air conditioning

Abstract

Air conditioning system that has: a housing (10) with a blower motor (12) which is coupled in the axial direction to a blower fan (11), the motor shaft (13) of the blower motor (12) defining the axial direction; a plate (20) having at least one discharge hole (22) and one suction hole (21); and a humidifier (30) disposed between the housing (10) and the plate (20), the humidifier (30) having a humidification body (31) configured to store fluid, the humidification body (31) comprising: a humidification suction hole (33) configured to be aligned with the suction hole (21) and at least one humidification discharge hole (35) configured to be aligned with the at least one discharge hole (22); an outer wall (320) extending from an outer edge of the humidifying body (31); a suction-side wall (330) extending from an edge of the humidification suction hole (33); and a discharge-side wall (350) extending from an edge of the humidification discharge hole (35), wherein the discharge-side wall (350) has an opening (350a, 350b), wherein the opening (350a, 350b) is formed either as a slot (350b) extending in the axial direction along the discharge-side wall (350) or as a slot (350a) extending perpendicular to the axial direction along the discharge-side wall (350).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system. Background technology

[0002] Air conditioners are devices that maintain the air in a given space in an appropriate condition according to its use and purpose. Generally, such an air conditioner includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. Thus, the air conditioner has a refrigeration cycle in which the compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of a refrigerant are carried out. Thus, the air conditioner can heat or cool the given space.

[0003] The specified space can be provided in a variety of ways depending on the location where the air conditioner is used. For example, if the air conditioner is installed in a home or office, the specified space can be the interior of a house or building.

[0004] When the air conditioner performs cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger provided in an outdoor unit can serve as a condenser, and an indoor heat exchanger provided in an indoor unit can serve as an evaporator. On the other hand, when the air conditioner performs heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger can serve as the condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger can serve as the evaporator.

[0005] The air conditioner can be classified into a floor-standing type, a wall-mounted type, or a ceiling type according to its installation position. The floor-standing air conditioner can be understood as a type of air conditioner that is installed in an upright position in an indoor space, and the wall-mounted air conditioner can be understood as a type of air conditioner that is installed in a way that is attached to a wall surface.

[0006] Likewise, a ceiling air conditioner can be understood as a type of air conditioning unit that is installed on a ceiling. For example, a ceiling air conditioner includes a housing embedded in the ceiling and a plate coupled to a lower portion of the housing, defining an intake hole and a discharge hole.

[0007] Regarding such a ceiling air conditioner, the present applicant has filed and published KR 10-2017-0143318 A of the prior art. Here, such a ceiling air conditioner operates in heating and cooling modes to adjust the temperature of an indoor space by discharging hot air or cold air. However, there is a problem that indoor humidity decreases in the process of controlling the indoor temperature. Particularly, when operating in the heating mode, hot and dry air is discharged into the indoor space, and thus, there is a problem that the user feels uncomfortable.

[0008] Further prior art on air conditioning systems can be found in JP 2003-254 551 A, JP 2007- 100 968 A, WO 02 / 073 095 A1, JP H11- 6 646 A, US 2 525 342 A or JP H06- 18 830 U. Technical problem

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, an object of this embodiment is to provide an air conditioner provided with a humidifying unit that humidifies discharged air.

[0010] Furthermore, it is an object of this embodiment to provide an air conditioner in which humidifying air is converted into fine particles or droplets and the fine particles are supplied along a flow of discharged air.

[0011] Furthermore, it is an object of this embodiment to provide an air conditioner in which a water supply and drain structure is provided in a humidification unit so that humidification water is stored only when humidification is required. Technical solution

[0012] These objects are achieved with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. An air conditioner according to this invention comprises a housing with a blower motor axially coupled to a blower fan, a plate with a discharge hole and an intake hole, and a humidifying unit or humidifier disposed between the housing and the plate, the humidifying unit having a humidifying body containing humidifying water.Here, the humidifying body comprises a lower surface or plate in which a humidifying suction hole corresponding to the suction hole and a humidifying discharge hole corresponding to the discharge hole are defined, wherein an outer wall extends upward from an edge of the lower surface or plate, a suction-side wall extends upward from an edge of the humidifying suction hole, and a discharge-side wall extends upward from an edge of the humidifying discharge hole.

