Air conditioner, method for controlling air conditioner, and recording medium storing method for controlling air conditioner

Abstract

Provided may be an air conditioner, comprising: an outdoor unit; and a plurality of indoor units connected to the outdoor unit. Each of the plurality of indoor units comprises: a detection sensor; an air conditioning module for performing an air conditioning operation and a first automatic drying function for a target space; a memory storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor. The at least one processor executes the at least one instruction to allow each of the plurality of indoor units to acquire detection information related to an operation in a target space of a user through the detection sensor, and to perform a second automatic drying function different from the first automatic drying function if detection results of each of the plurality of indoor units all indicate that the user is absent from the target space on the basis of the acquired detection information, wherein a second delay time of the second automatic drying function is longer than a first delay time of the first automatic drying function.

Description

An air conditioner, a method for controlling the air conditioner, and a recording medium storing the control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner, a method for controlling the air conditioner, and a recording medium storing the control method. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a technique for terminating the operation of an air conditioner and automatically drying the interior of the air conditioner when a user is absent.

[0002] An air conditioner can condense air while operating. During this condensation process, moisture may form inside the air conditioner. The air conditioner can execute an automatic drying function to remove the moisture inside after operation is terminated. For example, the air conditioner can execute the automatic drying function after detecting the user's absence—such as when the user manually terminates operation or is away—and then terminating operation.

[0003] When the air conditioner activates its automatic drying function, moisture from inside the unit may enter the air conditioning space where the unit performs its air conditioning operations. If internal moisture enters the air conditioning space, it may cause a problem where the humidity in the space rises. To reduce this phenomenon of internal moisture entering the air conditioning space, the activation time of the automatic drying function can be delayed by a certain period after the unit's operation has ended. Delaying the activation of the automatic drying function allows the moisture inside the unit to drain naturally, thereby reducing the inflow of internal moisture into the air conditioning space.

[0004] As the delay time for the execution of the air conditioner's automatic drying function increases, the amount of moisture drained from inside the air conditioner increases, which can reduce the inflow of moisture into the air conditioner. However, if the air conditioner executes the automatic drying function while a user is inside the air-conditioned space, the user may mistake this for abnormal operation. Consequently, it may not be easy to increase the delay time of the air conditioner's automatic drying function.

[0005] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units connected to the outdoor unit, wherein each of the plurality of indoor units comprises a sensing sensor; an air conditioning module that performs air conditioning operations for a target space and a first automatic drying function; a memory that stores at least one instruction; and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor, by executing the at least one instruction, causes each of the plurality of indoor units to acquire sensing information related to a user's operation within the target space through the sensing sensor, and based on the acquired sensing information, if the sensing results of each of the plurality of indoor units all indicate that the user is absent from the target space, a second automatic drying function different from the first automatic drying function may be longer than the first delay time of the first automatic drying function.

[0006] A control method for an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an operation in which each of a plurality of indoor units acquires detection information related to the operation of a user within a target space through a detection sensor; and an operation in which, based on the acquired detection information, if the detection results of each of the plurality of indoor units all indicate that the user is absent from the target space, a second automatic drying function different from a first automatic drying function may be longer than a first delay time of the first automatic drying function.

[0007] A recording medium storing a control method for an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure stores at least one instruction in which each of a plurality of indoor units acquires detection information related to operation within a user's target space through a detection sensor, and based on the acquired detection information, when the detection results of each of the plurality of indoor units all indicate that the user is absent from the target space, a second automatic drying function different from a first automatic drying function may be longer than a first delay time of the first automatic drying function.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure detecting a user and controlling the operation of the air conditioner.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the concept that forms the basis of a control method for an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a diagram comparing the first automatic drying function and the second automatic drying function of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the change in the amount of residual water of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to set a second delay time through learning.

[0016] 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.

[0017] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0018] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0021] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another corresponding component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] When it is said that a 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing that an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment detects a user (130) and controls the operation of the air conditioner (100).

[0027] An air conditioner (100) according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling, or heating in an air conditioning space (which may be referred to as "indoor space" or "target space (120)" below), and means a device having at least one of these functions. For example, the air conditioner (100) may include an air conditioner, an air purifier, an air conditioning device, etc.

[0028] The air conditioner (100) can be implemented in various installation forms. For example, the air conditioner (100) can be implemented in the form of a ceiling-mounted system air conditioner, a stand-alone type, a wall-mounted type, or a home multi-air conditioner.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (100) 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 (100), 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 (100), such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-type air conditioner, or a system air conditioner.

[0030] An air conditioner (100) 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 (100) may be configured such that one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are connected via refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner (100) may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected via refrigerant pipes to two or more indoor units. For example, the air conditioner (100) may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The air conditioner (100) may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in an outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in an indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] That is, the air conditioner (100) performs cooling or heating functions through a phase change process of refrigerant circulating between an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger, and for this circulation of refrigerant, the air conditioner (100) may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can suck 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] For example, when an air conditioner (100) 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.

[0039] For example, in an air conditioner (100), when one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant can flow to multiple indoor units through a refrigerant pipe branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from multiple indoor units can be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units can each be directly connected in parallel to one outdoor unit through a separate refrigerant pipe.

[0040] Multiple indoor units can each operate independently according to an operating mode set by the user. That is, some of the multiple indoor units may 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.

[0041] For example, when an air conditioner (100) has two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from multiple outdoor units may be combined and flow through one refrigerant pipe, then branch off again at some point and flow into multiple indoor units.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The air conditioner (100) may further include a flow switching valve disposed on the refrigerant circulation path. The flow switching valve may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow switching valve may determine the circulation path of the refrigerant 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 of the compressor.

[0046] The air conditioner (100) may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction part 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner (100) 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 at least one of 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.

