Air conditioner and method for controlling same

Abstract

An air conditioner according to an embodiment may comprise: a dust collection filter for electrostatically charging foreign substances in the air and collecting the charged foreign substances; a dust sensor for acquiring information on the concentration of the foreign substances collected by the dust collection filter; a user interface; and a control unit for controlling the user interface to measure an average concentration of the foreign substances detected by the dust sensor during a unit time, a dust collection efficiency of the dust collection filter, a weight according to the occurrence of a surrounding environment event, and an accumulated pollution level of the dust collection filter according thereto, and to output a cleaning or replacement notification of the dust collection filter on the basis of the dust collection efficiency or the pollution level.

Description

Air conditioner and its control method

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to an air conditioner for purifying indoor air and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] An air conditioner is a device that draws in polluted air, filters out dust and odor particles contained in the air, purifies the drawn air into clean air, and then discharges the purified air back outside the air conditioner.

[0003] Recently, research is being actively conducted on electrostatic precipitator air conditioners that remove fine dust contained in the air through electrical methods.

[0004] Electrostatic precipitator air conditioners can improve indoor air quality by generating an electric field to collect and remove fine dust using the electric field. However, regular filter replacement or cleaning is required, and it has been difficult to determine when to replace or clean the filter.

[0005] The disclosed invention provides an air conditioner and a control method thereof that determines the exact time for filter replacement or cleaning based on the dust collection efficiency of the filter and the dust concentration detected by the dust sensor.

[0006] An air conditioner according to one embodiment may include a dust filter that charges foreign substances in the air and collects the charged foreign substances; a dust sensor that obtains information on the concentration of the foreign substances captured in the dust filter; a user interface; and a control unit that measures an average concentration of the foreign substances detected by the dust sensor for a unit time, a dust collection efficiency of the dust collection filter, a weighting factor according to occurrence of an ambient environmental event, and a cumulative contamination level of the dust collection filter according to the weighting factor, and controls the user interface to output a notification for cleaning or replacing the dust collection filter based on the dust collection efficiency or the contamination level.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a control method of an air conditioner is provided, which controls an air conditioner by charging foreign substances in the air and collecting the charged foreign substances to condition the air, wherein information on the concentration of the foreign substances captured in the dust collecting filter is obtained, an average concentration of the foreign substances detected by the dust sensor for a unit time is calculated based on the information on the concentration, a dust collection efficiency of the dust collecting filter is calculated, a weight is determined based on the occurrence of an ambient environmental event, a cumulative contamination level of the dust collecting filter is measured based on the average concentration of the foreign substances, the dust collection efficiency, and the weight, and a user interface is controlled to output a notification for cleaning or replacing the dust collecting filter based on the cumulative contamination level.

[0008] The disclosed air conditioner and its control method can determine the exact time for filter replacement or cleaning by reflecting the rate of decrease in dust collection efficiency.

[0009] The disclosed air conditioner and its control method can determine the exact time for filter replacement or cleaning by reflecting environmental changes around the air conditioner.

[0010] Accordingly, the air conditioning efficiency of the air conditioner can be improved and the user experience can be enhanced.

[0011] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the B-B' direction of an electric dust collector (400) according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 is an exploded view of an electric dust collector (400) according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 is a control block diagram of the configurations of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 is a drawing for explaining an experimental example showing that the dust collection efficiency of an air conditioner decreases over time during actual use.

[0018] Figure 8 is a drawing for explaining an experimental example showing that the amount of reduction in dust collection efficiency over time varies depending on environmental events surrounding the air conditioner.

[0019] Figure 9 is a drawing for explaining an experimental example showing that the amount of accumulated pollutants changes over time depending on environmental events surrounding the air conditioner.

[0020] Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 11 is a flowchart explaining the control sequence up to the start of average dust concentration detection in detecting the average dust concentration of a dust collection filter.

[0022] Fig. 12 is a flowchart explaining a control method of an air conditioner according to another embodiment.

[0023] 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 encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0024] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0028] 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).

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] *Meanwhile, the terms "front", "back", "left", "right", "up", "down", etc. used in the description below are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. The symbols attached to each step are used to identify each step, and these symbols do not indicate the order between each step, and each step may be performed in a different order from the specified order unless the context clearly indicates a specific order.

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, an arrow marked as X points from the rear to the front of the air conditioner (1). The X direction may be referred to as the first direction.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the air conditioner (1) may include a main body (10) forming an exterior, a front panel (20) coupled to the front of the main body (10) to form the front of the air conditioner (1), and a rear panel (30) coupled to the rear of the main body (10) to form the rear of the air conditioner (1).

[0039] The main body (10) may include an upper panel (11) forming an upper surface, a lower panel (12) forming a lower surface, and side panels (13) forming both side surfaces. A front panel (20) and a rear panel (30) may be provided on the front and rear surfaces of the main body (10), respectively.

[0040] The front panel (20) may be formed in a plate shape. The front panel (20) may be provided with an exhaust port (21) for exhausting purified air from inside the main body (10). The exhaust port (21) may include an exhaust port (22). The exhaust port (22) may be provided on the front of the front panel (20). At least one exhaust port (22) may be formed. The number and position of the exhaust ports (22) are not limited to those exemplified. The exhaust ports (22) may be provided to exhaust air in various directions. In addition, although the front panel (20) is exemplified as being separately provided on the front of the main body (10), it is not limited thereto. The front panel (20) may be formed integrally with the main body (10).

[0041] The air conditioner (1) may include a user interface (430). The user interface (430) may include an input unit (431) and an output unit (432), and may be provided on the outer surface of the main body (10). For example, the user interface (430) may be provided on the front panel (20).

[0042] The rear panel (30) may be formed in a plate shape with a size corresponding to the rear of the main body (10). A suction port (31) for introducing external air may be formed on the rear panel (30). The suction port (31) may include a plurality of suction ports (32) evenly distributed over the entire rear panel (30). The number and positions of the suction ports (32) are not limited to those exemplified. For example, a plurality of suction ports (32) may be provided only in a portion of the suction port (31).

[0043] The intake portion (31) of the rear panel (30) may be formed so that external air is introduced from the rear of the main body (10) toward the inside of the main body (10). Air introduced into the interior of the main body (10) through the intake portion (31) may be discharged through the exhaust portion (21) of the front panel (20). In other words, air may be introduced into the rear panel (30) of the main body (10) in the first direction (X) and discharged through the front panel (20).

