KR102493150B1 - Air-conditioner and the controlling method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method thereof, and includes an overheating detection unit that detects heat above a set temperature and inputs an overheating detection signal, and detects overheating due to overcurrent, poor contact, or an abnormality in an internal circuit, and turns off power. By blocking, there is no restriction on the installation location, so installation is easy and expansion is easy. Even if the power is cut off due to overheating, the control unit can operate, so it can output an overheating detection state, preventing damage to the internal circuit and preventing fire. there is

Description

Air conditioner and its control method {Air-conditioner and the controlling method for the same}

The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an air conditioner and a control method for detecting overheating inside the air conditioner.

Air conditioners are installed to provide a more comfortable indoor environment to humans by discharging cold and hot air into the room to adjust the indoor temperature and to purify the indoor air to create a comfortable indoor environment.

Such an air conditioner is controlled by being separated from an indoor unit composed of a heat exchanger and an outdoor unit composed of a compressor and heat exchanger, etc., and is operated by controlling power supplied to the compressor or heat exchanger. Also, the air conditioner may connect at least one indoor unit to the outdoor unit, supply refrigerant to the indoor unit according to a requested operating state, and operate in a cooling or heating mode.

In an air conditioner, an outdoor unit and an indoor unit are connected by a refrigerant pipe, and the refrigerant compressed from the compressor of the outdoor unit is supplied to the heat exchanger of the indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe, and the refrigerant exchanged in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit is returned to the compressor of the outdoor unit through the refrigerant pipe. is introduced Accordingly, the indoor unit discharges hot and cold air into the room through heat exchange using a refrigerant.

Such an air conditioner is provided with a circuit for converting supplied power into a required voltage and supplying it, as well as a drive circuit for controlling a motor provided in a compressor and a fan. The control circuit is provided with a plurality of connectors or terminal blocks for interconnecting each part performing a specific function, and when the connector is incorrectly connected or has poor contact, there is a risk of fire due to increased contact resistance. In addition, when an overcurrent is supplied into the air conditioner, a problem in that the circuit is damaged occurs.

An object of the present invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method thereof, which prevent damage due to overcurrent and detect and block overheating due to contact failure in advance in an air conditioner and a control method thereof.

An air conditioner according to the present invention includes a power supply unit for supplying operation power, a compressor drive unit for controlling the operation of the compressor, a fan drive unit for controlling the rotation of the outdoor fan, and an overheat detection unit for inputting an overheat detection signal by detecting heat above a set temperature. and a control unit outputting an error due to overheating in response to the overheating detection signal and cutting off power supply to the compressor driving unit and the fan driving unit, wherein the overheating detection unit includes a plurality of temperature sensing fuses installed in a plurality of locations, respectively. It is characterized in that it includes.

In addition, the method for controlling an air conditioner according to the present invention includes the step of inputting an overheat detection signal by detecting heat above a set temperature from one of a plurality of temperature sensing fuses installed at a plurality of positions during operation, the overheat detection signal Corresponding to the above, operation power supplied to the compressor and the fan is cut off to stop the operation of the compressor and the fan, outputting an error due to overheating, and stopping the operation.

An air conditioner and a control method thereof according to the present invention configured as described above include an overheating detection unit for detecting heat above a set temperature and inputting an overheating detection signal, so as to prevent overheating due to overcurrent, contact failure, or internal circuit abnormality. By detecting and cutting off the power, there is no restriction on the installation location, so it is easy to install and expand. Even if the power is cut off due to overheating, the control unit can operate, so it can output an overheating detection state, prevent damage to the internal circuit, and prevent fires. has a preventive effect.

