Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a control method for detecting refrigerant leakage occurring in an air conditioner and minimizing the leakage of the refrigerant. To this end, the air conditioner may include: an outdoor unit including an outdoor heat exchanger, a compressor, an outdoor expansion valve, and a four-way valve; an indoor unit installed indoors and including an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor expansion valve; a liquid pipe that connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit to each other and through which a liquefied refrigerant flows; a gas pipe that connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit to each other and through which a gaseous refrigerant flows; a blocking device including a first blocking valve that opens and closes the liquid pipe and a second blocking valve that opens and closes the gas pipe; a leakage sensor that detects whether the refrigerant leaks; and a control unit that controls the operation of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit or controls the opening and closing of the first blocking valve and the second blocking valve. The control unit may perform a refrigerant leakage-blocking operation in response to the detection of the refrigerant leakage. Other various embodiments are possible.

Description

Air conditioner and its control method

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to air conditioners and to control methods for reducing the leakage of flammable refrigerant into a room when a refrigerant leak occurs.

[0002] An air conditioner is a device that cools or heats the air by utilizing the movement of heat generated by the evaporation and condensation of a refrigerant, and discharges the cooled or heated air into the room to condition the air in the indoor space.

[0003] When operating in cooling or heating mode, an air conditioner circulates refrigerant and rotates a fan around an indoor heat exchanger to draw in indoor air. Furthermore, the air conditioner can exchange heat with the drawn-in air in the indoor heat exchanger and then discharge it into the indoor space.

[0004] Recently, to slow the acceleration of global warming, low-GWP refrigerants are being replaced as refrigerants circulating in air conditioners. However, due to their high flammability, safety measures must be taken to ensure refrigerant leakage in the event of aging compressors, heat exchangers, and / or piping.

[0005] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, an air conditioner and a control method thereof can be proposed to detect a refrigerant leak occurring in a pipe connecting an indoor unit and an outdoor unit and reduce the refrigerant flowing out to the indoor unit or outdoor unit.

[0006] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outdoor unit including an outdoor heat exchanger, a compressor, an outdoor expansion valve, and a four-way valve, an indoor unit installed indoors and including an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor expansion valve, a liquid pipe connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit and through which a liquid-phase refrigerant flows, a pipe connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit and through which a gas-phase refrigerant flows, a blocking device including a first blocking valve for opening and closing the liquid pipe and a second blocking valve for opening and closing the pipe, a leakage sensor for detecting a leakage of the refrigerant, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, or controlling the opening and closing of the first blocking valve and the second blocking valve. The control unit may be configured to close the first shut-off valve in response to the leak sensor detecting a refrigerant leak occurring in a predetermined section, control the four-way valve to operate the refrigerant circulation direction in heating operation, operate the compressor and the indoor heat exchanger to condense at least a portion of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor unit, the liquid pipe, and the engine, and recover the condensed refrigerant to the indoor unit and the liquid pipe, and close the second shut-off valve in response to satisfying a preset condition.

[0007] A control method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of detecting a leakage of refrigerant, an operation of closing a first shut-off valve provided in a liquid pipe connecting an outdoor unit and an indoor unit in response to detecting the leakage of the refrigerant, an operation of controlling the four-way valve to operate the circulation direction of the refrigerant in a heating operation, an operation of operating a compressor included in the outdoor unit and an indoor heat exchanger included in the indoor unit, an operation of liquefying at least a portion of the refrigerant flowing in the liquid pipe of the indoor unit and in a system connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, an operation of recovering the liquefied refrigerant to the indoor unit and the liquid pipe, and an operation of closing a second shut-off valve that opens and closes the system in response to satisfying a preset condition.

[0008] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect a refrigerant leak in a blocking device that collectively controls a pipe connecting an outdoor unit and an indoor unit.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a refrigerant leak occurs in a pipe connecting an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, an air conditioner with secured safety can be provided by minimizing the leakage of flammable refrigerant.

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a refrigerant circulation circuit constituting an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a control flowchart for responding to a refrigerant leak that occurs in a predetermined section of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a control flowchart for responding to a refrigerant leak that occurs in a predetermined section of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a refrigerant circulation path for each operation of an air conditioner to perform a leak blocking operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a refrigerant circulation path for each operation of an air conditioner to perform a leak blocking operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a refrigerant circulation path for each operation of an air conditioner to perform a leak blocking operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0020] Fig. 1 illustrates the configuration of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment.

[0021] Referring to Fig. 1, an air conditioner (1) can absorb heat from inside the air-conditioned space and release heat from outside the air-conditioned space in order to cool the air-conditioned space that is the target of air conditioning. In order to heat the air-conditioned space, the air conditioner (1) can absorb heat from outside the air-conditioned space and release heat into the air-conditioned space. For this purpose, the air conditioner (1) may generally include an indoor unit (20) installed inside the air-conditioned space and an outdoor unit (10) installed outside the air-conditioned space.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) may include one or more outdoor units (10) installed outside the air-conditioned space, a plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) installed within the air-conditioned space, and / or a control panel (120) for interacting with a user (or manager). For example, the air conditioner (1) may be a variable refrigerant flow system (VRF SYSTEM). In addition, without being limited to what is illustrated, the outdoor units (10) may be provided in multiple numbers. The control panel (120) may receive a user's input or output information on the operation of the air conditioner (1). Hereinafter, the control panel (120) will be referred to as an input / output unit (120).

[0023] Although not shown, a plurality of remote controllers may be provided separately from the input / output unit (120) to control each of the plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) in addition to each of the plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d). For example, a user may control the cooling operation or heating operation of a specific indoor unit using the remote controller.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the outdoor unit (10) can be fluidly connected to a plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d). For example, the outdoor unit (10) and the plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) can form a refrigerant circulation circuit for circulating refrigerant. Detailed components constituting the refrigerant circulation circuit are described below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the outdoor unit (10) can be electrically connected to a plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) and / or an input / output unit (120). For example, a user can input an input (or command) to control each of the plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) via a remote controller, and the outdoor unit (10) can operate in response to the user input of the remote controller.

[0026] In one embodiment, the outdoor unit (10) can exchange heat with outdoor air outside the air-conditioned space. The outdoor unit (10) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, the outdoor unit (10) can release heat from the refrigerant to the outdoor air by utilizing condensation of the refrigerant. Additionally, the outdoor unit (10) can absorb heat from the outdoor air into the refrigerant by utilizing evaporation of the refrigerant.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) can exchange heat with indoor air within an air-conditioned space. The indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air by utilizing a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, the outdoor unit (10) can cool the air-conditioned space by absorbing heat of the indoor air into the refrigerant by utilizing evaporation of the refrigerant. In addition, the indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) can heat the air-conditioned space by releasing heat of the refrigerant into the indoor air by utilizing condensation of the refrigerant.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) may include a plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d). The plurality of different indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) may be installed in a plurality of different air conditioning spaces, respectively. For example, the plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) may be installed in a plurality of offices, a plurality of guest rooms, or a plurality of rooms (hereinafter collectively referred to as a plurality of air conditioning spaces) provided in a building, respectively.

