Air conditioner, method for controlling air conditioner, and heat pump

Abstract

An air conditioner, a method for controlling the air conditioner, and a heat pump may be provided. Specifically, provided is an air conditioner that controls a driving module to execute entire heating to heat an entire indoor space to a first temperature, controls the driving module to terminate the entire heating and sequentially heat a first space to an N-th space (where N is a natural number of 2 or more) included in the indoor space to a second temperature higher than the first temperature, controls a sensor module to sense the temperature of the indoor space, the humidity of the indoor space, and the concentration of harmful substances in the indoor space, and controls a blower module to blow air to the indoor space when it is determined as a result of the sensing that at least one of the temperature, the humidity, and the concentration of the harmful substances is outside a threshold range.

Description

Air conditioner, control method of air conditioner, and heat pump

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner, a control method for an air conditioner, and a heat pump. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a technology for improving energy efficiency when removing indoor pollutants.

[0002] After building construction or interior renovation, a bakeout can be performed to raise the indoor temperature and remove harmful substances. Bakeout can reduce the residual harmful substances generated during construction or interior renovation.

[0003] Previously, bake-out primarily involved floor heating, which raised indoor air temperature and separated indoor pollutants into the air, which were then ventilated. However, when floor heating was used to separate indoor pollutants into the air, a significant amount of heat energy was consumed simply raising the floor temperature itself. Consequently, energy efficiency decreased when using floor heating to separate indoor pollutants into the air. Consequently, improving energy efficiency during bake-out was not easily achieved.

[0004] Furthermore, previously, to reduce the residual harmful substances in indoor spaces after bake-out, users would open windows to ventilate or use ventilation devices to improve air quality. However, with direct ventilation or the use of ventilation devices, it was difficult to verify whether bake-out had been properly achieved. Furthermore, with direct ventilation or the use of ventilation devices, it was difficult to determine whether the residual harmful substances in the room had been reduced to a level suitable for occupants' daily lives.

[0005] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a sensor module; a blower module; a driving module for heating a room; at least one processor electrically connected to the sensor module, the blower module, and the driving module; and a memory storing a plurality of instructions for controlling the at least one processor, wherein the plurality of instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, control the driving module to perform overall heating to heat the entire room to a first temperature, terminate the overall heating, and sequentially heat a first space to an Nth space included in the room to a second temperature higher than the first temperature, control the sensor module to detect a temperature in the room, a humidity in the room, and a concentration of a harmful substance in the room, and control the blower module to perform ventilation in the room when at least one of the temperature, the humidity, and the concentration of the harmful substance is out of a threshold range as a result of detection.

[0006] A control method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of performing overall heating to heat the entire room to a first temperature; an operation of terminating the overall heating and sequentially heating a first space to an Nth space (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) included in the room to a second temperature higher than the first temperature; an operation of detecting a temperature of the room, a humidity of the room, and a concentration of a hazardous substance in the room; and an operation of performing ventilation of the room when at least one of the temperature, the humidity, and the concentration of the hazardous substance is outside a threshold range as a result of detection.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a heat pump comprises: a sensor module; a driving module for heating a room; at least one processor electrically connected to the sensor module and the driving module; and a memory storing a plurality of instructions for controlling the at least one processor, wherein the plurality of instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, control the driving module to perform overall heating to heat the entire room to a first temperature, terminate the overall heating, and control the driving module to sequentially heat a first space to an Nth space included in the room (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) to a second temperature higher than the first temperature, control the sensor module to detect a temperature in the room, a humidity in the room, and a concentration of a harmful substance in the room, and when at least one of the temperature, the humidity, and the concentration of the harmful substance is out of a threshold range as a result of detection, it is possible to notify that ventilation of the room is to be performed.

[0008] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 is a drawing showing an air conditioner according to one embodiment heating the entire room.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an air conditioner according to one embodiment sequentially heating a plurality of spaces included in an indoor space.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an air conditioner according to one embodiment detecting at least one of indoor temperature, indoor humidity, and indoor concentration of harmful substances.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention blowing air into a room based on a detection result.

[0013] Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing in detail how an air conditioner heats a room according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 is a flow chart showing in detail how an air conditioner according to one embodiment detects indoor temperature, indoor humidity, and indoor concentration of harmful substances and ventilates the indoor space.

[0016] Figure 9 is a block diagram illustrating a heat pump according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a heat pump according to one embodiment heating the entire room.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a heat pump according to one embodiment sequentially heating a plurality of spaces included in an indoor space.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a heat pump according to one embodiment detecting at least one of indoor temperature, indoor humidity, and indoor concentration of harmful substances.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a heat pump according to one embodiment displaying a notification indicating that it will proceed with ventilation in a room based on a detection result.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a heat pump according to one embodiment notifying a ventilation device to proceed with ventilation of a room based on a detection result.

[0022] 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.

[0023] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0027] 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).

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipe 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 simultaneously 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 switching valve, described below, and then discharged to circulate to the outdoor unit.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] The housing may include an intake port through which indoor air may be drawn into the interior of the housing.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] Blowers may include indoor fans and fan motors. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, diffusion fans, crossflow fans, and centrifugal fans.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 components of the indoor unit.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment. The air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment may include a sensor module (110), a blower module (120), a driving module (130), a memory (140), and a processor (150).

[0084] The sensor module (110) may include a temperature sensor. The sensor module (110) may detect the temperature inside the room. The sensor module (110) may include a humidity sensor. The sensor module (110) may detect the humidity inside the room. The sensor module (110) may include a hazardous substance detection sensor. For example, the sensor module (110) may include a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor. The sensor module (110) may detect the presence of hazardous substances inside the room. The sensor module (110) may detect the concentration of hazardous substances inside the room.

[0085] The blower module (120) may include a mechanical device that creates an air flow. For example, the blower module (120) may include a fan and a rotation motor. The blower module (120) may create an air flow in a room. For example, the blower module (120) may ventilate the air in the room. The blower module (120) may supply outdoor air into the room to ventilate the air in the room and exhaust the air in the room to the outside.

[0086] The drive module (130) may include a heat exchanger that changes the temperature of the room. The drive module (130) may control the temperature of the room. The drive module (130) may adjust and maintain the temperature of the room at a set temperature. For example, the drive module (130) may heat the room. For example, the drive module (130) may also cool the room.

