KR20150022256A - Air conditioner and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method thereof. The air conditioner including a plurality of air-conditioner sites consisting of a plurality of units can display a menu screen for the control setting differently depending on a group set in the units, the kind of the group selected according to the selection of the user of the units included in the group, and the kind of the unit included in the group or the unit, and can control the operation simply by applying the control setting to the unit and the group by one setting regardless of the kind of the unit, thereby remotely controlling the operation easily and rapidly and monitoring.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an air conditioner and its control method for easily controlling operations of a plurality of units using a terminal in controlling a plurality of air conditioner units .

The air conditioner is installed to provide a comfortable indoor environment for humans by discharging cold air to the room to adjust the room temperature and purify the room air to create a pleasant indoor environment. Generally, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit which is constituted by a heat exchanger and installed in a room, and an outdoor unit which is constituted by a compressor, a heat exchanger and the like and supplies the refrigerant to the indoor unit.

Such an air conditioner is controlled separately by an indoor unit constituted by a heat exchanger, an outdoor unit constituted by a compressor, a heat exchanger and the like, and controlled by a power source supplied to a compressor or a heat exchanger. Also, at least one indoor unit may be connected to the outdoor unit, and the air conditioner is operated in the cooling or heating mode by supplying the refrigerant to the indoor unit according to the requested operation state.

When the liquid refrigerant of high temperature and high pressure is supplied from the compressor of the outdoor unit to the indoor unit through the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit during the cooling operation, the refrigerant expands and vaporizes in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit, When the temperature of the air is lowered and the indoor fan is rotated, the cool air is discharged into the room. When the gas refrigerant of high temperature and high pressure is supplied from the compressor of the outdoor unit to the indoor unit during the heating operation, the gas refrigerant of high temperature and high pressure is liquefied in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit The air warmed by the released energy is discharged to the room according to the operation of the indoor fan.

In a case where a plurality of indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit, in the case where a plurality of outdoor units are interconnected, a plurality of units such as a ventilation unit and a heat pump are connected, or a plurality of sites are connected to each other, And integrated management is performed through a separate central controller.

However, in the related art, it is possible to control a group or zone unit formed in the central controller by forming a group or a predetermined zone in the central controller, but in order to form such a group or zone, There was an inconvenience to perform this in the central controller.

Further, although it is possible to control a plurality of units through a central controller connection using a terminal, there is a limit in the control range thereof, and it is difficult to select an object to be controlled through a complicated menu.

An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and a control method thereof that can easily and quickly control an operation of a unit included in a group set for a plurality of units remotely via a terminal in an air conditioner including a plurality of units will be.

An air conditioner according to the present invention includes an air conditioner site including a plurality of units; And a terminal connected to the plurality of units and the air conditioner site to monitor and control an operation state of the air conditioner, wherein the terminal notifies the unit in which the control group and the group in the air conditioner site are not set to the site status And displaying simple information on each operation state information for the control group and the unit on a list so as to provide monitoring information and monitoring the operation of the control group and the unit, The control unit may input control settings for the group or the unit regardless of the type of the unit so that the selected group or unit operates simultaneously according to the control setting.

Further, the control method of the present invention includes the steps of: executing a program and connecting to an air conditioner site composed of a plurality of units and the plurality of units to receive operation information; Displaying the control group or unit included in the air conditioner site as a list on the site status screen by reflecting the operation information; Selecting at least one group, or a predetermined unit in the group, and inputting a control setting for the selected group or unit; Applying the control setting to the selected group or unit to control its operation; And receiving information on a changed operation state of the selected group or unit, and reflecting operation information on the site status screen and displaying the operation information.

The air conditioner and the control method thereof according to the present invention can be easily monitored and controlled at a remote site, and can be easily and easily monitored and controlled within a predetermined group or group while individually monitoring groups and units in the air conditioner site It is possible to quickly and easily control the operation of the unit regardless of the type of the unit, thereby improving the convenience of the control and facilitating the management of the unit.

