Air conditioner and operating method therefor

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner and an operating method therefor. The air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a wall-mounted indoor unit including a case provided on a wall surface; a sensor part including at least one sensor; and a control part, wherein the wall-mounted indoor unit includes: a main discharge port that opens at the bottom of the case; a sub discharge port that opens at the front of the case; and a main vane for opening / closing the main discharge port, and the control part calculates a dew point temperature on the basis of indoor temperature and indoor humidity detected through the sensor part if the main discharge port is closed during a cooling operation, determines, on the basis of the dew point temperature, a limit temperature that serves as a reference for cooling control, and can perform the cooling operation on the basis of the limit temperature.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner and an operating method therefor, and more particularly, to an air conditioner that prevents condensation on a vane while providing a comfortable sleep to an occupant.[Background Art]

[0002] Air conditioners are installed to provide a more comfortable indoor environment for humans by discharging hot and cold air into the room to regulate the room temperature, and purifying the indoor air to create a comfortable indoor environment. In general, air conditioners include an indoor unit which is composed of a heat exchanger and installed indoors, and an outdoor unit which is composed of a compressor and a heat exchanger and supplies refrigerant to the indoor unit.

[0003] Air conditioners are operated for cooling or heating by the flow of refrigerant. During cooling operation, high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant is supplied to the indoor unit from the compressor of the outdoor unit through the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit, and as the refrigerant expands and vaporizes in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit, the temperature of the surrounding air decreases, and as an indoor unit fan rotates, cold air is discharged into the room. During heating operation, high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is supplied to the indoor unit from the compressor of the outdoor unit, and the air, which is warmed as the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant liquefies in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit, is discharged into the room according to the operation of the indoor unit fan.

[0004] When the air conditioner performs cooling operation, the cold air that is heat-exchanged in the indoor unit is discharged into an indoor space through a discharge port. At this time, if the ambient temperature of the discharge port and the vane is lowered to or below a dew point temperature due to the cold air discharged from the indoor unit, condensation may occur on the vane. Meanwhile, as the time that the cold air remains near the discharge port and vane of the indoor unit becomes longer, the possibility of condensation may increase.

[0005] Conventionally, as in Prior Document 1 (Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0061308) or Prior Document 2 (Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0089748), a method of forming a vane in a separate shape to prevent dew formation or forming a hole in the vane is used. However, since the shape or arrangement of the internal components is different for each product, it is difficult to optimize the shape of the vane to prevent dew formation. In addition, air resistance is generated by the hole formed in the vane, thereby impeding the flow of air and increasing the possibility of noise generation.

[0006] Meanwhile, the cold air discharged from the air conditioner forms a cold draft, which is a flow of cold air, due to the difference in density with the air in the room. If the cold draft comes into contact with elderly or sleeping people, they may feel uncomfortable or suffer from heat-related illness.

[0007] Prior document 3 (Korean Patent No. 10-1143576) discloses a method for controlling the wind direction at bedtime. However, according to the contents of the prior document 3, since specific control over the temperature of the air discharged from the air conditioner is impossible, the discomfort of the occupant due to the cold draft phenomenon cannot be improved.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of discharging air so that heat-exchanged air flows along a ceiling forming an indoor space, and an operating method thereof.

[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of discharging air so that heat-exchanged air flows toward a specific area of an indoor space, and an operating method thereof.

[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of including a main vane formed in a shape that prevents condensation, and an operating method thereof.

[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of performing cooling operation that prevents condensation on the main vane, and an operating method thereof.

[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of performing operation optimized for a mode depending on whether a main discharge port is opened or closed by the main vane, and an operating method thereof.

[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of minimizing discomfort to occupants who are in a state of low activity such as sleeping, and an operating method thereof.

[0015] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of maintaining a sense of comfort to users even when the wind speed of an indoor unit is changed by occupants, and an operating method thereof.

[0016] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of maintaining the temperature of air flowing to occupants even when the temperature of a space where an outdoor unit is arranged is changed, and an operating method thereof.[Technical Solution]

[0017] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described purpose includes a wall-mounted indoor unit including a main discharge port opening in a downward direction of a case installed on a wall and a main vane for opening and closing the main discharge port, and can adjust a temperature that serves as a reference for cooling control, on the basis of an angle of the main vane and an indoor temperature and an indoor humidity during operation.

[0018] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a sensor unit including at least one sensor; and a controller, wherein the controller, if the main discharge port is closed during a cooling operation, calculates a dew point temperature, on the basis of indoor temperature and indoor humidity detected through the sensor part, determines, on the basis of the dew point temperature, a limit temperature that serves as a reference for cooling control, and performs the cooling operation, on the basis of the limit temperature.

[0019] An operating method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes operations of: calculating a dew point temperature, on the basis of indoor temperature and indoor humidity, when the main discharge port is closed during a cooling operation; determining a limit temperature that serves as a reference for cooling control, on the basis of the dew point temperature; and performing the cooling operation, on the basis of the limit temperature.

[0020] An operating method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a step of adjusting the arrangement of the main vane so that an inclination angle between the front distal end of the main vane, which adjusts the wind direction of air discharged from the main discharge port in the up-down direction, and the ground is equal to or less than a first set angle, and a step of adjusting the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger is maintained equal to or higher than a first set temperature, wherein the first set temperature can be set to a temperature at which a relative humidity of the indoor temperature detected by an indoor temperature sensor is equal to or less than 65%.[Advantageous Effects]

[0021] The effects of the air conditioner and its operating method according to the present disclosure are described as follows.

[0022] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, air can be discharged such that the heat-exchanged air flows along the ceiling forming the indoor space, thereby providing consistent heating and cooling throughout the entire indoor space.

[0023] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, air can be discharged such that the heat-exchanged air flows toward a specific area of the indoor space, so that cooling and heating can be gradually performed for the entire indoor space from the specific area of the indoor space.

[0024] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, condensation on the main vane can be prevented by forming a protrusion on the upper surface of the main vane.

[0025] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the main vane is arranged so that the main discharge port is closed, a cooling operation can be performed by setting a limit temperature that serves as a reference for cooling control according to the dew point temperature, thereby preventing condensation on the main vane.

[0026] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the target temperature, which is a reference for control, can be set differently depending on whether the main discharge port is opened or closed by the main vane, thereby performing the operation optimized for a mode.

[0027] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a temperature above a certain level with low relative humidity can be supplied to a user, thereby providing a comfortable state to a user with little activity, such as sleeping.

[0028] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wind speed of air reaching occupants can be formed below a certain level, thereby providing a comfortable state to a user with little activity.

[0029] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, even if a user changes the rotation speed of the indoor fan, the operation of the compressor and the outdoor fan can be adjusted to continuously provide comfortable air to the user.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, even if a difference in load occurs between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit due to a change in the external environment, a comfortable indoor space can be provided to the occupant.

[0031] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art.[Description of Drawings]

[0032] FIG. 1 is a system diagram for explaining a configuration of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a structure of an indoor unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the changing position of a main vane of an indoor unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an air conditioner, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a front view of an air conditioner, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a rear view of an air conditioner, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an air conditioner, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of one side of an air conditioner, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are diagrams for explaining the arrangement of the moving vane and the flow of air, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an air conditioner, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are diagrams for explaining a mode in which a main discharge port is closed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are diagrams for explaining a mode in which the main discharge port is opened, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an air conditioner, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 to FIG. 19 are diagrams for explaining an operation of an air conditioner, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 to FIG. 22 are flowcharts illustrating an operation method of an air conditioner, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 23 is experimental data showing the speed of air at the position of an occupant according to the air volume and the temperature change of an indoor heat exchanger. FIG. 24 is data on the air speed and temperature at positions P1 and P2 according to the experiment in FIG. 23. [Mode for Invention]

[0033] Description will now be given in detail according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components may be denoted by the same reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0034] In general, suffixes such as "module" and "unit" may be used to refer to elements or components. Use of such suffixes herein is merely intended to facilitate description of the specification, and the suffixes do not have any special meaning or function. Therefore, the "module" and "unit" may be used interchangeably.

[0035] In the present application, it should be understood that the terms "comprises, includes," "has," etc. specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0036] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0037] The direction indications of up U, down D, left Le, right Ri, front F, and rear R shown in the drawings are only for the convenience of explanation, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification are not limited thereby.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic configuration of an air conditioner 1 is described.

[0039] The air conditioner 1 of the present disclosure includes an indoor unit 10 that is arranged in an indoor space and supplies heat-exchanged air to the indoor space, and an outdoor unit 200 that is connected to the indoor unit 10 and is arranged in an outdoor space.

[0040] The outdoor unit 200 includes a compressor 351 that compresses refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger 210 that heat-exchanges refrigerant discharged from the compressor 351 with outdoor air, and an outdoor fan 220 that causes outdoor air to flow to the outdoor heat exchanger 210. In addition, the outdoor unit 200 may include a refrigerant expansion valve 240 that expands refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger 210.

[0041] The outdoor unit 200 may include a compressor discharge temperature sensor 255 that detects the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 351. In addition, the outdoor unit 200 may include an outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 253 that detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 210.

[0042] The outdoor unit 200 may include an outdoor temperature sensor 251 that detects the temperature of the air flowing around the outdoor heat exchanger 210. The outdoor unit 200 may include an outdoor fan motor 225 that operates the outdoor fan 220. The outdoor unit 200 may include an accumulator 230 that separates the refrigerant supplied to the compressor 351 and supplies the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 351.

[0043] The indoor unit 10 may include an indoor heat exchanger 70 that heat exchanges refrigerant flowing by the compressor 351 with indoor air, an indoor fan 50 that forms air flow around the indoor heat exchanger 70, and an indoor fan motor 52 that operates the indoor fan 50.

[0044] The indoor unit 10 may include an indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 151 that detects the temperature of refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 70. The indoor unit 10 may include an indoor temperature sensor 153 that detects the temperature of air flowing around the indoor heat exchanger 70.

