharge device 100 may include a moving guide 107 for forming a moving engagement 133 for the conversion member 130 together with the moving support 106 (see reference). Figure 8 The movable cover 150 can be mounted on the base 101. The movable cover 150 can be supported by at least a portion of the movable support portion 106 of the base 101. The movable cover 150 may include a cover tilt portion 151 corresponding to the tilt portion of the movable support portion 106. The movable engagement portion 133 of the conversion member 130 can move along a movable guide rail 107 formed by the movable support portion 106 and the movable cover 150. For example, the movable guide rail 107 may be formed in three or more parts around the conversion member 130.

[0170] The discharge device 100 may include a rotation transmission unit 140. The rotation transmission unit 140 may be configured to receive power from the cover rotation motor 103 to rotate the discharge cover 110. The rotation transmission unit 140 may also be referred to as a discharge cover rotor, a rotation carrier, or a rotation transmitter. In addition to the exemplary terms, the rotation transmission unit 140 may also be referred to by various other terms.

[0171] The rotation transmission unit 140 may include a rotary gear connecting portion 141 for connection with the cover rotation motor 103. The rotary gear connecting portion 141 may be disposed along at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the rotation transmission unit 140. The rotary gear connecting portion 141 may have a gear shape. For example, with the rotary gear 103a of the cover rotation motor 103 connected to the rotary gear connecting portion 141 of the rotation transmission unit 140, the rotation transmission unit 140 can receive rotational force from the cover rotation motor 103 and rotate.

[0172] The rotation transfer unit 140 may include a component engagement portion 145 extending along the direction of movement of the discharge cover 110 (e.g., vertical direction). The component engagement portion 145 of the rotation transfer unit 140 may engage with the cover engagement portion 115 of the discharge cover 110. For example, the component engagement portion 145 may have a groove shape, and the cover engagement portion 115 of the discharge cover 110 may have a protruding shape that is slidably inserted into the component engagement portion 145.

[0173] The discharge device 100 can be configured such that the rotation transmission unit 140 rotates with the operation of the cover rotation motor 103, and the discharge cover 110 rotates without moving with the rotation transmission unit 140. Although the discharge cover 110 is restricted from rotating independently of the rotation transmission unit 140 as the component joint 145 is engaged with the cover joint 115, it can be configured to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the rotation transmission unit 140.

[0174] The exhaust device 100 may include a fan assembly 160. The fan assembly 160 may include an exhaust fan 161, which is operable to exhaust a portion of the air supplied by the blower 30 through the exhaust port 16a while the exhaust cover 110 is open. The fan assembly 160 may include a fan housing 162 for mounting the exhaust fan 161.

[0175] For example, during the operation of the fan unit 160, the air conditioner 1 can discharge a larger amount of air from the air supplied by the blower 30 through the discharge port 16a than the amount of air discharged through the discharge section 13b. During the operation of the fan unit 160, the air discharged from the discharge port 16a can reach a greater distance from the air conditioner 1. Furthermore, during the operation of the fan unit 160, the air discharged from the discharge port 16a can travel at a faster speed.

[0176] Reference Figure 6In the exhaust device 100 of the air conditioner 1, an exhaust cover 110 and a conversion component 130 may be arranged on the outside of the rotation transmission part 140, with the rotation shaft of the exhaust fan 161 as the center. A movable support part 106 and a movable cover 150 may be arranged on the outside of the exhaust cover 110 and the conversion component 130. A rotating component 120 may be arranged on the outside of the movable support part 106 and the movable cover 150.

[0177] Figure 7 This illustrates the state in which the discharge device according to one embodiment has its discharge port closed. Figure 8 This illustrates the connection between the configurations related to the movement of the discharge cover when the discharge port of the discharge device according to one embodiment is closed. Figure 9 The lower part of the configuration related to the movement of the discharge cover is shown when the discharge port of the discharge device according to one embodiment is closed.

[0178] Reference Figures 7 to 9 The state in which the discharge device 100 closes the discharge port 16a will be described. When the discharge device 100 closes the discharge port 16a, the movable coupling portion 133 of the conversion member 130 can be located below the movable guide 123 of the rotating member 120. The movable coupling portion 133 of the conversion member 130 can be located below the movable support portion 106. The cover coupling portion 115 of the discharge cover 110 can be located below the component coupling portion 145 of the rotation transmission portion 140.

[0179] Figure 10 This illustrates the state in which the discharge port of the discharge device according to one embodiment is open. Figure 11 This illustrates the connection between the configurations related to the movement of the discharge cover when the discharge device according to one embodiment has the discharge port open. Figure 12 The lower part of the configuration related to the movement of the discharge cover is shown when the discharge port of the discharge device according to one embodiment is open.

[0180] Reference Figures 10 to 12 The state in which the discharge device 100 has its discharge port 16a open will be described. When the discharge device 100 has its discharge port 16a open, the movable coupling portion 133 of the conversion member 130 can be located above the movable guide portion 123 of the rotating member 120. The movable coupling portion 133 of the conversion member 130 can be located above the movable support portion 106. The cover coupling portion 115 of the discharge cover 110 can be located above the component coupling portion 145 of the rotation transmission portion 140.

