Air conditioner and method for controlling air conditioner

Abstract

Provided are an air conditioner and a method for controlling the air conditioner. The method for controlling the air conditioner comprises: a step for acquiring an indoor temperature through an indoor temperature sensor; a step for determining one dehumidification operation section from among a plurality of different dehumidification operation sections according to the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and a temperature set by a user; and a step for performing a differential dehumidification operation of the air conditioner by controlling at least one of an indoor fan, a compressor, or an expansion valve provided in the air conditioner on the basis of the determined dehumidification operation section.

Description

Air conditioner, and method for controlling air conditioner

[0001] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an air conditioner, a method for controlling the air conditioner, and a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for performing the air conditioner control method on a computer.

[0002] An air conditioner can regulate air conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and cleanliness. Typically, an air conditioner includes a heat pump device consisting of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator, and can drive a refrigerant cycle by controlling the heat pump device to compress, condense, expand, and evaporate a refrigerant.

[0003] Air conditioners can perform dehumidification operations. The refrigerant cycle for dehumidification operations can be implemented in the same manner as the refrigerant cycle for general cooling operations. That is, if dehumidification continues, the indoor temperature may also decrease. For example, if the indoor space is dehumidified, the indoor temperature may also drop to a temperature close to the user's desired setting. However, if dehumidification operation continues even after the indoor space is dehumidified, a cold draft may occur, resulting in overcooling. Overcooling causes an undesirable feeling of coldness to the user and increases energy consumption. Therefore, appropriate control is needed to prevent overcooling during dehumidification operations.

[0004] A control method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes the steps of obtaining an indoor temperature through an indoor temperature sensor, determining one dehumidifying operation section from among a plurality of different dehumidifying operation sections according to a temperature difference between the indoor temperature and a set temperature set by a user, and performing a differential dehumidifying operation of the air conditioner by controlling at least one of an indoor fan, a compressor, or an expansion valve provided in the air conditioner based on the determined dehumidifying operation section.

[0005] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an indoor fan, a compressor, an expansion valve for controlling a refrigerant flow rate, an indoor temperature sensor, a memory including one or more storage media for storing one or more instructions, and at least one processor including a processing circuit.

[0006] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure obtains an indoor temperature through the indoor temperature sensor by individually or in combination executing one or more commands by the at least one processor.

[0007] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure determines one dehumidification operation section from among a plurality of different dehumidification operation sections according to a temperature difference between the indoor temperature and a set temperature set by a user by individually or in combination executing one or more commands by the at least one processor.

[0008] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure performs a differential dehumidification operation of the air conditioner by controlling at least one of an indoor fan, a compressor, or an expansion valve provided in the air conditioner based on the determined dehumidification operation section by individually or in combination executing one or more commands by the at least one processor.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for performing an air conditioner control method on a computer, the method comprising: obtaining an indoor temperature through an indoor temperature sensor; determining one dehumidification operation section from among a plurality of different dehumidification operation sections according to a temperature difference between the indoor temperature and a set temperature set by a user; and performing a differential dehumidification operation of the air conditioner by controlling at least one of an indoor fan, a compressor, or an expansion valve provided in the air conditioner based on the determined dehumidification operation section.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a section-by-section differential dehumidification operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of the outdoor unit and indoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

[0013] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a refrigerant cycle during dehumidification operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a section-by-section differential dehumidification operation method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a graph for explaining a dehumidification operation section divided according to the indoor temperature of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7a is a table for explaining a dehumidification operation section divided according to the indoor temperature under the condition that the indoor temperature of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is decreasing.

[0017] FIG. 7b is a table for explaining a dehumidification operation section divided according to the indoor temperature under conditions in which the indoor temperature of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure rises.

[0018] FIG. 8A is a drawing for explaining an operation of differentially controlling an indoor fan based on the indoor fan rotation speed per section of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8b is a drawing for explaining an operation of differentially controlling a compressor based on a target dew point temperature for each section of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8c is a drawing for explaining an operation of differentially controlling an expansion valve based on a target discharge temperature for each section of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 8d is a drawing for explaining an operation of differentially controlling an expansion valve based on the superheat degree per section of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an air conditioner, an external device, and a server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an AI dehumidification operation method that takes into account the indoor environment of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure performing AI dehumidification operation using a dehumidification operation identification model.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a graph for explaining an operation of switching from section-by-section dehumidification operation to AI dehumidification operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 13a is a table reflecting the target dew point temperature identified by the dehumidification operation identification model under conditions where the indoor temperature of an air conditioner decreases according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 13b is a table reflecting the target dew point temperature identified by the dehumidification operation identification model under conditions where the indoor temperature of the air conditioner rises according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an operation of training a dehumidification operation identification model using training data according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 15 is an example of an interface for displaying information regarding the dehumidification operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure on an external device.

[0030] FIG. 16 is a graph for comparing the results of general dehumidification operation and section-by-section differential dehumidification operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig. 17 is an example of an indoor unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] 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.

[0033] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are to be understood to include plural referents. Thus, for example, the description "a constituent surface" may also include reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0038] 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).

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] It should be understood that the blocks and combinations of flowcharts in each flowchart can be executed by one or more computer programs containing computer-executable instructions. The one or more computer programs may be stored entirely in a single memory, or may be stored in separate portions across multiple different memories.

[0044] All functions or operations described in the present disclosure may be processed by a single processor or a combination of processors. A single processor or a combination of processors is a circuitry that performs processing, and may include circuitry such as an Application Processor (AP) (e.g., a Central Processing Unit (CPU)), a Communication Processor (CP) (e.g., a modem), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence chip, a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth chip, a Global Positioning System (GPS), a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip, a connectivity chip, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a fingerprint sensor controller, a display driver IC (Integrated Circuit), an audio CODEC chip, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a Microprocessor Unit (MPU), a System on Chip (SoC), an IC, etc.

[0045] The processor of the present disclosure can generate control signals for controlling the operation of an 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 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.

[0046] A processor may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, the term “processor” as used herein, including in the claims, may include various processing circuits, including at least one processor. One or more processors in at least one processor may be configured to perform various functions described herein, individually and / or collectively, in a distributed fashion. As used herein, “processor,” “at least one processor,” and “one or more processors” may be configured to perform multiple functions. However, these terms encompass, without limitation, situations where one processor performs some of the functions and other processor(s) perform other parts of the functions, and situations where a single processor may perform all of the functions. Furthermore, at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform various of the disclosed functions in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0047] In the present disclosure, the processor can write data to memory, read data stored in memory, and process data according to predefined operating rules or artificial intelligence models, particularly by executing a program or at least one instruction stored in memory. Accordingly, the processor can perform the operations described in the following embodiments, and operations described as being performed by an air conditioner or detailed components included in the air conditioner in the following embodiments can be considered to be performed by the processor, unless otherwise specified.

[0048] In the present disclosure, functions related to 'artificial intelligence' are operated through a processor and memory. The processor may be composed of one or more processors. In this case, one or more processors may be a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, AP, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a graphics-only processor such as a GPU or VPU (Vision Processing Unit), or an artificial intelligence-only processor such as an NPU. One or more processors control the processing of input data according to predefined operation rules or artificial intelligence models stored in memory. Alternatively, if one or more processors are artificial intelligence-only processors, the artificial intelligence-only processor may be designed with a hardware structure specialized for processing a specific artificial intelligence model.

[0049] The predefined operation rules or artificial intelligence models are characterized by being created through learning. Here, being created through learning means that the basic artificial intelligence model is trained using a learning algorithm using a plurality of learning data, thereby creating a predefined operation rules or artificial intelligence model set to perform a desired characteristic (or purpose). This learning may be performed on the device itself on which the artificial intelligence according to the present disclosure is performed, or may be performed through a separate server and / or system. Examples of the learning algorithm include, but are not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning.

[0050] In the present disclosure, an 'artificial intelligence model' may be a model that analyzes linear or nonlinear correlations between a plurality of operands (which may also be referred to as variables or parameters). For example, the artificial intelligence model may include at least one of linear regression, polynomial regression, logistic regression, decision trees, support vector machines (SVM), linear correlation, and neural network models, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the artificial intelligence model may take one type of variable as input and infer another type of variable. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the artificial intelligence model may take different types of variables as input and infer correlation coefficients between the variables. For example, the correlation coefficient may include, but is not limited to, Pearson's correlation coefficient, Spearman's correlation coefficient, Kendall's Tau, Point-biserial correlation coefficient, etc.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the 'artificial intelligence model' may include a neural network model. The neural network model may be composed of a plurality of neural network layers. Each of the plurality of neural network layers has a plurality of weight values, and performs neural network operations through operations between the operation results of the previous layer and the plurality of weights. The plurality of weights of the plurality of neural network layers may be optimized based on the learning results of the artificial intelligence model. For example, the plurality of weights may be updated so that a loss value or a cost value obtained from the artificial intelligence model during the learning process is reduced or minimized. The artificial neural network model may include a deep neural network (DNN), and examples thereof include, but are not limited to, a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), or deep Q-networks.

[0052] In this disclosure, the term “user” means a person who controls a system, function, or operation, and may include a developer, an administrator, an installer, or a repair technician.

[0053] In the present disclosure, the dehumidification load may represent the moisture or water content in indoor air. For example, a high degree of dehumidification load may indicate a high amount of moisture or water content in indoor air. For example, a low degree of dehumidification load may indicate a low amount of moisture or water content in indoor air. The degree of dehumidification load may be compared to a predetermined value.

[0054] In the present disclosure, the dehumidification operation section may include multiple dehumidification operation sections differentiated according to the degree of dehumidification load. For example, if the dehumidification load is strong, the dehumidification operation section corresponding to the strong operation intensity may be determined. If the dehumidification load is weak, the dehumidification operation section corresponding to the weak operation intensity may be determined. Here, the degree of dehumidification load may be identified through a sensor or other component provided in the air conditioner, but is not limited thereto.

[0055] In the present disclosure, the differential dehumidification operation by section may refer to an operation of controlling components of an air conditioner according to a dehumidification operation section determined according to the degree of dehumidification load. For example, in each dehumidification operation section, a control factor corresponding to each component of the air conditioner and a value of the control factor indicating a specific value set for the control factor may be set. The value of the control factor may vary depending on the dehumidification operation section. For example, as the degree of dehumidification load increases, the air conditioner may change the dehumidification operation section in a stepwise manner to gradually increase the intensity of the dehumidification operation. For example, as the degree of dehumidification load decreases, the air conditioner may change the dehumidification operation section in a stepwise manner to gradually decrease the intensity of the dehumidification operation.

[0056] Hereinafter, air conditioners according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0057] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a differential dehumidification operation for each section of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] An air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure 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 refers to a device equipped with at least one of these functions. The air conditioner (1000) may be implemented in the form of an air conditioner, a heater, an air conditioner, an air purifier, or a dehumidifier. In the present disclosure, the case where the air conditioner (1000) corresponds to an air conditioner will be described mainly. However, this is for the convenience of explanation, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (1000) may include an outdoor unit (100) and an indoor unit (200). The indoor unit (200) may be placed within a target space to be cooled or heated. When the air conditioner (1000) is equipped with multiple indoor units, each indoor unit (200) may be placed in a different target space. The multiple indoor units may be connected to one outdoor unit or multiple outdoor units. The outdoor unit (100) may be placed in an external space and may emit or absorb heat.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (1000) may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump device may include a refrigerant cycle in which a refrigerant circulates along a compressor, an evaporator, an expansion valve, and a condenser. The outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit (100) may correspond to a condenser or an evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit (200) may correspond to an evaporator or a condenser.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an indoor unit (200) may include an indoor temperature sensor (not shown), a relative humidity sensor (not shown), and a display (201). The indoor unit (200) may detect indoor temperature through the indoor temperature sensor and detect relative humidity through the relative humidity sensor. The indoor unit (200) may provide information about air conditions detected through the sensors, such as indoor temperature and relative humidity, through the display (201). For example, the display (201) may provide information that the indoor temperature is 27 degrees and the relative humidity is 60%.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) may be connected to a remote controller (300). The remote controller (300) may include an input device that can receive various control commands from a user, and a device that remotely controls at least one of the components of the air conditioner (1000) in response to the received control commands. For example, the remote controller (300) may be an external input device connected to the indoor unit (200) via a wired / wireless communication network. When the air conditioner (1000) is equipped with multiple indoor units, a plurality of remote controllers (300) may be provided so as to control each of the multiple indoor units. In the present disclosure, for convenience of explanation, the use of the remote controller (300) as an input device for the air conditioner (1000) is exemplified, but is not limited thereto. For example, the remote controller (300) may be replaced with any type of input interface or user terminal provided in the indoor unit (200).

[0063] The user can input setting data (e.g., set temperature or desired indoor temperature), operating mode setting for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection setting, and / or wind volume setting) through the remote controller (300).

[0064] For example, the remote controller (300) may include a dehumidification mode button (301), a wind-free mode button (302), an AI comfort mode button (303), and a display (304). The display (304) may display information regarding setting data. For example, if a user sets a dehumidification operation and sets the set temperature to 24 degrees, the display (304) may display dehumidification operation information and set temperature information.

[0065] In the present disclosure, the dehumidification mode is a function for removing moisture in indoor air, which can be implemented through a dew point control method. Depending on the dehumidification mode, the amount of indoor dehumidification load can be reduced, and moisture in the indoor air can be removed. The indoor dehumidification load can represent moisture or water content in the indoor air. In the dehumidification mode, refrigerant cycle control can be performed to lower the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger below the dew point temperature for dehumidification. Here, the dew point temperature can be the temperature at which the dew point begins to occur. During the refrigerant cycle, the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger is cooled, so that the moist indoor air sucked into the indoor unit (200) passes through the indoor heat exchanger, causing dew to form on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger, thereby removing moisture in the air. In order for the air conditioner (1000) to perform the dehumidification mode, the air conditioner can measure the air condition in the indoor space through an indoor temperature sensor and a relative humidity sensor, and based on the information, set and control the target dew point temperature that the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger should reach. The air conditioner (1000) can control the rotation speed (or frequency) of the compressor by utilizing the temperature difference between the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger (i.e., target factor) and the target dew point temperature (i.e., control factor). As the rotation speed of the compressor increases, the refrigerant flow rate (or refrigerant circulation amount) increases, so that the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger can be lowered quickly. That is, as the rotation speed of the compressor increases, the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger can quickly reach below the target dew point temperature (e.g., 15 degrees).

