Air conditioner

Abstract

A method for controlling an air conditioner is disclosed. The method for controlling an air conditioner according to the present disclosure comprises: an outdoor unit; and a plurality of indoor units each connected to the outdoor unit and equipped with a vane for controlling the airflow direction and a fan for forming an airflow. The method comprises the steps of: detecting the indoor temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units through a temperature sensor disposed in each of the plurality of indoor units; identifying an indoor unit in which a temperature imbalance has occurred as a target indoor unit based on the indoor air temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units detected through the temperature sensor; identifying indoor units adjacent to the target indoor unit as support indoor units; and performing support operation to resolve the temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit by controlling the vane and fan of the support indoor units.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner. In particular, the present invention relates to an air conditioner capable of automatically determining the relative positions of multiple indoor units and quickly and effectively resolving imbalances in the air temperature of an indoor space. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, an air conditioner refers to a device that cools or heats an indoor space through the compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of a refrigerant. If the outdoor heat exchanger of an air conditioner functions as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, the indoor space can be cooled. Conversely, if the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator and the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, the indoor space can be heated.

[0003] When an air conditioner is equipped with multiple indoor units installed in different indoor spaces, temperature imbalances may occur in the indoor spaces occupied by these units due to causes other than user settings (e.g., radiant heat, concentration of people, presence of heat sources, etc.). In this case, when an occupant moves from an indoor space occupied by one unit to an indoor space occupied by another unit, the occupant may experience discomfort due to the aforementioned temperature imbalance.

[0004] Accordingly, research is needed on measures to resolve the aforementioned temperature imbalance. Furthermore, as a prerequisite for resolving this temperature imbalance, research is required on a method to automatically classify the locations of multiple indoor units based on the inter-unit correlations regarding indoor space temperature changes in response to the cooling or heating operations of the units. Prior art literature

[0005] 1. Registered Patent Publication 10-1915984 B1 The problem to be solved

[0006] The present disclosure aims to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems.

[0007] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner that searches for a target indoor unit where a temperature imbalance has occurred and performs cooperative operation to resolve the temperature imbalance within a space by adjusting the support vanes, etc., of a support indoor unit adjacent to the target indoor unit, and a method for controlling the air conditioner regarding the cooperative operation.

[0008] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of automatically classifying indoor units placed within the same indoor space based on the temperature characteristics of the indoor air for each indoor space, and a specific method for controlling the air conditioner for said classification.

[0009] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner that determines the relative positions of indoor units arranged within the same indoor space based on the temperature trend of the floor temperature corresponding to the installation area of ​​each indoor unit, and a control method for the air conditioner that determines the relative positions of the indoor units.

[0010] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner that determines the vane direction of each indoor unit based on the relative positions of indoor units arranged within the same indoor space and the response value of a reference indoor unit according to the vane-by-vane operation of an indoor unit adjacent to a reference indoor unit, and a control method for the air conditioner that determines the vane direction of each indoor unit. means of solving the problem

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above or other purposes, a control method for an air conditioner comprising: an outdoor unit; and a plurality of indoor units each connected to the outdoor unit and equipped with a vane for controlling wind direction and a fan for forming air flow, the method comprises: detecting the indoor air temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units through a temperature sensor disposed in each of the plurality of indoor units; identifying an indoor unit in which a temperature imbalance has occurred as a target indoor unit based on the indoor air temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units detected through the temperature sensor; identifying indoor units adjacent to the target indoor unit as support indoor units; and performing support operation to resolve the temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit by adjusting the vane and fan of the support indoor units. The control method for the air conditioner can determine a support indoor unit adjacent to the target indoor unit based on the relative positions of the indoor units, and rapidly and effectively resolve the temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit by adjusting the vane and fan of the support indoor units.

[0012] The vane of the supporter indoor unit that is controlled in the step of performing the support operation above may be a support vane for the target indoor unit, which is the vane among the vanes of the support indoor units that has the greatest influence on the change in indoor air temperature of the target indoor unit.

[0013] The step of performing the support operation described above may include determining whether there is an occupant in the target indoor unit area through a human body detection sensor placed in each of the plurality of indoor units, and adjusting the placement of the support vanes according to the presence or absence of an occupant in the target indoor unit area.

[0014] The step of adjusting the arrangement of the support vanes is performed by operating the support vanes in a first mode in which the arrangement of the support vanes is adjusted so that air does not flow toward the occupants when there are occupants in the indoor area of ​​the target indoor unit, and in a second mode in which the arrangement of the support vanes is continuously changed when there are no occupants in the indoor area of ​​the target indoor unit, thereby effectively resolving the temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit to the extent that it does not cause discomfort to the occupants.

[0015] The step of performing the support operation described above may include: a step of determining the degree of temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit based on the absolute value of the difference between the average indoor temperature of indoor units placed in the same indoor space and the indoor temperature of the target indoor unit; and a step of controlling the fan of the support indoor unit based on the degree of temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit.

[0016] The step of controlling the fan of the supporter indoor unit is to adjust the rotational speed of the fan of the supporter indoor unit to a first rotational speed when the absolute value of the difference between the average indoor air temperature of the indoor units placed in the same indoor space and the indoor air temperature of the target indoor unit is greater than a first reference temperature and less than a second reference temperature, and to adjust the rotational speed of the fan of the supporter indoor unit to a second rotational speed higher than the first rotational speed when the absolute value of the difference between the average indoor air temperature of the indoor units placed in the same indoor space and the indoor air temperature of the target indoor unit is greater than the second reference temperature, thereby increasing the rotational speed of the indoor fan of the supporter indoor unit according to the degree of temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit to quickly resolve the temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit.

[0017] The method further includes the step of detecting the indoor floor temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units through a second temperature sensor disposed in each of the plurality of indoor units; and the step of determining the relative positions of the indoor units disposed in the same indoor space by comparing the floor temperature distribution by region of each of the plurality of indoor units detected by the second temperature sensor, thereby enabling the determination of the relative positions of the indoor units disposed in the same indoor space based on the floor temperatures of the indoor units.

[0018] The method further includes the step of determining the vane direction of each of the plurality of indoor units arranged in the same indoor space based on the relative positions between the plurality of indoor units, thereby determining the installation direction of the indoor units according to the vane directions of the indoor units.

[0019] The step of determining the vane direction of each of the plurality of indoor units described above comprises: selecting one of the plurality of indoor units arranged in the same indoor space as a reference indoor unit; sequentially operating the vanes of each indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit; detecting a change in the indoor air temperature of the reference indoor unit according to the operation of the vanes of each indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit; and determining the vane direction of each indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit based on the change in the indoor air temperature of the indoor units.

[0020] The step of determining the vane direction of each indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit can determine the vane that has the greatest influence on the indoor air temperature change of the reference indoor unit among the vanes of each indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit as the support vane for the reference indoor unit, thereby determining the support vane that is adjusted to resolve the temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit during cooperative operation.

[0021] The support vane above may be positioned in an indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit, facing the reference indoor unit. Effects of the invention

[0022] The effects of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure are described as follows.

[0023] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner capable of quickly and effectively resolving a temperature imbalance in an indoor space without limiting the capacity of the target indoor unit by adjusting the vanes of a support indoor unit adjacent to the target indoor unit where a temperature imbalance has occurred based on the relative positions of the indoor units and the vane directions of the indoor units, and a control method for the air conditioner capable of resolving the temperature imbalance can be provided.

[0024] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner capable of automatically classifying indoor units placed within the same indoor space based on the temperature characteristics of indoor air for each indoor space, and a specific control method for the air conditioner regarding the classification can be provided.

[0025] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner capable of determining the relative positions of indoor units arranged in the same indoor space by selecting the positions of indoor units adjacent to any indoor unit arranged in the same indoor space based on any indoor unit arranged in the same indoor space, and a control method of the air conditioner capable of determining the relative positions of said indoor units.

[0026] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner capable of determining the vane direction of each indoor unit based on the relative positions of indoor units arranged within the same indoor space, and a control method for the air conditioner capable of determining the vane direction of each indoor unit can be provided.

[0027] Further scopes of the applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure are clearly understood by those skilled in the art, specific embodiments, such as the detailed description and preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, should be understood as being given merely as examples. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] FIGS. 1 and 2 are drawings for explaining the configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where FIG. 1 shows the connection relationship of a plurality of indoor units to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, FIG. 2a shows the flow of refrigerant during the heating operation mode of the air conditioner, and FIG. 2b shows the flow of refrigerant during the cooling operation mode of the air conditioner. FIGS. 3 and 4 are control block diagrams of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where FIG. 3 illustrates an outdoor unit control unit and an integrated control unit of the air conditioner, and FIG. 4 illustrates an indoor unit control unit of the air conditioner. FIG. 5 is a flowchart relating to a control method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a flowchart relating to a method for classifying indoor units arranged in the same indoor space according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 7 to 9 are drawings for explaining a method of classifying indoor units placed in the same indoor space according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where FIG. 7 shows the hourly air temperature distribution of each indoor unit (IDU A, IDU E, IDU K), FIG. 8 shows the result of clustering the first and second sections of the hourly air temperature of each indoor unit, and FIG. 9 shows indoor units classified by indoor space (S1, S2) by clustering. FIG. 10 is a flowchart relating to a method for determining the relative positions between indoor units placed in the same indoor space according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 11 and 12 are drawings for explaining a method for determining the relative positions between indoor units placed in the same indoor space according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where FIG. 11 shows the detection of the floor temperature in each area of ​​each indoor unit (IDU A, IDU D) through a second temperature sensor, and FIG. 12 shows the temperature trend of the floor temperature distribution of each indoor unit according to the x-axis and y-axis directions. FIG. 13 is a flowchart relating to a method for determining vane directions for a plurality of indoor units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a method for determining the vane direction for a plurality of indoor units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a flowchart relating to a support operation mode of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a flowchart relating to a support operation mode of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 17 and 18 are drawings for explaining a method for calculating the support temperature of a support indoor unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a flowchart relating to the operation mode of a support vane and an indoor fan of a support vane during support operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 is a flowchart regarding the operation mode of a support vane and an indoor fan of a support vane during support operation of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components regardless of drawing symbols are given the same reference number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0030] The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles.