[0181] As the cover lifting motor 102 operates, the rotating component 120 of the discharge device 100 can rotate. As the rotating component 120 rotates, the conversion component 130 can rotate and move upward. As the conversion component 130 rotates and moves upward, the discharge cover 110 can move upward in a non-rotating state and open the discharge hole 16a.

[0182] As the rotating component 120 rotates, the movable engagement portion 133 of the movable guide 123 inserted into the rotating component 120 moves in the direction that causes the conversion component 130 to rotate. During the movement of the movable engagement portion 133 in the direction that causes the conversion component 130 to rotate, the movable engagement portion 133 moves on the movable support portion 106, and as the movable support portion 106 has an upwardly inclined shape, the movable engagement portion 133 moves upward. As the movable engagement portion 133 moves upward, the discharge cover 110, which is engaged with the conversion component 130 in a vertical direction, moves upward.

[0183] During the upward movement of the discharge cover 110, the discharge cover 110 moves upward in a non-rotating state by the engagement of the component joint 145 of the rotation transmission part 140 with the cover joint 115 of the discharge cover 110.

[0184] To make the discharge device 100 operate such that the discharge port 16a is closed while it is open, the above process can be performed in reverse. It can be configured as follows: as the cover lifting motor 102 generates rotational force in the direction opposite to that of raising the discharge cover 110, the rotating member 120 will rotate. As the rotating member 120 rotates, the switching member 130 rotates and moves downward. As the switching member 130 rotates and moves downward, the discharge cover 110 moves downward in a non-rotating state and closes the discharge port 16a.

[0185] Figure 13 This illustrates the connection between the configuration related to the rotation of the discharge cover when the discharge device according to one embodiment has the discharge port open. Figure 14 The discharge cover of the discharge device according to one embodiment is shown in a rotated state. Figure 15 This illustrates the connection between the configurations related to the rotation of the discharge cover in a state where the discharge cover of the discharge device according to an embodiment is rotated.

[0186] Reference Figure 10 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 The operation of rotating the discharge cover 110 of the discharge device 100 will be described. The discharge cover 110 of the discharge device 100 can be rotated from... Figure 10 and Figure 13 The state shown is rotated as Figure 14 and Figure 15 Rotate in the manner shown.

[0187] As the cover rotation motor 103 operates, the rotation transmission unit 140 will rotate. As the rotation transmission unit 140 rotates, the discharge cover 110 can rotate without moving in the vertical direction through the engagement of the component joint 145 and the cover joint 115. Since the conversion unit 130 is equipped to rotate independently of the rotation of the discharge cover 110, the conversion unit 130 can remain stationary even if the discharge cover 110 rotates.

[0188] In order to allow the discharge cover 110 of the discharge device 100 to... Figure 14 and Figure 15 The state shown is rotated as Figure 10 and Figure 13 The state shown can be reversed to perform the above process. The cover rotation motor 103 can generate rotational force in the opposite direction to the above direction, thereby allowing the rotation transmission unit 140 and the discharge cover 110 to rotate in opposite directions.

[0189] As described above, according to one embodiment, the air conditioner 1 can guide a portion of the air supplied toward the exhaust section 13b to the exhaust port 16a, and can exhaust the air in a variety of ways.

[0190] Figure 16 This is a plan view of a portion of the discharge device according to one embodiment, viewed from above. Figure 17 Showing equipped with Figure 16 The magnet in the rotating transmission section of the discharge device shown. Figure 18 Showing equipped with Figure 16 The sensor in the fan housing of the exhaust device shown.

[0191] Reference Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 The upper surface of the rotation transmission section 140 may have a circular shape. Furthermore, the upper surface of the rotation transmission section 140 may have a grid shape with multiple holes. As described above, the rotation transmission section 140 can be connected to the cover rotation motor 103 via the rotation gear 103a. The rotation transmission section 140 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the operation of the cover rotation motor 103.

[0192] An exhaust fan 161 can be mounted on a fan housing 162. A portion of the fan housing 162 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the rotation transmission section 140. For example, the fan housing 162 may include a circular structure 162a and may include a support frame 162b integrally formed with or combined with the circular structure 162a. The support frame 162b may be formed to surround a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the circular structure 162a.

[0193] A magnet 146 may be disposed at a position on the rotation transmission section 140. The magnet 146 may be fixed to a position on the rotation transmission section 140. For example, the magnet 146 may be disposed at a position on the outer part of the rotation transmission section 140 (e.g., the edge of the upper surface). Furthermore, the magnet 146 may be located on the opposite side of the component joint 145 with the rotation transmission section 140 as the center. The magnet 146 is provided for identifying the reference position of the rotation transmission section 140, and therefore may also be referred to as a "position marker".

[0194] The fan housing 162 may be equipped with a first sensor 210 and a second sensor 220 for detecting the magnet 146. Furthermore, the fan housing 162 may also be equipped with a third sensor 230 for detecting the magnet 146. The first sensor 210, the second sensor 220, and the third sensor 230 may be arranged in the fan housing 162 in a manner facing the magnet 146, which moves due to the rotation of the rotation transmission unit 140.