[0087] The processor (150) can be electrically connected to the sensor module (110), the blower module (120), and the driving module (130). The processor (150) can control the overall operation of the air conditioner (100). The processor (150) can control the operation of the sensor module (110), the blower module (120), and the driving module (130).

[0088] The memory (140) can store a plurality of instructions for controlling the processor (150). The memory (140) can store a plurality of instructions for controlling the operation of the sensor module (110), the blower module (120), and the drive module (130) by the processor (150).

[0089] An air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment may include an outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner (100) may be placed outdoors. For example, the outdoor unit may be placed on the rooftop of a building, on a balcony, or outside a window. At least one indoor unit of the air conditioner (100) may be placed indoors. For example, the indoor unit may be placed at the edge of a living room in a house or at the center of a ceiling of a building. If the indoor space includes a plurality of spaces, the air conditioner (100) may include a plurality of indoor units. Each of the plurality of indoor units may be placed in each of the plurality of spaces. For example, if the indoor space includes a first room, a second room, and a third room, a first indoor unit may be placed in the first room, a second indoor unit may be placed in the second room, and a third indoor unit may be placed in the third room. The first indoor unit, the second indoor unit, and the third indoor unit may be connected to the outdoor unit. Accordingly, the air conditioner (100) can perform air conditioning operations for the first room, the second room, and the third room, respectively, using the first indoor unit, the second indoor unit, and the third indoor unit, respectively.

[0090] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment heating an entire room (200). FIG. 2 is a drawing showing which of the components included in the air conditioner (100) performs a heating operation for the entire room (200). FIG. 2 only shows a relationship in terms of functionality, and does not show or limit a relationship regarding a physical spatial relationship between the air conditioner (100) and the room (200). For example, at least one component among the sensor module (110), the blower module (120), the driving module (130), the memory (140), and the processor (150) of the air conditioner (100) shown in FIG. 2 may be included in the indoor unit of the air conditioner (100). In this case, at least one component among the sensor module (110), blower module (120), drive module (130), memory (140), and processor (150) of the air conditioner (100) is placed in each of a plurality of spaces (210, 220, 230) of the room (200) and can perform operations described below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the processor (150) of the air conditioner (100) can control the drive module (130) to execute overall heating to heat the entire room (200) to a first temperature. The processor (150) can execute the overall heating function. After executing the overall heating function, the processor (150) can transmit a signal to start overall heating to the drive module (130). After receiving the signal to start overall heating, the drive module (130) can start heating the entire room (200). The drive module (130) can heat the entire room (200) to the first temperature according to the signal to start heating. The first temperature can be a temperature at which harmful substances on the wall or floor surface of the room (200) can be extracted into the air. The first temperature can be a minimum threshold temperature required to create a state in which harmful substances in the room (200) can be discharged. For example, the first temperature can be 30 degrees Celsius.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the processor (150) of the air conditioner (100) may execute a bake-out function to heat the entire room (200) to a first temperature. The bake-out function may be a function that performs bake-out using the air conditioner (100). The bake-out may be an action to remove harmful substances by increasing the temperature of the room (200) after constructing a new building or decorating the room (200). After executing the bake-out function, the processor (150) may transmit a heating start signal to the drive module (130).

[0093] The bake-out function can be executed in response to receiving a function entry input for executing the bake-out function. The bake-out function can be executed by a function entry input through the outdoor unit of the air conditioner (100). For example, the function entry input through the outdoor unit can include an input action of pressing a 'indoor full bake-out' execution button on the outdoor unit. The function entry input through the outdoor unit can be mainly used by an installer of the air conditioner (100). The bake-out function can be executed by a function entry input through the indoor unit of the air conditioner (100). For example, the function entry input through the indoor unit can include an input action of pressing a bake-out execution button on a remote control device (e.g., a remote control) of the air conditioner (100). For example, the function entry input through the indoor unit can include an input action through an application (e.g., Smartthings) of a mobile terminal linked with the air conditioner (100). The function entry input through the indoor unit can be mainly used by a user of the air conditioner (100).

[0094] According to one embodiment, if an error occurs when executing a bake-out function because the outdoor temperature is higher than a critical temperature, the processor (150) of the air conditioner (100) may ignore the error and heat the entire room (200) to a first temperature. The critical temperature may be an outdoor temperature at which the air conditioner (100) is restricted from performing heating. For example, if the outdoor temperature is higher than 25 degrees Celsius and the air conditioner (100) is restricted from performing heating, the critical temperature may be 25 degrees Celsius. An error may occur when executing the heating function of the air conditioner (100) when the outdoor temperature is higher than the critical temperature. Even when the outdoor temperature is higher than the critical temperature, the bake-out function may need to be performed. The processor (150) may ignore an error occurring in the air conditioner (100) and heat the entire room (200) to the first temperature in order to execute the bake-out function.