[0029] In one embodiment, the input / output unit (120) may provide a user interface for interacting with a user or administrator. For example, the input / output unit (120) may obtain input (or commands) from a user or administrator, and display the operation of the air conditioner (1) in response to the input from the user or administrator.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the input / output unit (120) may receive an input (or command) for checking the air conditioner (1) from, for example, a user or an administrator, or an input (or command) for initiating the operation of the air conditioner (1). In addition, the input / output unit (120) may display, for example, the operating status of a plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d). The operating status may display, for example, the operating rate of the plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) and / or the operating rate of the outdoor unit (10).

[0031] According to one embodiment, the input / output unit (120) can display the operating status of the outdoor unit (10) and / or the plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d). For example, the input / output unit (120) can display information indicating whether the outdoor unit (10) and / or the plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 30d) are operating normally or whether there is an abnormality in the operation (or function). For example, the input / output unit (120) can display a malfunction in the operating status of a compressor (e.g., compressor (15) of FIG. 2) or an outdoor fan (e.g., outdoor fan (12) of FIG. 2) included in the outdoor unit (10), or can display a malfunction in the operating status of an indoor fan (e.g., indoor fan (22) of FIG. 2) included in the indoor unit (20). For example, the input / output unit (120) can indicate whether there is a refrigerant leak due to damage to a pipe (e.g., a liquid pipe (P1) or an engine (P2) of FIG. 2) connecting an outdoor unit (10) and a plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d).

[0032] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and outdoor air outside the air conditioning space and heat exchange between a refrigerant and indoor air within the air conditioning space.

[0033] Figure 2 illustrates a refrigerant circulation circuit constituting an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, the air conditioner (1) can cause a refrigerant to flow between the outside of the air-conditioned space and the inside of the air-conditioned space in order to transfer heat between the outside of the air-conditioned space and the inside of the air-conditioned space. For example, the air conditioner (1) may include a refrigerant circulation circuit for transferring heat between the outside of the air-conditioned space and the inside of the air-conditioned space. In addition, for convenience of explanation, the description will be centered on the first indoor unit (20a) among the plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), and the description of the components included in the second to fourth indoor units (20b, 20c, 20d) can be applied to the first indoor unit (20a).

[0035] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can circulate refrigerant in a preset direction to cool or heat an indoor space. When the air conditioner (1) is in cooling operation, the direction of the circulating refrigerant is illustrated by a dotted arrow, and when the air conditioner (1) is in heating operation, the direction of the circulating refrigerant is illustrated by a solid arrow.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) may include a refrigerant passage for circulating a refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor areas. The refrigerant circulates between the indoor and outdoor areas along the refrigerant passage, and may absorb or release heat during a state change (e.g., the refrigerant condenses from a gas to a liquid, or vaporizes from a liquid to a gas).

[0037] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) may include a liquid pipe (P1) that serves as a passage for liquid refrigerant to flow and a duct (P2) that serves as a passage for gaseous refrigerant to flow, connecting the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20). The liquid pipe (P1) and the duct (P2) may extend into the interior of the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20).

[0038] According to one embodiment, the liquid pipe (P1) and the engine (P2) may be connected to one end of the outdoor unit (10), respectively. The liquid pipe (P1) and the engine (P2) may be branched into a plurality of paths and connected to one end and the other end of a plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), respectively.

[0039] For example, the liquid pipe (P1) may include a first liquid pipe (P11) branched from one end of the outdoor unit (10) and connected to one side of the first indoor unit (20a). The liquid pipe (P1) may include a second liquid pipe (P12) branched from the output end of the outdoor unit (10) and connected to one side of the second indoor unit (20b). The liquid pipe (P1) may include a third liquid pipe (P13) branched from the output end of the outdoor unit (10) and connected to one side of the third indoor unit (20c). The liquid pipe (P1) may include a fourth liquid pipe (P14) branched from the output end of the outdoor unit (10) and connected to one side of the fourth indoor unit (20d).

[0040] For example, the engine (P2) may include a first engine (P21) branched from one end of the outdoor unit (10) and connected to one side of the first indoor unit (20a). The engine (P2) may include a second engine (P22) branched from the output end of the outdoor unit (10) and connected to one side of the second indoor unit (20b). The engine (P2) may include a third engine (P23) branched from the output end of the outdoor unit (10) and connected to one side of the third indoor unit (20c). The engine (P2) may include a fourth engine (P24) branched from the output end of the outdoor unit (10) and connected to one side of the fourth indoor unit (20d).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) may include a shut-off device (30) to control the flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the liquid pipe (P1) and / or the engine (P2). The shut-off device (30) may include a shut-off valve (31, 33) that opens and closes the liquid pipe (P1) and / or the engine (P2). The shut-off valve (31, 33) may include a first shut-off valve (31) that opens and closes the liquid pipe (P1). The shut-off valve may include a second shut-off valve (33) that opens and closes the engine (P2).

[0042] According to one embodiment, the second shut-off valve (33) may include a 2-1 shut-off valve (33a) that opens and closes the first engine (P21), a 2-2 shut-off valve (33b) that opens and closes the second engine (P22), a 2-3 shut-off valve (33c) that opens and closes the third engine (P23), and a 2-4 shut-off valve (33d) that opens and closes the fourth engine (P24).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the first shut-off valve (31) may include a 1-1 shut-off valve (31a) that opens and closes the first liquid pipe (P11), a 1-2 shut-off valve (31b) that opens and closes the second liquid pipe (P12), a 1-3 shut-off valve (31c) that opens and closes the third liquid pipe (P13), and a 1-4 shut-off valve (31d) that opens and closes the fourth liquid pipe (P14).

[0044] For example, the 1-1 shut-off valve (31a) may be connected to one side of the 1st indoor heat exchanger (22a). The 2-1 shut-off valve (33a) may be connected to the other side of the 1st indoor heat exchanger (22a).

[0045] For example, the 1-2 shut-off valve (31b) may be connected to one side of the 2nd indoor heat exchanger (22b). The 2-2 shut-off valve (33b) may be connected to the other side of the 2nd indoor heat exchanger (22b).

[0046] For example, the 1-3 shut-off valve (31c) may be connected to one side of the 3rd indoor heat exchanger (22c). The 2-3 shut-off valve (33c) may be connected to the other side of the 3rd indoor heat exchanger (22c).

[0047] For example, the 1-4 shut-off valve (31d) may be connected to one side of the 4th indoor heat exchanger (22d). The 2-4 shut-off valve (33d) may be connected to the other side of the 4th indoor heat exchanger (22d).

