Air conditioner comprising refrigerant detection sensor, and control method therefor

Abstract

According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner comprises: an air conditioning module for circulating a refrigerant; a refrigerant detection sensor for detecting the refrigerant leaking from the air conditioning module; a memory for storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor including a circuit device, wherein the at least one processor executes the at least one instruction so as to: determine whether there is an error history of an error detection state in which an error is detected by the refrigerant detection sensor; determine whether a sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor is a normal signal if there is the error history of the error detection state; initialize the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor to an error non-detection state on the basis of determining that the detected sensor signal is a normal signal; and control the air conditioning module such that same is on standby in a normal operation state.

Description

Air conditioner including a refrigerant detection sensor and a control method thereof

[0001] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an air conditioner including a refrigerant detection sensor, a method for controlling the air conditioner, and a computer-readable recording medium having a program for executing the air conditioner control method on a computer.

[0002] Various types of air conditioners are widely used in indoor spaces. Air conditioners can be equipped with various sensors. For example, an air conditioner may be equipped with refrigerant detection sensors, human presence detection sensors, light intensity sensors, temperature sensors, etc. By utilizing these various sensors, the air conditioner can regulate the environment of the air-conditioned space and control the operation of the air conditioner.

[0003] If the air conditioner includes a refrigerant detection sensor, the air conditioner can detect whether there is a refrigerant leak using the refrigerant detection sensor. However, if the refrigerant detection sensor is replaced, user convenience may be reduced because the user must manually input whether the sensor has been replaced into the system. Additionally, if the air conditioner determines whether the signal from the refrigerant detection sensor is normal every time, the efficiency of system resource utilization may decrease.

[0004] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes an air conditioning module that circulates a refrigerant, a refrigerant detection sensor that detects refrigerant leaked from the air conditioning module, a memory that stores at least one instruction, and at least one processor including a circuit device. The at least one processor can determine whether there is an error history of an error detection state in which an error is detected from the refrigerant detection sensor by executing the at least one instruction. If there is an error history of the error detection state in which an error is detected by the at least one instruction, the at least one processor can determine whether the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor is a normal signal by executing the at least one instruction. Based on the determination that the detected sensor signal is a normal signal, the at least one processor can initialize the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor to an error non-detected state by executing the at least one instruction. The at least one processor can control the air conditioning module to standby in a normal operating state by executing the at least one instruction.

[0005] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an air conditioner is provided. The method for controlling an air conditioner may include an operation of determining whether there exists an error history in an error detection state in which an error is detected from a refrigerant detection sensor. If there exists an error history in an error detection state, the method for controlling an air conditioner may include an operation of determining whether a sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor is a normal signal. Based on the determination that the detected sensor signal is a normal signal, the method for controlling an air conditioner may include an operation of initializing the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor to an error non-detected state. The method for controlling an air conditioner may include an operation of controlling the air conditioning module to standby in a normal operating state.

[0006] In addition, according to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readable recording medium is provided on which a program for performing an air conditioner control method on a computer is recorded.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the structure of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a signal of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a signal of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the structure of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation of outputting an error history according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an air conditioner, an external device, and a server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an operation of outputting an error history according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 13a is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 13b is a reference diagram showing the usage time of a refrigerant detection sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the structure of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

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

[0025] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] In this document, each of the phrases such as "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 the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0027] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0028] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0029] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0030] Terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0031] When it is said that one component is “connected,” “combined,” “supported,” or “in contact” with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0032] When it is said that a component is located “on” another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0033] It should be understood that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of flowcharts can be executed by one or more computer programs containing computer-executable instructions. One or more computer programs may be stored all in a single memory or may be partitioned and stored in multiple different memories.

[0034] One embodiment of the present disclosure may be represented by functional block configurations and various processing steps. Some or all of these functional blocks may be implemented by various numbers of hardware and / or software configurations that execute specific functions. For example, the functional blocks of the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more microprocessors or by circuit configurations for a specific function. Additionally, for example, the functional blocks of the present disclosure may be implemented in various programming or scripting languages. The functional blocks may be implemented as algorithms executed on one or more processors. Furthermore, the present disclosure may employ prior art for electronic configuration, signal processing, and / or data processing, etc.

[0035] All functions or operations described in this document may be processed individually by a single processor or a combination of processors and / or collectively by multiple processors. A single processor or a combination of processors is a circuitry that performs processing and may include circuitry such as an AP (Application Processor), CP (Communication Processor), GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), NPU (Neural Processing Unit), MPU (Microprocessor Unit), SoC (System on Chip), IC (Integrated Chip), etc.

[0036] An air conditioner 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 means a device having at least one of these functions.

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

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

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

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

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

[0042] Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, indoor units can be classified into ceiling-mounted, stand-type, and wall-mounted units depending on how they are placed. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be classified into 4-way, 1-way, and duct-type units depending on the method of air discharge.

[0043] Similarly, an indoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, it can absorb heat from the indoor air, and the room can be cooled by blowing the cooled indoor air as it passes through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. Additionally, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, it can release heat to the indoor air, and the room can be heated by blowing the heated indoor air as it passes through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger.

[0044] In other words, an air conditioner performs cooling or heating functions through the phase change process of a refrigerant circulating between an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger; to facilitate this circulation of refrigerant, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can draw in refrigerant gas through a suction port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through a discharge port. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.

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

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

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

[0048] Multiple indoor units can each operate independently according to an operating mode set by the user. That is, some of the multiple indoor units can operate in cooling mode while others operate in heating mode simultaneously. In this case, the refrigerant may be arranged to flow into each indoor unit in a selectively high-pressure or low-pressure state along a designated circulation path via a flow path switching valve to be described later, and to be discharged and circulated to the outdoor unit.

[0049] For example, when two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from multiple outdoor units may be combined and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, and then branch out again at some point to flow into multiple indoor units.

[0050] Multiple outdoor units may all be driven or at least some may not be driven, depending on the operating load corresponding to the operating amount of multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may be arranged to flow into and circulate to the outdoor units that are selectively driven through a flow path switching valve. The air conditioner may include an expansion device to lower the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be placed inside the indoor unit or inside the outdoor unit, or it may be placed in both.

[0051] For example, an expansion device can lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by utilizing a throttling effect. The expansion device may include an orifice that can reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passing through the orifice can be lowered.

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

[0053] The air conditioner may further include a flow switching valve positioned on the refrigerant circulation path. The flow switching valve may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow switching valve can determine the refrigerant circulation path depending on the operating mode of the indoor unit (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow switching valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor.

[0054] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor. Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporated from an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger may be introduced into the accumulator.

[0055] The accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas when the refrigerant mixed with the refrigerant gas is introduced, and supply the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

[0056] An outdoor fan may be provided near the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan can blow outdoor air onto the outdoor heat exchanger to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

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

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

[0059] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include a housing, a blower that circulates air inside or outside the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air flowing into the housing.

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

[0061] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter configured to filter foreign substances in the air entering the housing through the intake port.

[0062] The housing may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the housing can be discharged to the outside of the housing through the outlet.

[0063] The housing of the indoor unit may be provided with an airflow guide that guides the direction of air discharged through the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include a blade located above the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling the discharge airflow. The airflow guide may be omitted, but is not limited thereto.

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

[0065] The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. For example, the indoor fan may include an axial fan, a mixed-flow fan, a cross-flow fan, or a centrifugal fan.

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

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

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

[0069] The input interface may be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location within the indoor space (e.g., a part of a wall). The user can input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner by operating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. Additionally, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. The user can input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner remotely using a wireless remote controller. The setting data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

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

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

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

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

[0074] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with another device. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may also include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

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

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

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

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

[0079] Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can each transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected temperature to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit. For example, humidity sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can each transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit.

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

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

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

[0083] The memory can store / remember various information required for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs required for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory can store various programs for the cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, and / or defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory may include volatile memory such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data. Additionally, the memory may include non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) for long-term data storage.

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

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

[0086] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker can output various sounds as an acoustic device. The display may display information entered by the user or information provided to the user as various graphic elements. For example, operation information of the air conditioner may be displayed as at least one of an image or text. Additionally, 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.

[0087] Air conditioners according to various embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0088] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) performs an air conditioning operation. The air conditioning operation may include, for example, cooling, heating, air purification, dehumidification, or blowing. The air conditioner (100) may be implemented in the form of a cooling unit, a heating unit, a cooling and heating unit, an air purifier, or a dehumidifier. The present disclosure focuses on the case where the air conditioner (100) corresponds to a cooling unit. However, this is for convenience of explanation and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0090] The air conditioner (100) may include an indoor unit (112) and an outdoor unit (120). The indoor unit (112) is placed indoors and discharges cooled air into the room. The indoor unit (112) may be provided in various forms, such as a stand-type, a built-in type, or a window-mounted type. The outdoor unit (120) is placed outdoors. The outdoor unit (120) cools the refrigerant by means of a compressor (122) and supplies the cooled refrigerant to the indoor unit (112). The refrigerant that has absorbed heat from the indoor unit (112) is then supplied back to the outdoor unit (120). The indoor unit (112) and the outdoor unit (120) are connected through a refrigerant pipe (114), and heat exchange occurs as the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant pipe (114).

[0091] The air conditioner (100) may include a refrigerant detection sensor (110). The refrigerant detection sensor (110) can detect whether there is a leak of refrigerant in the air conditioner (100). The air conditioner (100) can detect whether there is a leak of refrigerant in the air conditioner (100) by using the sensor detection value of the refrigerant detection sensor (110).

[0092] The air conditioner (100) can be connected to an outlet (130) via a plug. When the air conditioner (100) is connected to the outlet (130), the power can be said to be turned on. When the air conditioner (100) is disconnected from the outlet (130) and then connected to the outlet (130) again, the power can be said to be reset. The air conditioner (100) can receive power by being connected to the outlet (130). After the air conditioner (100) is connected to the outlet (130) and the power is turned on, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) can automatically determine whether to replace the refrigerant detection sensor (110) by determining whether the signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a normal signal.

[0093] If there is an error history of an error detection state in which an error is detected from the refrigerant detection sensor (110) in operation 140, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a normal signal. The air conditioner (100) can determine whether the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a normal signal based on the period, frequency, or pattern of the detected signal. By utilizing the error history, the air conditioner (100) can effectively use system resources by determining whether the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a normal signal.

[0094] The air conditioner (100) can initialize the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) by determining that the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a replaced sensor when the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a normal signal. The air conditioner (100) can keep the air conditioning module (212) in a standby state in a normal operating state by determining that the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a replaced sensor when the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a normal signal. Through this, the air conditioner (100) can automatically recognize whether the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has been replaced without user intervention or input. By keeping the air conditioner (100) in a standby state in a normal operating state when determining that the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a replaced sensor, the convenience of the service can be improved.

[0095] The air conditioner (100) can maintain the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) by determining that the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is an unreplaced sensor when the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is an abnormal signal. By maintaining the error history when the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is unreplaced, the air conditioner (100) can provide information about the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) to the user. For example, when using a flammable refrigerant, it may be important for the air conditioner (100) to provide information about the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) to the user.