[0195] A first sensor 210 may be disposed at a first position on the fan housing 162. A second sensor 220 may be disposed at a second position on the fan housing 162, spaced apart from the first position. With the center of the fan housing as a reference, the first position of the first sensor 210 and the second position of the second sensor 220 may have a predetermined angle. A third sensor 230 may be disposed at a third position on the fan housing 162, spaced apart from the first and second positions.

[0196] For example, with the center of the fan housing 162 (the center of the circular structure 162a) as a reference, the first angle between the first position of the first sensor 210 and the second position of the second sensor 220, the second angle between the second position of the second sensor 220 and the third position of the third sensor 230, and the third angle between the third position of the third sensor 230 and the first position of the first sensor 210 can be determined in various ways according to the design. For example, the first angle, the second angle, and the third angle can be the same.

[0197] The first sensor 210, the second sensor 220, and the third sensor 230 may include magnetic sensors capable of detecting the magnetic force of the magnet 146. For example, the first sensor 210, the second sensor 220, and the third sensor 230 may be tunnel magnetoresistive (TMR).

[0198] As the rotation transmission unit 140 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, the magnet 146 can also rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. If the magnet 146 moves and approaches the first sensor 210, the second sensor 220, or the third sensor 230, the first sensor 210, the second sensor 220, or the third sensor 230 can detect the magnet 146.

[0199] Figure 19 This is a control block diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0200] Reference Figure 19 The disclosed air conditioner 1 may include a lid rotation motor 103, a first sensor 210, a second sensor 220, a memory 250, and a processor 260. Furthermore, the air conditioner 1 may include a blower 30, a lid lifting motor 102, and a fan assembly 160. The air conditioner 1 may also include at least one of a deodorizing device 40, a dust collection device 50, a third sensor 230, and a user interface 240.

[0201] The memory 250 can store programs and data for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1. The processor 260 can be electrically connected to various components of the air conditioner 1 to control each component.

[0202] The processor 260 is hardware and may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor 260 can use programs, instructions, and / or data stored in the memory 250 to control the electrically connected components of the air conditioner 1 for operating the air conditioner 1. The processor 260 and the memory 250 may be implemented by separate chips, or by a single chip. Furthermore, more than one processor and more than one memory may be provided.

[0203] The processor 260 may include one or more of the following: a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), a many integrated core (MIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a neural processing unit (NPU), a hardware accelerator, and a machine learning accelerator.

[0204] The memory 250 may store programs, applications, instructions, and / or data for the operation of the air conditioner 1, and may also store data generated by the processor 260. For example, the memory 250 may store programs, applications, instructions, and / or data for performing cooling operation, heating operation, and dehumidification operation.

[0205] Memory 250 may include non-volatile memory such as read-only memory or flash memory for storing data for long periods of time. Memory 250 may also include volatile memory such as static random access memory (S-RAM) or dynamic random access memory for temporary storage of data.

[0206] Depending on the purpose of data storage, the memory 250 can be implemented as a memory embedded in the air conditioner 1, or it can be implemented as a memory removable from the air conditioner 1. For example, data used to drive the air conditioner 1 can be stored in a memory embedded in the air conditioner 1. Data used for extended functions of the air conditioner 1 can be stored in a memory that can be inserted into or removed from the air conditioner 1.

[0207] The blower 30 can rotate to create an airflow within the housing 10. The processor 260 can control the blower 30 and adjust its rotational speed. Each of the plurality of blowers 30 can be independently controlled by the processor 260.

[0208] The fan assembly 160 can be controlled to discharge a portion of the air supplied by the blower 30 through the discharge port 16a while the discharge port 16a is open. The fan assembly 160 can promote the movement of the air generated by the blower 30. By operating the fan assembly 160, the amount of air discharged through the discharge port 16a and the speed of air movement can be increased. The processor 260 can control the fan assembly 160 and can adjust the rotational speed of the fan assembly 160.

[0209] The deodorizing device 40 can remove odor substances from the air. Furthermore, the deodorizing device 40 can decompose organic matter in the air and sterilize the air. The deodorizing device 40 may include a light source device 41 and a photocatalyst filter 42. The processor 260 can control the operation of the deodorizing device 40. The processor 260 can regulate the power supplied to the deodorizing device 40. The processor 260 can regulate the power supplied to each of the light source device 41 and the photocatalyst filter 42.

[0210] The dust collection device 50 can capture aerosols in the air passing through the deodorization device 40. For example, the dust collection device 50 may include an electrostatic precipitator that charges aerosols by generating ions and captures the charged aerosols. The processor 260 can control the operation of the dust collection device 50. The processor 260 can regulate the power supplied to the dust collection device 50.

[0211] The cover lifting motor 102 generates power to move the discharge cover 110 vertically. The cover lifting motor 102 is connected to the rotating component 120 via a moving gear 102a. With the operation of the cover lifting motor 102, the rotating component 120 can rotate, and with the rotation of the rotating component 120, the discharge cover 110 can move upwards or downwards. The processor 260 can control the direction of movement of the discharge cover 110 by controlling the rotation direction of the cover lifting motor 102.