[0048] According to one embodiment, the outdoor unit (10) may include a compressor (15) that compresses refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger (11) that performs heat exchange between outdoor air and refrigerant, a four-way valve (13) that selectively guides the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (15) to either the outdoor heat exchanger (11) or the indoor unit (20) depending on cooling operation or heating operation, an expansion valve (17) that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, and an accumulator (16) that prevents unevaporated liquid refrigerant from flowing into the compressor (15).

[0049] According to one embodiment, the compressor (15) can compress low-pressure gaseous refrigerant to high pressure by the rotational force of a compressor motor (not shown) that rotates using electric energy supplied from an external power source.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the compressor (15) can compress low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas and discharge high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the four-way valve (13) can guide the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (15) to the outdoor heat exchanger (11) during cooling operation, and can guide the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (15) to the indoor unit (20) during heating operation.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger (11) can condense the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (15) during cooling operation and evaporate the refrigerant depressurized in the indoor unit (20) during heating operation. The outdoor heat exchanger (11) can include cooling fins (not shown) to improve the heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by increasing the surface area where the refrigerant pipe (not shown) through which the refrigerant passes comes into contact with the outdoor air.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the outdoor fan (12) is installed around the outdoor heat exchanger (11) and can accelerate heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger (11) by blowing outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger (11). That is, the outdoor fan (12) can blow the outdoor air before heat exchange to the outdoor heat exchanger (11) and simultaneously blow the heat-exchanged outdoor air outdoors by blowing the outdoor air toward the outdoor heat exchanger (11).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the expansion valve (17) can expand high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant liquid and discharge low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid. The expansion valve (17) can not only reduce the pressure of the refrigerant, but also adjust the amount of refrigerant provided to the outdoor heat exchanger (11) so that sufficient heat exchange can occur in the outdoor heat exchanger (11). For example, the expansion valve (17) can reduce the pressure of the refrigerant by utilizing the throttling action of the refrigerant, in which the pressure of the refrigerant decreases without heat exchange with the outside when the refrigerant passes through a narrow passage. The expansion valve (17) can be implemented as an electronic expansion valve (EEV) whose opening can be adjusted to adjust the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion valve (17).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the outdoor unit (10) may include a total valve (18, 19). The total valve (18, 19) may open or close a path through which the refrigerant is discharged from the outdoor unit, or may open or close a path through which the refrigerant is introduced into the outdoor unit. The total valve (18, 19) may include a first total valve (18) that opens or closes a liquid pipe (P1) on the outdoor unit side, and a second total valve (19) that opens or closes a pipe (P2) on the outdoor unit side.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the indoor unit (20) may include an indoor heat exchanger (21) that performs heat exchange between the indoor air and the refrigerant, and an indoor unit fan (22) that blows the indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger (21).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the indoor heat exchanger (21) evaporates low-pressure liquid refrigerant during cooling operation and condenses high-pressure gaseous refrigerant during heating operation. The indoor heat exchanger (21), like the outdoor heat exchanger (11) of the outdoor unit (10), may include a refrigerant pipe (not shown) through which the refrigerant passes and cooling fins (not shown) to improve the heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant and indoor air.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the indoor heat exchangers (21) may be respectively arranged in a plurality of compartmentalized spaces. The indoor heat exchangers (21) may include a first indoor heat exchanger (21a) arranged in a first indoor unit (20a), a second indoor heat exchanger (21b) arranged in a second indoor unit (20b), a third indoor heat exchanger (21c) arranged in a third indoor unit (20c), and a fourth indoor heat exchanger (21d) arranged in a fourth indoor unit (20d).

[0059] According to one embodiment, the indoor fan (22) is provided around the indoor heat exchanger (21) to blow indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger (21), thereby enabling heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger (21). That is, the indoor fan (22) blows indoor air toward the indoor heat exchanger (21), thereby blowing indoor air before heat exchange to the indoor heat exchanger (21) and simultaneously blowing the heat-exchanged indoor air into the room.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the indoor fans (22) may be respectively arranged in a plurality of partitioned spaces. The indoor fans (22) may include a first indoor fan (22a) arranged in a first indoor unit (20a), a second indoor fan (22b) arranged in a second indoor unit (20b), a third indoor fan (22c) arranged in a third indoor unit (20c), and a fourth indoor fan (22d) arranged in a fourth indoor unit (20d).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the indoor unit (20) may include an indoor expansion valve (23). The indoor expansion valve (23) may be configured to open and close a path of refrigerant flowing inside the indoor unit (20). The indoor expansion valve (23) may control the amount of refrigerant flowing inside the indoor unit (20), for example, by controlling the opening rate. The indoor expansion valve (23) may include, for example, a first indoor expansion valve (23a), a second indoor expansion valve (23b), a third indoor expansion valve (23c), and / or a fourth indoor expansion valve (24d). The first to fourth indoor expansion valves (24d) may be installed in each of the partitioned spaces of a plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the first indoor unit (20a) may include a first indoor expansion valve (23a). The first indoor expansion valve (23a) may close the path of refrigerant flowing into the first indoor heat exchanger (21a) through the engine (P2) during cooling operation. The first indoor expansion valve (23a) may close the path of refrigerant discharged from the first indoor heat exchanger (21a) to the engine (P2) during heating operation.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the second indoor unit (20b) may include a second indoor expansion valve (23b). The second indoor expansion valve (23b) may close the path of refrigerant flowing into the second indoor heat exchanger (21b) through the engine (P2) during cooling operation. The second indoor expansion valve (23b) may close the path of refrigerant discharged from the second indoor heat exchanger (21b) to the engine (P2) during heating operation.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the third indoor unit (20c) may include a third indoor expansion valve (23c). The third indoor expansion valve (23c) may close the path of refrigerant flowing into the third indoor heat exchanger (21c) through the engine (P2) during cooling operation. The third indoor expansion valve (23c) may close the path of refrigerant discharged from the third indoor heat exchanger (21c) to the engine (P2) during heating operation.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the fourth indoor unit (20d) may include a fourth indoor expansion valve (23d). The fourth indoor expansion valve (23d) may close the path of refrigerant flowing into the fourth indoor heat exchanger (21d) through the engine (P2) during cooling operation. The fourth indoor expansion valve (23d) may close the path of refrigerant discharged from the fourth indoor heat exchanger (21d) to the engine (P2) during heating operation.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the refrigerant can release heat from the outdoor heat exchanger (11) and absorb heat from the indoor heat exchanger (21) during cooling operation. That is, during cooling operation, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (15) can be supplied preferentially to the outdoor heat exchanger (11) through the four-way valve (13) and then supplied to the indoor heat exchanger (21). In this case, the outdoor heat exchanger (11) can operate as a condenser that condenses the refrigerant, and the indoor heat exchanger (21) can operate as an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the refrigerant can release heat from the indoor heat exchanger (21) and absorb heat from the outdoor heat exchanger (11) during heating operation. That is, during heating operation, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (15) can be supplied preferentially to the indoor heat exchanger (21) through the four-way valve (13) and then supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger (11). In this case, the indoor heat exchanger (21) can operate as a condenser that condenses the refrigerant, and the outdoor heat exchanger (11) can operate as an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant.

