Air conditioner and method for controlling same

Abstract

An air conditioner disclosed herein comprises: a housing; a discharge cover formed above the housing; a rotation transmission part that is coupled to the discharge cover so as to rotate the discharge cover; a cover rotation motor for rotating the rotation transmission part in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction; a fan case to which a discharge fan for moving air is mounted; a magnet provided at one position of the rotation transmission part; a first sensor provided at a first position of the fan case to detect the magnet; a second sensor provided at a second position of the fan case to detect the magnet, wherein the second position is spaced apart from the first position; and a processor that controls the cover rotation motor to move the rotation transmission part to a reference position on the basis of a power-off condition of the air conditioner being satisfied, and determines whether or not to stop the operation of the cover rotation motor on the basis of whether the magnet is detected by the first sensor or the second sensor.

Description

Air conditioner and its control method

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to an air conditioner capable of controlling the direction of air discharge and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] An air conditioner is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air-conditioned space, and means a device equipped with at least one of these functions.

[0003] For example, an air conditioner may include an air purifier to remove airborne contaminants. An air purifier can remove bacteria, viruses, mold, fine dust, and odor-causing chemicals present in the incoming air.

[0004] An air purifier may include a purification device to purify polluted indoor air. Air drawn into the air purifier passes through the purification device, where contaminants are removed and purified air is released outside the air purifier. For example, the purification device may include a filter and / or a dust collector.

[0005] Air purifiers can be used in a variety of spaces. Air purifiers may include an exhaust device for controlling at least one of the direction, speed, and volume of exhaust of purified air.

[0006] The disclosed invention provides an air conditioner and a control method thereof that can easily move a discharge cover and a rotation transmission part that rotates the discharge cover to a reference position.

[0007] The disclosed invention provides an air conditioner and a control method thereof capable of feedback-controlling a cover rotation motor that rotates a rotation transmission part using a magnet and a plurality of magnetic sensors.

[0008] In one embodiment, an air conditioner may include a housing; an exhaust cover that covers an exhaust hole formed in an upper portion of the housing and includes a cover opening through which air is discharged; a rotation transmission part coupled to the exhaust cover to rotate the exhaust cover; a cover rotation motor that rotates the rotation transmission part in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction; a fan case in which an exhaust fan that moves air toward the exhaust hole and the cover opening is mounted; a magnet provided at a position of the rotation transmission part; a first sensor provided at a first position of the fan case to detect the magnet; a second sensor provided at a second position of the fan case spaced apart from the first position to detect the magnet; and a processor. The processor may control the cover rotation motor to move the rotation transmission part to a reference position based on satisfaction of a power-off condition of the air conditioner, and may determine whether to stop operation of the cover rotation motor based on whether the magnet is detected by the first sensor or the second sensor.

[0009] In a control method of an air conditioner including a discharge hole formed in an upper portion of a housing, a discharge cover including a cover opening through which air is discharged, a fan case having an exhaust fan for moving air toward the discharge hole and the cover opening, and a processor, the control method according to one embodiment may include: identifying, by the processor, whether a power-off condition of the air conditioner is satisfied; controlling, based on the satisfaction of the power-off condition, a cover rotation motor that rotates a rotation transmission part coupled to the discharge cover to move the rotation transmission part to a reference position; identifying whether a magnet provided at a position of the rotation transmission part is detected by a first sensor provided at a first position of the fan case or a second sensor provided at a second position of the fan case spaced apart from the first position; and determining whether to stop operation of the cover rotation motor based on whether the magnet is detected by the first sensor or the second sensor.

[0010] The disclosed air conditioner and its control method can easily move the exhaust cover and the rotation transmission part that rotates the exhaust cover to a reference position.

[0011] The disclosed air conditioner and its control method can accurately move the rotation transmission part to a reference position by feedback controlling a cover rotation motor that rotates the rotation transmission part.

[0012] 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.

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a portion of a blower panel of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-section of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 illustrates an exhaust device of an air conditioner according to one embodiment disassembled from a housing.

[0017] Figure 5 is an exploded view of an exhaust device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of a cross-section of an exhaust device according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 illustrates a state in which a discharge device according to one embodiment has a discharge hole closed.

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a coupling relationship between components related to movement of a discharge cover when the discharge device according to one embodiment has the discharge hole closed.

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates the lower portion of the components related to movement of the discharge cover, with the discharge device according to one embodiment having the discharge hole closed.

[0022] Figure 10 illustrates a state in which a discharge device according to one embodiment has its discharge hole opened.

[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a coupling relationship between components related to movement of a discharge cover in a state where a discharge device according to one embodiment has an discharge hole open.

[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates the lower part of the components related to the movement of the discharge cover, with the discharge device according to one embodiment having the discharge hole open.

[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates a coupling relationship between components related to the rotation of a discharge cover when the discharge device according to one embodiment has the discharge hole open.

[0026] Fig. 14 illustrates a state in which the discharge cover of the discharge device according to one embodiment is rotated.

[0027] FIG. 15 illustrates a coupling relationship between components related to the rotation of the discharge cover of an exhaust device according to one embodiment, when the discharge cover is rotated.

[0028] Fig. 16 is a plan view from above of a portion of an exhaust device according to one embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 17 illustrates a magnet provided in the rotation transmission part of the exhaust device shown in Fig. 16.

[0030] Fig. 18 illustrates a sensor provided in a fan case among the configurations of the exhaust device shown in Fig. 16.

[0031] Figure 19 is a control block diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 20 is a flowchart briefly explaining a control method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 21 is a flowchart illustrating in more detail a method for controlling an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0034] 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.

[0035] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The housing may include an intake port through which indoor air may be drawn into the interior of the housing.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] Blowers may include indoor fans and fan motors. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, diffusion fans, crossflow fans, and centrifugal fans.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] The blocks and combinations of flowcharts in each flowchart can be executed by one or more computer programs containing instructions. One or more computer programs may be stored entirely in a single memory device, or one or more computer programs may be divided and stored in multiple different memory devices.

[0096] All functions or operations described herein may be performed by a single processor or a combination of processors. A single processor or a combination of processors is a circuit that performs processing and may include circuits such as an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, a connectivity chip, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a fingerprint sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on a chip (SoC), an IC, and the like.

[0097] Hereinafter, air conditioners according to various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. For convenience of explanation, an air purifier will be described as an example of an air conditioner. However, the present disclosure is not limited to air purifiers and can be applied to various home appliances, including indoor units of air conditioners that include heat exchangers.

[0098] Figure 1 illustrates an air conditioner according to one embodiment. Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a portion of a blower panel of the air conditioner according to one embodiment. Figure 3 illustrates a cross-section of the air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the air conditioner (1) may include a housing (10). The housing (10) may form the exterior of the air conditioner (1).

[0100] The housing (10) may include a frame body (11) and a blower panel (12) provided on the outside of the frame body (11). The frame body (11) may support various components of the air conditioner (1). The frame body (11) may be provided to accommodate various components of the air conditioner (1). The frame body (11) may be provided so that at least a portion thereof is covered by the blower panel (12).

[0101] The blower panel (12) may be detachably mounted on the frame body (11). For example, the blower panel (12) may include a first blower panel forming the front of the air conditioner (1), a second blower panel forming the rear of the air conditioner (1), a third blower panel forming the right side of the air conditioner, and a fourth blower panel forming the left side of the air conditioner (1). The first blower panel may be referred to as a front panel. The second blower panel may be referred to as a rear panel. The third blower panel may be referred to as a right side panel. The fourth blower panel may be referred to as a left side panel.

[0102] The first blower panel, the second blower panel, the third blower panel, and the fourth blower panel may be provided as separate configurations. However, at least some of the blower panels among the first blower panel, the second blower panel, the third blower panel, and the fourth blower panel may be formed integrally. At least some of the blower panels among the first blower panel, the second blower panel, the third blower panel, and the fourth blower panel may be detachable from the frame body (11).

[0103] The ventilation panel (12) may include a panel portion (12a). The panel portion (12a) may include a plurality of ribs. The plurality of ribs may extend in one direction. For example, the plurality of ribs may extend in an up-down direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0104] The panel portion (12a) can be formed over the entire area of ​​the ventilation panel (12). For example, the panel portion (12a) can be provided in a uniform pattern over the entire area of ​​the ventilation panel (12). This increases the degree of freedom in the design of the ventilation panel (12), thereby improving aesthetics.

[0105] The housing (10) may include a vent (13). For example, the vent (13) may be formed in the ventilation panel (12). The vent (13) may extend in the vertical direction. The vent (13) may be formed in plurality. For example, the plurality of vents (13) may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z direction). For example, the plurality of vents (13) may be arranged in the left-right direction (Y direction) or in the front-back direction (X direction).

[0106] The air vent (13) may be formed corresponding to the panel portion (12a). For example, the air vent (13) may be an opening formed between a plurality of ribs of the panel portion (12a). Air outside the housing (10) may be introduced into the housing (10) through the air vent (13) or discharged from the housing (10). The air vent (13) may include a plurality of openings.