[0212] The cap rotation motor 103 generates power to rotate the discharge cap 110. The cap rotation motor 103 is connected to the rotation transmission unit 140 via a rotation gear 103a. With the operation of the cap rotation motor 103, the rotation transmission unit 140 can rotate, and with the rotation of the rotation transmission unit 140, the discharge cap 110 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. The processor 260 can control the rotation direction of the discharge cap 110 by controlling the rotation direction of the cap rotation motor 103. The rotation transmission unit 140 may also be referred to as a discharge cap rotor, a rotation carrier, or a rotation transmitter. In addition to the exemplary terms, the rotation transmission unit 140 may also be referred to by various other terms.

[0213] The rotary motor 103 may include a stepper motor. A stepper motor is a type of brushless DC motor, comprising a stator and rotor that utilize small teeth meshing. A stepper motor can slowly rotate a predetermined angle based on the current flowing through the stator coils. Existing technology employs an open-loop control method for stepper motors, which does not require feedback on the rotation and position of the stepper motor. However, since open-loop control does not provide feedback on the rotation and position of the stepper motor, there is a problem that the rotating body cannot be accurately rotated to the target position if its position deviates from a reference position.

[0214] For example, the position of the rotation transmission unit 140 may deviate from the reference position due to various reasons (e.g., external force, temporary motor malfunction, etc.). If the position of the rotation transmission unit 140 deviates from the reference position, the position of the discharge cover 110 will also deviate from the reference position. Air is discharged through the cover opening 117 of the discharge cover 110, and airflow adjustment is performed by rotating the discharge cover 110. If the position of the discharge cover 110 is displaced from the reference position, the direction of the cover opening 117 cannot be accurately aligned with the target direction, and therefore airflow adjustment cannot be performed accurately.

[0215] To solve this problem, the disclosed air conditioner 1 can easily move the rotary transmission unit 140 to a reference position through position feedback of the rotary transmission unit 140. The disclosed air conditioner 1 can use a position marker (e.g., magnet 146) provided at a position of the rotary transmission unit 140 and multiple sensors (e.g., first sensor 210 and second sensor 220) that detect the position marker to provide feedback on the position of the rotary transmission unit 140.

[0216] The first sensor 210, the second sensor 220, and the third sensor 230 can detect a position marker (e.g., a magnet 146) fixed at a position on the rotation transmission unit 140. Each of the first sensor 210, the second sensor 220, and the third sensor 230 can transmit an electrical signal (e.g., a magnet detection signal) corresponding to the detection of the position marker (e.g., the magnet 146) to the processor 260. The processor 260 can identify the position of the rotation transmission unit 140 based on the detection signals transmitted from each of the first sensor 210, the second sensor 220, and the third sensor 230.

[0217] When a magnet 146 is provided at a position on the rotation transmission unit 140, the magnet 146 can also rotate in the same direction as the rotation transmission unit 140 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise. For example, in Figure 18 In the state where the magnet 146 is located between the first sensor 210 and the third sensor 230 of the fan housing 162, if the rotation transmission unit 140 starts to rotate clockwise, the magnet 146 can reach the first sensor 210 before reaching the second sensor 220. Similarly, if the rotation transmission unit 140 starts to rotate clockwise while the magnet 146 is located between the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220, the magnet 146 can reach the second sensor 210 first.

[0218] The processor 260 can control the lid rotation motor 103 to move the rotation transmission unit 140 to a reference position. For example, the processor 260 can control the lid rotation motor 103 to move the rotation transmission unit 140 to a reference position based on the satisfaction of the power-off condition of the air conditioner 1. The reference position can be replaced by various terms such as default position or starting position.

[0219] The power-off conditions for air conditioner 1 can be provided in various ways. For example, processor 260 can determine whether the power-off conditions are met based on a power-off command received through user interface 240 or user equipment of air conditioner 1. Processor 260 can also determine whether the power-off conditions are met based on an operation time set through user interface 240 or user equipment of air conditioner 1.

[0220] The first position of the first sensor 210 can be set as the reference position of the rotation transmission unit 140. If the first sensor 210 detects the magnet 146, the processor 260 can determine that the rotation transmission unit 140 has reached the reference position and stop the operation of the cover rotation motor 103. If the second sensor 220 or the third sensor 230 detects the magnet 146, the processor 260 can determine that the rotation transmission unit 140 has not reached the reference position and continue to operate the cover rotation motor 103.

[0221] For example, processor 260 can control lid rotation motor 103 so that rotation transmission unit 140 rotates in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) based on the satisfaction of the power-off condition of air conditioner 1. Processor 260 can also control lid rotation motor 103 so that rotation transmission unit 140 rotates in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) based on the detection of magnet 146 of rotation transmission unit 140 by second sensor 220.

[0222] Since the reference position is the position of the first sensor 210, if the second sensor 220 detects the magnet 146 first, the processor 260 can move the magnet 146 to the first position of the first sensor 210 by rotating the rotation transmission unit 140 in the opposite direction. By changing the direction of rotation to move the rotation transmission unit 140 toward the reference position, the amount of rotation of the cover rotation motor 103 can be reduced, and the time required for the rotation transmission unit 140 to reach the reference position can be reduced.