[0066] The refrigerant cycle for dehumidification operation can be implemented in the same manner as the refrigerant cycle for general cooling operation. That is, if dehumidification operation continues, the indoor temperature may also decrease. For example, if the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger (e.g., 20 degrees Celsius) drops below the target dew point temperature (e.g., 15 degrees Celsius), thereby dehumidifying the indoor space, the indoor temperature (e.g., 23 degrees Celsius) may also drop close to the user's desired set temperature (e.g., 18 degrees Celsius). However, if dehumidification operation continues even after the indoor space is dehumidified, a cold draft may occur, resulting in overcooling. Overcooling causes an undesirable feeling of coldness for the user and increases energy consumption. Therefore, it is necessary to perform differential dehumidification operation for each section, depending on the degree of dehumidification load. For example, differential dehumidification operation may be an operation that divides the section according to the degree of dehumidification load and controls at least one of the rotation speed of the indoor fan, the frequency of the compressor, or the expansion valve differently for each section.

[0067] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) may perform a dehumidification operation by dividing the dehumidification operation into three sections according to the degree of the dehumidification load. For example, the dehumidification operation sections may include a first dehumidification operation section (corresponding to 'section 1' of FIG. 1), a second dehumidification operation section (corresponding to 'section 2' of FIG. 1), and a third dehumidification operation section (corresponding to 'section 3' of FIG. 1). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a control factor may be set differently for each dehumidification operation section. For example, the control factor may include at least one of the rotation speed of the indoor fan, the target dew point temperature, the discharge temperature of the compressor, or the superheat of the indoor heat exchanger. Here, the frequency of the compressor may vary according to the target dew point temperature. Here, the discharge temperature of the compressor and the superheat of the indoor heat exchanger may each be a control factor that varies according to the refrigerant flow rate. The refrigerant flow rate may be adjusted by the opening degree of the expansion valve.

[0068] In the present disclosure, the number of dehumidification operation sections is exemplified as three, but is not limited thereto. For example, the number of dehumidification operation sections may be less than three or more than three.

[0069] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can perform a strong dehumidification operation when the amount of indoor dehumidification load is large. This can correspond to the first dehumidification operation section. Here, a large amount of indoor dehumidification load corresponds to a large temperature difference between the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger and the target dew point temperature, and can correspond to a large temperature difference between the set temperature and the indoor temperature. In other words, the air conditioner (1000) can perform a strong dehumidification operation so that the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger can quickly reach a temperature lower than the target dew point temperature.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the air conditioner (1000) performs a strong dehumidification operation, the speed and amount of moisture removed from indoor air may increase. For example, the strong dehumidification operation (or high-intensity dehumidification operation) may correspond to operations such as increasing the rotation speed of the indoor fan, lowering the target dew point temperature, increasing the frequency of the compressor, increasing the refrigerant flow rate, lowering the target discharge temperature of the compressor, and lowering the superheat of the indoor heat exchanger. Accordingly, the indoor humidity can quickly reach a comfortable humidity range (e.g., 40% to 60%). The comfortable humidity range may be a range of relative humidity that provides comfort to the user.

[0071] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can perform a weak dehumidification operation when the amount of indoor dehumidification load is small. This can correspond to the third dehumidification operation section. Here, a small amount of indoor dehumidification load corresponds to a small temperature difference between the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger and the target dew point temperature, and can correspond to a small temperature difference between the set temperature desired by the user and the indoor temperature. In other words, the air conditioner (1000) can perform a weak dehumidification operation because the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger has reached the target dew point temperature.

[0072] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the air conditioner (1000) performs a weak dehumidification operation, the speed and amount of moisture removed from indoor air may decrease. For example, the weak dehumidification operation (or low-intensity dehumidification operation) may correspond to the operations of reducing the rotation speed of the indoor fan, increasing the target dew point temperature, lowering the frequency of the compressor, reducing the refrigerant flow rate, increasing the target discharge temperature of the compressor, and increasing the superheat of the indoor heat exchanger. Accordingly, the cold airflow in the indoor space can be minimized, the humidity can be maintained within a comfortable humidity range (e.g., 40% to 60%), and overcooling can be minimized, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0073] In summary, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, as the indoor dehumidification load decreases, the dehumidification operation section of the air conditioner (1000) may be changed from the first dehumidification operation section to the third dehumidification operation section. As the operation progresses from the first dehumidification operation section to the third dehumidification operation section, the dehumidification operation intensity may decrease, the rotation speed of the indoor fan may decrease, the target dew point temperature may increase, the refrigerant flow rate may decrease, the target discharge temperature of the compressor may increase, and the target superheat of the indoor heat exchanger may increase. The air conditioner (1000) may increase the dew point temperature by increasing the frequency of the compressor. The air conditioner (1000) may reduce the refrigerant flow rate by decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve. This is described in more detail in the table of FIG. 7a.

[0074] Likewise, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, as the indoor dehumidification load increases, the dehumidification operation section of the air conditioner (1000) may be changed from the third dehumidification operation section to the first dehumidification operation section. As the dehumidification operation section progresses from the third dehumidification operation section to the first dehumidification operation section, the dehumidification operation intensity may increase, the rotation speed of the indoor fan may increase, the target dew point temperature may decrease, the refrigerant flow rate may increase, the target discharge temperature of the compressor may decrease, and the superheat of the indoor heat exchanger may decrease. The air conditioner (1000) may lower the dew point temperature by lowering the frequency of the compressor. The air conditioner (1000) may increase the refrigerant flow rate by increasing the opening degree of the expansion valve. This is described in more detail in the table of FIG. 7b.

[0075] For example, in operation 10, when a user inputs a dehumidification mode button (301) of the remote controller (300), the remote controller (300) can receive a dehumidification operation setting input. The remote controller (300) can receive a set temperature input together with the dehumidification operation setting input. The remote controller (300) can transmit the dehumidification operation setting input and set temperature data to the indoor unit (200). The indoor unit (200) can receive the dehumidification operation setting input and set temperature data from the remote controller (300). In operation 20, the indoor unit (200) can determine a dehumidification operation section based on the degree of the dehumidification load. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the indoor unit (200) can identify the degree of the dehumidification load based on a temperature difference between the set temperature and the indoor temperature. For example, the indoor unit (200) can identify that the amount of dehumidification load is large when the temperature difference between the set temperature and the indoor temperature is large. The indoor unit (200) can identify that the amount of dehumidification load is small when the temperature difference between the set temperature and the indoor temperature is small. The indoor unit (200) can determine one dehumidification operation section from among a plurality of dehumidification operation sections according to the degree of the dehumidification load. In operation 30, the outdoor unit (100) and the indoor unit (200) can perform differential dehumidification operation for each section based on the determined dehumidification operation section.

[0076] In addition, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can perform a dehumidification mode that does not cause overcooling by simultaneously performing windless control and differential dehumidification control. For example, when a user inputs the windless mode button (302) of the remote controller (300), the air conditioner (1000) can operate in windless mode. Alternatively, for example, when the air conditioner (1000) receives a dehumidification operation setting input, it can automatically perform the windless mode along with the dehumidification operation.

[0077] In the present disclosure, the windless mode is a function for minimizing the sensation of airflow so that the user is not directly exposed to the airflow, and can be implemented through a windless control method. In the windless mode, cold air can be discharged at a minimum flow rate that does not allow the user to feel the sensation of airflow. To implement a micro-airflow, micro-porous holes can be implemented in the indoor blades arranged on the front panel of the indoor unit (200). A flow path structure shape for implementing both normal wind and windless can be applied inside the indoor unit (200). A flow path structure shape for implementing both normal wind and windless can be applied inside the indoor unit (200). The indoor unit (200) can include an indoor blade. The indoor blade can be positioned at an outlet of the indoor unit (200). The indoor blade can include a cover having a length and width that can cover the outlet when closed. The cover of the indoor blade can be flat, or at least a portion thereof can include a curve. The cover of the indoor blade can have micro-porous holes distributed and arranged. The indoor blade can control the direction and flow rate of air discharged into the indoor space in the normal wind mode based on at least one of the degree of opening or the angle of arrangement. The indoor blade can rotate about its axis, or can be opened and closed or arranged at a predetermined angle based on its relative movement with respect to the indoor unit (200). While a single indoor blade is described in the present disclosure, multiple indoor blades may be used. For example, the no-wind control may include an operation of closing the indoor blade, controlling airflow to be discharged through microporous holes formed in the indoor blade arranged on the front panel of the indoor unit (200), and controlling the rotation speed of the indoor fan to a no-wind cooling rotation speed lower than the normal cooling rotation speed. In the no-wind mode using the microporous holes formed in the indoor blade, after the indoor blade provided in the indoor unit (200) is closed to block the exhaust port of the indoor unit (200), cool air can be discharged through the microporous holes formed in the indoor blade.In the present disclosure, the term "indoor blade" means a blade of an indoor unit, and the term "blade" can be replaced with "vane", "deflector", "flap", "louver", "air flow blade", "airflow guide", "opening / closing part of discharge port", "cover of discharge port", and "door of discharge port" which refer to the same part. The discharge port of the indoor unit (200) may be located on the front panel of the indoor unit (200), or may be located in another part of the indoor unit (200) through which air can be discharged into the indoor space. Although the present disclosure describes that the microporous holes are formed in the indoor blade, the microporous holes may be formed in another part of the indoor unit (200) through which air can be discharged into the indoor space. Alternatively, to implement micro-airflow in the windless mode, the indoor blades may be controlled to be slightly open instead of the micro-porous holes. Here, the windless control may include an operation of controlling the indoor blades to be slightly open, a control of discharging airflow through one or more small openings formed when the indoor blades are in the slightly open state, and a control of the rotation speed of the indoor fan to a windless cooling rotation speed lower than the general cooling rotation speed. In the windless mode in which the indoor blades are in the slightly open state, when the indoor blades included in the indoor unit (200) are in the slightly open state, cold air may be discharged through one or more small openings formed due to the slightly open state of the indoor blades. Since the micro-airflow has a much lower flow rate and air volume than the general wind, it may be an advantageous airflow method in the dehumidification operation.In other words, the lower the airflow, the lower the heat exchanger temperature, which is advantageous for latent heat removal and can be effective for dehumidification. Furthermore, the lower the airflow, the lower the sensible heat ratio, which reduces sensible heat removal. This minimizes the phenomenon of overcooling, where the temperature of the indoor air drops due to dehumidification.

[0078] In the present disclosure, latent heat is heat generated due to a phase change (e.g., from gas to liquid) and can be removed when the air conditioner (1000) performs a dehumidification operation. For example, when a dehumidification load occurs due to an increase in indoor humidity, when the air conditioner (1000) performs a dehumidification operation, the dehumidification load is removed, and in this process, latent heat is removed, and as a result, indoor humidity can be reduced. In the present disclosure, sensible heat is heat generated due to a temperature change and can be removed when the air conditioner (1000) performs a cooling operation. For example, when a cooling load occurs due to an increase in indoor temperature, when the air conditioner (1000) performs a cooling operation, the cooling load is removed, and in this process, sensible heat is removed, and as a result, indoor temperature can be reduced. In general cooling operation, both sensible heat and latent heat are removed, but in dehumidification operation, it is necessary to remove only latent heat. If sensible heat is also removed during the dehumidification operation, the user will feel cold. Therefore, when the air conditioner (1000) performs no-wind control, the wind volume is small and less sensible heat may be removed.

[0079] Meanwhile, for example, if a user presses the AI ​​Comfort Mode button (303) of the remote controller (300), the air conditioner (1000) may operate in AI Comfort Mode. In the present disclosure, the AI ​​Comfort Mode may be a function that automatically performs AI dehumidification operation within a comfortable humidity range using indoor environment information without the user inputting a set temperature. The AI ​​Comfort Mode is further described in FIGS. 10 to 14 .

[0080] FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of the outdoor unit and indoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 2, an air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outdoor unit (100) and an indoor unit (200). The outdoor unit (100) may include an outdoor unit control unit (110), an outdoor heat exchanger (120), an outdoor unit communication unit (130), an outdoor unit sensor (140), an outdoor unit drive unit (150), a compressor (160), an expansion valve (170), an outdoor fan (180), and a four-way valve (190). The indoor unit (200) may include an indoor unit control unit (210), an indoor heat exchanger (220), an indoor unit communication unit (230), an indoor unit sensor (240), an input interface (250), an output interface (260), an indoor unit drive unit (270), an indoor fan (280), and an indoor blade (290). However, not all of the components illustrated in FIG. 2 are essential components. The outdoor unit (100) and the indoor unit (200) may be implemented with more components than those shown in FIG. 2, or the outdoor unit (100) and the indoor unit (200) may be implemented with fewer components.

[0082] All components of a heat pump device may be built into a single housing forming the exterior of an air conditioner (1000), and a window-type air conditioner or a portable air conditioner may be an example of such an air conditioner (1000). On the other hand, some components of a heat pump device may be built into multiple housings forming a single air conditioner (1000), and this includes a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-alone air conditioner, a system air conditioner, etc.

[0083] An air conditioner (1000) including a plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit (100) installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit (200) installed indoors. For example, the air conditioner (1000) may be provided such that one outdoor unit (100) and one indoor unit (200) are connected via a refrigerant pipe. For example, the air conditioner (1000) may be provided such that one outdoor unit (100) is connected to two or more indoor units (200) via refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner (1000) may be provided such that two or more outdoor units (100) and two or more indoor units (200) are connected via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0084] The outdoor unit (100) can be electrically connected to the indoor unit (200). For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner (1000) can be input through an input interface provided in the outdoor unit (100) or the indoor unit (200), and the outdoor unit (100) and the indoor unit (200) can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to the user input.

[0085] The air conditioner (1000) may include an outdoor heat exchanger (120) provided in an outdoor unit (100), an indoor heat exchanger (220) provided in an indoor unit (200), and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger (120) and the indoor heat exchanger (220).

[0086] The outdoor heat exchanger (120) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing the phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant releases heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger (120) evaporates, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air.

[0087] The indoor unit (200) is installed indoors. For example, the indoor unit (200) can be classified into a ceiling-type indoor unit (200), a stand-type indoor unit (200), a wall-mounted indoor unit (200), etc., depending on the method of placement. For example, the ceiling-type indoor unit (200) can be classified into a 4-way indoor unit (200), a 1-way indoor unit (200), a duct-type indoor unit (200), etc., depending on the method of air discharge.

[0088] Likewise, the indoor heat exchanger (220) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air by utilizing a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit (200), the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air, and the indoor space can be cooled by blowing the cooled indoor air while passing through the cooled indoor heat exchanger (220). In addition, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger (220), the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air, and the indoor space can be heated by blowing the heated indoor air while passing through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger (220).