[0107] The housing (10) may include an inlet (13a) and an outlet (13b). The inlet (13a) may be provided so that air from the outside of the housing (10) may be introduced into the inside of the housing (10). The outlet (13b) may be provided so that air from the inside of the housing (10) may be discharged to the outside of the housing (10). The inlet (13a) and the outlet (13b) may be formed in the ventilation panel (12). The air vent (13) may include an inlet (13a) and an outlet (13b). The inlet (13a) may be provided as a part of the air vent (13), and the outlet (13b) may be provided as another part of the air vent (13). One part of the air vent (13) may be the inlet (13a), and another part of the air vent (13) may be the outlet (13b).

[0108] The housing (10) may include an inlet opening (14) and an outlet opening (15). The inlet opening (14) and the outlet opening (15) may be formed in the frame body (11). The inlet opening (14) may be provided to correspond to the inlet portion (13a) of the air vent (13). The outlet opening (15) may be provided to correspond to the outlet portion (13b) of the air vent (13).

[0109] The disclosed air conditioner (1) can be arranged so that air is introduced into the interior of the housing (10) through the inlet (13a) and the inlet opening (14), and purified air is discharged to the exterior of the housing (10) through the discharge opening (15) and the discharge portion (13b).

[0110] For example, the inlet (13a) may include a first inlet and a second inlet spaced apart from the first inlet, and the inlet opening (14) may include a first inlet opening corresponding to the first inlet and a second inlet opening corresponding to the second inlet. The first inlet and the second inlet may be arranged in a vertical direction, and correspondingly, the first inlet opening and the second inlet opening may be arranged in a vertical direction.

[0111] For example, the discharge portion (13b) may include a first discharge portion and a second discharge portion spaced apart from the first discharge portion, and the discharge opening (15) may include a first discharge opening corresponding to the first discharge portion and a second discharge opening corresponding to the second discharge portion. The first discharge portion and the second discharge portion may be arranged in a vertical direction, and correspondingly, the first discharge opening and the second discharge opening may be arranged in a vertical direction.

[0112] The inlet (13a) and outlet (13b) may be formed in the first blower panel, the second blower panel, the third blower panel, and the fourth blower panel, respectively. Correspondingly, the first inlet opening (14) and the second outlet opening (15) may be formed in the front, rear, right side, and left side of the frame body (11), respectively.

[0113] For example, air outside the housing (10) can flow into the housing (10) from all directions through the inlet (13a) and the inlet opening (14). For example, air outside the housing (10) can flow into the housing (10) from all directions through the inlet (13a) and the inlet opening (14).

[0114] Additionally, for example, air inside the housing (10) can flow from the housing (10) in all directions toward the outside of the housing (10) through the exhaust port (13b) and the exhaust opening (15). For example, air inside the housing (10) can flow in all directions toward the outside of the housing (10) through the exhaust port (13b) and the exhaust opening (15).

[0115] Since air is introduced and / or discharged from all directions, smooth air circulation inside the housing (10) can be achieved. The air conditioner (1) can achieve high dust collection efficiency.

[0116] The housing (10) may include an upper frame (16). The upper frame (16) may be provided at the upper end of the housing (10). The upper frame (16) may be arranged on the upper side of the frame body (11).

[0117] The upper frame (16) may be provided with a user interface. For example, the user interface may include an operating unit. The user interface may receive user input or output operating information of the air conditioner (1) to the user.

[0118] The housing (10) may include a support (19). The support (19) may be arranged at the lower end of the housing (10) to support elements constituting the housing (10) and the air conditioner (1).

[0119] The air conditioner (1) may include a blower (30). The blower (30) may generate blowing force. The blower (30) may move air. The blower (30) may force air to flow. The blower (30) may rotate to create an air flow that flows inside the housing (10). The blower (30) may cause air to flow in through the inlet (13a) and the inlet opening (14) and to be discharged through the outlet (13b) and the outlet opening (15). For example, the blower (30) may move air upward. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and when the inlet (13a) is provided above the outlet (13b), the blower (30) may move air downward.

[0120] The blower (30) may be placed inside the housing (10). The blower (30) may be located downstream of the inlet (13a). The blower (30) may be located upstream of the outlet (13b). The blower (30) may be placed between the inlet (13a) and the outlet (13b).

[0121] The air conditioner (1) may include a plurality of blowers (30). The plurality of blowers (30) may be arranged along a substantially vertical direction (Z direction). The plurality of blowers (30) may be spaced apart from each other along the substantially vertical direction (Z direction). For example, the air conditioner (1) may include a first blower and a second blower. However, there is no limitation on the number of blowers (30).

[0122] A flow path (20) may be formed within the housing (10). The flow path (20) may extend from the inlet (13a) to the outlet (13b). Air blown by the blower (30) may flow into the flow path (20).

[0123] Air can pass through the housing (10) along an air flow direction. The air flow direction can be a direction from upstream to downstream of a flow path (20) formed inside the housing (10). For example, the air flow direction within the housing (10) can include a vertical direction (Z direction). The air flow direction can be a direction in which air introduced into the housing (10) through the inlet (13a) and the inlet opening (14) flows toward the outlet opening (15) and the outlet (13b). For example, the air flow direction can be a direction in which air introduced into the housing (10) through the inlet (13a) and the inlet opening (14) passes through the dust collector (50), the deodorizing device (40), and the blower (30). For example, air drawn into the front, rear, left, and right sides of the housing (10) by the blower (30) may flow upward and then be discharged again into the front, rear, left, and right sides of the housing (10). However, the direction of air flow is not limited to the above-described example.

[0124] The air conditioner (1) may include an air guide (17). Air flowing into the housing (10) through the inlet (13a) and the inlet opening (14) may be guided toward the blower (30) through the air guide (17). The air guide (17) may form a part of a flow path (20) therein. The air guide (17) may guide air inside the housing (10) and / or in the flow path (20) to the blower (30). Air passing through the interior of the air guide (17) may flow into the interior of the blower case (18) and to the blower (30).

[0125] An air conditioner (1) may include a blower case (18). A blower (30) may be disposed within the blower case (18). The blower case (18) may form a portion of a flow path (20) therein. The blower case (18) may guide the flow of air flowing within the housing (10). The blower case (18) may be in communication with an air guide (17).

[0126] The air conditioner (1) may include a dust collector (50). The dust collector (50) may be configured to filter air. The dust collector (50) may capture aerosols in the air. For example, the dust collector (50) may include a first assembly (51) configured to charge aerosols in the air, and a second assembly (52) configured to collect aerosols charged by the first assembly (51).

[0127] A dust collector (50) may be placed inside the housing (10). The dust collector (50) may be positioned so that air introduced through the inlet (13a) and the inlet opening (14) may pass therethrough. The dust collector (50) may be positioned so that air may pass therethrough before being discharged through the discharge opening (15) and the discharge opening (13b). The dust collector (50) may be placed between the inlet (13a) and the discharge opening (13b). The dust collector (50) may be placed between the inlet opening (14) and the discharge opening (15). The dust collector (50) may filter air introduced into the housing (10) through the inlet (13a) by the blower (30). The filtered air may be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the discharge opening (13b).

[0128] For example, the dust collector (50) may be positioned below the blower (30). For example, the blower (30) may be positioned above the dust collector (50). For example, the dust collector (50) and the blower (30) may be positioned so that the deodorizing device (40) is interposed therebetween. However, the positions of the deodorizing device (40), the dust collector (50), and the blower (30) are not limited to the examples described above.

[0129] The air conditioner (1) may include a plurality of dust collectors (50). The plurality of dust collectors (50) may be arranged along a substantially vertical direction (Z direction). The plurality of dust collectors (50) may be spaced apart from each other along the substantially vertical direction (Z direction). For example, the air conditioner (1) may include a first dust collector and a second dust collector. However, there is no limitation on the number of dust collectors (50).

[0130] The air conditioner (1) may include a deodorizing device (40). The deodorizing device (40) may be configured to deodorize air. The deodorizing device (40) may be configured to remove odorous substances in the air. The deodorizing device (40) may be configured to sterilize air. For example, the deodorizing device (40) may sterilize air by decomposing organic substances in the air. Air flowing inside the housing (10) may have its odor removed as it passes through the deodorizing device (40).

[0131] The deodorizing device (40) may include a light source device (41) and a photocatalytic filter (42). The photocatalytic filter (42) reacts with light irradiated from the light source of the light source device (41) to generate a reactant, and the reactant can decompose odorous substances to deodorize the air.

[0132] A deodorizing device (40) may be placed inside the housing (10). The deodorizing device (40) may be positioned so that air introduced through the inlet (13a) and the inlet opening (14) may pass therethrough. The deodorizing device (40) may be positioned so that air may pass therethrough before being discharged through the discharge opening (15) and the discharge opening (13b). The deodorizing device (40) may be placed between the inlet (13a) and the discharge opening (13b). The deodorizing device (40) may be placed between the inlet opening (14) and the discharge opening (15).