[0068] Fig. 3 is a control block diagram of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment. The configuration illustrated in Fig. 3 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the air conditioner (1) of Fig. 2.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 3, the air conditioner (1) may include an input / output unit (120), a communication unit (transceiver) (130), a leak sensor (140), a pressure sensor (150), a storage unit (160), an outdoor fan (12) (e.g., the outdoor fan (12) of FIG. 2), an indoor fan (e.g., the indoor fan (22) of FIG. 2), a compressor (15) (e.g., the compressor (15) of FIG. 2), a four-way valve (13) (e.g., the four-way valve (13) of FIG. 2), an expansion valve (17) (e.g., the expansion valve (17) of FIG. 2), a first shut-off valve (31) (e.g., the first shut-off valve (31) of FIG. 2), and a second shut-off valve (33) (e.g., the second shut-off valve (33) of FIG. 2).

[0070] The components of the air conditioner (1) illustrated in Fig. 3 may have at least one component added or deleted. In addition, the mutual positions of the components may be changed in accordance with the performance or structure of the system.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the input / output unit (120) may receive input related to the operation of the air conditioner (1) from a user (or manager) and transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the received input to the control unit (110). As an example, the input / output unit (120) may be implemented as a control panel (e.g., the control panel (120) of FIG. 1).

[0072] In one embodiment, the input / output unit (120) can output information regarding the operating status of the air conditioner (1). For example, the input / output unit (120) can display information corresponding to the occurrence of a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner (1). The information can include, for example, information regarding the location where the refrigerant leak occurred.

[0073] In one embodiment, the input / output unit (120) may indicate whether a leak blocking operation is to be performed in response to a refrigerant leak. A user may input an input for performing the leak blocking operation through the input / output unit (120).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the input / output unit (120) may include a display panel for displaying an image and an input button for receiving a touch input. The display panel may convert data received from the control unit (110) into an optical signal and output the converted signal. The input button may be implemented as, for example, a touch panel. The touch panel may identify a user's touch input and provide an electrical signal corresponding to the received touch input to the control unit (110).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (130) can support communication between a plurality of indoor units (e.g., the first to fourth indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) of FIG. 2) and / or the input / output unit (120). To this end, the communication unit (130) can transmit data received from the control unit (110) to the plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d). The communication unit (130) can, for example, exchange signals between the plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) and / or the input / output unit (120) using an asynchronous serial communication method.

[0076] According to one example, the communication unit (130) can support communication between the air conditioner (1) and an external device (e.g., a user terminal). The communication unit (130) can exchange communication signals with the external device via a wired communication network or a wireless communication network. The wired communication network includes, for example, a communication network such as a cable network or a telephone network, and the wireless communication network can include a communication network that transmits and receives signals via radio waves. The wired communication network and the wireless communication network can be connected to each other. For example, the wired communication network can include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, and the wireless communication network can include an access point (AP) connected to the wide area network (WAN).

[0077] For example, the communication unit (130) can connect to a wired communication network via Ethernet and communicate with external devices via the wired communication network.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the leak sensor (140) may be implemented as a temperature sensor that detects refrigerant leakage by measuring the temperature of a pipe through which refrigerant flows, or may be implemented as a gas sensor that detects the presence or absence of refrigerant in indoor air and measures the refrigerant leakage concentration.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the leak sensor (140) may be placed on one side of the indoor unit (20). When a plurality of indoor units are provided, the leak sensor (140) may be placed on each of the plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the leak sensor (140) may be placed inside a blocking device (e.g., blocking device (30) of FIG. 2). The leak sensor (140) may be placed, for example, on one side of a blocking valve (33) included in the blocking device (30). The leak sensor (140) may detect a leak of refrigerant in a liquid pipe (P1) or an engine (P2) that fluidly connects the indoor unit (20) and the outdoor unit (10).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the leak sensor (140) may be installed at the front or rear end of the first shut-off valve (31). The leak sensor (140) may be installed, for example, at the front or rear end of the 1-1 shut-off valve (31a). The leak sensor (140) may be installed, for example, at the front or rear end of the 1-2 shut-off valve (31b). The leak sensor (140) may be installed, for example, at the front or rear end of the 1-3 shut-off valve (31c). The leak sensor (140) may be installed, for example, at the front or rear end of the 1-4 shut-off valve (31d).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the leak sensor (140) may be installed at the front or rear end of the second shut-off valve (33). The leak sensor (140) may be installed, for example, at the front or rear end of the 2-1 shut-off valve (33a). The leak sensor (140) may be installed, for example, at the front or rear end of the 2-2 shut-off valve (33b). The leak sensor (140) may be installed, for example, at the front or rear end of the 2-3 shut-off valve (33c). The leak sensor (140) may be installed, for example, at the front or rear end of the 2-4 shut-off valve (33d).

[0083] In one embodiment, the leak sensor (140) can detect a refrigerant leak in a predetermined space. For example, the leak sensor (140) can detect a refrigerant leak in an indoor space where the indoor unit (20) is placed, or can detect a refrigerant leak in an outdoor space where the outdoor unit (10) is placed. For example, the leak sensor (140) can detect a refrigerant leak that occurs in a liquid pipe (P1) and a pipe (P2) connecting the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20).

[0084] For example, the leak sensor (140) can detect that a refrigerant leak occurs during cooling or heating operation, but is not limited thereto, and the leak sensor (140) can also detect that a refrigerant leak occurs even when cooling or heating operation is not performed.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the pressure sensor (150) may include a low pressure sensor for detecting the suction side pressure of the compressor (15) and a high pressure sensor for detecting the discharge side pressure of the compressor (15). The low pressure sensor may be arranged at the inlet end of the compressor (15), and the high pressure sensor may be arranged at the outlet end of the compressor (15).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) may be electrically connected to an input / output unit (120), a communication unit (130), a leak sensor (140), a pressure sensor (150), a storage unit (160), an outdoor fan (12), an indoor fan (22), a compressor (15), a four-way valve (13), an expansion valve (17), a first shut-off valve (31) and / or a second shut-off valve (33). For example, the control unit (110) may obtain an electrical signal from the input / output unit (120), the leak sensor (140), and the pressure sensor (150). The control unit (110) may transmit a control signal to the outdoor fan (12), the indoor fan (22), the compressor (15), the four-way valve (13), the expansion valve (17), the first shut-off valve (31) and / or the second shut-off valve (33).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can transmit a control signal to operate or stop the outdoor fan (12) and / or the indoor fan (22). The control unit (110) can be implemented as a signal for switching operation or stop of the outdoor fan (12) and / or the indoor fan (22), for example, through a pulse signal, or can output an electric signal having a predetermined strength to the outdoor fan (12) and / or the indoor fan (22). For example, the control unit (110) can control the rotation speed of the outdoor fan (12) and / or the indoor fan (22) by adjusting the strength (e.g., the current or voltage of the control signal) of the control signal transmitted to the outdoor fan (12) and / or the indoor fan (22).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can transmit a drive signal to operate or stop the compressor (15). In response to the drive signal, the control unit (110) can supply a drive current so that the drive motor included in the compressor (15) rotates at a predetermined speed. The compressor (15) can compress the refrigerant gas by the torque applied when the drive motor rotates at the predetermined speed.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can transmit a control signal to the four-way valve (13) to switch the circulation path of the refrigerant in response to the operating mode (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation) of the air conditioner (1). The four-way valve (13) can switch the circulation path of the refrigerant in response to the control signal received from the control unit (110).