1 is a view showing a configuration of an air conditioner system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a communication flow using a terminal of the air conditioner system according to the present invention.
3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of each unit of the air conditioner according to the present invention.
4 is an exemplary diagram showing a configuration of a terminal for controlling a unit according to the present invention.
5 is an exemplary diagram showing a control screen configuration of a terminal for controlling an air conditioner site and a unit.
FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a method for confirming site status information in a terminal.
Fig. 7 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a method of controlling a plurality of groups in an air conditioner site. Fig.
Figs. 8 and 9 are exemplary diagrams referred to in describing a method of controlling a predetermined unit in a group.
10 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a control screen according to the type of unit.
11 is an exemplary diagram referred to for explaining a method of controlling a ventilation unit in controlling units in a group.
12 is a diagram referred to explain a control method for a plurality of different units.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The advantages and features of the present invention and the manner of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. To fully disclose the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

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

1 is a view showing a configuration of an air conditioner system according to the present invention.

As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioner includes air conditioner sites 31, 32 and 33, which are constituted by at least one unit including an outdoor unit (not shown) and an indoor unit A server 20 connected via a predetermined network N and a terminal 10 connected to an air conditioner site and a server through a network N. [

The air conditioner sites 31 to 33 include at least one unit to form an air conditioner network internally, and a plurality of air conditioner sites are externally connected to form another network.

The air conditioner site, including the controller, respectively, controls and monitors the operation of units within the site. The air conditioner site not only transmits the data on the operating state to the server 20 and the terminal 10 via the network N but also sends the data to the server 20 or the terminal 10 in accordance with a control signal received from the server 20 or the terminal 10. [ The operation can be controlled variably.

The air conditioner sites 31 to 33 may further include units such as a ventilating unit, an air purifying unit, a humidifying unit, a dehumidifying unit, and a heater as well as an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. Each harmonizer site is different.

At this time, the network N includes all network connections such as the Internet, as well as the air conditioner network, and is applicable to both wired and wireless communication systems.

The server 20 stores basic data for a plurality of air conditioner sites, and data on operating states received from a plurality of air conditioner sites. At this time, the basic data includes the number of units included in each air conditioner site, the type of units, the capacity of units, and address information for data transmission and reception. The operation state data is updated at regular time intervals.

The server 20 registers the terminal with respect to the terminal 10 that controls the unit of the air conditioner and gives authority to the air conditioner unit control. In addition, the server 20 authenticates connection of the terminal, and if the operation of the unit of the air conditioner varies under the control of the terminal 10, the server 20 stores the data.

In addition, the server 20 provides a program to be connected to each site and each unit of the air conditioner in the terminal 10, and manages update of the program.

The terminal 10 is connected to the server 20 through the network N and registered with the server 20 to be granted access rights to the air conditioner unit and is connected to a plurality of air conditioner sites And controls the operation of the unit of the vehicle.

The terminal 10 forms a group for a plurality of units included in a plurality of air conditioner sites according to the types of units and the positions where the units are installed, and controls and monitors the operation thereof.

In addition, the terminal 10 forms and controls a plurality of units included in two or more different air conditioner sites as well as a group of a plurality of air conditioners included in one air conditioner site .

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a communication flow using a terminal of the air conditioner system according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the terminal 10 controls the operation of each unit of the air conditioner system and a plurality of units included in each air conditioner site according to their types and types.

The terminal 10 connects to the server 20 to transmit and receive data and also controls the ventilation unit 60 as well as the outdoor unit 50 and the indoor unit 40. [ Also, the terminal 10 can monitor and control the operation of other units provided at the air conditioner site, such as a unit such as a heat pump, a heater, an air cleaning unit, a humidifying unit, a dehumidifying unit, and the like.