[0096] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the structure of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) includes a refrigerant detection sensor (110), a processor (210), an air conditioning module (212), and a memory (214). The block diagram of the air conditioner (100) in FIG. 2 may correspond to the block diagram of an indoor unit. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may further include an outdoor unit (120) and a compressor (122).

[0098] The air conditioner (100) can be implemented in various installation forms. For example, the air conditioner (100) can be implemented in a stand form, a wall-mounted form, a ceiling-mounted system air conditioner form, or a home multi-air conditioner form.

[0099] The refrigerant detection sensor (110) can detect the refrigerant of the air conditioner (100). The refrigerant detection sensor (110) can detect whether there is a leak of the refrigerant of the air conditioner (100). For example, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) can detect refrigerant leaked from the air conditioning module (212). The refrigerant detection sensor (110) may include at least one of, for example, a semiconductor sensor, an infrared sensor, a non-dispersive infrared sensor (NDIR sensor), an electrochemical sensor, a metal oxide sensor, or a solid electrolyte sensor.

[0100] The refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be placed (or installed) near the air conditioning module (212) of the air conditioner (100). For example, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be placed (or installed) near the heat exchanger of the air conditioner (100). For example, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be placed near the refrigerant pipe of the air conditioner (100). The refrigerant detection sensor (110) may generate a sensor detection value and transmit it to the processor (210).

[0101] The refrigerant detection sensor (110) can detect (e.g., monitor) the concentration of refrigerant in the surrounding air at a deployed (or installed) location. Based on the detected refrigerant concentration, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) can generate a sensor detection value and transmit it to the processor (210). For example, a semiconductor sensor type refrigerant detection sensor (110) can detect the refrigerant concentration through a change in electrical resistance when the refrigerant gas is adsorbed onto the semiconductor material of the refrigerant detection sensor (110).

[0102] The refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be replaced. For example, if the lifespan of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has expired (e.g., 10 years), the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may need to be replaced. The sensor usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is measured based on the time the air conditioner (100) is connected to the power supply. For example, the air conditioner (100) can calculate the sensor usage time based on the time when the plug of the air conditioner (100) is connected to the outlet.

[0103] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) can detect a refrigerant leak. The refrigerant detection sensor (110) can transmit data detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) (e.g., sensor signal, sensor value) to the processor (210).

[0104] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) can detect whether there is a refrigerant leak in real time. The refrigerant detection sensor (110) can detect whether there is a refrigerant gas leak, whether the lifespan of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has expired, and whether there is a malfunction. The refrigerant detection sensor (110) can convert the detected signal into an electrical signal (e.g., a voltage signal, a current signal). The refrigerant detection sensor (110) can transmit the electrical signal to a processor (210). The refrigerant detection sensor (110) can convert the electrical signal into a digital signal and transmit it to the processor (210).

[0105] The processor (210) controls the overall operation of the air conditioner (100). The processor (210) may be implemented as one or more processors. The processor (210) may perform a predetermined operation by executing an instruction or command stored in memory (214). Additionally, the processor (210) controls the operation of components provided in the air conditioner (100) according to the embodiments described below.

[0106] One or more processors included in the processor (210) may be circuitry such as a System on Chip (SoC) or an Integrated Circuit (IC). One or more processors included in the processor (210) may be general-purpose processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processor Unit), AP (Application Processor), or DSP (Digital Signal Processor); graphics-dedicated processors such as a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) or VPU (Vision Processing Unit); artificial intelligence-dedicated processors such as an NPU (Neural Processing Unit); or communication-dedicated processors such as a CP (Communication Processor). If one or more processors included in the processor (210) are artificial intelligence-dedicated processors, said artificial intelligence-dedicated processors may be designed with a hardware structure specialized for processing a specific artificial intelligence model.

[0107] The processor (210) can write data to memory (214) or read data stored in memory (214), and in particular, can process data according to a predefined operation rule or artificial intelligence model by executing a program or at least one instruction stored in memory (214). Accordingly, the processor (210) can perform operations described in subsequent embodiments, and operations described as being performed by the air conditioner (100) or detailed components (110, 212, 214) included in the air conditioner (100) in subsequent embodiments can be seen as being performed by the processor (210) unless otherwise specified.

[0108] The processor (210) may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, the term 'processor' as used in the present disclosure, including in the claims, may include at least one processor and various processing circuits. In at least one processor, one or more processors may be configured to perform the various functions described herein in a distributed manner, individually and / or collectively. As used in the present disclosure, 'processor', 'at least one processor', and 'one or more processors' may be configured to perform various functions. However, these terms cover, 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 can perform all functions. Additionally, at least one processor may include a combination of processors performing various functions of the disclosed functions in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0109] The air conditioning module (212) performs air conditioning operations. The air conditioning module (212) controls whether to cool, the cooling intensity, whether to heat, the heating intensity, the airflow rate, etc., based on a control signal or a driving signal input from the processor (210). The air conditioning module (212) may include a heat exchanger, a motor, an inverter, a fan, a filter, etc. The air conditioning module (212) is equipped with a heat exchanger and can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air by utilizing the phase change (e.g., expansion or compression) of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger. For example, while the refrigerant is expanding in the heat exchanger, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air, and the indoor air can be cooled. While the refrigerant is being compressed in the heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air, and the indoor air can be heated.

[0110] Additionally, the air conditioning module (212) includes an outdoor unit (120), and the outdoor unit (120) may include a compressor (122). The processor (210) can set the compressor frequency of the compressor (122) of the outdoor unit (120) according to the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature. Additionally, the processor (210) can monitor the status of the outdoor unit (120) and the compressor (122).

[0111] The air conditioning module (212) can circulate a refrigerant. For example, the air conditioning module (212) can circulate refrigerants such as R-32, R-410A, R-22, R-134a, R-1234yf, R-290, R-600a, R-744, R-407C, etc., but is not limited to the examples described.

[0112] The memory (214) stores various information, data, commands, programs, etc., necessary for the operation of the air conditioner (100). The memory (214) may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof. The memory (214) may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Additionally, the memory (214) may correspond to a web storage or cloud server that performs storage functions over the internet. The memory (214) may not exist separately and may be configured to be included in the processor (210).

[0113] The memory (214) can store an error history. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the memory (214) can store an error history in an error detection state in which an error is detected from the refrigerant detection sensor (110). The error history may include the time of error occurrence, an error code, the value of the refrigerant detection sensor at the time of error detection, etc.

[0114] A program or at least one instruction for performing operations according to embodiments described below may be stored in the memory (214). The memory (214) may also provide the stored data to the processor (210) upon the request of the processor (210).

[0115] The processor (210) can obtain data detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110). If the processor (210) detects an error from the refrigerant detection sensor (110), it can process the error information and convert it into an error code or status information. The processor (210) can transmit the error history of the error detection state, in which an error has been detected from the refrigerant detection sensor (110), to the memory (214) and / or the server. The processor (210) can transmit the error history of the error non-detection state, in which an error has not been detected from the refrigerant detection sensor (110), to the memory (214) and / or the server.

[0116] The processor (210) can determine whether there is an error history in an error detection state in which an error has been detected from the refrigerant detection sensor (110). For example, the processor (210) can determine whether there is an error history in memory (214). The error history may be a value that is transmitted by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) to the processor (210), processed by the processor (210), and then stored in memory (214).

[0117] The processor (210) can determine whether the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a normal signal if there is an error history of an error detection state. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) can determine whether there is a leak of refrigerant in the air conditioner (100) using the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110).

[0118] The processor (210) can initialize the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) to an error-free state based on the determination that the detected sensor signal is a normal signal. For example, if the processor (210) determines that the detected sensor signal is a normal signal, it can control the memory (214) to initialize the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) stored in the memory (214) to an error-free state. If the processor (210) determines that the detected sensor signal is a normal signal, it can determine that the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a replaced sensor. If the processor (210) determines that the detected sensor signal is a normal signal, it can control the air conditioning module (212) to standby in a normal operating state.

[0119] Based on the judgment that the detected sensor signal is a normal signal, the processor (210) can determine whether the refrigerant detection sensor (110) detects an error during an error verification time to determine whether an error is re-detected from the refrigerant detection sensor (110). Based on the judgment that an error was detected during the error verification time, the processor (210) can maintain the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) in an error detection state. Additionally, the processor (210) can control the air conditioning module (212) to standby in a non-operational state.

[0120] If the processor (210) determines that the detected sensor signal is an abnormal signal, it can maintain the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) in the error detection state. For example, if the processor (210) determines that the detected sensor signal is an abnormal signal, it can control the memory (214) to maintain the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) stored in the memory (214) in the error detection state. For example, if the processor (210) determines that the detected sensor signal is an abnormal signal, it can maintain the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) as is by not applying any control to the memory (214). If the processor (210) determines that the detected sensor signal is an abnormal signal, it can determine that the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is an unreplaced sensor. If the processor (210) determines that the detected sensor signal is an abnormal signal, it can control the air conditioning module (212) to standby in a state where operation is not possible. The abnormal signal may be one of a gas signal, a failure signal, or a lifespan signal.

[0121] The processor (210) can determine whether the refrigerant detection sensor (110) detects an error during an error verification time when determining whether an error is re-detected from the refrigerant detection sensor (110) if the detected abnormal signal is a signal of life expiration. Based on the determination that an error was detected during the error verification time, the processor (210) can maintain the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) in an error detection state. The processor (210) can control the air conditioning module (212) to standby in a non-operational state.

[0122] Based on the judgment that no error was detected during the error checking time, the processor (210) can initialize the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) to an error-free state. The processor (210) can control the air conditioning module (212) to stand by in a normal operating state. If the error history is in an error-free state, the processor (210) can control the air conditioning module (212) to stand by in a normal operating state.

[0123] The processor (210) can reset the sensor usage time based on the determination that the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a normal signal. The processor (210) can maintain the sensor usage time if the abnormal signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a signal indicating the expiration of the lifespan.

[0124] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] An air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be performed by an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The present disclosure describes an embodiment in which the air conditioner (100) performs the air conditioner control method. Since the operations included in the flowchart of FIG. 3 are performed by the air conditioner (100) or processor (210) of FIG. 1 and 2, the contents described above with reference to FIG. 1 and 2 may be omitted below and may be applied in the same way to FIG. 3.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 3, the method of operating the air conditioner (100) may include operations 310 to 360. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, operations 310 to 360 may be executed by at least one processor included in the air conditioner (100). The method of operating the air conditioner (100) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 3, and in one or more embodiments, operations not shown in FIG. 3 may be further included, or some operations may be omitted.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 3, in operation 310, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether there is an error history of an error detection state in which an error is detected from the refrigerant detection sensor (110). For example, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether an error history of an error detection state exists in the air conditioner (100) (e.g., whether it is stored). For example, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether an error history of an error detection state exists in the server (e.g., whether it is stored).

[0128] If there is an error history of an error detection state, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) in operation 320 is a normal signal.

[0129] The air conditioner (100) can determine whether the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a normal signal. For example, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the detected sensor signal is a signal within a normal range. For example, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether at least one of the period, maximum value, or minimum value of the detected sensor signal is a signal within a normal range. The sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8, and redundant descriptions are omitted here.

[0130] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can increase the efficiency of the system within the air conditioner (100) by determining whether the sensor signal is a normal signal only when there is an error history of an error detection state.