[0044] Figure 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, the air conditioner (1) may include a filter case (50), a dust collector (100), and a dust sensor (300) installed inside the main body (10). The dust collector (100) may include a primary filter (110) and a secondary filter (120). The air conditioner (1) may further include a sterilizing device (200) inside the main body (10).

[0046] An air conditioner (1) can remove fine dust contained in the air. The fine dust removal operation may include a dust collection operation. In addition, the fine dust removal operation may include a dust collection operation and a sterilization operation.

[0047] The filter case (50) may be provided to accommodate the dust collector (100) and the sterilizer (200). The filter case (50) may be fixedly coupled to the inside of the main body (10). By the filter case (50), the dust collector (100) and the sterilizer (200) may be fixed to the inside of the main body (10).

[0048] The filter case (50) may include a receiving portion (51), an air passage hole (52), and a rib (53). The receiving portion (51) may be formed by opening one surface of the filter case (50). The air passage hole (52) may be formed on the other surface of the filter case (50) so that purified air flows through the dust collector (100) and the sterilizer (200). The rib (53) may include a rib (53) that forms the air passage hole (52) and prevents the dust collector (100) and the sterilizer (200) from moving forward of the filter case (50). A plurality of air passage holes (52) may be provided.

[0049] The dust collector (100) is mounted inside the main body (10) and can remove dust contained in the air flowing in through the suction part (31) of the rear panel (30).

[0050] The pre-filter (110) of the dust collector (100) can filter dust in the air. The pre-filter (110) can be placed adjacent to the suction unit (31). The pre-filter (110) can collect dust, foreign substances, etc. that are larger than a preset size. The pre-filter (110) can be placed at the rearmost position in the first direction (X) within the main body (10) among the components of the dust collector (100).

[0051] The dust collecting filter (120) of the dust collecting device (100) may be provided to collect foreign substances that have passed through the pre-filter (110). At this time, the dust collecting filter (120) may be implemented as an electric dust collecting device (400) that can electrically collect foreign substances that have passed through the pre-filter (110). When the dust collecting filter (120) is implemented as an electric dust collecting device (400), the control unit (500) of the air conditioner (1) may control the power supply unit (600) to supply power to the electric dust collecting device (400). The electric dust collecting device (400) may be arranged in front of the pre-filter (110). That is, the pre-filter (110) and the electric dust collecting device (400) may be sequentially arranged on the air flow path.

[0052] The dust collector (100) may further include a pre-filter (110), an electric dust collector (400), a deodorizing filter for removing various odors and harmful gases in the air, a HEPA filter for removing fine dust in the air, a carbon dioxide adsorption filter for removing carbon dioxide in the air, etc.

[0053] Although not shown, the air conditioner (1) may further include a fan case and a blower fan inside the main body (10). The blower fan may be coupled to the fan case. By the operation of the blower fan, air outside the main body (10) may be introduced into the main body (10). In addition, the air introduced into the main body (10) may pass through a dust collector (100) or a sterilizer (200) and then be discharged outside the main body (10).

[0054] When the air conditioner (1) operates, air from outside the main body (10) is drawn into the inside of the main body (10), passes through the dust collector (100) or sterilizer (200), and is discharged outside the main body (10).

[0055] The dust sensor (300) may be provided adjacent to the dust collection filter (120). For example, the dust sensor (300) may be provided between the pre-filter (110) and the electric dust collector (400) within the main body (10), and may be provided in contact with one surface of the dust collection filter (120). The dust sensor (300) may detect the concentration of dust accumulated on the dust collection filter (120). In other words, the dust sensor (300) may obtain information for determining the degree of contamination of the electric dust collector (400) and transmit the obtained information to the control unit (500).

[0056] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the B-B' direction of an electric dust collector (400) according to one embodiment.

[0057] Figure 5 is an exploded view of an electric dust collector (400) according to one embodiment.

[0058] *The electrostatic precipitator (400) may include a charging unit (60) and a dust collecting unit (80). The charging unit (60) may charge an aerosol in the air. The dust collecting unit (80) may capture the aerosol charged by the charging unit (60) and remove it from the air. The charging unit (60) may be arranged in front of the dust collecting unit (80) in the first direction (X).

[0059] In addition to the electric precipitator (50), the air conditioner (1) may include various filter devices (not shown). For example, a fine dust collecting filter in the form of a non-woven fabric made of polypropylene resin or polyethylene resin and / or a granular activated carbon filter may be optionally provided.

[0060] The charging unit (60) may include a discharge electrode (61). The discharge electrode (61) may be disposed inside the main body (10). The discharge electrode (61) may generate ions. For example, the discharge electrode (61) may receive a high voltage from the power supply unit (51) to emit electrons, and ions may be generated by corona discharge when the electrons collide with air molecules. The discharge electrode (61) may receive a voltage to emit electrons, and may generate negative or positive ions in a relationship with air molecules. For example, a voltage of 2000 V to 20000 V or less may be applied to the discharge electrode (61). The discharge electrode (61) may be disposed to generate ions toward the suction port (31).

[0061] When voltage is applied to the discharge electrode (61), a corona discharge may occur at the discharge electrode (61). The discharge electrode (61) generates electrons, which can generate ions in a relationship with air molecules.

[0062] For example, when a (-) electrode is applied to the discharge electrode (61) and the discharge electrode (61) generates negative ions, the negative ions can charge the aerosol toward the (-) electrode. When a (+) electrode is applied to the discharge electrode (61) and the discharge electrode (61) generates positive ions, the positive ions can charge the aerosol toward the (+) electrode. In the drawing, the discharge electrode (61) generates negative ions as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the discharge electrode (61) may also generate positive ions.

[0063] The discharge electrode (61) may include a plurality of discharge electrodes (61). The plurality of discharge electrodes (61) may be spaced apart from each other. In the drawing, nine discharge electrodes (61) are illustrated as an example, but the number of discharge electrodes (61) is not limited thereto.

[0064] The discharge unit (60) may include a printed circuit board (53). The printed circuit board (53) may be electrically connected to a discharge electrode (61) so that the discharge electrode (61) may emit electrons. The printed circuit board (53) may extend in one direction and be electrically connected to a plurality of discharge electrodes (61). The printed circuit board (53) may include a plurality of printed circuit boards (53). The plurality of printed circuit boards (53) may be spaced apart from each other in a direction different from the direction in which they extend from each other.