[0045] The indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 200 may be connected by two refrigerant pipes 261, 263. The two refrigerant pipes 261, 263 may include a gas pipe 261 connected to the compressor 351 and a liquid pipe 263 connecting the indoor heat exchanger 70 and the outdoor heat exchanger 210.

[0046] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the configuration of a discharge area of the indoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0047] The indoor unit 10 of the present disclosure may be a wall-mounted air conditioner 1. In addition, the indoor unit 10 of the present disclosure may be a ceiling-type air conditioner 1.

[0048] The indoor unit 10 forms a discharge port 48 that is opened downward or downward and forward. The indoor unit 10 includes a first moving vane 120 that adjusts the wind direction of air discharged through the discharge port 48. The first moving vane 120 may change the wind direction of air discharged through the discharge port 48 in the up-down direction as the arrangement is changed.

[0049] The indoor unit 10 may include a louver 90 that adjusts the wind direction of air discharged through the discharge port 48 in the left-right direction.

[0050] The indoor unit 10 may include a vane motor (not shown) that adjusts the arrangement of the first moving vane 120. In addition, the indoor unit 10 may include a louver motor (not shown) that adjusts the arrangement of the louver 90.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, the arrangement of the first moving vane 120 may be adjusted in multiple steps. Referring to FIG. 3, the first moving vane 120 may be arranged at a first position P1 where the angle of inclination with respect to the ground is minimized. The first moving vane 120 may be arranged at a second position P2 where the angle of inclination with respect to the ground is formed to the maximum. The first moving vane 120 may be arranged at a plurality of third positions P3 that form the angle of inclination between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0052] At the first position P1, the angle of inclination between a front distal end 121a of the first moving vane 120 and the ground may be formed to the minimum. At the first position P1, the angle of inclination between the front distal end 121a of the first moving vane 120 and the ground may be formed within a range of 10 degrees.

[0053] Therefore, when the first moving vane 120 is arranged at the first position P1, it may discharge air discharged from the discharge port 48 in a horizontal direction. When the first moving vane 120 is arranged at the first position P1, air discharged from the discharge port 48 may move to a long distance from the indoor unit 10.

[0054] Here, the first position P1 of the first moving vane 120 may be a position where the front distal end 121a of the first moving vane 120 is arranged on the upper side while the discharge port 48 is open. The first position P1 of the first moving vane 120 may be a position where the front distal end 121a of the first moving vane 120 is arranged on the upper side, among the area where the discharge port 48 is open and the position of the first moving vane 120 is changed by the vane motor.

[0055] When the first moving vane 120 is arranged at the second position P2, the air discharged from the discharge port 48 may be discharged vertically. When the first moving vane 120 is arranged at the second position P2, the air discharged from the discharge port 48 may move to the ground.

[0056] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 11, the controller 70 for detection or operation of the air conditioner 1 of the present disclosure and the related configuration will be described.

[0057] The air conditioner 1 of the present disclosure may include a controller 70 that adjusts the operation of each of the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 200. The controller 70 may include an indoor unit controller (not shown) arranged in the indoor unit 10 and an outdoor unit controller (not shown) arranged in the outdoor unit 200. The indoor unit controller and the outdoor unit controller are connected to each other to share information or transmit and receive electrical signals.

[0058] The detection or control by the controller 70 described below may include a concept including a control through at least one of an indoor unit controller and an outdoor unit controller, and a control that the indoor unit controller and the outdoor unit controller are interconnected.

[0059] The controller 70 may adjust the operation of the compressor 351. That is, it may adjust the rotation speed of an impeller (not shown) disposed inside the compressor 351. By adjusting the rotation speed of the impeller disposed inside the compressor 351, it is possible to respond to the increase or decrease in an indoor load.

[0060] The controller 70 may increase or decrease the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 220. By adjusting the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 220, it is possible to respond to the increase or decrease in the indoor load. The controller 70 may adjust the opening of the refrigerant expansion valve 240. The controller 70 may increase or decrease the flow rate of the flowing refrigerant by adjusting the opening of the refrigerant expansion valve 240.

[0061] The controller 70 may adjust the rotation speed of the indoor fan 50. The controller 70 may maintain the rotation speed of the indoor fan 50 at or below a first set rotation speed V1. Here, the first set rotation speed V1 may be the minimum speed at which the indoor unit 10 operates and the indoor fan motor 52 rotates the indoor fan 50. The first set rotation speed may be a rotation speed of the indoor fan 50 that is maintained for a certain period of time or longer as the indoor fan motor 52 operates. Therefore, there is a difference from the rotation speed of the indoor fan 50 formed in the process of decreasing the rotation speed of the indoor fan 50. For example, the first set rotation speed may be the rotation speed of the indoor fan 50 that forms the wind volume of 4CMM, as shown in FIG. 23.

[0062] The controller 70 may change the arrangement of the first moving vane 120. The controller 70 may operate the vane motor to adjust the arrangement of the first moving vane 120.

[0063] The first moving vane 120 may open and close the discharge port 48 formed in the indoor unit 10. The arrangement of the first moving vane 120 may be changed to a plurality of positions while the discharge port 48 is open.

[0064] The first moving vane 120 may be arranged at the first position P1 where the angle of inclination with respect to the ground is minimized, the second position P2 where the angle of inclination with respect to the ground is maximized, and the plurality of third positions P3 where the angle of inclination is formed between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0065] Here, each of the first position P1, the second position P2, and the third position P3 where the first moving vane 120 is arranged may be an area where the arrangement is maintained for a set time or longer at a corresponding position. Therefore, there is a difference from the position in the process where the arrangement is changed by the vane motor.

[0066] The controller 70 may control the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 70. The temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 70 may vary depending on a cooling mode and a heating mode. In addition, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 70 may be maintained at a first set temperature T1 in a first mode M1 described below. The first set temperature T1 may be formed higher than the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 70 in a general cooling mode.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 4, the configuration of the air conditioner of the present disclosure will be described.

[0068] The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes a case 101 forming an outer shape. The case 101 forms a suction port 12 on the upper side. Air from the upper side of the case 101 may be flowed into the inside of the case 101 through the suction port 12.

[0069] The case 101 forms a space in which the fan 50 (see FIG. 4) and the heat exchanger 70 (see FIG. 4) described below are arranged therein.

[0070] In some embodiment, the case 101 may form a first discharge port 36 in a forward direction. The air conditioner may include a discharge cover 30 that is arranged in the front of the case 101 and forms the first discharge port 36. The air conditioner may have a fixed vane 40 that is arranged on one side of the discharge cover 30 and guides the wind direction of air discharged through the first discharge port 36.

[0071] A display 170 may be arranged on the front of the case 101.

[0072] A suction grill 20 may be arranged on the upper side of the case 101. The suction grill 20 is detachably placed on the case 101.

[0073] The suction grill 20 may be arranged on the upper side of the case 101 where the suction port 12 is formed. The suction grill 20 may include a plurality of ribs 22 extending in the left-right direction or the front-rear direction.

[0074] A mesh 24 may be arranged on the suction grill 20 to filter out foreign substances in the air flowing into the suction port 12. The mesh 24 may be arranged between the plurality of ribs 22.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 5, the structure of the air conditioner will be described.

[0076] The display 170 may be arranged on the front surface of the case 101. The display 170 may display information such as the operating state of the air conditioner or the temperature of the indoor space.

[0077] The suction grill 20 may have a shape that protrudes upward. Therefore, when viewing the case 101 from the front surface, one side of the suction grill 20 may be exposed.

[0078] The first discharge port 36 is arranged on the lower portion of the front surface of the case 101. The fixed vane 40 is arranged in the first discharge port 36. The fixed vane 40 is arranged to be fixed to one side of the case 101. Therefore, the fixed vane 40 may guide air flowing to the first discharge port 36 in one direction.

[0079] In the case 101, the discharge cover 30 forming the first discharge port 36 may be arranged. The discharge cover 30 may be arranged in the case 101 forming the front surface. The discharge cover 30 may have a structure arranged inside the case 101. The discharge cover 30 may form the first discharge port 36 formed in the left-right direction. The fixed vane 40 may be arranged in the discharge cover 30.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 6, the lower configuration of the air conditioner will be described.

[0081] The air conditioner includes a lower cover 46. The lower cover 46 is arranged in the open lower side of the case 101. A second discharge port 48 is formed between the lower cover 46 and the case 101. Between the lower cover 46 and the case 101, a first moving vane 120 that opens and closes the second discharge port 48 is arranged.

[0082] The second discharge port 48 may be formed in front of the lower cover 46.

[0083] Depending on the arrangement of the moving vane, the second discharge port 48 may be opened or closed.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 7, the overall configuration of the air conditioner is schematically described.

[0085] The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes the case 101 that forms an outer shape. The case 101 may have a structure that covers the front surface and both lateral sides. The case 101 may have a having an open lower side.

[0086] The case 101 may have a structure having an open upper side. The case 101 may form the suction port 12 on the upper surface. The case 101 may have an upper rib 14 arranged on the upper surface. The upper rib 14 may maintain the arrangement of the suction grill 20.

[0087] The case 101 may form the first discharge port 36 in a forward direction. The discharge cover 30 having the first discharge port 36 formed therein may be arranged in the front of the case 101. The discharge cover 30 may also be formed as one body with the case 101.

[0088] The case 101 may have a rearwardly open shape. The case 101 may form a space in which the fan 50 and the heat exchanger 70 are arranged therein.

[0089] The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes a suction grill 20 arranged in the suction port 12 of the case 101. The suction grill 20 is provided with a plurality of ribs 22 that extend in the left-right or forward-rearward direction. A mesh 24 may be arranged between the plurality of ribs 22.

[0090] The suction grill 20 may be arranged on the upper side of the upper rib 14 formed in the case 101.

[0091] The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes a discharge cover 30 that forms a first discharge port 36. The discharge cover 30 is arranged so as to be fixed to the front surface of the case 101. A first discharge port 36 that extends long in the left-right direction is formed in the discharge cover 30.

[0092] A plurality of front ribs 38 that extend in the up-down direction and are spaced apart in the left-right direction are arranged in the discharge cover 30. The front rib 38 may be connected to the fixed vane 40. The front rib 38 may maintain the arrangement of the fixed vane 40.