[0131] For example, the air conditioner (100) can analyze the sensor signal only when necessary by determining whether the sensor signal is a normal signal only when there is an error history of an error detection state. Through this, the computational load of the air conditioner (100) is reduced, and the system resources of the air conditioner (100) can be used more efficiently. Since the air conditioner (100) additionally determines whether the sensor signal is a normal signal only when there is an error history of the air conditioner (100), the air conditioner (100) can reduce inefficient signal verification procedures that may occur during the signal processing process. In addition, the system processing speed of the air conditioner (100) is improved, and the response speed of the entire system can be increased.

[0132] When the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is determined to be a normal signal, in operation 330, the air conditioner (100) can initialize the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110). For example, the air conditioner (100) can initialize the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) to an error-free state. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can initialize the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) to an error-free state if there is an error history of the error detection state of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) and the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a normal signal.

[0133] The air conditioner (100) can determine that the error history of the error detection state has been resolved because the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor is a normal signal. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can determine that the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has been replaced. In this case, since the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has been replaced, the air conditioner (100) can initialize the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) that existed previously.

[0134] In operation 340, the air conditioner (100) can control the air conditioning module (212) to stand by in a normal operating state. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) standing by in a normal operating state may indicate a state in which the air conditioner (100) stands by so that it can operate normally when the operation of the air conditioner (100) is turned on. For example, the standing by in a normal operating state may indicate a state in which the air conditioner (100) stands by so that it can operate normally when a user turns on the operation of the air conditioner (100) using a remote controller.

[0135] For example, the air conditioner (100) can control the air conditioning module (212) to stand by in a normal operating state when there is an error history of the error detection state of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) and the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor is a normal signal.

[0136] For example, the air conditioner (100) can control the air conditioning module (212) to stand by in a normal operating state when the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is in a state where no error is detected. Since the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is in a state where no error is detected, the air conditioner (100) can determine that there is no abnormality in the refrigerant detection sensor (110).

[0137] If the air conditioner (100) determines that the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is not a normal signal, in operation 350, the air conditioner (100) may maintain the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110). For example, the air conditioner (100) may maintain the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) in an error detection state based on the determination that the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is an abnormal signal. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may maintain the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) in an error detection state if there is an error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) in an error detection state and the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is an abnormal signal.

[0138] The air conditioner (100) may determine that the error history of the error detection state has not been resolved because the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is an abnormal signal. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may determine that the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has not been replaced. Since the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has not been replaced, the air conditioner (100) may maintain the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) that existed previously.

[0139] In operation 360, the air conditioner (100) can control the air conditioning module (212) to standby in a non-operational state. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) standingby in a non-operational state may indicate a state in which the air conditioner (100) cannot operate normally when the operation of the air conditioner (100) is turned on. For example, the non-operational state may indicate a state in which the air conditioner (100) cannot operate normally when a user turns on the operation of the air conditioner (100) using a remote controller. If the user turns on the operation of the air conditioner (100) using a remote controller while in a non-operational state, the air conditioner (100) may output an error message and not perform air conditioning operations.

[0140] For example, the air conditioner (100) may control the air conditioning module (212) to stand by in a non-operational state if there is an error history of the error detection state of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) and the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor is an abnormal signal.

[0141] By performing the above operations described with reference to FIG. 3, the air conditioner (100) does not determine every time whether a normal signal is received from the refrigerant detection sensor (110), but determines only when there is an error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110), thereby increasing the efficiency of the operation and calculation of the air conditioner (100) and reducing unnecessary work.

[0142] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0143] The air conditioner (100) may perform operation 400 prior to operation 310. Detailed steps performed by the air conditioner (100) prior to operation 310 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 4, the method of operating the air conditioner (100) may include operations 410 to 430. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, operations 410 to 430 may be executed by at least one processor included in the air conditioner (100). The method of operating the air conditioner (100) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 4, and in one or more embodiments, operations not shown in FIG. 4 may be further included, or some operations may be omitted.

[0145] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in operation 410, the air conditioner (100) can store (e.g., generate) an error history of an error detection state in which an error is detected from the refrigerant detection sensor (110). For example, the air conditioner (100) can store (e.g., generate) an error history of an error detection state in memory (214). The error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be a value stored in the microcomputer of the air conditioner (100).

[0146] If an error history of an error detection state is generated, the air conditioner (100) may be in an inoperable state. For example, the air conditioner (100) may stop operating. By stopping operation, the air conditioner (100) can prevent refrigerant leakage.

[0147] Error history in an error detection state can be generated when the operation of the air conditioner (100) is impossible due to an error related to the refrigerant detection sensor (110). When the air conditioner (100) recognizes an error related to the refrigerant detection sensor (110), the air conditioner (100) can generate error history in an error detection state. For example, the air conditioner (100) can generate error history in an error detection state when it recognizes that the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has detected a refrigerant leak. For example, the air conditioner (100) can generate error history in an error detection state when the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is malfunctioning. For example, the air conditioner (100) can generate error history in an error detection state when the lifespan of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has expired. For example, the air conditioner (100) can generate an error history of an error detection state when communication between the refrigerant detection sensor (110) and the processor (210) is unstable.

[0148] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, if there is an error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110), the air conditioner (100) can output the error history. The air conditioner (100) can output the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) through an output interface. For example, the air conditioner (100) can output the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) through the display of the indoor unit. For example, the air conditioner (100) can output the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) through the display of the outdoor unit. For example, the air conditioner (100) can output the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) through the display of a remote controller connected to the air conditioner (100). For example, the air conditioner (100) can transmit the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) to a server through a communication interface.

[0149] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may include identification information of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) in which the error occurred. For example, in an air conditioner (100) having a structure in which multiple indoor units are connected to a single outdoor unit, the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may include information regarding which indoor unit's refrigerant detection sensor (110) the error occurred. For example, the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may include the time and date in which the error occurred. For example, the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may include a unique code of the error that occurred in the refrigerant detection sensor.

[0150] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may include the most recent error history.

[0151] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in operation 420, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) of the air conditioner (100) may be inspected, repaired, or replaced. For example, the connection status between the refrigerant detection sensor (110) and the air conditioner (100) may be corrected. For example, a firmware upgrade or reset of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be performed. For example, if the refrigerant detection sensor (110) cannot be repaired, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be replaced.

[0152] In operation 420, the power of the air conditioner (100) may be turned off. In this case, the state in which the power of the air conditioner (100) is turned off may include cases where the user intentionally turns off the power of the air conditioner (100). For example, it may include cases where the user directly disconnects the plug of the air conditioner (100) from the outlet. The state in which the power of the air conditioner (100) is turned off may include a state in which the power of the air conditioner (100) is automatically turned off due to reasons such as a system error.

[0153] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power of the air conditioner (100) may be reset in operation 430. In operation 430, the power of the air conditioner (100) may be turned on.

[0154] For example, turning on the power of the air conditioner (100) may indicate supplying power to the air conditioner (100). For example, turning on the power of the air conditioner (100) may indicate connecting the plug of the air conditioner (100) to an outlet. When the power of the air conditioner (100) is turned on, power may be supplied to the air conditioner (100).

[0155] When the power of the air conditioner (100) is turned on, an initial boot procedure of the air conditioner (100) may be initiated. The initial boot procedure of the air conditioner (100) may include a series of processes to verify that various hardware and software elements inside the air conditioner are functioning correctly when the air conditioner (100) is restarted, and to verify that all parts are in a normal state. For example, when the power of the air conditioner (100) is turned on, the system of the air conditioner (100) may be initialized internally.

[0156] For example, when the power of the air conditioner (100) is turned on, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether there is an error history of an error detection state. For example, when the power of the air conditioner (100) is turned on, the air conditioner (100) can re-determine whether the internal system of the air conditioner (100) is operating normally.

[0157] For example, when the power of the air conditioner (100) is turned on, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) of the air conditioner (100) can output an initial operation signal. When the power of the air conditioner (100) is turned on, the processor (210), air conditioning module (212), and memory (214) of the air conditioner (100) can be activated.

[0158] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0159] Detailed operations of operation 500 performed by the air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure after operation 310 and / or operation 320 are illustrated in FIG. 5. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may perform the operations described with reference to FIG. 3 after operation 310 and / or operation 320, or may perform the operations described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 5, the method of operating the air conditioner (100) may include operations 510 to 560. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, operations 510 to 560 may be executed by at least one processor included in the air conditioner (100). The method of operating the air conditioner (100) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 5, and in one or more embodiments, operations not shown in FIG. 5 may be further included, or some operations may be omitted.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 5, if no normal signal is detected in operation 320, the air conditioner (100) can determine in operation 510 whether the abnormal signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a signal indicating the expiration of the lifespan. Operation 510 may be performed as a separate operation, or it may be performed as a single operation combined with operation 520. The signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is described with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, and for brevity, it will be omitted here.

[0162] When a normal signal is detected in operation 320, or when a lifespan expiration signal is detected in operation 510, in operation 520, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the refrigerant detection sensor (110) detects an error during an error verification time for determining whether an error is re-detected from the refrigerant detection sensor (110). For example, when the detected sensor signal is a normal signal, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the refrigerant detection sensor (110) detects an error during an error verification time for determining whether an error is re-detected from the refrigerant detection sensor (110). For example, when the detected abnormal signal is a lifespan expiration signal, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the refrigerant detection sensor (110) detects an error during an error verification time for determining whether an error is re-detected from the refrigerant detection sensor (110).

[0163] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the error checking time may represent the time during which the air conditioner (100) waits to determine whether an error is detected again by the refrigerant detection sensor (110). For example, the error checking time may represent the time during which the air conditioner (100) waits to determine whether an error is detected again by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) when there is an error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110). For example, the error checking time may be set to a few seconds to a few minutes (e.g., 1 minute or 3 minutes), and this may be adjusted according to the type or design of the air conditioner (100).

[0164] The air conditioner (100) can determine whether an error included in the error history is a temporary error or an actual error (e.g., a malfunction) of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) by determining whether an error is detected from the refrigerant detection sensor (110) at the time of error verification. For example, a temporary error may include a disconnection of the refrigerant detection sensor (110), incompleteness of the connector, voltage fluctuation, power instability, software bug, temporary connection error, or poor contact, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0165] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the reliability of the air conditioner (100) system can be increased by determining whether an error is detected during an error checking time. For example, the error checking time provides time to correct a problem when the refrigerant detection sensor (110) recognizes a temporary or minor issue, thereby preventing the air conditioner (100) from giving a false warning. Additionally, unnecessary interruption of the air conditioner (100) can be prevented by reconfirming the error of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) through the error checking time.

[0166] In operation 530, the air conditioner (100) can initialize the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110). For example, the air conditioner (100) can initialize the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) to an error-undetected state based on the judgment that an error of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) was not detected (e.g., identified, recognized) during the error verification time. For example, the air conditioner (100) can initialize the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) to an error-undetected state based on the judgment that an error was not detected from the refrigerant detection sensor (110) during the error verification time, if there is an error history of an error detection state of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) and the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a signal of expired life among normal signals or abnormal signals.