Among the units included in the air conditioner site, the indoor unit includes an expansion valve (not shown) for expanding the refrigerant supplied from the connected outdoor unit 10, an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat of the refrigerant, (Not shown) for exposing the heat-exchanged air to the room, a plurality of sensors (not shown), and control means (not shown) for controlling the operation of the indoor unit. The indoor unit (20) includes a discharge port for discharging the heat-exchanged air, and the discharge port is provided with a wind direction adjusting means for closing the discharge port and controlling the direction of the discharged air. The indoor unit controls the rotational speed of the indoor unit fan to control the air sucked and the air to be discharged, thereby regulating the air volume. The indoor unit may further include human body sensing means for sensing a human body present in the indoor space as the case may be. The indoor unit 20 may further include an output unit for displaying an operation status and setting information of the indoor unit, and an input unit for inputting setting data.

In addition, the outdoor unit operates in a cooling mode or a heating mode in response to a demand of the connected indoor unit or an external control command, and supplies the refrigerant to a plurality of indoor units. The outdoor unit includes at least one compressor (not shown) for compressing the refrigerant introduced therein to discharge high-pressure gas refrigerant, an accumulator (not shown) for separating the gas refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant, An oil separator 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 the outside air, an outdoor heat exchanger (Not shown) for introducing air into the heat exchanger and discharging the heat-exchanged air to the outside, a four-way valve (not shown) for changing the flow path of the refrigerant according to the operation mode of the outdoor unit, at least one pressure sensor Not shown), at least one temperature sensor (not shown) for measuring the temperature, a controller for controlling the operation of the outdoor unit and performing communication with other units Air includes compositions. The outdoor unit further includes a plurality of sensors, valves, supercooling units and the like, and a description thereof will be omitted below.

3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of each unit of the air conditioner according to the present invention. Hereinafter, the unit of the air conditioner is described in common for a plurality of units, and it is specified that the configuration may be added or some configurations may not be included depending on the type and the form of the unit.

3, the unit of the air conditioner includes a communication unit 120, a data unit 130, a driving control unit 160, a sensing unit 150, an input / output unit 140, and a unit And a control unit 110.

The communication unit 120 not only transmits data on the operation and operation state of the unit to the controller in the air conditioner site but also transmits the control signal received from the controller, Unit control unit 110. [

The communication unit 120 includes a wireless communication module 120 communicating with the server 20 or the terminal 10 via the network N and an air conditioner communication module 122 communicating with other units or controllers in the air conditioner site ). The communication unit 120 may be a wireless communication system as well as a wired system, and a plurality of communication modules may be provided according to the communication system.

The drive control unit 160 controls the operation according to the control command of the unit control unit 110. [ The drive control unit 160 may have a different configuration depending on the type of the unit. For example, in the outdoor unit, the drive control unit controls the operation of the compressor, the valve, and the outdoor fan, and each of the compressor drive control unit, the valve drive control unit, and the fan drive control unit may be provided. In the case of the indoor unit, the drive control unit controls the operation of the indoor unit fan.

The sensing unit 150 includes a plurality of sensors that measure data such as temperature, pressure, rotational speed, voltage, and current. The sensing unit 150 measures information about the unit from the inside or the outside of the unit through a plurality of sensors and inputs the measured information to the control unit 110. In addition, the sensing unit 150 may further include sensing means for sensing an occupant according to a position where the unit is installed.

The input / output unit 140 controls data input / output of the unit. The input / output unit 140 inputs a predetermined signal to the unit control unit 110 as the at least one button or the predetermined input unit is operated, and the predetermined data is displayed on the output unit in accordance with the control command of the unit control unit 110 . At this time, the input unit or the output unit may not be provided depending on the type and the type of the unit.

The data unit 130 stores basic data for the unit, control data for controlling the operation of the unit, input / output data, and data received through the communication unit 120.

The unit control unit 110 processes data to be input and output and enables the unit to communicate with the terminal or the server through the communication unit and controls the unit to perform a predetermined operation according to the setting. The unit control unit 110 controls the unit according to data measured or sensed through the sensing unit 150, and determines whether the unit operates normally.