[0095] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment sequentially heating a plurality of spaces (210, 220, 230) included in a room (200). FIG. 3 is a diagram showing which of the components included in the air conditioner (100) performs the sequential heating operation for the plurality of spaces (210, 220, 230) included in the room (200). FIG. 3 only shows the relationship in terms of functionality and does not show or limit the relationship regarding the physical spatial relationship between the air conditioner (100) and the room (200). For example, at least one or more components among the sensor module (110), the blower module (120), the driving module (130), the memory (140), and the processor (150) of the air conditioner (100) illustrated in FIG. 3 may be included in the indoor unit of the air conditioner (100). In this case, at least one component among the sensor module (110), blower module (120), drive module (130), memory (140), and processor (150) of the air conditioner (100) is placed in each of a plurality of spaces (210, 220, 230) of the room (200) and can perform operations described below with reference to FIG. 3.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the processor (150) of the air conditioner (100) can control the drive module (130) to terminate the entire heating and sequentially heat the first space (210) to the Nth (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) space (230) included in the room (200) to a second temperature higher than the first temperature. The processor (150) can obtain a temperature achievement signal from the sensor module (110) indicating that the entire room (200) has been heated to the first temperature. The processor (150) can transmit an entire heating termination signal to the drive module (130) in response to the temperature achievement signal. The processor (150) can transmit a sequential heating start signal to the drive module (130) to sequentially heat the first space (210), the second space (220), and the Nth space (230) to the second temperature. The drive module (130) can sequentially heat the first space (210), the second space (220), and the Nth space (230) to a second temperature. The second temperature may be a temperature that reduces harmful substances in the room (200) to a specified concentration or lower. For example, the second temperature may be 40 degrees Celsius.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the processor (150) of the air conditioner (100) can perform heating of the first space (210) to sequentially heat the first space (210) to the Nth space (230) to a second temperature. The processor (150) can transmit a sequential heating start signal to the drive module (130). The drive module (130) can heat the first space (210) to the second temperature. After heating the first space (210) to the second temperature, the drive module (130) can heat the second space (220) to the second temperature. In the same manner, the drive module (130) can perform heating from the first space (210) to the Nth space (230).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the processor (150) of the air conditioner (100) may stop heating the first space (210) after the critical time if the temperature of the first space (210) does not reach the second temperature during the critical time and may proceed with heating the second space (220). The critical time may be the maximum time for which each of the plurality of spaces can be heated in order to proceed with bake-out for the entire room (200). For example, the critical time may be 3 hours. If the temperature of the first space (210) does not reach the second temperature even after heating for the critical time, the processor (150) may control the drive module (130) to stop heating the first space (210) and to proceed with heating the second space (220).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the processor (150) of the air conditioner (100) may perform a bake-out function in at least one space requiring bake-out among the first space (210) to the Nth space (220). The at least one space requiring bake-out may be at least one space set to perform bake-out. The at least one space requiring bake-out may be at least one space where construction or interior design has been performed. For example, in the case where partial interior design has been performed on the first space (210) among the indoor spaces (200), the at least one space requiring bake-out may be the first space (210).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the processor (150) of the air conditioner (100) may provide an offset to a hysteresis value set when heating or cooling is performed in the remaining spaces excluding at least one space performing a bake-out function among the first space (210) to the Nth space (230). The processor (150) may control the driving module (130) to perform general heating or cooling in the remaining spaces excluding at least one space performing a bake-out function. For example, when at least one space requiring bake-out is the first space (210), the processor (150) may control the driving module (130) to perform general heating or cooling in the second space (220) to the Nth space (230).

[0101] The hysteresis value may be a default setting value set to adjust the heating or cooling of the remaining spaces to the desired temperature. For example, if the desired temperature to be achieved through the heating or cooling of the remaining spaces is 24 degrees Celsius, the hysteresis value may be 24 degrees Celsius. The offset may be a value that adjusts the hysteresis value to offset the effect of the bakeout function on the hysteresis value of the remaining spaces. For example, if the bakeout for the first space (210) increases the hysteresis value by 3 degrees Celsius, an offset may be provided to decrease the hysteresis value by 3 degrees Celsius.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the processor (150) of the air conditioner (100) may control the valve module of the drive module (130) to provide an offset to the hysteresis value, control the driving degree of the drive module (130) over time, or provide different setting values ​​to the connection modules between the drive module (130) and the remaining spaces. The processor (150) may perform at least one of the above-described methods to perform bake-out in at least one space performing the bake-out function, while performing general heating or cooling in the remaining spaces excluding at least one space.

[0103] The valve module of the drive module (130) may include a four-way valve of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner (100). The four-way valve may control whether the air conditioner (100) performs heating or cooling in each of the first space (210) to the Nth space (230). The processor (150) may control the valve module of the drive module (130) to control the degree of heating or cooling in each of the first space (210) to the Nth space (230) of the air conditioner (100).

[0104] The processor (150) can control the driving module (130) to drive at different degrees depending on the time period. For example, the processor (150) can control the driving of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner (100) including the driving module (130) depending on the time period so that each of the first space (210) to the Nth space (230) can be heated or cooled at different degrees.

[0105] A connection module may be placed between the drive module (130) and the remaining spaces. The connection module may assist the drive module (130) in controlling the degree of heating or cooling to be performed in each of the remaining spaces. The processor (150) may assign different setting values ​​to the connection module to control the degree of heating or cooling to be performed in each of the remaining spaces by the drive module (130).

[0106] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment that detects at least one of the temperature of a room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing which of the components included in the air conditioner (100) detects at least one of the temperature, humidity, and concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200). FIG. 4 only shows a relationship in terms of functionality, and does not show or limit the relationship regarding the physical spatial relationship between the air conditioner (100) and the room (200). For example, the sensor module (110) of the air conditioner (100) shown in FIG. 4 may be included in the indoor unit of the air conditioner (100). In this case, the sensor module (110) of the air conditioner (100) is placed in each of a plurality of spaces (210, 220, 230) of the room (200) and can perform the operations described below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the processor (150) of the air conditioner (100) can control the sensor module (110) to detect at least one of the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200). The sensor module (110) can detect at least one of the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200). For example, the sensor module (110) can selectively detect one sensing value among the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200). For example, the sensor module (110) can selectively detect two sensing values ​​among the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200). For example, the sensor module (110) can detect the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of harmful substances in the room (200). The processor (150) can obtain at least one of the temperature information of the room (200), the humidity information of the room (200), and the concentration information of harmful substances in the room (200) detected by the sensor module (110).

[0108] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention blowing air into a room (200) based on a detection result. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing which of the components included in the air conditioner (100) blows air into the room (200). FIG. 5 only shows a relationship in terms of functionality, and does not show or limit the relationship between the air conditioner (100) and the room (200) in terms of physical space. For example, the blower module (120) of the air conditioner (100) shown in FIG. 5 may be included in an indoor unit of the air conditioner (100). In this case, the blower module (120) of the air conditioner (100) may be placed in each of a plurality of spaces (210, 220, 230) of the room (200) and may perform operations described below with reference to FIG. 5.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the processor (150) of the air conditioner (100) may control the blower module (120) to blow air in the room (200) when at least one of the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200) is outside a threshold range as a result of detection. The threshold range may be a range of the temperature of the air, the humidity of the air, and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the air that are suitable for living in the room (200). The processor (150) may analyze the temperature information of the room (200), the humidity information of the room (200), and the concentration information of the hazardous substance in the room (200) to determine whether the air condition of the room (200) requires blowing air. When the processor (150) determines that the air condition of the room (200) requires blowing air, the processor (150) may control the blower module (120) to blow air in the room (200). If the processor (150) determines that the air condition of the room (200) requires ventilation, it can stop heating the room (200) that was in progress for baking out the room (200).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the processor (150) of the air conditioner (100) may re-execute the bake-out function or perform ventilation of the room (200) if the detection result shows that the concentration of the hazardous substance is outside the critical range. The processor (150) may re-execute the bake-out function if the detection result shows that the concentration of the hazardous substance is outside the critical range and belongs to the first range, which is the highest range. The processor (150) may determine that the bake-out has been insufficiently performed if the detection result shows that the concentration of the hazardous substance is inside the first range, which is the highest range. The processor (150) may perform ventilation of the room (200) if the detection result shows that the concentration of the hazardous substance is outside the critical range and belongs to the second range lower than the first range. The processor (150) may determine that the ventilation of the room (200) has been insufficiently performed if the detection result shows that the concentration of the hazardous substance is inside the second range lower than the first range.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the processor (150) of the air conditioner (100) may terminate the ventilation of the room (200) or perform freeze cleaning control when the concentration of the hazardous substance falls within a critical range as a result of detection. The freeze cleaning control may include a process of separating foreign substances attached to the heat exchanger of the air conditioner (100) through freezing and then melting and removing the frozen foreign substances. When the concentration of the hazardous substance falls within a critical range as a result of detection, the processor (150) may terminate the ventilation of the room (200) and determine that the bake-out is complete. When the concentration of the hazardous substance falls within a critical range as a result of detection, the processor (150) may optionally perform freeze cleaning control.