[0050] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner (100) may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive a control signal from the control unit of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described later. The outdoor unit may control the operation of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, a flow path switching valve, an accumulator, or an outdoor fan based on the control signal received through the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected by an outdoor unit sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0051] The indoor unit of the air conditioner (100) 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.

[0052] The housing may include an intake port. Indoor air can be drawn into the interior of the housing through the intake port.

[0053] The indoor unit of the air conditioner (100) may include a filter provided to filter foreign substances in the air entering the housing through the intake port.

[0054] The housing may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the housing can be discharged to the outside of the housing through the outlet.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The indoor unit of the air conditioner (100) 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 discharge outlet selection, and / or setting of airflow) through the input interface.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Additionally, the input interface may include a microphone. The air conditioner (100) may acquire a user's voice command 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 a function corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, setting of operating mode for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, setting of discharge port selection, and / or setting of airflow) 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, i.e., to an outdoor unit or a server, through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0063] The indoor unit of the air conditioner (100) 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.

[0064] The indoor unit of the air conditioner (100) 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, middle, and / or outlet temperatures of a refrigerant pipe passing through an indoor heat exchanger.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The indoor unit of the air conditioner (100) 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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, the outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit so that the operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode is performed based on receiving a control signal from the indoor unit that corresponds to user input selecting an operation mode such as cooling operation, heating operation, fan operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] The indoor unit of the air conditioner (100) may include an output interface. The output interface is electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit and can output information related to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit control unit. For example, information such as an operating mode selected by user input, wind direction, airflow, and temperature may be output. Additionally, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from the indoor unit sensor or the outdoor unit sensor, and warning / error messages.

[0078] 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.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) can perform an air conditioning operation. The air conditioning operation may be an operation in which the air conditioner (100) controls at least one of the temperature and humidity of the air so that the user (130) can live comfortably. For example, the air conditioning operation may include operations such as cooling, heating, air purification, dehumidification, or blowing air. 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.

[0080] The air conditioner (100) can perform air conditioning operations on a target space (120). The target space (120) may be an air conditioning space where the air conditioner (100) performs air conditioning operations. The target space (120) may refer to an indoor space where the air conditioner (100) can be installed. For example, the target space (120) may refer to various types of indoor spaces such as a house, office, shop, guest room, commercial space, workspace, etc. The target space (120) may be an indoor space where the air conditioner (100) performs air conditioning operations.

[0081] The air conditioner (100) may include a detection sensor (110). The detection sensor (110) may detect an object within the target space (120). For example, the detection sensor (110) may detect whether a person is present in the target space (120). The detection sensor (110) may be positioned on one surface of the air conditioner (100) so as to face the target space (120). The detection sensor (110) may output a detection signal to the target space (120). The detection sensor (110) may detect a reflected signal reflected from the target space (120). The detection sensor (110) may generate a sensor detection value based on the result of detecting the reflected signal.

[0082] The air conditioner (100) can determine whether a user (130) of the air conditioner (100) is present in the target space (120) using the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110). Based on whether a user (130) is present in the target space (120), the air conditioner (100) can control the on / off of the air conditioning operation or control the wind speed or the set temperature.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) may perform a power saving control operation based on whether a user (130) is present in a target space (120). The power saving control operation may be an operation to control the air conditioner (100) to reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner (100) when it is determined by a detection sensor (110) that the user (130) is absent from the target space (120). When performing the power saving control operation, the air conditioner (100) may reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner (100) by adjusting the set temperature of the air conditioner (100) or by adjusting the wind speed of the air conditioner (100). For example, if the air conditioner (100) is a cooling unit, the air conditioner (100) may reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner (100) by raising the set temperature of the air conditioner (100) or decreasing the wind speed. For example, if the air conditioner (100) is a heater, the air conditioner (100) can reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner (100) by lowering the set temperature of the air conditioner (100) or by reducing the wind speed. For example, if the air conditioner (100) is operating in a dehumidification mode, the air conditioner (100) can reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner (100) by raising the set humidity of the air conditioner (100) or by reducing the wind speed of the air conditioner (100). For example, if the air conditioner (100) is operating in an air purification mode, the air conditioner (100) can reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner (100) by reducing the wind speed of the air conditioner (100).

[0084] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) may enter a standby state based on whether a user (130) is present in a target space (120). The standby state may be a state in which the air conditioner (100) operates at a lower power level than in a normal operating state. For example, the standby state may be a state in which at least one of a plurality of components included in the air conditioner (100) is turned off or inactive, or the setting value of at least one component is adjusted. The standby state may be referred to as a low-power mode.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may terminate the operation of the air conditioner (100) based on whether a user (130) is present in the target space (120). The air conditioner (100) may terminate the operation of the air conditioner (100) if, as a result detected by the detection sensor (110), the user (130) is not present in the target space (120).

[0086] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may include a sensing sensor (110), a processor (210), an air conditioning module (212), and a memory (214). The block diagram of the air conditioner (100) of FIG. 2 may correspond to the block diagram of the indoor unit of the air conditioner (100).

[0088] The air conditioning module (212) can perform air conditioning operations for the air conditioning space. The air conditioning module (212) can control 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) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air of the air conditioning space by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger. For example, the air conditioning module (212) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air of the air conditioning space by utilizing the expansion or compression of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant is expanding in the heat exchanger, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air and the air of the air conditioning space can be cooled. For example, while the refrigerant is being compressed in the heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air and the air of the air conditioning space can be heated.