[0031] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description is omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0032] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0033] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0034] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an air conditioner may include an outdoor unit (ODU) and an indoor unit (IDU) connected to each other by refrigerant piping. The air conditioner may include at least one outdoor unit (OUD) and a plurality of indoor units (IUD). A plurality of indoor units (IDU: IDU A, IUD B, IUD C, …, IUD N) may be connected to at least one outdoor unit (OUD) through refrigerant piping. A plurality of indoor units (IDU) may be installed spaced apart from each other in an indoor space and may be placed in the same indoor space or in different indoor spaces.

[0037] The outdoor unit (OUD) may include a compressor (1), an oil separator (2), a switching valve (3), an outdoor heat exchanger (4), an outdoor expansion valve (E2), and an accumulator (6).

[0038] The indoor unit (IDU) may include an indoor heat exchanger (5) and an indoor expansion valve (E1).

[0039] The compressor (1) can compress the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant introduced from the accumulator (6) into a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. For example, the compressor (1) may be an inverter-type compressor capable of controlling the amount of refrigerant and the refrigerant discharge pressure by adjusting the operating frequency (Hz). Additionally, the compressor (1) may be an oil compressor in which oil is used as a lubricant.

[0040] The oil separator (2) can recover oil from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (1) and supply it back to the compressor (1). At this time, the first check valve (C1) can be installed in the piping through which the oil separated from the oil separator (2) flows to the compressor (1). The first check valve (C1) can limit the direction of oil flow so that the oil separated from the oil separator (2) flows toward the compressor (1).

[0041] The switching valve (3) can selectively guide the refrigerant introduced from the oil separator (2) to the outdoor heat exchanger (4) or the indoor heat exchanger (5). For example, the switching valve (3) may be a four-way valve.

[0042] The outdoor heat exchanger (4) can exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. The direction of heat transfer between the refrigerant and the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger (4) may vary depending on the operating mode of the air conditioner, i.e., whether it is a heating operation or a cooling operation. An outdoor fan (not shown) is installed on one side of the outdoor heat exchanger (4) and can regulate the amount of air supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger (4) by forming an air flow.

[0043] The indoor heat exchanger (5) can exchange heat between the refrigerant and the indoor air. The direction of heat transfer between the refrigerant and the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger (5) may vary depending on the operating mode of the air conditioner, i.e., whether it is a heating operation or a cooling operation. An indoor fan (55) is installed on one side of the indoor heat exchanger (5) to form an air flow and control the amount of air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger (5).

[0044] For example, the indoor heat exchanger (5) may include a plurality of indoor heat exchangers (5a, 5b, 5c). In this case, the indoor unit (IDU) may include a first indoor unit (IDU A) having a first indoor heat exchanger (5a), a first indoor fan, and a first indoor expansion valve (E1a), a second indoor unit (IDU B) having a second indoor heat exchanger (5b), a second indoor fan, and a second indoor expansion valve (E1b), and a third indoor unit (IDU C) having a third indoor heat exchanger (5c), a third indoor fan, and a third indoor expansion valve (E1c). Meanwhile, in response to the indoor cooling or heating load requirements, some of the plurality of indoor heat exchangers (5a, 5b, 5c) may be operated, and the rest may be de-operated.

[0045] Expansion valves (E1, E2) are installed between the outdoor heat exchanger (4) and the indoor heat exchanger (5) to expand the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (4) or the indoor heat exchanger (5). Additionally, the expansion valves (E1, E2) may include an outdoor expansion valve (E2) adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (4) and an indoor expansion valve (E1) adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger (5). In this case, the outdoor expansion valve (E2) is used to expand the refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger (5), and the indoor expansion valve (E1) is used to expand the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (4). For example, the expansion valves (E1, E2) may be an EEV (Electronic Expansion Valve) capable of controlling the opening of the flow path of the refrigerant piping where the expansion valves (E1, E2) are installed.

[0046] For example, the indoor expansion valve (E1) may include a first indoor expansion valve (E1a) for expanding the refrigerant supplied to the first indoor heat exchanger (5a), a second indoor expansion valve (E1b) for expanding the refrigerant supplied to the second indoor heat exchanger (5b), and a third indoor expansion valve (E1c) for expanding the refrigerant supplied to the third indoor heat exchanger (5c).

[0047] For example, the indoor unit (IDU) can be provided as a ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, or stand-alone type.

[0048] For example, the indoor unit (IUD) may include a casing (50) that forms the exterior. The lower part of the casing (50) may include an intake hole (51) that supplies indoor air to an indoor heat exchanger (5) and a discharge hole (52) that discharges air passing through the indoor heat exchanger (5) into the room. Additionally, the indoor unit (IUD) may include a vane (53) that is movably installed in the discharge hole (52) and controls the direction of the air discharged from the discharge hole (52).

[0049] For example, the indoor unit (IDU) may be a 4-way type indoor unit (IDU) having one intake hole (51) and four discharge holes (52). In this case, the vanes (53) may be provided in multiple numbers corresponding to the number of discharge holes (52). Specifically, the vanes (53) may be spaced vertically along the perimeter of the indoor unit (IDU).

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, the control unit can control the operation of each component of the air conditioner to perform heating or cooling operation.

[0051] <Air Conditioner Heating Operation Mode>

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2a, when a heating operation signal is input to the air conditioner, the indoor unit control unit (260) can perform heating operation of the air conditioner. For example, the heating operation signal may be a signal arbitrarily input by the user.

[0053] Specifically, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing from the accumulator (6) into the compressor (1) can be compressed to high temperature, high pressure in the compressor (1) and discharged to the oil separator (2). Then, the refrigerant from which oil has been separated in the oil separator (2) can flow into the second indoor heat exchanger (5b) via the switching valve (3) and the first service valve (SV1). At this time, the second indoor expansion valve (E1b) can completely open the refrigerant flow path leading to the outdoor heat exchanger (4) through the second indoor heat exchanger (5b). Then, the first indoor expansion valve (E1a) and the third indoor expansion valve (E1c) can close the refrigerant flow path leading to the outdoor heat exchanger (4) through the first indoor heat exchanger (5a) and the third indoor heat exchanger (5c). In addition, if the required heating load increases, the first indoor expansion valve (E1a) and / or the third indoor expansion valve (E1c) may also be opened.

[0054] As thermal energy is transferred from the refrigerant to the indoor air in the second indoor heat exchanger (5b), the refrigerant can be condensed. At this time, the second indoor heat exchanger (5b) can function as a condenser. And, the indoor space can be heated according to the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air. The refrigerant condensed while passing through the second indoor heat exchanger (5b) can pass through the second indoor expansion valve (E1b) and the second service valve (SV2) and pass through the outdoor expansion valve (E2). The refrigerant expanded while passing through the outdoor expansion valve (E2) can be distributed to multiple points of the outdoor heat exchanger (4) via the distributor (41).

[0055] As thermal energy from the outdoor air is transferred to the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger (4), the refrigerant can evaporate. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger (4) can function as an evaporator. The refrigerant evaporated while passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (4) can flow into the compressor (1) by passing through the header (42), the switching valve (3), and the accumulator (6) in sequence. Thus, the refrigerant cycle for the heating operation of the aforementioned air conditioner can be completed.

[0056] Air Conditioner Cooling Mode

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2b, when a cooling operation signal is input to the air conditioner, the indoor unit control unit (260) can perform cooling operation of the air conditioner. For example, the cooling operation signal may be a signal arbitrarily input by the user.

[0058] Specifically, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing from the accumulator (6) into the compressor (1) can be compressed to high temperature, high pressure in the compressor (1) and discharged to the oil separator (2). Then, the refrigerant from which oil has been separated in the oil separator (2) can flow into the outdoor heat exchanger (4) via the switching valve (3) and the header (42).

[0059] As thermal energy is transferred from the refrigerant to the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger (4), the refrigerant can be condensed. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger (4) can function as a condenser.

[0060] The refrigerant condensed while passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (4) can flow into the second indoor expansion valve (E1b) by passing through the distributor (41), the outdoor expansion valve (E2), and the second service valve (SV2) in sequence. At this time, the outdoor expansion valve (E2) can fully open the flow path. Then, the refrigerant expanded while passing through the second indoor expansion valve (E1b) can flow into the second indoor heat exchanger (5b). Additionally, if the required cooling load increases, the first indoor expansion valve (E1a) and / or the third indoor expansion valve (E1c) can also be opened to a certain degree.

[0061] As thermal energy from the indoor air is transferred to the refrigerant in the second indoor heat exchanger (5b), the refrigerant can evaporate. At this time, the second indoor heat exchanger (5b) can function as an evaporator. And, the indoor space can be cooled according to the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air. The refrigerant evaporated while passing through the second indoor heat exchanger (5b) can flow into the compressor (1) by passing through the first service valve (SV1), the switching valve (3), and the accumulator (6) in sequence. Thus, the refrigerant cycle for the cooling operation of the aforementioned air conditioner can be completed.

[0062] At least one outdoor unit (ODU) and a plurality of indoor units (IDU A, IDU B, …, IDU N) are electrically connected to each other and are electrically connected to each component of the air conditioner to control the operation of each component of the air conditioner.

[0063] Hereinafter, a control unit that controls the operation of each component of an air conditioner will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. For example, the control unit may each include an outdoor unit control unit (160), an indoor unit control unit (260), and an integrated control unit (360).

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3, the outdoor unit (ODU) may be equipped with a communication unit (110), an outdoor unit sensing unit (130), a storage unit (140), and an outdoor unit control unit (160).