[0013] Likewise, the humidification unit may comprise a vibration generator arranged inside the humidification body to convert the humidification water into fine particles.

[0014] According to the invention, at least one humidification hole through which the fine particles pass is defined in the discharge-side surface or wall, either as a slit extending along a radial direction of the discharge-side wall or as a slit extending in the axial direction along the discharge-side wall. Therefore, the fine particles can be supplied by a flow of discharged air through the humidification hole. Beneficial results

[0015] In the air conditioner according to the present invention, the humidification unit which humidifies the discharged air can be provided as needed to keep the indoor temperature and indoor humidification in the interior comfortable.

[0016] In particular, the humidification unit can supply the water converted into the fine particles along the flow of the discharged air, and thus a separate power device for humidification may not be required.

[0017] In addition, since the water supply and drainage structure are provided in the humidification unit so that the humidification water is taken in only when humidification is required, the odor due to the contamination of the humidification water can be prevented from occurring. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a view of a ceiling air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a view illustrating a flow of air by placing the ceiling air conditioner along the line II-II' of Fig. 1 is cut; Fig. 3 is a view illustrating a state in which a case, a humidifying unit, and a panel of the ceiling air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention are separated from each other; Fig. 4 is a view illustrating the humidification unit of the ceiling air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a view illustrating a discharge-side wall of the ceiling air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a view showing a flow of air and fine particles or droplets at a section A of Fig. 2 represents; Fig. 7 is a view illustrating a control configuration of the ceiling air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 8 is a view illustrating a control flow of the ceiling air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Way of carrying out the invention

[0018] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings as far as possible, even though they are shown in different drawings. In the following description of the present invention, a detailed description of unknown functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter of the present invention.

[0019] In describing the elements of the present invention, the terms first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. Each of the terms is used merely to distinguish the corresponding component from other components and does not limit a nature, order, or sequence of the corresponding component. It should be understood that when a component is "connected," "coupled," or "joined" to another component, the former may be directly connected or joined to the latter, or it may be "connected," "coupled," or "joined" to the latter with a third component interposed therebetween.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a view of a ceiling air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a view illustrating a flow of air by placing the ceiling air conditioner along the line II-II' of Fig. 1 is cut.

[0021] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a ceiling air conditioner (hereinafter referred to as an air conditioner) according to the spirit of the present invention comprises a casing or housing 10 and a panel 20. The housing 10 is embedded in an interior space of a ceiling.

[0022] Here, the plate 20 is arranged approximately at the same height as the ceiling and can be exposed to the outside. Fig. The shape shown in Figure 1 can be understood as an air conditioner exposed on the ceiling.

[0023] Likewise, multiple components may be installed inside the housing 10. The multiple components include a blower fan 11 driven to draw in and discharge internal air. A motor shaft 13 of a blower motor 12 is coupled to the blower fan 11, and the blower fan 11 rotates by driving the blower motor 12. For example, the blower fan 11 may comprise a centrifugal fan.

[0024] Referring to Fig. 2, a vertical direction, that is, a direction in which the motor shaft 13 of the blower motor 12 extends toward the blower fan 11, is referred to as an “axial direction,” and a direction perpendicular to the axial direction is referred to as a radial direction.

[0025] Additionally, the plurality of components may include an opening or guide tunnel 14 that directs incoming air toward the blower fan 11. The opening 14 is disposed on an intake side of the blower fan 11 to direct the air drawn into the housing 10 toward the blower fan 11.

[0026] Likewise, the plurality of components may include a heat exchanger 15 that exchanges heat with the air drawn into the housing 10. The heat exchanger 15 is arranged to be curved a plurality of times along an inner surface of the housing 10 and may be arranged to surround the interior of the blower fan 11 and the opening 14, respectively, in the radial direction.

[0027] Likewise, the plurality of components may include a control unit or controller 16 that controls various components. The control unit 16 may perform various functions, such as driving the blower fan 11. Likewise, the control unit 16 may be arranged between the heat exchanger 15 and the opening 14.