[0065] The charging unit (60) may include an electric field induction electrode (71). The electric field induction electrode (71) may induce an electric field with the discharge electrode (61). The electric field induction electrode (71) may be disposed upstream of the discharge electrode (61) with respect to the air flow direction. That is, it may be disposed behind the discharge electrode (61) in the first direction (X). The electric field induction electrode (71) may be disposed between the inlet (31) and the discharge electrode (61). The electric field induction electrode (71) may be disposed closer to the inlet (31) than to the outlet (22).

[0066] At least a portion of the field induction electrode (71) may include a conductive material. At least a portion of the field induction electrode (71) may include a metal. At least a portion of the field induction electrode (71) may include a metal or a conductive material exhibiting electrical characteristics similar thereto.

[0067] The field induction electrode (71) can be grounded. For example, the field induction electrode (71) can maintain a voltage of approximately 0 V. The field induction electrode (71) can maintain a lower potential than the discharge electrode (61). Therefore, a constant potential difference can be formed between the field induction electrode (71) and the discharge electrode (61). An electric field can be formed between the field induction electrode (71) and the discharge electrode (61). High-density ions can be generated between the discharge electrode (61) and the field induction electrode (71).

[0068] At least a portion of the field induction electrode (71) may include a metal or a conductive material exhibiting similar electrical characteristics.

[0069] Since the electric field induction electrode (71) maintains a potential difference with the discharge electrode (61), corona discharge continues to occur at the discharge electrode (61), and ions can continue to be generated.

[0070] By the action between the electric field induction electrode (71) and the discharge electrode (61), charging can occur inside the main body (10). Ions generated at the discharge electrode (61) can charge aerosol in the air between the discharge electrode (61) and the electric field induction electrode (71).

[0071] Ions generated by the discharge electrode (61) can charge aerosols in the air in the space between the discharge electrode (61) and the electric field induction electrode (71). The charged aerosols can be captured by the dust collector (80).

[0072] The field induction electrode (71) may have a closed loop shape. The field induction electrode (71) may have a polygonal ring shape. The electrode portion (72) may have a polygonal ring shape. The electrode portion (72) may be formed in a closed loop shape to form an opening. Accordingly, the opening may also have a polygonal shape. For example, a discharge electrode (61) may be placed in the opening (75) formed by the field induction electrode (71).

[0073] An electric dust collector (50) may include a dust collecting unit (80). The dust collecting unit (80) may be electrically connected to a power supply unit (600). The dust collecting unit (80) may include a first dust collecting electrode (82) and a second dust collecting electrode (83) that are alternately arranged in a left-right direction or an up-down direction.

[0074] The first dust collecting electrode (82) can be applied with a high voltage from the power supply unit (600), and the second dust collecting electrode (83) can be grounded. A higher voltage is applied to the first dust collecting electrode (82) than to the second dust collecting electrode (83), so that the first dust collecting electrode (82) can be formed as a positive (+) electrode, and the second dust collecting electrode (83) can be formed as a negative (-) electrode. An electric field is formed between the first dust collecting electrode (82) and the second dust collecting electrode (83), so that the aerosol charged from the charging unit (60) can be captured by the dust collecting electrodes (82, 83).

[0075] The discharge unit (60) may further include a ground electrode (91). The ground electrode (91) may be positioned downstream of the discharge electrode (61) with respect to the air flow direction. The ground electrode (91) may be a downstream electrode (91). The ground electrode (91) may be positioned between the discharge electrode (61) and the dust collector (80). The ground electrode (91) may be positioned adjacent to the dust collector (80).

[0076] The ground electrode (91) can be grounded. For example, the ground electrode (91) can maintain a voltage of approximately 0 V. The ground electrode (91) can maintain a lower potential than the discharge electrode (61). Therefore, a constant potential difference can be formed between the ground electrode (91) and the discharge electrode (61). An electric field can be formed between the ground electrode (91) and the discharge electrode (61). High-density ions can be generated between the discharge electrode (61) and the ground electrode (91).

[0077] The ground electrode (91) may have a mesh shape. The ground electrode (91) may have a plate shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the ground electrode (91) may have the same shape as the electric field induction electrode (71).

[0078] Part or all of the ground electrode (91) may comprise a conductive material. Part or all of the ground electrode (91) may comprise a metal. At least a portion of the ground electrode (91) may comprise a metal or a conductive material exhibiting electrical characteristics similar thereto.

[0079] Charging can occur by the action between the ground electrode (91) and the discharge electrode (61). Ions generated by the discharge electrode (61) can charge aerosols in the air between the discharge electrode (61) and the ground electrode (91).

[0080] The ions generated by the discharge electrode (61) can charge the aerosol in the air in the space between the discharge electrode (61) and the ground electrode (91). The charged aerosol can be captured by the dust collector (80).

[0081] The ground electrode (91) can strengthen the electric field downstream of the discharge electrode (61), thereby increasing the efficiency of charging the aerosol in the charging section (60).

[0082] In addition, since ions generated through the discharge electrode (61) can be removed while passing through the ground electrode (91), ion accumulation at the dust collecting electrode (82, 83) can be prevented. Accordingly, the decrease in electric field strength between the discharge electrode (61) and the electric field induction electrode (71) due to ion accumulation at the dust collecting electrode (82, 83) can be minimized.

[0083] Fig. 6 is a control block diagram of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 6, the air conditioner (1) may include a blower fan (70), an electric dust collector (400), a sterilizing device (200), a dust sensor (300), a user interface (430), a communication unit (440), a control unit (500), and a power supply unit (600). In addition, the air conditioner (1) may further include a temperature sensor (410) and a humidity sensor (420). The control unit (500) may be electrically connected to components of the air conditioner (1) and may control each component. The components of the air conditioner (1) are not limited to those exemplified. Some of the components of the air conditioner (1) described above may be omitted, or other components may be added.

[0085] The blower fan (70) may include a motor and blades. By the operation of the blower fan (70), air from outside the main body (10) may be introduced into the inside of the main body (10). In addition, the air introduced into the inside of the main body (10) may pass through the dust collector (100) and the sterilizer (200) and then be discharged outside the main body (10).

[0086] As described above, the dust collecting filter (120) can be implemented as an electric dust collecting device (400). The electric dust collecting device (400) is mounted inside the main body (10) and can remove dust contained in the air that flows in through the suction part (31) of the rear panel (30). The dust collecting device (100) generates an electric field, and the generated electric field can generate an electric attraction force on dust particles in the air and attract them. When the electric dust collecting device (400) is implemented as an electric dust collecting device, the control unit (500) can control a power supply unit (not shown) to supply power to the electric dust collecting device (400). Hereinafter, the dust collecting filter (120) means a dust collecting filter (120) implemented as an electric dust collecting device (400).