[0089] The detection sensor (110) can detect an object in an air-conditioned space (e.g., the target space (120) of FIG. 1). The detection sensor (110) may be a sensor capable of detecting the movement of an object. For example, it may be at least one of a Time of Flight (ToF) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, a radar (radio detection and ranging) sensor, or a LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor. The detection sensor (110) may be positioned to output a detection signal to the air-conditioned space. The detection sensor (110) may be positioned to detect a reflected signal reflected from the air-conditioned space. The detection sensor (110) may generate a sensor detection value based on the result of detecting the reflected signal. The detection sensor (110) may transmit the sensor detection value to a processor (210).

[0090] The processor (210) can control the overall operation of the air conditioner (100). The processor (210) may be implemented as one or more processors. The processor (210) can perform a predetermined operation by executing instructions or commands stored in memory (214). Additionally, the processor (210) can control the operation of components included in the air conditioner (100). The processor (210) may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, etc.

[0091] The processor (210) can receive a sensor detection value from the detection sensor (110). The processor (210) can determine whether there is a moving object inside the air conditioning space based on the sensor detection value received from the detection sensor (110). If the processor (210) determines that a moving object exists inside the air conditioning space, it can determine that there is a person inside the air conditioning space. The processor (210) can determine whether the object detected by the detection sensor (110) is a person based on the sensor detection value.

[0092] For example, if the detection sensor (110) is an infrared sensor, the processor (210) can determine that a person is present inside the air conditioning space based on the detection of an infrared value corresponding to a person from the detection sensor (110). For example, if the detection sensor (110) corresponds to a radar sensor, the processor (210) can determine whether the object detected by the detection sensor (110) is the shape of a person based on the sensor detection value. The processor (210) can determine that a person is present inside the air conditioning space if the object detected by the detection sensor (110) corresponds to the shape of a person.

[0093] For example, if the detection sensor (110) is a radar sensor, the processor (210) can determine whether the detected object is the shape of a person using the sensor detection value of the radar sensor. The radar sensor can output a radar signal to the air conditioning space. The radar sensor can detect a signal reflected from an object inside the air conditioning space as a sensor detection value. The processor (210) can detect an object inside the air conditioning space using the sensor detection value of the radar sensor.

[0094] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) can detect an object inside an air conditioning space at a predetermined (e.g., a fixed, predetermined) frame rate and detect the movement of the object. For example, the processor (210) can detect an object in the target space (120) at a period of 30 frames per second (30 frames / sec) and detect the movement of the object. The processor (210) can determine whether the recognized object is a person based on the result of object recognition based on the sensor detection value of the radar sensor. For example, the processor (210) can determine that a person exists inside the air conditioning space if the movement value of the object inside the air conditioning space is greater than or equal to a reference value (e.g., a fixed value, a predetermined value). For example, the processor (210) can determine that a person exists inside the air conditioning space based on the shape of the recognized object.

[0095] The processor (210) can determine that there is no person inside the air conditioning space if no object is detected inside the air conditioning space or if the sensor detection value received from the detection sensor (110) is outside the specified range.

[0096] The processor (210) can count the absence time when it determines that a person is absent inside the air conditioning space. The processor (210) can count the time when it determines that a person is absent consecutively as the absence time. The processor (210) can initialize the absence time to 0 when a person is detected inside the air conditioning space. If the processor (210) determines that a person is absent inside the air conditioning space again after initializing the absence time to 0, it can count the absence time again from 0.

[0097] The processor (210) may determine whether to perform a power saving control operation based on the counted absence time. The power saving control operation may be an operation to control the operation of the air conditioner (100) to reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner (100) when a person is absent from the air conditioning space. For example, the power saving control operation may be an operation to terminate the operation of the air conditioner (100) when a person is absent from the air conditioning space.

[0098] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a processor (210) may perform a preliminary determination to determine whether to perform a power saving control operation. The processor (210) may count the absence time while performing the preliminary determination. The processor (210) may decide to perform a power saving control operation if the absence time exceeds a threshold time while performing the preliminary determination. The processor (210) may decide to perform a power saving control operation if no person is continuously detected while performing the preliminary determination. The processor (210) may terminate the preliminary determination and not perform a power saving control operation if a person is detected inside the air conditioning space while performing the preliminary determination step and the absence time is initialized to 0.

[0099] The memory (214) can store various information, data, commands, programs, etc. required 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.

[0100] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outdoor unit (310) and a plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) of an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment. The outdoor unit (310) may be installed outdoors. Each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) may be installed in each of the plurality of air conditioning spaces included indoors. For example, each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) may be installed in each of the plurality of rooms included indoors.

[0101] An air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may perform a cooling function or a heating function. The air conditioner (100) may include a heat pump device for performing a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump device of the air conditioner (100) may include a heat exchange cycle in which a refrigerant circulates along a condenser (312), a compressor (314), an expansion valve (316), and an evaporator (318). The outdoor unit (310) of the air conditioner (100) may include a condenser (312) and a compressor (314). Each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) of the air conditioner (100) may include an expansion valve (316), an evaporator (318), a sensing sensor (110), a processor (210), and a memory (214).

[0102] The air conditioner (100) may include a plurality of refrigerant pipes (330a, 330b, 330c) connecting a condenser (312), a compressor (314), an expansion valve (316), and an evaporator (318). Refrigerant may circulate to the condenser (312), the compressor (314), the expansion valve (316), and the evaporator (318) through the plurality of refrigerant pipes (330a, 330b, 330c). Each of the outdoor unit (310) and the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) of the air conditioner (100) may circulate refrigerant through the plurality of refrigerant pipes (330a, 330b, 330c).

[0103] The condenser (312) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air by utilizing the condensation of the refrigerant during the phase change of the refrigerant. The condenser (312) can cause the refrigerant to release heat to the air while the refrigerant is condensing in the condenser (312). The air conditioner (100) can release the heat absorbed indoors to the outside by blowing the air heated while passing through the high-temperature condenser (312) to the outside of the outdoor unit (310).