1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to the present invention.
2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of an air conditioner according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram referenced for explaining the configuration of the overheating detection unit of FIG. 2 .
FIG. 4 is a reference diagram for explaining the temperature sensing fuse of FIG. 3 .
5 is a reference diagram for explaining the circuit configuration of an air conditioner according to the present invention.
6 is a diagram illustrating an example of installing a temperature sensing fuse of an air conditioner according to the present invention.
7 is a flowchart illustrating a control method according to overheating detection of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods of achieving them, will become clear with reference to the detailed description of the following embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms, and only these embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and common knowledge in the art to which the present invention belongs. It is provided to completely inform the person who has the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numbers designate like elements throughout the specification.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the air conditioner includes an indoor unit 20 (21 to 26) and an outdoor unit 10.

In addition, the air conditioner includes a remote controller 30 (31 to 36) that communicates with the indoor unit 20 in a wired or wireless manner, transmits input data to the indoor unit, and displays an operating state of the air conditioner.

The air conditioner may further include a remote controller (not shown) that monitors and controls operations of the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10 through remote access, but a description thereof will be omitted below.

The air conditioner may include units such as an air cleaning unit, a humidifying unit, a dehumidifying unit, and a heater, as well as an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. In addition, it is specified that the air conditioner may be classified into a ceiling type, a stand type, a wall-mounted type, etc. according to the installation type, and the number of indoor units and outdoor units is not limited to the drawings.

The indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10 are connected by a refrigerant pipe, and discharge heat-exchanged air by the circulation of the refrigerant into the room. In addition, the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10 may be connected through a communication line or may communicate using a power line, and may also communicate through a refrigerant pipe, and may operate according to operation settings input through mutual communication.

The indoor unit 20 (21 to 26) includes an expansion valve (not shown) that expands the refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit 10, an indoor heat exchanger (not shown) that exchanges heat with the refrigerant, and allows indoor air to flow into the indoor heat exchanger. It includes an indoor fan (not shown) for exposing heat-exchanged air to the room, a plurality of sensors (not shown), and a control means (not shown) for controlling the operation of the indoor unit.

In addition, the indoor unit 20 includes a discharge port (not shown) for discharging heat-exchanged air, and a wind direction adjusting means (not shown) for opening and closing the discharge port and controlling the direction of the discharged air is provided in the discharge port. The indoor unit controls the intake air and the discharged air by controlling the rotational speed of the indoor fan, and adjusts the air volume. The indoor unit 20 may further include an output unit for displaying operating state and setting information of the indoor unit and an input unit for inputting setting data.

The outdoor unit 10 operates in a cooling mode or a heating mode in response to a request of the connected indoor unit 20 or a control command from a controller (not shown), and supplies refrigerant to the connected indoor unit.

The outdoor unit 10 includes at least one compressor (not shown) that compresses the refrigerant and discharges high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and an accumulator (not shown) that separates gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant to prevent non-vaporized liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor. (not shown), an oil separator (not shown) for recovering oil from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger (not shown) for condensing or evaporating the refrigerant by heat exchange with outdoor air, and a more smooth heat exchange of the outdoor heat exchanger. An outdoor fan (not shown) that introduces air into the outdoor heat exchanger and discharges the heat-exchanged air to the outside, a four-way valve (not shown) that changes the flow path of the refrigerant according to the operation mode of the outdoor unit, and at least one that measures the pressure A pressure sensor (not shown), at least one temperature sensor (not shown) for measuring temperature, and a control component for controlling the operation of the outdoor unit and communicating with other units. The outdoor unit 10 further includes a number of other sensors, valves, supercooling devices, etc., but descriptions thereof will be omitted below.

2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the outdoor unit 10 includes a power supply unit 130, an input unit 160, and an output unit 170, and includes a compressor driving unit 140, a compressor 141, a fan driving unit 150, and an outdoor unit. It includes a fan 152, an overheating detection unit 120, a communication unit 180, and a control unit 110 that controls overall operation.

In addition, the air conditioner further includes a data unit (not shown) for storing data, and a plurality of sensors for sensing temperature, pressure, voltage, and current, but a description thereof will be omitted below.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with respect to the outdoor unit 10, but the overheating detection unit 120 is also installed in the indoor unit 20 to detect overheating inside the indoor unit.