[0089] That is, the air conditioner (1000) performs a cooling or heating function through a phase change process of the refrigerant circulating through the outdoor heat exchanger (120) and the indoor heat exchanger (220). For this circulation of the refrigerant, the air conditioner (1000) may include a compressor (160) that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor (160) may suck in refrigerant gas through an intake port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor (160) may discharge high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through an exhaust port. The compressor (160) may be placed inside the outdoor unit (100).

[0090] The refrigerant may circulate in the order of a compressor (160), an outdoor heat exchanger (120), an expansion valve (170), and an indoor heat exchanger (220) through a refrigerant pipe, or may circulate in the order of a compressor (160), an indoor heat exchanger (220), an expansion valve (170), and an outdoor heat exchanger (120).

[0091] For example, in an air conditioner (1000), if one outdoor unit (100) and one indoor unit (200) are directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be arranged to circulate between one outdoor unit (100) and one indoor unit (200) through the refrigerant pipe.

[0092] For example, in an air conditioner (1000), when one outdoor unit (100) is connected to two or more indoor units (200) through refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant can flow to multiple indoor units (200) through refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit (100). The refrigerants discharged from the multiple indoor units (200) can be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit (100). For example, multiple indoor units (200) can be directly connected in parallel to one outdoor unit (100) through separate refrigerant pipes.

[0093] The plurality of indoor units (200) can be independently operated according to the operating mode set by the user. That is, some of the plurality of indoor units (200) can be operated in cooling mode, while others can be operated in heating mode. At this time, the refrigerant can be selectively introduced into each indoor unit (200) at a high or low pressure along a designated circulation path through a flow switching valve, which will be described later, and discharged to be circulated to the outdoor unit (100).

[0094] For example, when an air conditioner (1000) has two or more outdoor units (100) and two or more indoor units (200) connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, refrigerants discharged from multiple outdoor units (100) can join and flow through one refrigerant pipe, then branch off again at some point and flow into multiple indoor units (200).

[0095] The plurality of outdoor units (100) may all be driven or at least some may not be driven depending on the operating load according to the operating amount of the plurality of indoor units (200). At this time, the refrigerant may be arranged to be introduced into the outdoor unit (100) that is selectively driven through a flow switching valve and circulated. The air conditioner (1000) may include an expansion valve (170) to lower the pressure of the refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion valve (170) may be arranged inside the indoor unit (200) or the outdoor unit (100), or may be arranged in both.

[0096] The expansion valve (170) can, for example, lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by utilizing the throttling effect. The expansion valve (170) can include an orifice capable of reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passing through the orifice can be lowered.

[0097] The expansion valve (170) may be implemented as, for example, an electronic expansion valve (EVV) that can control the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's passage in a partially open state to the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's passage in a fully open state). The amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion valve (170) can be controlled depending on the opening ratio of the EVV. For example, when the opening ratio is expressed as 0% to 100%, 0% may mean that the valve is completely closed, and 100% may mean that the valve is completely open. When the opening ratio of the EEV is low, the refrigerant flow rate passing through the EEV may decrease. When the opening ratio of the EEV is high, the refrigerant can freely pass through the EEV. In the present disclosure, the opening ratio of the expansion valve (170) may also be expressed as an opening degree.

[0098] The air conditioner (1000) may further include a refrigerant diverter valve disposed on a refrigerant circulation path. The refrigerant diverter valve may include, for example, a four-way valve (190). The refrigerant diverter valve may determine the refrigerant circulation path depending on the operating mode of the indoor unit (200) (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The refrigerant diverter valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor (160).

[0099] The air conditioner (1000) may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor (160). Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in an indoor heat exchanger (220) or an outdoor heat exchanger may be introduced into the accumulator.

[0100] 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 (160).

[0101] An outdoor fan (180) may be provided near the outdoor heat exchanger (120). The outdoor fan (180) may blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger (120) to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0102] The outdoor unit (100) of the air conditioner (1000) may include at least one sensor. For example, the outdoor unit sensor (140) may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor (140) may be placed at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit (100). For example, the outdoor unit sensor (140) may include, for example, an outdoor temperature sensor (142) for detecting the air temperature around the outdoor unit (100), a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity around the outdoor unit (100), a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit (100), or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit (100). For example, the outdoor unit sensor (140) may include a compressor discharge temperature sensor (144) for detecting the outlet temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the compressor (160).

[0103] The outdoor unit (100) of the air conditioner (1000) may include an outdoor unit communication unit (130). The outdoor unit communication unit (130) may be provided to receive a control signal from a control unit of an indoor unit (200) of the air conditioner (1000) to be described later. The outdoor unit (100) may control the operation of a compressor (160), an outdoor heat exchanger (120), an expansion valve (170), a flow switching valve, an accumulator, or an outdoor fan (180) based on the control signal received through the outdoor unit communication unit (130). The outdoor unit (100) may transmit a sensing value detected from an outdoor unit sensor (140) to the control unit of the indoor unit (200) through the outdoor unit communication unit (130).

[0104] An indoor unit (200) of an air conditioner (1000) may include a housing, a blower for circulating air into or out of the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger (220) for exchanging heat with air flowing into the interior of the housing.

[0105] The housing may include an intake port through which indoor air may be drawn into the interior of the housing.

[0106] The indoor unit (200) of the air conditioner (1000) may include a filter provided to filter foreign substances in the air flowing into the housing through the intake port.

[0107] 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.

[0108] The housing of the indoor unit (200) 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 a blade 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.

[0109] An indoor heat exchanger (220) and a blower may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit (200) and are arranged on a path connecting the intake and exhaust ports. The blower may include an indoor fan (280) and a fan motor. For example, the indoor fan (280) may include an axial fan, a diffusion fan, a cross-flow fan, or a centrifugal fan.

[0110] The indoor heat exchanger (220) may be positioned between the blower and the exhaust port, or between the intake port and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger (220) may absorb heat from air introduced through the intake port, or transfer heat to the air introduced through the intake port. The indoor heat exchanger (220) may include a heat exchange tube through which a refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tube to increase the heat transfer surface area.

[0111] The indoor unit (200) of the air conditioner (1000) may include a drain tray disposed below the indoor heat exchanger (220) 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 (220).

[0112] The indoor unit (200) of the air conditioner (1000) may include an indoor blade (290) arranged on the front panel of the housing of the indoor unit (200). The indoor blade (290) may be a member that controls the direction and flow rate of air discharged from the exhaust port of the indoor unit (200) through an opening / closing operation or angle adjustment, thereby evenly distributing cold air or warm air into the indoor space. The indoor blade (290) may be open in the general cooling mode and closed in the windless mode, but is not limited thereto. In the present disclosure, the opening of the indoor blade (290) means that the cover blocking the exhaust port is opened, and the closing of the indoor blade (290) means that the cover is closed to block the exhaust port. In the general wind mode, the indoor blade (290) is opened so that cold air can be discharged from the indoor unit (200) to the outside as it is. Meanwhile, in the windless mode, the indoor blade (290) is closed, so that the cold air provided from the indoor unit (200) can be discharged at a predetermined speed or lower through the microporous holes.

[0113] The indoor unit (200) of the air conditioner (1000) may include an input interface (250). The input interface (250) may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, a touch screen, and / or a touch pad. The user may directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or wind speed settings) through the input interface (250).

[0114] The input interface (250) may be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface (250) may be electrically connected to a remote controller via a wired / wireless communication network. The remote controller may include an input device that can receive various control commands from a user, and a device that remotely controls at least one component of the air conditioner (1000) in response to the received control commands. For example, the remote controller may include buttons, keys, a pad, a touch screen, etc. For example, the remote controller may be a user terminal. For example, the user terminal includes, but is not limited to, a smart phone or a wearable device in the form of glasses or a watch.

[0115] For example, the input interface (250) 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 setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (1000) by operating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data acquired through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface (250). In addition, the input interface (250) may include an infrared sensor. A user may remotely input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (1000) using a wireless remote controller. The setting data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface (250) as an infrared signal.

[0116] In addition, the input interface (250) 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 the indoor unit control unit (210). The indoor unit control unit (210) may control the components of the air conditioner (1000) to execute a function corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data acquired through the input interface (250) (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode setting of cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection setting, and / or wind volume setting) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit (210) described below. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface (250) may be transmitted externally, i.e., to the outdoor unit (100) or a server, through the indoor unit communication unit (230) described below.

[0117] The indoor unit (200) of the air conditioner (1000) may include an output interface (260). The output interface (260) is electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit (210) and may output information related to the operation of the air conditioner (1000) under the control of the indoor unit control unit (210). For example, information such as an operation mode, wind direction, wind volume, and temperature selected by a user input may be output. In addition, the output interface (260) may output sensing information and warning / error messages acquired from an indoor unit sensor (240) or an outdoor unit sensor (140).

[0118] The output interface (260) may include a display and a speaker. The speaker, as an audio device, may 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 the air conditioner (1000) may be displayed as at least one of an image or text. In addition, the display may include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include an LCD panel (Liquid Crystal Display Panel), an LED panel (Light Emitting Diode Panel), an OLED panel (Organic Light Emitting Diode Panel), a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0119] The indoor unit (200) of the air conditioner (1000) 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 (200).

[0120] The indoor unit (200) of the air conditioner (1000) may include an indoor unit sensor (240). The indoor unit sensor (240) may be an environmental sensor disposed in a space inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor (240) may include one or more indoor temperature sensors (242) and / or relative humidity sensors (246) disposed in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit (200). For example, the indoor unit sensor (240) may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit (200). For example, the indoor unit sensor (240) may include respective heat exchanger temperature sensors (244) for detecting inlet, middle, and / or outlet temperatures of refrigerant pipes passing through the indoor heat exchanger (220).

[0121] For example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit sensor (240) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit (210) described later, or transmitted externally through the indoor unit communication unit (230) described later.

[0122] The indoor unit (200) may include an indoor unit communication unit (230). The indoor unit communication unit (230) may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit (230) may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with other devices. The outdoor unit (100) may include an outdoor unit communication unit (130). The outdoor unit communication unit (130) may also include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.

[0123] 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 (wireless local area network) (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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] The indoor unit communication unit (230) can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances through a surrounding access point (AP).

[0126] The outdoor unit (100) and the indoor unit (200) of the air conditioner (1000) can perform two-way communication. The outdoor unit communication unit (130) and the indoor unit communication unit (230) may each include a port for connecting a wired cable for performing wired communication between the outdoor unit (100) and the indoor unit (200). The indoor unit communication unit (230) may transmit a control signal generated by the indoor unit control unit (210) to be described later to the outdoor unit communication unit (130), or transmit a control signal transmitted from the outdoor unit communication unit (130) to the indoor unit control unit (210). The outdoor unit communication unit (130) may transmit a control signal generated by the outdoor unit control unit (110) to be described later to the indoor unit communication unit (230), or transmit a control signal transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit (230) to the outdoor unit control unit (110). The outdoor unit (100) and the indoor unit (200) can transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner (1000).

[0127] The indoor unit (200) of the air conditioner (1000) may include an indoor unit control unit (210) that controls the components of the indoor unit (200). The outdoor unit (100) of the air conditioner (1000) may include an outdoor unit control unit (110) that controls the components of the outdoor unit (100). The outdoor unit control unit (110) may be electrically connected to components of the outdoor unit (100) and may control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit control unit (110) may provide a control signal to the outdoor unit drive unit (150) to control a compressor (160), an expansion valve (170), an outdoor fan (180), and a four-way valve (190). The outdoor unit drive unit (150) can generate a driving current based on a control signal and provide it to the compressor (160), the expansion valve (170), the outdoor fan (180), and the four-way valve (190). The outdoor unit control unit (110) can adjust the frequency of the compressor (160) and control the flow switching valve so that the circulation direction of the refrigerant is switched. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit (110) can generate a control signal for adjusting the opening degree of the expansion valve (170). In addition, the outdoor unit control unit (110) can adjust the rotation speed or rotation number of the outdoor fan (180). Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit (110), the refrigerant can circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor (160), the four-way valve (190), the outdoor heat exchanger (120), the expansion valve (170), and the indoor heat exchanger (220).

[0128] The various temperature sensors included in the outdoor unit (100) and the indoor unit (200) can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected temperatures to the outdoor unit control unit (110) and / or the indoor unit control unit (210). For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit (100) and the indoor unit (200) can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit (110) and / or the indoor unit control unit (210).

[0129] The indoor unit control unit (210) can obtain user input from a user device including a mobile device, etc., through the indoor unit communication unit (230), and can obtain user input directly through the input interface (250) or through a remote controller.

[0130] The indoor unit control unit (210) can control the components of the indoor unit (200) in response to received user input. For example, the indoor unit control unit (210) can provide a control signal to the indoor unit drive unit (270) to control the indoor fan (280) and the indoor blade (290). The indoor unit drive unit (270) can generate a driving current based on the control signal and provide the driving current to the indoor fan (280) and the indoor blade (290). The indoor unit control unit (210) can adjust the rotation speed or rotation number of the indoor fan (280). The indoor unit control unit (210) can control the indoor blade (290) to close or open.

[0131] The indoor unit control unit (210) can transmit information about the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit (110) of the outdoor unit (100). The outdoor unit control unit (110) can control the components of the outdoor unit (100), including the compressor (160), based on the information about the user input received from the indoor unit (200). 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 dehumidifying operation is received from the indoor unit (200), the outdoor unit control unit (110) can control the components of the outdoor unit (100) so that the operation of the air conditioner (1000) corresponding to the selected operation mode is performed.

[0132] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] When FIG. 2 is combined with FIG. 3, an air conditioner (1000) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a processor (1001), a communication unit (1002), and a memory (1003). Some or all of the operations of the processor (1001) may be performed separately in the indoor unit control unit (210) and the outdoor unit control unit (110), or may be individually performed in each of the indoor unit control unit (210) and the outdoor unit control unit (110). For example, the indoor unit control unit (210) may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit (110) may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0134] The memory (1003) can store / remember various information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner (1000). The memory (1003) can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner (1000). For example, the memory (1003) can store various programs for cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, and / or defrosting operation of the air conditioner (1000). The memory (1003) can include volatile memory such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAM) for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory (1003) 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 long-term storage of data.

[0135] The processor (1001) controls the overall operation of the air conditioner (1000). The processor (1001) may be implemented with one or more processors. One or more processors included in the processor (1001) may be circuitry such as a System on Chip (SoC), an Integrated Circuit (IC), etc. The processor (1001) may execute instructions or commands stored in the memory (1003) to perform a predetermined operation. In addition, the processor (1001) controls the operation of components provided in the air conditioner (1000). One or more processors included in the processor (1001) may be a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an AP (Application Processor), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a graphics-only processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a VPU (Vision Processing Unit), an AI-only processor such as an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), or a communication-only processor such as a CP (Communication Processor). When one or more processors included in the processor (1001) are AI-only processors (1001), the AI-only processor may be designed with a hardware structure specialized for processing a specific AI model.