[0133] The deodorizing device (40) may be provided to deodorize air that has passed through the dust collecting device (50). The deodorizing device (40) may be positioned downstream of the dust collecting device (50) in the air flow direction. The deodorizing device (40) may be arranged between the dust collecting device (50) and the discharge portion (13b). The deodorizing device (40) may be arranged between the dust collecting device (50) and the discharge opening (15). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the deodorizing device (40) may also be positioned upstream of the dust collecting device (50) in the air flow direction. In this case, the dust collecting device (50) may be provided to capture aerosols in the air that has passed through the deodorizing device (40).

[0134] For example, the deodorizing device (40) may be positioned above the dust collecting device (50). For example, the dust collecting device (50) may be positioned below the deodorizing device (40). For example, the deodorizing device (40) may be positioned between the dust collecting device (50) and the blower (30). However, the positions of the deodorizing device (40), the dust collecting device (50), and the blower (30) are not limited to the examples described above.

[0135] The air conditioner (1) may include a plurality of deodorizing devices (40). The plurality of deodorizing devices (40) may be arranged along a substantially vertical direction (Z direction). The plurality of deodorizing devices (40) may be spaced apart from each other along the substantially vertical direction (Z direction). For example, the air conditioner (1) may include a first deodorizing device and a second deodorizing device. However, there is no limitation on the number of deodorizing devices (40).

[0136] For example, a first deodorizing device may be provided above a first dust collector. For example, a second deodorizing device may be provided above a second dust collector. For example, a first blower may be provided between the first dust collector and the second dust collector. For example, the second dust collector may be spaced upward from the first dust collector with the first blower therebetween. For example, the first blower may be provided between the first deodorizing device and the second dust collector. For example, the second blower may be provided above the second dust collector. For example, the second blower may be disposed above the second dust collector and move air that has passed through the second dust collector toward the exhaust port (13b). For example, the second blower may be disposed above the second deodorizing device. For example, the second blower may be disposed above the second deodorizing device and move air that has passed through the second deodorizing device toward the exhaust port (13b). However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described examples, and the positions of the dust collector (50), deodorizing device (40), and blower (30) are not limited to the above-described examples.

[0137] For example, the air conditioner (1) may omit the blower (30), deodorizing device (40), and dust collecting device (50) arranged below, and the components related thereto.

[0138] A dust collector (50) may be positioned on the flow path (20). A deodorizing device (40) may be positioned on the flow path (20). A blower (30) may be positioned on the flow path (20). For example, air introduced into the flow path (20) through the inlet (13a) may flow to the discharge portion (13b) after passing through the dust collector (50), the deodorizing device (40), and the blower fan (30). The air that has flowed to the discharge portion (13b) may exit from the flow path (20).

[0139] Fig. 4 illustrates an exhaust device of an air conditioner according to one embodiment, disassembled from the housing. Fig. 5 illustrates an exhaust device according to one embodiment, disassembled. Fig. 6 illustrates a portion of a cross-section of an exhaust device according to one embodiment.

[0140] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the air conditioner (1) may include an exhaust device (100). The exhaust device (100) may be mounted on a housing (10). The exhaust device (100) may be mounted on a frame body (11) of the housing (10). The exhaust device (100) may be mounted on an upper part (11a) of the frame body (11). The exhaust device (100) may be located between the upper part (11a) of the frame body (11) and the upper frame (16).

[0141] An air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a discharge hole (16a) formed in an upper frame (16). The discharge hole (16a) may be provided to face a different direction from the direction in which the discharge portion (13b) faces. For example, the discharge hole (16a) may be provided to face upward. The discharge hole (16a) may be provided at an end of a flow path branching off from a flow path formed between a blower (30) and the discharge portion (13b). Air blown from the blower (30) may be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the discharge portion (13b) or the discharge hole (16a).

[0142] The exhaust device (100) may be provided to open and close the exhaust hole (16a). The exhaust device (100) may be provided to guide a portion of the air blown to the exhaust section (13b) by the blower (30) to the exhaust hole (16a).

[0143] The discharge device (100) may include a base (101). The base (101) may be fixed to the housing (10). The base (101) may be mounted and fixed to the frame body (11). The base (101) may support various components of the discharge device (100). For example, the base (101) may include a drive source case (104) for mounting a cover lifting motor (102) and a cover rotation motor (103).

[0144] The discharge device (100) may include a cover lifting motor (102) mounted on the base (101). The cover lifting motor (102) may be provided to provide power for moving the discharge cover (110). For example, the cover lifting motor (102) may be positioned at the right rear corner of the base (101). Depending on the operation of the cover lifting motor (102), the discharge cover (110) may move upward or downward.

[0145] For example, the discharge device (100) may include a moving gear (102a) for transmitting the power of the cover lifting motor (102) to the rotating member (120). The cover lifting motor (102) may include the moving gear (102a). The cover lifting motor (102) may be connected to the rotating member (120) through the moving gear (102a). For example, the moving gear (102a) may include a plurality of gears.

[0146] The discharge device (100) may include a cover rotation motor (103) mounted on the base (101). The cover rotation motor (103) may be provided to provide power for rotating the discharge cover (110). For example, the cover rotation motor (103) may be placed at a left rear corner portion of the base (101). The cover rotation motor (103) may include a step motor. Depending on the operation of the cover rotation motor (103), the discharge cover (110) may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0147] For example, the discharge device (100) may include a rotation gear (103a) for transmitting the power of the cover rotation motor (103) to the rotation transmission part (140). The cover rotation motor (103) may include the rotation gear (103a). The cover rotation motor (103) may be connected to the rotation transmission part (140) through the rotation gear (103a). For example, the rotation gear (103a) may include a plurality of gears.

[0148] The rotation transmission part (140) may also be referred to as a discharge cover rotor, a rotation carrier, or a rotation transmission part. The rotation transmission part (140) may be referred to by various terms in addition to the exemplified terms.

[0149] The discharge device (100) may be configured so that the cover rotation motor (103) is fixed to the base (101) while the discharge cover (110) moves. In addition, the discharge device (100) may be configured so that the cover elevation motor (102) is fixed to the base (101) while the discharge cover (110) rotates. Since both the cover elevation motor (102) and the cover rotation motor (103) are configured to be fixed to the base (101), the cover elevation motor (102) and the cover rotation motor (103) do not move while the discharge cover (110) moves or rotates, so that the operational stability of the discharge device (100) can be improved.

[0150] The exhaust device (100) of the disclosed air conditioner (1) is configured such that both the cover lifting motor (102) and the cover rotation motor (103) are fixed to the base (101), so that the cover lifting motor (102) and the cover rotation motor (103) do not move while the exhaust cover (110) moves or rotates, thereby preventing the wires connected to the cover lifting motor (102) and / or the cover rotation motor (103) from moving, becoming tangled or broken, and causing a defect.

[0151] The discharge device (100) of the disclosed air conditioner (1) is configured such that both the cover lifting motor (102) and the cover rotation motor (103) are fixed to the base (101), so that the cover lifting motor (102) and the cover rotation motor (103) do not move while the discharge cover (110) moves or rotates, thereby preventing a decrease in the safety factor due to the weight of the driving source (102, 103).

[0152] The discharge device (100) may include a discharge cover (110). The discharge cover (110) may be provided to open and close the discharge hole (16a). The discharge cover (110) may be provided to be movable and rotatable with respect to the base (101). For example, the discharge cover (110) may have a cylindrical shape with an open bottom.

[0153] The exhaust cover (110) may include a cover opening (117) formed on a portion of the outer surface of the exhaust cover (110). The cover opening (117) may be located inside the housing (10) when the exhaust cover (110) closes the exhaust hole (16a). At least a portion of the cover opening (117) may be located outside the housing (10) when the exhaust cover (110) opens the exhaust hole (16a). For example, the cover opening (117) may be provided so that air discharged in a substantially vertical direction from the housing (10) through the exhaust hole (16a) faces a substantially horizontal direction.

[0154] The discharge cover (110) can be coupled to the switching member (130). The discharge cover (110) can be rotatably coupled to the switching member (130). The discharge cover (110) can be coupled to the switching member (130) so as to be able to move up and down together with the switching member (130). The discharge cover (110) can be coupled to the switching member (130) so as to be able to rotate with respect to the switching member (130) and move up and down together with the switching member (130).

[0155] The discharge cover (110) may include a rotation support member (111) provided along the periphery of the discharge cover (110). The rotation support member (111) may be coupled with a rotation coupling member (131) of a switching member (130). For example, the rotation support member (111) of the discharge cover (110) may have a groove shape, and the rotation coupling member (131) of the switching member (130) may have a shape that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the switching member (130).

[0156] The discharge cover (110) can be coupled to the rotation transmission part (140) so as to be rotatable together with the rotation transmission part (140). The discharge cover (110) can be coupled to the rotation transmission part (140) so as to be movable with respect to the rotation transmission part (140). For example, the discharge cover (110) can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise together with the rotation transmission part (140). The discharge cover (110) can be coupled to the rotation transmission part (140) so as to be movable up and down with respect to the rotation transmission part (140).