[0112] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a control method of an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment.

[0113] In operation 610, the air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment can perform overall heating to heat the entire room (200) to a first temperature. The air conditioner (100) can perform an overall heating function. The air conditioner (100) can start heating the entire room (200). The air conditioner (100) can heat the entire room (200) to a first temperature. The first temperature can be a temperature at which harmful substances on the wall or floor surface of the room (200) can be extracted into the air. The first temperature can be a minimum critical temperature required to create a state in which harmful substances in the room (200) can be discharged. For example, the first temperature can be 30 degrees Celsius.

[0114] In operation 620, the air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment can terminate the entire heating and sequentially heat the first space (210) to the Nth space (230) included in the room (200) to a second temperature higher than the first temperature. The air conditioner (100) can detect that the entire room (200) has been heated to the first temperature. The air conditioner (100) can terminate the entire heating when the entire room (200) has been heated to the first temperature. The air conditioner (100) can sequentially heat the first space (210), the second space (220), and the Nth space (230) to the second temperature. The second temperature may be a temperature that reduces harmful substances in the room (200) to a specified concentration or less. For example, the second temperature may be 40 degrees Celsius.

[0115] In operation 630, the air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment can detect at least one of the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200). For example, the air conditioner (100) can selectively detect one sensing value among the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200). For example, the air conditioner (100) can selectively detect two sensing values ​​among the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200). For example, the air conditioner (100) can detect all of the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200). The air conditioner (100) can obtain at least one of temperature information of the room (200), humidity information of the room (200), and concentration information of harmful substances of the room (200).

[0116] In operation 640, the air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment may start ventilation in the room (200) if at least one of the temperature, humidity, and concentration of a hazardous substance is outside a threshold range as a result of detection. The threshold range may be a range of the temperature of the air, the humidity of the air, and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the air suitable for living in the room (200). The air conditioner (100) may analyze the temperature information of the room (200), the humidity information of the room (200), and the concentration information of the hazardous substance in the room (200) to determine whether the air condition of the room (200) requires ventilation. If the air conditioner (100) determines that the air condition of the room (200) requires ventilation, it may start ventilation in the room (200). If the air conditioner (100) determines that the air condition of the room (200) requires ventilation, it can stop heating the room (200) that was in progress for baking out the room (200).

[0117] Figure 7 is a flow chart showing in detail how an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment heats a room (200).

[0118] In operation 710, the air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment can execute a bake-out function. The operation of heating the entire room to the first temperature in operation 610 of FIG. 6 may include an operation of executing the bake-out function in operation 710.

[0119] The bake-out function can be executed in response to receiving a function entry input. When the air conditioner (100) is connected to an external control device (e.g., communication connection, Internet of Things (IoT) connection), the air conditioner (100) can perform an operation to execute the bake-out function in conjunction with the external control device. For example, when the air conditioner (100) is connected to a portable terminal via Smartthings, the operating range and operating sequence of the air conditioner (100) can be set via the portable terminal. When there is no external control device, the air conditioner (100) can execute the bake-out function via a function entry input via an outdoor unit or a function entry input via a remote control device. For example, the bake-out function of the air conditioner (100) can be executed by entering a special function using the remote control of the air conditioner (100).

[0120] The air conditioner (100) can perform the bake-out function for a set period of time. For example, the air conditioner (100) can perform the bake-out function for 48 hours by default. The air conditioner (100) can measure the time it takes to perform the bake-out function from the time the bake-out function is turned on.

[0121] In operation 720, the air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment may initiate overall heating. The operation of heating the entire room to the first temperature in operation 610 of FIG. 6 may include the operation of initiating overall heating in operation 720. The air conditioner (100) may initially perform all-room heating operation. For example, the air conditioner (100) may perform general heating operation at a set temperature of 30 degrees Celsius.

[0122] If an error occurs when executing the bake-out function due to the outdoor temperature exceeding the critical temperature, the air conditioner (100) can ignore the error and heat the entire room to the first temperature. The air conditioner (100) can ignore the error due to the outdoor temperature.

[0123] In operation 730, the air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment can start heating the first space after completing overall heating. The air conditioner (100) can operate one room starting from the first indoor unit. The air conditioner (100) can change the set temperature to a second temperature. For example, the air conditioner (100) can increase the set temperature to 35 degrees Celsius.

[0124] In operation 740, the air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment can sequentially perform heating from the first space to the Nth space. The air conditioner (100) can include an operation of stopping heating of the first space and performing heating of the second space when the temperature of the first space reaches a second temperature.

[0125] The operation of the air conditioner (100) sequentially heating the first space to the Nth space to a second temperature may include an operation of heating the first space and, if the temperature of the first space does not reach the second temperature during a critical time period, an operation of stopping the heating of the first space after a critical time period and proceeding with the heating of the second space. Even if the temperature of the first space does not reach the second temperature, the air conditioner (100) may stop the heating of the first space and proceed with the heating of the second space after a critical time period has elapsed.

[0126] The operation of the air conditioner (100) sequentially heating the first space to the Nth space to the second temperature may include an operation of performing a bake-out function on at least one space requiring bake-out among the first space to the Nth space and an operation of providing an offset to a hysteresis value set when performing heating or cooling of the remaining spaces excluding at least one space performing the bake-out function among the first space to the Nth space.

[0127] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing in detail how an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment detects the temperature of a room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of harmful substances in the room (200) and ventilates the room (200).