[0093] The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes the fixed vane 40 that guides the wind direction of air discharged through the first discharge port 36. The fixed vane 40 may be fixedly arranged on the discharge cover 30. The fixed vane 40 may be fixedly arranged on the case 101.

[0094] The fixed vane 40 may have a structure that is connected to each of the plurality of front ribs 38 of the discharge cover 30. The fixed vane 40 may send air flowing through the first discharge port 36 in a direction horizontal to the ground or upward from the direction horizontal to the ground.

[0095] The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes a lower cover 46 that is arranged on the lower surface of the case 101. The lower cover 46 may be arranged to cover a partial area of the open lower side of the case 101. A second discharge port 48 may be formed in the lower cover 46.

[0096] The lower cover 46 is detachably arranged in the case 101. The lower cover 46 may be fixedly arranged in the case 101 or the inner body 80 described below. The lower cover 46 may have a plate shape having an approximate '' shape. The second discharge port 48 may be formed between the case 101 and the lower cover 46.

[0097] The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes a stabilizer 100. The stabilizer 100 may guide the flow of air discharged by the fan 50. The stabilizer 100 may guide the upper side of the air flowing forward and downward to the fan 50. The stabilizer 100 may support one side of the heat exchanger 70.

[0098] The moving vane 120, 130 is arranged in the stabilizer 100. The moving vane 120, 130 may be arranged in the stabilizer 100 so that the arrangement may be changed.

[0099] A vane motor 108 that changes the arrangement of the moving vane 120, 130 may be arranged in the stabilizer 100.

[0100] The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes a first moving vane 120 that opens and closes the second discharge port 48. The moving vane 120, 130 may guide the wind direction of air discharged from the second discharge port 48. The moving vane 120, 130 may guide air flowing through the fan 50 to the first discharge port 36.

[0101] The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes an inner body 80 that is arranged inside the case 101 and rotatably supports the fan 50. The fan 50 may be arranged in the inner body 80. The indoor fan motor 52 that rotates the fan 50 may be arranged in the inner body 80.

[0102] The inner body 80 is fixedly arranged inside the case 101. The inner body 80 may guide air flowing rearward or downward by the fan 50. In the inner body 80, the louver 90 that adjusts the direction of the flowing air in the left-right direction may be arranged. The louver 90 may guide the direction of the air flowing to the first discharge port 36 or the second discharge port 48 in the left-right direction.

[0103] The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes the fan 50 that sends air from the suction port 12 to the first discharge port 36 or the second discharge port 48. The fan 50 is rotatably arranged inside the case 101. The fan 50 may be a cross-flow fan that sucks in air to one side in the radial direction on the basis of the rotation axis and discharges air to the other side in the radial direction.

[0104] The fan 50 may suck in air from the suction port 12 located on the upper side of the fan 50. In addition, the fan 50 may discharge air through the first discharge port 36 or the second discharge port 48 located at the lower side of the fan 50.

[0105] The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes an indoor fan motor 52 that rotates the fan 50. The indoor fan motor 52 is arranged on one side of the inner body 80.

[0106] The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes a motor cover 54 that covers one side of the indoor fan motor 52. The motor cover 54 may be mounted on the inner body 80. The motor cover 54 may be mounted on the inner body 80 or one side of the control box 60 described below.

[0107] The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes the heat exchanger 70 that heat-exchanges air flowing inside the case 101. The heat exchanger 70 may heat-exchange the refrigerant and air. The heat exchanger 70 may heat-exchange the air discharged into the indoor space. The heat exchanger 70 may heat-exchange the air flowing to the first discharge port 36 or the second discharge port 48.

[0108] The heat exchanger 70 may have at least one banded shape. The heat exchanger 70 is arranged above the fan 50. The heat exchanger 70 may heat-exchange the air flowing by the fan 50.

[0109] The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes a control box 60 in which electrical components for adjusting the operation of the air conditioner are arranged. The control box 60 may be mounted on one side of the inner body 80. The control box 60 may be arranged on one side of the indoor fan motor 52. The indoor fan motor 52 may be arranged between the control box 60 and the fan 50.

[0110] The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes a display 170 that displays a temperature or an operating state. The display 170 may be arranged on one side of the control box 60. The display 170 is arranged on the inside of the case 101. The display 170 is arranged at the rear of the front wall of the case 101. The display 170 may output a status to the front wall of the case 101.

[0111] The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes a rear cover 190 arranged at the rear of the case 101. The rear cover 190 may mount the air conditioner on a wall. The rear cover 190 may have a structure that is coupled to the case 101 or the inner body 80.

[0112] The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes a heat exchanger holder 180 that is arranged at one side of the inner body 80 and maintains the arrangement of the heat exchanger 70. The heat exchanger holder 180 is arranged to be fixed to the inner body 80. The fan 50 is rotatably arranged in the area where the heat exchanger holder 180 is coupled to the inner body 80.

[0113] The heat exchanger holder 180 is arranged to be coupled with the inner body 80 on the opposite side where the indoor fan motor 52 is arranged.

[0114] The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes an upper cover 61 that covers the upper side of the indoor fan motor 52 or the control box 60. The upper cover 61 may cover the upper side of the indoor fan motor 52, in the area open to the upper side of the case 101.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 8, the arrangement of the configuration revealed in the cross-section of the air conditioner is explained.

[0116] The suction port 12 is formed on the upper side of the case 101. The suction port 12 is formed on the upper side of the fan 50.

[0117] The heat exchanger 70 is arranged on the upper side of the fan 50. The heat exchanger 70 may have a structure that is bended in at least one area. The heat exchanger 70 of the present disclosure may include a bended section in two areas.

[0118] The heat exchanger 70 includes a first heat exchanger 70a arranged in front of the fan 50, a second heat exchanger 70b that is bended from the first heat exchanger 70a and extends upwardly and rearwardly, and a third heat exchanger 70c that is bended from the second heat exchanger 70b and extends downwardly and rearwardly.

[0119] One end of the heat exchanger 70 is arranged on the upper side of the stabilizer 100. The other end of the heat exchanger 70 is arranged on the upper side of the inner body 80.

[0120] The fan 50 is arranged between the inner body 80 and the stabilizer 100. The fan 50 rotates to suck in air from the front and the upper side. The fan 50 rotates to discharge air to the rear and the lower side.

[0121] The air flowing by the fan 50 may flow into a discharge path 18 formed by the inner body 80 and the stabilizer 100.

[0122] The inner body 80 is arranged at the rear and the lower side of the fan 50.

[0123] The inner body 80 includes a support body 82 that is arranged at the rear of the fan 50 and supports one side of the heat exchanger 70, and a guide body 84 that guides the air flowing by the rotation of the fan 50 toward the front lower side.

[0124] The guide body 84 includes an inflow guide body 85 that protrudes to the upper side of the fan 50 and guides air flowing into the fan 50. The guide body 84 includes a first guide 86 that guides flowing air toward the front lower side due to the rotation of the fan 50.

[0125] The first guide 86 may be arranged so that it becomes farther away from the fan 50 as it goes downward. The first guide 86 may include an upper guide 86a having a curved shape around the fan 50 and a lower guide 86b that extends in the forward- downward direction from the lower portion of the upper guide 86a.

[0126] The louver 90 that adjusts the direction of air flowing downwardly due to the rotation of the fan 50 in the left-right direction may be arranged on one side of the first guide 86. The louver 90 may be re-arranged in the left-right direction by a separate louver motor (not shown).

[0127] On one side of the first guide 86, a sterilizing lamp 92 that irradiates ultraviolet rays in the direction in which the fan 50 is arranged may be arranged. The sterilizing lamp 92 may be arranged on one side where the louver 90 is arranged.

[0128] The stabilizer 100 is arranged so as to be spaced upward from the first guide 86 of the inner body 80.

[0129] The stabilizer 100 includes a second guide 102 arranged to be spaced apart upwardly from the first guide 86, an end guide 104 that is bent from the upper end portion of the second guide 102 and extends upwardly, and a plurality of upper protrusions 106 that are spaced apart in the front-rear direction from the upper surface of the second guide 102 and extend upwardly.

[0130] The second guide 102 includes at least two walls having different slopes. The second guide 102 may form a discharge path 18 at between the second guide 102 and the first guide 86.

[0131] The moving vane 120, 130 may be arranged in the stabilizer 100. Inside the case 101, the moving vane 120, 130 that adjusts the wind direction of air discharged through the second discharge port 48 may be arranged. The moving vane 120, 130 includes a first moving vane 120 that opens and closes the second discharge port 48 and a second moving vane 130 that is arranged on the discharge path 18.

[0132] The first moving vane 120 and the second moving vane 130 may be connected by a plurality of links. The air conditioner may include a driving link 140 connected to the vane motor 108, a first link 142 that connects the driving link 140 and the first moving vane 120, and a second link 144 that connects the driving link 140 and the second moving vane 130. The air conditioner may include an auxiliary link 146 connecting the stabilizer 100 and the first moving vane 120.

[0133] The first moving vane 120 may open and close the second discharge port 48. The second moving vane 130 may be arranged above the first moving vane 120. The length of the first moving vane 120 formed in the front-rear direction may be formed longer than the length of the second moving vane 130 formed in the front-rear direction.

[0134] A net steel 160 may be arranged on the stabilizer 100. The net steel 160 may prevent a user or the like from approaching the fan 50 through the inside of the discharge path 18.

[0135] The second discharge port 48 is located on the lower surface of the case 101. The first discharge port 36 is located on the front surface of the case 101. When arranged in a position to close the second discharge port 48, the first moving vane 120 may guide air flowing by the fan 50 to the first discharge port 36.

[0136] The discharge cover 30 may be arranged on one side of the case 101 that is opened in a forward direction. The first discharge port 36 is formed in the discharge cover 30. The discharge cover 30 includes a discharge cover lower portion 34 connected to the lower portion of the case 101, and a discharge cover upper portion 32 that is arranged spaced upward from the discharge cover lower portion 34.

[0137] The fixed vane 40 is arranged in the discharge cover 30 to guide the air discharged through the first discharge port 36.