[0157] The discharge cover (110) may include a cover coupling portion (115, see FIG. 9) that is movably coupled to a part coupling portion (145) of a rotation transmission part (140). The part coupling portion (145) of the rotation transmission part (140) may extend along a movement direction (e.g., up and down) of the discharge cover (110). For example, the cover coupling portion (115) may have a shape that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the discharge cover (110), and the part coupling portion (145) may have a groove shape into which the cover coupling portion (115) can be slidably inserted. As the part coupling portion (145) of the rotation transmission part (140) and the cover coupling portion (115) of the discharge cover (110) are coupled, the discharge cover (110) and the rotation transmission part (140) may rotate together. The separate rotation of the discharge cover (110) and the rotation transmission part (140) can be restricted.

[0158] While the exhaust cover (110) opens the exhaust hole (16a), a portion of the air blown by the blower (30) can be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the exhaust portion (13b), and another portion of the air blown by the blower (30) can be discharged to the outside of the housing (10) through the exhaust hole (16a).

[0159] The discharge device (100) may include a movement transmission part (120, 130, 106) for moving the discharge cover (110) by receiving power from the cover lifting motor (102). For example, the movement transmission part (120, 130, 106) may include a rotation member (120), a switching member (130), and a movement support member (106).

[0160] The discharge device (100) may include a rotating member (120). The rotating member (120) may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the base (101). The rotating member (120) may be rotatably received in the base (101). The rotating member (120) may be rotatably mounted on the base (101). The rotating member (120) may be connected to a cover lifting motor (102). The rotating member (120) may be connected to a moving gear (102a) of the cover lifting motor (102).

[0161] The rotating member (120) may include a moving gear connection portion (121) for connection with the cover lifting motor (102). The moving gear connection portion (121) may be provided at least at a portion along the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member (120). The moving gear connection portion (121) may have a gear shape. For example, as the moving gear (102a) of the cover lifting motor (102) and the moving gear connection portion (121) of the rotating member (120) are connected, the rotating member (120) may receive a rotational force from the cover lifting motor (102) and rotate.

[0162] The rotating member (120) may include a moving guide (123) for guiding the movement of the switching member (130). The moving guide (123) may extend in the moving direction of the discharge cover (110). For example, the moving guide (123) may extend in the vertical direction. The moving guide (123) may be provided to be coupled with the moving coupling portion (133) of the switching member (130). For example, the moving coupling portion (133) of the switching member (130) may have a protruding shape, and the moving guide (123) may have a slit shape into which the moving coupling portion (133) is slidably inserted. For example, the number of moving guides (123) may be provided singly or in plurality so as to correspond to the number of moving coupling portions (133).

[0163] The discharge device (100) may include a switching member (130). The switching member (130) may be coupled to the rotating member (120) so as to be rotatable together with the rotating member (120). The switching member (130) may be coupled to the rotating member (120) so as to be movable with respect to the rotating member (120). For example, the switching member (130) may have a ring shape.

[0164] The switching member (130) may include a movable coupling portion (133) that is movably coupled to a movable guide (123) of a rotational member (120). For example, the movable coupling portion (133) may have a shape that protrudes outward from an outer surface of the switching member (130), and the movable guide (123) may have a slit shape into which the movable coupling portion (133) is slidably inserted. For example, the number of movable coupling portions (133) may be provided singly or in plurality so as to correspond to the number of movable guides (123). As the movable coupling portion (133) moves up and down along the movable guide (123), the switching member (130) may move up and down with respect to the rotational member (120).

[0165] The switching member (130) may include a rotational coupling member (131) that is rotatably coupled to the rotational support member (111) of the discharge cover (110). The switching member (130) may be configured so that movement with respect to the discharge cover (110) is limited as the rotational support member (111) and the rotational coupling member (131) are coupled. For example, the rotational coupling member (131) may have a shape that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the switching member (130), and the rotational support member (111) of the discharge cover (110) may have a groove shape formed on the outer circumferential surface of the discharge cover (110).

[0166] The switching member (130) can be coupled to the discharge cover (110) so as to be movable together with the discharge cover (110). The switching member (130) can be coupled to the discharge cover (110) so as to be rotatable with respect to the discharge cover (110).

[0167] The discharge device (100) may include a movable support member (106). The movable support member (106) may guide the movement of the switching member (130) while the rotating member (120) rotates. The movable support member (106) may guide the movement of the switching member (130) in the up and down direction. For example, the movable support member (106) may be formed integrally with the base (101).

[0168] The movable support member (106) may have an inclined shape to move the movable coupling member (133) of the switching member (130) in the up-and-down direction while the switching member (130) rotates. The movable support member (106) may extend along the outer circumference of the switching member (130). For example, the movable support member (106) may be provided so that upwardly sloping portions and downwardly sloping portions are repeated along the outer circumference of the switching member (130). The movable support member (106) may support the movable coupling member (133) of the switching member (130). The movable coupling member (133) of the switching member (130) may slide along the movable support member (106).

[0169] The discharge device (100) may include a movable cover (150) for forming a movable rail (107, see FIG. 8) for a movable coupling portion (133) of a switching member (130) together with a movable support portion (106). The movable cover (150) may be mounted on a base (101). The movable cover (150) may be supported by at least a portion of the movable support portion (106) of the base (101). The movable cover (150) may include a cover slope (151) corresponding to an inclined portion of the movable support portion (106). The movable coupling portion (133) of the switching member (130) may move along a movable rail (107) formed by the movable support portion (106) and the movable cover (150). For example, the movable rail (107) may be formed in three or more portions along the perimeter of the switching member (130).

[0170] The discharge device (100) may include a rotation transmission part (140). The rotation transmission part (140) may be provided to receive power from a cover rotation motor (103) and rotate the discharge cover (110). The rotation transmission part (140) may also be referred to as a discharge cover rotor, a rotation carrier, or a rotation transmission. The rotation transmission part (140) may be referred to by various terms in addition to the exemplified terms.

[0171] The rotation transmission part (140) may include a rotation gear connection part (141) for connection with the cover rotation motor (103). The rotation gear connection part (141) may be provided at least at a portion along the outer circumferential surface of the rotation transmission part (140). The rotation gear connection part (141) may have a gear shape. For example, as the rotation gear (103a) of the cover rotation motor (103) and the rotation gear connection part (141) of the rotation transmission part (140) are connected, the rotation transmission part (140) may receive rotational force from the cover rotation motor (103) and rotate.

[0172] The rotation transmission part (140) may include a part coupling part (145) extending along the movement direction (e.g., up and down) of the discharge cover (110). The part coupling part (145) of the rotation transmission part (140) may be coupled with the cover coupling part (115) of the discharge cover (110). For example, the part coupling part (145) may have a groove shape, and the cover coupling part (115) of the discharge cover (110) may have a protruding shape that is slidably inserted into the part coupling part (145).

[0173] The discharge device (100) can be configured so that the rotation transmission part (140) rotates as the cover rotation motor (103) operates, and the discharge cover (110) rotates without moving as the rotation transmission part (140) rotates. As the part coupling part (145) and the cover coupling part (115) are coupled, the discharge cover (110) is restricted from rotating separately from the rotation transmission part (140), but can be configured so that it can move up and down with respect to the rotation transmission part (140).

[0174] The exhaust device (100) may include a fan device (160). The fan device (160) may include an exhaust fan (161) operable to exhaust a portion of air blown by the blower (30) through the exhaust hole (16a) while the exhaust cover (110) opens the exhaust hole (16a). The fan device (160) may include a fan case (162) in which the exhaust fan (161) is mounted.

[0175] For example, while the fan device (160) is operating, the air conditioner (1) can discharge a greater amount of air through the discharge hole (16a) than the amount of air discharged through the discharge port (13b) among the air blown by the blower (30). While the fan device (160) is operating, the air discharged from the discharge hole (16a) can reach a longer distance from the air conditioner (1). In addition, while the fan device (160) is operating, the movement speed of the air discharged from the discharge hole (16a) can become faster.

[0176] Referring to Fig. 6, the exhaust device (100) of the air conditioner (1) may have an exhaust cover (110) and a switching member (130) disposed on the outside of the rotation transmission part (140) centered on the rotation axis of the exhaust fan (161). A movable support member (106) and a movable cover (150) may be disposed on the outside of the exhaust cover (110) and the switching member (130). A rotating member (120) may be disposed on the outside of the movable support member (106) and the movable cover (150).

[0177] Fig. 7 illustrates a state in which an exhaust device according to one embodiment has its exhaust hole closed. Fig. 8 illustrates a connection relationship between components related to movement of a discharge cover in a state in which an exhaust device according to one embodiment has its exhaust hole closed. Fig. 9 illustrates a lower portion of components related to movement of a discharge cover in a state in which an exhaust device according to one embodiment has its exhaust hole closed.