[0128] In operation 810, an air conditioner (100) according to an embodiment can detect the indoor temperature, the indoor humidity, and the concentration of indoor harmful substances after terminating sequential heating. The air conditioner (100) can detect at least one of the indoor temperature, the indoor humidity, and the concentration of indoor harmful substances after terminating sequential heating. For example, the air conditioner (100) can selectively detect one sensing value among the indoor temperature, the indoor humidity, and the concentration of indoor harmful substances after terminating sequential heating. For example, the air conditioner (100) can selectively detect two sensing values ​​among the indoor temperature, the indoor humidity, and the concentration of indoor harmful substances after terminating sequential heating. For example, the air conditioner (100) can detect all of the indoor temperature, the indoor humidity, and the concentration of indoor harmful substances after terminating sequential heating.

[0129] In operation 820, the air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment may perform the bake-out function again or perform indoor ventilation if the concentration of the hazardous substance is detected to be outside the critical range. The operation of performing indoor ventilation in operation 640 of FIG. 6 may include an operation of performing the bake-out function again or performing indoor ventilation if the concentration of the hazardous substance is detected to be outside the critical range in operation 820. The air conditioner (100) may perform the bake-out function again if the concentration of the hazardous substance is in the first range, which is the highest concentration. The air conditioner (100) may perform indoor ventilation if the concentration of the hazardous substance is in the second range, which is lower than the first range.

[0130] The air conditioner (100) can blow air throughout the room after turning off heating. When the air conditioner (100) is connected to an external control device having a blowing function (e.g., communication connection, Internet of Things (IoT) connection), the air conditioner (100) and the external control device can operate together.

[0131] In operation 830, the air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment may terminate indoor ventilation or perform freeze cleaning control when the concentration of a hazardous substance falls within a critical range. The air conditioner (100) may determine whether the concentration of a hazardous substance falls within a critical range after performing indoor ventilation. The air conditioner (100) may terminate indoor ventilation when the concentration of a hazardous substance falls within the critical range. The air conditioner (100) may optionally perform freeze cleaning control before terminating operation after terminating indoor ventilation.

[0132] In operation 840, the air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment may display on the display that bake-out is complete after terminating the blowing or freezing cleaning control. The air conditioner (100) may include a display on the front or the exterior. After terminating the blowing or freezing cleaning control, the air conditioner (100) may display on the display a notification indicating that bake-out is complete.

[0133] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a heat pump (900) according to one embodiment. The heat pump (900) may be a device that artificially transfers thermal energy from one space to another. For example, the heat pump (900) may include an air conditioning unit, a household air conditioner, a heating unit, etc. The heat pump (900) may include a sensor module (910), a driving module (920), a display (930), a communication module (940), a memory (950), and a processor (960).

[0134] The sensor module (910) may include a temperature sensor. The sensor module (910) may detect the temperature inside the room. The sensor module (910) may include a humidity sensor. The sensor module (910) may detect the humidity inside the room. The sensor module (910) may include a hazardous substance detection sensor. For example, the sensor module (910) may include a volatile organic compound sensor. The sensor module (910) may detect the presence of hazardous substances inside the room. The sensor module (910) may detect the concentration of hazardous substances inside the room.

[0135] The drive module (920) may include a heat exchanger that changes the temperature of the room. The drive module (920) may control the temperature of the room. The drive module (920) may adjust and maintain the temperature of the room at a set temperature. For example, the drive module (920) may heat the room. For example, the drive module (920) may also cool the room.

[0136] The display (930) may be positioned on the front or outside of the heat pump (900). The display (930) may visually indicate the status of the heat pump (900). For example, the display (930) may display a notification indicating the status of the heat pump (900).

[0137] The communication module (940) can electrically connect the heat pump (900) to an external control device. The communication module (940) can enable the heat pump (900) and the external control device to transmit and receive data or signals to each other.

[0138] The processor (960) may be electrically connected to the sensor module (910), the driving module (920), the display (930), and the communication module (940). The processor (960) may control the overall operation of the heat pump (900). The processor (960) may control the operation of the sensor module (910), the driving module (920), the display (930), and the communication module (940).

[0139] The memory (950) can store a plurality of instructions for controlling the processor (960). The memory (950) can store a plurality of instructions for controlling the operation of the sensor module (910), the driving module (920), the display (930), and the communication module (940).

[0140] A heat pump (900) according to one embodiment may include an outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit. The outdoor unit of the heat pump (900) may be placed outdoors. For example, the outdoor unit may be placed on the rooftop of a building, on a balcony, or outside a window. At least one indoor unit of the heat pump (900) may be placed indoors. For example, the indoor unit may be placed at the edge of a living room in a house or at the center of a ceiling of a building. If the indoor space includes multiple spaces, the heat pump (900) may include multiple indoor units. Each of the multiple indoor units may be placed in each of the multiple spaces. For example, if the indoor space includes a first room, a second room, and a third room, a first indoor unit may be placed in the first room, a second indoor unit may be placed in the second room, and a third indoor unit may be placed in the third room. The first indoor unit, the second indoor unit, and the third indoor unit may be connected to the outdoor unit. Accordingly, the heat pump (900) can perform an operation of artificially moving heat energy from outdoors to indoors, or from indoors to outdoors, for each of the first room, the second room, and the third room, using the first indoor unit, the second indoor unit, and the third indoor unit, respectively.

[0141] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a heat pump (900) according to one embodiment heating the entire room (200). Fig. 10 is a diagram showing which of the components included in the heat pump (900) performs a heating operation for the entire room (200). Fig. 10 only shows a relationship in terms of functionality and does not show or limit the relationship regarding the physical spatial relationship between the heat pump (900) and the room (200). For example, at least one component among the sensor module (910), the driving module (920), the display (930), the communication module (940), the memory (950), and the processor (960) of the heat pump (900) illustrated in Fig. 10 may be included in the indoor unit of the heat pump (900). In this case, at least one component of the sensor module (910), drive module (920), display (930), communication module (940), memory (950), and processor (960) of the heat pump (900) may be placed in each of a plurality of spaces (210, 220, 230) of the room (200) to perform operations described below with reference to FIG. 10.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the processor (960) of the heat pump (900) can control the drive module (920) to execute full heating to heat the entire room (200) to a first temperature. The processor (960) can execute a full heating function. After executing the full heating function, the processor (960) can transmit a full heating start signal to the drive module (920). After receiving the full heating start signal, the drive module (920) can start heating the entire room (200). The drive module (920) can heat the entire room (200) to the first temperature according to the heating start signal.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the processor (960) of the heat pump (900) can execute a bake-out function to heat the entire room (200) to a first temperature. After executing the bake-out function, the processor (960) can transmit a heating start signal to the drive module (920).