[0167] The air conditioner (100) can determine that the error history of the error detection state has been resolved because the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor is a normal signal. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can determine that the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has been replaced based on the determination that no error was detected from the refrigerant detection sensor (110) during the error verification time, when there is an error history of the error detection state of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) and the abnormal signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a signal indicating the expiration of the lifespan. In this case, since the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has been replaced, the air conditioner (100) can reset the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) that existed previously.

[0168] In operation 540, the air conditioner (100) can control the air conditioning module (212) to stand by in a normal operating state. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) standing by in a normal operating state may indicate a state in which the air conditioner (100) stands by so that it can operate normally when the operation of the air conditioner (100) is turned on. For example, the standing by in a normal operating state may indicate a state in which the air conditioner (100) stands by so that it can operate normally when a user turns on the operation of the air conditioner (100) using a remote controller.

[0169] For example, the air conditioner (100) can control the air conditioning module (212) to stand by in a normal operating state if there is an error history of the error detection state of the refrigerant detection sensor (110), the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor is a normal signal, and the error does not recur in the refrigerant detection sensor (110). For example, the air conditioner (100) can control the air conditioning module (212) to stand by in a normal operating state if there is an error history of the error detection state of the refrigerant detection sensor (110), the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor is a signal indicating the expiration of the lifespan among abnormal signals, and the error does not recur in the refrigerant detection sensor (110).

[0170] For example, the air conditioner (100) can control the air conditioning module (212) to stand by in a normal operating state when the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is in a state where no error is detected. Since the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is in a state where no error is detected, the air conditioner (100) can determine that there is no abnormality in the refrigerant detection sensor (110).

[0171] If no lifespan signal is detected in operation 510, or if an error related to the refrigerant detection sensor (110) recurs in step 520, in operation 550, the air conditioner (100) may maintain the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110). For example, the air conditioner (100) may maintain the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) in an error detection state based on the judgment that an error was detected (e.g., identified, recognized) in the refrigerant detection sensor (110) during the error verification time.

[0172] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) may maintain the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) in an error detection state if there is an error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110), the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a normal signal, and an error is detected in the refrigerant detection sensor (110) during the error verification time. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may determine that the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a sensor that has not been replaced.

[0173] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) may maintain the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) in an error detection state if there is an error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110), the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a signal indicating the expiration of the lifespan among abnormal signals, and an error is detected in the refrigerant detection sensor (110) during the error verification time. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may determine that the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a sensor whose lifespan has expired. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may determine that the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a sensor that has not been replaced.

[0174] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in operation 550, the air conditioner (100) may maintain the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) in an error detection state when the detected abnormal signal is a signal other than a signal of life expiration. For example, the air conditioner (100) may maintain the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) in an error detection state when the detected abnormal signal is a gas signal or a malfunction signal. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may determine that the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a sensor that has not been replaced.

[0175] In operation 560, the air conditioner (100) can be controlled by controlling the air conditioning module (212) to be in a standby state where it cannot be operated. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) being in a standby state where it cannot be operated may indicate a standby state where the air conditioner (100) cannot be operated normally when the operation of the air conditioner (100) is turned on. For example, the standby state where it cannot be operated may indicate a standby state where the air conditioner (100) cannot be operated normally when a user turns on the operation of the air conditioner (100) using a remote controller.

[0176] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may control the air conditioning module (212) to stand by in a non-operational state when there is an error history of the error detection state of the refrigerant detection sensor (110), the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a normal signal, and an error is detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) during the error verification time. For example, the air conditioner (100) may output error content corresponding to the detected error.

[0177] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may control the air conditioning module (212) to stand by in a non-operational state when there is an error history of the error detection state of the refrigerant detection sensor (110), the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a signal indicating the expiration of the lifespan among abnormal signals, and an error is detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) during the error verification time. For example, the air conditioner (100) may output error content corresponding to the expiration signal. For example, the air conditioner (100) may output error content (e.g., error code, error type) corresponding to the expiration signal through at least one of the display of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner (100), the display of the indoor unit, or the display of the remote controller. The air conditioner (100) may output different error content depending on whether the expiration signal is a first expiration signal or a second expiration signal, which will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0178] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may control the air conditioning module (212) to standby in an unoperable state when there is an error history of the error detection state of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) and the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor is a gas signal or a fault signal among abnormal signals. For example, the air conditioner (100) may output error content corresponding to the gas signal or fault signal. For example, the air conditioner (100) may output error content (e.g., error code, error type) corresponding to the gas signal or fault signal through at least one of the display of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner (100), the display of the indoor unit, or the display of the control device.

[0179] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0180] Detailed operations performed by the air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure after operation 320 and / or operation 510 are illustrated in FIG. 6. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may perform the operations described with reference to FIG. 3 and / or FIG. 5 after operation 320 and / or operation 510, and may also perform operation 600, which will now be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 6, the method of operating the air conditioner (100) may include operation 610 or operation 620. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, operations 610 to 620 may be executed by at least one processor included in the air conditioner (100). The method of operating the air conditioner (100) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 6, and in one or more embodiments, operations not shown in FIG. 6 may be further included, or some operations may be omitted.

[0182] If a normal signal is detected in operation 320, in operation 610, the air conditioner (100) may reset the sensor usage time. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor usage time may be the time counted by the processor (210) of the air conditioner (100). For example, the sensor usage time may be the time counted separately from the refrigerant detection sensor (110) by the processor (210) of the air conditioner (100). The air conditioner (100) may count the sensor usage time separately by the processor (210) to which the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is connected in order to generate a replacement notification before the expiration of the warranty period (e.g., 5 years, 10 years) of the refrigerant detection sensor (110). The processor (210) may be placed in the indoor unit.

[0183] The sensor usage time can be determined based on the time the power of the air conditioner (100) is turned on. For example, the sensor usage time can be calculated based on the time the power is supplied to the air conditioner (100) after the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is connected to the air conditioner (100).

[0184] If the air conditioner (100) determines that the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a normal signal, the air conditioner (100) determines that the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a replaced sensor and can reset the sensor usage time.

[0185] If it is determined in step 510 that a lifespan elapsed signal has been detected, in operation 620, the air conditioner (100) may reset the sensor usage time. In operation 620, the sensor usage time may be measured or calculated in the same way as in operation 610.

[0186] If the air conditioner (100) determines that the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is an abnormal signal that has expired, the air conditioner (100) determines that the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a sensor that has not been replaced, and can maintain the sensor usage time.

[0187] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a signal of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0188] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) can determine whether a sensor signal detected by a refrigerant detection sensor (110) is a normal signal. The sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be a voltage signal. For example, the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be in the form of two output voltage signals (a first output voltage signal (VOUT1) and a second output voltage signal (VOUT2)).

[0189] The sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be a voltage output signal having a certain pattern (e.g., period, frequency). For example, the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be a signal with a different duty cycle depending on the sensor detection value of the refrigerant detection sensor (110).

[0190] Now, with reference to FIG. 7, the first output voltage signal (VOUT1) will be described. The first output voltage signal (VOUT1) may include at least one of a power turn-off signal (710), an initial operation signal (720), a normal signal (730), a first lifespan signal (740), or a second lifespan signal (750).

[0191] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power turn-off signal (710) may represent a sensor signal detected by a refrigerant detection sensor (110) when the air conditioner (100) is not connected to a power source. For example, when the plug of the air conditioner (100) is not connected to an outlet, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may detect the power turn-off signal (710) as a first output voltage signal. For example, the power turn-off signal (710) may be a signal having a constant value (e.g., a constant value), but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0192] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the initial operation signal (720) may represent a sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) when the air conditioner (100) is connected to the power supply. For example, when the plug of the air conditioner (100) is connected to the outlet, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may detect the initial operation signal (720) as a first output voltage signal. When the air conditioner (100) is connected to the power supply, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may detect the initial operation signal (720) as a first output voltage signal for a certain period of time. After detecting the initial operation signal (720) as a first output voltage signal for a certain period of time, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may detect a normal signal (730), a first lifespan elapsed signal (740), or a second lifespan elapsed signal (750). For example, the initial operation signal (720) may be a signal having a constant value (e.g., a constant value), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0193] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the normal signal (730) may represent a sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) when the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is operating normally. For example, the normal signal (730) may be a sensor signal detected when the refrigerant detection sensor (110) does not detect a refrigerant leak. For example, the normal signal (730) may be a sensor signal detected when the lifespan (e.g., 5 years, 10 years) of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has not elapsed. For example, the normal signal (730) may be a sensor signal detected when a refrigerant leak of the air conditioner (100) is not detected. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the refrigerant detection sensor (110) of the air conditioner (100) is operating normally, the normal signal (730) may be detected after the initial operation signal (720) is detected for a certain period of time.

[0194] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the normal signal (730) may be a signal having a constant period. For example, the normal signal (730) may be a value in which the power turn-off signal (710) and the initial operation signal (720) are repeated at a constant time interval. For example, the normal signal (730) may be a value in which a pattern (value) in which the power turn-off signal (710) is output for a first interval and then the initial operation signal (720) is output for a constant multiple of the first interval is repeated at a constant time interval.

[0195] For example, the normal signal (730) may be a signal in which the power turn-off signal (710) and the initial operation signal (720) have a specified (e.g., predetermined, predetermined) duty ratio (e.g., 20%). For example, if the duty ratio of the normal signal (730) is 20%, the normal signal (730) may be a value in which the power turn-off signal (710) is output for 20% of the output cycle and the initial operation signal (720) is output for 80% of the output cycle. For example, if the output cycle is 375 msec, the normal signal (730) may be a value in which the power turn-off signal (710) is output for 75 msec (20% of 375 msec) and the initial operation signal (720) is output for 300 msec (80% of 375 msec) of the output cycle.

[0196] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first life elapsed signal (740) may represent a sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) when the usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has exceeded a specified (e.g., a pre-specified) time.

[0197] For example, the first lifespan elapsed signal (740) may be a sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) when the usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has exceeded a first period (e.g., 5 years). For example, the first lifespan elapsed signal (740) may be a sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) when the usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has exceeded a specified (e.g., a pre-specified) percentage (e.g., 50%) of the total lifespan. For example, if the total lifespan of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is 10 years, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may output the first lifespan elapsed signal (740) as a first output voltage signal when the usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has exceeded 5 years.

[0198] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second lifespan elapsed signal (750) may represent a sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) when the usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has exceeded a specified (e.g., a pre-specified) time. For example, the second lifespan elapsed signal (750) may be a sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) when the usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has exceeded a second period (e.g., 10 years). For example, the second lifespan elapsed signal (750) may be a sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) when the usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has exceeded a certain percentage (e.g., 100%) of the total lifespan or the warranty period has expired. For example, if the total lifespan of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is 10 years, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) can detect a second lifespan elapsed signal (750) with a first output voltage signal when the usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has exceeded 10 years.

[0199] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the refrigerant detection sensor (110) detects a second lifespan expiration signal (750), the air conditioner (100) may stop operation. When the refrigerant detection sensor (110) detects a second lifespan expiration signal (750), the air conditioner (100) may generate an error. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may output a replacement alarm before the lifespan of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) expires and the second lifespan expiration signal (750) occurs. For example, the processor (210) of the air conditioner (100) may calculate the sensor usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) and output a replacement alarm before the usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) exceeds its lifespan.