[0087] The sterilizing device (200) may include an ultraviolet irradiation device. The sterilizing device (200) can remove bioaerosols such as allergens, bacteria, and viruses in the air. For the sterilizing operation, the control unit (500) can control a power supply unit (not shown) to supply power to the sterilizing device (200).

[0088] The dust sensor (300) can detect the concentration of dust accumulated in the dust collection filter (120). The dust sensor (300) can generate a detection signal corresponding to the detection of the dust concentration and transmit the detection signal to the control unit (500). That is, the dust sensor (300) can transmit information on the concentration of dust to the control unit (500) for determining the degree of contamination of the dust collection filter (120). The dust sensor (300) can start operating based on the power of the air conditioner (1) being turned on.

[0089] The temperature sensor (410) can measure indoor temperature. The temperature sensor (410) can transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the measured indoor temperature to the control unit (500). The humidity sensor (420) can measure indoor humidity. The humidity sensor (420) can transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the measured indoor humidity to the control unit (500). Indoor humidity may refer to relative humidity. Alternatively, the air conditioner (1) may obtain indoor air quality information, including indoor temperature and indoor humidity, from an external device. In this case, the temperature sensor (410) and the humidity sensor (420) may be omitted from the air conditioner (1).

[0090] The user interface (430) may include an input unit (431) and an output unit (432). The input unit (431) may include various buttons, dials, and / or a touch display. The input unit (431) may acquire various user inputs regarding the operation of the air conditioner (1). The input unit (431) may output an electrical signal (voltage or current) corresponding to the user input to the control unit (500) of the air conditioner (1). For example, the air volume may be selected in the air purification mode through the user interface (430). For example, the control unit (500) may execute an air purification operation based on the air volume selected.

[0091] The output unit (432) may be provided on the outer surface of the main body (10). The output unit (432) may display information regarding the status and / or operation of the air conditioner (1). The output unit (432) may display information input by the user or information provided to the user on various screens. The output unit (432) may display information related to the operation of the air conditioner (1) in the form of at least one image or text. The output unit (432) may also display a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables control of the air conditioner (1). That is, the output unit (432) may display a user interface element (UI element) such as an icon.

[0092] The output unit (432) may include various types of display panels. For example, the output unit (432) may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD Panel), a light emitting diode panel (LED Panel), an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED Panel), or a micro LED panel.

[0093] The output unit (432) may be implemented as a touch display. The touch display may include a display panel for displaying images and a touch panel for receiving touch input. The display panel may convert image data received from the control unit (500) into an optical signal that can be viewed by the user. The touch panel may identify the user's touch input and provide an electrical signal corresponding to the received touch input to the control unit (500). If the output unit (432) is provided as a touch display, the input unit (431) may not be provided.

[0094] The user interface (430) may further include a microphone for acquiring user voice input and / or a speaker for outputting sound.

[0095] The power supply unit (600) can supply power to each component of the air conditioner (1). Specifically, one end of the power supply unit (600) is connected to a commercial power source, and the other end is connected to each component of the air conditioner (1) to supply power for operation of each component.

[0096] For example, the power supply unit (600) can supply power to the electric dust collector (400) based on a control signal from the control unit (500).

[0097] Additionally, the power supply unit (600) can apply a high voltage to the discharge electrode (61) or apply a high voltage to the first dust collecting electrode (82) based on the control signal of the control unit (500).

[0098] The communication unit (440) can communicate with external devices. For example, the external devices may include air quality sensors installed in indoor or outdoor spaces and / or servers providing outdoor air quality information. The communication unit (440) may include a wired communication module and / or a wireless communication module for communicating with the external devices. The wired communication module may communicate with the external devices via a wide area network such as the Internet, and the wireless communication module may communicate with the external devices via an access point connected to the wide area network.

[0099] The control unit (500) may include a processor (510) and a memory (520). The processor (510) may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the integrated air conditioning system (2) based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in the memory (520). The processor (510) may be hardware and include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor (510) may process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from the memory (520) and generate a control signal according to the processing results. The processor (510) and the memory (520) may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0100] The memory (520) can store / remember various types of information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner (1). The memory (520) can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner (1). The memory (520) may include volatile memory such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAM) for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory (520) may include nonvolatile memory such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) for long-term storage of data.

[0101] The control unit (500) can measure the average concentration of foreign substances detected by the dust sensor (300) for a unit of time, the dust collection efficiency of the dust collection filter (120), the weight according to the occurrence of an environmental event, and the accumulated contamination level of the dust collection filter according to the weight, and control the user interface (430) to output a cleaning or replacement notification of the dust collection filter (120) based on the dust collection efficiency or contamination level.

[0102] The control unit (500) can measure the cumulative contamination level (G) of the dust collection filter based on the following equation 1.

[0103] [Formula 1]

[0104] G n = G n-1 + w×C n ×Q C ×△t×η Q

[0105] (w is the above weight, △t is the above unit time (min), C n is the average concentration (㎍ / ㎥) of the above pollutant, Q Cis the driving air volume (㎥ / min), η Q is the dust collection efficiency (%))

[0106] At this time, the control unit (500) can measure the accumulated contamination level of the dust collection filter (120) based on the preset operating air volume and unit time according to the operating mode of the air conditioner (1).

[0107] The control unit (500) can measure the dust collection efficiency based on the following equation 2.

[0108] [Formula 2]

[0109] η Q =η Q0 ×exp(-C×G n )

[0110] (η Q0 G is the dust collection efficiency (%) when the accumulated pollutant amount of the above dust collection filter is 0. n is the cumulative contamination level of the above dust collection filter, and C is the attenuation constant)

[0111] The control unit (500) can apply a greater weight as the amount of change in the concentration of the foreign substance during the unit time of the external environmental event increases.

[0112] The control unit (500) can apply a weight (w) according to Equation 3 below.

[0113] [Formula 3]

[0114] △C i (Concentration change between units of time = C n -C n-1 ) < C1㎍ / ㎥:w=1,

[0115] C1㎍ / ㎥ ≤△C i < C2㎍ / ㎥:w=1.2,

[0116] C2㎍ / ㎥ ≤△C i < C3㎍ / ㎥:w=1.5,

[0117] C3㎍ / ㎥ ≤△C i: w=2

[0118] At this time, C1 <C2<C3이며, C1, C2, C3는 미리 설정된 최소 먼지 농도(C n ㎍ / ㎥) and maximum dust concentration (C m Dust concentration range (C) with ㎍ / ㎥ n ㎍ / ㎥~C m The value can be within ㎍ / ㎥.