[0028] Likewise, the plurality of components may include a drain pan or tray 17 disposed below the heat exchanger 15. The drain pan 17 may be provided to receive or collect condensate generated during the heat exchange process. Likewise, the opening 14 and the control unit 16 may be fixedly installed on the drain pan 17.

[0029] A suction hole 21 and a drain hole 22 are defined in the plate 20.

[0030] For example, the plate 20 may have a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from a top side. The discharge hole 22 may be defined by punching at least a portion of the plate 20 and may be defined in each of the positions corresponding to four sides of the plate 20. Likewise, the discharge hole 22 may be defined elongated in the length direction of each of the sides of the plate 20.

[0031] Likewise, the plate 20 includes a discharge rotary valve 25 that opens and closes the discharge hole 22. The discharge rotary valve 25 is rotatably installed to open and close the discharge hole 22.

[0032] Likewise, the panel 20 includes an intake grille 23 mounted in its central portion. The intake grille 23 may define an external appearance of a lower portion of the air conditioner and may have a shape with an approximately quadrangular frame. The intake grille 23 includes a grille body 24 with a lattice shape to define the intake hole 21.

[0033] In summary, the suction hole 21 may be defined in the central portion of the plate 20, and the discharge hole 22 may be arranged in any of four directions outside the suction hole 21. In detail, all four discharge holes 22 may be defined outside the suction hole 21 in the up, down, left, and right directions.

[0034] Since the intake hole 21 and the discharge hole 22 are defined as described above, the air in the interior can be sucked into the housing 10 through the central portion of the plate 20 and thus conditioned. The conditioned air can be discharged in the four directions outside the plate 20 through the discharge holes 22.

[0035] Likewise, the air conditioner according to the spirit of the present invention includes a humidification unit or humidifier 30 disposed between the casing 10 and the panel 20. The humidification unit 30 is provided with a humidification body 31 or a shell that defines its external appearance. Hereinafter, the casing 10, the panel 20, and the humidification unit 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 described in detail.

[0036] Fig. 3 is a view illustrating a state in which the housing 10, the humidification unit 30, and the panel 20 of the ceiling air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention are separated from each other. Fig. 3, an installation structure and a coupling structure are omitted for the sake of simplicity.

[0037] As in Fig. 3, the housing 10, the humidification unit 30, and the plate 20 are arranged in a state where they are stacked with each other in the axial direction. In detail, the humidification body 31 is coupled to a lower portion of the housing 10, and the plate 20 is coupled to a lower portion of the humidification body 31. Here, the coupling includes both direct coupling and indirect coupling through coupling with other components.

[0038] Likewise, the housing 10, the humidification body 31, and the plate 20 can be installed in such a way that they are separable from each other. For example, the plate 20 can be separated for inspection and replacement. Likewise, the humidification body 31 can be separated to replace components arranged inside the housing 10 and the humidification unit 30.

[0039] As described above, the plate 20 is installed so as to be exposed on the ceiling. Thus, the humidification unit 30 and the casing 10, which are arranged above the plate 20, can be installed in a state where they are embedded in an interior space of the ceiling. Here, the plate 20 can be provided so as to be wider in the radial direction than each of the humidification unit 30 and the casing 10, so that the humidification unit 30 and the casing 10 are not exposed to the outside.

[0040] Likewise, the housing 10, the humidification body 31, and the plate 20 may have the same external appearance. For example, the housing 10, the humidification body 31, and the plate 20 may have a rectangular shape with approximately four sides.

[0041] Likewise, the housing 10 may have a rectangular column shape extending in the axial direction to define an internal space in which the above-described plurality of components are provided. Likewise, the humidifying body 31 may extend in the axial direction to define a space in which a predetermined amount of humidifying water or fluid is accommodated.

[0042] As in Fig. 3, a humidification suction hole 33 corresponding to the suction hole 21 and a humidification discharge hole 35 corresponding to the discharge hole 22 may be defined in the humidification body 31. In detail, the humidification suction hole 33 is defined in the central portion of the humidification body 31, and the humidification discharge hole 35 is defined outside the humidification suction hole 33.

[0043] That is, the humidification suction hole 33 is defined above the suction hole 21, and the humidification discharge hole 35 is defined above the discharge hole 22.