The input unit 160 includes input means such as at least one button, switch, or touch pad, and may input commands for power input, operation command, trial operation command, test operation, and address setting.

The output unit 170 has a display means for outputting the operating state of the outdoor unit to display the operating state and errors, and outputs sound effects for the operating state of the indoor unit including a speaker and buzzer, and a predetermined warning sound when an abnormality occurs. can output

The data unit stores control data for controlling the operation of the outdoor unit 10, data sensed during operation of the outdoor unit, and input/output data. In addition, the data unit stores reference data for controlling the compressor 141 and the outdoor fan 152 and data transmitted and received through the communication unit 180 .

The communication unit 180 includes at least one communication module to transmit/receive data about operation settings and operation conditions with the indoor unit 20 . The communication unit 180 applies data received from the indoor unit 20 to the control unit 110 and transmits data on an operating state of the outdoor unit to the indoor unit 20 . Also, the communication unit 180 may transmit/receive data by accessing a controller (not shown) connected to an external network or an external server.

In addition, the communication unit 180 includes a plurality of communication modules, and may be connected to a server (not shown) or a controller of an external network using a communication method different from that of the air conditioner, as well as communication with the indoor unit. .

The power supply unit 130 converts power supplied to the outdoor unit 10 and supplies it to the control unit 110, the compressor driving unit 140, and the fan driving unit 150. The power supply unit 130 includes a current unit (not shown) for rectifying three-phase power and a smoothing unit (not shown), and converts and supplies voltages required by each unit.

The fan driver 150 controls the outdoor fan 152 in response to a control signal from the controller 110 . The fan driver 150 supplies operation power to the outdoor fan 152 to control the rotational operation and speed of the outdoor fan 152 .

The outdoor fan 152 is provided in the outdoor heat exchanger, sucks in and supplies outdoor air so that the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 141 flows into the heat exchanger and exchanges heat with outdoor air, and discharges the heat-exchanged air to the outdoors. At this time, the outdoor fan 152 may be an inverter fan capable of adjusting the rotational speed. The outdoor unit fan 152 is composed of a motor and a fan, and the fan rotates as the motor operates under the control of the fan driver 150 . At this time, the fan driving unit 150 may be provided inside or outside the outdoor fan 152 .

The compressor driving unit 140 operates the compressor 141 according to a control command of the control unit 110 . At this time, the compressor driving unit 140 supplies operating power to the motor of the compressor 141 so that the compressor 141 operates at a specific operating frequency. Accordingly, the compressor 141 compresses the incoming low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant and discharges the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant.

The overheating detection unit 120 is installed in a connector or terminal block connecting each unit to detect overheating and input an overheating detection signal to the control unit 110.

When the temperature of the connector or terminal block rises above a set temperature, the overheating detection unit 120 generates an overheating detection signal by changing an internal circuit and inputs it to the control unit 110 or the switching unit.

For example, the overheating detection unit 120 is installed in a terminal block connected to commercial power of the power supply unit 130 and a connector connected to the rectifier, and is also installed in a connector between the compressor driving unit 140 and the compressor 141 , overheating due to contact failure of the connector or terminal block, and overheating due to overcurrent. In addition, the overheating detection unit 120 may be installed in a connector provided to supply power from the power supply unit 130 to the indoor unit 20 and a connector connecting the outdoor unit fan and the fan driving unit 150. At this time, the installation position of the overheating detection unit 120 is not limited thereto, and can be installed anywhere as long as the heat is generated at a set temperature or higher.

When the connector or terminal block has poor contact, a large contact resistance is formed in the connector or terminal block, and heat is generated due to the contact resistance. At this time, the surface temperature of the connector may rise to about 97 degrees. If the heat generation continues, the contact surface of the connector is oxidized and thermal deterioration of the insulator occurs, and if left unattended, it may ignite and cause a fire.