[0200] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first lifespan signal (740) and / or the second lifespan signal (750) may be signals having a constant period. For example, the first lifespan signal (740) and / or the second lifespan signal (750) may be values ​​in which the power turn-off signal (710) and the initial operation signal (720) are repeated at a constant time interval.

[0201] For example, the first lifespan signal (740) may be a value in which a pattern (value) in which the power turn-off signal (710) is output for a second interval and the initial operation signal (720) is output for a constant multiple of the second interval is repeated at regular time intervals. For example, the first lifespan signal (740) may be a signal in which the power turn-off signal (710) and the initial operation signal (720) have a specific duty ratio (e.g., 60%).

[0202] For example, if the duty ratio of the first lifespan signal (740) is 60%, the first lifespan signal (740) may be a value that is output during a time corresponding to 60% of the output cycle and 40% of the output cycle for the power turn-off signal (710). For example, if the output cycle is 375 msec, the first lifespan signal (740) may be a value that is output during a time corresponding to 225 msec (60% of 375 msec) for the power turn-off signal (710) and 150 sec (40% of 375 msec) for the output cycle for the first operation signal (720), but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0203] For example, the second lifespan signal (750) may be a value in which a pattern (value) in which the power turn-off signal (710) is output for a third interval and the initial operation signal (720) is output for a constant multiple of the third interval is repeated at regular time intervals. For example, the second lifespan signal (750) may be a signal in which the power turn-off signal (710) and the initial operation signal (720) have a specific duty ratio (e.g., 80%).

[0204] For example, if the duty ratio of the second lifespan signal (750) is 80%, the second lifespan signal (750) may be a value that is output during a time corresponding to 80% of the output cycle and 20% of the output cycle for the power turn-off signal (710). For example, if the output cycle is 375 msec, the second lifespan signal (750) may be a value that is output during a time corresponding to 300 msec (80% of 375 msec) for the power turn-off signal (710) and 75 msec (20% of 375 msec) for the output cycle for the first operation signal (720), but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0205] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, even if the duty ratio of the normal signal (730), the first life elapsed signal (740), or the second life elapsed signal (750) is set to a specific value (e.g., 20%), an error within a specified range (e.g., ±2%) may occur. For example, if the duty ratio of the normal signal (730) is set to 20%, the duty ratio may be a value of 20-a% or more and 20+a% or less. For example, if the error rate is 2% and the duty ratio of the normal signal (830) is set to 20%, the duty ratio may be a value of 18% or more and 22% or less.

[0206] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a signal of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Now, with reference to FIG. 8, a second output voltage signal (VOUT2) will be described. The second output voltage signal (VOUT2) may include at least one of a power turn-off signal (810), an initial operation signal (820), a normal signal (830), a gas signal (840), or a fault signal (850).

[0207] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power turn-off signal (810) may represent a sensor signal detected by a refrigerant detection sensor (110) when the air conditioner (100) is not connected to a power source. For example, when the plug of the air conditioner (100) is not connected to an outlet, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may detect the power turn-off signal (810) as a second output voltage signal (VOUT2). For example, the power turn-off signal (810) may be a signal having a constant value (e.g., a constant value), but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The power turn-off signal (710) described with reference to FIG. 7 and the power turn-off signal (810) described with reference to FIG. 8 may have the same value or different values.

[0208] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the initial operation signal (820) may represent a sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) when the air conditioner (100) is connected to the power supply. For example, when the plug of the air conditioner (100) is connected to the outlet, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may detect the initial operation signal (820) as a second output voltage signal (VOUT2). When the air conditioner (100) is connected to the power supply, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may detect the initial operation signal (820) as a second output voltage signal (VOUT2) for a certain period of time. After detecting the initial operation signal (820) as a second output voltage signal (VOUT2) for a certain period of time, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may detect a normal signal (830), a gas signal (840), or a fault signal (850). For example, the initial operation signal (820) may be a signal having a constant value (e.g., a constant value), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The initial operation signal (720) described with reference to FIG. 7 and the initial operation signal (820) described with reference to FIG. 8 may have the same value or different values.

[0209] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the normal signal (830) may represent a sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) when the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is operating normally. For example, when the refrigerant detection sensor (110) does not detect a refrigerant leak, the air conditioner (100) may detect the normal signal (730) as a second output voltage signal (VOUT2). For example, the normal signal (830) may be a sensor signal detected when the refrigerant detection sensor (110) does not detect a refrigerant leak. For example, the normal signal (830) may be a sensor signal detected when the refrigerant detection sensor (110) does not detect a malfunction. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the refrigerant detection sensor (110) of the air conditioner (100) is operating normally, the normal signal (830) may be detected after the initial operation signal (820) is detected for a certain period of time.

[0210] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the normal signal (830) may be a signal having a constant period. For example, the normal signal (830) may be a value in which the power turn-off signal (810) and the initial operation signal (820) are repeated at a constant time interval. For example, the normal signal (830) may be a pattern (value) in which the power turn-off signal (810) is output for a fourth interval, and then the initial operation signal (820) is output for a constant multiple of the fourth interval, and this value is repeated at a constant time interval.

[0211] For example, the normal signal (830) may be a signal in which the power turn-off signal (810) and the initial operation signal (820) have a specific duty ratio (e.g., 20%). For example, if the duty ratio of the normal signal (830) is 20%, the normal signal (830) may be a value in which the power turn-off signal (810) is output for 20% of the output cycle and the initial operation signal (820) is output for 80% of the output cycle. For example, if the output cycle is 375 msec, the normal signal (830) may be a value in which the power turn-off signal (710) is output for 75 msec (20% of 375 msec) and the initial operation signal (820) is output for 300 msec (80% of 375 msec) of the output cycle. The normal signal (730) described with reference to FIG. 7 and the normal signal (830) described with reference to FIG. 8 may have the same value or different value.

[0212] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the gas signal (840) may represent a sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) when the refrigerant detection sensor (110) detects a leak of refrigerant gas. For example, the gas signal (840) may be a sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) when the concentration of refrigerant gas detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is above a certain concentration. For example, when the reference concentration of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is 10,000 ppm, or when the concentration of refrigerant gas detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is 10,000 ppm or higher, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may detect the gas signal (840) as a second output voltage signal.

[0213] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fault signal (850) may represent a sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) when a fault of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is detected. For example, the fault signal (850) may be a sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) when the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is not operating, when the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is over-operating, when the refrigerant concentration is not detected, or when an abnormality occurs in the refrigerant detection sensor (110) or the processor (210) operating with the refrigerant detection sensor (110).

[0214] For example, if the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is damaged due to dust, oil, chemicals, physical shock, chemical corrosion, or electrical overload, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) can detect a fault signal (850) with a second output voltage signal. For example, if the refrigerant detection sensor (110) malfunctions due to external environmental factors such as low or high temperature, humidity, vibration, or strong electromagnetic interference, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) can detect a fault signal (850) with a second output voltage signal. For example, if an error occurs in the software or system controlling the refrigerant detection sensor (110), the refrigerant detection sensor (110) can detect a fault signal (850) with a second output voltage signal.

[0215] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the gas signal (840) and / or the fault signal (850) may be signals having a constant period. For example, the gas signal (840) and / or the fault signal (850) may be values ​​in which the power turn-off signal (810) and the initial operation signal (820) are repeated at regular time intervals.

[0216] For example, the gas signal (840) may be a value in which a pattern (value) in which the power turn-off signal (810) is output for a fifth interval and the initial operation signal (820) is output for a constant multiple of the fifth interval is repeated at regular time intervals. For example, the gas signal (840) may be a signal in which the power turn-off signal (810) and the initial operation signal (820) have a specific duty ratio (e.g., 60%). For example, if the duty ratio of the gas signal (840) is 60%, the gas signal (840) may be a value in which the power turn-off signal (810) is output for 60% of the output cycle and the initial operation signal (820) is output for 40% of the output cycle. For example, if the output cycle is 375 msec, the gas signal (840) may be a value that is output during a time corresponding to 225 msec (60% of 375 msec) for the power turn-off signal (810) and 150 msec (40% of 375 msec) for the initial operation signal (820) for the output cycle, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0217] For example, the fault signal (850) may be a value in which a pattern (value) in which the power turn-off signal (810) is output for a fifth interval and the initial operation signal (820) is output for a constant multiple of the sixth interval is repeated at regular time intervals. For example, the fault signal (850) may be a signal in which the power turn-off signal (810) and the initial operation signal (820) have a specific duty ratio (e.g., 80%). For example, if the duty ratio of the fault signal (850) is 80%, the fault signal (850) may be a value in which the power turn-off signal (810) is output for 80% of the output cycle and the initial operation signal (820) is output for 20% of the output cycle. For example, if the output cycle is 375 msec, the fault signal (850) may be a value that is output during a time corresponding to 300 msec (80% of 375 msec) for the power turn-off signal (810) and 75 msec (20% of 375 msec) for the initial operation signal (820) for the output cycle, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0218] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, even if the duty ratio of a normal signal (830), a gas signal (840), or a fault signal (850) is set to a specific value (e.g., 20%), an error within a certain range (e.g., ±2%) may occur. For example, if the duty ratio of the normal signal (830) is set to 20%, the duty ratio may be a value of 20-a% or more and 20+a% or less. For example, if the error rate is 2% and the duty ratio of the normal signal (830) is set to 20%, the duty ratio may be a value of 18% or more and 22% or less.

[0219] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the structure of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0220] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may include a refrigerant detection sensor (110), an outdoor unit (120), a compressor (122), a heat exchanger (910), and a refrigerant pipe (114). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be placed at various locations on the air conditioner (100).

[0221] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be placed near a heat exchanger (910). Since there is a possibility of refrigerant leakage occurring during the process of refrigerant evaporating and exchanging heat with air in the heat exchanger (910), the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may detect whether there is a refrigerant leakage near the heat exchanger (910). The heat exchanger (910) may be replaced with an evaporator, an evaporator coil, or a cooling coil.

[0222] For example, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be located at the top of the heat exchanger (910). For example, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be located at the bottom of the heat exchanger (910). For example, the position of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be adjusted according to the airflow. For example, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be placed in an area near the heat exchanger (910) where there is airflow. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be mechanically connected to the frame of the heat exchanger (910) using a connecting element (e.g., bracket, clamp, magnet).

[0223] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be placed near a refrigerant pipe (114). For example, the area near the refrigerant pipe (114) may refer to the area near where the indoor unit is connected (e.g., coupled) to the refrigerant pipe (114). The outdoor unit (120) and the indoor unit of the air conditioner (100) may be connected via the refrigerant pipe (114). Since there is a possibility that a refrigerant leak may occur near the area where the indoor unit is connected (e.g., coupled) to the refrigerant pipe (114) during the process of refrigerant exchange through the refrigerant pipe (114), the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may detect whether there is a refrigerant leak near the refrigerant pipe (114). The refrigerant pipe (114) may be replaced with a refrigerant pipe or a pipe.

[0224] The refrigerant detection sensor (110) described with reference to FIG. 9 above is an embodiment of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the described examples. For example, the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be located in an outdoor unit (120).

[0225] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation of outputting an error history according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0226] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may provide a refrigerant detection sensor error notification when an error of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is detected. For example, when an error history of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is generated, the air conditioner (100) may provide a refrigerant detection sensor error notification. The refrigerant detection sensor error notification may be included in the abnormal operation notification of the air conditioner (100).