[0104] The compressor (314) can increase the pressure of the refrigerant by compressing the refrigerant, thereby increasing the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant. The refrigerant of the heat pump device can circulate due to the pressure of the compressor (314). The compressor (314) may include oil to protect the compressor (314) from mechanical friction.

[0105] The expansion valve (316) can reduce the pressure of the refrigerant and the temperature of the refrigerant by reducing the pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion valve (316) can reduce the pressure of the refrigerant and the temperature of the refrigerant by using a throttling process. The expansion valve (316) may include an orifice that can reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path through which the refrigerant flows. The pressure and temperature of the refrigerant passing through the orifice may be reduced. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the expansion valve (316) may be implemented as an Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV) capable of controlling the open degree. The open degree may refer to the degree of opening of the expansion valve (316). For example, an open degree of 0% may mean that the expansion valve (316) is completely closed, and an open degree of 100% may mean that the expansion valve (316) is completely open. The amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion valve (316) can be controlled according to the opening degree of the expansion valve (316). As the opening degree of the expansion valve (316) increases, the flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve (316) can increase.

[0106] The evaporator (318) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air by utilizing the evaporation of the refrigerant during the phase change of the refrigerant. The evaporator (318) can allow the refrigerant to absorb heat from the air while the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator (318) evaporates. The air conditioner (100) can blow air cooled by passing through the cooled evaporator (318) into the air conditioning space so that the air conditioning space is cooled.

[0107] Each of the outdoor unit (310) and the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) can transmit and receive control signals and data through a plurality of communication lines. Each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) can operate the expansion valve (316) and the evaporator (318) when the air conditioner (100) is operating. Each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) can stop the operation of the expansion valve (316) and the evaporator (318) when the air conditioner (100) is finished operating. The outdoor unit (310) can operate the condenser (312) and the compressor (314) when any one of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) is operating. The outdoor unit (310) can stop the operation of the condenser (312) and compressor (314) when all of the multiple indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) have stopped operating.

[0108] Each processor (210) of a plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) can control the overall operation of the air conditioner (100). The processor (210) may be implemented as one or more processors. One or more processors included in the processor (210) may be circuitry devices such as a System on Chip (SoC) or an Integrated Circuit (IC). The processor (210) can perform a predetermined operation by executing instructions or commands stored in memory (214). The processor (210) can control the operation of components provided in the air conditioner (100). 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), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), graphics-dedicated processors such as a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) and 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.

[0109] 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 included in the air conditioner (100) in subsequent embodiments can be seen as being performed by the processor (210) unless otherwise specified.

[0110] The detection sensor (110) can detect an object in each of the air conditioning spaces of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c). The detection sensor (110) of each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) can detect whether an object exists in each of the plurality of air conditioning spaces where each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) performs air conditioning operations. The detection sensor (110) can transmit the detection result regarding whether an object exists in each of the plurality of air conditioning spaces to the processor (210).

[0111] The processor (210) can receive a detection result from the detection sensor (110) regarding whether an object exists in each of the plurality of air conditioning spaces. Based on the detection result, the processor (210) can determine whether there is a moving object for each of the plurality of air conditioning spaces. The processor (210) can determine that there is a person in at least one of the plurality of air conditioning spaces if there is a moving object in at least one of the plurality of air conditioning spaces or if the sensor detection value received from the detection sensor (110) falls within a specified range. The processor (210) can determine that there is no person in all of the plurality of air conditioning spaces if there is no moving object in any of the plurality of air conditioning spaces or if the sensor detection value received from the detection sensor (110) falls outside a specified range.

[0112] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the concept that forms the basis of a control method for an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0113] In operation 410, the air conditioner may terminate the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the air conditioner may terminate the operation by manual operation by a user. For example, if a user is absent from the target space where the air conditioner performs air conditioning operations, the air conditioner may terminate the operation. The air conditioner may acquire detection information related to the user's movements within the target space through a detection sensor. Based on the acquired detection information, the air conditioner may detect whether a user is present in the target space. If a user is absent from the target space, the air conditioner may terminate the operation by performing a power saving control operation.

[0114] In operation 420, the air conditioner can determine whether the conditions for executing the air conditioner's automatic drying function are satisfied. The conditions for executing the automatic drying function may be the operating conditions of the air conditioner or the state conditions of the air conditioner for executing the air conditioner's automatic drying function after the end of operation of the air conditioner. For example, the conditions for executing the automatic drying function may be operating the air conditioner for a critical time (e.g., 30 minutes) or longer. For example, the conditions for executing the automatic drying function may be that the amount of moisture inside the air conditioner after the end of operation of the air conditioner is greater than or equal to a critical amount (e.g., 20g).

[0115] If the condition for running the air conditioner's automatic drying function is satisfied (Operation 420 - YES), the air conditioner can proceed to Operation 430. If the condition for running the air conditioner's automatic drying function is not satisfied (Operation 420 - NO), the air conditioner can proceed to Operation 460.

[0116] In operation 430, the air conditioner can determine whether the operation is terminated due to an absence mode. For example, the air conditioner can determine whether the operation termination of the air conditioner in operation 410 is due to an absence mode. An absence mode may refer to a case where a user is absent from the target space where the air conditioner performs air conditioning operations. For example, the absence mode may include an operation mode entered when a user is not detected within the target space where the air conditioner performs air conditioning operations for a certain period of time or longer. For example, the absence mode may include at least one of the power-saving control operations in which the air conditioner terminates operation or adjusts the operation intensity to save energy. The air conditioner can determine whether the operation of the air conditioner was terminated by performing a power-saving control operation because a user was absent from the target space. If the operation is terminated due to an absence mode (operation 430 - YES), the air conditioner may proceed to operation 440. If the operation is not terminated due to an absence mode (operation 430 - NO), the air conditioner may proceed to operation 450. For example, if the air conditioner is terminated by manual operation by the user, it is not terminated by the absence mode, so it can proceed to operation 450.