[0090] For example, the four-way valve (13) can connect the outlet of the compressor (15) to the outdoor heat exchanger (11) and the inlet of the compressor (15) to the indoor heat exchanger (21) in response to the cooling mode signal of the control unit (110).

[0091] For example, the four-way valve (13) can connect the outlet of the compressor (15) to the indoor heat exchanger (21) and the inlet of the compressor (15) to the outdoor heat exchanger (11) in response to a heating mode signal of the control unit (110).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can transmit a driving signal for opening and closing the expansion valve (17). The control unit (110) can adjust the intensity of the electric signal in response to the opening rate of the expansion valve (17) and transmit it to the expansion valve (17). The expansion valve (17) can open at a predetermined opening rate in response to the driving signal received from the control unit (110), thereby expanding the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant liquid and discharging the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can transmit a driving signal for opening and closing the first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve (31, 33). The control unit (110) can adjust the intensity of the electric signal in response to the opening ratio of the first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve (31, 33) and transmit the signal to the first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve (31, 33). The first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve (31, 33) can open at a predetermined opening ratio in response to the driving signal received from the control unit (110), thereby expanding the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant liquid and discharging the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid.

[0094] For example, when the temperature of the air conditioning space in which the first indoor unit (20a) among the plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) is installed is high during cooling operation, the control unit (110) can adjust the opening rate of the first-first shut-off valve (31a) to increase the amount of refrigerant supplied to the first indoor unit (20a).

[0095] For example, when the temperature of the air conditioning space in which the second indoor unit (20b) among the plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) is installed is low during cooling operation, the control unit (110) can adjust the opening rate of the first-second shut-off valve (31b) to reduce the amount of refrigerant supplied to the second indoor unit (20b).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) may include at least one storage unit (160) storing a program for performing the operations described above and the operations to be described below, and at least one processor for executing the stored program. The storage unit (160) may be configured separately from the control unit (110), or may be configured as an integral part thereof.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the storage unit (160) may include volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. The volatile memory may include, for example, static random access memory (S-RAM) or dynamic random access memory (D-RAM). The non-volatile memory may include, for example, read only memory (ROM) or erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can detect that a refrigerant leak has occurred in a predetermined section. The leak sensor (140) can detect that the refrigerant has leaked in the predetermined section and transmit the detection result to the control unit (110). The leak sensor (140) can detect, for example, that the refrigerant has leaked in the liquid pipe (P1) located between the outdoor unit (10) and the second shut-off valve (33). Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, it will be assumed that the predetermined section in which the refrigerant leak has occurred has occurred in the front end of the first-second shut-off valve (31b) included in the shut-off device (30).

[0099] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) may perform a process to recover refrigerant and minimize refrigerant leakage. Hereinafter, the process of minimizing refrigerant leakage by the air conditioner (1) will be referred to as a "refrigerant leakage blocking process."

[0100] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) may close the first shut-off valve (31) in response to detecting a refrigerant leak.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can control the four-way valve (13) to cause the air conditioner (1) to operate in heating operation.

[0102] According to the example, the control unit (110) can condense the refrigerant by operating the compressor (15) and the indoor heat exchanger (21).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can recover the condensed refrigerant to the indoor unit and the liquid pipe.

[0104] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) can determine whether a condition for closing the second shut-off valve (33) has been met. The condition may include, for example, whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed or whether the suction-side pressure of the compressor (15) measured by the low-pressure sensor is below a critical level.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) may close the second shut-off valve (33) in response to determining that the above condition is satisfied.

[0106] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) can stop the operation of the compressor (15) and terminate the operation of the air conditioner (1) to stop the circulation of the refrigerant.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can output information indicating that a refrigerant leak blocking operation has been performed to the input / output unit (120).

[0108] Below, the above operations for blocking the leakage of refrigerant from the air conditioner (1) in FIGS. 4 and 5 will be described. @@@@@@@

[0109] FIG. 4 is a control flowchart for responding to a refrigerant leak that occurs in a predetermined section of an air conditioner (e.g., air conditioner (1) of FIG. 2) according to one embodiment.

[0110] Fig. 5 is a control flowchart for responding to a refrigerant leak occurring in a predetermined section of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment. Fig. 5 can be understood as a detailed illustration of the operations illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0111] Some of the operations illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be omitted as needed, or the same operations may be repeated. Furthermore, the order of at least some of the operations illustrated above may be changed as needed.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 4, the air conditioner (1) can detect a refrigerant leak at operation 410. The air conditioner (1) can detect a refrigerant leak in a predetermined section by a leak sensor (e.g., a leak sensor (140) of FIG. 3). In response to detecting a refrigerant leak, the air conditioner (1) can output information indicating a refrigerant leak to an input / output unit (e.g., an input / output unit (120) of FIG. 2).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) may perform a refrigerant leak blocking operation to recover refrigerant and block refrigerant leakage at operation 420. Detailed operations for the refrigerant leak blocking operation performed by the air conditioner (1) may include operations 520 to 570 of FIG. 5.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can stop the operation of the compressor at operation 430. By stopping the operation of the compressor and terminating the operation of the air conditioner (1), the air conditioner (1) can prevent the refrigerant from circulating and leaking.

[0115] Referring to Fig. 5, the air conditioner (1) can detect a refrigerant leak at operation 510. Operation 510 may correspond in part or in whole to operation 410 of Fig. 4.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can close the first shut-off valve (e.g., the first shut-off valve (31) of FIG. 2) at operation 520. For example, the air conditioner (1) can close the 1-1 shut-off valve to the 1-4 shut-off valve (31a, 31b, 31c, 31d). By closing the first shut-off valve (31), the air conditioner (1) can block the flow of refrigerant flowing in the liquid pipe (P1).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can switch to heating operation at operation 530 by controlling a four-way valve (e.g., the four-way valve (13) of FIG. 2). The air conditioner (1) can switch the circulation path of the refrigerant by controlling the four-way valve (13).