[0144] The bake-out function can be executed by a function entry input through the outdoor unit of the heat pump (900). For example, the function entry input through the outdoor unit can include an input action of pressing the 'Indoor Full Bake-out' execution button on the outdoor unit. The function entry input through the outdoor unit can be mainly used by an installer of the heat pump (900). The bake-out function can be executed by a function entry input through the indoor unit of the heat pump (900). For example, the function entry input through the indoor unit can include an input action of pressing the bake-out execution button of a remote control device (e.g., a remote control) of the heat pump (900). For example, the function entry input through the indoor unit can include an input action through an application (e.g., Smartthings) of a mobile terminal linked with the heat pump (900). The function entry input through the indoor unit can be mainly used by a user of the heat pump (900).

[0145] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a heat pump (900) according to one embodiment sequentially heating a plurality of spaces included in a room (200). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing which of the components included in the heat pump (900) performs the sequential heating operation for the plurality of spaces included in the room (200). FIG. 11 only shows the relationship in terms of functionality and does not show or limit the relationship regarding the physical spatial relationship between the heat pump (900) and the room (200). For example, at least one or more components among the sensor module (910), the driving module (920), the display (930), the communication module (940), the memory (950), and the processor (960) of the heat pump (900) illustrated in FIG. 11 may be included in the indoor unit of the heat pump (900). In this case, at least one component of the sensor module (910), drive module (920), display (930), communication module (940), memory (950), and processor (960) of the heat pump (900) may be placed in each of a plurality of spaces (210, 220, 230) of the room (200) to perform operations described below with reference to FIG. 11.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the processor (960) of the heat pump (900) can control the drive module (920) to terminate the entire heating and sequentially heat the first space (210) to the Nth (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) space (230) included in the room (200) to a second temperature higher than the first temperature. The processor (960) can obtain a temperature achievement signal from the sensor module (910) indicating that the entire room (200) has been heated to the first temperature. The processor (960) can transmit an entire heating termination signal to the drive module (920) in response to the temperature achievement signal. The processor (150) can transmit a sequential heating start signal to the drive module (920) to sequentially heat the first space (210), the second space (220), and the Nth space (230) to the second temperature. The drive module (920) can sequentially heat the first space (210), the second space (220), and the Nth space (230) to a second temperature.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the processor (960) of the heat pump (900) can perform heating of the first space (210) to sequentially heat the first space (210) to the N-th space (230) to a second temperature. The processor (960) can transmit a sequential heating start signal to the drive module (920). The drive module (920) can heat the first space (210) to the second temperature. After heating the first space (210) to the second temperature, the drive module (920) can heat the second space (220) to the second temperature. In the same manner, the drive module (920) can perform heating from the first space (210) to the N-th space (230).

[0148] According to one embodiment, the processor (960) of the heat pump (900) may stop heating the first space (210) after the critical time if the temperature of the first space (210) does not reach the second temperature during the critical time and may proceed with heating the second space (220). If the temperature of the first space (210) does not reach the second temperature even after heating for the critical time, the processor (960) may control the drive module (920) to stop heating the first space (210) and to proceed with heating the second space (220).

[0149] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a heat pump (900) according to one embodiment that detects at least one of the temperature of a room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200). FIG. 12 is a diagram showing which of the components included in the heat pump (900) detects at least one of the temperature, humidity, and concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200). FIG. 12 only shows a relationship in terms of functionality, and does not show or limit the relationship regarding the physical spatial relationship between the heat pump (900) and the room (200). For example, the sensor module (910) of the heat pump (900) illustrated in FIG. 12 may be included in the indoor unit of the heat pump (900). In this case, the sensor module (910) of the heat pump (900) is placed in each of a plurality of spaces (210, 220, 230) of the room (200) and can perform operations described below with reference to FIG. 12.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the processor (950) of the heat pump (900) can control the sensor module (910) to detect at least one of the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200). The sensor module (910) can detect at least one of the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200). For example, the sensor module (910) can selectively detect one sensing value among the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200). For example, the sensor module (910) can selectively detect two sensing values ​​among the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200). For example, the sensor module (910) can detect the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of harmful substances in the room (200). The processor (150) can obtain at least one of the temperature information of the room (200), the humidity information of the room (200), and the concentration information of harmful substances in the room (200) detected by the sensor module (910).

[0151] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a heat pump (900) according to one embodiment that displays a notification (1310) notifying that ventilation of a room (200) will proceed based on a detection result. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing which of the components included in the heat pump (900) displays a notification (1310) notifying that ventilation of the room (200) will proceed. FIG. 13 only shows a relationship in terms of functionality and does not show or limit the relationship regarding the physical spatial relationship between the heat pump (900) and the room (200). For example, the display (930) of the heat pump (900) illustrated in FIG. 13 may be included in the indoor unit of the heat pump (900). In this case, the display (930) of the heat pump (900) may be placed in each of a plurality of spaces (210, 220, 230) of the room (200) and perform operations described below with reference to FIG. 13.

[0152] A heat pump (900) according to one embodiment may include a display (930). A processor (950) of a heat pump (900) according to one embodiment may notify that ventilation of the room (200) will be performed if at least one of the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200) is outside a threshold range as a result of detection. The processor (950) may control the display (930) to display a notification (1310) notifying that ventilation of the room (200) will be performed if at least one of the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200) is outside a threshold range as a result of detection. For example, the processor (950) may control the display (930) to display a notification (1310) stating “Ventilation of the room is required” when at least one of the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200) is outside a threshold range as a result of the detection. The display (930) may display a notification (1310) stating “Ventilation of the room is required” when at least one of the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200) is outside a threshold range.

[0153] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a heat pump (900) according to one embodiment notifying a ventilation device (1400) that it will blow air into a room (200) based on a detection result. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing which of the components included in the heat pump (900) notifies the ventilation device (1400) that it will blow air into the room (200). FIG. 14 only shows a relationship in terms of functionality, and does not show or limit the relationship between the heat pump (900) and the room (200) in terms of physical space. For example, the communication module (940) of the heat pump (900) illustrated in FIG. 14 may be included in an indoor unit of the heat pump (900). In this case, the communication module (940) of the heat pump (900) may be placed in each of a plurality of spaces (210, 220, 230) of the room (200) and may perform operations described below with reference to FIG. 14.