[0065] The communication unit (110) may include at least one communication module. The communication unit (110) can transmit and receive data between the outdoor unit (ODU) and the indoor unit (IDU). For example, the communication method between the outdoor unit (ODU) and the indoor unit (IDU) may be a communication method using power, a serial communication method (e.g., RS-485 communication), a wired communication method through refrigerant piping, as well as a wireless communication method such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Beacon, or Zigbee.

[0066] Additionally, the communication unit (110) can transmit and receive data between external devices. For example, the communication unit (110) can establish a wireless communication channel with an external device (e.g., a mobile terminal) and transmit and receive data regarding the status of each component equipped in the air conditioner, whether an error has occurred, etc., through the established wireless communication channel. The communication unit (110) can transmit and receive data by connecting to a server connected to an external network.

[0067] The outdoor unit sensing unit (130) may be equipped with a plurality of sensors. The outdoor unit sensing unit (110) may transmit data regarding the detected values ​​detected through the plurality of sensors to the outdoor unit control unit (160). For example, the outdoor unit sensing unit (110) may include an outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor (not shown) disposed adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (4) to detect the condensation temperature or evaporation temperature of the refrigerant, a compressor pressure sensor (not shown) disposed at the suction end and / or discharge end of the compressor (1) to detect the suction pressure and / or discharge pressure of the compressor (1), and an outdoor temperature sensor (not shown) to detect the outdoor temperature.

[0068] The storage unit (140) may store programs for each signal processing and control within the outdoor unit control unit (100). For example, the storage unit (140) may store applications designed for the purpose of performing various tasks that can be processed by the outdoor unit control unit (100), and may selectively provide some of the stored applications upon request from the outdoor unit control unit (100).

[0069] Additionally, the storage unit (140) can store data related to each component provided in the outdoor unit (ODU). For example, the storage unit (140) can store data regarding detection values ​​detected from a plurality of sensors provided in the outdoor unit sensing unit (130). For example, the storage unit (140) can store data regarding the power consumption, operating frequency, etc. of the compressor (1). For example, the storage unit (140) can store data regarding the rotational speed of the outdoor fan (not shown), the opening amount of the expansion valves (E1, E2), the degree of superheating, the degree of subcooling, etc.

[0070] The outdoor unit control unit (160) can be connected to each component provided in the outdoor unit (ODU) and can control the overall operation of each component. The outdoor unit control unit (160) can transmit and receive data to and from each component provided in the air conditioner.

[0071] The outdoor unit control unit (160) may include at least one processor. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Additionally, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or a processor based on other hardware.

[0072] The outdoor unit control unit (160) can acquire data related to each component provided in the outdoor unit (ODU). At this time, the outdoor unit control unit (160) can acquire data related to each component provided in the outdoor unit (ODU) at regular intervals according to a predetermined period, taking into account the computational load.

[0073] The outdoor unit control unit (160) can check the operating mode of the air conditioner and control the operation of each component provided in the air conditioner according to the operating mode of the air conditioner. For example, the outdoor unit control unit (160) can adjust the switching valve (3) so that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (1) flows into the indoor heat exchanger (5) during the heating operation mode of the air conditioner, or adjust the switching valve (3) so that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (1) flows into the outdoor heat exchanger (4) during the cooling operation mode of the air conditioner.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 4, the indoor unit (IDU) may be equipped with a communication unit (210), an input unit (220), an indoor unit sensing unit (230), a storage unit (240), an output unit (250), and an indoor unit control unit (260).

[0075] The communication unit (210) may include at least one communication module. The communication unit (210) may transmit and receive data between the outdoor unit (ODU) and the indoor unit (IDU). For example, the communication method between the outdoor unit (ODU) and the indoor unit (IDU) may be a communication method using power, a serial communication method (e.g., RS-485 communication), a wired communication method through refrigerant piping, as well as a wireless communication method such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Beacon, or Zigbee.

[0076] The input unit (220) may include at least one input module. The input unit (220) may receive information or commands from a user to generate an input signal and transmit the generated input signal to the indoor unit control unit (260). For example, the input unit (220) may receive information or commands regarding the operating mode of the air conditioner. For example, the input unit (220) may correspond to a remote control.

[0077] The indoor unit sensing unit (230) may be equipped with a plurality of sensors. The indoor unit sensing unit (230) may transmit data regarding the detected values ​​detected through the plurality of sensors to the indoor unit control unit (260). For example, the indoor unit sensing unit (230) may include a first temperature sensor (231) that detects the air temperature (Ta) of each indoor unit and a second temperature sensor (232) that detects the floor temperature (Tb) of each indoor unit. For example, the second temperature sensor (232) may be a thermopile sensor that detects the temperature distribution of the floor area corresponding to the indoor space where the indoor unit (IDU) is placed. The first temperature sensor (231) and the second temperature sensor (232) may be formed as a single integrated temperature sensor.

[0078] Additionally, the indoor unit sensing unit (230) may include a human body detection sensor (not shown) that detects occupants present in the indoor space. For example, the human body detection sensor may be a shooting device, such as a camera, that detects the presence or absence of occupants in the indoor space.

[0079] The storage unit (240) may store programs for each signal processing and control within the indoor unit control unit (260). For example, the storage unit (240) may store application programs designed for the purpose of performing various tasks that can be processed by the indoor unit control unit (260), and may selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request from the indoor unit control unit (260). For example, the storage unit (240) may store programs regarding the operating modes of the air conditioner.

[0080] Additionally, the storage unit (240) can store data related to each component provided in the indoor unit (IDU). For example, the storage unit (240) can store data regarding detection values ​​detected from a plurality of sensors provided in the indoor unit sensing unit (230). For example, the storage unit (240) can store data regarding the indoor unit air temperature (Ta), the indoor unit floor temperature (Tb), etc. For example, the storage unit (140) can store data regarding the operating state of the vane (53), the operating state of the indoor fan (55), etc.

[0081] The output unit (250) can transmit information regarding the operating status of the air conditioner to the user. For example, the output unit (250) can transmit to the user the current operating mode of the air conditioner, the operating mode set temperature, the current indoor temperature, the airflow intensity, etc. For example, the output unit (250) may be equipped with a display device such as a display and / or an audio device such as a speaker.

[0082] The indoor unit control unit (260) can be connected to each component provided in the indoor unit (IDU) and can control the overall operation of each component. The indoor unit control unit (2760) can transmit and receive data to and from each component provided in the indoor unit (IDU).

[0083] The indoor unit control unit (260) can check the operating mode of the air conditioner and control the operation of each component provided in the indoor unit (IDU) according to the operating mode of the air conditioner. For example, the indoor unit control unit (260) can control the amount of air discharged into the indoor space by adjusting the rotational speed of the indoor fan (55). For example, the indoor unit control unit (260) can control the angle of airflow discharged into the indoor space by adjusting the angle of the vane (53).

[0084] Referring again to FIG. 3, the integrated control unit (360) is electrically connected to the outdoor unit control unit (160) and the indoor unit control unit (260) to obtain information regarding the configuration of each outdoor unit (ODU) and indoor unit (IDU). The integrated control unit (360) may be formed as a configuration independent of the outdoor unit control unit (160), but is not limited thereto and may be formed integrally with the outdoor unit control unit (160). Additionally, the integrated control unit (360) can generate control signals regarding each configuration of the air conditioner based on the obtained information and can transmit the control signals to the outdoor unit control unit (160) and the indoor unit control unit (260).

[0085] For example, the integrated control unit (360) can generate a learning model that determines the location of each of the multiple indoor units (IDU) and the direction of the vane (53) provided in the indoor unit (IDU) by learning data related to each component provided in the air conditioner through machine learning, and can determine the location of each of the multiple indoor units (IDU) and the direction of the vane (53) provided in the indoor unit (IDU) using the generated learning model.

[0086] For example, the integrated control unit (360) can determine the indoor space in which each of the indoor units (IDUs) is placed by analyzing the similarity of the air temperature (Ta) distribution of each of the indoor units (IDUs).

[0087] For example, the integrated control unit (360) can determine the positions of indoor units (IDUs) placed in the same space by analyzing the temperature trend of the floor temperature (Tb) distribution of each indoor unit (IDU).

[0088] For example, the integrated control unit (360) can determine the vane direction of each indoor unit (IDU) by comparing the change in air temperature of the target indoor unit according to the vane operation of the support indoor unit described later.

[0089] Here, machine learning refers to a field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that enables computers to learn without explicit programming. Specifically, machine learning refers to a technology that solves problems by autonomously learning and making predictions based on empirical data, rather than executing fixed program commands.

[0090] Accordingly, when a temperature imbalance occurs in any one of the multiple indoor units (IDUs) placed in an indoor space, the air conditioner can perform cooperative operation (support operation) to resolve the temperature imbalance by determining the indoor unit (target indoor unit) where the temperature imbalance occurred, the indoor units adjacent to the target indoor unit (support indoor units), and the vane direction of the support indoor units through machine learning, and adjusting the vane (53) of the support indoor units.

[0091] Below, a control method for an air conditioner to resolve temperature imbalances in an indoor space using machine learning is described.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 5, the air conditioner can classify indoor units (IDUs) placed within the same indoor space (S100). For example, the air conditioner can classify indoor units (IDUs) by indoor space by comparing the air temperature (Ta) distribution of each of the multiple indoor units (IDUs).

[0093] Referring to FIG. 6, the air conditioner can determine whether all of the multiple indoor units (IDU) are in a stopped state (S110).

[0094] For example, when multiple indoor units (IDUs) are distributed across multiple indoor spaces (S1, S2, …) rather than a single indoor space (see FIG. 9), when all indoor units (IDUs) are in a stopped state, the air temperature characteristics of space 1 (S1) and space 2 (S2) will have different air temperature characteristics depending on the load of each space. Therefore, in order to classify the indoor units (IDUs) placed within the same indoor space using these space-specific air temperature characteristics, it is necessary to determine whether all of the multiple indoor units (IDUs) are currently in a stopped state.