[0118] For example, the four-way valve (13) can connect the outlet of the compressor (15) to the indoor heat exchanger (21) and the inlet of the compressor (15) to the outdoor heat exchanger (11) during heating operation.

[0119] In one embodiment, by heating operation, the refrigerant can flow through the indoor heat exchanger (21) via the engine (P2) to the closed first shut-off valve (31).

[0120] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can operate the compressor (15) and the indoor heat exchanger (21) at operation 540. In response to the air conditioner (1) operating the compressor (15) and the indoor heat exchanger (21), the refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger (21) can be condensed.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) operates a compressor (15) and an indoor heat exchanger (21) and can operate an indoor fan (e.g., an indoor fan (22) of FIG. 2). By operating the indoor fan (22), the air conditioner (1) can accelerate the condensation of the refrigerant.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can recover the condensed refrigerant to the indoor unit (20) and the liquid pipe (P1) at operation 550. For example, the air conditioner (1) can store the condensed refrigerant so that it stays in a predetermined section of the indoor heat exchanger (21) and the engine (P2) and the liquid pipe (P1). The predetermined section can include, for example, the engine (P2) adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger (21) before the refrigerant passes through the indoor heat exchanger (21) and / or the liquid pipe (P1) arranged upstream of the first shut-off valve (31) after the refrigerant passes through the indoor heat exchanger (21).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can determine, at operation 560, whether a condition for closing the second shut-off valve (33) has been met. The condition can be set, for example, by considering whether the refrigerant no longer leaks from the liquid pipe (P1).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can close the second shut-off valve (33) in response to the time for which the refrigerant leak blocking operation is performed exceeding a preset level at operation 570.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can close the second shut-off valve (33) in response to a low pressure sensor included in the pressure sensor (e.g., pressure sensor (150) of FIG. 3) indicating that the suction pressure of the compressor (15) is below a preset level at operation 570.

[0126] For example, the air conditioner (1) may close the second shut-off valve (33) in response to the suction pressure of the compressor (15) measured from the pressure sensor (150) being substantially equal to the atmospheric pressure. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the air conditioner (1) may close the second shut-off valve (33) in response to the suction pressure of the compressor (15) measured from the pressure sensor (150) being such that no leaked gas exists.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) may close the second shut-off valve (33) in response to a signal from the leak sensor (140) that no further refrigerant leakage is occurring in the shut-off device (30) at operation 570.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can stop the operation of the compressor (15) at operation 580. By stopping the operation of the compressor (15), the air conditioner (1) can stop the refrigerant from flowing through the refrigerant circulation path.

[0129] FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate a refrigerant circulation path for each operation of an air conditioner (1) to perform a leakage blocking process according to one embodiment. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it will be assumed that a refrigerant leak has occurred at the front end of the 1-2 shut-off valve (33b) that opens and closes the 1-2 liquid pipe (P12). The configuration of the air conditioner (1) illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8 may partially or completely correspond to the configuration of the air conditioner (1) illustrated in FIG. 2, and the embodiments of FIGS. 6 to 8 may be selectively combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0130] Referring to Fig. 6, in response to a refrigerant leak occurring in a predetermined section, the air conditioner (1) can detect the refrigerant leak. A leak sensor (e.g., a leak sensor (140) of Fig. 3) can detect a refrigerant leak occurring in a blocking device (30). The leak sensor (140) can detect a refrigerant leak by detecting a change in temperature occurring due to a refrigerant leak in the predetermined section, or by detecting a leak of refrigerant gas. The air conditioner (1) can determine that a refrigerant leak has occurred based on the information received from the leak sensor (140). Fig. 6 can be understood as illustrating operation 510 of Fig. 5.

[0131] According to one embodiment, in response to the occurrence of a refrigerant leak, the air conditioner (1) can display refrigerant leak occurrence information through an input / output unit (e.g., the input / output unit (120) of FIG. 3). The refrigerant leak occurrence information can include, for example, information on a point or section where a refrigerant leak occurred. The refrigerant leak occurrence information can include, for example, a user interface for inputting a user's request regarding whether to perform a refrigerant leak blocking operation to block the refrigerant leak. In response to the user's input requesting the refrigerant leak blocking operation, the air conditioner (1) can initiate the refrigerant leak blocking operation.

[0132] In one embodiment, in response to determining that a refrigerant leak has occurred, the air conditioner (1) may initiate a refrigerant leak blocking operation. For example, the air conditioner (1) may initiate a refrigerant leak blocking operation in response to a user's input, or may initiate a refrigerant leak blocking operation regardless of a user's input in response to detecting a refrigerant leak.

[0133] Referring to Fig. 7, the air conditioner (1) can close the first shut-off valve (31) in response to initiating a refrigerant leakage blocking operation. For example, the air conditioner (1) can block the flow of refrigerant discharged from the first to fourth indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) and flowing into the first to fourth liquid pipes (P11, P12, P13, P14) by closing the first-first to first-fourth shut-off valves (31a, 31b, 31c, 31d). Fig. 7 can be understood as illustrating operation 520 of Fig. 5.

[0134] Referring to Fig. 8, the air conditioner (1) can control the four-way valve (13) to operate in heating operation. The four-way valve (13) can connect the outlet of the compressor (15) to the indoor heat exchanger (21) and the inlet of the compressor (15) to the outdoor heat exchanger (11).

[0135] In one embodiment, by heating operation, the refrigerant may flow through the indoor heat exchanger (21) via the engine (P2) and to the closed first shut-off valve (33). For example, the refrigerant may flow through the first to fourth indoor heat exchangers (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) via the first to fourth engines (P21, P22, P23, P24) branched from a point of the engine (P2) and to the closed first-first to first-fourth shut-off valves (33a, 33b, 33c, 33d).

[0136] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can condense the refrigerant passing through the first to fourth indoor heat exchangers (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) by operating the compressor (15).

[0137] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can operate the first to fourth indoor fans (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d). As the first to fourth indoor fans (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) operate, the condensation of the refrigerant can be accelerated.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can recover the condensed refrigerant to the indoor unit (20) and the liquid pipe (P1). The air conditioner (1) can store the condensed refrigerant so that it stays in a predetermined section of the indoor heat exchanger (21), the liquid pipe (P1), and the duct (P2). The predetermined section may include, for example, the duct (P2) adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger (21) before the refrigerant passes through the indoor heat exchanger (21), or the liquid pipe (P1) arranged in front of the first shut-off valve (31) after the refrigerant passes through the indoor heat exchanger (21). FIG. 8 may be understood to illustrate operations 530 to 550 of FIG. 5.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can close the second shut-off valve (33) in response to satisfying a predetermined condition. That is, the air conditioner (1) can close the second-first to second-fourth shut-off valves (33a, 33b, 33c, 33d) in response to satisfying a predetermined condition.