[0154] A heat pump (900) according to one embodiment may include a communication module (940). The communication module (940) may be electrically connected to a ventilation device (1400). For example, the communication module (940) may establish a connection (e.g., a communication connection, an Internet of Things connection) with a communication processor (1410) included in the ventilation device (1400).

[0155] According to one embodiment, the processor (950) of the heat pump (900) may notify the ventilation device (1400) to proceed with ventilation of the room (200) if, as a result of detection, at least one of the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200) is outside a threshold range. According to one embodiment, the processor (950) of the heat pump (900) may notify the ventilation device (1400) to proceed with ventilation of the room (200) if, as a result of detection, at least one of the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200) is outside a threshold range. The processor (950) may control the communication module (940) to notify the ventilation device (1400) to proceed with ventilation of the room (200) if, as a result of detection, at least one of the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200) is outside a threshold range. For example, the processor (950) can control the communication module (940) to transmit a ventilation request signal requesting ventilation of the room (200) to the ventilation device (1400) when at least one of the temperature of the room (200), the humidity of the room (200), and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room (200) is outside a threshold range as a result of the detection.

[0156] The ventilation device (1400) can receive a ventilation request signal from the heat pump (900) via the communication processor (1410). In response to receiving the ventilation request signal, the ventilation device (1400) can operate the ventilation device (1420) included in the ventilation device (1400). The ventilation device (1420) can blow air into the room (200).

[0157] The air conditioner, the control method of the air conditioner, and the heat pump according to the present disclosure are intended to improve energy efficiency when performing bake-out to remove harmful substances generated during the construction of a building or the interior decoration process of an indoor space.

[0158] An air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes a sensor module, a blower module, a driving module for heating a room, at least one processor electrically connected to the sensor module, the blower module, and the driving module, and a memory storing a plurality of instructions for controlling the at least one processor, wherein the plurality of instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, control the driving module to perform overall heating to heat the entire room to a first temperature, control the driving module to terminate the overall heating and sequentially heat a first space to an Nth space (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) included in the room to a second temperature higher than the first temperature, control the sensor module to detect the temperature of the room, the humidity of the room, and the concentration of a harmful substance in the room, and control the blower module to perform ventilation of the room when at least one of the temperature, the humidity, and the concentration of the harmful substance is out of a threshold range as a result of detection.

[0159] In one embodiment, the plurality of instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, execute a bake-out function to heat the entire room to the first temperature, wherein the bake-out function can be executed in response to receiving a function entry input.

[0160] In one embodiment, the plurality of instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may ignore the error and heat the entire room to the first temperature if an error occurs when executing the bake out function because the outdoor temperature is above a threshold temperature.

[0161] In one embodiment, the plurality of instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may sequentially heat the first space to the Nth space to the second temperature, and, if the temperature of the first space does not reach the second temperature for a threshold time, stop heating the first space after the threshold time and proceed with heating the second space.

[0162] In one embodiment, the plurality of instructions, when performed by the at least one processor, may provide an offset to a hysteresis value set when performing the bake out function on at least one space among the first space to the Nth space that requires bake out, and performing heating or cooling on the remaining spaces excluding the at least one space among the first space to the Nth space where the bake out function is performed.

[0163] In one embodiment, the plurality of instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may control a valve module of the drive module to impart an offset to the hysteresis value, control a time-dependent driving degree of the drive module, or impart different setting values ​​to a connection module between the drive module and the remaining spaces.

[0164] In one embodiment, the plurality of instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the bake out function to be re-executed or the ventilation of the room to be performed if the concentration of the hazardous substance as a result of the detection is outside the threshold range.

[0165] In one embodiment, the plurality of instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may terminate the ventilation of the room or perform freeze cleaning control when the concentration of the hazardous substance as a result of the detection falls within the threshold range.

[0166] A control method of an air conditioner according to the present disclosure may include an operation of performing overall heating to heat the entire room to a first temperature, an operation of terminating the overall heating and sequentially heating a first space to an Nth space (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) included in the room to a second temperature higher than the first temperature, an operation of detecting the temperature of the room, the humidity of the room, and the concentration of a hazardous substance in the room, and an operation of performing ventilation of the room when at least one of the temperature, the humidity, and the concentration of the hazardous substance is outside a threshold range as a result of detection.

[0167] In one embodiment, the operation of heating the entire room to the first temperature includes the operation of executing a bake-out function, wherein the bake-out function can be executed in response to receiving a function entry input.

[0168] In one embodiment, the operation of executing the bake out function may include an operation of ignoring the error and heating the entire room to the first temperature when an error occurs when executing the bake out function because the outdoor temperature is higher than the threshold temperature.

[0169] In one embodiment, the operation of sequentially heating the first space to the Nth space to the second temperature may include an operation of heating the first space and, if the temperature of the first space does not reach the second temperature during a threshold time, an operation of stopping the heating of the first space after the threshold time and heating the second space.

[0170] In one embodiment, the operation of sequentially heating the first space to the Nth space to the second temperature may include an operation of performing the bake out function on at least one space among the first space to the Nth space that requires bake out, and an operation of providing an offset to a hysteresis value set when performing heating or cooling of the remaining spaces excluding the at least one space among the first space to the Nth space that performs the bake out function.

[0171] In one embodiment, the operation of performing ventilation in the room may include an operation of performing the bake out function again or performing ventilation in the room when the concentration of the hazardous substance as a result of the detection is outside the threshold range.

[0172] A method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment may include an operation of terminating the ventilation of the room or performing freeze cleaning control when the concentration of the hazardous substance falls within the critical range as a result of the detection.

[0173] A heat pump according to the present disclosure includes a sensor module, a driving module for heating a room, at least one processor electrically connected to the sensor module and the driving module, and a memory storing a plurality of instructions for controlling the at least one processor, wherein the plurality of instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, control the driving module to perform overall heating to heat the entire room to a first temperature, terminate the overall heating, and control the driving module to sequentially heat a first space to an Nth space included in the room (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) to a second temperature higher than the first temperature, control the sensor module to detect a temperature in the room, a humidity in the room, and a concentration of a harmful substance in the room, and when at least one of the temperature, the humidity, and the concentration of the harmful substance is out of a threshold range as a result of detection, it can notify to proceed with ventilation in the room.