[0095] If any of the multiple indoor units (IDUs) are in operation (S110, no), the air conditioner may stop the operation of the indoor unit in operation (S120). After S129, the air conditioner may perform S130, which is described below.

[0096] When all of the multiple indoor units (IDUs) are in a stopped state (e.g., in S110), the air conditioner can detect the air temperature (Ta) of each indoor unit (IDU) (S130). For example, the air conditioner can acquire and store the hourly indoor air temperature (Ta) of each of the multiple indoor units (IDUs) through the first temperature sensor (211). For example, the air conditioner can store the indoor air temperature (Ta) information of each indoor unit (IDU) detected over a certain period (e.g., 70 hours) in a storage unit.

[0097] After S130, the air conditioner can segment the indoor unit air temperature (Ta) obtained in S130 (S140). For example, the air conditioner can divide the air temperature (Ta) of each indoor unit (IDU) into a first segment and a second segment to eliminate time-dependent fluctuation components in the same indoor unit (IDU).

[0098] After S140, the air conditioner can classify indoor units (IDUs) by indoor space based on the air temperature (Ta) information of the first and second sections (S150). For example, the air conditioner can classify indoor units (IDUs) with similar air temperature (Ta) distributions by placing them together in the same space through a clustering model.

[0099] For example, the clustering model mentioned above may be the K-Means Clustering algorithm. The K-Means algorithm is an algorithm that groups given information into k clusters; it operates by minimizing the variance of the distance difference between each cluster, thereby classifying information with similar characteristics into the same cluster.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 7, the air conditioner can select any indoor unit (IDU A, IDU E, IDU K) among a plurality of indoor units (IDU) and obtain the hourly air temperature (Ta) distribution for each of the indoor units (IDU A, IDU E, IDU K). For example, the air conditioner can divide the hourly air temperature (Ta) distribution for each of the indoor units (IDU A, IDU E, IDU K) into a first section in the morning and a second section in the afternoon.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 8, if we look at the results of clustering the air temperature (Ta) according to the first section (Fig. 8a) and the results of clustering the air temperature (Ta) according to the second section (Fig. 8b), it can be seen that among the multiple indoor units (IDU), one randomly selected indoor unit (IDU A) and another indoor unit (IDU E) belong to the same cluster, and the remaining indoor unit (IDU K) belongs to a different cluster. That is, it can be seen that the air conditioner has one indoor unit (IDU A) and another indoor unit (IDU E) placed in Space 1 (S1), which is the same indoor space, and the remaining indoor unit (IDU K) placed in Space 2 (S2), which is a different indoor space.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 9, the air conditioner can classify indoor units (IDUA, IDU B, IDU C, …, IDU I) placed in space 1 (S1) and indoor units (IDU J, IDU K, IDU L, …) placed in space 2 (S2) through a clustering model using the air temperature (Ta) distribution of each of the multiple indoor units (IDU).

[0103] In other words, the air conditioner can automatically classify indoor units (IDUs) placed in the same indoor space based on the hourly air temperature (Ta) distribution of each indoor unit.

[0104] Again, referring to FIG. 5, the air conditioner can determine the relative positions between indoor units (IDUs) placed within the same indoor space (S200). For example, the air conditioner can determine the relative positions between indoor units (IDUs) by comparing the floor temperature (Tb) distribution of each indoor unit (IDU) placed within the same indoor space.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 10, the air conditioner can detect the floor temperature (Tb) of each indoor unit (IDU) (S210). For example, the air conditioner can detect and store the floor temperature (Tb) of each area of ​​each of the multiple indoor units (IDU) through the second temperature sensor (212).

[0106] After S210, the air conditioner may arbitrarily select any one of the multiple indoor units (IDU) (S220). At this time, the arbitrarily selected indoor unit (IDU) may be referred to as the “reference indoor unit” as it serves as the reference for the air conditioner to perform S200.

[0107] After S220, the air conditioner can determine indoor units (IDUs) adjacent to the reference indoor unit based on indoor unit floor temperature (Tb) information (S230). Here, indoor units adjacent to the reference indoor unit may refer to cases where no other indoor unit is placed with a vertical distance between the reference indoor unit and the adjacent indoor unit.

[0108] For example, the air conditioner analyzes the temperature trend in the X-axis direction of the indoor unit floor temperature (Tb) distribution of a reference indoor unit, and based on the temperature trend in the X-axis direction of the reference indoor unit, among the remaining indoor units (IDU) excluding the reference indoor unit, determines the indoor unit that follows the temperature trend in the X-axis direction of the reference indoor unit as the indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit in the X-axis direction.

[0109] In addition, the air conditioner identifies the temperature trend in the Y-axis direction of the indoor unit floor temperature (Tb) distribution of the reference indoor unit, and based on the temperature trend in the Y-axis direction of the reference indoor unit, determines the indoor unit among the indoor units (IDUs) excluding the reference indoor unit that follows the temperature trend in the Y-axis direction of the reference indoor unit as the indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit in the Y-axis direction. Accordingly, the air conditioner can determine the locations of the indoor units adjacent to the reference indoor unit in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0110] Here, the X-axis and Y-axis may be directional axes set based on the floor surface of the indoor space when the indoor unit (IDU) is a ceiling-type indoor unit when viewed from above.

[0111] After S230, the air conditioner can determine whether all of the multiple indoor units (IDUs) have been selected as reference indoor units (S240). If none of the indoor units have been selected as reference indoor units (S240, No), the air conditioner can return to S220 and perform S230 and S240 again.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 11, indoor unit A (IUD A) and indoor unit D (IDU D) are placed in the same indoor space, space 1 (S1), and each occupies a part of space 1 (S1). For example, indoor unit A (IUD A) may occupy a part area (S1a) of space 1 (S1), and indoor unit D (IUD D) may occupy a part area (S1d) of space 1 (S1). Accordingly, indoor unit A (IUD A) and indoor unit D (IUD D) can detect the floor temperature (Tb) corresponding to the area each occupies through the second temperature sensor (212).

[0113] Referring to FIG. 12, when indoor unit A (IDU A) is designated as a reference indoor unit among multiple indoor units (IDU) placed in space 1 (S1), which is the same indoor space, the air conditioner can detect the floor temperature (Tb) distribution of each of the multiple indoor units (IDU) and analyze the floor temperature (Tb) trend of the reference indoor unit (IDU A) based on the detected floor temperature (Tb) distribution. Specifically, the air conditioner can compare the floor temperature (Tb) distribution of the reference indoor unit (IDU A) in the X-axis direction with the floor temperature (Tb) distribution of the multiple indoor units (IDU) based on the floor temperature (Tb) trend of the reference indoor unit (IDU A) in the X-axis direction, and confirm that indoor unit D (IUD D) is adjacent to the reference indoor unit (IDU A) in the X-axis direction. In addition, the air conditioner can confirm that indoor unit B (IDU B) is adjacent to the reference indoor unit (IUD A) in the Y-axis direction by comparing the floor temperature distribution (Tb) of the reference indoor unit (IUD A) in the Y-axis direction with the floor temperature distribution (Tb) of multiple indoor units (IDU) based on the floor temperature trend (Tb) of the reference indoor unit (IUD A).

[0114] Referring again to FIG. 5, the air conditioner can determine the vane direction of each of the plurality of indoor units (IDU) (S300). For example, when each of the indoor units (IDU) is equipped with a plurality of vanes (53), the air conditioner can designate one of the plurality of indoor units (IDU) as a reference indoor unit and determine the vane direction of the indoor units adjacent to the reference indoor unit by adjusting each of the vanes (53) of the indoor units adjacent to the reference indoor unit.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 13, the air conditioner can designate one of the multiple indoor units (IDU) as a reference indoor unit (S310). At this time, the arbitrarily selected indoor unit (IDU) may be referred to as the “reference indoor unit” as the indoor unit that serves as a reference for the air conditioner to perform the S300 operation.

[0116] After S310, the air conditioner can adjust the vanes (53) of each indoor unit (IDU) adjacent to the reference indoor unit (S320). For example, in the case of a 4-way type indoor unit (IDU) equipped with four vanes (53), the air conditioner can control the airflow direction or open and close the discharge hole (52) by adjusting each vane (53).

[0117] After S320, the air conditioner can detect the air temperature (Ta) of the reference indoor unit (S330).

[0118] After S330, the air conditioner can determine the direction of each vane (53) of the adjacent indoor unit based on the response value of the reference indoor unit according to the adjustment of the vanes (53) of the indoor units adjacent to the reference indoor unit (S340). For example, the air conditioner can determine that among the vanes of each indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit, the vane that has the greatest influence on the response value of the reference indoor unit is located in the direction facing the reference indoor unit. The vane is a vane that is adjusted during the cooperative operation (support operation) described later and can be referred to as a “support vane.” At this time, the support vane can be positioned facing the reference indoor unit.

[0119] Specifically, the air conditioner can determine the direction of the vanes (53) of adjacent indoor units (IDUs) based on the change in air temperature (Ta) of the reference indoor unit according to the vane (53) adjustment of the adjacent indoor units (IDUs).