[0044] In this way, the suction hole 21 and the humidification suction hole 33 define an air suction passage extending in the axial direction, and the discharge hole 22 and the humidification discharge hole 35 define an air discharge passage extending in the axial direction.

[0045] Referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 briefly describes the flow of air in the air conditioner. When the blower motor 12 is driven to generate the rotating force in the blower fan 11, air in the interior flows upward in the axial direction through the intake hole 21 and the humidification intake hole 33.

[0046] Likewise, a flow direction is changed while passing through the blower fan 11. Specifically, the air flowing upward in the axial direction flows outward from the blower fan 11 in a radial radius. Thus, the air exchanges heat while passing through the heat exchanger 15.

[0047] Likewise, the air passing through the heat exchanger 15 flows downward in the axial direction along an inner wall of the housing 10. Likewise, the air is discharged through the humidification discharge hole 35 and the discharge hole 22.

[0048] That is, the air can be sucked upward in the axial direction through the suction hole 21 and the humidification suction hole 33 defined in the central portion, to flow outward from the inside of the casing 10 in the radial direction, and then discharged downward through the humidification discharge hole 35 and the discharge hole 22.

[0049] The humidification unit 30 is described in detail below.

[0050] Fig. 4 is a view illustrating the humidification unit 30 of the ceiling air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the humidification unit 30 is provided with the humidification body 31 defining a receiving space in which a predetermined amount of humidification water or liquid is accommodated. Hereinafter, the humidification body 31 may be provided in an integrated form, but will be described separately for convenience of description.

[0052] The humidifying body 31 includes a lower surface or plate 310 in which the humidifying suction hole 33 and the humidifying discharge hole 35 are defined, and an outer surface or wall 320 extending upward from an edge of the lower surface 310.

[0053] The lower surface 310 can be understood as a lower surface in which the humidifying water is accommodated. Likewise, the lower surface 310 can be provided as a flat plate extending in the radial direction so that the humidifying water is stably accommodated. Likewise, the plate 20 is coupled to a lower portion of the lower surface 310.

[0054] The outer wall 320 can be understood as a portion that defines an external appearance of the humidification body 31. Likewise, the housing 10 is coupled to an upper portion of the outer wall 320. That is, an axial length of the humidification body 31 can be determined by the outer surface 320, and an amount of humidification water to be absorbed can be determined.

[0055] Likewise, the humidifying body 31 further includes a suction-side surface or wall 330 extending upward from an edge of the humidifying suction hole 33 and a discharge-side surface or wall 350 extending upward from an edge of the humidifying discharge hole 35.

[0056] The suction-side wall 330 and the discharge-side wall 350 may extend to the same length or height as the outer surface 320. That is, the housing 10 may be coupled to upper portions of the outer surface 320, the suction-side wall 330, and the discharge-side wall 350.

[0057] At this time, the discharge-side wall 350 may be coupled to the outer surface 320, and the suction-side wall 330 may be spaced apart from the outer surface 320. This is due to the positions of the humidification suction hole 33 and the humidification discharge hole 35.

[0058] In detail, the suction-side wall 330 is arranged on the central portion of the humidifying body 31 so as to correspond to the humidifying suction hole 33. Likewise, the suction-side wall 330 is provided to form a circle.

[0059] The discharge-side wall 350 is provided in plural numbers to correspond to the humidification discharge hole 35. For example, four discharge-side walls 350 may be provided in each of the four surfaces to correspond to the humidification discharge hole 35.

[0060] The discharge side wall 350 includes a lower end 351 coupled to the lower surface 310, first and second ends or surfaces 352 and 353 extending from both ends of the lower end 351 in a first direction, and an upper end 354 extending in a second direction to interconnect the first and second side ends 352 and 353.

[0061] Here, the first direction can be understood as the axial direction, and the second direction can be understood as the radial direction. That is, the discharge-side wall 350 corresponds to a quadrangular shape with the lower end 351, the first and second side ends 352 and 353, and the upper end 354 as edges.