[0223] As another example, the processor 260 can also control the lid rotation motor 103 to rotate the rotation transmission unit 140 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) based on the satisfaction of the power-off condition of the air conditioner 1, and control the lid rotation motor 103 to continue rotating the rotation transmission unit 140 in the first direction (e.g., clockwise) based on the detection of the magnet 146 by the third sensor 230. If the rotation transmission unit 140 continues to rotate in the first direction (e.g., clockwise) and the first sensor 230 detects the magnet 146, the processor 260 can stop the operation of the lid rotation motor 103. Although the third sensor 230 can be omitted, using the third sensor 230 allows for more accurate control of the lid rotation motor 103.

[0224] As another example, if the rotation transmission unit 140 preferentially rotates in the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) and the third sensor 230 preferentially detects the magnet 146, it can also be controlled to rotate in the first direction (e.g., clockwise). If the first sensor 210 detects the magnet 146, the processor 260 can determine that the rotation transmission unit 140 has reached the reference position and stop the operation of the cover rotation motor 103.

[0225] The reference position of the rotation transmission unit 140 can also be set to the second position of the second sensor 220 or the third position of the third sensor 230. When the reference position of the rotation transmission unit 140 is set to the second position of the second sensor 220, the processor 260 can stop the operation of the cover rotation motor 103 based on the detection of the magnet 146 by the second sensor 220. When the reference position of the rotation transmission unit 140 is set to the third position of the third sensor 230, the processor 260 can stop the operation of the cover rotation motor 103 based on the detection of the magnet 146 by the third sensor 230.

[0226] The first sensor 210, the second sensor 220, and the third sensor 230 are not limited to magnetic sensors. For example, the first sensor 210, the second sensor 220, and the third sensor 230 can also be equipped as electrode sensors, and electrodes can also be provided in place of the magnet 146 in the rotation transmission unit 140. If the electrodes of the rotation transmission unit 140 rotate and approach the first sensor 210, the second sensor 220, or the third sensor 230, the first sensor 210, the second sensor 220, or the third sensor 230 can detect the electrical current of the electrodes. Each of the first sensor 210, the second sensor 220, and the third sensor 230 can transmit an electrical signal (i.e., an electrode detection signal) corresponding to the detection of the electrode to the processor 260.

[0227] In addition, various position markers and various sensors can be used to identify the rotation and reference position of the rotary transmission unit 140.

[0228] As described above, the disclosed air conditioner 1 provides feedback control to the cover rotation motor 103 that rotates the rotation transmission unit 140, thereby enabling the rotation transmission unit 140 to move accurately to the reference position. Therefore, it prevents airflow adjustment failure due to the rotation transmission unit 140 deviating from the reference position.

[0229] User interface 240 can acquire user input and output various types of information. User interface 240 may include an input interface and an output interface. Users can interact with air conditioner 1 through user interface 240.

[0230] The input interface can acquire user input. The input interface can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the user input to the processor 260. User input can include various commands. For example, the input interface can acquire commands to turn on the power, turn off the power, set the operating mode, adjust the airflow direction, or adjust the fan speed. User input can also be acquired from user devices (e.g., mobile devices or smartphones). The processor 260 can control the air conditioner 1 based on the user input acquired through the input interface.

[0231] The input interface may include various buttons. For example, the input interface may include a power button for turning the power on or off the air conditioner 1, an operation mode setting button for setting the operation mode of the air conditioner 1, an air direction adjustment button for adjusting the airflow direction, and a fan speed adjustment button for adjusting the fan speed. Each button may include a visual indicator (e.g., text, image, icon, etc.) that can indicate its function.

[0232] A "button" can be implemented as a user interface element, a tactswitch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touchpad, and / or a touchscreen. Furthermore, buttons can be replaced by micro-switches and / or microphones, etc.

[0233] The output interface can be controlled by the processor 260 to output various information related to the operation of the air conditioner 1. For example, the output interface can output various information such as the operating mode of the air conditioner 1, airflow direction, airflow speed, and operating time. The output interface can output visual and / or auditory information.

[0234] The output interface may include at least one of the following: a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an indicator, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel, a micro LED panel, and a speaker.

[0235] The output interface can display information input by the user or information provided to the user using various screens. The output interface can display information related to the operation of air conditioner 1 as at least one of images and text. The output interface can display a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of controlling air conditioner 1.

[0236] The control configuration of air conditioner 1 is not limited to Figure 19 The air conditioner 1 may include other components besides those shown, or may exclude some of the shown components. For example, the air conditioner 1 may also include at least one of a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the air, a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the air, and a communication interface for communicating with an external device.

[0237] The communication interface can perform wired and / or wireless communication with external devices (such as user equipment, servers, home appliances, etc.). The communication interface can be controlled to transmit data to or receive data from external devices.

[0238] The communication interface may include at least one of short-range and long-range communication circuits. The communication interface may support the establishment of direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channels and the execution of communication through the established communication channels. The communication interface may include wireless communication circuits (e.g., cellular communication circuits, short-range wireless communication circuits, or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication circuits) and / or wired communication circuits (e.g., local area network (LAN) communication circuits or power line communication circuits).