The unit control unit 110 controls the operation of the unit 20 in response to a request from the server 20 or the terminal 10 in accordance with the inputted operation setting or while controlling the operation of the unit in accordance with the control signal of the controller of the air conditioner site including the unit And also controls the operation of the unit in accordance with the received control signal.

4 is an exemplary diagram showing a configuration of a terminal for controlling a unit according to the present invention.

4, the terminal 10 includes a communication unit 220, a speaker 260, a display unit 250, an input unit 240, a memory 230, and a terminal control unit 210 for controlling overall operation of the terminal . Also, the terminal includes sensors such as a position information sensor and an acceleration sensor depending on the type thereof, but the description of the other components is omitted.

The input unit 240 includes at least one button or touch input means, and may include both a button and a touch input means as the case may be. The input unit applies a user command to the terminal control unit 210 according to the operation of the input means.

The display unit 250 may include predetermined display means for outputting numbers, characters, special characters or images, and may include a lamp that is lit or flickered to output an operation state, a connection state with each device, or a warning.

The display unit 250 outputs a user command inputted through the input unit 240 to the screen or outputs a predetermined screen corresponding to the inputted user command to set the operation setting and operation for each unit in the air conditioner site Status, and whether or not an abnormality has occurred.

The speaker 260 outputs a predetermined sound effect or a warning sound. The speaker outputs a predetermined sound effect or a warning sound in a specific situation, such as when the operation starts, when the operation is terminated, when an abnormality occurs, or when there is an input by the user.

The memory 230 stores setting data input through the input unit 240, control data for controlling the operation of the terminal, data of units for each air conditioner site received through the communication unit 220, data received from the server 20 Is stored.

The memory 230 also stores an application for connecting to a server or a unit to monitor and control the operation thereof. At this time, the application can be downloaded from the server or downloaded from another application dedicated server.

The communication unit 220 includes a plurality of communication modules for transmitting and receiving data according to a wired or wireless communication system. For example, the communication unit 220 includes a wireless communication module 221, a mobile communication module 222, and a short-range communication module 223.

The terminal 10 communicates with the server 20 and the units of the air conditioner site via the network N by using the wireless communication module 221. [ In addition, the terminal 10 can access the mobile communication network through the mobile communication module 222 according to its form, and can use services such as voice as well as data transmission and reception. The short-range communication module 223 includes a communication method such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, infrared communication, and NFC, and transmits / receives data within a predetermined distance.

The terminal control unit 210 stores data transmitted and received through the communication unit 220 in the memory 230 and controls input and output of data. The terminal control unit 210 controls the operation of the terminal according to the data input through the communication unit 220 and the input unit 240 or controls the operation setting of the unit to be changed through the application.

The terminal control unit 210 displays a menu screen for inputting a user command on the display unit 250 and transmits data to the server or unit through the communication unit 220 according to the input setting to the input unit 240, And receives data.

The terminal control unit 210 executes an application stored in the memory 230 and accesses the server through an application to register the terminal. Also, the terminal control unit 210 can access the respective air conditioner sites through an application, receive and monitor information on the units, form groups for a plurality of units, and control them on a group basis.

At this time, the terminal control unit 210 applies a control command to each communication module of the communication unit 220 to transmit and receive data according to different communication methods, respectively. For example, when accessing a server or a unit through an application, the mobile communication module 222 is connected to the mobile communication terminal through the wireless communication module 221. In some cases, when the wireless communication module can not be connected, the mobile communication module 222 can access the server or the unit. Further, when the home appliance or the unit is located close to the terminal, it is possible to communicate with the home appliance or the unit via the short-range communication module 223.

Upon connection to the server 20 or the unit, the terminal control unit 210 performs a predetermined authentication process in response to a request from the server or the unit. The terminal control unit 210 transmits a unique identification number registered in the server, for example, an ID and a password Or authenticate that the terminal is a registered terminal through a separate authentication program.

The terminal control unit 210 can display a different screen for each ID on the display unit 250 according to the authority granted from the server when the server or the unit is connected.

5 to 12 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of controlling the units of a plurality of air conditioners using the terminal in the air conditioner system of the present invention.