[0227] The refrigerant detection sensor error notification may include a message indicating that an error has been detected in the refrigerant detection sensor (110), a guide to checking the status of the refrigerant detection sensor, information on excessive power consumption, an error code, or information on reduced cooling performance. The guide to checking the status of the refrigerant detection sensor may include a request to replace the refrigerant detection sensor, a request to inspect the refrigerant detection sensor, a request to repair the refrigerant detection sensor, a request to check the hose connection, a request to check the operation of the outdoor unit, a request to check the opening of the air conditioner discharge port, or a request to check for a leak.

[0228] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can output a refrigerant detection sensor error notification through the output interface of the air conditioner (100). The output interface of the air conditioner (100) may include, for example, a display (1010) of the first air conditioner (100a), a speaker, or a notification light (1020) of the second air conditioner (100b). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can display a refrigerant leak sensor error notification through the display (1010). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can output a refrigerant leak sensor error notification through a signal, light color, blinking pattern, etc. of the notification light (1020).

[0229] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can output a refrigerant detection sensor error notification through a control device (1030). For example, the control device (1030) may be a remote controller. The air conditioner (100) can transmit error information of the refrigerant detection sensor to the control device (1030) through a communication interface (1350). For example, the air conditioner (100) can transmit error information of the refrigerant detection sensor to the control device (1030) through a wireless communication method (e.g., RF, IR, or Wi-Fi).

[0230] The control device (1030) can output a refrigerant detection sensor error notification through an output interface. When the control device (1030) receives error information or a refrigerant detection sensor error notification, it can output the refrigerant detection sensor error notification through the display (1032), speaker, or indicator light of the control device (1030). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an error code such as "E1" or a specific message such as "refrigerant leak" may appear on the display (1032) of the control device (1030). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, details of the refrigerant detection sensor error may be displayed on the display (1032) of the control device (1030). For example, if a refrigerant leak is detected in the air conditioner (100), a detailed message such as "Refrigerant leak detected: Inspection required" may appear, or specific information such as "Refrigerant abnormality: Service request" may be displayed.

[0231] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the indicator light of the control device (1030) may blink in a specific color or output a color corresponding to a refrigerant detection sensor error.

[0232] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a warning sound may be generated through a speaker or buzzer built into the control device (1030). The warning sound may be configured in a specific pattern to notify the user that an abnormal condition has occurred.

[0233] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerant detection sensor error notification may be output through either the air conditioner (100) or the control device (1030). Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerant detection sensor error notification may be output together from the air conditioner (100) and the control device (1030).

[0234] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an air conditioner, an external device, and a server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0235] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) communicates with an external device (1110) and a server (1120) through a communication interface (1350). The air conditioner (100) may be connected to other home appliances, the external device (1110), or the server (1120) through a network (NET).

[0236] The server (1120) can manage user account information and information about the air conditioner (100) connected to the user account. For example, a user can create a user account by accessing the server (1120) through an external device (1110). The user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server (1120) can register the air conditioner (100) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (1120) can register the air conditioner (100) by linking the identification information of the air conditioner (100) (e.g., serial number or MAC address) to the user account.

[0237] The external device (1110) may include a communication module capable of communicating with an air conditioner (100) and a server (1120), a user interface that receives user input or outputs information to a user, at least one processor that controls the operation of the external device (1110), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the external device (1110) is stored.

[0238] The external device (1110) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The external device (1110) may include, for example, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smartphone, a handheld device, a wearable device, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0239] A program (e.g., an application) for controlling the air conditioner (100) may be stored in the memory of the external device (1110). The external device (1110) may be sold with the application for controlling the air conditioner (100) installed, or it may be sold without the application installed. If the external device (1110) is sold without the application for controlling the air conditioner (100) installed, the user may download the application from an external server providing the application and install it on the external device (1110).

[0240] The user can control the air conditioner (100) using an application installed on an external device (1110). For example, when the user runs an application installed on the external device (1110), identification information of the air conditioner (100) connected to the same user account as the external device (1110) may appear in the application execution window. The user can perform desired control on the air conditioner (100) through the application execution window. When the user inputs a control command for the air conditioner (100) through the application execution window, the external device (1110) may transmit the control command directly to the air conditioner (100) via a local area network, or it may transmit the control command to the air conditioner (100) via a server (1120).

[0241] The application of the external device (1110) can receive various user inputs for controlling the air conditioner (100). The application provides a Graphic User Interface (GUI) for receiving various user inputs and receives user inputs through the GUI. The external device (1110) communicates with the server (1120) and updates the status information of the air conditioner (100) and provides it through the application. Additionally, the external device (1110) communicates with the server (1120) and transmits the user input received through the application to the air conditioner (100).

[0242] The application can receive an operation off signal or a shutdown reservation signal of the air conditioner (100). Additionally, the application can receive a reservation setting signal and receive user input for setting the reservation end time. Additionally, the application can receive a sleep mode setting signal and receive user input for setting the reservation end time. Additionally, the application can receive user input for setting the noise prevention mode. Additionally, the application can receive user input for setting the automatic drying function. Additionally, the application can receive user input for setting the windless mode.

[0243] Additionally, the application can receive user input selecting a custom mode.

[0244] A network (NET) may include both wired networks and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, etc., and wireless networks may include all networks that transmit and receive signals via radio waves. Wired networks and wireless networks may be connected to each other.

[0245] 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 pass through an access point. A wireless personal area network may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, etc.

[0246] The access point (AP) can connect the local network (LAN) to which the air conditioner (100) and external device (1110) are connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (1120) is connected. The air conditioner (100) or the external device (1110) can be connected to the server (1120) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0247] An AP may include a device that enables devices to be connected in a computer network using relevant standards utilizing Wi-Fi. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an AP may include a hardware-implemented AP and a software-implemented AP.

[0248] For example, an AP can relay data between wireless devices and wired devices on a network. However, it 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.

[0249] The access point (AP) can communicate with the air conditioner (100) and external device (1110) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi™, IEEE 802.11), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication.

[0250] The air conditioner (100) can transmit information regarding operation or status to the server (1120) via a network (NET). For example, the air conditioner (100) can transmit information regarding operation or status to the server (1120) via Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi™, IEEE 802.11) communication.

[0251] If the air conditioner (100) is not equipped with a Wi-Fi communication module, the air conditioner (100) can transmit information regarding operation or status to a server (1120) through another home appliance having a Wi-Fi communication module. For example, if the air conditioner (100) transmits information regarding operation or status to another home appliance via a short-range wireless network (e.g., BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication), the other home appliance can transmit information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to the server (1120). Additionally, for example, if the air conditioner (100) is not equipped with a Wi-Fi communication module, the air conditioner (100) can be connected to a communication relay device via a wired connection, and Wi-Fi communication and 485 communication can be performed by the communication relay device.

[0252] The air conditioner (100) may provide information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to the server (1120) upon prior approval by the user. The transmission of information to the server (1120) may occur when a request is received from the server (1120), when a specific event occurs in the air conditioner (100), or periodically or in real time.

[0253] When the server (1120) receives information regarding operation or status from the air conditioner (100), it can update previously stored information regarding the air conditioner (100). The server (1120) can transmit information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to an external device (1110) via a network (NET).

[0254] The server (1120) can transmit information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to the external device (1110) when a request is received from the external device (1110). For example, when a user runs an application connected to the server (1120) on the external device (1110), the external device (1110) can request and receive information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) from the server (1120) through the application. The server (1120) may also transmit information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to the external device (1110) in real time when information regarding the operation or status is received from the air conditioner (100). The server (1120) may also periodically transmit information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to the external device (1110). The external device (1110) can convey information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to the user by displaying information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) in the application execution window.

[0255] The air conditioner (100) can obtain various information from the server (1120) and provide the obtained information to the user. Additionally, the air conditioner (100) can receive a file from the server (1120) for updating the installed software or data related to the installed software, and can update the installed software or data related to the installed software based on the received file.

[0256] The air conditioner (100) can operate according to control commands received from the server (1120). For example, if the air conditioner (100) has obtained prior approval from a user to operate according to control commands from the server (1120) even without user input, the air conditioner (100) can operate according to control commands received from the server (1120). The control commands received from the server (1120) may include, but are not limited to, control commands entered by the user through an external device (1110) or control commands generated by the server (1120) based on pre-set conditions.

[0257] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a server (1120) can store a learning result of learning power consumption according to environmental conditions. The server (1120) can store the learning result of power consumption according to environmental conditions in a user account registered with an air conditioner (100). When learning is performed by the air conditioner (100), the server (1120) receives the learning result of power consumption according to environmental conditions from the air conditioner (100) and can store the received learning result in a user account registered with the air conditioner (100). The server (1120) can store the installation location, installation conditions, etc. of the air conditioner (100) corresponding to the learning result. When power consumption according to environmental conditions is learned by the server (1120), the server (1120) can store the learned power consumption according to environmental conditions in a user account registered with the air conditioner (100).

[0258] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the operation of outputting an error of a refrigerant detection sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0259] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) can output a refrigerant detection sensor error notification through an external device (1110). The air conditioner (100) can transmit refrigerant detection sensor error information to a server (1120) through a communication module. For example, if an error in the refrigerant detection sensor is detected, the air conditioner (100) can provide a refrigerant detection sensor error notification to the server (1120). For example, if an error history of the refrigerant detection sensor is generated, the air conditioner (100) can provide a refrigerant detection sensor error notification to the server (1120). The refrigerant detection sensor error information may be included in the abnormal operation information provided by the air conditioner (100) to the server (1120). The refrigerant detection sensor notification may correspond to the refrigerant detection sensor notification described with reference to FIG. 10, and redundant descriptions are omitted here.

[0260] The server (1120) may request an external device (1110) registered to the same user account as the air conditioner (100) to output a refrigerant detection sensor error notification. The external device (1110) may output the refrigerant detection sensor error notification through an output interface. When the external device (1110) receives the refrigerant detection sensor error notification, it may output the refrigerant detection sensor error notification through an application that controls the air conditioner (100).

[0261] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerant detection sensor error notification may be output through one of an air conditioner (100), a control device (1030), or an external device (1110). Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerant detection sensor error notification may be output together from the air conditioner (100), the control device (1030), and the external device (1110).

[0262] FIG. 13a is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0263] Detailed operations performed by the air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure after operation 510 are illustrated in FIG. 13a. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may perform the operations described with reference to FIG. 5 after operation 510, or may perform the operations described with reference to FIG. 13a from now on.

[0264] Referring to FIG. 13a, the method of operating the air conditioner (100) may include operations 1310 to 1350. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, operations 1310 to 1350 may be executed by at least one processor included in the air conditioner (100). The method of operating the air conditioner (100) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 13a, and in one or more embodiments, operations not shown in FIG. 13a may be further included, or some operations may be omitted.

[0265] Referring to FIG. 13a, in operation 1310, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether a first lifespan elapsed signal has been detected. For example, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is the first lifespan elapsed signal (740). The first lifespan elapsed signal (740) may be a signal that occurs when the sensor usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is longer than the first period (e.g., 5 years). Since the first lifespan elapsed signal (740) has been explained earlier with reference to FIG. 7, a redundant explanation will be omitted here.