[0062] Likewise, the first and second side ends 352 and 353 are each coupled to the outer surface 320. Thus, a portion of the outer surface 320 and the discharge-side wall 350 can provide a passage for air flowing to the humidification discharge hole 35. In Fig. 4, the discharge-side wall 350 is at a portion of the outer surface 320 that extends in a straight line, for example, in an approximate ' '-shape bent.

[0063] Likewise, at least one humidification hole or slot 350a is defined in the discharge-side wall 350. This will be described later in Fig. 5 described in detail.

[0064] Likewise, the humidification unit 30 includes a vibration generator or sound generator 32 disposed within the humidification body 31 to convert the humidification water into the fine particles or droplets. The vibration generator 32 can generate the fine particles or droplets by vibrating a predetermined working fluid.

[0065] For example, the vibrator 32 may emit a predetermined sound wave to generate fine particles on a liquid surface of the working fluid. Likewise, the amount of generated fine particles may vary according to the intensity of the sound wave emitted by the vibrator 32. The vibrator 32 may alternatively be referred to as an acoustic emitter or transmitter.

[0066] The vibration generator 32 can be installed on the lower surface 310 to convert the absorbed humidification water into fine particles. Likewise, the vibration generator 32 can be provided in multiple units and can be arranged in a variety of positions within the humidification body 31.

[0067] Likewise, the humidification unit 30 further includes a water level sensor 34 that measures a water level of the humidification water contained in the humidification body 31. The water level sensor 34 can be provided in multiple locations and can be arranged in a variety of ways within the humidification body 31. Likewise, it is possible to determine installation errors by a water level difference measured by the multiple water level sensors 34.

[0068] Likewise, the humidification unit 30 comprises a water supply line 360 ​​(see Fig. 7) that supplies the humidifying water to the humidifying body 21. The water supply line 360 ​​may be installed in a water supply hole 36 defined in the outer surface 320 to supply the humidifying water to the humidifying body 31. Here, the water supply hole 36 may be defined at a predetermined height to supply the humidifying water to the humidifying body 21 at a predetermined height.

[0069] Likewise, the humidification unit 30 further comprises a drain line 370 (see Fig. 7), which discharges the humidification water stored in the humidification body 31 to the outside. The drain line 370 may be installed in the drain hole 37 defined in the bottom surface 310 to remove humidification water stored in the humidification body 31.

[0070] Here, the lower surface 310 may be provided to have a predetermined inclination around the drain hole 37. Thus, the humidifying water stored in the humidifying body 31 can be smoothly discharged through the discharge hole 37.

[0071] Likewise, the humidification unit 30 further includes an ultraviolet (UV) lamp 38 that sterilizes the humidification water. The UV lamp 38 may be provided in multiples and installed on the bottom surface 310. For example, the UV lamp 38 may emit ultraviolet light with a predetermined energy to remove contaminants from the humidification water.

[0072] Fig. 5 is a view illustrating a discharge-side wall of the ceiling air conditioner of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] As described above, at least one humidification hole or slot 350a is defined in the discharge-side wall 350. The humidification hole 350a can be understood as a predetermined opening cut to pass through the discharge-side wall 350.

[0074] However, the humidification hole 350a corresponds to a small-sized opening through which the fine particles generated by the vibrator 32 pass. Likewise, the vibrator 32 may have a size that does not allow water particles to pass through. For example, the humidification hole 350a corresponds to a predetermined slot or a slot with a predetermined size and / or shape.

[0075] Fig. 5 shows a humidification hole 350a with different shapes.

[0076] As shown in a view (a) of Fig. 5, the humidification hole 350a may be defined such that it extends in the second direction, ie, in the radial direction, along the discharge-side wall 350. As shown in view (b) of Fig. 5, a humidification hole 350b may also be defined so as to extend in the first direction, ie, in the axial direction, along the discharge-side wall 350. Likewise, a humidification hole 350c, as shown in view (c) of Fig. 5, as a circular opening.

[0077] Likewise, the humidification holes 350b and 350c shown in views (b) and (c) of Fig. 5, which are spaced apart from each other in the second direction, may be provided in multiples. As described above, the humidification holes 350(a), (b), and / or (c) may have various shapes, and the shape of the humidification hole 350a is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, the fine particles flowing through the humidification hole 350a will be described.