[0117] In operation 440, the air conditioner may delay the start time of the automatic drying function by the delay time. The air conditioner may delay the start time of the automatic drying function if it determines, based on acquired detection information, that the user is absent from the target space. If the air conditioner detects the target space through the detection sensor and determines that the user is absent from the target space, it may wait for the delay time before starting the automatic drying function.

[0118] In operation 450, the air conditioner can perform an automatic drying function. The air conditioner can dry the moisture inside the air conditioner by executing the automatic drying function. If the operation is terminated by the absence mode, the air conditioner can perform the automatic drying function after waiting for a delay time. If the operation is not terminated by the absence mode, the air conditioner can perform the automatic drying function after the operation of the air conditioner has ended. For example, if the operation of the air conditioner is terminated by manual operation by the user, the air conditioner can perform the automatic drying function after the operation of the air conditioner has ended.

[0119] In operation 460, the air conditioner may enter a standby state. The standby state may include a low power state and an off state. If the conditions for executing the automatic drying function are satisfied, the air conditioner may enter a standby state after performing the automatic drying function. If the conditions for executing the automatic drying function are not satisfied, the air conditioner may enter a standby state after the operation of the air conditioner has ended.

[0120] In this way, the air conditioner can distinguish whether the cause of the termination of the air conditioner's operation is a power-saving control operation due to the absence of a user or manual operation by a user. An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may selectively delay the time at which the automatic drying function is started depending on the cause of the termination of the air conditioner's operation. An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may perform the automatic drying function after delaying it by a delay time when the operation is terminated due to the absence of a user. When the air conditioner delays the performance of the automatic drying function, the amount of moisture entering the target space may be reduced. An air conditioner according to one embodiment may perform the automatic drying function after the operation is terminated when the operation of the air conditioner is terminated due to manual operation by a user, thereby reducing the possibility that the user may mistake the automatic drying function of the air conditioner for an abnormal operation.

[0121] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] In operation 510, an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may terminate the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the air conditioner may terminate the operation by manual operation by a user. For example, if a user is absent from the target space where the air conditioner performs air conditioning operations, the air conditioner may terminate the operation. The air conditioner may acquire detection information related to the user's movements within the target space through a detection sensor. Based on the acquired detection information, the air conditioner may detect whether a user is present in the target space. If a user is absent from the target space, the air conditioner may terminate the operation by performing a power saving control operation.

[0123] In operation 520, an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may determine whether the conditions for executing the automatic drying function of the air conditioner are satisfied. The conditions for executing the automatic drying function may be operating conditions of the air conditioner or state conditions of the air conditioner for executing the automatic drying function of the air conditioner after the operation of the air conditioner ends. For example, the conditions for executing the automatic drying function may be operating the air conditioner for a critical time (e.g., 30 minutes) or longer. For example, the conditions for executing the automatic drying function may be that the amount of moisture inside the air conditioner after the operation of the air conditioner ends is greater than or equal to a critical amount (e.g., 20g).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner may proceed to operation 530 if it satisfies the conditions for executing the automatic drying function of the air conditioner (operation 520 - YES). If the air conditioner does not satisfy the conditions for executing the automatic drying function of the air conditioner (operation 520 - NO), it may proceed to operation 570.

[0125] In operation 530, an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may determine whether the operation is terminated by an absence mode. For example, the air conditioner may determine whether the operation termination of the air conditioner in operation 510 is terminated by an absence mode. An absence mode may refer to a case where a user is absent from a target space where the air conditioner performs air conditioning operations. For example, an absence mode may include an operation mode entered when a user is not detected for a certain period of time or longer within the target space where the air conditioner performs air conditioning operations. For example, an absence mode may include at least one of a power-saving control operation in which the air conditioner terminates operation or adjusts the operation intensity to save energy. The air conditioner may determine whether the operation of the air conditioner was terminated by performing a power-saving control operation because a user was absent from the target space. If the operation is terminated by an absence mode (operation 530 - YES), the air conditioner may proceed to operation 540. If the air conditioner is not terminated by the absence mode (Operation 530 - NO), it can proceed to Operation 550. For example, if the air conditioner is terminated by manual operation by the user, it is not terminated by the absence mode, so it can proceed to Operation 550.

[0126] In operation 540, an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can determine whether the detection result of each of the plurality of indoor units is in an absence mode. Each of the plurality of indoor units may include a detection sensor. Based on detection information obtained from the detection sensor of each of the plurality of indoor units, the air conditioner can determine whether the detection result of each of the plurality of indoor units is that a user is absent from the target space. If the detection result of each of the plurality of indoor units is in an absence mode (operation 540 - YES), the air conditioner can proceed to operation 560. If at least one of the detection results of each of the plurality of indoor units is not in an absence mode (operation 540 - NO), the air conditioner can proceed to operation 550.

[0127] In operation 550, an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may perform a first automatic drying function. The air conditioner may dry moisture inside the air conditioner by executing the first automatic drying function. The first automatic drying function may be a general function for removing moisture inside the air conditioner after the operation of the air conditioner is terminated. The air conditioner may perform the first automatic drying function after the operation of the air conditioner is terminated, provided that the operation is not terminated by an absence mode. For example, the air conditioner may perform the first automatic drying function after the operation of the air conditioner is terminated when the operation is terminated by manual operation by a user. The air conditioner may perform the first automatic drying function if, as a result of detection of each of the plurality of indoor units, at least one of the plurality of indoor units is not in an absence mode. The air conditioner may perform the first automatic drying function using an air conditioning module that performs air conditioning operations for a target space.