[0136] The communication unit (1002) can correspond to the outdoor unit communication unit (130) and the indoor unit communication unit (230).

[0137] A processor (1001) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can obtain indoor temperature through an indoor temperature sensor (242).

[0138] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a processor (1001) may determine one dehumidification operation section from among a plurality of different dehumidification operation sections based on a temperature difference between an indoor temperature and a set temperature set by a user. The processor (1001) may obtain user-set temperature data through at least one of an input interface (260) or a remote controller connected to the input interface (260). The processor (1001) may identify the degree of dehumidification load based on the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature set by the user. The processor (1001) may determine a dehumidification operation section corresponding to the degree of dehumidification load.

[0139] In order to determine a dehumidifying operation section corresponding to an indoor temperature, a processor (1001) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may determine a first dehumidifying operation section when a temperature difference between a set temperature and an indoor temperature is greater than a reference value. The processor (1001) may determine a second dehumidifying operation section when a temperature difference between a set temperature and an indoor temperature is less than a reference value. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation intensity of the first dehumidifying operation section may be stronger than the operation intensity of the second dehumidifying operation section. Here, for convenience of explanation, two dehumidifying operation sections among a plurality of dehumidifying operation sections will be described.

[0140] As another example, the processor (1001) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may determine the first dehumidifying operation section when the temperature difference between the set temperature and the indoor temperature is greater than the first reference value. The processor (1001) may determine the second dehumidifying operation section when the temperature difference between the set temperature and the indoor temperature is less than the first reference value and greater than the second reference value. The processor (1001) may determine the third dehumidifying operation section when the temperature difference between the set temperature and the indoor temperature is less than the second reference value. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation intensity may be weakened in the order of the first dehumidifying operation section, the second dehumidifying operation section, and the third dehumidifying operation section.

[0141] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (1001) can perform hysteresis control. For example, the reference value for distinguishing the dehumidification operation section when the indoor temperature drops may be different from the reference value for distinguishing the dehumidification operation section when the indoor temperature rises. Accordingly, the processor (1001) can control the dehumidification operation section so that it does not fluctuate in real time at the temperature boundary.

[0142] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a processor (1001) can perform differential dehumidification operation of the air conditioner (1000) by controlling at least one of an indoor fan (280), a compressor (160), or an expansion valve (170) provided in the air conditioner (1000) based on a determined dehumidification operation section.

[0143] A processor (1001) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can control an indoor fan (280) based on the rotation speed of the indoor fan (280) corresponding to the determined dehumidifying operation section. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second rotation speed of the indoor fan (280) set in the second dehumidifying operation section may be lower than the first rotation speed of the indoor fan (280) set in the first dehumidifying operation section.

[0144] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second target dew point temperature set in the second dehumidification operation section may be greater than the first target dew point temperature set in the first dehumidification operation section.

[0145] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (1001) may control the compressor (160) at a predetermined frequency based on the target dew point temperature corresponding to the determined dehumidifying operation section. For example, the processor (1001) may calculate the target dew point temperature based on the relative humidity and the set temperature. The processor (1001) may apply a temperature correction value according to the determined dehumidifying operation section to the calculated target dew point temperature. The processor (1001) may adjust the frequency of the compressor (160) based on the corrected target dew point temperature. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second temperature correction value used in the second dehumidifying operation section may be greater than the first temperature correction value used in the first dehumidifying operation section. Here, the processor (1001) may obtain the relative humidity through the relative humidity sensor (246).

[0146] A processor (1001) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can control the opening degree of an expansion valve (170) provided in an air conditioner (1000) based on a target discharge temperature of a compressor (160) corresponding to a determined dehumidifying operation section. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a second target discharge temperature of the compressor (160) set in a second dehumidifying operation section may be higher than a first target discharge temperature of the compressor (160) set in a first dehumidifying operation section.

[0147] A processor (1001) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can control the opening degree of an expansion valve (170) based on a target superheat degree of an indoor heat exchanger (220) corresponding to a determined dehumidifying operation section. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a second target superheat degree of an indoor heat exchanger (220) set in a second dehumidifying operation section may be greater than a first target superheat degree of the indoor heat exchanger (220) set in a first dehumidifying operation section.

[0148] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (1001) can control to lower the rotation speed of the indoor fan (280), to lower the frequency of the compressor (160), and to lower the opening degree of the expansion valve (170) to reduce the refrigerant flow rate as the indoor temperature approaches the set temperature. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (1001) can minimize the cold airflow in the indoor space, maintain the humidity within a comfortable humidity range, and minimize overcooling through differential dehumidification control according to the dehumidification load, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0149] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (1001) can automatically perform a dehumidification operation within a comfortable humidity range using indoor environment information without a user's input of a set temperature by performing an AI dehumidification operation. For example, the processor (1001) can obtain indoor relative humidity through a relative humidity sensor (246). Based on indoor environment information including indoor relative humidity and indoor temperature, the processor (1001) can obtain dehumidification operation information through a dehumidification operation identification model. The processor (1001) can perform a dehumidification operation of the air conditioner (1000) based on a dehumidification operation section corresponding to the dehumidification operation information. The dehumidification operation identification model according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be learned to identify dehumidification operation information preferred by a user from indoor environment information.

[0150] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the cycle of refrigerant during dehumidification operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0151] FIG. 4 illustrates an outdoor unit (100) and an indoor unit (200) included in an air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The outdoor unit (100) illustrated in FIG. 4 may include an outdoor heat exchanger (120), a compressor discharge temperature sensor (144), a compressor (160), an expansion valve (170), an outdoor fan (180), and a four-way valve (190). The indoor unit (200) illustrated in FIG. 4 may include an indoor heat exchanger (220), an indoor temperature sensor (242), a first heat exchanger temperature sensor (244a), a second heat exchanger temperature sensor (244b), a relative humidity sensor (246), and an indoor fan (280). In FIG. 4, the first heat exchanger temperature sensor (244a) is a heat exchanger temperature sensor that detects the outlet temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger (220), and the second heat exchanger temperature sensor (244b) is a heat exchanger temperature sensor that detects the inlet temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger (220), but is not limited thereto. At least one of the first heat exchanger temperature sensor (244a) and the second heat exchanger temperature sensor (244b) may be positioned to detect at least one of the inlet temperature, the outlet temperature, or the intermediate temperature of the refrigerant pipe. Since each configuration has been described in detail in FIG. 2, a redundant description will be omitted.

[0152] Hereinafter, the flow of refrigerant during the dehumidification operation of the air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The low-temperature / low-pressure gaseous refrigerant can be compressed into a high-temperature / high-pressure refrigerant by passing through the compressor (160). The high-temperature / high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the outlet (e.g., the upper portion) of the compressor (160) can pass through the four-way valve (190) and flow toward the outdoor heat exchanger (120). The high-temperature / high-pressure refrigerant flowing toward the outdoor heat exchanger (120) can pass through the inlet (e.g., the upper portion) of the outdoor heat exchanger (120) and be discharged to the outlet (e.g., the lower portion) of the outdoor heat exchanger (120). While the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (120) is condensed, heat can be released to the outdoors through heat exchange. High-pressure liquid refrigerant can be decompressed into low-temperature / low-pressure refrigerant through an expansion valve (170) after performing heat exchange in an outdoor heat exchanger (120). The flow rate of the refrigerant is controlled according to the opening degree of the expansion valve (170), and the low-temperature / low-pressure refrigerant can flow toward the indoor unit (200).

[0153] The low-temperature / low-pressure refrigerant that flows from the outdoor unit (100) and toward the indoor unit (200) can pass through the inlet (e.g., the bottom) of the indoor heat exchanger (220) and be discharged through the outlet (e.g., the top) of the indoor heat exchanger (220). While the refrigerant evaporates while passing through the indoor heat exchanger (220), the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air. As the cooled air is blown while passing through the cooled indoor heat exchanger (220), the indoor space can be cooled. Accordingly, the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger (220) can drop below the dew point temperature. The refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (220) can again pass through the four-way valve (190) and enter the inlet (e.g., the right) of the compressor (160).

[0154] When the air conditioner (1000) performs dehumidification operation, the dehumidification load is removed, latent heat is removed in the process, and as a result, indoor humidity can be reduced.

[0155] The above-described process corresponds to the flow of refrigerant during dehumidification or heating operation, and the flow of refrigerant during heating operation may proceed in the opposite direction to the above-described process.

[0156] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a section-wise differential dehumidification operation method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 5, the section-wise differential dehumidification operation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be performed by a processor (1001 of FIG. 3) of an air conditioner (1000). The section-wise differential dehumidification operation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be performed by an indoor unit control unit (210 of FIG. 2), but is not limited thereto, and can also be performed by an indoor unit control unit (210 of FIG. 2) and an outdoor unit control unit (110 of FIG. 2). In FIG. 5, descriptions that overlap with the above-described contents are omitted.

[0157] In operation 510, the air conditioner (1000) can obtain a set temperature. For example, the air conditioner (1000) can receive a user's dehumidification operation setting input through at least one of an input interface or a remote controller. The air conditioner (1000) can obtain indoor temperature data desired by the user through at least one of the input interface or the remote controller.

[0158] In operation 520, the air conditioner (1000) can obtain the indoor temperature through the indoor temperature sensor. For example, the air conditioner (1000) can detect the indoor temperature when receiving a dehumidification operation setting input.

[0159] In the present disclosure, the dehumidification mode is a function for removing moisture from indoor air, which can be implemented through a dew point control method. Depending on the dehumidification mode, the amount of indoor dehumidification load can be reduced, and moisture in the indoor air can be removed. In the dehumidification mode, refrigerant cycle control can be performed to lower the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger below the dew point temperature for dehumidification. This is described in Fig. 1.

[0160] In operation 530, the air conditioner (1000) can determine one dehumidification operation section from among a plurality of different dehumidification operation sections according to the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature set by the user.

[0161] A dehumidification operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include multiple dehumidification operation sections. Each of the multiple dehumidification operation sections may be determined based on the degree of dehumidification load. The degree of dehumidification load may be determined based on the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature.

[0162] An air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may utilize the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature to determine the degree of dehumidification load. For example, the air conditioner (1000) may determine that the dehumidification load is stronger as the temperature difference increases, and may increase the intensity of the dehumidification operation. For example, the air conditioner (1000) may determine that the dehumidification load is weaker as the temperature difference decreases, and may decrease the intensity of the dehumidification operation. The air conditioner (1000) may determine a single dehumidification operation section corresponding to the intensity of the dehumidification operation.

[0163] For example, if there are two dehumidification operation sections, the air conditioner (1000) may determine the first dehumidification operation section when the temperature difference between the set temperature and the indoor temperature is greater than the reference value. The air conditioner (1000) may determine the second dehumidification operation section when the temperature difference between the set temperature and the indoor temperature is less than the reference value. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first operation intensity of the first dehumidification operation section may be stronger than the second operation intensity of the second dehumidification operation section.

[0164] Or, for example, in case of three dehumidifying operations, the air conditioner (1000) may determine the first dehumidifying operation section when the temperature difference between the set temperature and the indoor temperature is greater than the first reference value. The air conditioner (1000) may determine the second dehumidifying operation section when the temperature difference between the set temperature and the indoor temperature is less than the first reference value and greater than the second reference value. The air conditioner (1000) may determine the third dehumidifying operation section when the temperature difference between the set temperature and the indoor temperature is less than the second reference value. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation intensity may be weakened in the order of the first dehumidifying operation section, the second dehumidifying operation section, and the third dehumidifying operation section.

[0165] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can switch to a weaker dehumidification operation mode as the indoor temperature approaches the set temperature and drops. That is, when the indoor temperature approaches the set temperature and drops, the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger approaches the target dew point temperature, and thus the air conditioner (1000) can switch to perform a weaker dehumidification operation. This will be further described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7a.

[0166] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can switch to a stronger dehumidification operation mode as the indoor temperature rises above a set temperature. That is, when the indoor temperature rises above the set temperature, the air conditioner (1000) can switch to a stronger dehumidification operation mode so that the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger can reach a target dew point temperature or lower. This will be further described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7b.

[0167] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can perform hysteresis control. For example, the reference value for distinguishing the dehumidification operation section when the indoor temperature drops may be different from the reference value for distinguishing the dehumidification operation section when the indoor temperature rises. Accordingly, the air conditioner (1000) can control the dehumidification operation section so that it does not fluctuate in real time at the temperature boundary.

[0168] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) is exemplified as using temperature difference information between the indoor temperature and the set temperature to determine the degree of dehumidification load, but is not limited thereto. For example, the air conditioner (1000) may identify the degree of dehumidification load through a sensor or other component provided in the air conditioner (1000).

[0169] In operation 540, the air conditioner (1000) can perform differential dehumidification operation for each section based on the determined dehumidification operation section.

[0170] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can control components of the air conditioner (1000) with a control factor set for a determined dehumidifying operation section. For example, the air conditioner (1000) can control at least one component among an indoor fan (280 of FIG. 2), a compressor (160 of FIG. 2), or an expansion valve (170 of FIG. 2) provided in the air conditioner (1000) with a value of a control factor corresponding to the determined dehumidifying operation section. Here, the control factor may represent an input variable for controlling components of the air conditioner (1000). The value of the control factor may represent a specific numerical value set for the control factor. For example, the control factor may include at least one of the rotation speed of the indoor fan, the target dew point temperature, the discharge temperature of the compressor, or the superheat of the indoor heat exchanger.

[0171] An air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may operate according to a dehumidification operation section for gradually increasing the intensity of the dehumidification operation when the dehumidification load increases. The air conditioner (1000) may operate according to a dehumidification operation section for gradually decreasing the intensity of the dehumidification operation when the dehumidification load decreases.

[0172] An air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can control an indoor fan (280 of FIG. 2) based on the rotation speed of the indoor fan (280 of FIG. 2) corresponding to a determined dehumidifying operation section. For example, the air conditioner (1000) can apply a rotation speed correction value (e.g., 0, C, or D) for each dehumidifying operation section to the windless cooling rotation speed. The air conditioner (1000) can control the indoor fan (280 of FIG. 2) based on the corrected rotation speed. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second rotation speed of the indoor fan (280 of FIG. 2) set in the second dehumidifying operation section may be lower than the first rotation speed of the indoor fan (280 of FIG. 2) set in the first dehumidifying operation section. This will be described in FIG. 8A.