[0138] The case 101 includes a rim wall 16 connected to the discharge cover lower portion 34 at the lower portion of the front surface.

[0139] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9, the configuration for allowing the discharged air to flow by the fan 50 while the first moving vane 120 closes the second discharge port 48 will be described in detail.

[0140] The first guide 86 of the inner body 80 and the second guide 102 of the stabilizer 100 form the discharge path 18. The first guide 86 of the inner body 80, the second guide 102 of the stabilizer 100, and the first moving vane 120 may form the discharge path 18.

[0141] The inclination angle θ1 formed between the first guide 86 and the imaginary horizontal line HL horizontal to the ground may be formed to be greater than the inclination angle θ2 formed between the second guide 102 and the imaginary horizontal line HL.

[0142] That is, the width formed by the cross section of the discharge path 18 formed between the first guide 86 of the inner body 80 and the second guide 102 of the stabilizer 100 may increase as it gets farther from the fan 50.

[0143] The second guide 102 includes a rear guide 102a, a middle guide 102b extending in a forward direction from the rear guide 102a, and a front guide 102c extending in a forward direction from the middle guide 102b.

[0144] The rear guide 102a may be arranged to extend toward the front lower side as it gets farther away from the fan 50. The rear guide 102a may have a shape that is inclined toward the front lower side.

[0145] The rear guide 102a may form the discharge path 18 with the lower guide 86b of the first guide 86. The inclination angle θ2 formed by the rear guide 102a with the imaginary horizontal line HL may be formed smaller than the inclination angle θ1 formed by the first guide 86 with the imaginary horizontal line HL.

[0146] A portion of the rear guide 102a is arranged on the upper side of the first guide 86. Another portion of the rear guide 102a is arranged on the upper side of the second discharge port 48. Another portion of the rear guide 102a is arranged on the upper side of the first moving vane 120.

[0147] The length 102aL of the rear guide 102a extending in the front-rear direction may be formed longer than the length 102bL of the middle guide 102b extending in the front-rear direction. The length 102aL of the rear guide 102a extending in the front-rear direction may be formed shorter than the length 86bL of the lower guide 86b of the first guide 86 extending in the front-rear direction.

[0148] The middle guide 102b may be arranged approximately parallel to the ground. The middle guide 102b is arranged on the upper side of the second discharge port 48. The middle guide 102b may be arranged on the upper side of the first moving vane 120. The middle guide 102b is arranged approximately parallel to the first moving vane 120 in the state where the second discharge port 48 is closed.

[0149] The length 102bL of the middle guide 102b extending in the front-rear direction may be formed shorter than the length 120L of the first moving vane 120 extending in the front-rear direction. The length 120aL of the rear guide 102a extending in the front-rear direction may be formed to be 1.5 to 3 times longer than the length 102bL of the middle guide 102b extending in the front-rear direction.

[0150] The angle θ3 formed between the middle guide 102b and the rear guide 102a may be formed to be larger than the angle θ4 formed between the first guide 86 and the first moving vane 120 in the state where the second discharge port 48 is closed.

[0151] The length 102bL of the middle guide 102b extending in the front-rear direction may be formed to be longer than the length 102cL of the front guide 102c extending in the front-rear direction. The length 102bL of the middle guide 102b extending in the front-rear direction may be formed to be two to four times longer than the length 102cL of the front guide 102c extending in the front-rear direction.

[0152] The front guide 102c may be extended in the forward-downward direction from the middle guide 102b. The front guide 102c is connected to the discharge cover discharge cover upper portion 32 30.

[0153] The front guide 102c is arranged on the upper side of the second discharge port 48. The front guide 102c is arranged on the upper side of the first moving vane 120.

[0154] The first guide 86 includes the upper guide 86a that is arranged around the fan 50 and has a bended shape. The upper guide 86a may be formed so that the gap between the fan 50 and the upper guide 86a increases as it goes downward.

[0155] The upper guide 86a may be arranged higher than the second guide 102 in the up-down direction. The upper guide 86a may guide the air discharged in a rearward direction by the rotation of the fan 50 downward.

[0156] The first guide 86 includes the lower guide 86b that guides the air flowing downward by the rotation of the fan 50 in a forward direction. The lower guide 86b may have a structure that extends forward and downward.

[0157] The first guide 86 may guide the air flowing downward by the rotation of the fan 50 to the second discharge port 48. The lower guide 86b of the first guide 86 has a structure that extends toward the second discharge port 48.

[0158] The first moving vane 120 may be arranged in a position where the second discharge port 48 is closed. The first moving vane 120 includes a vane upper surface 121 that comes in contact with the air flowing downward by the rotation of the fan 50. The first moving vane 120 includes a vane lower surface 122 arranged in the opposite direction to the vane upper surface 121.

[0159] Referring to the drawing, the vane upper surface 121 and the vane lower surface 122 may be formed on different plates. However, unlike the drawing, the vane upper surface 121 and the vane lower surface 122 can be formed as a single plate.

[0160] The vane upper surface 121 may be arranged approximately parallel to the middle guide 102b of the second guide 102. The vane upper surface 121 may come into contact with the air flowing along the discharge path 18. The vane upper surface 121 may guide the air flowing along the discharge path 18.

[0161] As in FIG. 9, when the first moving vane 120 closes the second discharge port 48, the air flowing in the discharge path 18 may move along the vane upper surface 121 of the first moving vane 120 and flow to the first discharge port 36.

[0162] As in FIG. 9, the state in which the first moving vane 120 closes the second discharge port 48 may be set as the first position P1 of the moving vane. That is, the moving vane may be arranged so that the first moving vane 120 closes the second discharge port 48 at the first position P1.

[0163] A plurality of protrusions 121c that protrudes upward and are spaced apart in the front-rear direction may be formed on the vane upper surface 121 of the first moving vane 120. The plurality of protrusions 121c may prevent dew formation on the upper side of the first moving vane 120.

[0164] The rear distal end 121b of the vane upper surface 121 may form a slope that extends downward as it goes rearward. The front distal end 121a of the vane upper surface 121 may form a slope that extends downward as it goes forward.

[0165] The length 121bL of the rear distal end 121b in the front-rear direction may be formed to be 0.1 to 0.2 times the length 120L of the first moving vane 120 in the front-rear direction. The length 121aL of the front distal end 121a in the front-rear direction may be formed to be 0.1 to 0.2 times the length 120L of the first moving vane 120 in the front-rear direction.

[0166] Insulation may be arranged inside the first moving vane 120.

[0167] The second moving vane 130 may be arranged on the upper side of the first moving vane 120. In the state where the first moving vane 120 closes the second discharge port 48, the second moving vane 130 may be arranged to send air in a forward direction.

[0168] At the first position P1 of the moving vane, the second moving vane 130 sends the air flowing in the forward-downward direction through the discharge path 18 to the first discharge port 36. At the first position P1 of the moving vane, the second moving vane 130 may be arranged in a convex shape toward the lower side.

[0169] At the first position P1 of the moving vane, the rear distal end 121b of the second moving vane 130 may be arranged toward the rear upper side. At the first position P1 of the moving vane, the front distal end 121a of the second moving vane 130 may be arranged toward the front or front upper side.

[0170] The length 130L formed in the front-rear direction of the second moving vane 130 may be formed to be half or less than half of the length 120L formed in the front-rear direction of the first moving vane 120.

[0171] The discharge cover 30 is arranged at the front end portion of the case 101. The discharge cover 30 may be arranged inside the case 101. On the inside of the discharge cover 30, a first discharge port path 30a that guides the air flowing through the discharge path 18 to the first discharge port 36 may be formed.

[0172] The first discharge port path 30a may be formed between the discharge cover upper portion 32 and the discharge cover lower portion 34. The first discharge port 36 may be formed at the front distal end of the first discharge port path 30a.

[0173] The discharge cover lower portion 34 may include an inclination guide wall 34a that forms an inclined surface toward the front upper side, and a vane-corresponding wall 34b that is arranged to face the first moving vane 120.

[0174] The inclination guide wall 34a allows the air flowing along the vane upper surface 121 of the first moving vane 120 to flow to the front upper side. The inclination guide wall 34a may guide the air flowing along the vane upper surface 121 of the first moving vane 120 to the first discharge port 36.

[0175] The inclination guide wall 34a may be arranged to be inclined upward than the surface formed by the vane upper surface 121 of the first moving vane 120. That is, the air, which flows through the discharge path 18 and flows along the upper surface of the first moving vane 120, may flow upward. This may allow the air discharged through the first discharge port 36 to be discharged in the forward and horizontal direction or discharged to the upper side of the forward and horizontal direction. This may send the air discharged in a forward direction through the first discharge port 36 to a long distance.

[0176] The front distal end of the inclination guide wall 34a may be connected to the rim wall 16 of the case 101. The front distal end of the inclination guide wall 34a connected to the rim wall 16 of the case 101 may be arranged approximately horizontally.

[0177] The vane-corresponding wall 34b is arranged to face the front distal end 121a of the first moving vane 120 arranged at the first position P1.

[0178] The discharge cover upper portion 32 may form an approximately horizontal surface. The discharge cover upper portion 32 may have a structure extending from the second guide 102.

[0179] The fixed vane 40 is arranged between the discharge cover lower portion 34 and the discharge cover upper portion 32. The fixed vane 40 may extend in the front-rear direction to guide the flow of air discharged to the first discharge port 36. The fixed vane 40 may have a structure that extends upward as it goes forward.

[0180] The inclination angle θ5 formed by the fixed vane 40 with the imaginary horizontal line HL may be formed smaller than the inclination angle θ6 formed by the discharge cover lower portion 34 with the imaginary horizontal line HL. The inclination angle θ5 formed by the fixed vane 40 with the imaginary horizontal line HL may be formed smaller than the inclination angle θ6 formed by the inclination guide wall 34a of the discharge cover lower portion 34 with the imaginary horizontal line HL.