[0078] Fig. 6 is a view showing a flow of the air and the fine particles at a section A of Fig. 2 represents.

[0079] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, predetermined humidifying water is held in the humidifying body 31, and fine particles are generated on the surface of the humidifying water by the vibration generator 32. That is, the humidifying body 31 receives the fine particles generated by the vibration generator 32.

[0080] Likewise, as described above, the air discharged from the casing 10 flows downward in the axial direction to pass through the humidification discharge hole 35 and the discharge hole 22. According to the air flow, the fine particles can pass through the humidification hole 350a to flow to the humidification discharge hole 35.

[0081] In detail, a negative pressure is created according to the air flow, causing the fine particles to flow toward the air. Due to this structure, the humidification unit 30 can humidify the discharge air without a separate power device. That is, the fine particles can flow through the air flow generated by the blower fan 11.

[0082] Fig. 7 is a view illustrating a control configuration of the ceiling air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the air conditioner includes a controller 300. Likewise, the controller 300 has the same configuration as the above-described control unit 90 for controlling the blower fan 11 and the like. Hereinafter, only the control configuration of the humidification unit 30 is illustrated for simplicity of explanation.

[0084] The humidification unit 30 can be broadly divided into a sensor part or assembly, a drive part or assembly, a water supply part or assembly, a drain part or assembly, and a sterilization part or assembly. Fig. 7 represents only a schematic configuration and furthermore various configurations can be provided.

[0085] The vibrator 32 is provided in the driving part, and the UV lamp 38 is provided in the sterilizing part.

[0086] The sensor part also includes a water level sensor 34 and a humidity sensor 39. The humidity sensor 39 can be arranged to measure the humidity of the interior. For example, the humidity sensor 39 can be installed adjacent to the suction hole 21 or can be installed in the interior.

[0087] Likewise, the water supply part includes a water supply line 360 ​​and a water supply valve 362 that opens and closes the water supply line 360. Specifically, the water supply valve 362 can open and close the water supply line 360 ​​according to the water level measured by the water level sensor 34.

[0088] Likewise, the drain part includes a drain line 370 and a drain valve 372 that opens and closes the drain line 370.

[0089] Fig. 8 is a view illustrating a control flow of the ceiling air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the humidification unit 30 is turned on (S10). Here, it is assumed that the air conditioner is turned on to allow the blower fan 11 to operate. Likewise, the blower fan 11 may operate according to the turning on of the humidification unit 30.

[0091] If the humidity measured by the humidity sensor 39 is less than or equal to a reference humidity, the humidification unit 30 can be turned on. For example, if the reference humidity is 40%, the humidification unit 30 is turned on when the indoor humidity measured by the humidity sensor 39 is 35%.

[0092] Likewise, the humidification unit 30 can be turned on according to a user selection. Likewise, the reference humidity can be set to a humidity at which the user feels comfortable according to the temperature, and can be set differently according to the user's preference.

[0093] When the humidification unit 30 is turned on, the water supply valve 362 is opened, and a predetermined amount of humidification water is taken into the humidification body 31 (S20). Water supply can continue until the water level sensor 34 detects that the humidification water is taken above the reference level.

[0094] Likewise, in the power-on state of the humidification unit 30, it is possible to maintain a state in which the predetermined amount of humidification water is accommodated in the humidification body 31. That is, the water supply valve 362 can open and close the water supply line 360 ​​so that the reference water level is maintained.

[0095] When the predetermined amount of humidifying water is absorbed by the humidifying body 31, the vibrator 32 is turned on (S30). Thus, the fine particles are generated by the vibrator 32, and the fine particles flow through the blower fan 11 along the air flow. Thus, the discharged air can be humidified.

[0096] If the humidity measured by the humidity sensor 360 is higher than the reference humidity (S40), the vibration generator 32 is also turned off (S50). If the user does not require humidification, the vibration generator 32 can also be turned off. Here, the humidification body 31 is in a state where the specified humidification water is absorbed.

[0097] Likewise, the vibration generator 32 is turned off, and after a predetermined time t1, the UV lamp 38 is turned on to sterilize the absorbed humidifying water (S60). For example, if 30 minutes pass after the vibration generator 32 is turned off, the UV lamp 38 can be set to operate. Likewise, a time reference for turning on the UV lamp 38 can be after the predetermined amount of humidifying water has been absorbed into the humidifying body 31.

