Air conditioner and method for controlling same

Abstract

An air conditioner according to an aspect of the disclosed invention comprises: a housing having formed therein a plurality of discharge ports; a heat exchanger provided in the housing; a compressor which is connected to the heat exchanger and circulates refrigerant to pass through the heat exchanger; a plurality of fans which blow air so that the air passes through the heat exchanger and is discharged through the plurality of discharge ports; and a controller which turns on all of the plurality of fans after stopping a cooling operation and then sequentially turns off to carry out an automatic cleaning operation.

Description

Air conditioner and its control method

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an air conditioner and a control method thereof that performs a drying operation for drying the interior of the air conditioner after performing a cooling operation.

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

[0003] When operating in cooling or heating mode, an air conditioner circulates refrigerant and rotates a fan installed 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 discharge the heat-exchanged air into the indoor space.

[0004] Additionally, the air conditioner performs a drying operation after the end of the cooling operation to remove moisture condensed in the indoor heat exchanger during the cooling operation. During the drying operation, the air conditioner stops the circulation of refrigerant and rotates a fan installed around the indoor heat exchanger to drop or evaporate the condensed moisture on the indoor heat exchanger.

[0005] Conventional air conditioners operate with a high-speed fan for a predetermined drying time, generating loud noise. Furthermore, during the drying process, mold and other microorganisms are released along with the air, potentially causing odor. If consumers terminate the drying process due to the odor, moisture cannot evaporate sufficiently, potentially leading to further growth of microorganisms.

[0006] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides an air conditioner and a control method thereof capable of sequentially turning off a plurality of fans during a drying operation to minimize unnecessary noise and unpleasant wind.

[0007] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0008] An air conditioner according to one aspect of the disclosed invention may include a housing having a plurality of discharge ports formed therein; a heat exchanger provided within the housing; a compressor connected to the heat exchanger and configured to circulate refrigerant so as to pass through the heat exchanger; a plurality of fans configured to blow air so that the air passes through the heat exchanger and is discharged through the plurality of discharge ports; and a control unit configured to perform an automatic drying operation by sequentially turning on and then off all of the plurality of fans after a cooling operation is completed.

[0009] A method for controlling an air conditioner according to one aspect of the disclosed invention comprises: a housing having a plurality of discharge ports formed therein; a heat exchanger provided within the housing; a compressor connected to the heat exchanger and configured to circulate a refrigerant so as to pass through the heat exchanger; and a plurality of fans for blowing air so that the air passes through the heat exchanger and is discharged through the plurality of discharge ports; the method may include: turning on all of the plurality of fans after a cooling operation is completed; and performing an automatic drying operation while sequentially turning off the plurality of fans.

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a refrigerant circulation circuit of an air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates the appearance of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an air conditioner with an outlet opened according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5 illustrates the A-A' cross-section of Figure 4.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a closed exhaust port of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 7 illustrates the B-B' cross-section of Figure 6.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a control block diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating turning on all of a plurality of fans according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a state in which all of a plurality of fans are turned on according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating sequentially turning off multiple fans according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a state in which one of a plurality of fans is turned off according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating sequentially turning off multiple fans according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which another one of a plurality of fans is turned off according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating performing dry operation based on the result of detecting a person according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0027] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0028] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] In this document, each of the phrases "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" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0030] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0031] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0032] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0033] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0034] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0035] When we say that a component is “on” another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0036] An air conditioner according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as “indoor”), and means a device equipped with at least one of these functions.

[0037] In one embodiment, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump device may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates along a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be housed in a single housing forming the exterior of the air conditioner, such as a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be housed separately in multiple housings forming a single air conditioner, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-alone air conditioner, and a system air conditioner.

[0038] An air conditioner including a plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are connected via a refrigerant pipe. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0039] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner can be input through an input interface provided on the outdoor or indoor unit, and the outdoor and indoor units can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to user input.

[0040] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0041] An outdoor heat exchanger can utilize a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, it releases heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, it absorbs heat from the outdoor air.

[0042] Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, indoor units can be categorized into ceiling-mounted, stand-alone, and wall-mounted types depending on their placement. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be categorized into four-way, one-way, and duct-type indoor units depending on how air is discharged.

[0043] Similarly, an indoor heat exchanger can utilize the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation) to exchange heat between the refrigerant and indoor air. For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air. The cooled indoor air can then be blown through the cooled indoor heat exchanger, thereby cooling the room. Furthermore, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air. By blowing the heated indoor air through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger, the room can be heated.

[0044] That is, the air conditioner performs a cooling or heating function through a phase change process of the refrigerant circulating between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. To circulate the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can suck in refrigerant gas through the suction port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge port. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.

[0045] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipes in the order of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an indoor heat exchanger, or in the order of a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0046] For example, if an air conditioner has one outdoor unit and one indoor unit directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be arranged to circulate between one outdoor unit and one indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0047] For example, in an air conditioner, if one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant can flow to multiple indoor units via refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from the multiple indoor units can be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units can be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0048] Multiple indoor units can operate independently, each according to a user-defined operating mode. That is, some indoor units can operate in cooling mode, while others operate in heating mode. In this case, the refrigerant can be selectively introduced into each indoor unit at either high or low pressure along a designated circulation path via a flow-through valve, described later, and then discharged to the outdoor unit for circulation.

[0049] For example, when an air conditioner has two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from the multiple outdoor units may merge and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, then branch off again at some point and flow into multiple indoor units.

[0050] Multiple outdoor units may all be operated, or at least some may not be operated, depending on the operating load of the multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may be introduced into the outdoor unit, which is selectively operated, through a flow switching valve and circulated there. The air conditioner may include an expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be located within the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, or both.

[0051] An expansion device can, for example, utilize a throttling effect to lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion device may include an orifice capable of reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. Refrigerant passing through the orifice may experience a decrease in temperature and pressure.

[0052] The expansion device may be implemented as, for example, an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path when partially open to the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path when fully open). Depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled.