[0173] An air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can control a compressor (160 of FIG. 2) at a predetermined frequency based on a target dew point temperature corresponding to a determined dehumidifying operation section. For example, the air conditioner (1000) can calculate a target dew point temperature based on a relative humidity and a set temperature. The air conditioner (1000) can apply a temperature correction value (e.g., 0, E, or F) according to the determined dehumidifying operation section to the calculated target dew point temperature. The air conditioner (1000) can adjust the frequency of the compressor (160 of FIG. 2) based on the corrected target dew point temperature. Here, the relative humidity may be a value acquired through a relative humidity sensor (246 of FIG. 2) of the air conditioner (1000). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second target dew point temperature set in the second dehumidification operation section may be higher than the first target dew point temperature set in the first dehumidification operation section. This is described in FIG. 8b.

[0174] An air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can control the opening degree of an expansion valve (170 of FIG. 2) provided in the air conditioner (1000) based on a target discharge temperature of a compressor (160 of FIG. 2) corresponding to a determined dehumidifying operation section. For example, the air conditioner (1000) can apply a temperature correction value (e.g., 0, G, or H) for each dehumidifying operation section to the target discharge temperature. The air conditioner (1000) can adjust the opening degree of the expansion valve (170 of FIG. 2) based on the corrected target discharge temperature. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a second target discharge temperature of the compressor (160 of FIG. 2) set in a second dehumidifying operation section may be higher than a first target discharge temperature of the compressor (160 of FIG. 2) set in a first dehumidifying operation section. This will be described in FIG. 8C.

[0175] An air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can control the opening degree of an expansion valve (170 of FIG. 2) based on the target superheat of an indoor heat exchanger (220 of FIG. 2) corresponding to a determined dehumidifying operation section. For example, the air conditioner (1000) can apply a temperature correction value (e.g., 0, I, or J) for each dehumidifying operation section to the target superheat. The air conditioner (1000) can adjust the opening degree of the expansion valve (170 of FIG. 2) based on the corrected target superheat. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second target superheat of the indoor heat exchanger (220 of FIG. 2) set in the second dehumidifying operation section may be greater than the first target superheat of the indoor heat exchanger (220 of FIG. 2) set in the first dehumidifying operation section. This will be described in FIG. 8d.

[0176] An air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can control to lower the rotation speed of an indoor fan (280 in FIG. 2), to lower the frequency of a compressor (160 in FIG. 2), and to lower the opening degree of an expansion valve (170 in FIG. 2) to reduce the refrigerant flow rate as the indoor temperature approaches a set temperature. The air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can minimize the cold airflow in the indoor space, maintain the humidity within a comfortable humidity range, and minimize overcooling through differential dehumidification control according to the dehumidification load, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0177] FIG. 6 is a graph for explaining a dehumidification operation section divided according to the indoor temperature of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0178] The graph of Fig. 6 may represent a change in indoor temperature. Here, Tr may be an indoor temperature measured by an indoor temperature sensor, and Ts may be a set temperature input by a user. A may be a first reference value for distinguishing between a first dehumidifying operation section and a second dehumidifying operation section under a condition of decreasing indoor temperature. B may be a second reference value for distinguishing between a second dehumidifying operation section and a third dehumidifying operation section under a condition of decreasing indoor temperature. A' may be a first reference value for distinguishing between a first dehumidifying operation section and a second dehumidifying operation section under a condition of increasing indoor temperature. B' may be a second reference value for distinguishing between a second dehumidifying operation section and a third dehumidifying operation section under a condition of increasing indoor temperature.

[0179] A dehumidification operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include multiple dehumidification operation sections. Each of the multiple dehumidification operation sections may be determined based on the degree of dehumidification load. The degree of dehumidification load may be determined based on the temperature difference between the indoor temperature (Tr) and the set temperature (Ts).

[0180] Referring to the indoor temperature lowering conditions of Fig. 6, as the indoor temperature approaches the set temperature and lowers, the operation can proceed from the first dehumidification operation section to the third dehumidification operation section.

[0181] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the indoor temperature (Tr) is higher than the set temperature (Ts) by a first reference value (A), the first dehumidification operation section may be determined. The determination condition for the first dehumidification operation section may be expressed as "Tr ≥ Ts + A ℃."

[0182] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the indoor temperature (Tr) is equal to or greater than the set temperature (Ts) plus the second reference value (B) and equal to or less than the first reference value (A), the second dehumidification operation section may be determined. The determination condition for the second dehumidification operation section may be expressed as "Ts + B ℃ ≤ Tr ≤ Ts + A ℃."

[0183] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the indoor temperature (Tr) is equal to or lower than the set temperature (Ts) plus the second reference value (B), the third dehumidification operation section may be determined. The determination condition for the third dehumidification operation section may be expressed as "Tr ≤ Ts + B℃."

[0184] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can perform a weak dehumidification operation when the indoor temperature approaches the set temperature and decreases, since the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger approaches the target dew point temperature. That is, the dehumidification operation can be performed weakly as it progresses from the first dehumidification operation section to the third dehumidification operation section. This will be further explained in FIG. 7a.

[0185] Referring to the indoor temperature rise conditions of Fig. 6, as the indoor temperature rises above the set temperature, the third dehumidification operation section can proceed to the first dehumidification operation section.

[0186] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the indoor temperature (Tr) is equal to or lower than the set temperature (Ts) plus the second reference value (B'), the third dehumidification operation section may be determined. The determination condition for the third dehumidification operation section may be expressed as "Tr ≤ Ts + B'℃."

[0187] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the indoor temperature (Tr) is equal to or greater than the set temperature (Ts) plus the second reference value (B') and equal to or less than the first reference value (A'), the second dehumidification operation section may be determined. The determination condition for the second dehumidification operation section may be expressed as "Ts + B' ℃ ≤ Tr ≤ Ts + A' ℃."

[0188] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the indoor temperature (Tr) is higher than the set temperature (Ts) by a first reference value (A'), the first dehumidifying operation section may be determined. The determination condition for the first dehumidifying operation section may be expressed as "Tr ≥ Ts + A' ℃."

[0189] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the indoor temperature rises above a set temperature, the air conditioner (1000) can perform a strong dehumidification operation so that the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger can reach a target dew point temperature or lower. That is, the dehumidification operation can be performed more strongly as the temperature increases from the third dehumidification operation section to the first dehumidification operation section. This will be further described in FIG. 7b.

[0190] Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, the determination conditions for the dehumidification operation section are expressed as 'below' and 'above', but may be replaced with 'exceeding' and 'below' depending on design changes.

[0191] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can perform hysteresis control using different reference values ​​under decreasing and increasing conditions of the indoor temperature (Tr). For example, the reference values ​​(e.g., A, B) for distinguishing the dehumidifying operation section when the indoor temperature (Tr) decreases may be different from the reference values ​​(e.g., A', B') for distinguishing the dehumidifying operation section when the indoor temperature (Tr) increases. Accordingly, when a small change occurs in the indoor temperature (Tr) near the boundary value of the dehumidifying operation section, the dehumidifying operation section can be prevented from unnecessarily changing. The air conditioner (1000) can maintain stable control so that the dehumidifying operation section does not change in real time. In Fig. 6, the reference values ​​(e.g., A, B) for distinguishing the dehumidification operation section when the indoor temperature (Tr) decreases are exemplified as being smaller than the reference values ​​(e.g., A', B') for distinguishing the dehumidification operation section when the indoor temperature (Tr) increases, but are not limited thereto and may be larger.

[0192] FIG. 7a is a table for explaining a dehumidification operation section divided according to the indoor temperature under the condition that the indoor temperature of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is decreasing.

[0193] Referring to 701 of FIG. 7A, in the first dehumidification operation section, the second dehumidification operation section, and the third dehumidification operation section, the indoor blades can be set to close. That is, in the first dehumidification operation section, the second dehumidification operation section, and the third dehumidification operation section, the air conditioner (1000) can perform windless operation. Since the smaller the wind volume, the more effective the dehumidification and the more overcooling can be minimized, windless control and differential dehumidification control can be performed together. This has been described in FIG. 1.

[0194] Referring to 702 of FIG. 7a, as the operation progresses from the first dehumidification operation section to the third dehumidification operation section, the rotation speed of the indoor fan may decrease. Here, the rotation speed of the indoor fan set in the first, second, and third dehumidification operation sections may correspond to a windless cooling rotation speed lower than the general cooling rotation speed. This has been described in FIG. 1.

[0195] The second rotation speed of the indoor fan set in the second dehumidifying operation section may be lower than the first rotation speed of the indoor fan set in the first dehumidifying operation section. The third rotation speed of the indoor fan set in the third dehumidifying operation section may be lower than the second rotation speed of the indoor fan set in the second dehumidifying operation section. The second rotation speed may be a value obtained by subtracting the first rotation speed from the first rotation speed correction value (e.g., C). The third rotation speed may be a value obtained by subtracting the second rotation speed correction value (e.g., D) from the first rotation speed. Here, the rotation speed correction value may be a value set to compensate for a temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature. For example, the rotation speed correction value may be a correction value for lowering the first rotation speed to reduce overcooling of the dehumidifying operation when the indoor temperature approaches the set temperature. For example, the rotation speed correction value may increase as the indoor temperature approaches the set temperature. That is, the second rotation speed correction value may be greater than the first correction value.

[0196] The reason the indoor fan speed decreases as the indoor temperature approaches the set temperature is because the weaker the indoor airflow, the less sensible heat is removed, preventing the indoor temperature from dropping below the set temperature. Therefore, the indoor fan speed can be set lower as the dehumidification operation progresses from the first to the third dehumidification operation.

[0197] Referring to 703 of FIG. 7a, as the process progresses from the first dehumidification operation section to the third dehumidification operation section, the target dew point temperature may increase.

[0198] The second target dew point temperature set in the second dehumidifying operation section may be greater than the first target dew point temperature set in the first dehumidifying operation section. The third target dew point temperature set in the third dehumidifying operation section may be greater than the second target dew point temperature set in the second dehumidifying operation section. The second target dew point temperature may be a value obtained by applying a first temperature correction value (e.g., E) to the first target dew point temperature. The third target dew point temperature may be a value obtained by applying a second temperature correction value (e.g., F) to the first target dew point temperature. The first target dew point temperature may be a dew point temperature calculated based on a set temperature input by a user when setting the dehumidifying operation and a relative humidity sensed by a relative humidity sensor (see Mathematical Formula 1).

[0199] Here, the temperature compensation value may be a value set to compensate for the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature. For example, the temperature compensation value may be a compensation value for increasing the first target dew point temperature to reduce overcooling during dehumidification operation when the indoor temperature approaches the set temperature. For example, the temperature compensation value may increase as the indoor temperature approaches the set temperature. That is, the second temperature compensation value (e.g., F is 2 degrees) may be greater than the first compensation value (e.g., E is 1 degree).

[0200] The reason the target dew point temperature increases as the indoor temperature approaches the set point is because, as the target dew point temperature increases, the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger is set higher, preventing continued cooling operation and overcooling. Therefore, the target dew point temperature can be set higher as the indoor temperature approaches the third dehumidification operation section.

[0201] Referring to 704 and 705 of FIG. 7A, as the dehumidification operation section progresses from the first dehumidification operation section to the third dehumidification operation section, the superheat of the indoor heat exchanger may increase. Here, the superheat may correspond to the temperature difference between the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature (or intermediate temperature) of the indoor heat exchanger. For example, if the inlet temperature of the evaporator is 7 degrees and the outlet temperature is 10 degrees, the superheat may be 3 degrees. The air conditioner (1000) may set a target discharge temperature of the compressor to indirectly control the superheat, or may set a target superheat to directly control the superheat. Each of the target discharge temperature of the compressor and the target superheat of the indoor heat exchanger may be a control factor related to the refrigerant flow rate. The air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may use at least one of the target discharge temperature of the compressor or the target superheat of the indoor heat exchanger as a control factor.

[0202] For example, when the discharge temperature of the compressor increases, the refrigerant flow rate decreases, the inlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger decreases, the outlet temperature (or intermediate temperature) of the indoor heat exchanger increases, and the superheat of the indoor heat exchanger may increase accordingly. If the temperature of a specific area of ​​the indoor heat exchanger (e.g., the outlet temperature) increases, the temperature of the entire indoor unit increases, and the indoor temperature can be prevented from falling below the set temperature. For example, when the amount of refrigerant flowing into the compressor is small, the discharge temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor increases because the amount of refrigerant to cool the heated motor inside the compressor is small. In other words, the reason why the target discharge temperature of the compressor or the target superheat of the indoor heat exchanger is increased as the indoor temperature approaches the set temperature is because the circulating refrigerant flow rate is reduced, the temperature of the cold air flow is increased throughout the indoor unit, and overcooling can be prevented.

[0203] Referring to 704 of FIG. 7a, as the operation proceeds from the first dehumidifying operation section to the third dehumidifying operation section, the target discharge temperature of the compressor may increase. The second target discharge temperature of the compressor set in the second dehumidifying operation section may be higher than the first target discharge temperature of the compressor set in the first dehumidifying operation section. The third target discharge temperature of the compressor set in the third dehumidifying operation section may be higher than the second target discharge temperature of the compressor set in the second dehumidifying operation section. The second target discharge temperature may be a value obtained by applying a first temperature correction value (e.g., G) to the first target discharge temperature. The third target discharge temperature may be a value obtained by applying a second temperature correction value (e.g., H) to the first target discharge temperature. Here, the temperature correction value may be a correction value for increasing the first target discharge temperature to reduce overcooling of the dehumidifying operation when the indoor temperature approaches the set temperature.

[0204] In addition, referring to 705 of FIG. 7a, as the operation progresses from the first dehumidification operation section to the third dehumidification operation section, the target superheat of the indoor heat exchanger may increase. The second target superheat of the indoor heat exchanger set in the second dehumidification operation section may be greater than the first target superheat of the indoor heat exchanger set in the first dehumidification operation section. The third target superheat of the indoor heat exchanger set in the third dehumidification operation section may be greater than the second target superheat of the indoor heat exchanger set in the second dehumidification operation section. The second target superheat may be a value obtained by applying a first temperature correction value (e.g., I) to the first target superheat. The third target superheat may be a value obtained by applying a second temperature correction value (e.g., J) to the first target superheat. Here, the temperature compensation value may be a compensation value for increasing the first target superheating degree to reduce overcooling in dehumidifying operation when the indoor temperature approaches the set temperature.

[0205] An air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure delays the phenomenon of a decrease in indoor temperature by using various control factors, thereby preventing frequent on / off of the indoor unit, enabling continuous operation, and preventing discomfort due to cold from being provided to the user.

[0206] FIG. 7b is a table for explaining a dehumidification operation section divided according to the indoor temperature under conditions in which the indoor temperature of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure rises.