[0239] The communication interface can communicate with external devices through near-field communication networks (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, or IrDA) or far-field communication networks (e.g., traditional cellular networks, 5G networks, next-generation communication networks, the Internet, or computer networks (e.g., LANs or WANs)).

[0240] Short-range wireless communication modules can include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth communication circuits, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication circuits, Near Field Communication (NFC) communication circuits, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication circuits, Zigbee communication circuits, IrDA (infrared data association) communication circuits, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication modules, ultra-wideband (UWB) communication circuits, Ant+ communication circuits, and microwave (uWave) communication circuits.

[0241] Long-distance communication circuits may include communication circuits that perform various types of long-distance communication, and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0242] Furthermore, the communication interface can communicate with external devices by connecting to a repeater (AP: Access Point).

[0243] Figure 20 This is a sequence diagram that briefly illustrates a control method for an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0244] Reference Figure 20 The processor 260 of air conditioner 1 can identify situations where the power-off conditions of air conditioner 1 are met (2001). The power-off conditions of air conditioner 1 can be provided in various ways. For example, processor 260 can determine that the power-off conditions are met based on receiving a power-off command through user interface 240 or user equipment of air conditioner 1. Processor 260 can also determine that the power-off conditions are met based on the operation time set through user interface 240 or user equipment of air conditioner 1.

[0245] The processor 260 of the air conditioner 1 can control the lid rotation motor 103 to move the rotation transmission unit 140 to a reference position based on the satisfaction of the power-off condition of the air conditioner 1 (2002). The processor 260 of the air conditioner 1 can determine whether to stop the operation of the lid rotation motor 103 based on whether the first sensor 210 or the second sensor 220 detects the magnet 146 (2003).

[0246] Figure 21 This is a sequence diagram illustrating in more detail the control method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0247] Reference Figure 21 The processor 260 of air conditioner 1 can satisfy the condition of recognizing the power-off condition of air conditioner 1 (2101). Operation 2101 corresponds to the situation in Figure 20 The operation described in section 2001.

[0248] The processor 260 of the air conditioner 1 can rotate the lid rotation motor 103 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) (2102) based on the condition that the power is off in the air conditioner 1. If the lid rotation motor 103 rotates in the first direction, the rotation transmission unit 140 can also rotate in the first direction.

[0249] As the lid rotation motor 103 rotates in the first direction, the processor 260 can identify whether the first sensor 210 detects the magnet 146 (2103) of the rotation transmission unit 140. If the first sensor 210 detects the magnet 146 of the rotation transmission unit 140, the processor 260 can stop the lid rotation motor 103 (2107). The processor 260 can determine that the rotation transmission unit 140 has reached a reference position based on the detection of the magnet 146 by the first sensor 210.

[0250] When the rotation transmission unit 140 rotates in the first direction, the magnet 146 of the rotation transmission unit 140 may be preferentially detected by the second sensor 220 (instead of the first sensor 210). The processor 260 can identify whether the second sensor 220 has detected the magnet 146 of the rotation transmission unit 140 based on the operation of the cover rotation motor 103 (2104). If the second sensor 220 also does not detect the magnet 146 of the rotation transmission unit 140, the processor 260 can rotate the cover rotation motor 103 in the first direction until the first sensor 210 detects the magnet 146.

[0251] The processor 260 can rotate the cover rotation motor 103 in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) based on the detection of the magnet 146 of the rotation transmission unit 140 by the second sensor 220 (2105). If the cover rotation motor 103 rotates in the second direction, the rotation transmission unit 140 can also rotate in the second direction.

[0252] As the lid rotation motor 103 rotates in the second direction, the processor 260 can identify whether the first sensor 210 has detected the magnet 146 (2106). The processor 260 can rotate the lid rotation motor 103 in the second direction until the first sensor 210 detects the magnet 146. If the first sensor 210 detects the magnet 146 of the rotation transmission unit 140, the processor 260 can stop the lid rotation motor 103 (2107).

[0253] An air conditioner 1 according to one embodiment may include: a housing 10; a discharge cover 110 covering a discharge hole 16a formed on the upper part of the housing and including a cover opening 117 for air discharge; a rotation transmission unit 140 coupled to the discharge cover to rotate the discharge cover; a cover rotation motor 103 for rotating the rotation transmission unit in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction; a fan housing 162 on which an exhaust fan 161 is mounted to move air toward the discharge hole and the cover opening; a magnet 146 disposed at a position of the rotation transmission unit; a first sensor 210 disposed at a first position of the fan housing to detect the magnet; a second sensor 220 disposed at a second position of the fan housing spaced from the first position to detect the magnet; and a processor 260. The processor 260 may control the cover rotation motor to move the rotation transmission unit to a reference position based on satisfying a power-off condition of the air conditioner, and may determine whether to stop the operation of the cover rotation motor based on whether the first sensor or the second sensor detects the magnet.

[0254] The processor can stop the operation of the cover rotation motor based on the detection of the magnet by the first sensor.

[0255] The processor can control the lid rotation motor to rotate the rotation transmission part along the first direction based on the power-off condition of the air conditioner, and can control the lid rotation motor to rotate the rotation transmission part along the second direction based on the detection of the magnet by the second sensor.