[0053] The air conditioner may further include a flow diverter valve positioned along the refrigerant circulation path. The flow diverter valve may include, for example, a four-way valve. The flow diverter valve may determine the refrigerant circulation path depending on the indoor unit's operating mode (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow diverter valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor.

[0054] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor. The accumulator may receive low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant vaporized in an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0055] The accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas when a refrigerant mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

[0056] An outdoor fan may be installed near the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan may blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0057] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be positioned at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include a temperature sensor for detecting the air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0058] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive a control signal from a control unit of an indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described later. The outdoor unit may control the operation of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, a flow switching valve, an accumulator, or an outdoor fan based on the control signal received through the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected by an outdoor unit sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0059] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing, a blower for circulating air into or out of the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air flowing into the interior of the housing.

[0060] The housing may include an intake port through which indoor air may be drawn into the interior of the housing.

[0061] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter that is provided to filter foreign substances in the air that flows into the housing through the intake port.

[0062] The housing may include an exhaust port. Air flowing within the housing may be discharged to the exterior of the housing through the exhaust port.

[0063] The housing of the indoor unit may be provided with an airflow guide that guides the direction of air discharged through the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include blades positioned above the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling the exhaust airflow. However, the airflow guide is not limited thereto and may be omitted.

[0064] An indoor heat exchanger and a blower may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit, which are arranged on a path connecting the intake and exhaust ports.

[0065] Blowers may include indoor fans and fan motors. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, diffusion fans, crossflow fans, and centrifugal fans.

[0066] An indoor heat exchanger may be positioned between the blower and the exhaust, or between the intake and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air drawn in through the intake or transfer heat to the air drawn in through the intake. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer surface area.

[0067] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray positioned below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated in the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate collected in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0068] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, a touch screen, and / or a touch pad. The user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air flow settings) through the input interface.

[0069] The input interface may also be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location in an indoor space (e.g., a portion of a wall). A user may input configuration data regarding the operation of the air conditioner by operating the wired remote controller. Electrical signals corresponding to the configuration data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. In addition, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. A user may remotely input configuration data regarding the operation of the air conditioner using a wireless remote controller. The configuration data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0070] Additionally, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be acquired through the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to an indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit may control components of the air conditioner to execute a function corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air volume settings) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit, which will be described later. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted externally, i.e., to an outdoor unit or a server, through an indoor unit communication unit, which will be described later.

[0071] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module. The power module may be connected to an external power source to supply power to the components of the indoor unit.

[0072] An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor positioned in a space inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors positioned in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include respective refrigerant temperature sensors for detecting the inlet, middle, and / or outlet temperatures of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0073] For example, each environmental information detected by an indoor unit sensor can be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later or transmitted externally through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0074] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wireless communication with other devices. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may also include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.

[0075] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0076] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0077] The indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit control unit that controls components of the indoor unit, including a blower, etc. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit control unit that controls components of the outdoor unit, including a compressor, etc. The indoor unit control unit can communicate with the outdoor unit control unit through the indoor unit communication unit and the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit can transmit control signals generated by the outdoor unit control unit to the indoor unit communication unit, or transmit control signals transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit to the outdoor unit control unit. In other words, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can communicate bidirectionally. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0078] The outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to components of the outdoor unit and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit control unit can adjust the frequency of the compressor and control the flow switching valve to change the circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit control unit can adjust the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can generate a control signal to adjust the opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, the refrigerant can circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, the flow switching valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0079] The various temperature sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected temperatures to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit.

[0080] The indoor unit control unit can obtain user input from a user device, including a mobile device, via the indoor unit communication unit, and can obtain user input directly through the input interface or via a remote controller. The indoor unit control unit can control components of the indoor unit, including a blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit can transmit information regarding the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit of the outdoor unit.

[0081] The outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on information regarding user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when a control signal corresponding to a user input for selecting an operation mode, such as cooling operation, heating operation, ventilation operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation, is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit so that the air conditioner performs an operation corresponding to the selected operation mode.

[0082] The outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0083] The memory can store / remember various information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory can store various programs for cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and / or defrosting operations of the air conditioner. The memory can include volatile memory, such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory can include nonvolatile memory, such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), for storing data for a long period of time.

[0084] The processor can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. The processor, as hardware, may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from the memory and generate control signals based on the processing results. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0085] An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface is electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit and can output information related to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit control unit. For example, information such as an operating mode selected by a user input, wind direction, wind volume, and temperature may be output. Additionally, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from an indoor unit sensor or an outdoor unit sensor, as well as warning / error messages.

[0086] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker, as an audio device, can output various sounds. The display may display information input by the user or information provided to the user using various graphic elements. For example, operation information of an air conditioner may be displayed as at least an image or text. The display may also include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), a light emitting diode panel (LED), an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED), a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0087] Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0088] Figure 1 illustrates a refrigerant circulation circuit of an air conditioning system according to one embodiment.

[0089] Referring to Fig. 1, the air conditioning system includes an indoor unit (1) and an outdoor unit (2).

[0090] The indoor unit (1) may be located within an air-conditioned space. The air-conditioned space refers to a space to be cooled or heated by the air-conditioner (1). The indoor unit (1) may be installed within a space separated from the outside by a wall or partition, such as, for example, the interior of a house or an office.

[0091] The outdoor unit (2) may be located outside the air conditioning space. The outdoor unit (2) may be installed outdoors, for example.

[0092] An air conditioning system includes a refrigerant passage that circulates refrigerant between indoor and outdoor environments. The refrigerant circulates between indoor and outdoor environments along the refrigerant passage, and can absorb heat or release latent heat during a state change (e.g., from gas to liquid, or from liquid to solid).

[0093] In order to induce a change in the state of the refrigerant, the refrigerant circulation device may include a compressor (3), an outdoor heat exchanger (4), an expansion valve (5), and an indoor heat exchanger (20).