[0098] After the vibration generator 32 is turned off and a predetermined time t2 elapses, the drain valve 372 also opens the drain line 270 (S70). Even if it is determined that all the humidifying water stored in the humidifying body 31 has been discharged, the humidifying unit 30 is turned off.

[0099] Due to this method, it is possible to prevent the contamination and odor of the humidifying water accommodated in the humidifying body 31 from occurring.

Claims

[1] Air conditioning system that has: a housing (10) with a blower motor (12) which is coupled in the axial direction to a blower fan (11), wherein the motor shaft (13) of the blower motor (12) defines the axial direction; a plate (20) having at least one discharge hole (22) and one suction hole (21); and a humidifier (30) disposed between the housing (10) and the plate (20), the humidifier (30) having a humidification body (31) configured to store fluid, the humidification body (31) comprising: a humidification suction hole (33) configured to be aligned with the suction hole (21) and at least one humidification discharge hole (35) configured to be aligned with the at least one discharge hole (22); an outer wall (320) extending from an outer edge of the humidifying body (31); a suction-side wall (330) extending from an edge of the humidification suction hole (33); and a discharge-side wall (350) extending from an edge of the humidification discharge hole (35), wherein the discharge-side wall (350) has an opening (350a, 350b), wherein the opening (350a, 350b) is formed either as a slot (350b) extending in the axial direction along the discharge-side wall (350) or as a slot (350a) extending perpendicular to the axial direction along the discharge-side wall (350). [2] The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the humidifier (30) has a sound generator (32) provided inside the humidifying body (31) for converting the fluid into fine droplets. [3] The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the discharge-side wall (350) is formed with at least one opening (350a, 350b) through which the fine droplets pass. [4] The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein the blower fan (11) is provided in the casing (10) to suck air through the suction hole (21) and the humidifying suction hole (33) and to discharge air through the humidifying discharge hole (35) and the discharge hole (22), and wherein the fine droplets pass through the opening (350a, 350b) to the humidifying discharge hole (35) according to a flow of the air discharged through the humidifying discharge hole (35). [5] The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the discharge-side wall (350) extends in a first direction and comprises first and second side walls (352, 353) extending in a second direction, the first and second side walls (352, 353) being coupled to the outer wall (320). [6] The air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein the opening (350b) comprises a plurality of slots (350b) extending in the axial direction. [7] The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the discharge-side wall (350) is coupled to the outer wall (320) and the suction-side wall (330) is spaced from the outer wall (320). [8] The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the humidifying body (31) has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the outer wall (320), the suction-side wall (330) and the discharge-side wall (350) extending from the second side, the plate (20) being coupled to the first side of the humidifying body (31) and the housing (10) being coupled to the outer wall (320), the suction-side wall (330) and the discharge-side wall (350). [9] The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the humidifier (30) further comprises: a supply line (360) configured to supply the fluid to the humidification body (31); a fluid level sensor (34) configured to measure a level of the fluid in the humidification body (31); and a supply valve (362) configured to open or close the supply line (360) according to the level measured by the fluid level sensor (34). [10] The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the humidifier (30) further comprises: a drain line (370) through which the fluid in the humidification body (31) is discharged; and a drain valve (372) configured to open or close the drain line (370). [11] The air conditioning system of claim 10, further comprising a controller (300), wherein the humidifier (30) further comprises a toner generator (32) configured to break up the fluid into fine droplets, and wherein the controller is configured to operate the drain valve (372) to open the drain line (370) when the toner generator (32) is not operating for a predetermined period of time. [12] The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the humidifier (30) further comprises an ultraviolet (UV) lamp (38) provided on the humidifying body (31) to sterilize the fluid. [13] The air conditioning system according to claim 12, further comprising a controller (300), the controller being configured to operate the ultraviolet (UV) lamp (38) to sterilize the fluid when the fluid is contained in the humidifying body (31) for a predetermined period of time. [14] The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the housing (10) is configured to be installed in a ceiling so that the panel (20) is exposed to a room to be air-conditioned.

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