5 is an exemplary diagram showing a control screen configuration of a terminal for controlling an air conditioner site and a unit.

5A, a menu screen for monitoring and controlling a plurality of units of the air conditioner site is displayed on the display unit 250 of the terminal 10. [

In the main menu screen, the control item 202 for the air conditioner site or unit is displayed as an icon or text, and the operation status 203 and the operation information 204 of the connected air conditioner site are displayed. In the operation information 204, an error, a number of network errors, a schedule control setting, and a lock setting value are displayed in association with the currently operated air conditioner site.

In addition, as a menu key for selecting a specific site among the plurality of air conditioner sites, that is, a site key 201 is displayed on one side of the screen, a setting key for application or control setting is displayed, Information such as signal strength, notification setting, battery capacity, and time are displayed on one side of the screen in relation to the operation.

A plurality of control items 202 provided in the main menu screen are provided with a site status, a Q control 205, a schedule, and a history management button. The site status can be monitored over the entire operation status of the units in the air conditioner site, and the schedule can be set for a plurality of units and the schedule can be changed. The history management can be performed by the control history and the air conditioner site The history of the operation change can be confirmed.

When the site status 206 is selected on the main menu screen, a list of a plurality of units and groups in the air conditioner site is displayed on the screen of the display unit 250 with respect to the status information as shown in FIG. 5B .

The building information in the air conditioner site and the list 209 of the group set in the building are displayed. For example, if a textbook is selected, the information of units installed in the textbook is displayed (208). The number of units in operation and the number of units that are in a stopped state are displayed for 80 indoor units and 30 ventilation units in the human body, and the number of units in which errors occur is displayed. A check box 207 is displayed on the right side of the building information.

In addition, the list 209 is displayed together with the information of the units included in the group in the human body. For example, a list of floor and room groups is displayed. A group of 20 indoor units, 5 ventilation units, 5 floors, 4 indoor units, 4 indoor units, 10 indoor units, 4 classrooms, a lecture room, and a rest room are displayed, and a list of individual units for which no other group is set is displayed.

In the list displayed on the status information screen, check boxes and arrows are displayed for each group for each item.

Also, a refresh key and a control key for changing the setting are provided on either side of the screen so that the displayed information can be updated and displayed, and a search window for searching for a predetermined unit or group is provided. Also, a voice key for voice search may be provided so that the voice can be recognized and retrieved.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a method for confirming site status information in a terminal.

6A, when the site status 206 is selected on the main menu screen, the building information 208 in the air conditioner site and the table 209 for the group are displayed as described above . A check box 207 is displayed on the left side of the building information 208.

At this time, check boxes and arrows are displayed for each item in the list, and when an arrow is selected for any one of the groups displayed in the list, detailed information about the selected item is displayed as shown in FIG. 6B .

When the second layer is selected, the building information 213 indicates information on the second floor of the human body, and information on a plurality of units included in the second floor group is displayed in the list 214.

Also, a backward movement key, a control key 211, and a refresh key may be displayed at the top of the screen, and a search window and a voice search key 212 may be provided.

In the second floor group, four indoor units are included. Information about the first indoor unit, the second indoor unit, the third indoor unit, and the fourth indoor unit is displayed as a list 214.

At this time, if an error occurs in the fourth indoor unit, an error warning 215 is displayed. In the error warning, the type of the error can be indicated by a code, and can also be displayed in a different color from the other items.

Information about the set mode and the air volume is displayed for the first to third indoor units, and the current temperature and the target temperature are displayed.

At this time, if a person's name 216 is selected from the building information 213 indicating the information on the second floor group of the person's name, the group or unit list included in the person's name is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. The same is displayed when the backward movement key is selected.

When a check box provided for each item is displayed in a state where a list 209 of groups or units in the air conditioner site is displayed as shown in FIG. 6C, the corresponding item is selected as water, and a check box 207), the group or unit of all displayed items is selected at once.