[0181] The inclination angle θ5 formed by the fixed vane 40 with the imaginary horizontal line HL may be formed to be greater than the inclination angle θ7 formed by the vane upper surface 121 of the first moving vane 120 with the imaginary horizontal line HL. The inclination angle θ5 formed by the fixed vane 40 with the imaginary horizontal line HL may be formed to be greater than the inclination angle θ8 formed by the discharge cover upper portion 32 with the imaginary horizontal line HL.

[0182] The first discharge port path 30a may be formed to have a smaller cross-sectional area as it goes forward. The first discharge port path 30a may be formed to have a smaller vertical gap as it goes forward.

[0183] The area of the first discharge port 36 may be formed to be smaller than the area of the second discharge port 48. Referring to FIG. 9, the gap 36h formed by the first discharge port 36 in the up-down direction may be formed smaller than the gap 48w formed by the second discharge port 48 in the front-rear direction.

[0184] Air flowing by the rotation of the fan 50 flows forward and downward along the discharge path 18. In addition, air flowing between the first moving vane 120 and the second guide 102 may be discharged to the first discharge port 36 through the first discharge path 30a. Air discharged to the first discharge port 36 through the first discharge path 30a may flow forward and upward.

[0185] Therefore, when the moving vane is at the first position P1, air may be discharged through the first discharge port 36. By operating the fan 50, air may be discharged to the front of the case 101 through the first discharge port 36. At this time, the air discharged through the first discharge port 36 may flow to a long distance in the front.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 10, the arrangement of the moving vane and the flow of air at the second position P2 of the moving vane are described.

[0187] The second position P2 of the moving vane may be in a state where the second discharge port 48 is open. Therefore, at the second position P2 of the moving vane, the first moving vane 120 may be arranged below the second discharge port 48. At the second position P2 of the moving vane, the first moving vane 120 may be arranged at a position spaced downward from the second discharge port 48. At the second position P2 of the moving vane, the first moving vane 120 may allow the air flowing to the second discharge port 48 to flow in the forward-downward direction or in the downward direction.

[0188] Unlike the drawing, at the second position P2 of the moving vane, a portion of the first moving vane 120 can be positioned above the second discharge port 48.

[0189] When moving from the first position P1 of the moving vane to the second position P2 of the moving vane, the second moving vane 130 may move downward. When moving from the first position P1 of the moving vane to the second position P2 of the moving vane, the second moving vane 130 may be arranged to be inclined downward.

[0190] At the second position P2 of the moving vane, the first moving vane 120 may guide the wind direction of the air flowing to the second discharge port 48. At the second position P2 of the moving vane, the air discharged to the second discharge port 48 may flow in the forward-downward direction along the first moving vane 120.

[0191] At the second position P2 of the moving vane, both the first discharge port 36 and the second discharge port 48 are opened. At this time, the air flowing through the discharge path 18 may flow to the second discharge port 48 that is opened downwardly in the forward-downward direction. It is also possible that some of the air is discharged to the first discharge port 36. However, most of the air may be discharged through the second discharge port 48, and flow in the forward-downward direction or in the downward direction along the first moving vane 120 that is arranged to open the second discharge port 48.

[0192] When the moving vane is arranged at the second position P2, the air discharged to the second discharge port 48 and / or the first discharge port 36 may flow toward the front lower side. Since the main airflow of the discharged air is discharged through the second discharge port 48, the air may be discharged toward the front lower side.

[0193] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 11, the air conditioner 1 may include a communication unit 310, a sensor part 320, a memory 330, a fan driving unit 340 that drives a fan 341, a compressor driving unit 350 that drives a compressor 351, a vane 360, and / or a controller 370.

[0195] The communication unit 310 may include at least one communication module. For example, the communication unit 310 may be provided in each of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit 10, and the outdoor unit and the indoor unit 10 may transmit and receive data between each other.

[0196] The communication method between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit 10 may be, for example, not only a communication method using a power line, a serial communication method (e.g., RS-485 communication), a wired communication method through a refrigerant piping, but also a wireless communication method such as Wi-fi, Bluetooth, Beacon, or Zigbee.

[0197] The communication unit 310 may transmit and receive data with an external device. For example, the communication unit 310 may access a server connected to an external network to transmit and receive data.

[0198] The sensor part 320 may be provided with at least one sensor, and may transmit data on a detection value detected through the sensor to the controller 370.

[0199] The sensor part 320 may be provided with a heat exchanger temperature sensor (not shown). For example, the heat exchanger temperature sensor may be arranged in the indoor heat exchanger 70, and detect the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70.

[0200] The sensor part 320 may be provided with a pipe temperature sensor (not shown). The pipe temperature sensor may detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through each pipe of the air conditioner 1. For example, the pipe temperature sensor may be arranged in the inlet-side pipe of the indoor unit 10 and / or the outlet-side pipe of the indoor unit 10, and detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the pipe. For example, the pipe temperature sensor may be arranged in the pipe connected to the compressor 351 of the outdoor unit, and detect the temperature (hereinafter, refrigerant suction temperature) of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor 351 and / or the temperature (hereinafter, refrigerant discharge temperature) of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 351.

[0201] The sensor part 310 may be provided with a pressure sensor (not shown). The pressure sensor (not shown) may detect the pressure of the gaseous refrigerant flowing through each pipe of the air conditioner 1. For example, the pressure sensor may be arranged in a pipe connected to the compressor 351, and may detect the pressure (hereinafter, suction pressure) of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor 351 and / or the pressure (hereinafter, discharge pressure) of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 351.

[0202] The sensor part 320 may be provided with an indoor temperature sensor (not shown) that detects the indoor temperature and / or an outdoor temperature sensor (not shown) that detects the outdoor temperature.

[0203] The sensor part 320 may be provided with an indoor humidity sensor (not shown) that detects the indoor humidity and / or an outdoor humidity sensor (not shown) that detects the outdoor humidity.

[0204] The memory 330 may store data on a reference value related to the operation of each component provided in the air conditioner 1.

[0205] The memory 330 may store programs for processing and control of each signal within the controller 370, and may store processed data and data to be processed. For example, the memory 330 may store application programs designed for the purpose of performing various tasks that can be processed by the controller 370, and may selectively provide some of the stored application programs, upon request from the controller 370.

[0206] The memory 330 may include, for example, at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.) and nonvolatile memory (e.g., flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), etc.).

[0207] The fan driving unit 340 may drive the fan 341 provided in the air conditioner 1. For example, the fan 341 may include an outdoor fan and / or an indoor fan 50. The indoor fan 50 may be named a blower fan 50.

[0208] The fan driving unit 340 may include a rectifier (not shown) that rectifies AC power into DC power and outputs it, a DC capacitor (not shown) that stores a pulsating voltage from the rectifier, an inverter (not shown) that has a plurality of switching elements and converts and outputs a smoothed DC power into a three-phase AC power of a certain frequency, and / or at least one motor that drives the fan 341 according to the three-phase AC power output from the inverter.

[0209] Meanwhile, the fan driving unit 340 may be provided with separate configurations for driving the outdoor fan and the indoor fan 50. For example, the air conditioner 1 may include a first fan driving unit for driving an outdoor fan and a second fan driving unit for driving an indoor fan 50.

[0210] The compressor driving unit 350 may drive the compressor 351. The compressor driving unit 350 may include a rectifier (not shown) that rectifies AC power into DC power and outputs it, a DC end capacitor (not shown) that stores a pulsating voltage from the rectifier, an inverter (not shown) that has a plurality of switching elements and converts and outputs a smoothed DC power into a three-phase AC power of a certain frequency, and / or a compressor motor that drives the compressor 351 according to the three-phase AC power output from the inverter.

[0211] The vane 360 may be arranged at the discharge port of the indoor unit 10 through which air flowing inside the indoor unit 10 is discharged by the indoor fan 50. The vane 360 may include a fixed vane 40 arranged in the first discharge port 36 and a first moving vane 120 arranged in the second discharge port 48. Hereinafter, the first discharge port 36 may be referred to as a sub discharge port, and the second discharge port 48 may be referred to as a main discharge port. The fixed vane 40 may be referred to as a sub vane, and the first moving vane 120 may be referred to as a main vane.

[0212] The air conditioner 1 may further include a vane motor that drives the vane 360, a link that is connected between the vane 360 and the vane motor, etc. For example, when the link rotates according to the rotation of the vane motor, the direction in which the vane 360 faces may change according to the rotation of the link. At this time, as the direction in which the vane 360 faces changes, the direction (hereinafter, wind direction) in which air is discharged through the discharge port of the indoor unit 10 may change. The vane motor may be implemented as a step motor, but is not limited thereto.

[0213] The controller 370 may control the overall operation of the air conditioner 1. The controller 370 may be connected to each component provided in the air conditioner 1, and may control the overall operation of each component by transmitting and / or receiving signals to and / or from each component.

[0214] The controller 370 may control the operation of the fan driving unit 340 to change the rotation speed of the fan 341. For example, the fan driving unit 340 may change the rotation speed of the outdoor fan by changing the frequency of the three-phase AC power output to an outdoor fan motor, according to the control of the controller 370. For example, the fan driving unit 340 may change the rotation speed of the indoor fan 50 by changing the frequency of the three-phase AC power output to an indoor fan motor, according to the control of the controller 370.

[0215] The controller 370 may control the operation of the compressor driving unit 350 to change the operating frequency of the compressor 351. For example, the compressor driving unit 350 may change the frequency of the three-phase AC power output to the compressor motor according to the control of the controller 370, thereby changing the operating frequency of the compressor 351.

[0216] The controller 370 may be provided not only in the outdoor unit, but also in the indoor unit 10, the outdoor unit, and / or a central controller (not shown) that controls the operation of the indoor unit 10.

[0217] The controller 370 may include at least one processor, and may control the overall operation of the air conditioner 1 by using the processor included the at least one processor. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Obviously, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or other hardware-based processor.

[0218] The controller 370 may acquire data related to each component provided in the air conditioner 1. At this time, the controller 370 may acquire data related to each component provided in the air conditioner 1 at regular time intervals, according to a certain cycle, taking into account the computational load.

[0219] The controller 370 may perform various computations on the basis of the acquired data, and may control the overall operation of each component provided in the air conditioner 1 according to the computational results.