[0266] When a first lifespan elapsed signal is detected, in operation 1320, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the sensor usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is less than the first period. For example, the sensor usage time may be the time counted by the processor (210) of the air conditioner (100). For example, the sensor usage time may be the time counted separately from the refrigerant detection sensor (110) by the processor (210) of the air conditioner (100). Since the sensor usage time has been explained above with reference to FIG. 6, a redundant explanation will be omitted here.

[0267] For example, when the time measured by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) itself is longer than the first period, the first lifespan elapsed signal (740) is detected, so the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the sensor usage time measured by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) and the sensor usage time counted by the processor (210) match by determining whether the time counted by the processor (210) is less than the first period.

[0268] If the sensor usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is less than the first period, in operation 1330, the air conditioner (100) can change the sensor usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor to the first period. For example, if the air conditioner (100) detects a first lifespan elapsed signal (740) and the sensor usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is less than the first period, the sensor usage time counted by the processor (210) may differ from the time measured by the refrigerant detection sensor (110). For example, if the sensor usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is less than the first period, the sensor usage time counted by the processor (210) may be slower than the time measured by the refrigerant detection sensor (110).

[0269] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a first life elapsed signal (740) is detected and the sensor usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is less than the first period, the air conditioner (100) can improve (e.g., reduce) the error between the time measured by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) and the sensor usage time counted by the processor (210) by changing the sensor usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor to the first period. For example, the air conditioner (100) can synchronize the time measured by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) and the sensor usage time counted by the processor (210).

[0270] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can output a replacement alarm before the lifespan of the air conditioner (100) expires and the second lifespan expiration signal (750) is detected by synchronizing the time measured by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) with the sensor usage time counted by the processor (210) at the time when the first lifespan expiration signal (740) occurs. Through this, the air conditioner (100) can notify the user of the lifespan expiration in advance before the lifespan of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) expires. Through this, the air conditioner (100) can enhance user convenience by preventing the operation of the air conditioner (100) from suddenly stopping at the time when the lifespan of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) expires.

[0271] In operation 1340, the air conditioner (100) can restart the usage time count of the refrigerant detection sensor (110). For example, the processor (210) of the air conditioner (100) can continue the usage time count of the refrigerant detection sensor (110). For example, the processor (210) of the air conditioner (100) can continue the usage time count of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) based on a first period. For example, the air conditioner (100) can calculate the usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor as the sum of the first period and the time taken to measure the usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor from the time of change to the first period.

[0272] If the usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is longer than the first period, the air conditioner (100) in operation 1350 can maintain the usage time count of the refrigerant detection sensor (110). For example, if the air conditioner (100) detects the first life elapsed signal (740) and the sensor usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is longer than the first period, the sensor usage time counted by the processor (210) and the time measured by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be synchronized. In this case, the processor (210) of the air conditioner (100) can continue the usage time count of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) without changing the usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110).

[0273] FIG. 13b is a reference diagram showing the usage time of a refrigerant detection sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13b describes an example in which the lifespan of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is 10 years, a replacement alarm occurs when the sensor usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is 9.5 years, the first period described with reference to FIG. 13a is 5 years, and the error between the time measured by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) and the sensor usage time calculated by the processor (210) is 5%. However, these conditions and examples are examples, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0274] Referring to 1360, the air conditioner (100) may stop operating when the lifespan of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has expired. For example, the air conditioner (100) may stop operating when the usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has exceeded the lifespan of the refrigerant detection sensor (110).

[0275] According to a comparative example of the present disclosure, an example of sensor usage time counted by a processor (210) is shown in 1370. According to the comparative example, when the usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) shown in 1360 has elapsed by 5 years, the sensor usage time calculated by the processor (210) is not synchronized with the usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110). As a result, in the comparative example, the error in the sensor usage time calculated by the processor (210) is maintained even after the first lifespan elapsed signal is generated. Referring to 1370, when the usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has elapsed the lifespan (10 years) of the refrigerant detection sensor (110), the sensor usage time calculated by the processor (210) is 9.5 years. Therefore, the air conditioner (100) cannot output a replacement alarm for the refrigerant detection sensor (110) before the lifespan (e.g., 10 years) of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has elapsed.

[0276] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an example of sensor usage time counted by a processor (210) is illustrated in 1380. Referring to 1380, when the usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is 5 years, the sensor usage time calculated by the processor (210) can be changed (or synchronized) from 4.8 years to 5 years. By doing so, the air conditioner (100) synchronizes the time measured by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) with the sensor usage time calculated by the processor (210), so that the air conditioner (100) can output a refrigerant detection sensor (110) replacement alarm at the time of 9.7 years, before the lifespan (10 years) of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has elapsed.

[0277] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0278] Referring to FIG. 14, the method of operating the air conditioner (100) may include operations 1410 to 1420. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, operations 1410 to 1420 may be executed by at least one processor included in the air conditioner (100). The method of operating the air conditioner (100) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 14, and in one or more embodiments, operations not shown in FIG. 14 may be further included, or some operations may be omitted.

[0279] In operation 1410, the air conditioner (100) may obtain a signal to reset the sensor usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110). The signal to reset the sensor usage time may be a signal to set the sensor usage time to an initial value. The initial value of the sensor usage time may correspond, for example, to 0 seconds. The sensor usage time may be a value calculated by the processor (210). The air conditioner (100) may obtain a signal to automatically reset the sensor usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110), or a signal to manually reset the sensor usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) may be obtained by the user. For example, the signal to reset the sensor usage time may be input through the input interface of the air conditioner (100) or the input interface of an external device.

[0280] In operation 1420, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether a first life elapsed signal (740) is detected.

[0281] If the air conditioner (100) does not detect the first lifespan elapsed signal (740), the air conditioner (100) can reset the usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) in operation 1430. For example, if the air conditioner (100) does not detect the first lifespan elapsed signal (740), the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is replaced, so the processor (210) can reset the sensor usage time normally. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, after the processor (210) resets the sensor usage time normally, the time measured by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) and the sensor usage time calculated by the processor (210) can be synchronized at the time when the first lifespan elapsed signal (740) occurs by the method described above with reference to FIG. 13a.

[0282] When the air conditioner (100) detects the first lifespan expiration signal (740), the air conditioner (100) may not reset the usage time of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) in operation 1440. For example, when the air conditioner (100) detects the first lifespan expiration signal (740), the processor (210) cannot reset the sensor usage time because the refrigerant detection sensor (110) has not been replaced. The air conditioner (100) can determine whether the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is the first lifespan expiration signal. For example, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor (110) is the first lifespan expiration signal by determining whether the detected sensor signal matches the first lifespan expiration signal (740) described with reference to FIG. 7. For example, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether at least one of the period, maximum value, or minimum value of the detected sensor signal matches at least one of the period, maximum value, or minimum value of the first life elapsed signal (740) described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0283] By doing so, the air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can increase the accuracy of the sensor usage time by preventing the user from accidentally initializing the sensor usage time or the sensor usage time from being incorrectly initialized due to an error in the air conditioner (100). In addition, the air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can increase the accuracy of the replacement alarm output of the refrigerant detection sensor (110) described above with reference to FIG. 13a and FIG. 13b by increasing the accuracy of the sensor usage time.

[0284] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the structure of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0285] An air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may correspond to an air conditioner (1500). An air conditioner (1500) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a processor (1510), an air conditioning module (1520), a memory (1530), a sensor (1540), a communication interface (1550), an output interface (1560), and a power module (1570). The air conditioner (1500) may be composed of various combinations of components shown in FIG. 15, and not all of the components shown in FIG. 15 are essential components.

[0286] The air conditioner (100) of FIG. 15 corresponds to the air conditioner (100) described in FIG. 2, the processor (1510) corresponds to the processor (210) described in FIG. 2, the air conditioning module (1320) corresponds to the air conditioning module (212) described in FIG. 2, the memory (1530) corresponds to the memory (214) described in FIG. 2, and the refrigerant detection sensor (1544) corresponds to the refrigerant detection sensor (110) described in FIG. 2.

[0287] The processor (1510) controls the overall operation of the air conditioner (1500). The processor (1510) can control the components of the air conditioner (1500) by executing a program stored in memory (1530).

[0288] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (1510) may include a separate NPU that performs the operation of an artificial intelligence model. Additionally, the processor (1510) may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU; Graphic Processing Unit), etc.

[0289] The air conditioning module (1520) performs air conditioning operations. The air conditioning module (1520) controls whether to cool, the cooling intensity, whether to heat, the heating intensity, the airflow, etc., based on a control signal or a driving signal input from the processor (1510).

[0290] The memory (1530) stores various information, data, commands, programs, etc., necessary for the operation of the air conditioner (1500). The memory (1530) may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof. The memory (1530) may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Additionally, the air conditioner (1500) may operate a web storage or cloud server that performs storage functions over the internet.

[0291] The sensor (1540) may include various types of sensors. For example, the sensor (1540) may include a camera, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a dust sensor, a detection sensor, or a refrigerant sensor (1542). Additionally, the sensor (1540) may include various types of sensors such as an image sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a lidar sensor, a motion detection sensor, a proximity sensor, and an illuminance sensor. Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0292] The refrigerant sensor (1542) may include various types of refrigerant sensors. For example, the refrigerant sensor (1542) may include a refrigerant detection sensor (1544), a refrigerant temperature sensor (1546), and a refrigerant pressure sensor (1548), but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0293] The refrigerant detection sensor (1544) may correspond to the refrigerant detection sensor (110) of FIG. 2. The refrigerant detection sensor (1544) may be placed near the air conditioning module (212). The refrigerant temperature sensor (1546) can monitor whether there is a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner (100) by measuring the concentration of the refrigerant. By monitoring whether there is a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner (100), the refrigerant temperature sensor (1546) can detect the refrigerant leak in the air conditioner (100) at an early stage, thereby maintaining the efficiency of the air conditioner (100) and preventing environmental hazards (e.g., fire). The refrigerant detection sensor (1544) can generate a sensor detection value and transmit it to the processor (1510).

[0294] The refrigerant temperature sensor (1546) can measure the temperature of the refrigerant. The refrigerant temperature sensor (1546) can be placed near the air conditioning module (1520). The refrigerant temperature sensor (1546) can monitor the thermodynamic state of the air conditioner (100) by measuring the temperature of the refrigerant. By monitoring the thermodynamic state of the air conditioner (100), the refrigerant temperature sensor (1546) can detect when the temperature of the air conditioner (100) changes abnormally and prevent system performance degradation. The refrigerant temperature sensor (1546) can generate a sensor detection value and transmit it to the processor (1510).

[0295] The refrigerant pressure sensor (1548) can measure the pressure of the refrigerant. The refrigerant pressure sensor (1548) can be placed near the air conditioning module (1520). The refrigerant pressure sensor (1548) can determine whether the pressure of the refrigerant is within a normal range. By monitoring the thermodynamic state of the air conditioner (100), the refrigerant pressure sensor (1548) can detect if the pressure of the air conditioner (100) is too high or too low (i.e., outside the normal range) and prevent a decrease in system performance or efficiency. The refrigerant pressure sensor (1548) can generate a sensor detection value and transmit it to the processor (1510).