[0120] After S340, the air conditioner can determine whether all of the multiple indoor units (IDUs) have been selected as reference indoor units (S350). If none of the indoor units have been selected as reference indoor units (S350, No), the air conditioner can return to S310 and perform S320, S330, S340, and S350 again.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 14, when the air conditioner designates indoor unit A (IDU A) as the reference indoor unit, the air conditioner can adjust the vanes (53) of indoor unit B (IDU B) and indoor unit D (IDU D), which are indoor units adjacent to the reference indoor unit (IDU A). For example, the vanes (53b1, 53b2, 53b3, 53b4) of indoor unit B (IDU B) can be adjusted sequentially, and the change in air temperature (Ta) of the reference indoor unit (IDU A) can be detected and compared by vane (53b1, 53b2, 53b3, 53b4), and it can be determined that the vane (53b3) that has the greatest influence on the change in air temperature (Ta) of the reference indoor unit (IDU A) is located in the direction facing the reference indoor unit (IDU A). Additionally, the vanes (53d1, 53d2, 53d3, 53d4) of indoor unit D (IDU D) are adjusted sequentially, and changes in the air temperature (Ta) of the reference indoor unit (IDU A) are detected and compared for each vane (53d1, 53d2, 53d3, 53d4), so that the vane (53d1) that has the greatest influence on the change in the air temperature (Ta) of the reference indoor unit (IDU A) is determined to be located in the direction facing the reference indoor unit (IDU D). When the vane directions of the indoor units (IDU B, IDU D) adjacent to the reference indoor unit (IDU D) are determined, the air conditioner can change the reference indoor unit and repeat the above process for each indoor unit to determine the position of each vane (53) of the indoor unit.

[0122] Referring again to FIG. 5, the air conditioner can perform a support operation to resolve the temperature imbalance by adjusting the indoor units adjacent to the indoor unit where the temperature imbalance occurred when a temperature imbalance occurred in at least one of the plurality of indoor units (IDU) (S400).

[0123] Referring to FIG. 15, the air conditioner can perform air conditioning operation (i.e., heating operation or cooling operation) for each indoor space (S410).

[0124] After S410, the air conditioner can detect the indoor air temperature (Ta) of each of the multiple indoor units (IDU) (S420). For example, the air conditioner can detect the air temperature (Ta) of each indoor unit arranged by indoor space through the first temperature sensor (211).

[0125] After S420, the air conditioner can calculate the average air temperature (Ta_avg) for each indoor space based on the indoor air temperature (Ta) of each indoor unit (S430). For example, the average air temperature (Ta_avg) may be the average temperature of the indoor air temperatures (Ta) of each indoor unit belonging to a certain indoor space.

[0126] After S430, the air conditioner can determine whether there is an indoor unit among multiple indoor units (IDU) in which the absolute value of the difference between the average air temperature (Ta_avg) of the indoor space and the indoor air temperature (Ta) is greater than the first reference temperature (Tx1) (S440). For example, the first reference temperature (Tx1) may be 2°C.

[0127] When S440 is satisfied (e.g., in S440), the air conditioner may designate an indoor unit among a plurality of indoor units (IDU) as a target indoor unit in which an indoor air temperature (Ta) is detected that differs from the average air temperature (Ta_avg) of the indoor space by more than the first reference temperature (Tx1) (S441). At this time, the target indoor unit is an indoor unit in which a temperature imbalance has occurred due to causes other than user settings (e.g., radiant heat, concentration of people, presence of a heat source, etc.), and it is necessary to resolve the temperature imbalance through cooperative operation (support operation) of indoor units adjacent to the target indoor unit.

[0128] After S441, the air conditioner may designate indoor units adjacent to the target indoor unit as support indoor units (S442). At this time, the air conditioner may determine the indoor units adjacent to the target indoor unit as support indoor units by using the relative position information between the indoor units determined in S200.

[0129] After S442, the air conditioner can calculate the priority of support operation of support indoor units from i to n based on support priority information (S450, where i=1 and n is a natural number).

[0130] For example, as support priority information, a certain score (e.g., 1 point) may be added to the priority score of a support indoor unit when multiple target indoor units exist in the same indoor space, in the case of an indoor unit adjacent to at least one target indoor unit that does not perform support operation. Additionally, a certain score (e.g., 1 point) may be added to the priority score of a support indoor unit if the absolute value of the difference between the set temperature of the support indoor unit and the indoor air temperature of the support indoor unit is less than a certain temperature (e.g., 2°C). Additionally, a certain score (e.g., 1 point) may be added to the priority score of a support indoor unit if the cooling or heating rated capacity of the indoor unit is 0.5 or less. Furthermore, a certain score (e.g., 1 point) may be added to the priority score of a support indoor unit if the indoor air temperature of the support indoor unit is formed at the set temperature of the support indoor unit and the support indoor unit does not operate.

[0131] Therefore, the support operation priority of support indoor units can be calculated in proportion to the priority score of the support indoor units. In other words, support indoor units with higher accumulated priority scores can have a higher support operation priority.

[0132] After S450, the air conditioner can calculate the support temperature (Tspt_i) of the i-th support indoor unit (S460). Here, the support temperature (Tspt_i) may be the set temperature of the support indoor unit during support operation.

[0133] After S460, the air conditioner can determine whether to perform support operation for the i-th support indoor unit by comparing the support temperature (Tspt_i) of the i-th support indoor unit with the indoor air temperature (Ta_target) of the target indoor unit (S470). For example, if the indoor space where the i-th support indoor unit is placed is in cooling operation, the air conditioner can determine whether the support temperature (Tspt_i) of the i-th support indoor unit is less than or equal to the indoor air temperature (Ta_target) of the target indoor unit. For example, if the indoor space where the i-th support indoor unit is placed is in heating operation, the air conditioner can determine whether the support temperature (Tspt_i) of the i-th support indoor unit is greater than or equal to the indoor air temperature (Ta_target) of the target indoor unit.

[0134] In S470, if the support temperature (Tspt_i) of the i-th support indoor unit is determined to be a suitable temperature for performing support operation (e.g., in S470), the air conditioner can perform support operation of the i-th support indoor unit for a certain period of time (e.g., 5 minutes) (S471). Additionally, the air conditioner can adjust the airflow angle discharged toward the target indoor unit by adjusting the vanes (53) of the support indoor units during support operation. For example, the vanes adjusted during support operation may be vanes determined based on the vane direction information of each indoor unit determined in S300 and may be positioned in the direction toward the target indoor unit. The vanes may be referred to as support vanes for the target indoor unit. Additionally, the air conditioner can adjust the airflow discharged toward the target indoor unit by adjusting the rotational speed of the indoor fan (55) of the support indoor unit during support operation.

[0135] After S471, the air conditioner can store the change in indoor air temperature (Tdiff_target) of the target indoor unit caused by the support operation of the i-th support indoor unit (S472). Here, the change in indoor air temperature (Tdiff_target) of the target indoor unit may be the absolute value of the change in indoor air temperature of the target indoor unit before S471 is performed and after S471 is performed for a certain period of time.

[0136] Meanwhile, the priority score of the support indoor unit can be updated based on the indoor air temperature change (Tdiff_target) information of the target indoor unit stored in S472. For example, the priority score of the support indoor unit can be updated in proportion to the indoor air temperature change (Tdiff_target) of the target indoor unit.

[0137] After S472, the air conditioner can determine whether to terminate the cooperative operation (support operation) of the support indoor unit with respect to the target indoor unit (S480). For example, the air conditioner can determine whether the absolute value of the difference between the average air temperature of the indoor space (Ta_avg) and the indoor air temperature of the target indoor unit (Ta_target) is less than or equal to the first reference temperature (Tx1).

[0138] If the absolute value of the difference between the average air temperature of the indoor space (Ta_avg) and the indoor air temperature of the target indoor unit (Ta_target) is less than or equal to the first reference temperature (Tx1) (e.g. in S480), the air conditioner may terminate the cooperative operation (support operation) of the support indoor unit with respect to the target indoor unit.

[0139] If the absolute value of the difference between the average air temperature of the indoor space (Ta_avg) and the indoor air temperature of the target indoor unit (Ta_target) exceeds the first reference temperature (Tx1) (No in S480), the air conditioner can determine whether the numbering of the support indoor unit is less than n (S481, i <n).

[0140] If the numbering of the support indoor unit is less than n (e.g., in S481), the air conditioner can increase the numbering of the support indoor unit by 1 (S482, i=i+1) and return to S460.

[0141] Accordingly, the air conditioner can quickly and effectively resolve the temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit through cooperative operation (support operation) of the support indoor unit adjacent to the target indoor unit.

[0142] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the presence of a target indoor unit with a temperature imbalance can be checked based on the indoor air temperature (Ta), or the target indoor unit can be designated or released (see FIG. 15). On the other hand, the presence of a target indoor unit with a temperature imbalance can be checked based on the indoor floor temperature (Tb), or the target indoor unit can be designated or released, and this will be described in more detail later.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 16, the air conditioner can perform air conditioning operation (i.e., heating operation or cooling operation) for each indoor space (S410).

[0144] After S410, the air conditioner can detect the indoor floor temperature (Tb) of each of the multiple indoor units (IDU) (S420'). For example, the air conditioner can detect the floor temperature (Tb) of each indoor unit arranged by indoor space through the second temperature sensor (212).

[0145] After S420', the air conditioner can calculate the average floor temperature (Tb_avg) for each indoor space based on the indoor floor temperature (Tb) of each indoor unit (S430'). For example, the average floor temperature (Tb_avg) may be the average temperature of the indoor floor temperatures (Tb) of each indoor unit belonging to a certain indoor space.

[0146] After S430', the air conditioner can determine whether there is an indoor unit among multiple indoor units (IDU) in which the absolute value of the difference between the average floor temperature (Tb_avg) of the indoor space and the indoor floor temperature (Tb) is greater than the third reference temperature (Ty1) (S440'). At this time, considering that the specific heat of the floor is higher than that of the air in the indoor space, the third reference temperature (Ty1) may be smaller than the first reference temperature (Tx1). For example, the third reference temperature (Ty1) may be 1°C.

[0147] When S440' is satisfied (e.g., in S440'), the air conditioner may designate an indoor unit among multiple indoor units (IDU) as a target indoor unit in which an indoor floor temperature (Tb) is detected that differs from the average floor temperature (Tb_avg) of the indoor space by more than the third reference temperature (Ty1) (S441'). At this time, the target indoor unit is an indoor unit in which a temperature imbalance has occurred due to causes other than user settings (e.g., radiant heat, concentration of people, presence of a heat source, etc.), and it is necessary to resolve the temperature imbalance through cooperative operation (support operation) of indoor units adjacent to the target indoor unit.