[0207] Fig. 7b can be applied in the same manner as Fig. 7a, except that the reference values ​​(e.g., A', B') of the indoor temperature rising condition are different from the reference values ​​(e.g., A, B) of the indoor temperature falling condition of Fig. 7a. 711, 712, 713, 714, and 715 of Fig. 7b can correspond to 701, 702, 703, 704, and 705 of Fig. 7a, respectively, and therefore, redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0208] FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an operation for differentially controlling an indoor fan based on the indoor fan rotation speed per section of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8A may correspond to operation 702 of FIG. 7A and operation 712 of FIG. 7B.

[0209] Referring to FIG. 8A, the air conditioner (1000) can apply a rotation speed correction value (e.g., 0, C, or D) for each dehumidifying operation section to the windless cooling rotation speed (operation 810). For example, the air conditioner (1000) can directly use the windless cooling rotation speed corresponding to the first dehumidifying operation section. The windless cooling rotation speed can be a preset value or a value calculated based on indoor environment information. The windless cooling rotation speed can correspond to the first rotation speed. For example, the air conditioner (1000) can obtain the second rotation speed by applying the first rotation speed correction value C to the first rotation speed corresponding to the second dehumidifying operation section. For example, the air conditioner (1000) can obtain the third rotation speed by applying the second rotation speed correction value D to the first rotation speed corresponding to the third dehumidifying operation section.

[0210] Here, the rotation speed correction value (e.g., C, D) can be determined according to the specifications of the air conditioner (1000).

[0211] The air conditioner (1000) can control the indoor fan (280) based on the corrected rotation speed (operation 815). The indoor fan (280) is controlled at different rotation speeds for each section, and the air conditioner (1000) can perform differential dehumidification operation for each section. For example, when the indoor temperature approaches a set temperature and falls, the air conditioner (1000) can gradually lower the rotation speed of the indoor fan (280). That is, when the indoor temperature approaches a set temperature and falls, the indoor air volume can be weakly controlled to prevent the indoor temperature from falling below the set temperature.

[0212] FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an operation of differentially controlling a compressor based on a target dew point temperature for each section of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8B may correspond to operation 703 of FIG. 7A and operation 713 of FIG. 7B.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 8B, the air conditioner (1000) can calculate a target dew point temperature based on relative humidity and a set temperature (operation 820). The air conditioner (1000) can detect the relative humidity of an indoor space through a relative humidity sensor (246 of FIG. 2). The air conditioner (1000) can obtain data regarding a set temperature of an indoor space desired by a user through an input interface (250 of FIG. 2). The air conditioner (1000) can calculate the target dew point temperature through mathematical equation 1.

[0214] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0215] T_Dew = 0.94*Ts + 0.25*RH -22.4

[0216] In mathematical expression 1, T_Dew may be the target dew point temperature, Ts may be the set temperature, and RH may be the relative humidity. According to mathematical expression 1, as the set temperature decreases, the target dew point temperature may decrease.

[0217] The air conditioner (1000) can apply a temperature correction value (e.g., 0, E, or F) for each dehumidifying operation section to the calculated target dew point temperature (operation 825). For example, the air conditioner (1000) can directly use the calculated target dew point temperature corresponding to the first dehumidifying operation section. Here, the target dew point temperature calculated through mathematical expression 1 can correspond to the first target dew point temperature. For example, the air conditioner (1000) can obtain the second target dew point temperature by applying the first temperature correction value E to the target dew point temperature corresponding to the second dehumidifying operation section. For example, the air conditioner (1000) can obtain the third target dew point temperature by applying the second temperature correction value F to the target dew point temperature corresponding to the third dehumidifying operation section.

[0218] Here, the temperature compensation values ​​(e.g., E, F) can be determined according to the specifications of the air conditioner (1000).

[0219] The air conditioner (1000) can adjust the frequency of the compressor (160) based on the corrected target dew point temperature (operation 830). The compressor (160) is controlled at different frequencies for each section, and the air conditioner (1000) can perform differential dehumidification operation for each section. For example, the frequency of the compressor (160) corresponding to the first target dew point temperature may be higher than the frequency of the compressor (160) corresponding to the third target dew point temperature. The air conditioner (1000) can gradually lower the frequency of the compressor (160) when the indoor temperature approaches and drops to a set temperature. That is, when the indoor temperature approaches and drops to a set temperature, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger approaches the target dew point temperature, and therefore, the air conditioner (1000) can prevent overcooling by lowering the frequency of the compressor (160) to reduce the refrigerant flow rate.

[0220] FIG. 8C is a diagram illustrating an operation of differentially controlling an expansion valve based on a target discharge temperature for each section of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8C may correspond to operation 704 of FIG. 7A and operation 714 of FIG. 7B.

[0221] Referring to FIG. 8C, the air conditioner (1000) can apply a temperature correction value (e.g., 0, G, or H) for each dehumidifying operation section to the target discharge temperature (operation 840). For example, the air conditioner (1000) can use the target discharge temperature as is in response to the first dehumidifying operation section. The target discharge temperature can be a preset value or a value calculated based on indoor environment information. The target discharge temperature can correspond to the first target discharge temperature. For example, the air conditioner (1000) can apply the first temperature correction value G to the first target discharge temperature in response to the second dehumidifying operation section, thereby obtaining the second target discharge temperature. For example, the air conditioner (1000) can apply the second temperature correction value H to the first target discharge temperature in response to the third dehumidifying operation section, thereby obtaining the third target discharge temperature.

[0222] Here, the temperature compensation value (e.g., G, H) can be determined according to the specifications of the air conditioner (1000).

[0223] The air conditioner (1000) can adjust the opening degree of the expansion valve (170) based on the corrected target discharge temperature (operation 845). The expansion valve (170) is controlled to a different opening degree for each section, and the air conditioner (1000) can perform differential dehumidification operation for each section. For example, the opening degree of the expansion valve (170) corresponding to the first target discharge temperature may be greater than the opening degree of the expansion valve (170) corresponding to the third target dew point temperature. When the indoor temperature drops close to the set temperature, the air conditioner (1000) can gradually lower the opening degree of the expansion valve (170) to increase the discharge temperature by the target value. As the opening degree of the expansion valve (170) is lowered, the refrigerant flow rate decreases, and the superheating degree of the indoor heat exchanger increases, thereby preventing overcooling.

[0224] FIG. 8D is a diagram illustrating an operation for differentially controlling an expansion valve based on the superheat level of each section of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8D may correspond to operation 705 of FIG. 7A and operation 715 of FIG. 7B.

[0225] Referring to FIG. 8d, the air conditioner (1000) can apply a temperature correction value (e.g., 0, I, or J) to the target superheating for each dehumidifying operation section (operation 850). For example, the air conditioner (1000) can directly use the target superheating of the indoor heat exchanger in response to the first dehumidifying operation section. Here, the target superheating of the indoor heat exchanger can correspond to the first target superheating. For example, the air conditioner (1000) can apply the first temperature correction value I to the first target superheating in response to the second dehumidifying operation section, thereby obtaining the second target superheating. For example, the air conditioner (1000) can apply the second temperature correction value J to the first target superheating in response to the third dehumidifying operation section, thereby obtaining the third target superheating.

[0226] Here, the temperature compensation values ​​(e.g., I, J) can be determined according to the specifications of the air conditioner (1000).

[0227] The air conditioner (1000) can adjust the opening degree of the expansion valve (170) based on the corrected target superheat degree (operation 855). The expansion valve (170) is controlled to a different opening degree for each section, and the air conditioner (1000) can perform differential dehumidification operation for each section. For example, the opening degree of the expansion valve (170) corresponding to the first target superheat degree may be greater than the opening degree of the expansion valve (170) corresponding to the third target superheat degree. When the indoor temperature approaches the set temperature and drops, the air conditioner (1000) can gradually lower the opening degree of the expansion valve (170) to reduce the refrigerant flow rate. By reducing the refrigerant flow rate, the air conditioner (1000) can increase the superheat degree of the indoor heat exchanger to a target value and prevent overcooling.

[0228] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an air conditioner, an external device, and a server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0229] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (1000) communicates with an external device (3000) and a server (2000) through a communication unit (1002 of FIG. 3). The air conditioner (1000) may be connected to another home appliance, an external device (3000), or a server (2000) through a network (NET).

[0230] The server (2000) may include one or more servers. For example, the server (2000) may include a device management server and a data learning server. While the present disclosure exemplifies the device management server and the data learning server as being configured as a single server, the device management server and the data learning server may be separated from each other.

[0231] The server (2000) may include a device management server that manages user account information and information about an air conditioner (1000) connected to the user account. For example, a user may access the server (2000) via an external device (3000) and create a user account. The user account may be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server (2000) may register the air conditioner (1000) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (2000) may register the air conditioner (1000) by connecting identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the air conditioner (1000) to the user account.

[0232] The external device (3000) may include a communication module capable of communicating with the air conditioner (1000) and the server (2000), a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to the user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the external device (3000), and at least one memory storing a program for controlling the operation of the external device (3000).

[0233] The external device (3000) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The external device (3000) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smart phone, a handheld device, a wearable device, etc., for example.

[0234] The memory of the external device (3000) may store a program (e.g., an application) for controlling the air conditioner (1000). The external device (3000) may be sold with the application for controlling the air conditioner (1000) installed, or may be sold without the application installed. If the external device (3000) is sold without the application for controlling the air conditioner (1000) installed, the user may download the application from an external server providing the application and install it on the external device (3000).

[0235] A user can control an air conditioner (1000) using an application installed in an external device (3000). For example, when a user executes an application installed in an external device (3000), identification information of an air conditioner (1000) connected to the same user account as the external device (3000) may appear in an application execution window. The user can perform desired control of the air conditioner (1000) through the application execution window. When a user inputs a control command for the air conditioner (1000) through the application execution window, the external device (3000) may transmit the control command directly to the air conditioner (1000) via a short-range network, or may transmit the control command to the air conditioner (1000) via a server (2000).

[0236] The application of the external device (3000) can receive various user inputs for controlling the air conditioner (1000). The application provides a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various user inputs and receives user inputs through the GUI. The external device (3000) communicates with the server (2000) and updates status information of the air conditioner (1000) and provides it to the application. In addition, the external device (3000) communicates with the server (2000) and transmits user inputs received through the application to the air conditioner (1000).

[0237] A network (NET) can include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, while wireless networks can include any network that transmits and receives signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks can be interconnected.

[0238] A network (NET) may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) that does not use an access point. Short-range wireless networks may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth™ (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), and Z-Wave.

[0239] An access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which an air conditioner (1000) and an external device (3000) are connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (2000) is connected. The air conditioner (1000) or an external device (3000) can be connected to the server (2000) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0240] An AP may include a device that enables devices to connect using Wi-Fi-related standards in a computer network.

[0241] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP may include a hardware-implemented AP and a software-implemented AP.

[0242] For example, an AP can relay data between wireless devices and wired devices on a network. However, this is not limited to this; an AP can also relay data between wired devices or between wireless devices. Meanwhile, an AP can also be referred to as a relay device.

[0243] The access point (AP) can communicate with the air conditioner (1000) and external devices (3000) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi™, IEEE 802.11), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication.

[0244] The air conditioner (1000) can transmit information about its operation or status to the server (2000) via a network (NET). For example, the air conditioner (1000) can transmit information about its operation or status to the server (2000) via Wi-Fi™ (IEEE 802.11) communication.

[0245] If the air conditioner (1000) is not equipped with a Wi-Fi communication module, the air conditioner (1000) can transmit information about its operation or status to the server (2000) through another home appliance having a Wi-Fi communication module. For example, if the air conditioner (1000) transmits information about its operation or status to another home appliance through a short-range wireless network (e.g., BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication), the other home appliance can transmit information about the operation or status of the air conditioner (1000) to the server (2000). In addition, for example, if the air conditioner (1000) is not equipped with a Wi-Fi communication module, the air conditioner (1000) can be connected to a communication relay device by a wire and perform Wi-Fi communication and 485 communication through the communication relay device.

[0246] The air conditioner (1000) may provide information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (1000) to the server (2000) with prior approval from the user. Information transmission to the server (2000) may be performed when a request is received from the server (2000), when a specific event occurs in the air conditioner (1000), or may be performed periodically or in real time.

[0247] When information on the operation or status is received from the air conditioner (1000), the server (2000) can update information previously stored in relation to the air conditioner (1000). The server (2000) can transmit information on the operation or status of the air conditioner (1000) to an external device (3000) via a network (NET).

[0248] The server (2000) can transmit information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (1000) to the external device (3000) when a request is received from the external device (3000). For example, when a user runs an application connected to the server (2000) on the external device (3000), the external device (3000) can request and receive information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (1000) from the server (2000) through the application. When information regarding the operation or status is received from the air conditioner (1000), the server (2000) can transmit information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (1000) to the external device (3000) in real time. The server (2000) can also periodically transmit information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (1000) to the external device (3000). The external device (3000) can transmit information about the operation or status of the air conditioner (1000) to the user by displaying information about the operation or status of the air conditioner (1000) in the application execution window.

[0249] The air conditioner (1000) can obtain various information from the server (2000) and provide the obtained information to the user. In addition, the air conditioner (1000) can receive a file for updating pre-installed software or data related to pre-installed software from the server (2000), and based on the received file, update the pre-installed software or data related to pre-installed software.

[0250] The air conditioner (1000) can operate according to a control command received from the server (2000). For example, if the air conditioner (1000) has obtained prior approval from a user to operate according to the control command of the server (2000) even without user input, the air conditioner (1000) can operate according to the control command received from the server (2000). The control command received from the server (2000) may include, but is not limited to, a control command input by the user through an external device (3000) or a control command generated by the server (2000) based on preset conditions.

[0251] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an AI dehumidification operation method that takes into account the indoor environment of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 10, the AI ​​dehumidification operation method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be performed by a processor (1001 of FIG. 3) of an air conditioner (1000).

[0252] In operation 1010, the air conditioner (1000) can obtain indoor relative humidity through a relative humidity sensor.

[0253] In operation 1020, the air conditioner (1000) can obtain the indoor temperature through the indoor temperature sensor.

[0254] In operation 1030, the air conditioner (1000) may acquire dehumidification operation information through a dehumidification operation identification model based on indoor environmental information including indoor relative humidity and indoor temperature. The dehumidification operation identification model according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be learned to identify dehumidification operation information preferred by a user from indoor environmental information.

[0255] For example, the dehumidification operation information may include at least one of a set temperature according to a dehumidification operation section or a target dew point temperature.

[0256] For example, the air conditioner (1000) can receive an optimal target dew point temperature for each dehumidification operation section from the server (2000). For example, the air conditioner (1000) can receive a target dew point temperature of a dehumidification operation section that can be controlled within a comfortable humidity range. For example, when the dehumidification operation is performed in a second dehumidification operation section and a third dehumidification operation section, if it is possible to maintain the comfortable humidity range, the air conditioner (1000) can receive a second target dew point temperature of the second dehumidification operation section and a third target dew point temperature of the third dehumidification operation section from the server (2000).