[0296] The communication interface (1550) may include at least one of a short-range communication module (1552) or a long-range communication module, or a combination thereof. The communication interface may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with another device.

[0297] The short-range wireless communication module (1552) may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a Near Field Communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0298] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication module (1554). The mobile communication module transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. Here, the wireless signal may include various forms of data such as voice call signals, video call call signals, or text / multimedia message transmission and reception.

[0299] The output interface (1560) may include a display (1562) and a speaker (1564). The output interface (1560) outputs various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor (1510). The display (1562) can output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor (1510) through a screen. The display (1562) can output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor (1510) as sound. For example, the output interface (1560) can output whether there is a refrigerant leak detected by the processor (1510), whether there is an error history of the refrigerant sensor (1542), whether the sensor has been replaced, the operating status (normal operating status, inability to operate, etc.), and whether the lifespan of the refrigerant sensor (1542) has expired.

[0300] The power module (1870) is connected to a power source and supplies power to the air conditioner (1500).

[0301] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory storage medium' merely indicates that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, a 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0302] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) 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., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0303] According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner comprises an air conditioning module (212) for circulating a refrigerant, a refrigerant detection sensor (110) for detecting refrigerant leaked from the air conditioning module, a memory (214) for storing at least one instruction, and at least one processor (210) including a circuit device. By executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can determine whether there is an error history of an error detection state in which an error is detected from the refrigerant detection sensor. By executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can determine whether a sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor is a normal signal if there is an error history of the error detection state. By executing the above at least one instruction individually or collectively by the above at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can initialize the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor to an error-free state based on the judgment that the detected sensor signal is a normal signal. By executing the above at least one instruction individually or collectively by the above at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can control the air conditioning module to standby in a normal operating state.

[0304] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the refrigerant detection sensor detects an error during an error checking time, which determines whether an error is re-detected from the refrigerant detection sensor based on the determination that the detected sensor signal is a normal signal. According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can maintain the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor in an error detection state based on the determination that an error was detected during the error checking time. According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can control the air conditioning module to standby in an unoperable state.

[0305] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can maintain the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor in the error detection state based on the determination that the detected sensor signal is an abnormal signal. According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can control the air conditioning module to standby in an inoperable state.

[0306] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the refrigerant detection sensor detects an error during an error checking time, which determines whether an error is re-detected from the refrigerant detection sensor when the detected abnormal signal is a signal of life expiration. According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can maintain the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor in an error detection state based on the determination that an error was detected during the error checking time. According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can control the air conditioning module to standby in an inoperable state.

[0307] According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can control the air conditioning module to stand by in a normal operating state when the error history is in an error-undetected state.

[0308] According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can initialize the sensor usage time based on the determination that the detected sensor signal is a normal signal.

[0309] According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can maintain the sensor usage time when the detected abnormal signal is a signal of life expiration.

[0310] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the sensor usage time is less than a first period when the detected abnormal signal is a first lifespan signal. According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can change the sensor usage time to a first period when the sensor usage time is less than the first period. According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can restart the counting of the sensor usage time.

[0311] According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can continue counting the sensor usage time when the sensor usage time is longer than the first period.

[0312] According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can maintain the sensor usage time based on the determination that the first life elapsed signal has been detected when it acquires a signal to initialize the sensor usage time.

[0313] According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can initialize the sensor usage time based on the determination that the first life elapsed signal was not detected when it acquires a signal to initialize the sensor usage time.

[0314] According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, the abnormal signal may be one of a gas signal, a failure signal, or a lifespan signal.

[0315] According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can determine whether there is an error history of the error detection state when the power of the air conditioner is turned on.

[0316] According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) further comprises an output interface (1560), and by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can output an error history of the refrigerant detection sensor through the output interface (1560).

[0317] According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) further comprises a communication interface (1550), and by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively by the at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) can transmit the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor to a server through the communication interface (1550).

[0318] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner control method may include an operation of determining whether there exists an error history of an error detection state in which an error is detected from a refrigerant detection sensor. If there exists an error history of the error detection state, the air conditioner control method may include an operation of determining whether a sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor is a normal signal. Based on the determination that the detected sensor signal is a normal signal, the air conditioner control method may include an operation of initializing the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor to an error non-detected state. The air conditioner control method may include an operation of controlling an air conditioning module to standby in a normal operating state.

[0319] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner control method may include an operation of determining whether the refrigerant detection sensor detects an error during an error checking time, based on a determination that the detected sensor signal is a normal signal, and determining whether an error is re-detected from the refrigerant detection sensor. The air conditioner control method may include an operation of maintaining the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor in an error detection state based on a determination that an error was detected during the error checking time. The air conditioner control method may include an operation of controlling the air conditioning module to standby in a non-operational state.

[0320] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner control method may include an operation of maintaining the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor in the error detection state based on a determination that the detected sensor signal is an abnormal signal. The air conditioner control method may include an operation of controlling the air conditioning module to standby in a non-operational state.

[0321] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner control method may include an operation of determining whether the refrigerant detection sensor detects an error during an error checking time, which determines whether an error is re-detected from the refrigerant detection sensor when the detected abnormal signal is a signal of life expiration. The air conditioner control method may include an operation of maintaining the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor in an error detection state based on the determination that an error was detected during the error checking time. The air conditioner control method may include an operation of controlling the air conditioning module to standby in a non-operational state.

[0322] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner control method may include an operation of initializing the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor to an error-free state based on the determination that no error was detected during the error checking time.

[0323] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner control method may include an operation of controlling the air conditioning module to standby in a normal operating state.

[0324] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner control method may include an operation of controlling the air conditioning module to stand by in a normal operating state when the error history is in an error-undetected state.

[0325] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner control method may include an operation of initializing the sensor usage time based on the determination that the detected sensor signal is a normal signal.

[0326] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner control method may include an operation to maintain the sensor usage time when the detected abnormal signal is a signal indicating the expiration of the lifespan.

[0327] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner control method may include an operation of determining whether the sensor usage time is less than a first period when the detected abnormal signal is a first life elapsed signal. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner control method may include an operation of changing the sensor usage time to the first period when the sensor usage time is less than the first period. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner control method may include an operation of restarting the counting of the sensor usage time. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner control method may include an operation of continuing the counting of the sensor usage time when the sensor usage time is greater than or equal to the first period.

[0328] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner control method may maintain the sensor usage time based on the determination that the first life elapsed signal has been detected when a signal to initialize the sensor usage time is obtained.

[0329] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner control method may initialize the sensor usage time based on the determination that the first life elapsed signal was not detected when a signal to initialize the sensor usage time is obtained.

[0330] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner control method may include an operation of determining whether there is an error history of the error detection state when the power of the air conditioner is turned on.

[0331] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner control method may include an operation of outputting an error history of the refrigerant detection sensor.

[0332] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner control method may include the operation of transmitting the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor to a server.

[0333] In addition, according to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readable recording medium is provided on which a program for performing an air conditioner control method on a computer is recorded.

Claims

1. In an air conditioner (100), An air conditioning module (212) that circulates refrigerant; A refrigerant detection sensor (110) that detects refrigerant leaked from the above air conditioning module; Memory (214) for storing at least one instruction; and It includes at least one processor (210) including a circuit device, and By executing the above at least one instruction individually or collectively by the above at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) is, Determining whether there is an error history in an error detection state in which an error is detected by the above refrigerant detection sensor, and If there is an error history of the above error detection state, determine whether the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor is a normal signal, and Based on the judgment that the above-detected sensor signal is a normal signal, the error history of the above-detected refrigerant detection sensor is initialized to an error-free state, and An air conditioner (100) that controls the air conditioning module to stand by in a normal operating state.

2. In Paragraph 1, By executing the above at least one instruction individually or collectively by the above at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) is, Based on the determination that the above-detected sensor signal is a normal signal, the refrigerant detection sensor determines whether an error is detected during an error verification time for determining whether an error is re-detected from the refrigerant detection sensor, and Based on the determination that an error was detected during the above error verification time, the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor is maintained in an error detection state, and An air conditioner (100) that controls the air conditioning module to be in a standby state where driving is not possible.

3. In paragraphs 1 and 2, By executing the above at least one instruction individually or collectively by the above at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) is, Based on the judgment that the above-detected sensor signal is an abnormal signal, the error history of the above-detected refrigerant detection sensor is maintained in the above-detected error detection state, and An air conditioner that controls the above air conditioning module to standby in a non-operational state.

4. In Paragraph 3, By executing the above at least one instruction individually or collectively by the above at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) is, If the above-detected abnormal signal is a signal indicating the expiration of the lifespan, it is determined whether the refrigerant detection sensor detects an error during an error verification time for determining whether an error is re-detected from the refrigerant detection sensor, and Based on the determination that an error was detected during the above error verification time, the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor is maintained in an error detection state, and An air conditioner (100) that controls the air conditioning module to be in a standby state where driving is not possible.

5. In Paragraph 4, By executing the above at least one instruction individually or collectively by the above at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) is, Based on the judgment that no error was detected during the above error verification time, the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor is initialized to an error-free state, and An air conditioner (100) that controls the air conditioning module to stand by in a normal operating state.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5, By executing the above at least one instruction individually or collectively by the above at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) is, An air conditioner (100) that controls the air conditioning module to stand by in a normal operating state when the above error history is in an error-free state.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, By executing the above at least one instruction individually or collectively by the above at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) is, An air conditioner (100) that initializes the sensor usage time based on the determination that the above-detected sensor signal is a normal signal.

8. In Paragraph 7, By executing the above at least one instruction individually or collectively by the above at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) is, An air conditioner (100) that maintains the sensor usage time when the detected abnormal signal is a signal of lifespan expiration.

9. In Paragraph 7 or 8, By executing the above at least one instruction individually or collectively by the above at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) is, If the detected abnormal signal is a first lifespan elapsed signal, determine whether the sensor usage time is less than a first period, and If the sensor usage time is less than the first period, the sensor usage time is changed to the first period, and An air conditioner (100) that restarts the count of the above sensor usage time.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 9, By executing the above at least one instruction individually or collectively by the above at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) is, An air conditioner (100) that maintains the sensor usage time based on the determination that the first life elapsed signal is detected when a signal to reset the sensor usage time is obtained.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 10, By executing the above at least one instruction individually or collectively by the above at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) is, An air conditioner (100) that, when a signal to reset the sensor usage time is obtained, resets the sensor usage time based on the judgment that the first life elapsed signal is not detected.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 11, The above abnormal signal is one of a gas signal, a failure signal, or a lifespan signal of an air conditioner (100).

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 12, By executing the above at least one instruction individually or collectively by the above at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) is, An air conditioner (100) that determines whether there is an error history of the error detection state when the power of the air conditioner is turned on.

14. In a method for controlling an air conditioner, An operation to determine whether there is an error history in an error detection state in which an error is detected from a refrigerant detection sensor; If there is an error history of the above error detection state, an operation to determine whether the sensor signal detected by the refrigerant detection sensor is a normal signal; An operation to initialize the error history of the refrigerant detection sensor to an error-free state based on the determination that the above-detected sensor signal is a normal signal; and An air conditioner control method comprising controlling an air conditioning module to standby in a normal operating state.

15. A computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon for performing the method of paragraph 14 on a computer.

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