The overheating detection unit 120 generates an overheating detection signal as an internal circuit is changed in response to the temperature when the surface temperature rises due to heat generation of the connector or terminal block. At this time, since the installation positions of the overheating detection units 120 are different, a plurality may be provided.

The controller 110 controls the operation of the outdoor unit in response to data received from the input unit 160 or the indoor unit 20, outputs the operating state of the outdoor unit through the output unit 170, and outputs data through the communication unit 180. Control transmission and reception. The control unit 110 receives DC voltage of a certain size supplied from the power supply unit 130 and operates.

The control unit 110 drives the compressor 141 according to the operation settings received from the indoor unit 20 and generates control signals for controlling the outdoor fan 152, respectively, to operate the compressor driving unit 140 and the fan driving unit 150. Enter as

The control unit 110 determines the states of the compressor 141, the refrigerant, and the outdoor fan 152 in response to data input from a plurality of sensors, and generates a control command in response thereto to operate the compressor driving unit 140 and the fan driving unit ( 150).

The control unit 110 communicates with the plurality of indoor units 20 at predetermined time intervals through the communication unit 180 to receive data of the indoor unit and transmits the data of the outdoor unit to the plurality of indoor units.

When the overheating detection signal is input from the overheating detection unit 120, the control unit 110 outputs an error due to overheating through the output unit 170 and controls the operation of the air conditioner. Also, the controller 110 transmits an error due to overheating to the indoor unit 20 through the communication unit 180 . Accordingly, the indoor unit 20 outputs an error due to overheating.

At this time, the control unit 110 further includes a switching unit (not shown) that controls operation power supplied to the load of the outdoor unit.

The switching unit applies a switching signal to the compressor driving unit 140 so that the compressor driving unit 140 operates. Accordingly, the compressor driving unit 140 supplies operating power to the compressor 141, particularly the motor of the compressor.

As the overheating detection signal input by the overheating detection unit 120 is applied to the switching unit as well as the control unit 110, the switching unit turns off the switch to cut off power supplied to the load of the outdoor unit, for example, an outdoor fan or a compressor. At this time, power supplied to the load is cut off by the switching unit, but power supplied to the control unit 110 is maintained, so the control unit 110 outputs an error due to overheating through the output unit or the indoor unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram referenced for explaining the configuration of the overheating detection unit of FIG. 2 .

As shown in (a) of FIG. 3 , the overheating detection unit 120 includes a signal generator 121, a fuse connector 122, and a plurality of temperature sensing fuses 123 (123a to 123c). At this time, the number of temperature sensing fuses 123 is provided at least one and may be added to 4 or 5, and the number is not limited to the drawing.

The first temperature sensing fuse 123a, the second temperature sensing fuse 123b, and the third temperature sensing fuse 123c are installed at different locations and operate according to the surface temperature of the installed location. The temperature sensing fuse 123 is configured to blow off an internal fuse in response to the temperature when the surface temperature of the installed position rises.

The fuse connector 122 interconnects the plurality of temperature sensing fuses 123 (123a to 123c) and is connected to the signal generator 121 so that the plurality of temperature sensing fuses 123 (123a to 123c) In response, when the internal fuse is blown, a constant voltage is formed in the signal generator 121.

As shown in (b) of FIG. 3, the fuse connector 122 is configured so that when the temperature sensing fuse 123 is connected, a plurality of temperature sensing fuses 123 connected inside the fuse connector are serially connected to each other.

Since the plurality of temperature sensing fuses 123 (123a to 123c) are connected in series through the fuse connector 122, when one of the temperature sensing fuses blows due to overheating, the connection circuit with the signal generator 121 open Accordingly, the voltage in the signal generating unit 121 is changed and an overheating detection signal is input to the control unit 110 and the switching unit.