[0119] For example, C1- C n value , C2- C1 value, C3- C2 value and C m - C3 values ​​can be the same or different.

[0120] The control unit (500) can initiate calculation of the average concentration of foreign substances based on the fact that the dust collection filter (120) has been reset and a clean mode initiation input has been received from the user interface (430).

[0121] At this time, resetting the dust filter may include replacing or cleaning the dust filter.

[0122] The control unit (500) can control the user interface (430) to output a cleaning or replacement notification for the dust filter (120) based on whether the measured cumulative contamination level of the dust filter (120) is higher than a preset threshold contamination level.

[0123] The control unit (500) can control the user interface (430) to output a cleaning or replacement notification of the dust collection filter based on the decrease in the dust collection efficiency of the calculated dust collection filter being greater than or equal to a reference value compared to the dust collection efficiency of the initial dust collection filter.

[0124] Figure 7 is a drawing for explaining an experimental example showing that the dust collection efficiency of an air conditioner (1) decreases over time during actual use.

[0125] < Experiment on changes in dust collection efficiency in real-world environments >

[0126] 1 and 2 are two detections of changes in dust collection efficiency (%) according to operating time (h) in the actual use environment (e.g., inside a house) of the user's air conditioner (1) under the same conditions.

[0127] Tables 1 and 2 below show the dust collection efficiency (%) of the dust collection filter (120) according to the operating time (h) of Experimental Examples 1 and 2, respectively.

[0128] Figure 7 is a drawing showing the experimental results according to Tables 1 and 2 in a graph, where the x-axis represents the operating time (h) and the y-axis represents the dust collection efficiency (%) compared to the initial (i.e., when the operating time is 0 hours) dust collection efficiency.

[0129] Operating time (h) 093255.5420.5662133117402236.52471.5 Dust collection efficiency (%) 100% 87% 95% 70% 68% 71% 59% 48% 43%

[0130] Operating time (h) 093255.5420.5662133117402236.52471.5 Dust collection efficiency (%) 100% 98% 101% 83% 86% 58% 38% 57% 52%

[0131] According to Table 1, Table 2, and Fig. 7, in an actual use environment, the dust collection efficiency (%) of the dust collection filter (120) implemented as an electric dust collector decreases as the operating time increases. That is, as the time of using the air conditioner (1) increases, the dust collected on the outer surface of the dust collection filter (120) is not removed but accumulates, and accordingly, the electrical attraction formed in the dust collection filter (120) may weaken. Accordingly, the efficiency of collecting dust included in the air passing through the dust collection filter (120) may decrease. Therefore, it was confirmed through Experimental Examples 1 and 2 that the decrease in dust collection efficiency must be taken into account in order to determine the degree of contamination of an actual dust collection filter (120).

[0132] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, it is explained that the matters to be considered when determining the degree of contamination of the dust collection filter (120) may include events occurring in the installation environment of the air conditioner (1) (e.g., user entry, increase in fine dust due to cooking, etc.).

[0133] Figure 8 is a drawing for explaining an experimental example showing that the amount of reduction in dust collection efficiency over time varies depending on environmental events surrounding the air conditioner.

[0134] Figure 9 is a drawing for explaining an experimental example showing that the amount of accumulated pollutants changes over time depending on environmental events surrounding the air conditioner.

[0135] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show the dust collection efficiency (%) over time and the accumulated contamination amount (mg) of the dust collection filter (120) over time by changing the environmental events surrounding the air conditioner (1) while maintaining the specifications and operation mode of the air conditioner (1) itself the same during the operation of the air conditioner (1). Accordingly, the x-axis of FIG. 6 represents the operating time (h), the y-axis represents the dust collection efficiency (%) compared to the initial (i.e., when the operating time is 0 hours) dust collection efficiency, and the x-axis of FIG. 7 represents the operating time (h), and the y-axis represents the accumulated contamination amount (mg).

[0136] At this time, the ambient environmental event may include a rapid change in the concentration of pollutants detected by the dust sensor (300) of the air conditioner (1). For example, if a user is in a space with a lot of fine dust and then moves into a room where the air conditioner (1) is located, the concentration of fine dust in the room may increase, so it may be determined that an ambient environmental event has occurred.

[0137] Additionally, ambient environmental events can be categorized based on the magnitude of the change in pollutant concentration. Accordingly, in the following, a relatively large change in pollutant concentration is referred to as a large ambient environmental event, and a relatively small change in pollutant concentration is referred to as a small ambient environmental event. For example, if a user cooks food and the food is heated, more fine dust may be generated than if the user were in a space with a lot of fine dust and then moved into a room where an air conditioner (1) is located. In this case, it can be determined that an ambient environmental event greater than the user presence event has occurred.

[0138] S1 in FIGS. 8 and 9 corresponds to a comparative example that assumes that the dust collection efficiency does not change over time and that no ambient environmental event occurs. S2, S3, and S4 may each correspond to experimental examples in which an ambient environmental event factor is added to S1 (i.e., the comparative example). In this case, the dust concentration change is large in the order of S2 > S3 > S4 in the ambient environmental event. (That is, an ambient environmental event occurred in which the dust concentration change is large in the order of S2 > S3 > S4.)

[0139] According to Fig. 8, it was confirmed that the greater the environmental event occurred (i.e., from S1 to S4), the greater the decrease in dust collection efficiency during the same operating time.

[0140] In other words, since the amount of reduction in dust collection efficiency may vary depending on the occurrence of surrounding environmental events, the exact amount of reduction in dust collection efficiency can be calculated only by taking surrounding environmental events into account.

[0141] Below, with reference to Figure 9, when an actual surrounding environment event occurs,

[0142] Explains whether the accumulated contamination level of the dust collection filter (120) can be affected.

[0143] According to Fig. 9, it was confirmed that the actual accumulated contamination amount was lower when an ambient environmental event did not occur (S1) and when an ambient environmental event occurred (S2, S3, S4). In other words, it was confirmed that the contamination level of the actual dust collection filter (120) can be accurately determined only when the occurrence of an ambient environmental event is reflected.