[0128] In operation 560, an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may perform a second automatic drying function. The air conditioner may dry moisture inside the air conditioner by executing the second automatic drying function. The second automatic drying function may be a different function from the first automatic drying function. The second automatic drying function may be a function for reducing the inflow of moisture inside the air conditioner into the target space. The air conditioner may perform the second automatic drying function when, as a result of detection of each of the plurality of indoor units, all of the plurality of indoor units are in an absence mode. The air conditioner may perform the second automatic drying function using an air conditioning module that performs air conditioning operations for the target space.

[0129] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have a first delay time when performing a first automatic drying function. The air conditioner may perform the first automatic drying function after waiting for the first delay time. The air conditioner may have a second delay time when performing a second automatic drying function. The air conditioner may perform the second automatic drying function after waiting for the second delay time.

[0130] In an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second delay time of the second automatic drying function may be longer than the first delay time of the first automatic drying function. The air conditioner may have a longer delay time when, as a result of detection of each of the plurality of indoor units, all of the plurality of indoor units are in absence mode.

[0131] Accordingly, an air conditioner according to one embodiment can determine whether all of the plurality of indoor units are in absence mode based on the detection results of each of the plurality of indoor units when the operation of the air conditioner is terminated. When all of the plurality of indoor units are in absence mode when the operation of the air conditioner is terminated, the air conditioner according to one embodiment can perform a second automatic drying function different from the first automatic drying function generally performed. The second delay time of the second automatic drying function may be longer than the first delay time of the first automatic drying function. The time to start the second automatic drying function may be delayed compared to the time to start the first automatic drying function.

[0132] An air conditioner according to one embodiment can reduce the amount of moisture entering a target space by performing a second automatic drying function with a longer delay time than a first automatic drying function when all of the plurality of indoor units are in an absent mode. An air conditioner according to one embodiment can reduce the likelihood of a user noticing the second automatic drying function by performing the second automatic drying function only when all of the plurality of indoor units are in an absent mode. An air conditioner according to one embodiment can reduce the likelihood of a user mistaking the automatic drying function of the air conditioner for an abnormal operation.

[0133] In operation 570, an air conditioner according to one embodiment may enter a standby state. The standby state may include a low power state and an off state. If the conditions for executing an automatic drying function are satisfied, the air conditioner may enter a standby state after performing the automatic drying function. If the conditions for executing an automatic drying function are not satisfied, the air conditioner may enter a standby state after the operation of the air conditioner has ended.

[0134] FIG. 6 is a diagram comparing the first automatic drying function and the second automatic drying function of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0135] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have a first delay time (t_delay1) when performing a first automatic drying function. The air conditioner may have a second delay time (t_delay2) when performing a second automatic drying function. The second delay time (t_delay2) may be longer than the first delay time (t_delay1). For example, the first delay time (t_delay1) may be 3 minutes. For example, the second delay time (t_delay2) may be 30 minutes.

[0136] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have a first drying operation intensity when performing a first automatic drying function. The air conditioner may have a second drying operation intensity when performing a second automatic drying function. The second drying operation intensity of the second automatic drying function may be higher than the first drying operation intensity of the first automatic drying function. For example, the first drying operation intensity may be no wind or a light breeze. For example, the second drying operation intensity may be a strong wind.

[0137] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may continue to perform the automatic drying function even if it detects user motion when performing the first automatic drying function. The air conditioner may detect user motion when performing the second automatic drying function. The air conditioner may detect whether there is user motion using a detection sensor. The air conditioner may stop the automatic drying function if it determines that a user is in the target space.

[0138] The air conditioner may stop the second automatic drying function when a user enters the target space. When performing the second automatic drying function, the air conditioner may periodically detect the user's movements. The air conditioner may perform the second automatic drying function only when the user is not in the target space, and may stop the second automatic drying function when the user is present in the target space. By performing the second automatic drying function when the user is not in the target space, the air conditioner may reduce the inflow of internal moisture into the target space.

[0139] The air conditioner can perform a first automatic drying function when a user is present in the target space. The first automatic drying function may have a shorter delay time than the second automatic drying function. The first automatic drying function may have a lower operating intensity than the second automatic drying function. By performing the first automatic drying function with a short delay time and low operating intensity when a user is present in the target space, the air conditioner can reduce the possibility that the user may mistake the air conditioner's automatic drying function for abnormal operation.

[0140] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the change in the amount of residual water of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] The residual water volume of an air conditioner may be the amount of moisture remaining inside the air conditioner. For example, the residual water volume of an air conditioner may be the amount of moisture remaining in the evaporator of the air conditioner. The residual water volume of the air conditioner may have a characteristic of decreasing exponentially during the initial period. After a specified period of time has elapsed, the residual water volume of the air conditioner may have a characteristic of decreasing linearly.

[0142] In the first situation (710), the amount of residual water in the air conditioner at the initial point in time may be 39g. In the first situation (710), the user can manually end the operation of the air conditioner. In the first situation (710), since the user has manually ended the operation of the air conditioner, the air conditioner can perform the first automatic drying function.

[0143] In the second situation (720), the amount of residual water in the air conditioner at the time when the second delay time has elapsed may be 24g. In the second situation (720), the amount of residual water in the air conditioner may be reduced by approximately 38% compared to the first situation (710). The second delay time (t_delay2) may be 30 minutes. In the second situation (720), the operation of the air conditioner may be terminated due to the absence mode of all multiple indoor units. Since the operation of the air conditioner has been terminated due to the absence mode of all multiple indoor units in the second situation (720), the air conditioner may perform the second automatic drying function. Since the amount of residual water in the air conditioner has decreased in the second situation (720), the amount of moisture entering the target space may be reduced when performing the second automatic drying function.

[0144] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to set a second delay time through learning.