[0256] The disclosed air conditioner 1 may further include: a third sensor, disposed at a third position on the fan housing spaced apart from the first position and the second position, to detect the magnet. The processor may control the cover rotation motor to rotate the rotation transmission section along the first direction based on satisfying a power-off condition of the air conditioner, and may control the cover rotation motor to continue rotating the rotation transmission section along the first direction based on the detection of the magnet by the third sensor.

[0257] The magnet may be mounted on the outer periphery of the circular rotation transmission section. The first and second sensors may be mounted on the fan housing, facing the magnet that moves due to the rotation of the rotation transmission section. The first and second positions may have a predetermined angle relative to the center of the fan housing.

[0258] The disclosed air conditioner 1 may further include: a third sensor, disposed at a third position on the fan housing spaced apart from the first position and the second position, to detect the magnet. With the center of the fan housing as a reference, the first angle between the first position and the second position, the second angle between the second position and the third position, and the third angle between the third position and the first position may be the same.

[0259] The processor can determine whether the power-off condition is met based on obtaining a power-off command through a user interface or user equipment.

[0260] The processor can determine whether the power-off condition is met based on the operation time set through the user interface or user equipment.

[0261] The cover rotation motor may include a stepper motor.

[0262] In a control method for an air conditioner including an exhaust hole formed on the upper part of a housing, an exhaust cover covering the exhaust hole and including a cover opening for air exhaust, a fan housing with an exhaust fan that moves air toward the exhaust hole and the cover opening, and a processor, one control method according to an embodiment may include the following steps: identifying by the processor whether a power-off condition of the air conditioner is met; controlling a cover rotation motor that rotates a rotation transmission section to move the rotation transmission section coupled with the exhaust cover to a reference position based on the satisfaction of the power-off condition; identifying whether a magnet provided at a position of the rotation transmission section is detected by a first sensor provided at a first position of the fan housing or a second sensor provided at a second position of the fan housing spaced apart from the first position; and determining whether to stop the operation of the cover rotation motor based on whether the first sensor or the second sensor detects the magnet.

[0263] The step of determining whether to stop the operation of the cover rotation motor may include the following steps: stopping the operation of the cover rotation motor based on the detection of the magnet by the first sensor.

[0264] The steps of controlling the lid rotation motor may include the following steps: controlling the lid rotation motor to rotate the rotation transmission part along the first direction based on satisfying the power-off condition of the air conditioner; and controlling the lid rotation motor to rotate the rotation transmission part along the second direction based on the second sensor detecting the magnet.

[0265] The air conditioner may further include: a third sensor, disposed at a third position on the fan housing spaced apart from the first position and the second position, to detect the magnet. The step of controlling the lid rotation motor may include the following steps: controlling the lid rotation motor to rotate the rotation transmission section along the first direction based on satisfying a power-off condition of the air conditioner; and controlling the lid rotation motor to continue rotating the rotation transmission section along the first direction based on the detection of the magnet by the third sensor.

[0266] The step of identifying whether the power-off condition is met may include the following steps: determining whether the power-off condition is met based on obtaining a power-off command through a user interface or user equipment.

[0267] The step of identifying whether the power-off condition is met may include the following steps: determining whether the power-off condition is met based on the operation time set through the user interface or user equipment.

[0268] The disclosed air conditioner and its control method can easily move the discharge cover and the rotation transmission part that rotates the discharge cover to a reference position.

[0269] The disclosed air conditioner and its control method can make the rotating transmission part move accurately to a reference position by feedback control of the cover rotating motor that makes the rotating transmission part rotate.

[0270] The effects that can be obtained from this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains through the following description.

[0271] The disclosed embodiments can be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions can be stored in the form of program code, and when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions can generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments.

[0272] Device-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. Here, "non-transitory storage media" refers to a tangible device and only indicates a device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium. As an example, "non-transitory storage media" may include buffers for temporarily storing data.

[0273] According to one embodiment, the methods according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be included in and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product, as a commodity, can be traded between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory) or through an app store (e.g., the Play Store). TM This can be done either directly or online between two user devices (e.g., smartphones, etc.) via distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored in a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a relay server, or may be temporarily generated.

[0274] The various embodiments of this disclosure as described in the claims and specification can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0275] Such software can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores one or more computer programs (software modules), which may include computer-executable instructions to cause the electronic device to perform the methods of this disclosure when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors of the electronic device.

[0276] Such software may be stored in volatile or non-volatile memory in the form of a storage device such as read-only memory (ROM) (whether erasable or rewritable), or in the form of memory such as random access memory (RAM), memory chips, devices, or integrated circuits, or in optical or magnetic readable media such as optical discs (CDs), digital versatile optical discs (DVDs), magnetic disks, or magnetic tapes. It should be understood that the storage device and storage medium are various embodiments including a computer program that, when executed, implements various embodiments of the present disclosure, or a non-transitory machine-readable memory suitable for storing a computer program. Therefore, various embodiments may provide a program including code for implementing the means or methods claimed in any one of the claims of this specification, and a non-transitory machine-readable memory for storing such a program.