[0094] The compressor (3) compresses the gaseous refrigerant, thereby heating the refrigerant. The high-temperature / high-pressure gaseous refrigerant can be transferred to the outdoor heat exchanger (4) by the compressor (3). In the outdoor heat exchanger (4), the high-temperature / high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is converted from a gaseous state to a liquid state and also releases heat. The liquid refrigerant can be transferred to the expansion valve (5). The expansion valve (5) reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant, thereby cooling the refrigerant. The low-temperature / low-pressure liquid refrigerant can be transferred to the indoor heat exchanger (20). In the indoor heat exchanger (20), the low-temperature / low-pressure liquid refrigerant is converted from a liquid state to a gaseous state and also absorbs heat.

[0095] In this way, the refrigerant can release heat from the outdoor heat exchanger (4) and absorb heat from the indoor heat exchanger (20). The indoor heat exchanger (20) can be installed in the indoor unit (1) together with the expansion valve (5), and the outdoor heat exchanger (4) can be installed in the outdoor unit (2) together with the compressor (3). Therefore, the indoor heat exchanger (20) can cool the air in the air-conditioned space (indoor).

[0096] Hereinafter, the indoor unit (1) is referred to as an ‘air conditioner’, and the indoor heat exchanger (20) is referred to as a ‘heat exchanger’.

[0097] Fig. 2 illustrates the exterior of an air conditioner according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment. Fig. 4 illustrates an air conditioner with an open outlet according to one embodiment. Fig. 5 illustrates a cross-section taken along line A-A' of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 illustrates an air conditioner with an closed outlet according to one embodiment. Fig. 7 illustrates a cross-section taken along line B-B' of Fig. 6.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, the air conditioner (1) includes a housing (10) having at least one discharge port (41), a heat exchanger (20) that exchanges heat with air flowing into the interior of the housing (10), a blower (30) that circulates air into or out of the housing (10), and a discharger (40) that discharges air blown from the blower (30) to the exterior of the housing (10).

[0099] The housing (10) may include a front panel (10a) in which at least one discharge port (41) is formed, a rear panel (10b) arranged at the rear of the front panel (10a), a side panel (10c) arranged between the front panel (10a) and the rear panel (10b), and upper / lower panels (10d) arranged at the upper and lower portions of the side panel (10c). At least one discharge port (41) may be formed in a circular shape, and at least two or more may be spaced apart from each other in the upper / lower direction of the front panel (10a). For example, the discharge port (41) may include a first discharge port (41a), a second discharge port (41b), and a third discharge port (41c).

[0100] An intake port (19) may be formed on the rear panel (10b) to allow external air to be sucked into the interior of the housing (10).

[0101] An intake port (19) is provided on a rear panel (10b) located at the rear of a heat exchanger (20) to guide air from outside the housing (10) to flow into the housing (10). Air flowing into the housing (10) through the intake port (19) absorbs or loses heat as it passes through the heat exchanger (20). Air that has exchanged heat while passing through the heat exchanger (20) can be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the discharge port (40) by the blower (30).

[0102] The blower (30) may include a fan (32) and a grill (34).

[0103] A grill (34) may be provided in the discharge direction of the fan (32). In one embodiment, the fan (32) is a diffusion fan, but the type of fan (32) is not limited, and any configuration that allows air flowing in from the outside of the housing (10) to be discharged back to the outside of the housing (10) is sufficient. For example, the fan (32) may be a cross fan, a turbo fan, or a sirocco fan. The number of fans (32) is not limited, and in one embodiment, at least one fan (32) may be provided to correspond to at least one discharge port (41). For example, the fan (32) may include a first fan (32a), a second fan (32b), and a third fan (32c).

[0104] A blower (30) may be provided at the center of the fan (32), and a fan motor (33) for driving the fan (32) may be provided. For example, the fan motor (33) may include a first fan motor (33a) for driving a first fan (32a), a second fan motor (33b) for driving a second fan (32b), and a third fan motor (33c) for driving a third fan (32c).

[0105] The grill (34) is positioned in front of the fan (32) to guide air flow. In addition, the grill (34) is positioned between the fan (32) and the outlet (41) to minimize external influences on the fan (32).

[0106] The grill (34) may include a plurality of blades (35). The plurality of blades (35) can adjust the number, shape, and arrangement angle to control the wind direction or wind volume of air blown from the fan (32) to the outlet (41).

[0107] The center of the grill (34) may be arranged so that a door actuator (66), which will be described later, is positioned. The door actuator (66) and the fan motor (33) may be positioned on the same line in the front-rear direction. Through this configuration, a plurality of blades (35) of the grill (34) may be positioned in front of the fan blades (32).

[0108] The blower (30) may include a duct (36). The duct (36) is provided in a circular shape surrounding the fan (32) and is provided to guide the flow of air flowing toward the fan (32).

[0109] A heat exchanger (20) is placed between a fan (32) and an intake port (19), and absorbs heat from air flowing in through the intake port (19) or transfers heat to air flowing in through the intake port (19). The heat exchanger (20) may include a tube (21) and a header (22) coupled to the upper and lower sides of the tube (21). However, the type of the heat exchanger (20) is not limited.

[0110] The number of heat exchangers (20) arranged inside the housing (10) may be provided at least one corresponding to the number of discharge ports (41). For example, the discharge ports (41) may include a first discharge port (41a), a second discharge port (41b), and a third discharge port (41c).

[0111] The air conditioner can operate in multiple operating modes. The multiple operating modes can include a first cooling mode in which heat-exchanged air is discharged through at least one discharge port (41), and a second cooling mode in which heat-exchanged air is discharged through discharge holes (42) provided in a porous discharge plate (14). The size of the discharge port (41) can be larger than the size of the discharge holes (42). In addition, the number of discharge holes (42) is larger than the number of discharge ports (41), and the discharge holes (42) can be distributed approximately uniformly throughout the discharge plate (14).