[0144] That is, when determining the degree of contamination of the dust collection filter (120) based on the concentration of contaminants detected by the dust sensor (300), the degree of contamination of the dust collection filter (120) can be accurately calculated by reflecting the amount of decrease in dust collection efficiency and the occurrence of surrounding environmental events. Accordingly, the problem of providing a notification at an inaccurate (i.e., premature) cleaning / replacement time that may occur when a notification for cleaning / replacement of the filter is provided based only on the detection value of the dust sensor (300) without considering the amount of decrease in dust collection efficiency and surrounding environmental events can be resolved.

[0145] Below, a method for calculating the exact contamination level of a dust collection filter (120) by reflecting the amount of decrease in dust collection efficiency and the occurrence of an environmental event is explained using Equation 1.

[0146] [Formula 1]

[0147] G n = G n-1 + w×C n ×Q C ×△t×η Q

[0148] At this time, G is a variable for determining the total accumulated contamination of the dust collection filter (120), w is a weight according to the surrounding environmental event, △t is the unit time (min) for operating the air conditioner (1), and C n is the average concentration (㎍ / ㎥) of pollutants (e.g., dust) detected by the dust sensor (300) per unit time, and may be a value that detects fine dust of PM2.5. In addition, Q C is the operating air volume (㎥ / min) of the air conditioner (1), η QIt corresponds to the dust collection efficiency (%) according to the operating wind speed of the air conditioner (1).

[0149] According to the above equation 1, G, which represents the contamination level of the dust collecting filter (120), can be calculated through the operating time of the air conditioner (1), the operating air volume, the dust collection efficiency reduction value, the dust concentration of the dust collecting filter (120), and the contamination weight.

[0150] *At this time, w, C n Wow η Q Other variables except for are preset values, and constant values ​​determined according to the operation mode or settings of the air conditioner (1) selected or preset by the user are applied.

[0151] C n The average value of the concentration value of pollutants detected by the dust sensor (300) installed in the air conditioner (1) can be calculated for a unit time (Δt).

[0152] η Q can be obtained through the following equation 2.

[0153] [Formula 2]

[0154] η Q =η Q0 ×exp(-C×G n )

[0155] At this time, η Q0 represents the dust collection efficiency when the accumulated pollutant amount of the dust collection filter (120) is 0 (i.e., the initial dust collection efficiency, for example, 100%), G represents a variable for determining the total accumulated pollutant amount (㎍) of the dust collection filter (120), and C represents an attenuation constant.

[0156] η Q It reflects the accumulated amount of contaminants in the dust collection filter (120) that reflects the decrease in dust collection efficiency and the occurrence of surrounding environmental events, and can be used to determine the replacement / cleaning time of the dust collection filter (120). This will be explained below with reference to FIG. 10.

[0157] w can be calculated using the following equation 3.

[0158] [Formula 3]

[0159] △C i (Concentration change between units of time = C n -C n-1 ) < C1㎍ / ㎥:w=1,

[0160] C1㎍ / ㎥ ≤△C i < C2㎍ / ㎥:w=1.2,

[0161] C2㎍ / ㎥ ≤△C i < C3㎍ / ㎥:w=1.5,

[0162] C3㎍ / ㎥ ≤△C i: w=2

[0163] At this time, C1 <C2<C3이며, C1, C2, C3는 미리 설정된 최소 먼지 농도(C n ㎍ / ㎥) and maximum dust concentration (C m Dust concentration range (C) with ㎍ / ㎥ n ㎍ / ㎥~C m The value can be within ㎍ / ㎥.

[0164] For example, C1- C n value , C2- C1 value, C3- C2 value and C m - C3 values ​​can be the same or different.

[0165] That is, w can be determined based on the amount of change in the concentration of dust detected by the dust sensor (300) per unit time. Accordingly, the occurrence of an environmental event causing a rapid change in the dust concentration (or contamination level of the dust filter (120)) of the dust collection filter (120) and the scale of the environmental event can be reflected in G through w.

[0166] Hereinafter, a method for accurately predicting the state of a dust collection filter (120) and the time of cleaning or replacement thereof by determining the contamination level of the dust collection filter (120) according to the following Equation 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

[0167] Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0168] Referring to Fig. 10, the control unit (500) controls the average dust concentration (C) of the dust collection filter (120) n ) can be controlled to detect the dust concentration of the dust collecting filter (120) (801). Specifically, the dust sensor (300) can generate a detection signal corresponding to the detection of the dust concentration of the dust collecting filter (120) by the control unit (500) of the air conditioner (1) and transmit the detection signal to the control unit (500). Accordingly, the control unit (500) can obtain the average dust concentration information of the dust collecting filter (120) obtained by the dust sensor (300) during a unit time (△t) and detect the average dust concentration during a unit time.

[0169] After that, the control unit (500) controls the dust collection efficiency (η Q ) can be produced. At this time, the dust collection efficiency can be calculated through the above-mentioned equation 2, and can indicate how much the dust collection efficiency has decreased compared to the initial dust collection efficiency (802).

[0170] The control unit (500) calculates the accumulated contamination amount (G) of the dust collection filter (120) based on the obtained average dust concentration and dust collection efficiency. n ) can be measured (803). The accumulated contamination amount (G) of the dust filter (120) n ) can be calculated by the above-mentioned Equation 1. As described above, variables of Equation 1, except for the average dust concentration and dust collection efficiency, can be applied with preset constant values ​​according to the operation mode or operation information of the air conditioner (1).

[0171] The control unit (500) measures the accumulated contamination amount (G) of the measured dust collection filter (120). n ) is the critical contamination amount (G max) can be determined (804). At this time, the critical contamination amount refers to the amount of critical accumulated contaminants immediately after cleaning / replacing the dust collection filter (120) of the air conditioner (1), and can be preset according to the specifications and type of the air conditioner (1). The critical contamination amount (G max ) may be preset by the manufacturer and stored in memory (520).

[0172] At this time, the control unit (500) measures the accumulated contamination amount (G) of the measured dust collection filter (120). n ) is the critical contamination amount (G max ) exceeds, the user interface (430) can be controlled to output a notification for cleaning or replacing the dust filter (120) (805). Accordingly, information that cleaning or replacing the dust filter (120) is required at the present time can be transmitted to the user through the output unit of the user interface (430). Information that cleaning or replacing the dust filter (120) is required can be transmitted as various sensory information including visual and auditory information through the output unit (432).