[0178] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, a state in which the discharge device (100) closes the discharge hole (16a) will be described. When the discharge device (100) closes the discharge hole (16a), the movable coupling part (133) of the switching member (130) may be located below the movable guide (123) of the rotating member (120). The movable coupling part (133) of the switching member (130) may be located below the movable support part (106). The cover coupling part (115) of the discharge cover (110) may be located below the part coupling part (145) of the rotation transmission part (140).

[0179] Fig. 10 illustrates a state in which an exhaust device according to one embodiment has its exhaust hole open. Fig. 11 illustrates a connection relationship between components related to movement of a discharge cover in a state in which an exhaust device according to one embodiment has its exhaust hole open. Fig. 12 illustrates a lower portion of components related to movement of a discharge cover in a state in which an exhaust device according to one embodiment has its exhaust hole open.

[0180] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, a state in which the discharge device (100) opens the discharge hole (16a) will be described. When the discharge device (100) opens the discharge hole (16a), the movable coupling part (133) of the switching member (130) may be positioned above the movable guide (123) of the rotating member (120). The movable coupling part (133) of the switching member (130) may be positioned above the movable support part (106). The cover coupling part (115) of the discharge cover (110) may be positioned above the part coupling part (145) of the rotation transmission part (140).

[0181] As the cover lifting motor (102) operates, the rotating member (120) of the discharge device (100) can rotate. As the rotating member (120) rotates, the switching member (130) can rotate and move upward. As the switching member (130) rotates and moves upward, the discharge cover (110) can move upward without rotating and open the discharge hole (16a).

[0182] As the rotating member (120) rotates, the movable coupling part (133) inserted into the moving guide (123) of the rotating member (120) moves in the direction of rotating the switching member (130). While the movable coupling part (133) moves in the direction of rotating the switching member (130), the movable coupling part (133) moves on the moving support part (106), and since the moving support part (106) has an upwardly inclined shape, the movable coupling part (133) moves upward. As the movable coupling part (133) moves upward, the discharge cover (110) that is coupled to move up and down together with the switching member (130) moves upward.

[0183] While the discharge cover (110) moves upward, the discharge cover (110) moves upward without rotation due to the combination of the part combination (145) of the rotation transmission part (140) and the cover combination (115) of the discharge cover (110).

[0184] In order to operate the discharge device (100) to close the discharge hole (16a) while keeping it open, the above-described process can be performed in reverse. When the cover lifting motor (102) generates a rotational force in the opposite direction to that in which the discharge cover (110) is raised, the rotating member (120) rotates, and as the rotating member (120) rotates, the switching member (130) rotates and moves downward, and as the switching member (130) rotates and moves downward, the discharge cover (110) can be configured to move downward without rotation and close the discharge hole (16a).

[0185] Fig. 13 illustrates a coupling relationship between components related to the rotation of a discharge cover in a state where the discharge device according to one embodiment has its discharge hole open. Fig. 14 illustrates a state where the discharge cover of the discharge device according to one embodiment is rotated. Fig. 15 illustrates a coupling relationship between components related to the rotation of a discharge cover in a state where the discharge cover of the discharge device according to one embodiment is rotated.

[0186] Referring to FIGS. 10, 13, 14, and 15, the operation of rotating the discharge cover (110) of the discharge device (100) is described. The discharge cover (110) of the discharge device (100) can be rotated from the state illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 13 to the state illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0187] As the cover rotation motor (103) operates, the rotation transmission part (140) rotates, and as the rotation transmission part (140) rotates, the discharge cover (110) can rotate without moving in the up and down direction by the coupling of the part coupling part (145) and the cover coupling part (115). Since the switching member (130) is provided so as to be able to rotate separately from the rotation of the discharge cover (110), even if the discharge cover (110) rotates, the switching member (130) may not rotate.

[0188] The discharge cover (110) of the discharge device (100) can be rotated from the state shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 to the state shown in FIGS. 10 and 13 by performing the above-described process in reverse. The cover rotation motor (103) can generate a rotational force in the opposite direction to the above-described direction, and accordingly, the rotation transmission part (140) and the discharge cover (110) can rotate in the opposite direction.

[0189] In this way, the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment can guide a portion of the air blown toward the discharge portion (13b) to the discharge hole (16a) and discharge the air in various ways.

[0190] Fig. 16 is a plan view from above of a portion of an exhaust device according to one embodiment. Fig. 17 illustrates a magnet provided in a rotation transmission part of the exhaust device shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 18 illustrates a sensor provided in a fan case of the exhaust device shown in Fig. 16.

[0191] Referring to FIGS. 16, 17, and 18, the upper surface of the rotation transmission part (140) may have a circular shape. In addition, the upper surface of the rotation transmission part (140) may have a grill shape in which a plurality of holes are formed. As described above, the rotation transmission part (140) may be connected to the cover rotation motor (103) via the rotation gear (103a). Depending on the operation of the cover rotation motor (103), the rotation transmission part (140) may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0192] The exhaust fan (161) may be mounted on a fan case (162). A portion of the fan case (162) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the rotation transmission part (140). For example, the fan case (162) may include a circular structure (162a) and a support (162b) formed integrally with or coupled to the circular structure. The support (162b) may be formed to surround a portion of the outer surface of the circular structure (162a).

[0193] A magnet (146) may be provided at a position of the rotation transmission part (140). The magnet (146) may be fixed at a position of the rotation transmission part (140). For example, the magnet (146) may be provided at a position of an outer portion (e.g., an upper edge) of the rotation transmission part (140). In addition, the magnet (146) may be located on the opposite side of the part coupling portion (145) with respect to the center of the rotation transmission part (140). The magnet (146) is provided to identify the reference position of the rotation transmission part (140) and may also be referred to as a 'position identifier'.

[0194] A first sensor (210) and a second sensor (220) for detecting a magnet (146) may be provided in the fan case (162). In addition, a third sensor (230) for detecting a magnet (146) may also be provided in the fan case (162). The first sensor (210), the second sensor (220), and the third sensor (230) may be provided in the fan case (162) so as to face the magnet (146) that moves by the rotation of the rotation transmission part (140).

[0195] The first sensor (210) may be provided at a first position of the fan case (162). The second sensor (220) may be provided at a second position of the fan case (162) spaced apart from the first position. The first position of the first sensor (210) and the second position of the second sensor (220) may have a predetermined angle with respect to the center of the fan case. The third sensor (230) may be provided at a third position of the fan case (162) spaced apart from the first position and the second position.

[0196] For example, the first angle between the first position of the first sensor (210) and the second position of the second sensor (220), the second angle between the second position of the second sensor (220) and the third position of the third sensor (230), and the third angle between the third position of the third sensor (230) and the first position of the first sensor (210) with respect to the center of the pen case (162) (the center of the circular structure (162a)) may be determined in various ways depending on the design. For example, the first angle, the second angle, and the third angle may be the same.

[0197] The first sensor (210), the second sensor (220), and the third sensor (230) may include magnetic sensors capable of detecting the magnetic force of the magnet (146). For example, the first sensor (210), the second sensor (220), and the third sensor (230) may be TMR (Tunnel Magneto-Resistance).

[0198] As the rotation transmission part (140) rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, the magnet (146) can also rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. When the magnet (146) moves and approaches the first sensor (210), the second sensor (220), or the third sensor (230), the first sensor (210), the second sensor (220), or the third sensor (230) can detect the magnet (146).

[0199] Figure 19 is a control block diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0200] Referring to FIG. 19, the disclosed air conditioner (1) may include a cover rotation motor (103), a first sensor (210), a second sensor (220), a memory (250), and a processor (260). In addition, the air conditioner (1) may include a blower (30), a cover lifting motor (102), and a fan device (160). The air conditioner (1) may further include at least one of a deodorizing device (40), a dust collecting device (50), a third sensor (230), and a user interface (240).

[0201] The memory (250) can store programs and data for controlling the operation of the air conditioner (1). The processor (260) can be electrically connected to various components of the air conditioner (1) and control each of them.

[0202] The processor (260) may be hardware and include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor (260) may control electrically connected components of the air conditioner (1) using programs, instructions, and / or data stored in the memory (250) for the operation of the air conditioner (1). The processor (260) and the memory (250) may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. In addition, one or more processors and one or more memories may be provided.

[0203] The processor (260) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), a MIC (Many Integrated Core), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator.

[0204] The memory (250) can store programs, applications, instructions and / or data for the operation of the air conditioner (1), and can store data generated by the processor (260). For example, the memory (250) can store programs, applications, instructions and / or data for performing cooling operation, heating operation and dehumidifying operation.

[0205] The memory (250) may include non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory for long-term storage of data. The memory (250) may include volatile memory such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data.

[0206] The memory (250) may be implemented in the form of memory embedded in the air conditioner (1) or in the form of memory that can be attached / detachable from the air conditioner (1), depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for operating the air conditioner (1) may be stored in a memory embedded in the air conditioner (1). Data for expanding the functions of the air conditioner (1) may be stored in a memory that can be inserted / removed from the air conditioner (1).