[0112] Specifically, the heat-exchanged air in the first cooling mode can be discharged to the outside of the air conditioner (1) through the open first discharge port (41a), second discharge port (41b), or third discharge port (41c). At this time, the air conditioner (1) can perform the first cooling mode cooling operation by selectively opening the first discharge port (41a), second discharge port (41b), or third discharge port (41c) depending on the detected indoor temperature.

[0113] In the second cooling mode, the first discharge port (41a), the second discharge port (41b), and the third discharge port (41c) are all closed, and the heat-exchanged air can be discharged through the discharge hole (42) provided in the discharge plate (14).

[0114] That is, the air that has been heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger (20) can be discharged to the outside of the air conditioner through at least one discharge port (41) and a discharge hole (42) by the fan (32).

[0115] In the first cooling mode, heat-exchanged air is discharged through the discharge port (41), but not only through the discharge port (41), but also a portion of it may be discharged through the discharge hole (42). That is, in the first cooling mode, most of the heat-exchanged air may be discharged through the discharge port (41). In the second cooling mode, as in the first cooling mode, most of the heat-exchanged air may be discharged through the discharge hole (42).

[0116] Air passing through the blower (30) can be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the discharge port (41).

[0117] When the air conditioner is in the first cooling mode, the heat-exchanged air can be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the discharge port (41). The discharge port (41) is provided so that the heat-exchanged air can be directly discharged to the outside. The discharge port (41) can be provided so as to be exposed to the outside of the housing (10). The discharge port (41) can be provided in the blowing direction of the fan (32) so that the heat-exchanged air can be directly discharged to the outside. The air blown by the fan (32) can flow through a first discharge path (41d) formed between the fan (32) and the discharge port (41). The first discharge path (41d) can be formed by a discharge guide (45).

[0118] The first discharge path (41d) can be formed by a discharge guide (45). The end (43) of the discharge guide (45) is connected to the discharge port (41), and the first discharge path (41d) can be formed along the inner surface of the discharge guide (45). The end (43) of the discharge guide (45) is exposed to the outside through the discharge port (41) of the housing (10), and the discharge guide (45) can be seated on the end (43) of the discharge guide (45) by moving a door (60) described later.

[0119] The outlet (41) can be opened and closed by the door (60).

[0120] The door (60) opens and closes the outlet (41), and heat-exchanged air can be selectively discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the outlet (41). For example, the door (60) may include a first door (60a) that opens and closes a first outlet (41a), a second door (60b) that opens and closes a second outlet (41b), and a third door (60c) that opens and closes a third outlet (41c).

[0121] The door (60) can move between an open position (P1) that opens the discharge port (41) and a closed position (P2) that closes the discharge port (41). The door (60) can move in the forward and backward directions between the open position (P1) and the closed position (P2).

[0122] In detail, each door (60) may include a door blade (62) and a door actuator (66) that operates the door blade (62).

[0123] The door blade (62) may be formed in a circular shape to correspond to the shape of the discharge port (41). When the door (60) is in the open position (P1), the door blade (62) is spaced apart from the end (43) of the discharge guide (45), and when the door (60) is in the closed position (P2), the door blade (62) may contact the end (43) of the discharge guide (45) to close the discharge port (41). For example, the door blade (62) may include a first door blade (62a) that opens and closes the first discharge port (41a), a second door blade (62b) that opens and closes the first discharge port (41a), and a third door blade (62c) that opens and closes the first discharge port (41a).

[0124] The door blade (62) may include a blade body (63) that is formed in a circular shape to correspond to the discharge port (41), and a blade coupling portion (64) that extends from the blade body (63) and is coupled to a door actuator (66).

[0125] The blade body (63) may be provided in a roughly circular plate shape. In addition, the blade body (63) may be provided such that one side thereof faces the outside of the housing (10), and the other side thereof faces the discharge port (41).

[0126] A display is provided on one side of the blade body (63), and the display can be provided to display the operating status of the air conditioner or to operate the air conditioner.

[0127] The door actuator (66) can move the door blade (62). The door actuator (66) can include a motor (not shown). The door actuator (66) is coupled to the blade coupling portion (64) of the door blade (62) and can move the door blade (62).

[0128] For example, the door actuator (66) may include a first door actuator (66a) that moves a first door blade (62a), a second door actuator (66b) that moves a second door blade (62b), and a third door actuator (66c) that moves a third door blade (62c).

[0129] The grill (34) described above can be arranged around the door actuator (66). Air blowing from a fan (32) provided on the rear surface of the grill (34) can be discharged forward through the grill (34).

[0130] When the air conditioner is in the second cooling mode, the heat-exchanged air can be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the discharge hole (42). This configuration allows the heat-exchanged air to be discharged to the outside while reducing the wind speed. The discharge hole (42) may include a plurality of discharge holes (42) formed in a porous discharge plate (14) described below.

[0131] When the heat-exchanged air is discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the discharge hole (42), the air blown by the fan (32) can flow through a second discharge path (42a) formed between the fan (32) and the discharge hole (42). The second discharge path (42a) can be formed by a discharge guide portion (45) and a discharge panel (12) described later.

[0132] The discharge panel (12) can form a second discharge path (42a). The heat-exchanged air can be discharged to the outside of the air conditioner at a low speed through the second discharge path (42a) formed by the discharge panel (12) and the discharge plate (14) described later.

[0133] The discharge panel (12) may include a euro forming frame (13) and a discharge plate (14).

[0134] The flow path forming frame (13) can partition the interior of the housing (10) and the second discharge flow path (42a). The air exchanged through the flow path forming frame (13) can be prevented from flowing back into the interior of the housing (10). In one embodiment, the flow path forming frame (13) can be formed to extend from the grill (34) and be connected to the exterior panel (11).

[0135] A discharge hole (42) may be formed in the discharge plate (14). The shape of the discharge hole (42) is not limited, but in one embodiment of the disclosed invention, it may have a shape of a plurality of discharge holes (42). The discharge hole (42) may penetrate the front and rear surfaces of the discharge plate (14).