FIG. 4 is a reference diagram for explaining the temperature sensing fuse of FIG. 3 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the fuse connector 122 is detachable and connected to the signal generator 121 . The fuse connector 122 is configured such that a connection line connecting the temperature sensing fuses 123 is inserted and fixed so that the plurality of temperature sensing fuses 123 are interconnected internally. The temperature sensing fuses 123 are connected to the connector with connection lines of different lengths depending on the installation position.

The temperature sensing fuse 123 may be attached to a surface of a connector or the like by an adhesive or a predetermined bonding means, and may be fixed to the connector by a predetermined fixing means in some cases.

5 is a reference diagram for explaining the circuit configuration of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the power supply unit 130 includes a terminal block 132 to which commercial power 131 is supplied, a power connector 133 to supply power, an SMPS 137 to supply constant-current voltage, and a rectifier ( 135) and a smoothing unit 136.

In the overheating detection unit 120, a first temperature sensing fuse 123a is installed in the terminal block 132 to which commercial power is supplied, and a power connector 133 connecting the rectifier 135 and the terminal block 132. A second temperature sensing fuse 123b may be installed, and a third temperature sensing fuse 123c may be installed in the compressor connector 142 connecting the compressor driving unit 140 and the compressor 141 . The installation position of the temperature sensing fuse is not limited to the drawings.

The first to third temperature sensing fuses 123a to 123c are serially connected to each other through a fuse connector 122 and connected to the signal generator 121 .

As described above, if at least one of the terminal block 132, the power connector 133, and the compressor connector 142 has a problem or heat is generated due to poor contact, and the temperature rises above the set temperature as a result, the first The internal fuse is blown by the heat generated by any one of the through third temperature sensing fuses 123a to 123c.

Since the first to third temperature sensing fuses 123a to 123c are serially connected through the fuse connector 122, a circuit formed by connection with the signal generator 121 is opened. Accordingly, a voltage is applied to the internal transistor of the signal generator 121, and a voltage of 5V is applied to the control unit 110 and the switching unit 111, and an overheat detection signal is input.

The switching unit 111 controls the load relay 112 to open the switch, and accordingly, operating power supplied to loads of the outdoor unit, for example, the compressor 141 and the outdoor fan 152 is cut off. At this time, the switching unit 111 cuts off the operating power to the compressor 141 by not applying a switching signal to the compressor driving unit 140 .

Since the constant voltage is supplied from the SMPS 137 even when the overheating detection signal is input, the control unit 110 outputs an error due to overheating through the output unit 170. The controller 110 may also transmit error information to the indoor unit 20 through the communication unit 180 .

6 is a diagram illustrating an example of installing a temperature sensing fuse of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the temperature sensing fuse 123 is installed on the surface of the connector 50 . The temperature sensing fuse 123 is preferably installed at a position where the female connector 51 and the male connector 52 come into contact with each other.

The temperature sensing fuse 123 can be installed anywhere as long as it is a heating part as well as a connector.

7 is a flowchart illustrating a control method according to overheating detection of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7 , operation power is supplied from the power supply unit 130 to the outdoor unit 10 according to operation settings, and operation starts (S310).

At this time, according to the operation setting received from the indoor unit 20, the compressor 141 operates at a predetermined operating frequency to discharge high-pressure refrigerant, and the outdoor fan 152 provided in the outdoor heat exchanger is rotated by the fan driver 150. During operation, heat exchange of the refrigerant is performed in the outdoor heat exchanger, and the refrigerant is supplied to the indoor unit (20). The indoor unit 20 discharges cold/hot air into the room through heat exchange of a refrigerant in an indoor heat exchanger.

The overheating detection unit 120 inputs an overheating detection signal to the control unit 110 and the switching unit 111 when one of the plurality of temperature sensing fuses 123 is blown due to heat having a predetermined temperature or higher. For example, the temperature sensing fuse 123 may be installed in the terminal block 132 of the power supply unit 130, the power connector 133, and the compressor connector 142, respectively.