[0207] The blower (30) can rotate to create an air flow that flows inside the housing (10). The processor (260) can control the blower (30) and adjust the rotation speed of the blower (30). Each of the plurality of blowers (30) can be independently controlled by the processor (260).

[0208] The fan device (160) can be controlled to discharge a portion of the air blown by the blower (30) through the discharge hole (16a) while the discharge hole (16a) is open. The fan device (160) can boost the movement of the air generated by the blower (30). The amount of air discharged through the discharge hole (16a) and the speed of movement of the air can be increased by the operation of the fan device (160). The processor (260) can control the fan device (160) and adjust the rotation speed of the fan device (160).

[0209] The deodorizing device (40) can remove odorous substances in the air. In addition, the deodorizing device (40) can sterilize the air by decomposing organic substances in the air. The deodorizing device (40) can include a light source device (41) and a photocatalytic filter (42). The processor (260) can control the operation of the deodorizing device (40). The processor (260) can adjust the power supplied to the deodorizing device (40). The processor (260) can adjust the power supplied to each of the light source device (41) and the photocatalytic filter (42).

[0210] The dust collector (50) can capture aerosols in the air that have passed through the deodorizing device (40). For example, the dust collector (50) may include an electric dust collector that generates ions to charge aerosols and captures the charged aerosols. The processor (260) can control the operation of the dust collector (50). The processor (260) can adjust the power supplied to the dust collector (50).

[0211] The cover lifting motor (102) can generate power to move the discharge cover (110) up and down. The cover lifting motor (102) can be connected to a rotating member (120) via a moving gear (102a). The rotating member (120) can rotate according to the operation of the cover lifting motor (102), and the discharge cover (110) can move upward or downward according to the rotation of the rotating member (120). The processor (260) can change the moving direction of the discharge cover (110) by controlling the rotational direction of the cover lifting motor (102).

[0212] The cover rotation motor (103) can generate power to rotate the discharge cover (110). The cover rotation motor (103) can be connected to the rotation transmission part (140) through the rotation gear (103a). The rotation transmission part (140) can rotate according to the operation of the cover rotation motor (103), and the discharge cover (110) can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise according to the rotation of the rotation transmission part (140). The processor (260) can change the rotation direction of the discharge cover (110) by controlling the rotation direction of the cover rotation motor (103). The rotation transmission part (140) may also be referred to as a discharge cover rotor, a rotation carrier, or a rotation transmission. The rotation transmission part (140) may be referred to by various terms in addition to the exemplified terms.

[0213] The cover rotation motor (103) may include a stepper motor. A stepper motor is a type of DC brushless motor that includes a stator and a rotor that are meshed with small gears. A stepper motor can slowly rotate at a certain angle depending on the current flowing in the stator coil. Conventional technologies adopt an open-loop control method that does not require feedback on the rotation and position of the stepper motor as a control method of the stepper motor. However, since the open-loop control method does not provide feedback on the rotation and position of the stepper motor, it has a problem in that when the position of the rotating body rotated by the stepper motor deviates from the reference position, the rotating body cannot be accurately rotated to the target position.

[0214] For example, the position of the rotation transmission part (140) may deviate from the reference position due to various causes (e.g., external force, temporary malfunction of the motor, etc.). If the position of the rotation transmission part (140) deviates from the reference position, the position of the discharge cover (110) also deviates from the reference position. Air is discharged through the cover opening (117) of the discharge cover (110), and the wind direction is adjusted through the rotation of the discharge cover (110). If the position of the discharge cover (110) deviates from the reference position, the direction of the cover opening (117) cannot be accurately aligned with the target direction, and thus the wind direction adjustment cannot be accurately performed.

[0215] To solve this problem, the disclosed air conditioner (1) can easily move the rotation transmission part (140) to a reference position through position feedback of the rotation transmission part (140). The disclosed air conditioner (1) can feedback the position of the rotation transmission part (140) by using a position identifier (e.g., a magnet (146)) provided at one position of the rotation transmission part (140) and a plurality of sensors (e.g., a first sensor (210) and a second sensor (220)) that detect the position identifier.

[0216] The first sensor (210), the second sensor (220), and the third sensor (230) can detect a position identifier (e.g., a magnet (146)) fixed at a position of the rotation transmission part (140). Each of the first sensor (210), the second sensor (220), and the third sensor (230) can transmit an electrical signal (e.g., a magnet detection signal) corresponding to the detection of the position identifier (e.g., a magnet (146)) to the processor (260). The processor (260) can identify the position of the rotation transmission part (140) based on the detection signals transmitted from each of the first sensor (210), the second sensor (220), and the third sensor (230).

[0217] When a magnet (146) is provided at one position of the rotation transmission part (140), as the rotation transmission part (140) rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, the magnet (146) can also rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. For example, in FIG. 18, when the rotation transmission part (140) starts to rotate clockwise while the magnet (146) is positioned between the first sensor (210) and the third sensor (230) of the pen case (162), the magnet (146) can reach the first sensor (210) before the second sensor (220). When the rotation transmission part (140) rotates clockwise while the magnet (146) is positioned between the first sensor (210) and the second sensor (230), the magnet (146) can reach the second sensor (210) first.

[0218] The processor (260) can control the cover rotation motor (103) to move the rotation transmission part (140) to a reference position. For example, the processor (260) can control the cover rotation motor (103) to move the rotation transmission part (140) to a reference position based on the satisfaction of a power-off condition of the air conditioner (1). The reference position can be replaced with various terms such as a default position or a starting position.

[0219] The power-off condition of the air conditioner (1) may be provided in various ways. For example, the processor (260) may determine that the power-off condition is satisfied based on obtaining a power-off command through the user interface (240) of the air conditioner (1) or a user device. The processor (260) may determine that the power-off condition is satisfied based on the elapse of an operation time set through the user interface (240) of the air conditioner (1) or a user device.

[0220] The first position of the first sensor (210) may be set as the reference position of the rotation transmission part (140). When the magnet (146) is detected by the first sensor (210), the processor (260) determines that the rotation transmission part (140) has reached the reference position and may stop the operation of the cover rotation motor (103). When the magnet (146) is detected by the second sensor (220) or the third sensor (230), the processor (260) determines that the rotation transmission part (140) has not reached the reference position and may continue to operate the cover rotation motor (103).

[0221] For example, the processor (260) may control the cover rotation motor (103) to rotate the rotation transmission part (140) in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) based on the satisfaction of a power-off condition of the air conditioner (1). The processor (260) may control the cover rotation motor (103) to rotate the rotation transmission part (140) in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) based on the detection of the magnet (146) of the rotation transmission part (140) by the second sensor (220).

[0222] Since the reference position is the position of the first sensor (210), when the magnet (146) is first detected by the second sensor (220), the processor (260) can move the magnet (146) to the first position of the first sensor (210) by rotating the rotation transmission part (140) in the opposite direction. By changing the rotation direction so that the rotation transmission part (140) moves toward the reference position, the rotation amount of the cover rotation motor (103) can be reduced, and the time required for the rotation transmission part (140) to reach the reference position can be reduced.

[0223] As another example, the processor (260) may control the cover rotation motor (103) to rotate the rotation transmission part (140) in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) based on the satisfaction of a power-off condition of the air conditioner (1), and may control the cover rotation motor (103) to continue to rotate the rotation transmission part (140) in the first direction (e.g., clockwise) based on the detection of the magnet (146) by the third sensor (230). When the rotation transmission part (140) continues to rotate in the first direction (e.g., clockwise) and the magnet (146) is detected by the first sensor (230), the processor (260) may stop the operation of the cover rotation motor (103). The third sensor (230) may be omitted, but using the third sensor (230) may enable more accurate control of the cover rotation motor (103).

[0224] As another example, the rotation transmission part (140) may be controlled to first rotate in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise), and then rotate in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) when the magnet (146) is first detected by the third sensor (230). When the magnet (146) is detected by the first sensor (210), the processor (260) may determine that the rotation transmission part (140) has reached the reference position and stop the operation of the cover rotation motor (103).

[0225] The reference position of the rotation transmission part (140) may be set to the second position of the second sensor (220) or the third position of the third sensor (230). When the reference position of the rotation transmission part (140) is set to the second position of the second sensor (220), the processor (260) can stop the operation of the cover rotation motor (103) when the magnet (146) is detected by the second sensor (220). When the reference position of the rotation transmission part (140) is set to the third position of the third sensor (230), the processor (260) can stop the operation of the cover rotation motor (103) when the magnet (146) is detected by the third sensor (230).