[0136] The discharge hole (42) can form a discharge area. A plurality of discharge holes (42) can be uniformly distributed in the discharge area, and can be provided in a concentrated manner in at least a portion. In one embodiment, a plurality of discharge holes (42) can be provided to be uniformly distributed in the discharge area.

[0137] The discharge area may be formed on at least a portion of the discharge plate (14). However, it is not limited thereto, and discharge may be performed through the entire surface of the discharge plate (14).

[0138] The discharge unit (40) may include a first discharge path (41d) and a second discharge path (42a).

[0139] The air blown by the fan (32) can flow through at least one of the first discharge path (41d) and the second discharge path (42a).

[0140] In the first cooling mode, air blown by the fan (32) can flow through the first discharge path (41d) formed between the fan (32) and the discharge port (41). In addition, in the second cooling mode, air blown by the fan (32) can flow through the second discharge path (42a) formed between the fan (32) and the discharge hole (42).

[0141] The discharge unit (40) may include a discharge guide (45). Air blown by the fan (32) may be controlled by the discharge guide (45). The discharge guide (45) is provided in front of the blower unit (30), and the discharge guide (45) is provided so that air flowing from the blower unit (30) can flow through at least one discharge path among the first discharge path (41d) and the second discharge path (42a).

[0142] The discharge guide (45) may include a guide body (46) and a guide groove (47).

[0143] The guide body (46) can form a first discharge path (41d) on its inner side. The guide body (46) can be provided in a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion. Specifically, the guide body (46) can be provided in the shape of a tube, with one side facing the blower (30) and the other side facing the discharge port (41).

[0144] The guide groove (47) is formed so that the second discharge path (42a) passes through it. The guide groove (47) may be provided on the guide body (46). The shape of the guide groove (47) is not limited, and any configuration that allows air to flow in the outward direction of the guide body (46) is sufficient. In one embodiment, the guide groove (47) may have a plurality of hole shapes along the circumference of the guide body (46).

[0145] In the first cooling mode, the door (60) opens the discharge port (41). In this case, air blowing from the blower (30) passes through the first discharge path (41d) formed on the inside of the guide body (46) and is discharged through the discharge port (41).

[0146] In the second cooling mode, the door (60) closes the discharge port (41). In this case, one side of the guide body (46) is blocked by the door (60), so that the air blowing from the blower (30) passes through the guide groove (47) formed in the guide body (46) and is discharged through the discharge hole (42).

[0147] The following describes the operation of the air conditioner of the present invention.

[0148] Air drawn into the housing (10) from the outside exchanges heat with the heat exchanger (20). The air heated or cooled by the heat exchanger (20) is discharged to the outside of the housing (10) by the blower (30).

[0149] The air conditioner discharges air that has passed through the heat exchanger (20) to the outside through at least one of the discharge port (41) and the discharge hole (42). That is, as in the first cooling mode, the air may be discharged through the discharge port (41) to quickly heat or cool the room, or as in the second cooling mode, the air may be discharged through the discharge hole (42) to slowly heat or cool the entire room.

[0150] The discharge port (41) can be opened and closed by operating the door (60). When the discharge port (41) is opened, heat-exchanged air is discharged through the discharge port (41), and when the discharge port (41) is closed, heat-exchanged air can be discharged through the discharge hole (42).

[0151] The first cooling mode is described. In the first cooling mode, heat-exchanged air is discharged through the discharge port (41). In the first cooling mode, the door blade (62) is positioned in the open position (P1), and the door blade (62) is spaced apart from the end (43) of the discharge guide (45), thereby opening the discharge port (41).

[0152] In this case, the air flowing from the blower (30) flows to the discharge port (41) through the first discharge path (41d) formed by the guide body (46) of the discharge guide (45).

[0153] When discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the discharge port (41), it is discharged to the outside while maintaining the wind speed by the blower (30).

[0154] The second cooling mode will be described. In the second cooling mode, heat-exchanged air is discharged through the discharge hole (42). In the second cooling mode, the door blade (62) is positioned in the closed position (P2), and the door blade (62) comes into contact with the end (43) of the discharge guide (45), so that the discharge port (41) can be closed.

[0155] In this case, the air flowing from the blower (30) passes through the guide groove (47) formed in the guide body (46) of the discharge guide (45) because the discharge port (41) is blocked by the door blade (62). Through this, the air flowing from the blower (30) passes through the second discharge path (42a) and flows into the discharge hole (42).

[0156] When the air is discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the discharge hole (42), the air passes through the multiple discharge holes of the discharge plate (14) and the wind speed is reduced, so that it is discharged to the outside at a low speed.

[0157] This configuration allows the user to cool or heat the room at a comfortable air speed.

[0158] Below, the operation of performing drying operation of the air conditioner after terminating cooling operation of the air conditioner (1) is described in detail.

[0159] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a control block diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0160] As described above, the air conditioner (1) may include a housing, a heat exchanger, a compressor (3) and a plurality of fans (32).

[0161] The air conditioner (1) may further include an indoor temperature sensor (131), a heat exchanger temperature sensor (132), a humidity sensor (133), a human detection sensor (134), and a control unit (160). The control unit (160) may include a processor (161) and a memory (162).

[0162] The indoor temperature sensor (131) can detect the temperature of the room where the air conditioner (1) is installed.

[0163] The heat exchanger temperature sensor (132) can detect the temperature of the heat exchanger. In addition, the heat exchanger temperature can be calculated by detecting the temperature of the inlet side of the heat exchanger and the temperature of the outlet side of the heat exchanger, respectively, and calculating the average value of these.

[0164] A humidity sensor (133) is provided inside the housing and can detect the humidity of air passing through the heat exchanger.

[0165] The person detection sensor (134) can detect people around the air conditioner (1).

[0166] The control unit (160) may include a memory (162) that stores a control program and control data for controlling a plurality of fans (32) and at least one processor (161) that generates a control signal according to the control program and control data stored in the memory (162). The memory (162) and the processor (161) may be provided integrally or separately.