[0220] The data related to each component provided in the air conditioner 1 may include, for example, the operating frequency of the compressor 351, the refrigerant suction temperature of the compressor 351, the refrigerant discharge temperature, the suction pressure, the discharge pressure, the inlet-side pipe temperature of the indoor unit 10, the outlet-side pipe temperature of the indoor unit 10, the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, the opening amount of electronic expansion valve (EEV), etc.

[0221] Meanwhile, the air conditioner 1 may further include an input device capable of receiving an user input. For example, when the air conditioner 1 receives a user input through an input device (e.g., a touch panel, a key, etc.), it may perform an operation corresponding to the user input.

[0222] The air conditioner 1 may further include an output device that outputs a message for the operating state of the air conditioner 1. For example, the output device may include a display device such as a display 14, a light emitting diode (LED), and / or an audio device such as a speaker or a buzzer.

[0223] The controller 370 may control the vane 360 according to an operation mode. The operation mode of the air conditioner 1 may be set to any one of a first mode that closes the main discharge port 48 so that air is not discharged through the main discharge port 48, and a second mode that opens the main discharge port 48 so that air is discharged through the main discharge port 48.

[0224] Referring to FIG. 12, when the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is set to a first mode, the main discharge port 48 may be closed by the main vane 120. At this time, the air flowed into the inside of the indoor unit 10 through the suction port 12 of the indoor unit 10 may flow to the sub discharge port 36 through the discharge path 18 by the rotation of the indoor fan 50. The air flowing to the sub discharge port 36 may be discharged to the indoor space along a first discharge direction AD1 corresponding to the sub vane 40. For example, the first discharge direction AD1 corresponding to the sub vane 40 may be a direction corresponding to the forward direction F. For example, the first discharge direction AD1 corresponding to the sub-vane 40 may be a direction that is inclined upward U to form a certain angle with the forward direction F.

[0225] Referring to FIG. 13, when the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is set to the first mode, an indoor temperature 1301, a Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) 1302, and a Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD) 1303 for the indoor space may be checked. Here, PMV may be a predicted value of the average of people's expressions of their intentions on a seven-level thermal sensation scale. As the PMV value becomes larger, the degree of feeling cold becomes larger, and as the PMV value becomes smaller, the degree of feeling hot becomes smaller. PPD is a predicted value of the percentage of people who feel thermally uncomfortable, and the unit may be %. PMV and PPD may be calculated on the basis of metabolic rate, thermal resistance, air temperature, mean radiant temperature, relative air speed, partial water vapor pressure, etc.

[0226] As the main discharge port 48 is closed by the main vane 120, the air that is heat-exchanged after flowing into the interior of the indoor unit 10 through the suction port 12 of the indoor unit 10 may be discharged along the first discharge direction AD1 through the sub discharge port 36. The air discharged along the first discharge direction AD1 may flow along the ceiling forming the indoor space. At this time, cooling and heating may be uniformly performed for the entire indoor space by the air flowing along the ceiling.

[0227] According to an embodiment, the air conditioner 1 may control the compressor 351 on the basis of the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70, when the operation mode is set to the first mode. For example, when the operation mode is set to the first mode, a user may set a target value (hereinafter, target discharge temperature) for the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit 10 through a remote control. At this time, the air conditioner 1 may control the compressor 351 so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 detected by the heat exchanger temperature sensor corresponds to a preset discharge target temperature. That is, when the heat-exchanged air flows along the ceiling and the indoor space is cooled and heated entirely from the ceiling, a user may directly adjust the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit 10. For example, during cooling operation, a user may set the discharge target temperature in a temperature range of 16°C to 20°C.

[0228] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 14, when the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is set to the second mode, the main discharge port 48 may be opened as the main vane 120 rotates by a certain angle. At this time, some of the air that flowed into the interior of the indoor unit 10 through the suction port 12 of the indoor unit 10 may flow to the main discharge port 48 through the discharge path 18 by the rotation of the indoor fan 50. The air flowing to the main discharge port 48 may be discharged to the indoor space along a second discharge direction AD2 corresponding to the main vane 120. For example, the second discharge direction AD2 corresponding to the main vane 120 may be a direction that is inclined downward D to form a certain angle with the forward direction F.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 15, when the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is set to the second mode, the indoor temperature 1501, PMV 1502, and PPD 1503 for the indoor space may be checked.

[0230] As the main discharge port 48 is opened by the main vane 120, some of the air that is heat-exchanged after flowing into the interior of the indoor unit 10 through the suction port 12 of the indoor unit 10 is discharged along the first discharge direction AD1 through the sub discharge port 36, and the remainder may be discharged along the second discharge direction AD2 through the main discharge port 48. At this time, the amount of air discharged along the first discharge direction AD1 may be less than the amount of air discharged along the second discharge direction AD2. The air discharged along the second discharge direction AD2 may flow toward a specific area of the indoor space corresponding to the second discharge direction AD2. At this time, by the air flowing toward the specific area of the indoor space, cooling and heating may be gradually performed for the entire indoor space from the specific area of the indoor space.

[0231] According to an embodiment, the air conditioner 1 may control the compressor 351 on the basis of the indoor temperature, when the operation mode is set to the second mode. For example, when the operation mode is set to the second mode, a user may set the indoor target temperature for the indoor space through a remote control. At this time, the air conditioner 1 may control the compressor 351 so that the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor corresponds to a preset indoor target temperature. That is, when the heat-exchanged air flows toward the floor and a specific area of the indoor space is intensively cooled or heated, the temperature of the indoor space may reach or be maintained in compliance with the indoor target temperature set by a user. During the cooling operation, as the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the indoor target temperature becomes larger, the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit 10 becomes lower, and as the temperature difference becomes smaller, the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit 10 becomes higher. For example, during cooling operation, when the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the indoor target temperature is 3°C or more, the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit 10 may be 11°C, and when the temperature difference is less than 0°C, the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit 10 may be 17°C.

[0232] According to an embodiment, the rotation speed of the indoor fan 50 corresponding to a preset wind speed may vary depending on the mode. When the wind speed is set to a certain level, the rotation speed of the indoor fan 50 in a state where the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is set to the first mode may be less than the rotation speed of the indoor fan 50 in a state where the operation mode is set to the second mode. Through this, the noise generated by the rotation of the indoor fan 50 in a state where the main discharge port 48 is closed by the main vane 120 may be reduced.

[0233] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0234] Referring to FIG. 16, the air conditioner 1 may determine whether the operation mode is a mode that uses the main discharge port 48, at operation S1610. For example, a user may input a command to set the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 to the air conditioner 1 through the remote control. At this time, the air conditioner 1 may set the operation mode on the basis of a control command received from the remote control.

[0235] According to an embodiment, the air conditioner 1 may determine whether the operation mode is a mode that uses the main discharge port 48, during cooling operation.

[0236] Referring to FIG. 17, when the operation mode is a first mode, the main discharge port 48 may be closed by the main vane 120. In a state where the main discharge port 48 is closed, the air that flows to the discharge path 18 by the rotation of the indoor fan 50 may be discharged through the sub discharge path 36. At this time, the direction in which the air is discharged through the sub discharge path 36 may correspond to the angle of the sub vane 40.

[0237] Meanwhile, when the main discharge port 48 is closed by the main vane 120, as the discharge of air is hindered by a structure or an internal configuration such as the main vane 120 or the case 101, some of the air flowing toward the sub discharge path 36 may stay in an area 1400 of the indoor unit 10 adjacent to the main vane 120. For example, when the main discharge port 48 is closed by the main vane 120, some of the air flowing toward the sub discharge port 36 may stay in the area 1400 of the indoor unit 10 adjacent to the main vane 120, due to the inclination guide wall 34a of the discharge cover lower portion 34, the main vane 120, the sub vane 40, etc.

[0238] At this time, the temperature of the main vane 120 may gradually decrease, due to the cold air staying in the area 1400 of the indoor unit 10 adjacent to the main vane 120 during cooling operation. At this time, when the temperature of the main vane 120 decreases to or below the dew point temperature, condensation may occur in the main vane 120.

[0239] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 18, when the driving mode is the second mode, the main discharge port 48 may be opened by the rotation of the main vane 120. In a state where the main discharge port 48 is open, the air flowing to the discharge path 18 by the rotation of the indoor fan 50 may be discharged through the sub discharge port 36 and the main discharge port 48. At this time, the direction in which the air is discharged through the sub discharge port 36 and the main discharge port 48 may correspond to the angle of the main vane 120.

[0240] When the main discharge port 48 is open, unsimilarly to the case where the main discharge port 48 is closed, the air flowing to the discharge path 18 may be smoothly discharged into the indoor space through the sub discharge port 36 and the main discharge port 48. Thus, when the main discharge port 48 is open, the degree to which the temperature of the main vane 120 is lowered due to the heat-exchanged cold air may be smaller than when the main discharge port 48 is closed.

[0241] When the operation mode is set to the first mode, the air conditioner 1 may calculate the dew point temperature for the indoor space, at operation S1620. For example, the air conditioner 1 may detect the dry bulb temperature and relative humidity for the indoor space through the indoor temperature sensor and the indoor humidity sensor. At this time, the air conditioner 1 may determine the dew point temperature corresponding to the dry bulb temperature and relative humidity on the basis of a psychrometric chart.

[0242] The air conditioner 1 may determine a limit temperature that serves as a reference for the control of cooling, on the basis of the calculated dew point temperature, at operation S1630. Here, the limit temperature may be a temperature set to prevent condensation from occurring in the main vane 120. For example, the air conditioner 1 may determine a temperature that is lower by a certain temperature than the calculated dew point temperature as the limit temperature.

[0243] According to an embodiment, the limit temperature may correspond to the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 detected by the heat exchanger temperature sensor. According to an embodiment, the limit temperature may correspond to the temperature of the outlet-side pipe of the indoor unit 10 detected by the pipe temperature sensor. Hereinafter, it will be described as an example that the limit temperature corresponds to the temperature of the outlet-side pipe of the indoor unit 10.