Selected items are displayed separately from unselected items, and a message 218 for the number of selected units at the bottom of the screen is displayed. In the information message, the number of types of selected units, that is, the number of indoor unit units and the number of ventilation units are displayed.

Fig. 7 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a method of controlling a plurality of groups in an air conditioner site. Fig.

As shown in FIG. 7A, a plurality of groups or units in the building are displayed as a list on the display unit 250 of the terminal through the site status menu.

7 and the check box 221 of the selected group are checked and a message 223 including information on the number of units included in the selected group is displayed at the bottom of the list, Is displayed. The position of the message may be displayed at the center of the screen or at the top of the screen, or may be displayed on either side of the screen in some cases.

If another group or unit is selected, the number of units displayed in the message is also changed and displayed.

When at least one group or unit is selected and the control key 222 at the top of the screen is selected, a screen for setting a new control for the selected group or unit is displayed as shown in FIG. 7C.

When the control for the selected group or unit is set, the number of the selected units is notified (224) that the indoor units 20 and 5 ventilators are selected, and the operation setting 225, the air volume setting 226, (227), and Q control setting (228) are possible. The operation setting 225 selects the operation on / off for the selected group or unit. The air volume setting 226 can set the air volume to one of automatic, strong, and medicine. In the case of the lock setting 227, Or unlocked.

At this time, the Q control setting is added as a new Q control control when the check box is selected. At this time, when the Q control control is added, it can be confirmed and changed through the Q control menu shown in FIG. 5A.

On the other hand, when the Q control setting is not selected, one control setting is applied instead of the Q control control.

If the same control is repeated, it can be added by Q control control, and then the same setting can be repeatedly and easily controlled by Q control control without newly setting. In case of controlling only once, it can be controlled immediately by setting as above without adding Q control.

When the selection is completed for all settings and the bottom apply key 229 is selected, the new control settings are immediately applied.

At this time, if the operation off 231 is selected and the apply key 229 is selected, as shown in Fig. 7D, the operation stop is applied to the selected group or unit. At the same time, a message 232 for stopping the operation of the selected group or unit, that is, 20 indoor units and 5 ventilating units is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

The terminal generates a control command for stopping the operation according to the setting and transmits a control command to the controller or the unit of the server or the air conditioner site so that the operation of the corresponding group or unit is controlled according to the setting.

When the control setting is applied, the number of units stopped in the building information in the upper part of the screen is changed and displayed as shown in FIG. 7F (233).

Figs. 8 and 9 are exemplary diagrams referred to in describing a method of controlling a predetermined unit in a group. Hereinafter, the control of the indoor unit will be described.

When any one of the groups is selected in the site status list, the information of the units included in the selected group is displayed as a list as shown in FIG. 8A.

For example, when the second floor group of the human body is selected, the list 214 of the first through fourth indoor units included is displayed. In the list, the set values such as the current operating state of the first to third indoor units, the temperature or the air flow rate, and the temperature are displayed. An error occurs during operation of the fourth indoor unit, and an error message 215 is displayed. At this time, an image or an icon indicating an error may be displayed and an error code may be displayed together.

As shown in FIG. 8B, if any of the displayed units is selected, for example, when the check box 219 of the first indoor unit is selected, the number of selected units, that is, One indoor unit is selected and the selected one is displayed. When the first and second indoor units are selected, two indoor units may be selected as the lower unit.

 When any one unit is selected, a detailed setting screen for the selected unit is displayed as shown in FIG. 8C.

At this time, the displayed screen is displayed differently according to the type of the unit. That is, since the set value and the operation mode are different depending on the type of the unit such as the indoor unit, the ventilation unit, and the heater, different screens are displayed.

When a plurality of units are selected from the unit list, a detailed setting screen is displayed according to the selected unit type. When a plurality of the same units are selected, a detailed setting screen corresponding to the selected unit type is displayed. A detailed setting screen composed of setting menus common among the different units is displayed.

In the detail setting screen, setting menus for the operation on / off setting 236, the operation mode 237, the set temperature 238, and the air flow rate 239 are displayed for the indoor unit. When the setting is completed, the changed setting can be applied through the application key, and the display returns to the screen of FIG. 8B.