[0167] The memory (162) can store values ​​detected by a sensor, etc., and can store programs and data for controlling multiple fans (32).

[0168] The memory (162) may include volatile memory such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAP) for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory (162) may include nonvolatile memory such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) for long-term storage of data.

[0169] The processor (161) may include various logic circuits and operation circuits, process data according to a program provided from memory (162), and generate a control signal according to the processing result.

[0170] When the cooling operation is terminated (901), the control unit (160) can turn on all of the multiple fans (32) (903) and then sequentially turn off the multiple fans (32) (905).

[0171] Specifically, the control unit (160) can turn on multiple fans (32) and determine whether the first condition is met.

[0172] Here, the first condition may include that the operating time of the compressor (3) is less than the reference time. That is, if the operating time of the compressor (3) is less than the reference time, it may be determined that the first condition is satisfied. The reference time may be set to an appropriate time for performing the drying operation, and may be, for example, 15 minutes.

[0173] The control unit (160) can turn off any one of the plurality of fans (32) based on whether the first condition is met. That is, the control unit (160) can perform automatic drying operation when the first condition is met. Detailed operations thereof will be described later.

[0174] Additionally, the control unit (160) can determine whether the second condition is satisfied.

[0175] Here, the second condition may include that the difference between the indoor temperature and the temperature of the heat exchanger is less than the reference temperature, and that the detected humidity is less than the reference humidity. Here, the reference temperature and reference humidity may be set to an appropriate temperature and humidity for performing a drying operation, and the reference temperature may be, for example, 3°C, and the reference humidity may be, for example, 60%.

[0176] That is, if the difference between the detected indoor temperature and the heat exchanger temperature is less than 3℃ and the detected humidity is less than 60%, it can be determined that the second condition is met.

[0177] The control unit (160) can turn off another one of the plurality of fans (32) based on whether the second condition is satisfied. The detailed operation thereof will be described later.

[0178] Below, the operation of the control unit (160) sequentially turning off multiple fans (32) based on the first condition and the second condition is described in detail.

[0179] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing turning on all of a plurality of fans (32) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a state in which all of a plurality of fans (32) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are turned on.

[0180] As described above, the plurality of fans (32) may include a first fan (32a), a second fan (32b), and a third fan (32c).

[0181] The first fan (32a) may be placed at the very top. The second fan (32b) may be placed at a lower position than the first fan (32a), and the third fan (32c) may be placed at a lower position than the second fan (32b).

[0182] That is, the first fan (32a) can be placed at the top, the second fan (32b) in the middle, and the third fan (32c) at the bottom.

[0183] The control unit (160) can turn on the first fan (32a), the second fan (32b), and the third fan (32c) for a first time period after the cooling operation ends (1001) (1003).

[0184] Afterwards, the control unit (160) can sequentially turn off multiple fans (32) and perform drying operation.

[0185] First, the purpose of the present invention to sequentially turn off multiple fans (32) will be explained.

[0186] Referring to Fig. 3, the heat exchanger may be arranged in a vertically elongated manner, and condensation may occur in this heat exchanger as cooling operation is performed.

[0187] Since this condensate flows downward under the influence of gravity, the amount of condensate becomes greater at the lower part of the heat exchanger than at the upper part, and accordingly, the upper part of the heat exchanger is dried relatively well. Therefore, the main purpose of the present invention is to reduce unnecessary noise and power consumption and to reduce unpleasant odor by sequentially turning off the first fan (32a) provided around the upper part of the heat exchanger.

[0188] Meanwhile, the control unit (160) may turn off the first fan (32a), the second fan (32b), and the third fan (32c) for a predetermined period of time to drain the condensate generated in the heat exchanger before turning on the first fan (32a), the second fan (32b), and the third fan (32c). That is, the control unit may wait for a predetermined period of time for the condensate generated in the heat exchanger to flow down, and then turn on the first fan (32a), the second fan (32b), and the third fan (32c). Here, the predetermined period of time may be approximately 3 minutes.

[0189] The control unit (160) can turn on the first fan (32a), the second fan (32b), and the third fan (32c) for a first time (1005). At this time, air can be discharged from the first discharge port (41a), the second discharge port (41b), and the third discharge port (41c) as illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0190] At this time, the control unit (160) can turn on the first fan (32a), the second fan (32b), and the third fan (32c) while controlling the door (60) so that the discharge port (41) is opened.

[0191] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing sequentially turning off a plurality of fans (32) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a state in which one of the plurality of fans (32) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is turned off.

[0192] The control unit (160) can turn on the first fan, the second fan (32b), and the third fan (32c) for a first period of time, and when the first period of time has elapsed, determine whether a first condition is satisfied. Here, the first condition may include that the operating time of the compressor (3) is less than a reference time, as described above.

[0193] When the first condition is met (example of 1201), the control unit (160) can turn off the first fan (32a) and turn on the second fan (32b) and the third fan (32c) (1203).

[0194] Below, air can be discharged in a windless operation with the discharge port (41) closed.

[0195] The control unit (160) can turn on the second fan (32b) and the third fan (32c) for a second period of time (1205). Here, the second period of time can be set to an appropriate period of time for performing a drying operation and can be, for example, 10 minutes.

[0196] The control unit (160) can turn off the second fan (32b) and the third fan (32c) (1207) when the second time has elapsed (example of 1205). That is, since the first condition has been met, meaning that the compressor (3) has not been operating for a long time, it is determined that there is no need to perform the drying operation for a long time. Therefore, when the second time has elapsed, the second fan (32b) and the third fan (32c) can be turned off and the drying operation can be terminated.

[0197] If the first condition is not met (No in 1201), the control unit (160) can turn off the first fan (32a) and turn on the second fan (32b) and the third fan (32c) for a second period of time (1209). If the second period of time has elapsed (Yes in 1211), the control unit (160) can determine whether the second condition is met.