[0244] Referring to FIG. 19, the dew point temperature 1910 may be calculated according to the indoor temperature and indoor humidity. At this time, if the temperature of the main vane 120 is lowered to or below the dew point temperature 1910, a condensation phenomenon in which dew is formed on the main vane 120 may occur.

[0245] The air conditioner 1 may determine a temperature that is 3°C lower than the dew point temperature 1910 as the limit temperature 1920 for the temperature of the outlet-side pipe of the indoor unit 10. At this time, if the temperature of the outlet-side pipe of the indoor unit 10 is equal to or higher than the limit temperature 1920, even if the cold air exchanged in the indoor heat exchanger 70 remains around the main vane 120 while the main discharge port 48 is closed, the temperature of the main vane 120 may not be lowered to or below the dew point temperature 1910.

[0246] The air conditioner 1 may perform cooling operation, at operation S1640. The air conditioner 1 may perform cooling operation on the basis of the limit temperature, on the basis of the operation mode that is set to the first mode.

[0247] For example, when the operation mode is set to the first mode, the air conditioner 1 may control the compressor 351 so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 detected by the heat exchanger temperature sensor corresponds to the preset discharge target temperature. At this time, the air conditioner 1 may lower the operating frequency of the compressor 351, when the temperature of the outlet-side pipe of the indoor unit 10 is lower than the limit temperature. The air conditioner 1 may also lower the rotation speed of the outdoor fan, when the temperature of the outlet-side pipe of the indoor unit 10 is lower than the limit temperature.

[0248] For example, when the operation mode is set to the second mode, the air conditioner 1 may control the compressor 351 so that the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor corresponds to the preset indoor target temperature, regardless of the dew point temperature for the indoor space.

[0249] FIGS. 20 to 22 are flowcharts illustrating an operating method of an air conditioner, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0250] Referring to FIG. 20, the control method of the air conditioner of the present disclosure may be performed as the first mode is operated (S2010).

[0251] The first mode M1 may be performed in a state where the cooling mode is performed for a certain period of time. That is, a user operates the air conditioner 1 so that the cooling mode is performed for a certain period of time, and then the user may operate the first mode M1.

[0252] The first mode M1 may be an operation mode that minimizes discomfort to a sleeping user. The first mode M1 may be operated by user's input. The user may operate the first mode M1 by an input from a remote control (not shown), etc.

[0253] When the first mode M1 is performed, the air conditioner 1 may adjust the arrangement of the main vane 120 (S2020). When the first mode M1 is performed, the air conditioner 1 may arrange the main vane 120 to the first position P1 (S2020). Therefore, the main vane 120 may move the air discharged through the discharge port 48 as far as possible, while the air does not face the ground.

[0254] When the first mode M1 is performed, the louver 90 may be fixed in arrangement or may move in the left-right direction.

[0255] When the first mode M1 is performed, the air conditioner 1 may go through a step S2030 of adjusting the rotation speed of the indoor fan 230.

[0256] When the first mode M1 is performed, the air conditioner 1 may maintain the rotation speed of the indoor fan 230 at the first set rotation speed V1 (S2030). Accordingly, the air volume discharged through the discharge port 48 may be minimized.

[0257] However, when the rotation speed of the indoor fan is changed by a user, the driving speed of the compressor 351 or the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 220 may be adjusted.

[0258] When the first mode M1 is performed, the rotation speed of the indoor fan 230 may be operated at the lowest speed which is operated by the indoor fan motor 240. For example, the indoor fan 230 may rotate to form a wind volume of 4CMM through the discharge port 48. Here, the wind volume of 4CMM may be the minimum wind volume formed by the rotation of the indoor fan 230. Here, the rotation speed of the indoor fan 230 forming the minimum wind volume may be the rotation speed of the indoor fan 230 that may be maintained for a certain period of time. Therefore, there is a difference from the minimum wind volume generated in the process where the rotation speed of the indoor fan 230 varies.

[0259] After the first mode M1 is performed, a user may adjust the rotation speed of the indoor fan 230 through an input means such as a remote control.

[0260] When the first mode M1 is performed, the indoor fan 230 is rotating at the lowest speed, so that the rotation speed of the indoor fan 230 may be changed by a user in the direction of increasing the rotation speed.

[0261] While the first mode M1 is performed, a user may change the rotation speed of the indoor fan 230 to increase. Even if the rotation speed of the indoor fan 230 is increased by a user, the air conditioner 1 may maintain the operation of configuration of the outdoor unit 200 in the same manner. In addition, when the rotation speed of the indoor fan 230 is increased by a user, the air conditioner 1 may adjust the operation of configuration of the outdoor unit 200 to increase the set temperature value of the first set temperature T1 maintained by the indoor heat exchanger 70 by 0.5 to 1 degree. That is, when the rotation speed of the indoor fan 230 is increased by a user, the air conditioner 1 may adjust the operation of the compressor 351, the outdoor fan 220, and the refrigerant expansion valve 240 so that the set temperature value of the first set temperature T1 increases by 0.5 to 1 degree.

[0262] When the first mode M1 is performed, the air conditioner 1 may go through a step (S2040) of adjusting the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70. The temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 may be the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 70.

[0263] When the first mode M1 is performed, the air conditioner 1 may maintain the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 at the first set temperature T1 (S2040). The air conditioner 1 may maintain the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 at the first set temperature T1 by adjusting the operation of the compressor 351 or the operation of the outdoor fan motor 225 that operates the outdoor fan 220. In addition, the air conditioner 1 may maintain the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 at the first set temperature T1, by adjusting the opening of the refrigerant expansion valve 240.

[0264] Here, the first set temperature T1 may be a temperature between 16 degrees and 19 degrees. The first set temperature T1 may be a temperature at which the relative humidity of the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor 153 is formed to be 65% or less. The first set temperature T1 may be a temperature at which the temperature difference from the indoor temperature is formed to be within 12 degrees on the basis of the indoor temperature. Therefore, the relative humidity of the indoor temperature is formed to be 65% or less, so that the relative humidity of the indoor space may be prevented from rising to or above a certain level. When cooling is performed, the increasing of the relative humidity of the indoor space may provide a discomfort to a user. In addition, the first set temperature T1 may form a temperature difference of 12 degrees or less on the basis of the indoor temperature, so that it is possible to prevent the cold draft phenomenon from occurring to a user as the temperature of the wind provided to a user is low.

[0265] That is, the first set temperature T1 may be a temperature at which the relative humidity of the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor 153 is formed to be 65% or less, and at the same time, a temperature at which the temperature difference from the indoor temperature is formed to be within 12 degrees on the basis of the indoor temperature.

[0266] When the discharge temperature of the air conditioner 1 is less than 18 degrees, a user may feel cold due to the discharged air. When the discharge temperature of the air conditioner 1 is less than 18 degrees, the temperature of the air reaching the actual user may be formed to be 20 degrees or less. A user with little activity, such as sleeping, may feel cold, when air at a temperature of 20 degrees or less comes into contact with his or her body.

[0267] Since the air discharged after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 70 has a temperature difference of 2 to 3 degrees from the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70, the range of the first set temperature T1 of the indoor heat exchanger 70 may be set to 16 degrees or more.

[0268] When the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 is formed to be 15 degrees or less, the temperature of the discharged air may be formed to be 17 degrees or less, and when reaching the space where the actual user is lying down, air at a temperature of 20 degrees or less may come into contact with his or her body, causing the user to feel cold.

[0269] In a range where the indoor temperature is 24 to 28 degrees, the first set temperature T1 may be a temperature between 15 to 19 degrees. As an example, in a range where the indoor temperature is 24 to 28 degrees, the first set temperature T1 may be set to 17 degrees. Accordingly, when the first mode M1 is performed, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 may be adjusted to 17 degrees by adjusting the operation of the compressor 351 or the operation of the outdoor fan motor 225 that operates the outdoor fan 220.

[0270] When the first mode M1 is performed, the step S2020 of arranging the main vane 120 to the first position P1, the step S2030 of maintaining the rotation speed of the indoor fan 230 at the first set rotation speed V1, and the step S2040 of maintaining the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 at the first set temperature T1 may be performed simultaneously or sequentially.

[0271] In addition, the step S2050 of outputting a status that the first mode M1 is being performed may be performed. The controller 70 may output a status that the first mode M1 is being performed to a display (not shown) arranged on the main body of the indoor unit 10 or an output panel formed on the remote control.

[0272] When control is performed in the same manner as in FIG. 20, a comfortable state may be maintained for an occupant who is trying to sleep in the indoor space. That is, referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, it is possible to provide a comfortable state to an occupant who is sleeping on a bed or bedding in the indoor space.

[0273] Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, the positions of P1 and P2 may be a position of an occupant who is sleeping on a bed or bedding in the indoor space. In the state where the main vane 120 is set to the first position P1, the air volume discharged from the discharge port 48 is 4 CMM, and in the state where the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 is 17 degrees, the air of 22 degrees or higher is supplied to the position of the occupant, and the air speed may also be formed to be 0.4 m / s or less.

[0274] Referring to FIG. 21, the step S2040 of adjusting the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 may include a step S2041 of maintaining the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 at or above the first set temperature T1, a step S2042 of detecting the indoor temperature, a step S2043 of determining whether the indoor temperature is below the set temperature range Ts, and a step S2044 of changing the first set temperature T1, when the indoor temperature is below the set temperature range Ts.

[0275] The step S2041 of maintaining the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 at or above the first set temperature T1 may maintain the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 at or above the first set temperature T1. For example, when the first set temperature T1 is 17 degrees, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 may be maintained at or above 17 degrees.

[0276] The step of detecting the indoor temperature S2042 may be detected by the indoor temperature sensor 153 arranged on one side of the indoor unit 10. The indoor temperature sensor 153 may be arranged on one side of the indoor unit 10 to detect the air temperature of the indoor space. The indoor temperature sensor 153 may detect the temperature of the air flowing into the suction port (not shown) of the indoor unit 10.