[0257] In operation 1040, the air conditioner (1000) may perform a dehumidification operation of the air conditioner (1000) based on a dehumidification operation section corresponding to the dehumidification operation information. For example, the air conditioner (1000) may perform a differential dehumidification operation for each section based on an optimal target dew point temperature for each dehumidification operation section received from the server (2000).

[0258] For example, if the optimal target dew point temperature is lower than the target dew point temperature according to the general dehumidification mode, the air conditioner (1000) may increase the compressor frequency based on the reduced target dew point temperature. Accordingly, the dehumidification amount of the air conditioner (1000) increases, and the indoor relative humidity is reduced to a comfortable level, thereby improving the user's experience.

[0259] For example, if the optimal target dew point temperature is higher than the target dew point temperature according to the general dehumidification mode, the air conditioner (1000) can lower the frequency of the compressor based on the increased target dew point temperature. Accordingly, the dehumidification amount of the air conditioner (1000) is reduced, and the indoor relative humidity increases to a comfortable humidity, thereby suppressing overcooling and reducing energy consumption.

[0260] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a processor (1001) performs AI dehumidification operation, thereby automatically performing dehumidification operation within a comfortable humidity range using indoor environment information without a user's input of a set temperature. Hereinafter, the AI ​​dehumidification operation method will be further described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14.

[0261] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure performing AI dehumidification operation using a dehumidification operation identification model.

[0262] Referring to FIG. 11, an air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can operate in AI comfort mode based on a user's input of an AI comfort mode button (303).

[0263] In the present disclosure, the AI ​​comfort mode may be a function that automatically performs AI dehumidification operation within a comfortable humidity range based on indoor environmental information without the user's input of a set temperature. The AI ​​dehumidification operation may be performed using a dehumidification operation identification model (2500) that has learned a user's preferred dehumidification operation pattern based on indoor environmental information.

[0264] For example, even in the same indoor environment, the dehumidification operation method preferred by the user may differ depending on the perceived temperature of the user or the installation environment of the air conditioner (1000). For example, in an environment with the same relative humidity and indoor temperature, the preferred dehumidification level may differ for each user, and the set temperature and target dew point temperature used for dehumidification operation may differ.

[0265] An air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can obtain dehumidification operation information (e.g., user-customized set temperature, user-customized target dew point temperature, etc.) by using a trained dehumidification operation identification model (2500) that inputs indoor environmental information (e.g., indoor temperature, indoor relative humidity). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the dehumidification operation identification model (2500) may be an artificial intelligence model trained to identify dehumidification operation information preferred by a user from indoor environmental information.

[0266] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, training data used to train a dehumidification operation identification model (2500) may include indoor environmental information corresponding to input data and dehumidification operation information corresponding to correct answer data. The indoor environmental information included in each training data may be labeled with dehumidification operation information, which is correct answer data for training the dehumidification operation identification model (2500). The training data of the dehumidification operation identification model (2500) may be collected from an air conditioner (1000) and transmitted to a server (2000). The server (2000) may store the training data in a training dataset database (DB) and use it to train the dehumidification operation identification model (2500). This is described in detail in FIG. 14.

[0267] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, indoor environmental information may be a sensing value acquired through an indoor unit sensor of an air conditioner. For example, the indoor environmental information may include at least one of indoor temperature acquired through an indoor temperature sensor (242 of FIG. 2) or indoor relative humidity acquired through a relative humidity sensor (246 of FIG. 2).

[0268] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the dehumidification operation information may include at least one of a user-customized set temperature or a user-customized target dew point temperature. For example, the dehumidification operation identification model (2500) may identify the target dew point temperature in response to indoor environmental information. Alternatively, for example, the dehumidification operation identification model (2500) may identify the set temperature in response to indoor environmental information. In this case, at least one of the server (2000) and the air conditioner (1000) may apply the set temperature output by the dehumidification operation identification model (2500) to mathematical equation 1 to calculate the target dew point temperature.

[0269] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (1000) can transmit indoor environment information to a server (2000). The server (2000) can receive indoor environment information from the air conditioner (1000). The server (2000) can obtain dehumidification operation information (e.g., user-customized set temperature, user-customized target dew point temperature, etc.) using a trained dehumidification operation identification model (2500) that inputs indoor environment information. The server (2000) can transmit the dehumidification operation information to the air conditioner (1000) and an external device (3000).

[0270] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an external device (3000) may display dehumidification operation information (3001) according to the AI ​​comfort mode through a display. For example, the dehumidification operation information (3001) may include information on whether the AI ​​comfort mode is in operation and AI recommended set temperature information (e.g., 24 degrees).

[0271] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the functions and operations of the server (2000) may be implemented by the air conditioner (1000) or the external device (3000). For example, the external device (3000) may directly receive indoor environment information from the air conditioner (1000) and generate dehumidification operation information using a neural network model stored in the memory of the external device (3000). The neural network model stored in the memory of the external device (3000) may be a lightweight model of a neural network model previously learned in the server (2000).

[0272] FIG. 12 is a graph for explaining an operation of switching from section-by-section dehumidification operation to AI dehumidification operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0273] The graph (1200) of Figure 12 shows the change in relative humidity over time in an indoor environment with a relative humidity of 60% and an indoor temperature of 27 degrees. Here, the user's preferred comfortable humidity range is exemplified as a relative humidity of 40% to 60%.

[0274] The three slopes shown in the graph (1200) can be distinguished according to the set temperature value. For example, the first slope (1210) represents the relative humidity change amount when the user inputs the set temperature as 26 degrees according to the general dehumidification operation. For example, the second slope (1220) represents the relative humidity change amount when the user inputs the set temperature as 18 degrees according to the general dehumidification operation. For example, the optimal slope (1230) represents the relative humidity change amount based on the user-customized set temperature identified according to the AI ​​dehumidification operation. It is assumed that the relative humidity is high in the first slope (1210) and low in the second slope (1220) throughout the dehumidification operation section. The relative humidity may be within the comfortable humidity range in the optimal slope (1230).

[0275] For example, assume that the air conditioner (1000) performs a general dehumidification operation based on the user's set temperature data according to the first slope (1210) or the second slope (1220), and then the user sets the AI ​​dehumidification operation. The air conditioner (1000) can transmit indoor environment information (e.g., relative humidity 60%, indoor temperature 27 degrees) to the server (2000) for the AI ​​dehumidification operation. The server (2000) can identify dehumidification operation information corresponding to the optimal slope (1230) from a dehumidification operation identification model (2500) that inputs indoor environment information. The air conditioner (1000) can receive a set temperature (e.g., a) corresponding to the optimal slope (1230) from the server (2000). Alternatively, the air conditioner (1000) can receive a target dew point temperature corresponding to the optimal slope (1230) from the server (2000).

[0276] The air conditioner (1000) can receive an optimal target dew point temperature for each dehumidification operation section from the server (2000). For example, the air conditioner (1000) can receive a second target dew point temperature for a second dehumidification operation section corresponding to a comfortable humidity range and a third target dew point temperature for a third dehumidification operation section. Based on the target dew point temperature, the air conditioner (1000) can perform an operation according to the second dehumidification operation section or the third dehumidification operation section.

[0277] For example, in order to operate from the first slope (1210) to the optimal slope (1230), the target dew point temperature in the second and third dehumidification operation sections may decrease. The air conditioner (1000) may increase the frequency of the compressor based on the decreased target dew point temperature. Accordingly, the dehumidification amount of the air conditioner (1000) increases, and the indoor relative humidity decreases to a comfortable humidity, thereby improving the user's experience.

[0278] Alternatively, for example, in order to operate from the second slope (1220) to the optimal slope (1230), the target dew point temperature in the second dehumidification operation section and the third dehumidification operation section may increase. The air conditioner (1000) may lower the frequency of the compressor based on the increased target dew point temperature. Accordingly, the dehumidification amount of the air conditioner (1000) decreases, and the indoor relative humidity increases to a comfortable humidity, thereby suppressing overcooling and reducing energy consumption.

[0279] FIG. 13a is a table reflecting the target dew point temperature identified by the dehumidification operation identification model under conditions in which the indoor temperature of an air conditioner decreases according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13b is a table reflecting the target dew point temperature identified by the dehumidification operation identification model under conditions in which the indoor temperature of an air conditioner increases according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIGS. 13a and 13b, any description overlapping with FIGS. 7a and 7b will be omitted.

[0280] Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B , the air conditioner (1000) can receive an optimal target dew point temperature for each dehumidification operation section from the server (2000). For example, the air conditioner (1000) can receive a second target dew point temperature (here, 'target dew point temperature 1') of a second dehumidification operation section corresponding to a comfortable humidity range and a third target dew point temperature (here, 'target dew point temperature 2') of a third dehumidification operation section. The air conditioner (1000) can perform differential dehumidification operation for each section based on the optimal target dew point temperature for each dehumidification operation section received from the server (2000).

[0281] Alternatively, as another example, the air conditioner (1000) may receive an optimal temperature correction value for each dehumidification operation section from the server (2000). The air conditioner (1000) may apply the temperature correction value for each dehumidification operation section to the target dew point temperature of the first dehumidification operation section, thereby directly calculating the second target dew point temperature of the second dehumidification operation section and the third target dew point temperature of the third dehumidification operation section.

[0282] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an operation of training a dehumidification operation identification model using training data according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0283] Referring to FIG. 14, an operation of acquiring various training data based on setting data input by a user into the air conditioner (1000) in an indoor environment with a relative humidity of 60% and an indoor temperature of 27 degrees is described. The training data can be used to train a dehumidification operation identification model (1450).

[0284] In one embodiment, the air conditioner (1000) can acquire various training data based on dehumidification operation information input by a user into the air conditioner (1000) in a specific indoor environment. The training data may include pairs of indoor environment information and dehumidification operation information. The indoor environment information may be used as input data for the training data, and the dehumidification operation information may be used as the correct answer data for the training data.

[0285] In one embodiment, the dehumidification operation information may include user-entered setting data, such as a set temperature, set humidity, and dehumidification mode intensity. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the dehumidification operation information may include user preference information regarding the setting data. For example, the user preference information may indicate feedback data, information regarding the user's usage time, usage frequency, usage pattern, etc. For example, if the user uses a specific dehumidification mode for a specific indoor environment for a specific time period exceeding a predetermined value, the air conditioner (1000) may identify the dehumidification mode as preferred data. Alternatively, for example, the user may record feedback data including whether or not he or she prefers a specific dehumidification mode in a specific indoor environment in the air conditioner (1000).

[0286] For example, the dehumidification operation information included in the first training data (1410) may include data on a set temperature (e.g., 26 degrees). In addition, the dehumidification operation information of the first training data (1410) may include user preference information for the set temperature of 26 degrees. For example, the dehumidification operation information included in the second training data (1420) may include data on a set temperature (e.g., 18 degrees). In addition, the dehumidification operation information of the second training data (1420) may include user preference information for the set temperature of 18 degrees. For example, the dehumidification operation information included in the third training data (1430) of the third training data (1430) may include data on a set temperature (e.g., a). In addition, the dehumidification operation information may include user preference information for the set temperature a.

[0287] The air conditioner (1000) transmits various training data, for example, first training data (1410), second training data (1420), and third training data (1430), to the server (2000), and the server (2000) can store the received training data in a training data set DB (2100). The server (2000) can train a dehumidification operation identification model (1450) using the training data stored in the training data set DB (2100). The dehumidification operation identification model (1450) can be trained to identify dehumidification operation information preferred by a user in an indoor environment in which the relative humidity is 60% and the indoor temperature is 27 degrees. In other words, the dehumidification operation identification model (1450) can be a model trained on a correlation between indoor environmental information (e.g., indoor temperature and indoor relative humidity) and a dehumidification operation method preferred by a user (e.g., set temperature, target dew point temperature, and dehumidification operation section).

[0288] FIG. 15 is an example of an interface for displaying information regarding the dehumidification operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure on an external device.

[0289] Referring to FIG. 15, an external device (3000) can provide information on the dehumidifying operation of the air conditioner (1000) to the user through an application.

[0290] For example, referring to 1510, the external device (3000) can display information regarding changes in relative humidity in an indoor space. The information regarding changes in relative humidity can include a graph regarding real-time changes in relative humidity, current relative humidity, and average relative humidity. The graph regarding real-time changes in relative humidity can represent changes in relative humidity over time.

[0291] For example, referring to 1520, the external device (3000) can display information on the dehumidification amount of an indoor space. The information on the dehumidification amount of an indoor space can include a real-time dehumidification amount graph and the accumulated dehumidification amount up to the present. The real-time dehumidification amount graph can indicate the accumulated dehumidification amount over time (unit: L / hr).

[0292] FIG. 16 is a graph for comparing the results of general dehumidification operation and section-by-section differential dehumidification operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0293] FIG. 16 illustrates a first graph showing the average room temperature, the inlet temperature of the evaporator, and the middle temperature of the evaporator when the air conditioner (1000) performs a general dehumidification operation (1610), and a second graph showing the indoor relative humidity, power consumption, and integrated power when the air conditioner (1000) performs a general dehumidification operation (1610). In addition, a third graph showing the average room temperature, the inlet temperature of the evaporator, and the middle temperature of the evaporator when the air conditioner (1000) performs a section-by-section differential dehumidification operation (1620), and a fourth graph showing the indoor relative humidity, power consumption, and integrated power when the air conditioner (1000) performs a section-by-section differential dehumidification operation (1620). The first graph, the second graph, the third graph, and the fourth graph assume a set temperature of 25 degrees.

[0294] In the first graph of the normal dehumidification operation (1610), the set temperature was 25 degrees, but the average room temperature was measured at 23.7 degrees, and the lowest temperature was even lower at 22.4 degrees. This indicates that the user may feel cold due to overcooling.

[0295] In the second graph of the normal dehumidification operation (1610), the average relative humidity is 58.3%, which is within the comfortable humidity range (e.g., 40% to 60%), but it still indicates that the humidity may remain high or unstable.

[0296] In the third graph of the differential dehumidification operation by section (1620), the average room temperature is almost the same as the set temperature of 25 degrees at 24.8 degrees, and the lowest temperature is maintained at 23.3 degrees, indicating that overcooling can be prevented and the feeling of cold due to cold airflow can be minimized.

[0297] In the fourth graph of the differential dehumidification operation by section (1620), the average relative humidity is 48.3%, which is stably maintained within the comfortable humidity range, thereby providing a more comfortable indoor environment to the user.