[0148] After S441', the air conditioner may designate indoor units adjacent to the target indoor unit as support indoor units (S442'). At this time, the air conditioner may determine the indoor units adjacent to the target indoor unit as support indoor units by using the relative position information between the indoor units determined in S200.

[0149] After S442', the air conditioner can perform the aforementioned S450, S460, S470, S471, and S472.

[0150] After S472, the air conditioner can determine whether to terminate the cooperative operation (support operation) of the support indoor unit with respect to the target indoor unit (S480'). For example, the air conditioner can determine whether the absolute value of the difference between the average floor temperature of the indoor space (Tb_avg) and the indoor floor temperature of the target indoor unit (Tb_target) is less than or equal to the third reference temperature (Ty1).

[0151] If the absolute value of the difference between the average floor temperature of the indoor space (Tb_avg) and the indoor floor temperature of the target indoor unit (Tb_target) is less than or equal to the third reference temperature (Ty1) (e.g. in S480'), the air conditioner may terminate the cooperative operation (support operation) of the support indoor unit with respect to the target indoor unit.

[0152] If the absolute value of the difference between the average floor temperature of the indoor space (Tb_avg) and the indoor floor temperature of the target indoor unit (Tb_target) exceeds the third reference temperature (Ty1) (No in S548'), the air conditioner can determine whether the numbering of the support indoor unit is less than n (S481, i <n)

[0153] If the numbering of the support indoor unit is less than n (e.g., in S481), the air conditioner can increase the numbering of the support indoor unit by 1 (S482, i=i+1) and return to S460.

[0154] For example, the priority of the support indoor units is calculated from 1 to 4 (S450), and if S480' is not satisfied after the support operation of the 1st support indoor unit (i=1) (S480' is not satisfied), support operation can be performed sequentially from the 2nd support indoor unit (i=2) to the 4th support indoor unit (i=4) until S480' is satisfied or support operation of all support indoor units is performed.

[0155] Accordingly, the air conditioner can quickly and effectively resolve the temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit through cooperative operation (support operation) of the support indoor unit adjacent to the target indoor unit.

[0156] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the air conditioner can calculate the support temperature (Tspt_i) of the i-th support indoor unit according to the operating mode (S460). Here, the support temperature (Tspt_i) may be the set temperature of the support indoor unit relative to the target indoor unit when performing support operation.

[0157] In S460, the air conditioner can determine whether the currently operating mode is a cooling mode or a heating mode (S461).

[0158] <Support temperature calculation during cooling operation>

[0159] If the operating mode of the air conditioner is cooling mode (e.g., in S461) and the set temperature (Tset_i) of the i-th support indoor unit is less than or equal to the set temperature (Tset_target) of the target indoor unit (e.g., in S4611), the air conditioner can calculate the support temperature (Tspt_i) of the i-th support indoor unit as the set temperature (Tset_i) of the i-th support indoor unit (S4612). That is, if the cooling set temperature of the support indoor unit is lower than the cooling set temperature of the target indoor unit, support operation can be performed on the target indoor unit while maintaining the support temperature of the support indoor unit at the cooling set temperature.

[0160] If the operating mode of the air conditioner is a cooling mode (yes in S461), the set temperature (Tset_i) of the i-th support indoor unit is greater than the set temperature (Tset_target) of the target indoor unit (no in S4611), and the temperature difference (△T) between the set temperature (Tset_i) of the i-th support indoor unit and the set temperature (Tset_target) of the target indoor unit is less than or equal to the first temperature (T1) (yes in S4613), the air conditioner can calculate the support temperature (Tspt_i) of the i-th support indoor unit as the set temperature (Tset_target) of the target indoor unit (S4614). For example, the first temperature (T1) may be 1°C. In other words, if the cooling set temperature of the support indoor unit is slightly higher than the cooling set temperature of the target indoor unit, even if the support temperature of the support indoor unit is set to the cooling set temperature of the target indoor unit, the cooling load of the indoor space where the support indoor unit is installed does not fluctuate significantly, and the support operation for the target indoor unit can be performed effectively.

[0161] If the operating mode of the air conditioner is a cooling operation mode (yes in S461), the set temperature (Tset_i) of the i-th support indoor unit is greater than the set temperature (Tset_target) of the target indoor unit (no in S4611), and the temperature difference (△T) is greater than or equal to the second temperature (T2) (yes in S4615), the support temperature (Tspt_i) of the i-th support indoor unit can be calculated as the temperature obtained by subtracting a constant temperature (Tm) from the set temperature (Tset_i) of the i-th support indoor unit (S4616). For example, the second temperature (T2) may be 4°C and the constant temperature (Tm) may be 2°C. That is, if the cooling set temperature of the support indoor unit is significantly higher than the cooling set temperature of the target indoor unit, the support temperature of the support indoor unit is set to the cooling set temperature of the target indoor unit, and the cooling load of the indoor space where the support indoor unit is installed may fluctuate significantly. Accordingly, it may be desirable to set the support temperature of the support indoor unit to a temperature that is lowered by a certain amount from the cooling set temperature of the support indoor unit, so as not to significantly change the cooling load of the indoor space where the support indoor unit is installed, and to perform support operation for the target indoor unit.

[0162] If the air conditioner's operating mode is cooling mode (yes in S461), the set temperature (Tset_i) of the i-th support indoor unit is greater than the set temperature (Tset_target) of the target indoor unit (no in S4611), and the temperature difference (△T) is greater than the first temperature (T1) and less than the second temperature (T2) (no in S4615), the air conditioner can calculate the support temperature (Tspt_i) of the i-th support indoor unit as the arithmetic mean of the set temperature (Tset_i) of the i-th support indoor unit and the set temperature (Tset_target) of the target indoor unit (S4617).

[0163] <Calculation of Support Temperature During Heating Operation>

[0164] If the operating mode of the air conditioner is heating operation mode (No in S461) and the set temperature (Tset_i) of the i-th support indoor unit is greater than or equal to the set temperature (Tset_target) of the target indoor unit (Yes in S4621), the support temperature (Tspt_i) of the i-th support indoor unit can be calculated as the set temperature (Tset_i) of the i-th support indoor unit (S4622). That is, if the heating set temperature of the support indoor unit is higher than the heating set temperature of the target indoor unit, support operation can be performed for the target indoor unit while maintaining the support temperature of the support indoor unit at the heating set temperature.

[0165] If the operating mode of the air conditioner is a heating operation mode (No in S461), the set temperature (Tset_i) of the i-th support indoor unit is lower than the set temperature (Tset_target) of the target indoor unit (No in S4621), and the temperature difference (△T) between the set temperature (Tset_target) of the target indoor unit and the set temperature (Tset_i) of the i-th support indoor unit is less than or equal to the first temperature (T1) (Yes in S4623), then the support temperature (Tspt_i) of the i-th support indoor unit can be calculated as the set temperature (Tset_target) of the target indoor unit (S4624). For example, the first temperature (T1) may be 1°C. That is, if the heating set temperature of the support indoor unit is slightly lower than the heating set temperature of the target indoor unit, then even if the support temperature of the support indoor unit is set to the heating set temperature of the target indoor unit, the heating load of the indoor space where the support indoor unit is installed does not fluctuate significantly, and the support operation for the target indoor unit can be performed effectively.

[0166] If the operating mode of the air conditioner is a heating operation mode (No in S461), the set temperature (Tset_i) of the i-th support indoor unit is lower than the set temperature (Tset_target) of the target indoor unit (No in S4621), and the temperature difference (△ T) is greater than or equal to the second temperature (T2) (Yes in S4625), the support temperature (Tspt_i) of the i-th support indoor unit can be calculated as the temperature obtained by adding a certain temperature (Tm) to the set temperature (Tset_i) of the i-th support indoor unit (S4626). For example, the second temperature (T2) may be 4°C and the certain temperature (Tm) may be 2°C. That is, if the heating set temperature of the support indoor unit is significantly lower than the heating set temperature of the target indoor unit, and the support temperature of the support indoor unit is set to the heating set temperature of the target indoor unit, the heating load of the indoor space where the support indoor unit is installed may fluctuate significantly. Accordingly, it may be desirable to set the support temperature of the support indoor unit to a temperature that is a certain amount higher than the heating set temperature of the support indoor unit, so as to perform support operation for the target indoor unit without significantly changing the heating load of the indoor space where the support indoor unit is installed.

[0167] If the operating mode of the air conditioner is heating mode (No at S461), the set temperature (Tset_i) of the i-th support indoor unit is lower than the set temperature (Tset_target) of the target indoor unit (No at S4621), and the temperature difference (△T) is greater than the first temperature (T1) and less than the second temperature (T2) (No at S4625), the support temperature (Tspt_i) of the i-th support indoor unit can be calculated as the arithmetic mean of the set temperature (Tset_i) of the i-th support indoor unit and the set temperature (Tset_target) of the target indoor unit (S4627).

[0168] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 19, the air conditioner (1) can adjust the arrangement of the support vanes of the i-th support indoor unit and the rotation speed of the indoor fan (55) in operation S471.

[0169] The air conditioner (1) can determine whether there is an occupant in the area where the target indoor unit is installed through a human body detection sensor (not shown) placed in the target indoor unit (S4711).

[0170] When there is an occupant in the area where the target indoor unit is installed (Yes in S4711), the air conditioner (1) can operate the support vane of the i-th support indoor unit in a first mode (indirect air mode) (S4712). Here, the first mode (indirect air mode) may be an operating mode in which the vane is positioned to form an indirect airflow so that air does not flow toward the occupant in the target indoor unit area. For example, in the first mode (indirect air mode), the support vane may be positioned so that the air discharged from the support indoor unit is discharged in a direction parallel to the ceiling. Thus, the comfort of the occupant can be ensured while simultaneously resolving the temperature imbalance in the target indoor unit area.