[0198] That is, since the operation time of the compressor (3) was relatively long when the first condition was not met, it is judged that further drying operation needs to be performed, and even after the second time has elapsed, the second fan (32b) and the third fan (32c) are not turned off, and it is possible to judge whether an additional condition is met.

[0199] At this time, air can be discharged only around the second discharge port (41b) and the third discharge port (41c) as shown in Fig. 13.

[0200] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing sequentially turning off a plurality of fans (32) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which another one of the plurality of fans (32) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is further turned off.

[0201] As described above, if the first condition is not met, the control unit (160) can turn on the second fan (32b) and the third fan (32c) for a second period of time and determine whether the second condition is met. Here, the second condition may include, as described above, that the difference between the indoor temperature and the temperature of the heat exchanger is less than the reference temperature and that the detected humidity is less than the reference humidity.

[0202] If the second condition is met (example 1401), the control unit (160) can turn off the second fan (32b) and turn on the third fan (32c) for a third period of time (1403). Thereafter, if the third period of time has elapsed (example 1405), the control unit (160) can turn off the third fan (32c) (1407). Here, the third period of time can be set to an appropriate time for performing the drying operation, and can be, for example, 10 minutes.

[0203] If the second condition is not met (No in 1401), the control unit (160) can turn off the second fan (32b) and turn on the third fan (32c) for a fourth time period that is longer than the third time period (1409). Thereafter, if the fourth time period has elapsed (Yes in 1411), the control unit (160) can turn off the third fan (32c) (1413).

[0204] Here, the fourth time period can be set to an appropriate time for performing the dry run, for example, it can be 15 minutes, which is longer than the third time period.

[0205] If the second condition is met, it is determined that the drying operation can be performed relatively briefly, so the third fan (32c) can be turned on only for a third time (e.g., 10 minutes), and if the second condition is not met, it is determined that the drying operation must be performed relatively long, so the third fan (32c) can be turned on only for a fourth time (e.g., 15 minutes), which is longer than the third time.

[0206] At this time, air can be discharged only around the third discharge port (41c) as shown in Fig. 15.

[0207] Here, the first fan (32a), the second fan (32b) and the third fan (32c) may rotate at the same speed or at different rotation speeds when each is turned on by the control unit.

[0208] That is, for example, the first fan (32a) can rotate at the slowest speed, the second fan (32b) can rotate at a relatively faster speed than the first fan (32a), and the third fan (32c) can rotate at the fastest speed.

[0209] By sequentially turning off multiple fans (32) during drying operation in this way, the degree of drying inside the air conditioner (1) can be maintained while unnecessary noise and unpleasant wind can be minimized and power consumption can be reduced.

[0210] In another exemplary embodiment, the control unit (160) can set an appropriate time for each of the first fan (32a), the second fan (32b), and the third fan (32c) to perform drying operation based on the humidity detected through the humidity sensor (133).

[0211] That is, for example, the first fan (32a) can be turned on for a fifth time to perform a drying operation, the second fan (32b) can be turned on for a sixth time to perform a drying operation, and the third fan (32c) can be turned on for a seventh time to perform a drying operation. At this time, the sixth time may be longer than the fifth time, and the seventh time may be longer than the sixth time.

[0212] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating performing dry operation based on the result of detecting a person according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0213] When the cooling operation is terminated (1601) and a person is detected around the air conditioner (1) by the person detection sensor (134) (example of 1603), the control unit (160) can wait for a reference time before turning on all of the multiple fans (32) (1605).

[0214] That is, if there are people around the air conditioner (1), the drying operation can be performed after waiting for the standard time due to problems such as noise and odor that may occur during the drying operation.

[0215] If no person is detected around the air conditioner (1) by the person detection sensor (134) (NO of 1603), the control unit (160) can perform the aforementioned drying operation immediately without waiting for the reference time.

[0216] An air conditioner according to one embodiment may include a housing having a plurality of discharge ports formed therein; a heat exchanger provided within the housing; a compressor connected to the heat exchanger and configured to circulate a refrigerant so as to pass through the heat exchanger; a plurality of fans configured to blow air so that the air passes through the heat exchanger and is discharged through the plurality of discharge ports; and a control unit configured to perform an automatic drying operation by sequentially turning on and then off all of the fans after a cooling operation is completed.

[0217] According to the present disclosure, by sequentially turning off multiple fans during drying operation, the degree of drying inside the air conditioner can be maintained while minimizing unnecessary noise and unpleasant wind and reducing power consumption.

[0218] The control unit can determine whether a first condition is satisfied and turn off any one of the plurality of fans based on whether the first condition is satisfied.

[0219] The control unit can determine whether a second condition is satisfied and turn off another one of the plurality of fans based on whether the second condition is satisfied.

[0220] The plurality of fans include a first fan, a second fan positioned lower than the first fan, and a third fan positioned lower than the second fan; and the control unit can turn on all of the first fan, the second fan, and the third fan for a first period of time after the cooling operation ends.

[0221] The above control unit can determine whether the first condition is satisfied when the first time has elapsed.

[0222] The first condition may include that the operating time of the compressor is less than a reference time.

[0223] The control unit may turn off the first fan and turn on the second fan and the third fan for a second period of time when the first condition is satisfied.

[0224] The above control unit can turn off the second fan and the third fan when the second time has elapsed.

[0225] The control unit may, if the first condition is not met, turn off the first fan and turn on the second fan and the third fan for a second period of time, and when the second period of time has elapsed, determine whether the second condition is met.

[0226] The apparatus further includes an indoor temperature sensor for detecting indoor temperature; a heat exchanger temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat exchanger; and a humidity sensor provided within the housing for detecting the humidity of air passing through the heat exchanger; wherein the second condition may include that the difference between the indoor temperature and the temperature of the heat exchanger is less than a reference temperature and the detected humidity is less than the reference humidity.

[0227] The above control unit can turn off the second fan and turn on the third fan for a third time when the second condition is satisfied.

[0228] The above control unit can turn off the third fan when the third time has elapsed.