[0298] Fig. 17 is an example of an indoor unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0299] Referring to FIG. 17, an indoor unit (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an intake port (1710), a housing panel (1720), and an indoor blade (290).

[0300] The intake port (1710) may be an opening for introducing air into an indoor space. Outside air may be introduced into the indoor heat exchanger through the intake port (1710).

[0301] The housing panel (1720) is a component that forms the exterior of the indoor unit (200) and may include various surfaces such as front, back, top, bottom, left, and right of the indoor unit (200). The housing panel (1720) may expose or shield the exhaust port through an opening and closing operation.

[0302] The indoor blade (290) may be disposed at the exhaust port of the indoor unit (200). The indoor blade (290) may be disposed on the front of the housing panel (1720). The indoor blade (290) may be a member that controls the direction and flow rate of air discharged from the exhaust port of the indoor unit (200) through an opening / closing operation or angle adjustment, thereby evenly distributing cold or warm air in the indoor space. The indoor blade (290) may include a cover having a length and width so as to cover the exhaust port when closed. The indoor blade (290) may include microporous holes for a windless mode. The indoor blade (290) is described as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0303] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an air conditioner may be provided. The method for controlling an air conditioner may include the steps of: acquiring an indoor temperature through an indoor temperature sensor; determining one dehumidifying operation section from among a plurality of different dehumidifying operation sections according to a temperature difference between the indoor temperature and a set temperature set by a user; and performing a differential dehumidifying operation of the air conditioner by controlling at least one of an indoor fan, a compressor, or an expansion valve provided in the air conditioner based on the determined dehumidifying operation section.

[0304] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of performing the differential dehumidification operation may include at least one of a step of controlling the indoor fan based on the rotation speed of the indoor fan corresponding to the determined dehumidification operation section, a step of controlling the compressor at a predetermined frequency based on a target dew point temperature corresponding to the determined dehumidification operation section, a step of controlling the opening degree of an expansion valve provided in the air conditioner based on a target discharge temperature of the compressor corresponding to the determined dehumidification operation section, or a step of controlling the opening degree of the expansion valve based on a target superheat degree of an indoor heat exchanger corresponding to the determined dehumidification operation section.

[0305] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of determining the dehumidifying operation section corresponding to the indoor temperature includes the step of determining the first dehumidifying operation section when the temperature difference between the set temperature and the indoor temperature is greater than a reference value, and the step of determining the second dehumidifying operation section when the temperature difference between the set temperature and the indoor temperature is less than the reference value, and the operation intensity of the first dehumidifying operation section may be stronger than the operation intensity of the second dehumidifying operation section.

[0306] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second target dew point temperature set in the second dehumidification operation section may be greater than the first target dew point temperature set in the first dehumidification operation section.

[0307] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of performing the differential dehumidification operation includes the step of calculating a target dew point temperature based on a relative humidity and a set temperature, the step of applying a temperature correction value according to the determined dehumidification operation section to the calculated target dew point temperature, and the step of adjusting the frequency of the compressor based on the corrected target dew point temperature, wherein the second temperature correction value used in the second dehumidification operation section may be greater than the first temperature correction value used in the first dehumidification operation section.

[0308] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second rotation speed of the indoor fan set in the second dehumidifying operation section may be less than the first rotation speed of the indoor fan set in the first dehumidifying operation section.

[0309] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second target discharge temperature of the compressor set in the second dehumidifying operation section may be greater than the first target discharge temperature of the compressor set in the first dehumidifying operation section, and the refrigerant flow rate of the second dehumidifying operation section may be less than the refrigerant flow rate of the first dehumidifying operation section.

[0310] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second target superheat of the indoor heat exchanger set in the second dehumidifying operation section may be greater than the first target superheat of the indoor heat exchanger set in the first dehumidifying operation section, and the refrigerant flow rate of the second dehumidifying operation section may be less than the refrigerant flow rate of the first dehumidifying operation section.

[0311] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the reference value for distinguishing the dehumidification operation section when the indoor temperature decreases may be different from the reference value for distinguishing the dehumidification operation section when the indoor temperature increases.

[0312] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further includes a step of obtaining indoor relative humidity through the relative humidity sensor, a step of obtaining dehumidification operation information through a dehumidification operation identification model based on indoor environment information including the indoor relative humidity and the indoor temperature, and a step of performing a dehumidification operation of the air conditioner based on a dehumidification operation section corresponding to the dehumidification operation information, wherein the dehumidification operation identification model can be learned to identify dehumidification operation information preferred by a user from the indoor environment information.

[0313] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the dehumidification operation information may include at least one of a set temperature according to a dehumidification operation section or a target dew point temperature.

[0314] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an indoor fan, a compressor, an expansion valve for controlling a refrigerant flow rate, an indoor temperature sensor, a memory including one or more storage media for storing one or more commands, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure performs a differential dehumidification operation of the air conditioner by obtaining an indoor temperature through the indoor temperature sensor, determining one dehumidification operation section from among a plurality of different dehumidification operation sections according to a temperature difference between the indoor temperature and a set temperature set by a user, and controlling at least one of an indoor fan, a compressor, or an expansion valve provided in the air conditioner based on the determined dehumidification operation section by executing the one or more commands individually or in combination by the at least one processor.

[0315] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes an indoor heat exchanger, and the one or more instructions are individually or in combination executed by the at least one processor to perform at least one of: an operation of controlling an indoor fan based on a rotational speed of the indoor fan corresponding to the determined dehumidifying operation section; an operation of controlling the compressor at a predetermined frequency based on a target dew point temperature corresponding to the determined dehumidifying operation section; an operation of controlling an opening degree of the expansion valve based on a target discharge temperature of the compressor corresponding to the determined dehumidifying operation section; or an operation of controlling an opening degree of the expansion valve based on a target superheat degree of the indoor heat exchanger corresponding to the determined dehumidifying operation section.

[0316] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be characterized in that, when the temperature difference between the set temperature and the indoor temperature is greater than a reference value, the first dehumidifying operation section is determined by executing the one or more commands individually or in combination by the at least one processor, and when the temperature difference between the set temperature and the indoor temperature is less than the reference value, the second dehumidifying operation section is determined, and the operation intensity of the first dehumidifying operation section is stronger than the operation intensity of the second dehumidifying operation section.

[0317] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second target dew point temperature set in the second dehumidification operation section may be characterized as being greater than the first target dew point temperature set in the first dehumidification operation section.

[0318] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be characterized in that the one or more commands are individually or in combination executed by the at least one processor to calculate a target dew point temperature based on a relative humidity and a set temperature, apply a temperature correction value according to the determined dehumidifying operation section to the calculated target dew point temperature, and adjust a frequency of the compressor based on the corrected target dew point temperature, and the second temperature correction value used in the second dehumidifying operation section is greater than the first temperature correction value used in the first dehumidifying operation section. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second rotation speed of the indoor fan set in the second dehumidifying operation section may be less than the first rotation speed of the indoor fan set in the first dehumidifying operation section.

[0319] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be characterized in that the second target discharge temperature of the compressor set in the second dehumidifying operation section is greater than the first target discharge temperature of the compressor set in the first dehumidifying operation section by individually or in combination executing the one or more commands by the at least one processor, or the second target superheat of the indoor heat exchanger set in the second dehumidifying operation section is greater than the first target superheat of the indoor heat exchanger set in the first dehumidifying operation section, and the refrigerant flow rate of the second dehumidifying operation section is less than the refrigerant flow rate of the first dehumidifying operation section.

[0320] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a relative humidity sensor, and the one or more commands are individually or in combination executed by the at least one processor, so that the air conditioner obtains indoor relative humidity through the relative humidity sensor, obtains dehumidification operation information through a dehumidification operation identification model based on indoor environment information including the indoor relative humidity and the indoor temperature, and performs a dehumidification operation of the air conditioner based on a dehumidification operation section corresponding to the dehumidification operation information, and the dehumidification operation identification model may be learned to identify dehumidification operation information preferred by a user from indoor environment information.

[0321] A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for performing a control method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure on a computer may include the steps of: obtaining an indoor temperature through an indoor temperature sensor provided in the air conditioner; determining one dehumidifying operation section from among a plurality of different dehumidifying operation sections according to a temperature difference between the indoor temperature and a set temperature set by a user; and performing a differential dehumidifying operation of the air conditioner by controlling at least one of an indoor fan, a compressor, or an expansion valve provided in the air conditioner based on the determined dehumidifying operation section.

[0322] 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.

[0323] 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. In a control method of an air conditioner (1000), A step of obtaining indoor temperature through an indoor temperature sensor (242) provided in the above air conditioner (1000); A step of determining one dehumidification operation section among a plurality of different dehumidification operation sections according to the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature set by the user; and A method comprising a step of performing differential dehumidification operation of the air conditioner (1000) by controlling at least one of an indoor fan (280), a compressor (160), or an expansion valve (170) provided in the air conditioner (1000) based on the determined dehumidification operation section.

2. In paragraph 1, The steps for performing the above differential dehumidification operation are: A step of controlling the indoor fan (280) based on the rotation speed of the indoor fan (280) corresponding to the determined dehumidification operation section; A step of controlling the compressor (160) at a predetermined frequency based on the target dew point temperature corresponding to the determined dehumidification operation section; A step of controlling the opening of the expansion valve (170) based on the target discharge temperature of the compressor (160) corresponding to the determined dehumidifying operation section; or A method comprising at least one of: a step of controlling the opening degree of the expansion valve (170) based on the target superheat degree of the indoor heat exchanger (220) provided in the air conditioner (1000) corresponding to the determined dehumidification operation section; 3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The step of determining the dehumidification operation section corresponding to the above indoor temperature is: A step of determining a first dehumidification operation section when the temperature difference between the set temperature and the indoor temperature is greater than a reference value; and Including a step of determining a second dehumidification operation section when the temperature difference between the set temperature and the indoor temperature is less than the reference value, A method characterized in that the driving intensity of the first dehumidifying operation section is stronger than the driving intensity of the second dehumidifying operation section.

4. In paragraph 3, A method, characterized in that the second target dew point temperature set in the second dehumidification operation section is greater than the first target dew point temperature set in the first dehumidification operation section.

5. In paragraph 3 or 4, The steps for performing the above differential dehumidification operation are: A step of calculating a target dew point temperature based on the relative humidity and the set temperature; A step of applying a temperature correction value according to the determined dehumidification operation section to the calculated target dew point temperature; and A step of adjusting the frequency of the compressor (160) based on the corrected target dew point temperature, A method characterized in that the second temperature correction value used in the second dehumidification operation section is greater than the first temperature correction value used in the first dehumidification operation section.

6. In any one of paragraphs 3 to 5, A method characterized in that the second rotation speed of the indoor fan (280) set in the second dehumidifying operation section is lower than the first rotation speed of the indoor fan (280) set in the first dehumidifying operation section.

7. In any one of paragraphs 3 to 6, The second target discharge temperature of the compressor (160) set in the second dehumidifying operation section is greater than the first target discharge temperature of the compressor (160) set in the first dehumidifying operation section, A method characterized in that the refrigerant flow rate of the second dehumidification operation section is less than the refrigerant flow rate of the first dehumidification operation section.

8. In any one of paragraphs 3 to 6, The second target superheat of the indoor heat exchanger (220) set in the second dehumidification operation section is greater than the first target superheat of the indoor heat exchanger (220) set in the first dehumidification operation section, A method characterized in that the refrigerant flow rate of the second dehumidification operation section is less than the refrigerant flow rate of the first dehumidification operation section.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, A method characterized in that the reference value for distinguishing the dehumidification operation section when the indoor temperature drops is different from the reference value for distinguishing the dehumidification operation section when the indoor temperature rises.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The above method, A step of obtaining indoor relative humidity through a relative humidity sensor (246); A step of obtaining dehumidification operation information through a dehumidification operation identification model based on indoor environment information including the indoor relative humidity and the indoor temperature; and Further comprising a step of performing a dehumidification operation of the air conditioner (1000) based on a dehumidification operation section corresponding to the dehumidification operation information, The above dehumidification operation identification model is a method learned to identify dehumidification operation information preferred by a user from indoor environment information.

11. In paragraph 10, A method wherein the above dehumidification operation information includes at least one of a set temperature according to a dehumidification operation section or a target dew point temperature.

12. In the air conditioner (1000), Indoor fan (280); Compressor (160); Expansion valve (170) for controlling the refrigerant flow rate; Indoor temperature sensor (242); A memory (1003) comprising one or more storage media storing one or more commands; and At least one processor (1001) comprising a processing circuit, The air conditioner (1000) is configured such that the one or more instructions are individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (1001). Obtain the indoor temperature through the above indoor temperature sensor (242), Among multiple different dehumidification operation sections depending on the temperature difference between the above indoor temperature and the set temperature set by the user, one dehumidification operation section is determined, An air conditioner (1000) that performs differential dehumidification operation of the air conditioner (1000) by controlling at least one of the indoor fan (280), the compressor (160), or the expansion valve (170) based on the determined dehumidification operation section.

13. In paragraph 12, The air conditioner (1000) further includes an indoor heat exchanger (220), By executing the one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor (1001), the air conditioner (1000) An operation of controlling the indoor fan (280) based on the rotation speed of the indoor fan (280) corresponding to the determined dehumidification operation section; An operation of controlling the compressor (160) at a predetermined frequency based on the target dew point temperature corresponding to the determined dehumidification operation section; An operation of controlling the opening of the expansion valve (170) based on the target discharge temperature of the compressor (160) corresponding to the determined dehumidifying operation section; or An air conditioner (1000) that performs at least one of the following operations: controlling the opening degree of the expansion valve (170) based on the target superheat degree of the indoor heat exchanger (220) corresponding to the determined dehumidification operation section.

14. In paragraph 12 or 13, By executing the one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor (1001), the air conditioner (1000) If the temperature difference between the above-mentioned set temperature and the above-mentioned indoor temperature is greater than the reference value, it is determined as the first dehumidification operation section, If the temperature difference between the above-mentioned set temperature and the above-mentioned indoor temperature is less than the above-mentioned reference value, it is determined as the second dehumidification operation section, An air conditioner (1000), characterized in that the driving intensity of the first dehumidifying operation section is stronger than the driving intensity of the second dehumidifying operation section.

15. A step of obtaining the indoor temperature through the indoor temperature sensor (242) provided in the above air conditioner (1000); A step of determining one dehumidification operation section among a plurality of different dehumidification operation sections according to the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature set by the user; and A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for performing a method of controlling an air conditioner (1000) on a computer, the method including the step of performing differential dehumidification operation of the air conditioner (1000) by controlling at least one of an indoor fan (280), a compressor (160), or an expansion valve (170) provided in the air conditioner (1000) based on the determined dehumidification operation section.

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