The overheating detection unit 120 inputs a voltage signal having a predetermined size to the control unit 110 and the switching unit 111 as an overheating detection signal, respectively.

When the overheating detection signal is input (S320), the control unit 110 generates an overheating warning, a warning about the possibility of a fire, or an error due to overheating, and outputs it through the output unit 170 (S330).

Meanwhile, the switching unit 111 blocks the switching signal to the compressor driving unit 140 in response to the input overheating detection signal, and opens the load relay 112 to cut off the supply of operating power (S340). Accordingly, the compressor driving unit 140 cuts off the operating power supplied to the compressor 141, and the load relay 112 is switched off (S350) to cut off the operating power to the outdoor fan 152.

The controller 110 transmits error information to the indoor unit 20 and stops operation (S360).

Therefore, the present invention installs a temperature sensing fuse that responds to heat above the set temperature at the heating position, so that an overheat detection signal is input to the control unit and the switching unit when the heat exceeds the set temperature, so that the outdoor unit stops operation by detecting overheating before a fire occurs. . In addition, when overheating is detected, the present invention does not cut off all power to the outdoor unit, but first cuts off only the power supplied to the load such as the compressor or the outdoor fan, displays an error, and controls subsequent operations.

Even though all components constituting an embodiment of the present invention have been described as operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. Within the scope of the object of the present invention, depending on embodiments, all components may be selectively combined with one or more to operate.

The above description is merely an example of the technical idea of the present invention, and various modifications and variations can be made to those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

10: outdoor unit 20: indoor unit
110: control unit 120: overheating detection unit
130: power supply unit 140: compressor driving unit
141: compressor 150: fan drive unit
152: outdoor fan 180: communication unit

Claims (15)

a power supply unit supplying operating power;
A compressor driving unit controlling driving of the compressor;
A fan driving unit controlling rotation of the outdoor fan;
an overheating detection unit that outputs an overheating detection signal in response to heat above a set temperature; and
In response to the overheating detection signal, a control unit cuts off power supply to the compressor driving unit and the fan driving unit;
The overheating detection unit,
a plurality of temperature sensing fuses respectively installed in a plurality of locations;
a plurality of connection lines electrically connected to the plurality of temperature sensing fuses;
a fuse connector in which the plurality of connection lines are fixed; and
A signal generator for generating the overheating detection signal;
The plurality of connection lines are serially connected to each other through the plurality of temperature sensing fuses,
The fuse connector is detachably formed in the signal generating unit,
The signal generator,
Corresponding to the mounting of the fuse connector, electrically connected to ends of the plurality of connection lines connected in series with each other,
The air conditioner characterized in that the overheating detection signal is generated based on the disconnection of the electrical connection between the plurality of connection lines according to the inoperability of at least one of the plurality of temperature sensing fuses. delete According to claim 1,
The air conditioner, characterized in that the temperature sensing fuse is opened and does not operate when the ambient temperature is higher than the set temperature. delete According to claim 1,
The air conditioner, characterized in that the plurality of temperature sensing fuses are installed in a plurality of connectors provided in the air conditioner and are configured to be disconnected by heat generated above the set temperature. According to claim 5,
The air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of temperature sensing fuses are installed in a connector connecting power supplied from the power supply unit and a connector connecting the compressor driving unit and the compressor. According to claim 5,
The air conditioner, characterized in that the plurality of temperature sensing fuses are attached to the surface of the plurality of connectors. According to claim 1,
The control unit further includes a switching unit configured to set whether operating power is supplied to the compressor driving unit and the fan driving unit,
The air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein the switching unit cuts off a switching signal applied to the compressor driving unit or the fan driving unit based on the overheating detection signal. According to claim 8,
The air conditioner, characterized in that the switching unit cuts off the power supplied to the fan driving unit. According to claim 1,
The air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit transmits information according to an error occurrence to another device based on the overheating detection signal.
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