[0226] The first sensor (210), the second sensor (220), and the third sensor (230) are not limited to magnetic sensors. For example, the first sensor (210), the second sensor (220), and the third sensor (230) may be provided as electrode sensors, and the rotation transmission part (140) may be provided with electrodes instead of magnets (146). When the electrodes of the rotation transmission part (140) rotate and approach the first sensor (210), the second sensor (220), or the third sensor (230), the first sensor (210), the second sensor (220), or the third sensor (230) can detect the electric force of the electrodes. Each of the first sensor (210), the second sensor (220), and the third sensor (230) can transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detection of the electrodes (i.e., an electrode detection signal) to the processor (260).

[0227] In addition, various position identifiers and various sensors can be used to identify the rotation and reference position of the rotation transmission part (140).

[0228] In this way, the disclosed air conditioner (1) can accurately move the rotation transmission part (140) to a reference position by feedback controlling the cover rotation motor (103) that rotates the rotation transmission part (140). Therefore, failure in wind direction control due to deviation from the reference position of the rotation transmission part (140) can be prevented.

[0229] The user interface (240) can acquire user input and output various information. The user interface (240) may include an input interface and an output interface. The user can interact with the air conditioner (1) through the user interface (240).

[0230] The input interface can acquire user input. The input interface can transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the user input to the processor (260). The user input can include various commands. For example, the input interface can acquire a power-on command, a power-off command, an operation mode setting command, a wind direction adjustment command, or a wind speed adjustment command. The user input can also be acquired from a user device (e.g., a mobile device, a smartphone). The processor (260) can control the air conditioner (1) based on the user input acquired through the input interface.

[0231] The input interface may include various buttons. For example, the input interface may include a power button for turning the air conditioner (1) on or off, an operation mode setting button for setting the operation mode of the air conditioner (1), a wind direction adjustment button for adjusting the wind direction, and a wind speed adjustment button for adjusting the wind speed. Each button may include a visual indicator (e.g., text, an image, an icon, etc.) that can indicate its function.

[0232] A 'button' may be implemented as a UI element (User Interface Element), a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, and / or a touch screen. Additionally, the button may be replaced with a jog dial or a microphone.

[0233] The output interface can be controlled by the processor (260) to output various information related to the operation of the air conditioner (1). For example, the output interface can output various information such as the operation mode, wind direction, wind speed, and operation time of the air conditioner (1). The output interface can output visual information and / or auditory information.

[0234] The output interface may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an indicator, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, a micro LED panel, and a speaker.

[0235] The output interface can display user-entered information or information provided to the user on various screens. The output interface can display information related to the operation of the air conditioner (1) in the form of at least one image or text. The output interface can display a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables control of the air conditioner (1).

[0236] The control configuration of the air conditioner (1) is not limited to that illustrated in Fig. 19. The air conditioner (1) may further include other configurations in addition to the illustrated configurations, or may not include some of the illustrated configurations. For example, the air conditioner (1) may further include at least one of a temperature sensor for detecting air temperature, a humidity sensor for detecting air humidity, and a communication interface for communicating with an external device.

[0237] The communication interface can perform wired and / or wireless communication with external devices (e.g., user devices, servers, home appliances, etc.). The communication interface can be controlled to transmit data to the external device or receive data from the external device.

[0238] The communication interface may include at least one of a short-range communication circuit or a long-range communication circuit. The communication interface may support establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel, and communication via the established communication channel. The communication interface may include a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a cellular communication circuit, a short-range wireless communication circuit, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication circuit) and / or a wired communication circuit (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication circuit, or a power line communication circuit).

[0239] The communication interface may communicate with external devices over a short-range communication network (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)), a long-range communication network (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN).

[0240] The short-range wireless communication circuit (short-range wireless communication module) may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication circuit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication circuit, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication circuit, a Zigbee communication circuit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication circuit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication circuit, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication circuit, an Ant+ communication circuit, and a microwave (uWave) communication circuit.

[0241] A long-distance communication circuit may include communication circuits that perform various types of long-distance communication, and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0242] Additionally, the communication interface can communicate with external devices through an access point (AP).

[0243] Figure 20 is a flowchart briefly explaining a control method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0244] Referring to FIG. 20, the processor (260) of the air conditioner (1) can identify that a power-off condition of the air conditioner (1) is satisfied (2001). The power-off condition of the air conditioner (1) can be provided in various ways. For example, the processor (260) can determine that the power-off condition is satisfied based on obtaining a power-off command through the user interface (240) of the air conditioner (1) or a user device. The processor (260) can determine that the power-off condition is satisfied based on the elapse of an operation time set through the user interface (240) of the air conditioner (1) or a user device.

[0245] The processor (260) of the air conditioner (1) can control the cover rotation motor (103) to move the rotation transmission part (140) to the reference position based on whether the power-off condition of the air conditioner (1) is satisfied (2002). The processor (260) of the air conditioner (1) can determine whether to stop the operation of the cover rotation motor (103) based on whether the magnet (146) is detected by the first sensor (210) or the second sensor (220) (2003).

[0246] Figure 21 is a flowchart illustrating in more detail a method for controlling an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0247] Referring to FIG. 21, the processor (260) of the air conditioner (1) can identify that the power-off condition of the air conditioner (1) is satisfied (2101). The 2101 operation corresponds to the 2001 operation described in FIG. 20.

[0248] The processor (260) of the air conditioner (1) can rotate the cover rotation motor (103) in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) based on the satisfaction of the power-off condition of the air conditioner (1) (2102). When the cover rotation motor (103) rotates in the first direction, the rotation transmission part (140) can also rotate in the first direction.

[0249] The processor (260) can identify whether the magnet (146) of the rotation transmission part (140) is detected by the first sensor (210) as the cover rotation motor (103) rotates in the first direction (2103). If the magnet (146) of the rotation transmission part (140) is detected by the first sensor (210), the processor (260) can stop the cover rotation motor (103) (2107). The processor (260) can determine that the rotation transmission part (140) has reached the reference position based on the magnet (146) being detected by the first sensor (210).

[0250] When the rotation transmission part (140) rotates in the first direction, the magnet (146) of the rotation transmission part (140) may be detected first by the second sensor (220) rather than the first sensor (210). The processor (260) can identify (2104) whether the magnet (146) of the rotation transmission part (140) is detected by the second sensor (220) according to the operation of the cover rotation motor (103). When the magnet (146) of the rotation transmission part (140) is not detected by the second sensor (220), the processor (260) can rotate the cover rotation motor (103) in the first direction until the magnet (146) is detected by the first sensor (210).

[0251] The processor (260) can rotate the cover rotation motor (103) in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) based on the detection of the magnet (146) of the rotation transmission part (140) by the second sensor (220) (2105). When the cover rotation motor (103) rotates in the second direction, the rotation transmission part (140) can also rotate in the second direction.

[0252] The processor (260) can identify whether the magnet (146) is detected by the first sensor (210) as the cover rotation motor (103) rotates in the second direction (2106). The processor (260) can rotate the cover rotation motor (103) in the second direction until the magnet (146) is detected by the first sensor (210). When the magnet (146) of the rotation transmission part (140) is detected by the first sensor (210), the processor (260) can stop the cover rotation motor (103) (2107).

[0253] An air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment may include a housing (10); a discharge cover (110) that covers a discharge hole (16a) formed in an upper portion of the housing and includes a cover opening (117) through which air is discharged; a rotation transmission part (140) coupled with the discharge cover to rotate the discharge cover; a cover rotation motor (103) that rotates the rotation transmission part in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction; a fan case (162) on which an exhaust fan (161) that moves air toward the discharge hole and the cover opening is mounted; a magnet (146) provided at a position of the rotation transmission part; a first sensor (210) provided at a first position of the fan case to detect the magnet; a second sensor (220) provided at a second position of the fan case spaced apart from the first position to detect the magnet; and a processor (260). The processor (260) controls the cover rotation motor to move the rotation transmission part to a reference position based on whether the power-off condition of the air conditioner is satisfied, and can determine whether to stop the operation of the cover rotation motor based on whether the magnet is detected by the first sensor or the second sensor.

[0254] The processor can stop the operation of the cover rotation motor based on the magnet being detected by the first sensor.

[0255] The processor may control the cover rotation motor so that the rotation transmission part rotates in the first direction based on the satisfaction of a power-off condition of the air conditioner, and may control the cover rotation motor so that the rotation transmission part rotates in the second direction based on the detection of the magnet by the second sensor.

[0256] The disclosed air conditioner (1) may further include a third sensor provided at a third position of the fan case spaced apart from the first position and the second position to detect the magnet. The processor may control the cover rotation motor so that the rotation transmission part rotates in the first direction based on satisfaction of a power-off condition of the air conditioner, and may control the cover rotation motor so that the rotation transmission part continues to rotate in the first direction based on detection of the magnet by the third sensor.

[0257] The magnet may be provided on the outer circumference of the rotation transmission part having a circular shape. The first sensor and the second sensor may be provided on the pen case so as to face the magnet that moves by the rotation of the rotation transmission part. The first position and the second position may have a predetermined angle with respect to the center of the pen case.