[0173] At this time, the control unit (500) measures the accumulated contamination amount (G) of the measured dust collection filter (120). n ) is the critical contamination amount (G max ) does not exceed, the information on the dust concentration of the dust collecting filter (120) is transmitted from the dust sensor (300) during the next unit time, and the average dust concentration (C) during the next unit time of the dust collecting filter (120) n+1 ) can be detected.

[0174] Below, referring to FIG. 11, the sequence up to the start of detecting the average dust concentration in detecting the average dust concentration of the dust collection filter (120) is illustrated.

[0175] Fig. 11 is a flowchart explaining the control sequence up to the start of average dust concentration detection in detecting the average dust concentration of the dust collection filter (120).

[0176] The control unit (500) can determine whether the dust collection filter (120) has been reset (901). At this time, resetting the dust collection filter (120) may include cleaning or replacement of the dust collection filter (120). The air conditioner (1) may further include a sensor that detects attachment or detachment of the dust collection filter (120) to the filter case (50). For example, the sensor may be a hall sensor located at a fastening portion to which the dust collection filter (120) is fastened in the filter case (50).

[0177] If the control unit (500) determines that the dust collection filter (120) has been reset (example of 901), it can determine whether the clean mode is turned on among the operation modes of the air conditioner (1) (902). The control unit (500) can receive a user input regarding the start of the clean mode from the user through the input unit (431) of the user interface (430), or control each component of the air conditioner (1) so that the clean mode is started based on the satisfaction of a preset condition.

[0178] When the control unit (500) determines that the clean mode is turned on (example of 902), the operating time (TT) and the accumulated contamination amount of the dust collection filter (G n ) can be set to the initial value (903). That is, TT0=0, G0=0 can be set.

[0179] In addition, the control unit (500) determines the initial dust collection efficiency (η Q0 ) can be calculated (904). The initial dust collection efficiency may correspond to the dust collection efficiency of the dust collection filter when TT0=0 after the dust collection filter (120) is reset.

[0180] Above, the initial values ​​(TT 0, G 0, η Q0 ) controls the dust sensor (300) to obtain the average dust concentration (C) of the dust collection filter (120). n) can be detected. That is, the control unit (500) determines whether the air conditioner (1) has been operated for a unit time ((△t)) (905), and if it has been operated for a unit time (△t) (example of 905), the control unit (500) can detect the average dust concentration for the unit time by obtaining the average dust concentration information of the dust collecting filter (120) obtained by the dust sensor (300) for the unit time (△t) (906). Steps 905 and 906 of FIG. 9 may correspond to step 801 of FIG. 8.

[0181] Fig. 12 is a flowchart explaining a control method of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment.

[0182] Dust collection efficiency (η) Q ) As mentioned above through Equation 2, the dust collection efficiency is the cumulative contamination level (G) of the dust collection filter itself. n ) can be reflected. Accordingly, the dust collection efficiency (η Qn ) is calculated, the exact time for cleaning or replacing the dust collection filter (120) can be determined using the parameters related to dust collection efficiency.

[0183] Referring to FIG. 12, the control unit (500) can determine the timing of cleaning or replacement of the dust collection filter based on how much the calculated dust collection efficiency has decreased compared to the initial dust collection efficiency.

[0184] The control unit (500) can determine whether the dust collection efficiency has decreased by a reference value compared to the initial dust collection efficiency (1001). At this time, the reference value may be preset by the manufacturer for each operating mode or wind speed and stored in the memory (520). For example, the reference value may be 15%.

[0185] If the control unit (500) determines that the dust collection efficiency has decreased by a reference value or more compared to the initial dust collection efficiency (example of 1001), it can control the user interface (430) to output a replacement notification (1002). Accordingly, information indicating that the dust collection filter (120) needs to be cleaned or replaced at this point in time can be transmitted to the user through the output unit of the user interface (430). Information indicating that the dust collection filter (120) needs to be cleaned or replaced can be transmitted through various sensory information, including visual and auditory, through the output unit (432).

[0186] That is, the control unit (500) can determine the exact status of the current dust collection filter (120) in various ways based on the dust collection efficiency and average dust concentration, and determine the time to clean or notify the dust collection filter (120).

[0187] The control unit (500) can measure the average concentration of foreign substances detected by the dust sensor (300) for a unit of time, the dust collection efficiency of the dust collection filter (120), the weight according to the occurrence of an environmental event, and the accumulated contamination level of the dust collection filter according to the weight, and control the user interface (430) to output a cleaning or replacement notification of the dust collection filter (120) based on the dust collection efficiency or contamination level.

[0188] The control unit (500) can measure the cumulative contamination level (G) of the dust collection filter based on the following equation 1.

[0189] [Formula 1]

[0190] G n = G n-1 + w×C n ×Q C ×△t×η Q

[0191] (w is the above weight, △t is the unit time (min) for operating the air conditioner (1), C n is the average concentration (㎍ / ㎥) of the above pollutant, Q C is the driving air volume (㎥ / min), η Qis the dust collection efficiency (%))

[0192] At this time, the control unit (500) can measure the accumulated contamination level of the dust collection filter (120) based on the preset operating air volume and unit time according to the operating mode of the air conditioner (1).

[0193] The control unit (500) can measure the dust collection efficiency based on the following equation 2.

[0194] [Formula 2]

[0195] η Q =η Q0 ×exp(-C×G n )

[0196] (η Q0 G is the dust collection efficiency (%) when the accumulated pollutant amount of the above dust collection filter is 0. n is the cumulative contamination level of the above dust collection filter, and C is the attenuation constant)

[0197] The control unit (500) can apply a greater weight as the amount of change in the concentration of the foreign substance during the unit time of the external environmental event increases.

[0198] The control unit (500) can apply a weight (w) according to Equation 3 below.

[0199] [Formula 3]

[0200] △C i (Concentration change between units of time = C n -C n-1 ) < C1㎍ / ㎥:w=1,

[0201] C1㎍ / ㎥ ≤△C i < C2㎍ / ㎥:w=1.2,

[0202] C2㎍ / ㎥ ≤△C i < C3㎍ / ㎥:w=1.5,

[0203] C3㎍ / ㎥ ≤△C i: w=2

[0204] (At this time, C1 <C2<C3이며, C1, C2, C3는 미리 설정된 최소 먼지 농도(Cn ㎍ / ㎥) 및 최대 먼지 농도(Cm ㎍ / ㎥)를 갖는 먼지 농도 범위(Cn ㎍ / ㎥~Cm ㎍ / ㎥) 내의 값일 수 있다.)