In the operation mode 237, any one of cooling, dehumidification, heating, automatic, and air blowing can be selected and the settable minimum temperature and maximum temperature 242 including the target temperature (desired temperature) Can be set. When the minimum temperature and the maximum temperature are set, the temperature setting via the remote control at the site where the indoor unit is installed can change the target temperature only within the predetermined minimum temperature and the maximum temperature range.

When the target temperature is set, the temperature can be increased or decreased by using the arrow keys 243 to 246 provided to the right and left of the displayed temperature 241. [ Arrow keys 244 and 245 increase or decrease the temperature value in 1 degree or 0.5 degree increments, and double arrows 243 and 246 allow the temperature value to change in 5 or 10 increments.

The lowest temperature and the highest temperature 242 are simultaneously displayed. When the displayed temperature value is selected, a popup window 247 for changing the temperature is displayed as shown in FIG. 8D. The minimum temperature 248 and the maximum temperature 249 which can be set are displayed and can be set by changing the temperature by dragging up and down. When the selection is completed, the confirmation key is selected. If the user selects the cancel key to hold the existing setting, the screen returns to the screen c of FIG.

The air flow rate 239 can be set to any one of automatic, medium, heavy, and heavy.

As shown in Fig. 9 (a), in a unit capable of selecting a plurality of menus, when the detail setting screen is dragged up and down, the detail setting screen is displayed by moving up and down. When the screen is displayed upward, the wind direction 251, the lock setting 252, and the Q control addition 253 can be set for the indoor unit. Depending on the type of unit, the detailed setting screen may be displayed as a single screen.

As shown in Fig. 9B, the wind direction can be selected by setting and releasing, and the lock setting is lockable with respect to the entire lock, mode, air volume, temperature, and release. In the case of the entire lock, all of the displayed settings are selected in a state in which the setting can not be changed through the remote controller or the like with respect to the mode setting.

When the mode, air volume, and temperature are locked, the mode, air volume, and temperature are not changed by the remote controller, respectively. At this time, only one of the mode, the air volume, and the temperature can be selected or a plurality thereof can be selected. If Release is selected, the existing lock setting is released.

Whether the Q control is added or not is that, when the check box 253 is selected, all settings of the current detailed setting screen for the selected unit are added to the Q control. Q When adding a control, you can immediately apply or disable the setting for that unit without setting any additional details.

As shown in FIG. 9C, when all the setting is completed and the application key 254 is selected, as shown in FIG. 9D, the information indicating that the input setting is applied to the unit selected in FIG. 8 A message 257 is displayed at the bottom of the screen, and after the mode setting is completed and stored, the screen returns to the list screen.

At this time, as the application key is selected, the control unit generates a control command for the completed control setting, and transmits the control command to the selected unit by transmitting the control command through the connected network. The terminal may be directly transmitted from the terminal to the corresponding unit according to the network connection state of the terminal or may be transmitted to the controller through which the corresponding unit is connected and transferred to the unit through the controller or the unit may be controlled by the controller. Also, the control command can be transmitted to the selected unit through the connected server according to the network connection state of the terminal.

10 is an exemplary diagram showing a control setting screen according to the type of control equipment provided in the air conditioner site.

10A is a diagram showing a control command setting screen on the display unit 250 when a plurality of units of different types are set as control devices.

When a plurality of different units are selected as the control device, for example, when the indoor unit or the ventilation unit is set as the control device, a control command can be set for a common part among the control commands of the indoor unit and the ventilation unit.

Regarding a plurality of units included in the air conditioner site, control commands that are commonly applicable to all types of units are ON / OFF operation setting, air volume, and lock setting.

When the control device is set only with the indoor unit, the control command for the indoor unit can be set as shown in Fig. 10B. In the case where the control device is configured only as an indoor unit, a control command for the operation of the indoor unit can be set.