[0171] When there are no occupants in the area where the target indoor unit is installed (No in S4711), the air conditioner (1) can operate the support vanes of the i-th support indoor unit in a second mode (auto-swing mode) (S4713). Here, the second mode (auto-swing mode) may be an operating mode in which the arrangement of the support vanes continuously changes so that air is uniformly discharged from the support indoor unit to the target indoor unit area. For example, in the second mode (auto-swing mode), the arrangement of the support vanes can continuously change so that the air discharged from the support indoor unit is discharged in a direction parallel to the ceiling and a direction perpendicular to the floor. Therefore, air is uniformly discharged to the target indoor unit area, and temperature imbalance in the target indoor unit area can be quickly resolved.

[0172] After S4712 and S4713, the air conditioner (1) can determine the degree of temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit based on the absolute value of the difference between the average indoor air temperature (Ta_avg) of the indoor units placed in the same indoor space and the indoor air temperature (Ta_target) of the target indoor unit (S4714). For example, the air conditioner (1) can determine that the temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit persists if the absolute value of the difference between the average indoor air temperature (Ta_avg) of the indoor units placed in the same indoor space and the indoor air temperature (Ta_target) of the target indoor unit is greater than the first reference temperature (Tx1) and less than the second reference temperature (Tx2). For example, the air conditioner (1) can determine that the temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit has intensified if the absolute value of the difference between the average indoor air temperature (Ta_avg) of the indoor units placed in the same indoor space and the indoor air temperature (Ta_target) of the target indoor unit is greater than the second reference temperature (Tx2). At this time, for example, the second reference temperature (Tx2) may be 3℃.

[0173] If the temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit persists (Yes in S4714), the air conditioner (1) can operate the indoor fan of the support indoor unit in a first mode (medium wind mode) (S4715). Here, the first mode (medium wind mode) may be an operating mode in which the rotational speed of the indoor fan of the support indoor unit is adjusted to a first rotational speed so that the airflow discharged from the support indoor unit increases to a medium wind which is stronger than a weak wind.

[0174] When the temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit is severe (No in S4714), the air conditioner (1) can operate the indoor fan of the support indoor unit in a second mode (strong wind mode) (S4716). Here, the second mode (strong wind mode) may be an operating mode in which the rotational speed of the indoor fan of the support indoor unit is adjusted to a second rotational speed higher than the first rotational speed so that the amount of air discharged from the support indoor unit increases to a strong wind stronger than a medium wind.

[0175] Therefore, by adjusting the rotation speed of the indoor fan of the support indoor unit differently according to the degree of temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit, the temperature imbalance can be quickly resolved.

[0176] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 20, the air conditioner (1) can adjust the arrangement of the support vanes of the i-th support indoor unit and the rotation speed of the indoor fan (55) in operation S471'.

[0177] The air conditioner (1) can determine whether there is an occupant in the area where the target indoor unit is installed through a human body detection sensor (not shown) placed in the target indoor unit (S4711).

[0178] When there is an occupant in the area where the target indoor unit is installed (Yes in S4711), the air conditioner (1) can operate the support vane of the i-th support indoor unit in a first mode (indirect air mode) (S4712). Here, the first mode (indirect air mode) may be an operating mode in which the vane is positioned to form an indirect airflow so that air does not flow toward the occupant in the target indoor unit area. For example, in the first mode (indirect air mode), the support vane may be positioned so that the air discharged from the support indoor unit is discharged in a direction parallel to the ceiling. Thus, the comfort of the occupant can be ensured while simultaneously resolving the temperature imbalance in the target indoor unit area.

[0179] When there are no occupants in the area where the target indoor unit is installed (No in S4711), the air conditioner (1) can operate the support vanes of the i-th support indoor unit in a second mode (auto-swing mode) (S4713). Here, the second mode (auto-swing mode) may be an operating mode in which the arrangement of the support vanes continuously changes so that air is uniformly discharged from the support indoor unit to the target indoor unit area. For example, in the second mode (auto-swing mode), the arrangement of the support vanes can continuously change so that the air discharged from the support indoor unit is discharged in a direction parallel to the ceiling and a direction perpendicular to the floor. Therefore, air is uniformly discharged to the target indoor unit area, and temperature imbalance in the target indoor unit area can be quickly resolved.

[0180] After S4712 and S4713, the air conditioner (1) can determine the degree of temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit based on the absolute value of the difference between the average indoor floor temperature (Tb_avg) of the indoor units placed in the same indoor space and the indoor floor temperature (Tb_target) of the target indoor unit (S4714'). For example, the air conditioner (1) can determine that the temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit persists if the absolute value of the difference between the average indoor floor temperature (Tb_avg) of the indoor units placed in the same indoor space and the indoor floor temperature (Tb_target) of the target indoor unit is greater than the third reference temperature (Ty1) and less than the fourth reference temperature (Ty2). For example, the air conditioner (1) may determine that the temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit has worsened if the absolute value of the difference between the average indoor floor temperature (Tb_avg) of the indoor units placed in the same indoor space and the indoor floor temperature (Tb_target) of the target indoor unit is greater than the fourth reference temperature (Ty2). At this time, for example, the fourth reference temperature (Ty2) may be 1.5℃.

[0181] If the temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit persists (Yes in S4714'), the air conditioner (1) can operate the indoor fan of the support indoor unit in a first mode (medium wind mode) (S4715). Here, the first mode (medium wind mode) may be an operating mode in which the rotational speed of the indoor fan of the support indoor unit is adjusted to a first rotational speed so that the airflow discharged from the support indoor unit increases to a medium wind which is stronger than a weak wind.

[0182] When the temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit is severe (No in S4714), the air conditioner (1) can operate the indoor fan of the support indoor unit in a second mode (strong wind mode) (S4716). Here, the second mode (strong wind mode) may be an operating mode in which the rotational speed of the indoor fan of the support indoor unit is adjusted to a second rotational speed higher than the first rotational speed so that the amount of air discharged from the support indoor unit increases to a strong wind stronger than a medium wind.

[0183] Therefore, by adjusting the rotation speed of the indoor fan of the support indoor unit differently according to the degree of temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit, the temperature imbalance can be quickly resolved.

[0184] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a control method for an air conditioner comprising: an outdoor unit; and a plurality of indoor units each connected to the outdoor unit and equipped with a vane for controlling wind direction and a fan for forming air flow, the method may include the steps of: detecting the indoor temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units through a temperature sensor disposed in each of the plurality of indoor units; identifying an indoor unit in which a temperature imbalance has occurred as a target indoor unit based on the indoor air temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units detected through the temperature sensor; identifying indoor units adjacent to the target indoor unit as support indoor units; and performing a support operation to resolve the temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit by controlling the support vane and the fan among the vanes of the support indoor units.

[0185] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the vane of the supporter indoor unit that is controlled in the step of performing the support operation may be a support vane for the target indoor unit, which is the vane that has the greatest influence on the change in indoor air temperature of the target indoor unit among the vanes of the support indoor units.

[0186] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the step of performing the support operation may include determining whether there is an occupant in the target indoor unit area through a human body detection sensor disposed in each of the plurality of indoor units, and adjusting the placement of the support vanes according to the presence or absence of an occupant in the target indoor unit area.

[0187] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the step of adjusting the arrangement of the support vanes may be performed by operating the support vanes in a first mode in which the arrangement of the support vanes is adjusted so that air does not flow toward the occupants when occupants are present in the indoor area of ​​the target indoor unit, and in a second mode in which the arrangement of the support vanes is continuously changed when occupants are not present in the indoor area of ​​the target indoor unit.

[0188] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the step of performing the support operation may include: determining the degree of temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit based on the absolute value of the difference between the average indoor temperature of indoor units arranged in the same indoor space and the indoor temperature of the target indoor unit; and controlling the fan of the support indoor unit based on the degree of temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit.

[0189] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the step of controlling the fan of the supporter indoor unit may be to control the rotational speed of the fan of the supporter indoor unit to a first rotational speed when the absolute value of the difference between the average indoor air temperature of the indoor units arranged in the same indoor space and the indoor air temperature of the target indoor unit is greater than a first reference temperature and less than a second reference temperature, and to control the rotational speed of the fan of the supporter indoor unit to a second rotational speed higher than the first rotational speed when the absolute value of the difference between the average indoor air temperature of the indoor units arranged in the same indoor space and the indoor air temperature of the target indoor unit is greater than a second reference temperature.

[0190] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the step of controlling the fan of the supporter indoor unit may be to control the rotational speed of the fan of the supporter indoor unit to a first rotational speed when the absolute value of the difference between the average indoor unit floor temperature of the indoor units arranged in the same indoor space and the indoor floor temperature of the target indoor unit is greater than a third reference temperature and less than a fourth reference temperature, and to control the rotational speed of the fan of the supporter indoor unit to a second rotational speed higher than the first rotational speed when the absolute value of the difference between the average indoor unit floor temperature of the indoor units arranged in the same indoor space and the indoor floor temperature of the target indoor unit is greater than a fourth reference temperature.

[0191] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include the steps of: detecting the indoor floor temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units through a second temperature sensor disposed in each of the plurality of indoor units; and determining the relative positions of the indoor units disposed in the same indoor space by comparing the floor temperature distribution by region of each of the plurality of indoor units detected by the second temperature sensor.

[0192] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include the step of determining the vane direction of each of the plurality of indoor units arranged in the same indoor space based on the relative positions between the plurality of indoor units.

[0193] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the step of determining the vane direction of each of the plurality of indoor units is,

[0194] A step of selecting one of a plurality of indoor units arranged in the same indoor space as a reference indoor unit; a step of sequentially operating the vanes of each indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit; a step of detecting a change in the indoor air temperature of the reference indoor unit based on the operation of the vanes of each indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit; and a step of determining the direction of the vanes of each indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit based on the change in the indoor air temperature of the indoor unit.