[0205] At this time, resetting the dust filter may include replacing or cleaning the dust filter.

[0206] The control unit (500) can control the user interface (430) to output a cleaning or replacement notification for the dust filter (120) based on whether the measured cumulative contamination level of the dust filter (120) is higher than a preset threshold contamination level.

[0207] The control unit (500) can control the user interface (430) to output a cleaning or replacement notification of the dust collection filter based on the decrease in the dust collection efficiency of the calculated dust collection filter being greater than or equal to a reference value compared to the dust collection efficiency of the initial dust collection filter.

[0208] Accordingly, the disclosed air conditioner and its control method can determine the exact time for filter replacement or cleaning by reflecting the rate of decrease in dust collection efficiency.

[0209] The disclosed air conditioner and its control method can determine the exact time for filter replacement or cleaning by reflecting environmental changes around the air conditioner.

[0210] Accordingly, the air conditioning efficiency of the air conditioner can be improved and the user experience can be enhanced.

[0211] Meanwhile, 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 executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments.

[0212] 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.

[0213] The methods according to various embodiments disclosed in this 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.

[0214] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A dust collecting filter that charges foreign substances in the air and collects the charged foreign substances; A dust sensor that obtains information on the concentration of the foreign substances captured in the dust collection filter; User interface; and An air conditioner comprising a control unit that measures the average concentration of the foreign substances detected by the dust sensor for a unit of time, the dust collection efficiency of the dust collection filter, a weight according to the occurrence of an ambient environmental event, and the cumulative contamination level of the dust collection filter according to the weight, and controls the user interface to output a cleaning or replacement notification of the dust collection filter based on the dust collection efficiency or the contamination level.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit; An air conditioner that measures the cumulative contamination level (G) of the dust collection filter based on the following equation 1. G n = G n-1 + w×C n ×Q C ×△t×η Q (w is the above weight, △t is the unit time (min) for operating the air conditioner (1), C n is the average concentration (㎍ / ㎥) of the above pollutant, Q C is the driving air volume (㎥ / min), η Q is the dust collection efficiency (%) 3. In paragraph 2, The above air conditioner, Preset operating air volume (Q) according to the operating mode of the above air conditioner C ) and a memory for storing information about a preset unit time (△t); The above control unit; An air conditioner that measures the cumulative contamination level (G) of the dust collection filter based on the preset operating air volume and unit time according to the operating mode.

4. In paragraph 2, The above control unit; An air conditioner that measures the dust collection efficiency based on the following equation 2. or Q =h Q0 ×exp(-C×G n ) (η Q0 G is the dust collection efficiency (%) when the accumulated pollutant amount of the above dust collection filter is 0. n is the cumulative contamination level of the above dust collection filter, and C is the attenuation constant) 5. In paragraph 2, The above control unit; An air conditioner that applies a greater weight the greater the change in the concentration of the foreign substance during the unit time of the above external environmental event.

6. In paragraph 5, The above control unit; An air conditioner that applies the weight (w) according to the following equation 3. [Formula 3] △C i (Concentration change between units of time = C n -C n-1 ) < C1㎍ / ㎥:w=1, C1㎍ / ㎥ ≤△C i < C2㎍ / ㎥:w=1.2, C2㎍ / ㎥ ≤△C i < C3㎍ / ㎥:w=1.5, C3㎍ / ㎥ ≤△C i: w=2 (At this time, C1 <C2<C3이며, C1, C2, C3는 미리 설정된 최소 먼지 농도(Cn ㎍ / ㎥) 및 최대 먼지 농도(Cm ㎍ / ㎥)를 갖는 먼지 농도 범위(Cn ㎍ / ㎥~Cm ㎍ / ㎥) 내의 값일 수 있다.) 7. In paragraph 1, The above control unit; An air conditioner that starts calculating the average concentration of the foreign matter based on the fact that the dust collection filter is reset and a clean mode initiation input is received from the user interface.

8. In paragraph 7, The above dust collection filter is reset, An air conditioner comprising replacing or cleaning the above dust collecting filter.

9. In paragraph 2, The above control unit; An air conditioner that controls the user interface to output a cleaning or replacement notification for the dust filter based on the measured cumulative contamination level of the dust filter being higher than a preset threshold contamination level.

10. In paragraph 4, The above control unit; An air conditioner that controls the user interface to output a cleaning or replacement notification for the dust collection filter based on the decrease in the dust collection efficiency of the dust collection filter calculated above being greater than a reference value compared to the dust collection efficiency of the initial dust collection filter.

11. A method for controlling an air conditioner that charges foreign substances in the air and collects the charged foreign substances to condition the air, Obtain information on the concentration of the foreign substances captured in the above dust collection filter, Based on the information about the above concentration, the average concentration of the foreign matter detected by the dust sensor over a unit time is calculated, Calculate the dust collection efficiency of the above dust collection filter, Determine the weight according to the occurrence of environmental events, Measure the cumulative contamination of the dust collection filter based on the average concentration of the foreign substances, the dust collection efficiency, and the weight, A control method for an air conditioner that controls a user interface to output a cleaning or replacement notification for the dust collection filter based on the accumulated contamination level.

12. In paragraph 11, Measuring the above cumulative pollution level is: A control method for an air conditioner, comprising measuring the cumulative pollution level according to the above formula 1. G n = G n-1 + w×C n ×Q C ×△t×η Q (w is the above weight, △t is the unit time (min) for operating the air conditioner (1), C n is the average concentration (㎍ / ㎥) of the above pollutant, Q C is the driving air volume (㎥ / min), η Q is the dust collection efficiency (%)) 13. In paragraph 11, Measuring the above cumulative pollution level is: A control method for an air conditioner, comprising measuring the cumulative contamination level (G) of the dust collection filter based on the preset operating air volume and the preset unit time according to the operating mode.

14. In paragraph 12, Calculating the dust collection efficiency of the above dust collection filter is as follows: A control method for an air conditioner, comprising measuring the dust collection efficiency based on the following equation 2. or Q =h Q0 ×exp(-C×G n ) (η Q0 G is the dust collection efficiency (%) when the accumulated pollutant amount of the above dust collection filter is 0. n is the cumulative contamination level of the above dust collection filter, and C is the attenuation constant) 15. In paragraph 12, Determining the above weights is: A control method for an air conditioner, further comprising applying a greater weight as the amount of change in the concentration of the foreign substance during a unit time of the external environmental event increases.

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