[0145] In operation 810, an air conditioner according to one embodiment can learn the absence characteristics of a user being absent from a target space. The air conditioner can acquire (e.g., identify, measure) the time of absence of the user. The air conditioner can identify (e.g., measure, store) the time from when the user enters an absence mode until the user returns to the space. The air conditioner can identify (e.g., measure, store) the history of the user's absence time. The air conditioner can identify (e.g., measure, store) the user's absence time while accumulating it.

[0146] In operation 820, an air conditioner according to one embodiment may set (e.g., determine) a second delay time of a second automatic drying function based on learned absence characteristics. The air conditioner may not fix the second delay time of the second automatic drying function due to the absence mode of all multiple indoor units to a constant time, but may set it variably (e.g., determine). The air conditioner may increase the second delay time when the user's absence time is long. Accordingly, when the user's absence time is long, the air conditioner may increase the second delay time within the period during which the user does not perceive the execution of the second automatic drying function, thereby further reducing the amount of moisture entering the target space when the second automatic drying function is performed.

[0147] An air conditioner according to one embodiment can set a current value of the second delay time based on an initial value of the second delay time, a time of absence of a user based on absence characteristics, and a previous value of the second delay time. The air conditioner can set a current value of the second delay time according to the following mathematical formula 1.

[0148]

[0149] t i t can be the current value of the second delay time. i-1 t may be the previous value of the second delay time that has been stored. a t0 may be the most recent user's absence time (e.g., the last user's absence time). t0 may be the initial value of the second delay time. For example, the initial value of the second delay time may be 30 minutes. The air conditioner calculates the current value of the second delay time according to Equation 1, but if the user's absence time is less than the initial value of the second delay time, the current value of the second delay time may be initialized to the initial value of the second delay time.

[0150] For example, for a user who always has an absence time of 240 minutes, since the first absence time is 240 minutes, the second delay time before performing the second automatic drying function when absent for the second time may be (30+240) / 4 + 30 / 2 = 82.5 minutes. Accordingly, the current value of the second delay time may be set (e.g., determined) to about 1.3 hours.

[0151] In addition, for a user who always has an absence time of 240 minutes, since the second absence time is also 240 minutes, the second delay time before performing the second automatic drying function when absent for the third time may be (30+240) / 4 + 82.5 / 2 = 108.75 minutes. Accordingly, the current value of the second delay time may be set (e.g., determined) to approximately 1.8 hours.

[0152] In addition, for a user who always has an absence time of 240 minutes, the n-th absence time (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 10) is also 240 minutes, so the second delay time before performing the second automatic drying function when absent for the (n+1)th time may be (30+240) / 4 + (135) / 2 = 135 minutes. Accordingly, the current value of the second delay time may be set (e.g., determined) to approximately 2.25 hours.

[0153] In this way, the air conditioner can set a second delay time based on the learned user's absence time. The set second delay time can be determined by the initial value of the second delay time and the accumulated user absence time information. Accordingly, the air conditioner can set the second delay time as long as possible within the period in which the user is unaware of the second automatic drying function being performed, thereby further reducing the amount of moisture entering the target space when the second automatic drying function is performed.

[0154] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that reduces the amount of moisture entering the air conditioning space by increasing the drainage time of moisture inside the air conditioner through a delayed execution of an automatic drying function when the operation of the air conditioner is terminated due to power saving caused by the absence of a user, while also reducing the problem of the user mistaking the air conditioner for abnormal operation due to the delayed execution of the automatic drying function.

[0155] An air conditioner according to the present disclosure comprises an outdoor unit (310); and a plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) connected to the outdoor unit (310), and each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) may include a sensing sensor (110); an air conditioning module (212) that performs air conditioning operations and a first automatic drying function for a target space; a memory (214) that stores at least one instruction; and at least one processor (210) that includes a processing circuit. By the at least one processor (210) executing the at least one instruction alone or in cooperation, each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) may be able to obtain sensing information related to a user's operation within the target space through the sensing sensor (110). By having at least one processor (210) execute at least one instruction either alone or in cooperation, each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) may perform a second automatic drying function different from the first automatic drying function based on the acquired detection information, when the detection results of each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) all indicate that the user is absent from the target space. The second delay time of the second automatic drying function may be longer than the first delay time of the first automatic drying function.

[0156] In one embodiment, the second drying operation intensity of the second automatic drying function may be higher than the first drying operation intensity of the first automatic drying function.

[0157] In one embodiment, by having the at least one processor (210) execute the at least one instruction alone or in cooperation, each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) may be able to stop the second automatic drying function when the user enters the target space.

[0158] In one embodiment, the first delay time may be 3 minutes and the second delay time may be 30 minutes.

[0159] In one embodiment, by having the at least one processor (210) execute the at least one instruction alone or in cooperation, each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) may learn the absence characteristics of the user being absent from the target space and set the second delay time of the second automatic drying function based on the learned absence characteristics.

[0160] In one embodiment, by having the at least one processor (210) execute the at least one instruction alone or in cooperation, each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) may set the current value of the second delay time based on the initial value of the second delay time, the absence time of the user based on the absence characteristic, and the previous value of the second delay time.

[0161] In one embodiment, by having at least one processor (210) execute at least one instruction alone or in cooperation, each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) may perform the first automatic drying function when the user is present in the target space.

[0162] A control method for an air conditioner according to the present disclosure comprises: an operation in which each of a plurality of indoor units acquires detection information related to the operation of a user within a target space through a detection sensor; and an operation in which, based on the acquired detection information, if the detection results of each of the plurality of indoor units all indicate that the user is absent from the target space, a second automatic drying function different from a first automatic drying function may be longer than a first delay time of the first automatic drying function.

[0163] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second drying operation intensity of the second automatic drying function may be higher than the first drying operation intensity of the first automatic drying function.