[0277] The disclosed embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms different from those of the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical concept or essential features of the invention. The embodiments of the disclosed invention are exemplary and should not be construed as restrictive.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, comprising: shell; A discharge cover covers the discharge hole formed on the upper part of the housing and includes a cover opening for air discharge; A rotary transmission unit is engaged with the discharge cover to cause the discharge cover to rotate; The cover rotates the motor, causing the rotation transmission part to rotate in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction; A fan housing, equipped with an exhaust fan that directs air toward the exhaust port and the cover opening; A magnet is positioned at a location of the rotation transmission unit; A first sensor is provided at a first position on the fan housing to detect the magnet; A second sensor is provided at a second position on the fan housing that is spaced apart from the first position to detect the magnet; Memory, which stores one or more computer programs; and One or more processors are communicatively integrated with the cover rotation motor, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the memory. The computer program includes computer-executable instructions to cause the air conditioner to perform the following operations when executed individually or jointly by the one or more processors: The cover rotation motor is controlled to move the rotation transmission part to a reference position based on the condition that the power is turned off by the air conditioner. Whether to stop the operation of the cover rotation motor is determined based on whether the first sensor or the second sensor detects the magnet.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions to cause the air conditioner to perform the following operations when executed individually or jointly by the one or more processors: The operation of the cover rotation motor is stopped based on the detection of the magnet by the first sensor.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein, The one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions to cause the air conditioner to perform the following operations when executed individually or jointly by the one or more processors: The cover rotation motor is controlled to rotate the rotation transmission part along the first direction based on the condition that the power is turned off by the air conditioner. The second sensor detects the magnet and controls the cover rotation motor to rotate the rotation transmission part along the second direction.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 2, further comprising: A third sensor, located at a third position on the fan housing that is spaced apart from the first and second positions, is used to detect the magnet. The computer program includes computer-executable instructions to cause the air conditioner to perform the following operations when executed individually or jointly by the one or more processors: The cover rotation motor is controlled to rotate the rotation transmission part along the first direction based on the condition that the power is turned off by the air conditioner. The third sensor detects the magnet and controls the cover rotation motor to make the rotation transmission part continue to rotate along the first direction.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The magnet is mounted on the outer periphery of the circular rotation transmission section. The first and second sensors are mounted on the fan housing to face the magnet, which moves due to the rotation of the rotational transmission unit. With the center of the fan housing as a reference, the first position and the second position have a predetermined angle.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, further comprising: A third sensor, located at a third position on the fan housing that is spaced apart from the first and second positions, is used to detect the magnet. With the center of the fan housing as a reference, the first angle between the first position and the second position, the second angle between the second position and the third position, and the third angle between the third position and the first position are the same.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions to cause the air conditioner to perform the following operations when executed individually or jointly by the one or more processors: The power-off condition is determined based on obtaining a power-off command through the user interface or user equipment.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions to cause the air conditioner to perform the following operations when executed individually or jointly by the one or more processors: The power-off condition is determined based on the operation time set through the user interface or user equipment.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The cover rotation motor includes a stepper motor.

10. A method for controlling an air conditioner, comprising the following steps in an air conditioner control method including an exhaust port formed on the upper part of a housing, an exhaust cover covering the exhaust port and including a cover opening for air exhaust, a fan housing equipped with an exhaust fan for moving air toward the exhaust port and the cover opening, and a processor, the method comprising the following steps: The processor identifies whether the power-off conditions of the air conditioner are met. The cover rotation motor, which controls the rotation of the rotation transmission part based on the power-off condition, moves the rotation transmission part, which is coupled with the discharge cover, to a reference position. The sensor identifies whether a magnet located at a position of the rotation transmission unit is detected by a first sensor located at a first position of the fan housing or by a second sensor located at a second position of the fan housing that is spaced apart from the first position. as well as Whether to stop the operation of the cover rotation motor is determined based on whether the first sensor or the second sensor detects the magnet.

11. The air conditioning control method according to claim 10, wherein, The steps for determining whether to stop the operation of the cover rotation motor include the following steps: The operation of the cover rotation motor is stopped based on the detection of the magnet by the first sensor.

12. The air conditioning control method according to claim 11, wherein, The steps for controlling the cover rotation motor include the following: The cover rotation motor is controlled to rotate the rotation transmission part along the first direction based on the condition that the power is off of the air conditioner; and The second sensor detects the magnet and controls the cover rotation motor to rotate the rotation transmission part along the second direction.

13. The air conditioning control method according to claim 11, wherein, The air conditioner also includes: A third sensor, located at a third position on the fan housing that is spaced apart from the first and second positions, is used to detect the magnet. The steps of controlling the cover rotation motor include the following: The cover rotation motor is controlled to rotate the rotation transmission part along the first direction based on the condition that the power is off of the air conditioner; and The third sensor detects the magnet and controls the cover rotation motor to make the rotation transmission part continue to rotate along the first direction.

14. The air conditioning control method according to claim 10, wherein, The steps for identifying whether the power-off condition is met include the following steps: The power-off condition is determined based on obtaining a power-off command through the user interface or user equipment.

15. The air conditioning control method according to claim 10, wherein, The steps for identifying whether the power-off condition is met include the following steps: The power-off condition is determined based on the operation time set through the user interface or user equipment.

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