[0195] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the step of determining the vane direction of each indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit may determine the vane that has the greatest influence on the change in indoor air temperature of the reference indoor unit among the vanes of each indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit as the support vane for the reference indoor unit.

[0196] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the support vane may be positioned facing the reference indoor unit in an indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit.

[0197] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the target indoor unit may be an indoor unit in which an indoor unit air temperature is detected that is higher than a first reference temperature than the difference from the average air temperature of the indoor units in the same indoor space among the indoor units in the same indoor space, or an indoor unit in which an indoor unit floor temperature is detected that is higher than a second reference temperature than the difference from the average floor temperature of the indoor units in the same indoor space.

[0198] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first reference temperature may be higher than the second reference temperature.

[0199] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further include the step of calculating the priority of support operation of the support indoor units for the target indoor unit.

[0200] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the step of calculating the priority of the support operation may include: a step of calculating the priority of the support indoor units by reflecting at least one of whether the support indoor units perform the support operation, the degree of difference between the set temperature of the support indoor units and the indoor space air temperature, the cooling or heating rated capacity of the support indoor units, and whether the support indoor units perform cooling or heating operation; and a step of performing the support operation of the support indoor units according to the priority of the support indoor units.

[0201] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus comprises: an outdoor unit; a plurality of indoor units connected to the outdoor unit and each having a vane for controlling the airflow direction; a first temperature sensor disposed in each of the plurality of indoor units and detecting the indoor air temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units, wherein the control unit can perform a support operation by adjusting the support vane of a support indoor unit adjacent to the target indoor unit when there exists a target indoor unit having an indoor air temperature in which the difference from the average temperature of the indoor air temperatures of the plurality of indoor units detected by the first temperature sensor exceeds a first reference temperature.

[0202] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the system comprises: an outdoor unit; a plurality of indoor units connected to the outdoor unit and each having a vane for controlling the airflow direction; a second temperature sensor disposed in each of the plurality of indoor units and detecting the floor temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units, wherein the control unit can perform a support operation by adjusting the support vane of a support indoor unit adjacent to the target indoor unit when there exists a target indoor unit having an indoor air temperature in which the difference from the average temperature of the indoor floor temperatures of the plurality of indoor units detected by the second temperature sensor exceeds a second reference temperature.

[0203] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit can adjust the support vane of the support indoor unit so as to face the target indoor unit during the support operation.

[0204] Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from one another. Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or combined for their respective configurations or functions.

[0205] For example, this means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing and configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing can be combined. That is, even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that combination is possible, except in cases where it is described that combination is impossible.

[0206] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claim 1 A control method for an air conditioner comprising: an outdoor unit; and a plurality of indoor units each connected to the outdoor unit and equipped with a vane for controlling wind direction and a fan for forming air flow, the method comprising: a step of detecting the indoor temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units through a temperature sensor disposed in each of the plurality of indoor units; a step of identifying an indoor unit in which a temperature imbalance has occurred as a target indoor unit based on the indoor temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units detected through the temperature sensor; a step of identifying indoor units adjacent to the target indoor unit as support indoor units; and a step of performing a support operation to resolve the temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit by controlling the vane and the fan of the support indoor unit, wherein the step of performing the support operation includes a step of setting a support temperature based on the difference between the set temperature of the support indoor unit and the set temperature of the target indoor unit, and wherein the support temperature is the set temperature of the support indoor unit during the support operation. Claim 2 A method for controlling an air conditioner, wherein the vane of the support indoor unit adjusted in the step of performing the support operation is the vane that has the greatest influence on the change in indoor air temperature of the target indoor unit among the vanes of the support indoor units, and is a support vane for the target indoor unit. Claim 3 A control method for an air conditioner according to paragraph 2, wherein the step of performing the support operation includes the step of determining whether there is an occupant in the target indoor unit area through a human body detection sensor disposed in each of the plurality of indoor units, and the step of adjusting the placement of the support vanes according to the presence or absence of an occupant in the target indoor unit area. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the step of adjusting the arrangement of the support vanes is a method for controlling an air conditioner, wherein the operating mode of the support vanes is performed in a first mode in which the arrangement of the support vanes is adjusted so that air does not flow toward the occupants when there are occupants in the indoor area of ​​the target indoor unit, and in a second mode in which the arrangement of the support vanes is continuously changed when there are no occupants in the indoor area of ​​the target indoor unit. Claim 5 A control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the step of performing the support operation comprises: a step of determining the degree of temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit based on the absolute value of the difference between the average indoor temperature of indoor units arranged in the same indoor space and the indoor temperature of the target indoor unit; and a step of controlling the fan of the support indoor unit based on the degree of temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit. Claim 6 In claim 5, the step of controlling the fan of the support indoor unit is a method of controlling an air conditioner in which, when the absolute value of the difference between the average indoor air temperature of the indoor units placed in the same indoor space and the indoor air temperature of the target indoor unit is greater than the first reference temperature and less than the second reference temperature, the rotational speed of the fan of the support indoor unit is controlled to the first rotational speed, and when the absolute value of the difference between the average indoor air temperature of the indoor units placed in the same indoor space and the indoor air temperature of the target indoor unit is greater than the second reference temperature, the rotational speed of the fan of the support indoor unit is controlled to the second rotational speed, which is higher than the first rotational speed. Claim 7 In claim 5, the step of controlling the fan of the support indoor unit is a method of controlling an air conditioner in which, when the absolute value of the difference between the average indoor unit floor temperature of the indoor units placed in the same indoor space and the indoor floor temperature of the target indoor unit is greater than the third reference temperature and less than the fourth reference temperature, the rotational speed of the fan of the support indoor unit is controlled to a first rotational speed, and when the absolute value of the difference between the average indoor unit floor temperature of the indoor units placed in the same indoor space and the indoor floor temperature of the target indoor unit is greater than the fourth reference temperature, the rotational speed of the fan of the support indoor unit is controlled to a second rotational speed higher than the first rotational speed. Claim 8 A control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising: a step of detecting the indoor floor temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units through a second temperature sensor disposed in each of the plurality of indoor units; and a step of determining the relative positions between indoor units disposed in the same indoor space by comparing the floor temperature distribution by region of each of the plurality of indoor units detected by the second temperature sensor. Claim 9 A control method for an air conditioner according to claim 8, further comprising the step of determining the vane direction of each of a plurality of indoor units arranged in the same indoor space based on the relative positions between the plurality of indoor units. Claim 10 In claim 9, the step of determining the vane direction of each of the plurality of indoor units comprises: selecting one of the plurality of indoor units arranged in the same indoor space as a reference indoor unit; sequentially operating the vanes of each indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit; detecting a change in the indoor air temperature of the reference indoor unit according to the operation of the vanes of each indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit; and determining the vane direction of each indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit based on the change in the indoor air temperature of the indoor units. Claim 11 In claim 10, the step of determining the vane direction of each indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit is a control method for an air conditioner in which, among the vanes of each indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit, the vane that has the greatest influence on the change in indoor air temperature of the reference indoor unit is determined as a support vane for the reference indoor unit. Claim 12 In claim 11, the above support vane is positioned in a location facing the reference indoor unit in an indoor unit adjacent to the reference indoor unit, in a control method for an air conditioner. Claim 13 A control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the target indoor unit is an indoor unit among indoor units arranged in the same indoor space in which an indoor unit air temperature is detected such that the difference from the average air temperature of the indoor units arranged in the same indoor space is higher than a first reference temperature, or an indoor unit among indoor units arranged in the same indoor space in which an indoor unit floor temperature is detected such that the difference from the average floor temperature of the indoor units arranged in the same indoor space is higher than a third reference temperature. Claim 14 In paragraph 13, the above-mentioned first reference temperature is a control method for an air conditioner that is higher than the above-mentioned third reference temperature. Claim 15 A control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising the step of calculating the priority of support operation of the support indoor units for the target indoor unit. Claim 16 In claim 15, the step of calculating the priority of the support operation comprises: a step of calculating the priority of the support indoor units by reflecting at least one of whether the support indoor units perform the support operation, the degree of difference between the set temperature of the support indoor units and the indoor space air temperature, the cooling or heating rated capacity of the support indoor units, and whether the support indoor units perform cooling or heating operation; and a step of performing the support operation of the support indoor units according to the priority of the support indoor units. Claim 17 An air conditioner comprising: an outdoor unit; a plurality of indoor units each connected to the outdoor unit and equipped with a vane for controlling the airflow direction; a first temperature sensor disposed in each of the plurality of indoor units and detecting the indoor air temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units, wherein the control unit performs a support operation by adjusting the support vane of a support indoor unit adjacent to the target indoor unit when there exists a target indoor unit having an indoor air temperature in which the difference from the average temperature of the indoor air temperatures of the plurality of indoor units detected by the first temperature sensor exceeds a first reference temperature, and sets a support temperature, which is the set temperature of the support indoor unit during the support operation, based on the difference between the set temperature of the support indoor unit and the set temperature of the target indoor unit. Claim 18 An air conditioner comprising: an outdoor unit; a plurality of indoor units each connected to the outdoor unit and equipped with a vane for controlling the airflow direction; a second temperature sensor disposed in each of the plurality of indoor units and detecting the floor temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units, wherein the control unit performs a support operation by adjusting the support vane of a support indoor unit adjacent to the target indoor unit when there exists a target indoor unit having an indoor floor temperature in which the difference from the average temperature of the indoor floor temperatures of the plurality of indoor units detected by the second temperature sensor exceeds a third reference temperature, and sets a support temperature, which is the set temperature of the support indoor unit during the support operation, based on the difference between the set temperature of the support indoor unit and the set temperature of the target indoor unit. Claim 19 In claim 17 or 18, the control unit is an air conditioner that adjusts the support vanes of the support indoor unit so as to face the target indoor unit during the support operation.

Images