[0229] The control unit may turn off the second fan and turn on the third fan for a fourth time period longer than the third time period if the second condition is not met.

[0230] The above control unit can turn off the third fan when the fourth time has elapsed.

[0231] The air conditioner further includes a person detection sensor that detects a person around the air conditioner, and the control unit can turn on all of the plurality of fans when a reference time has elapsed after the cooling operation ends when a person around the air conditioner is detected by the person detection sensor.

[0232] A method for controlling an air conditioner according to one embodiment includes: a housing having a plurality of discharge ports formed therein; a heat exchanger provided within the housing; a compressor connected to the heat exchanger and configured to circulate a refrigerant so as to pass through the heat exchanger; and a plurality of fans for blowing air so that the air passes through the heat exchanger and is discharged through the plurality of discharge ports; the method may include: turning on all of the plurality of fans after a cooling operation is completed; and performing an automatic drying operation while sequentially turning off the plurality of fans.

[0233] Sequentially turning off the plurality of fans may include determining whether a first condition is satisfied and turning off one of the plurality of fans based on whether the first condition is satisfied.

[0234] Sequentially turning off the plurality of fans may include determining whether a second condition is satisfied and turning off another one of the plurality of fans based on whether the second condition is satisfied.

[0235] The plurality of fans may include a first fan, a second fan positioned lower than the first fan, and a third fan positioned lower than the second fan, and turning on all of the plurality of fans may include turning on all of the first fan, the second fan, and the third fan for a first period of time after the cooling operation ends.

[0236] It may further include determining whether the first condition is satisfied when the first time has elapsed.

[0237] The first condition may include that the operating time of the compressor is less than a reference time.

[0238] Sequentially turning off the plurality of fans may include turning off the first fan and turning on the second fan and the third fan for a second period of time when the first condition is satisfied.

[0239] It may further include turning off the second fan and the third fan when the second time has elapsed.

[0240] The sequentially turning off of the plurality of fans may further include: if the first condition is not met, turning off the first fan and turning on the second fan and the third fan for a second period of time; and, when the second period of time has elapsed, determining whether the second condition is met.

[0241] The apparatus further includes an indoor temperature sensor for detecting indoor temperature; a heat exchanger temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat exchanger; and a humidity sensor provided within the housing for detecting the humidity of air passing through the heat exchanger; wherein the second condition may include that the difference between the indoor temperature and the temperature of the heat exchanger is less than a reference temperature and the detected humidity is less than the reference humidity.

[0242] Sequentially turning off the plurality of fans may include turning off the second fan and turning on the third fan for a third time when the second condition is satisfied.

[0243] It may further include turning off the third fan when the third time has elapsed.

[0244] Sequentially turning off the plurality of fans may include turning off the second fan and turning on the third fan for a fourth time period that is longer than the third time period if the second condition is not met.

[0245] It may further include turning off the third fan after the fourth time has elapsed.

[0246] The air conditioner may further include a person detection sensor that detects a person around the air conditioner, and turning on all of the plurality of fans may include turning on all of the plurality of fans when a reference time has elapsed after the end of the cooling operation when a person around the air conditioner is detected by the person detection sensor.

[0247] According to the disclosed invention, by sequentially turning off a plurality of fans during drying operation, the degree of drying inside the air conditioner can be maintained while minimizing unnecessary noise and unpleasant wind and reducing power consumption.

[0248] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0249] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0250] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A housing having multiple outlets formed therein; A heat exchanger provided within the above housing; A compressor connected to the heat exchanger and circulating refrigerant through the heat exchanger; A plurality of fans for blowing the air so that the air passes through the heat exchanger and is discharged through the plurality of discharge ports; and An air conditioner including a control unit that performs automatic drying operation by sequentially turning on and then off all of the above-described fans after the cooling operation ends.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, An air conditioner that determines whether a first condition is satisfied and turns off one of the plurality of fans based on whether the first condition is satisfied.

3. In paragraph 2, The above control unit, An air conditioner that determines whether a second condition is met and turns off another one of the plurality of fans based on whether the second condition is met.

4. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, An air conditioner that determines whether a first condition is satisfied and performs the automatic drying operation if the first condition is satisfied.

5. In paragraph 1, The above multiple fans, 1st fan a second fan positioned lower than the first fan; and a third fan positioned lower than the second fan; The above control unit, An air conditioner that turns on the first fan, the second fan, and the third fan for a first hour after the cooling operation ends.

6. In paragraph 5, The above control unit, An air conditioner that determines whether the first condition is met after the first time period has elapsed.

7. In paragraph 6, The first condition above is, An air conditioner, wherein the operating time of the compressor is less than a reference time.

8. In paragraph 6, The above control unit, An air conditioner that turns off the first fan and turns on the second fan and the third fan for a second period of time when the first condition is met.

9. In paragraph 8, The above control unit, An air conditioner that turns off the second fan and the third fan when the second time has elapsed.

10. In paragraph 6, The above control unit, If the first condition is not met, the first fan is turned off and the second fan and the third fan are turned on for a second time period. An air conditioner that determines whether the second condition is met after the second time has elapsed 11. In paragraph 10, Indoor temperature sensor that detects indoor temperature; A heat exchanger temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat exchanger; and Further comprising a humidity sensor provided within the housing to detect the humidity of air passing through the heat exchanger; The second condition above is, An air conditioner, wherein the difference between the indoor temperature and the temperature of the heat exchanger is less than a reference temperature, and the sensed humidity is less than a reference humidity.

12. In paragraph 10, The above control unit, An air conditioner that turns off the second fan and turns on the third fan for a third time when the second condition is met.

13. In paragraph 12, The above control unit, An air conditioner that turns off the third fan after the third time has elapsed.

14. In paragraph 10, The above control unit, An air conditioner that turns off the second fan and turns on the third fan for a fourth time period longer than the third time period if the second condition is not met.

15. In paragraph 14, The above control unit, An air conditioner that turns off the third fan after the fourth hour has elapsed.

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