[0277] The step S2043 of determining whether the indoor temperature is less than the set temperature range Ts may determine whether the temperature of the indoor space detected by the indoor temperature sensor 153 is lower than the set temperature range Ts. Here, the set temperature range Ts may be the temperature of the indoor space lowered by the operation of the first mode M1. Here, the first set temperature T1 may be a temperature that satisfies a relative humidity of 65% or less of the set temperature range Ts. For example, when the first set temperature T1 is 17 degrees, the set temperature range Ts may have a range of 24 degrees to 28 degrees.

[0278] When the indoor temperature is lower than the set temperature range Ts, the step S2044 of changing the first set temperature T1 may change the first set temperature T1 to a temperature that is 1 degree lower than the preset temperature. That is, in the state where the first set temperature T1 is set to 17 degrees, when the temperature of indoor space is lowered to 23 degrees which is lower than the set temperature range Ts of 24 degrees to 28 degrees, the first set temperature T1 may be changed to 16 degrees. That is, thereafter, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 may be maintained at 16 degrees or higher.

[0279] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 22, an additional control method according to a change in the outdoor temperature will be described. For the contents overlapping with those described in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0280] The steps of operation S2210 of the first mode M1 in FIG. 22, the adjustment (S2220) of the main vane 120, the adjustment (S2230) of the indoor fan 230, and the temperature adjustment (S2240) of the indoor heat exchanger 70 may be performed in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. 20.

[0281] Hereinafter, the process after the temperature adjustment step S2240 of the indoor heat exchanger 70 will be described with reference to FIG. 22.

[0282] The step S2250 of detecting the outdoor temperature through the outdoor temperature sensor 251 may be performed. The outdoor temperature sensor 251 may be arranged on the outside of the outdoor unit 200 or on the side of the suction port (not shown) of the outdoor unit 200. The outdoor temperature sensor 251 may detect the temperature of the outdoor space.

[0283] The step S2260 of determining a change in the outdoor temperature on the basis of the temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 251 may be performed. The step S2260 of determining a change in the outdoor temperature may determine a change in the outdoor temperature at a level where a change in an indoor load may occur due to a change in the outdoor temperature. That is, a slight change in the outdoor temperature that does not cause a change in the indoor load may be determined not to generate a change in the outdoor temperature.

[0284] If a change in the outdoor temperature is not detected, the operation of the configuration of the outdoor unit 200 may be maintained (S2261). That is, the operation of the compressor 351 or the operation of the outdoor fan motor 225 that operates the outdoor fan 220 may be maintained. In addition, the opening of the refrigerant expansion valve 240 may be maintained.

[0285] If a change in the outdoor temperature is detected, a step S2270 of determining whether the outdoor temperature increases or decreases may be performed.

[0286] If the outdoor temperature decreases, the temperature difference between the indoor space and the outdoor space may decrease. Accordingly, the load generated in the indoor unit 10 is reduced, and if the configuration of the outdoor unit 200 is operated in the same manner, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 may decrease. This may provide cold air that causes a cold draft phenomenon to the occupant in a situation where the first mode M1 is performed.

[0287] Therefore, a step for controlling the operation of the configuration of the outdoor unit 200 may be performed so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 may be maintained, even if the outdoor temperature decreases.

[0288] That is, when the outdoor temperature is lowered, the operating speed of the compressor 351 may be decreased (S2271). When the outdoor temperature is lowered, the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 220 may be decreased (S2272). When the outdoor temperature is lowered, the opening of the refrigerant expansion valve 240 may be reduced (S2273).

[0289] When the outdoor temperature increases, the temperature difference between the indoor space and the outdoor space may increase. Therefore, the load generated in the indoor unit 10 increases, and when the configuration of the outdoor unit 200 is operated in the same manner, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 may increase. This may provide high temperature air to the occupant in a situation where the first mode M1 is performed.

[0290] Therefore, a step of controlling the operation of the configuration of the outdoor unit 200 may be performed so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 70 may be maintained, even if the outdoor temperature increases.

[0291] That is, when the outdoor temperature increases, the operating speed of the compressor 351 may be increased (S2281). When the outdoor temperature decreases, the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 220 may be increased (S2282). When the outdoor temperature decreases, the opening of the refrigerant expansion valve 240 may be expanded (S2283).

[0292] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, air can be discharged such that the heat-exchanged air flows along the ceiling forming the indoor space, thereby providing consistent heating and cooling throughout the entire indoor space.

[0293] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, air can be discharged such that the heat-exchanged air flows toward a specific area of the indoor space, so that cooling and heating can be gradually performed for the entire indoor space from the specific area of the indoor space.

[0294] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, condensation on the main vane can be prevented by forming a protrusion on the upper surface of the main vane.

[0295] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the main vane is arranged so that the main discharge port is closed, a cooling operation can be performed by setting a limit temperature that serves as a reference for cooling control according to the dew point temperature, thereby preventing condensation on the main vane.

[0296] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the target temperature, which is a reference for control, can be set differently depending on whether the main discharge port is opened or closed by the main vane, thereby performing the operation optimized for a mode.

[0297] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a temperature above a certain level with low relative humidity can be supplied to a user, thereby providing a comfortable state to a user with little activity, such as sleeping.

[0298] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wind speed of air reaching occupants can be formed below a certain level, thereby providing a comfortable state to a user with little activity.

[0299] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, even if a user changes the rotation speed of the indoor fan, the operation of the compressor and the outdoor fan can be adjusted to continuously provide comfortable air to the user.

[0300] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, even if a difference in load occurs between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit due to a change in the external environment, a comfortable indoor space can be provided to the occupant.

[0301] Since the accompanying drawings are merely for easily understanding embodiments disclosed herein, it should be understood that the technical spirit disclosed herein is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all changes, equivalents or substitutions are included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0302] Meanwhile, the operation method of the present disclosure can also be embodied as processor readable code on a processor-readable recording medium. The processor-readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording apparatuses storing data that can be read by a processor. Examples of the processor-readable recording medium is ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage apparatuses, and, including those that are implemented in the form of carrier waves such as data transmission through the Internet. In addition, the processor-readable recording medium is dispersed in computer systems connected through a network, so that the processor-readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

[0303] In addition, although the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments shown in the drawings, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present description is not limited to those exemplary embodiments and is embodied in many forms without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, which is described in the following claims. These modifications should not be individually understood from the technical scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising: a wall-mounted indoor unit including a case provided on a wall surface; a sensor part including at least one sensor; and a controller, wherein the wall-mounted indoor unit comprises: a main discharge port which opens in a downward direction of the case; a sub discharge port which opens in a forward direction of the case; and a main vane for opening / closing the main discharge port, wherein the controller, if the main discharge port is closed during a cooling operation, calculates a dew point temperature, on the basis of indoor temperature and indoor humidity detected through the sensor part, determines, on the basis of the dew point temperature, a limit temperature that serves as a reference for cooling control, and performs the cooling operation on the basis of the limit temperature.

2. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the limit temperature is set to be lower than the dew point temperature by a certain temperature.

3. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the limit temperature corresponds to a temperature, which is detected by the sensor part, of an outlet-side pipe of the indoor unit through which refrigerant flows.

4. The air conditioner of claim 3, further comprising a compressor which compresses the refrigerant, wherein the controller, when the temperature of the outlet-side pipe is lower than the limit temperature, lowers an operating frequency of the compressor.

5. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the controller, when an operation mode is set to a first mode that does not use the main discharge port, determines a rotation angle of the main vane to be a minimum angle that closes the main discharge port so that air is discharged through the sub discharge port, and when the operation mode is set to a second mode that uses the main discharge port, determines the rotation angle of the main vane to be an angle corresponding to a certain wind direction so that the air is discharged through the main discharge port and the sub discharge port.

6. The air conditioner of claim 5, wherein the controller, when the operation mode is set to the first mode, performs the cooling operation, on the basis of a temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit, and when the operation mode is set to the second mode, performs the cooling operation, on the basis of the indoor temperature.

7. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the case comprises: a lower cover arranged on a lower side of the case; and a discharge cover in which the sub discharge port is formed, wherein the main vane is arranged between the lower cover and the discharge cover, and wherein the discharge cover includes an inclined guide wall forming an inclined surface from a certain portion adjacent to the main vane to a front upper side.

8. The air conditioner of claim 7, wherein a first inclination angle formed by the inclined guide wall with respect to a forward direction is greater than a second inclination angle formed by the main vane with respect to the forward direction, when the main discharge port is closed.

9. The air conditioner of claim 7, further comprising a sub vane which is arranged in the sub discharge port to guide a direction of air discharged from the sub discharge port, wherein a first inclination angle formed by the inclined guide wall with respect to a forward direction is greater than a third inclination angle formed by the sub vane with respect to the forward direction.

10. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the main vane includes a plurality of protrusions formed to protrude upward on an upper surface.

11. An operation method of an air conditioner comprising a wall-mounted indoor unit, wherein the wall-mounted indoor unit comprises: a main discharge port which opens in a downward direction of a case installed on a wall; a sub discharge port which opens in a forward direction of the case; and a main vane for opening / closing the main discharge port, wherein the operation method comprises operations of: calculating a dew point temperature, on the basis of indoor temperature and indoor humidity, when the main discharge port is closed during a cooling operation; determining a limit temperature that serves as a reference for cooling control, on the basis of the dew point temperature; and performing the cooling operation, on the basis of the limit temperature.

12. The air conditioner of claim 11, wherein the limit temperature is set to be lower than the dew point temperature by a certain temperature.

13. The air conditioner of claim 11, wherein the limit temperature corresponds to a temperature, which is detected by the sensor part, of an outlet-side pipe of the indoor unit through which refrigerant flows.

14. The air conditioner of claim 13, wherein performing the cooling operation comprises lowering an operating frequency of the compressor when the temperature of the outlet-side pipe is lower than the limit temperature.

15. The air conditioner of claim 11, further comprising operations of: determining a rotation angle of the main vane to be a minimum angle that closes the main discharge port so that air is discharged through the sub discharge port, when an operation mode is set to a first mode that does not use the main discharge port; and determining the rotation angle of the main vane to be an angle corresponding to a certain wind direction so that the air is discharged through the main discharge port and the sub discharge port, when the operation mode is set to a second mode that uses the main discharge port.

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