[0164] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second automatic drying function can be stopped when the user enters the target space.

[0165] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a control method for an air conditioner may include: an operation in which the user learns a characteristic of absence in the target space; and an operation in which the second delay time of the second automatic drying function is set based on the learned characteristic of absence.

[0166] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation of setting the second delay time may include setting the current value of the second delay time based on the initial value of the second delay time, the absence time of the user based on the absence characteristic, and the previous value of the second delay time.

[0167] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control method of an air conditioner may further include an operation of performing the first automatic drying function when the user is present in the target space.

[0168] A recording medium storing a control method for an air conditioner according to the present disclosure stores at least one instruction in which each of a plurality of indoor units acquires detection information related to operation within a user's target space through a detection sensor, and based on the acquired detection information, when the detection results of each of the plurality of indoor units all indicate that the user is absent from the target space, a second automatic drying function different from a first automatic drying function may be longer than a first delay time of the first automatic drying function.

[0169] A recording medium storing a control method for an air conditioner according to the present disclosure can store any one of the control methods for an air conditioner described above.

[0170] According to the present disclosure, the amount of moisture entering the air conditioning space during automatic drying after cooling operation of the air conditioner can be reduced, thereby reducing user discomfort caused by increased humidity during the summer.

[0171] According to the present disclosure, the automatic drying function is performed only when the user is absent, thereby reducing the possibility that the user in the room may mistake the automatic drying function of the air conditioner for an abnormal operation.

[0172] A method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either alone or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be those specifically designed and configured for the present disclosure, or may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0173] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, and both removable and non-removable media. Additionally, a computer-readable medium may include both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage medium includes both volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented by any method or technique for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data of modulated data signals such as carrier waves, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission medium. Additionally, some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented as a computer program or computer program product containing computer-executable instructions, such as a computer program executed by a computer.

[0174] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory storage medium' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the 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.

[0175] 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.

Claims

1. Outdoor unit (310); and It includes a plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) connected to the outdoor unit (310), and Each of the above plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) is, detection sensor (110); An air conditioning module (212) that performs air conditioning operation and a first automatic drying function for the target space; Memory (214) for storing at least one instruction; and It includes at least one processor (210) including a processing circuit, and By the at least one processor (210) executing the at least one instruction either alone or in cooperation, each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c), Through the above detection sensor (110), detection information related to the user's operation within the target space is obtained, and Based on the acquired detection information, if the detection result of each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c) indicates that the user is absent from the target space, the second automatic drying function different from the first automatic drying function is performed, and An air conditioner (100) having a second delay time of the second automatic drying function longer than the first delay time of the first automatic drying function.

2. In Paragraph 1, An air conditioner (100) having a second drying operation intensity of the second automatic drying function higher than the first drying operation intensity of the first automatic drying function.

3. In either Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 2, By the at least one processor (210) executing the at least one instruction alone or in cooperation, each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c), An air conditioner (100) that stops the second automatic drying function when the user enters the target space.

4. In at least one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above first delay time is 3 minutes, and An air conditioner (100), the second delay time is 30 minutes.

5. In at least one of paragraphs 1 to 4, By the at least one processor (210) executing the at least one instruction alone or in cooperation, each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c), The above user learns the characteristics of absence in the above target space, and An air conditioner (100) that sets the second delay time of the second automatic drying function based on the learned characteristics of the above-mentioned component.

6. In Paragraph 5, By the at least one processor (210) executing the at least one instruction alone or in cooperation, each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c), An air conditioner (100) that sets the current value of the second delay time based on the initial value of the second delay time, the absence time of the user based on the absence characteristics, and the previous value of the second delay time.

7. In at least one of paragraphs 1 through 6, By the at least one processor (210) executing the at least one instruction either alone or in cooperation, each of the plurality of indoor units (320a, 320b, 320c), An air conditioner (100) that performs the first automatic drying function when the above user is present in the above target space.

8. An operation in which each of the multiple indoor units acquires detection information related to the user's operation within the target space through a detection sensor; and Based on the above-mentioned detection information, the operation includes performing a second automatic drying function different from the first automatic drying function when the detection result of each of the plurality of indoor units is that the user is absent from the target space. A control method for an air conditioner in which the second delay time of the second automatic drying function is longer than the first delay time of the first automatic drying function.

9. In Paragraph 8, A control method for an air conditioner in which the second drying operation intensity of the second automatic drying function is higher than the first drying operation intensity of the first automatic drying function.

10. In either of Paragraphs 8 and 9, A control method for an air conditioner that stops the second automatic drying function when the user enters the target space.

11. In at least one of paragraphs 8 through 10, The above first delay time is 3 minutes, and A control method for an air conditioner, wherein the second delay time is 30 minutes.

12. In at least one of paragraphs 8 through 11, An action in which the above user learns the absence characteristics of the absence in the above target space; and A control method for an air conditioner comprising an operation of setting the second delay time of the second automatic drying function based on the learned characteristic of the above-mentioned component.

13. In Clause 12, the operation of setting the second delay time is, A method for controlling an air conditioner, comprising the operation of setting a current value of the second delay time based on an initial value of the second delay time, the absence time of the user based on the absence characteristics, and a previous value of the second delay time.

14. In at least one of paragraphs 8 through 13, A control method for an air conditioner, further comprising an operation to perform the first automatic drying function when the above user is present in the above target space.

15. Each of the multiple indoor units acquires detection information related to the user's movement within the target space through a detection sensor, and Based on the acquired detection information, at least one instruction is stored to perform a second automatic drying function different from the first automatic drying function when the detection result of each of the plurality of indoor units is that the user is absent from the target space. A recording medium storing a control method for an air conditioner, wherein the second delay time of the second automatic drying function is longer than the first delay time of the first automatic drying function.

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