[0174] In one embodiment, the plurality of instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, execute a bake-out function to heat the entire room to the first temperature, wherein the bake-out function can be executed in response to receiving a function entry input.

[0175] In one embodiment, the plurality of instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may sequentially heat the first space to the Nth space to the second temperature, and, if the temperature of the first space does not reach the second temperature for a threshold time, stop heating the first space after the threshold time and proceed with heating the second space.

[0176] A heat pump according to one embodiment includes a display, and the plurality of instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can control the display to display a notification indicating that the ventilation of the room is to proceed.

[0177] A heat pump according to one embodiment includes a communication module electrically connected to a ventilation device, wherein the plurality of instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, control the communication module to notify the ventilation device to proceed with the ventilation of the room.

[0178] The air conditioner, the control method of the air conditioner, and the heat pump according to the present disclosure can improve energy efficiency when baking out is performed by blowing air after overall heating and sequential heating of a room.

[0179] A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., alone or in combination. The program commands recorded on the medium may be those specially designed and configured for the present disclosure or may be known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program commands, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories. Examples of program commands include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0180] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by a computer. Computer-readable media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. Furthermore, computer-readable media may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave, or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. Furthermore, some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented as a computer program or computer program product containing computer-executable instructions, such as a computer program that is executed by a computer.

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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) through an application 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.

Claims

1. Sensor module; blower module; Drive module for heating the room; At least one processor electrically connected to the sensor module, the blower module, and the drive module; and A memory for storing a plurality of instructions for controlling at least one processor, The above plurality of instructions, when performed by the at least one processor, Control the drive module to heat the entire room to the first temperature by running the entire heating, The driving module is controlled to sequentially heat the first space to the Nth space (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) included in the room to a second temperature higher than the first temperature, after the entire heating is terminated. Controlling the sensor module to detect at least one of the temperature of the room, the humidity of the room, and the concentration of a hazardous substance of the room; An air conditioner that controls the blower module to blow air in the room when at least one of the temperature, the humidity, and the concentration of the hazardous substance is outside the critical range as a result of the detection.

2. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of instructions, when performed by the at least one processor, To heat the entire room to the first temperature, the bake-out function is executed, An air conditioner, wherein the above bake out function is executed in response to receiving a function entry input.

3. In paragraph 2, The above plurality of instructions, when performed by the at least one processor, An air conditioner that, when an error occurs when executing the bake out function because the outdoor temperature is higher than the critical temperature, ignores the error and heats the entire room to the first temperature.

4. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of instructions, when performed by the at least one processor, Heating of the first space is performed to sequentially heat the first space to the Nth space to the second temperature, An air conditioner that stops heating the first space and starts heating the second space after the critical time if the temperature of the first space does not reach the second temperature during the critical time.

5. In paragraph 2, The above plurality of instructions, when performed by the at least one processor, The above bake out function is performed in at least one space requiring bake out among the first space to the Nth space, An air conditioner that provides an offset to a hysteresis value set when heating or cooling spaces other than at least one space performing the bake out function among the first space to the Nth space.

6. In paragraph 5, The above plurality of instructions, when performed by the at least one processor, To impart the offset to the hysteresis value, at least one of the following is performed: Control the valve module of the above drive module, or Control the driving degree of the above driving module over time, or An air conditioner that provides different setting values ​​to the connection modules between the above driving module and the remaining spaces.

7. In paragraph 2, The above plurality of instructions, when performed by the at least one processor, An air conditioner that, if the concentration of the hazardous substance is outside the critical range as a result of the detection, executes the bake-out function again or performs the ventilation in the room.

8. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of instructions, when performed by the at least one processor, An air conditioner that stops the ventilation in the room or performs freeze cleaning control when the concentration of the hazardous substance falls within the critical range as a result of the detection.

9. An action to heat the entire room to the first temperature by running the entire heating; An operation of terminating the overall heating and sequentially heating the first space to the Nth space (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) included in the room to a second temperature higher than the first temperature; An operation of detecting at least one of the temperature of the room, the humidity of the room, and the concentration of a hazardous substance of the room; and A control method for an air conditioner, comprising an operation of performing ventilation in the room when at least one of the temperature, the humidity, and the concentration of the hazardous substance is outside a critical range as a result of detection.

10. In paragraph 9, The operation of heating the entire room to the first temperature is as follows: Contains an action that executes the Bake-out function, A control method of an air conditioner, wherein the above bake out function is executed in response to receiving a function entry input.

11. In paragraph 10, The operation of heating the entire room to the first temperature is as follows: A control method for an air conditioner, comprising an operation of ignoring the error and heating the entire room to the first temperature when an error occurs when executing the bake out function because the outdoor temperature is higher than the critical temperature.

12. In paragraph 9, The operation of sequentially heating the first space to the Nth space to the second temperature is: An operation for heating the first space; and A control method for an air conditioner, comprising an operation of stopping heating of the first space and proceeding with heating of the second space after the critical time if the temperature of the first space does not reach the second temperature during the critical time.

13. In paragraph 9, The operation of sequentially heating the first space to the Nth space to the second temperature is: An operation of performing the bake out function in at least one space requiring bake out among the first space to the Nth space; and A control method of an air conditioner, comprising an operation of providing an offset to a hysteresis value set when heating or cooling is performed in the remaining spaces excluding at least one space performing the bake out function among the first space to the Nth space.

14. In paragraph 10, The above-mentioned indoor ventilation operation is performed by: A control method for an air conditioner, comprising an operation of re-executing the bake-out function or performing the ventilation in the room when the concentration of the hazardous substance is outside the threshold range as a result of the detection.

15. Sensor module; Drive module for heating the room; At least one processor electrically connected to the sensor module and the drive module; and A memory for storing a plurality of instructions for controlling at least one processor, The above plurality of instructions, when performed by the at least one processor, Control the drive module to heat the entire room to the first temperature by running the entire heating, The driving module is controlled to sequentially heat the first space to the Nth space (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) included in the room to a second temperature higher than the first temperature, after the entire heating is terminated. Controlling the sensor module to detect at least one of the temperature of the room, the humidity of the room, and the concentration of a hazardous substance of the room; A heat pump that notifies to proceed with ventilation in the room when at least one of the temperature, the humidity, and the concentration of the hazardous substance is outside the critical range as a result of the detection.

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