[0140] In one embodiment, the condition may be set by considering, for example, whether the refrigerant no longer leaks from the liquid pipe (P1).

[0141] For example, the air conditioner (1) can close the second shut-off valve (33) in response to a pressure sensor (e.g., a low pressure sensor included in the pressure sensor (150) of FIG. 3) indicating that the suction pressure of the compressor (15) is below a preset level.

[0142] For example, the air conditioner (1) can close the second blocking valve (33) in response to the time for which the refrigerant leakage blocking operation is performed exceeding a preset level.

[0143] For example, the air conditioner (1) may close the second shut-off valve (33) in response to detecting from the leak sensor (140) that no further refrigerant leakage is occurring in the shut-off device (30).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (10) can stop the operation of the compressor (15). The air conditioner (1) can close the first shut-off valve (31) and the second shut-off valve (33) and stop the compressor (15), thereby blocking the flow of the recovered refrigerant.

[0145] An air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an outdoor unit (10) including an outdoor heat exchanger (11), a compressor (15), an outdoor expansion valve (17) and a four-way valve (13), an indoor unit (20) installed indoors and including an indoor heat exchanger (21) and an indoor expansion valve (23), a liquid pipe (P1) connecting the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20) and formed so that a liquid-state refrigerant flows, a valve (P2) connecting the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20) and formed so that a gas-state refrigerant flows, a blocking device (30) including a first blocking valve (31) for opening and closing the liquid pipe (P1) and a second blocking valve (33) for opening and closing the valve (P2), a leakage sensor (140) for detecting whether the refrigerant is leaking and controlling the operation of the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20), or the first It may include a control unit (110) that controls the opening and closing of the shut-off valve (31) and the second shut-off valve (33). The control unit (110) may be configured to close the first shut-off valve (31) in response to the leak sensor (140) detecting a refrigerant leak occurring in a predetermined section, control the four-way valve (13) to operate the refrigerant circulation direction in heating operation, operate the compressor (15) and the indoor heat exchanger (21) to condense at least a portion of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor unit (20), the liquid pipe (P1), and the engine (P2), and recover the condensed refrigerant to the indoor unit (20) and the liquid pipe (P1), and close the second shut-off valve (33) in response to satisfying a preset condition.

[0146] In an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the leak sensor (140) is disposed within the blocking device (30) and can detect a leak of refrigerant occurring in at least one of the liquid pipe (P1) or the engine (P2).

[0147] In an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the leak sensor (140) may be configured to detect a leak of refrigerant that occurs during cooling operation.

[0148] In an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the leak sensor (140) may be placed inside the indoor unit (20).

[0149] In an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined section may be a section between the outdoor unit (10) and the liquid pipe (P1).

[0150] In an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined section may be a section between the outdoor unit (10) and the first shut-off valve (31).

[0151] In an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (110) may be configured to close the second shut-off valve (33) in response to a predetermined period of time elapsed after the compressor (15) and the indoor heat exchanger (21) are operated.

[0152] An air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pressure sensor (150). The control unit (110) may be configured to close the second shut-off valve (33) in response to the suction end pressure of the compressor (15) obtained from the pressure sensor (150) falling below a critical level.

[0153] In an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the indoor unit (20) may include an indoor unit fan (22). The control unit (110) may be configured to operate the indoor unit fan (22), the compressor (15), and the indoor heat exchanger (21) to liquefy at least a portion of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor unit (20), the liquid pipe (P1), and the engine (P2).

[0154] In an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (110) may be configured to turn off the compressor (15) in response to closing the second shut-off valve (33).

[0155] In an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the indoor unit (20) may include a plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d). The above liquid pipe (P1) and the above organ (P2) are branched from the output terminal of the outdoor unit (10) and connect the outdoor unit (10) and the plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), respectively, and the first shut-off valve (31) may include a plurality of first shut-off valves (31a, 31b, 31c, 31d) that close the plurality of branched liquid pipes (P11, P12, P13, P14), and the second shut-off valve (33) may include a plurality of second shut-off valves (33a, 33b, 33c, 33d) that close the plurality of branched organs (P21, P22, P23, P24).

[0156] An air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: an outdoor unit (10) including an outdoor heat exchanger (11), a compressor (15), an outdoor expansion valve (17) and a four-way valve (13); an indoor unit (20) installed indoors and including an indoor heat exchanger (21) and an indoor expansion valve (23); a liquid pipe (P1) connecting the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20) and formed so that a liquid-state refrigerant flows; a pipe (P2) connecting the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20) and formed so that a gas-state refrigerant flows; a blocking device (30) including a first blocking valve (31) for opening and closing the liquid pipe (P1) and a second blocking valve (33) for opening and closing the pipe (P2); a leakage sensor (140) for detecting whether the refrigerant is leaking; and the outdoor unit (10); a storage unit (160) for storing at least one command; and It may include a control unit (110) connected to a storage unit (160) and including a processor that executes at least one command stored in the memory. The control unit (110) may be configured to close the first shut-off valve (31) in response to the leak sensor (140) detecting a refrigerant leak occurring in a predetermined section, control the four-way valve (13) to operate the refrigerant circulation direction in a heating operation, operate the compressor (15) and the indoor heat exchanger (21) to condense at least a portion of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor unit (20), the liquid pipe (P1), and the engine (P2), and recover the condensed refrigerant to the indoor unit (20) and the liquid pipe (P1), and close the second shut-off valve (33) in response to satisfying a preset condition.

[0157] A control method of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: an operation of detecting a leakage of refrigerant (410, 510); an operation of closing a first shut-off valve (31) provided in a liquid pipe (P1) connecting an outdoor unit (10) and an indoor unit (20) in response to detecting the leakage of refrigerant (520); an operation of controlling the four-way valve (13) so that the circulation direction of the refrigerant operates in a heating operation (530); an operation of operating a compressor (15) included in the outdoor unit (10) and an indoor heat exchanger (21) included in the indoor unit (20) (540); an operation of liquefying at least a portion of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor unit (20), the liquid pipe (P1) and the engine (P2) connecting the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20); an operation of recovering the liquefied refrigerant to the indoor unit (20) and the liquid pipe (P1) (550); and a predetermined condition. It may include an operation (570) of closing the second shut-off valve (33) that opens and closes the above-mentioned organ (P2) in response to satisfaction.

[0158] In a control method of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation (410, 510) of detecting a leakage of the refrigerant may include an operation of detecting a leakage of the refrigerant during cooling operation.

[0159] A method for controlling an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation (410) of detecting a leakage of the refrigerant occurring between the outdoor unit (10) and the liquid pipe (P1).