[0258] The disclosed air conditioner (1) may further include a third sensor provided at a third position of the fan case spaced apart from the first position and the second position to detect the magnet. A first angle between the first position and the second position, a second angle between the second position and the third position, and a third angle between the third position and the first position may be the same with respect to the center of the fan case.

[0259] The processor may determine that the power-off condition is satisfied based on obtaining a power-off command through a user interface or a user device.

[0260] The processor may determine that the power-off condition has been satisfied based on the elapse of an operating time set via the user interface or user device.

[0261] The above cover rotation motor may include a step motor.

[0262] In a control method of an air conditioner including a discharge hole formed in an upper portion of a housing, a discharge cover including a cover opening through which air is discharged, a fan case having an exhaust fan for moving air toward the discharge hole and the cover opening, and a processor, the control method according to one embodiment may include: identifying, by the processor, whether a power-off condition of the air conditioner is satisfied; controlling, based on the satisfaction of the power-off condition, a cover rotation motor that rotates a rotation transmission part coupled to the discharge cover to move the rotation transmission part to a reference position; identifying whether a magnet provided at a position of the rotation transmission part is detected by a first sensor provided at a first position of the fan case or a second sensor provided at a second position of the fan case spaced apart from the first position; and determining whether to stop operation of the cover rotation motor based on whether the magnet is detected by the first sensor or the second sensor.

[0263] Determining whether to stop the operation of the cover rotation motor may include stopping the operation of the cover rotation motor based on the magnet being detected by the first sensor.

[0264] Controlling the cover rotation motor may include controlling the cover rotation motor so that the rotation transmission part rotates in the first direction based on the satisfaction of a power-off condition of the air conditioner; and controlling the cover rotation motor so that the rotation transmission part rotates in the second direction based on the detection of the magnet by the second sensor.

[0265] The air conditioner may further include a third sensor provided at a third position of the fan case spaced apart from the first position and the second position to detect the magnet. Controlling the cover rotation motor may include: controlling the cover rotation motor so that the rotation transmission part rotates in the first direction based on a power-off condition of the air conditioner being satisfied; and controlling the cover rotation motor so that the rotation transmission part continues to rotate in the first direction based on the magnet being detected by the third sensor.

[0266] Identifying whether the power off condition is satisfied may include determining that the power off condition is satisfied based on obtaining a power off command through a user interface or a user device.

[0267] Identifying whether the power off condition is satisfied may include determining that the power off condition is satisfied based on the elapse of an operation time set through a user interface or user device.

[0268] The disclosed air conditioner and its control method can easily move the exhaust cover and the rotation transmission part that rotates the exhaust cover to a reference position.

[0269] The disclosed air conditioner and its control method can accurately move the rotation transmission part to a reference position by feedback controlling a cover rotation motor that rotates the rotation transmission part.

[0270] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0271] The disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments.

[0272] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0273] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0274] The various embodiments of the present disclosure, as described in the claims and specification, may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0275] Such software may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores one or more computer programs (software modules), and the one or more computer programs may include computer-executable instructions that, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors of the electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the methods of the present disclosure.

[0276] Such software may be stored in volatile or non-volatile storage, for example in the form of a storage device such as read-only memory (ROM) (whether erasable or rewritable), or in the form of memory such as random access memory (RAM), memory chips, devices or integrated circuits, or in an optically or magnetically readable medium such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a magnetic disk or magnetic tape. It should be understood that the storage devices and storage media are various embodiments of non-transitory machine-readable storage suitable for storing a computer program or computer programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement various embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, various embodiments may provide a program comprising code for implementing an apparatus or method as claimed in any of the claims herein, and a non-transitory machine-readable storage storing such a program.

[0277] 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. Housing; An exhaust cover that covers an exhaust hole formed on the upper part of the housing and includes a cover opening through which air is discharged; A rotation transmission part coupled with the discharge cover to rotate the discharge cover; A cover rotation motor that rotates the above rotation transmission part in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction; A fan case equipped with an exhaust fan that moves air toward the exhaust hole and the cover opening; A magnet provided at one position of the above rotation transmission part; A first sensor provided at a first position of the fan case to detect the magnet; A second sensor provided at a second position of the fan case spaced apart from the first position to detect the magnet; memory for storing one or more computer programs; and It includes one or more processors communicatively coupled with the cover rotation motor, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the memory; The one or more computer programs, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors, comprise computer-executable instructions that cause the air conditioner to: Controlling the cover rotation motor to move the rotation transmission part to a reference position based on the satisfaction of the power-off condition of the air conditioner, An air conditioner that determines whether to stop operation of the cover rotation motor based on whether the magnet is detected by the first sensor or the second sensor.

2. In paragraph 1, The one or more computer programs, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors, comprise computer-executable instructions that cause the air conditioner to: An air conditioner that stops the operation of the cover rotation motor based on the detection of the magnet by the first sensor.

3. In paragraph 2, The one or more computer programs, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors, comprise computer-executable instructions that cause the air conditioner to: Controlling the cover rotation motor so that the rotation transmission part rotates in the first direction based on the satisfaction of the power-off condition of the air conditioner; An air conditioner that controls the cover rotation motor so that the rotation transmission part rotates in the second direction based on the magnet being detected by the second sensor.

4. In paragraph 2, Further comprising a third sensor provided at a third position of the fan case spaced apart from the first position and the second position to detect the magnet; The one or more computer programs, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors, comprise computer-executable instructions that cause the air conditioner to: Controlling the cover rotation motor so that the rotation transmission part rotates in the first direction based on the satisfaction of the power-off condition of the air conditioner; An air conditioner that controls the cover rotation motor so that the rotation transmission part continues to rotate in the first direction based on the magnet being detected by the third sensor.

5. In paragraph 1, The above magnet is provided on the outer circumference of the above rotation transmission part having a circular shape, The first sensor and the second sensor are provided in the fan case so as to face the magnet that moves by the rotation of the rotation transmission part, An air conditioner in which the first position and the second position have predetermined angles based on the center of the pen case.

6. In paragraph 5, Further comprising a third sensor provided at a third position of the fan case spaced apart from the first position and the second position to detect the magnet; An air conditioner in which a first angle between the first position and the second position, a second angle between the second position and the third position, and a third angle between the third position and the first position are the same based on the center of the pen case.

7. In paragraph 1, The one or more computer programs, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors, comprise computer-executable instructions that cause the air conditioner to: An air conditioner that determines that the power-off condition is satisfied based on obtaining a power-off command through a user interface or user device.

8. In paragraph 1, The one or more computer programs, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors, comprise computer-executable instructions that cause the air conditioner to: An air conditioner that determines that the power-off condition has been satisfied based on the elapse of an operation time set through a user interface or user device.

9. In paragraph 1, An air conditioner in which the above cover rotation motor includes a step motor.

10. A method for controlling an air conditioner, comprising: a discharge hole formed at the top of a housing; a discharge cover including a cover opening that covers the discharge hole and discharges air; a fan case equipped with an exhaust fan that moves air toward the discharge hole and the cover opening; and a processor. By the above processor, it is identified whether the power off condition of the air conditioner is satisfied; Based on the above power off condition being satisfied, the cover rotation motor is controlled to rotate the rotation transmission part coupled with the discharge cover to move the rotation transmission part to a reference position; Identifying whether a magnet provided at one position of the above rotation transmission part is detected by a first sensor provided at a first position of the fan case or a second sensor provided at a second position of the fan case spaced apart from the first position; and A control method for an air conditioner, comprising: determining whether to stop operation of the cover rotation motor based on whether the magnet is detected by the first sensor or the second sensor.

11. In paragraph 10, Determining whether the above cover rotation motor stops operating is as follows: A control method for an air conditioner, comprising: stopping the operation of the cover rotation motor based on the detection of the magnet by the first sensor.

12. In paragraph 11, Controlling the above cover rotation motor is as follows: Controlling the cover rotation motor so that the rotation transmission part rotates in the first direction based on the satisfaction of the power-off condition of the air conditioner; A control method for an air conditioner, comprising: controlling the cover rotation motor so that the rotation transmission part rotates in the second direction based on the magnet being detected by the second sensor.

13. In paragraph 11, The above air conditioner Further comprising a third sensor provided at a third position of the fan case spaced apart from the first position and the second position to detect the magnet; Controlling the above cover rotation motor is as follows: Controlling the cover rotation motor so that the rotation transmission part rotates in the first direction based on the satisfaction of the power-off condition of the air conditioner; A control method for an air conditioner, comprising: controlling the cover rotation motor so that the rotation transmission part continues to rotate in the first direction based on the magnet being detected by the third sensor.

14. In paragraph 10, Identifying whether the above power off condition is satisfied is: A method for controlling an air conditioner, comprising: determining that the power-off condition is satisfied based on obtaining a power-off command through a user interface or a user device.

15. In paragraph 10, Identifying whether the above power off condition is satisfied is: A method for controlling an air conditioner, comprising: determining that the power-off condition is satisfied based on the elapse of an operation time set through a user interface or a user device;

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