[0160] A method for controlling an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation (410) of detecting a leakage of the refrigerant occurring between the outdoor unit (10) and the first shut-off valve (31).

[0161] A control method of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation (570) of closing the second shut-off valve (33) in response to a predetermined time elapsed after operating the compressor (15) and the indoor heat exchanger (21).

[0162] A control method of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of obtaining air pressure at a suction end of the compressor (15) and an operation (570) of closing the second shut-off valve (33) in response to the obtained air pressure falling below a critical level.

[0163] A method for controlling an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of liquefying at least a portion of the refrigerant by operating a compressor (15) included in the outdoor unit (10) and an indoor fan (22) and an indoor heat exchanger (21) included in the indoor unit (20).

[0164] A control method of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation (580) of turning off the compressor (15) in response to closing the second shut-off valve (33).

[0165] A control method of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of turning off the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20) in response to closing the second shut-off valve (33).

[0166] The terminology used herein is merely used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. For example, a singular element should be understood to include plural elements unless the context clearly indicates only a singular element. As used herein, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" can each include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. The terms "include," "have," "comprise," and the like used in this disclosure are intended to specify only the presence of a feature, component, part, or combination thereof described in this disclosure, and the use of these terms does not exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, parts, or combinations thereof. The expressions "first," "second," and the like used in this disclosure can modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, without limiting the components.

[0167] The expression "configured to" used in the present disclosure can be appropriately used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "capable of," "designed to," "modified to," "made to," or "capable of." The term "configured to" may not necessarily mean only something "specially designed" in terms of hardware. Instead, in some situations, the expression "a device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" doing something together with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated device for performing the corresponding operations, or a general-purpose device that can perform various operations including the corresponding operations.

[0168] Although the foregoing description in this disclosure has focused on specific embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, but rather encompasses various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the various embodiments.

Claims

1. In the air conditioner (1), An outdoor unit (10) including an outdoor heat exchanger (11), a compressor (15), an outdoor expansion valve (17) and a four-way valve (13); An indoor unit (20) installed indoors and including an indoor heat exchanger (21) and an indoor expansion valve (23); A liquid pipe (P1) that connects the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20) and is formed to allow liquid refrigerant to flow; A device (P2) that connects the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20) and is formed to allow refrigerant in a gaseous state to flow; A blocking device (30) including a first blocking valve (31) for opening and closing the above-mentioned liquid pipe (P1) and a second blocking valve (33) for opening and closing the above-mentioned organ (P2); A leak sensor (140) configured to detect a leak of refrigerant; and It includes a control unit (110) configured to control the operation of the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20), or to control the opening and closing of the first shut-off valve (31) and the second shut-off valve (33). The above control unit (110) responds to the leakage sensor (140) detecting a refrigerant leakage occurring in a predetermined section, Close the first shut-off valve (31) above, Control the above four-way valve (13) so that the refrigerant circulation direction operates in heating operation, By operating the compressor (15) and the indoor heat exchanger (21), at least a portion of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor unit (20), the liquid pipe (P1) and the engine (P2) is condensed, The above condensed refrigerant is recovered to the indoor unit (20) and the liquid pipe (P1), An air conditioner (1) configured to close the second shut-off valve (33) in response to meeting a preset condition.

2. In paragraph 1, The above leakage sensor (140) is placed within the blocking device (30) and detects a leakage of refrigerant that occurs in at least one of the liquid pipe (P1) or the engine (P2), in an air conditioner (1).

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above leakage sensor (140) is configured to detect leakage of refrigerant that occurs during cooling operation in an air conditioner (1).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above leakage sensor (140) is placed inside the indoor unit (20) of the air conditioner (1).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above-mentioned predetermined section is an air conditioner (1) that is a section between the outdoor unit (10) and the liquid pipe (P1).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above-mentioned predetermined section is an air conditioner (1) that is a section between the outdoor unit (10) and the first shut-off valve (31).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above control unit (110) An air conditioner (1) configured to close the second shut-off valve (33) in response to the passage of a predetermined time after the above compressor (15) and the indoor heat exchanger (21) are operated.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, It further includes a pressure sensor (150) including a low pressure sensor that detects the suction side pressure of the compressor (15) and a high pressure sensor that detects the discharge side pressure of the compressor (15). The above control unit (110) An air conditioner (1) configured to close the second shut-off valve (33) in response to the pressure at the suction end of the compressor (15) obtained from the pressure sensor (150) falling below a critical level.

9. In paragraph 1, The above indoor unit (20) further includes an indoor unit fan (22), The above control unit (110) An air conditioner (1) configured to liquefy at least a portion of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor unit (20), the liquid pipe (P1), and the engine (P2) by operating the indoor fan (22), the compressor (15), and the indoor heat exchanger (21).

10. In any one of clauses 1 to 9, the control unit (110) An air conditioner (1) configured to turn off the compressor (15) in response to closing the second shut-off valve (33).

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, The above indoor unit (20) further includes a plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), The above liquid pipe (P1) and the above organ (P2) are formed to branch from the output terminal of the outdoor unit (10) and connect the outdoor unit (10) and the plurality of indoor units (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), respectively. The above first blocking valve (31) includes a plurality of first blocking valves (31a, 31b, 31c, 31d) that close the plurality of branched liquid pipes (P11, P12, P13, P14), An air conditioner (1), wherein the second shut-off valve (33) includes a plurality of second shut-off valves (33a, 33b, 33c, 33d) that close the plurality of branched organs (P21, P22, P23, P24).

12. In the control method of the air conditioner (1), Action to detect refrigerant leakage (410, 510); An action (520) of closing the first shut-off valve (31) provided in the liquid pipe (P1) connecting the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20) in response to detecting a refrigerant leak; An operation (530) for controlling the four-way valve (13) to operate the refrigerant circulation direction in heating operation; An operation (540) of operating a compressor (15) included in the outdoor unit (10) and an indoor heat exchanger (21) included in the indoor unit (20); An operation of liquefying at least a portion of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor unit (20), the liquid pipe (P1), and the organ (P2) connecting the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20); An operation (550) of recovering the liquefied refrigerant to the indoor unit (20) and the liquid pipe (P1); and A method comprising an action (570) of closing a second shut-off valve (33) that opens and closes the organ (P2) in response to satisfying a preset condition.

13. In paragraph 12, A method in which the operation (410, 510) for detecting a leakage of the above refrigerant includes an operation for detecting a leakage of the refrigerant during cooling operation.

14. In paragraph 12, The method of detecting a refrigerant leak (410, 510) includes an operation of detecting a refrigerant leak occurring between the outdoor unit (10) and the liquid pipe (P1).

15. In paragraph 12, A method in which the operation (410, 510) for detecting a refrigerant leak includes an operation for detecting a refrigerant leak occurring between the outdoor unit (10) and the first shut-off valve (31).

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