Control commands for the indoor unit can be set for operation setting, operation mode, set temperature, air volume, limit temperature, air volume setting, and lock setting.

At this time, the operation setting can be selected as On / Off, and the operation mode can be set so that the indoor unit operates in any one of cooling, dehumidification, heating, automatic, and blowing modes.

In addition, the set temperature of the indoor unit can be selected, and the air volume can be set to one of long, medium, weak, or automatic. At this time, it is possible to set or cancel the air volume automatic setting, and the limited temperature can be set for a plurality of indoor units included in the control device. The limiting temperature can be set to both the minimum temperature and the maximum temperature. For example, when the minimum temperature is set to 18 degrees and the maximum temperature is set to 27 degrees, the limiting temperature can not be set to 18 degrees or less in the cooling mode, Can not be set to a higher level.

In addition, the lock setting is not limited to the entire lock for the entire control device (indoor unit), but can be individually locked for the mode, temperature, and air volume. In other words, when the mode setting can not be changed in the case of the entire lock, or when the mode is locked only, the temperature and the air volume can be individually controlled in the indoor unit, and the mode can not be changed. If the temperature or air volume is also locked, only the temperature or air volume is locked, so the setting can not be changed and other settings can be changed.

10C is a diagram showing a control command setting screen of the ventilation unit. As shown in FIG. 10C, the control command for the ventilation unit can be set for the operation setting, the operation mode, the air flow rate, the additional function, and whether or not to lock the ventilation unit.

For ventilation units, the selectable operating modes are automatic, heat and normal mode. In addition, the airflow can be selected automatically by strong, medium, weak, and lock setting can be fully locked and unlocked.

Among the control commands that can be set in the ventilation unit, the additional functions are rapid, humidifying, power saving, and heater functions. ON / OFF control is possible for each additional function.

In the case of the direct expansion type ventilation unit as shown in FIG. 10D, the operation setting, the operation mode, the set temperature, the air volume, the air conditioner, the additional function, and the lock setting function are provided in the control command.

The operation mode can be set to automatic, electric heat or normal operation mode, and the set temperature can be input like the indoor unit. In addition, the airflow can be set to strong, medium, weak and automatic.

In the case of the direct expansion type ventilation unit, the air conditioning function is provided differently from the general ventilation unit, and the air conditioner can be set to any one of on / off, cooling, automatic, and heating. This is a combination of the function of the air-conditioning and air-conditioning as well as the ventilation.

In addition, additional functions such as the ventilation unit can be set, and on / off control for rapid, power saving, humidification and heater can be set.

The lock setting can be set for the entire lock or release.

11 is an exemplary diagram referred to for explaining a method of controlling a ventilation unit in controlling units in a group.

When the unspecified group is selected from the site status list, a plurality of units included in the unspecified group are displayed as a list as shown in FIG. 11A. A check box is provided for each item in the displayed list.

At this time, when a ventilation unit among a plurality of units is selected and the control key 253 is selected, a check box of the selected ventilation unit is displayed as 'v' as shown in FIG. 10B and one ventilation unit A guide message 262 is displayed. The guide message will be displayed together with the selected key, and all the selections will be released when the selected key is selected. When deselecting unit by unit, when the check box of the unit to be deselected in the list is reselected, it is deselected.

When the selection for the unit is changed, the changed guidance message is displayed.

Is displayed on the detailed setting screen for the selected ventilation unit, as shown in Fig. 11C. In case of ventilation unit, it is possible to set the operation on / off and set mode, air volume, additional function, total lock, and addition of Q control.

The mode can be set to automatic, heat or normal, and the air volume can be selected from automatic, medium, heavy, or heavy. The section on temperature setting does not apply to ventilation units.

In the case of the additional function, it is possible to set and release the rapid, power saving, and heater functions with different setting options from the indoor unit. In the case of lock setting, only full lock and release are possible. In case of adding Q control, the input setting is saved and added as Q control setting.

When the application key 266 is input, as shown in FIG. 11D, a guide message 268 indicating that the input setting is applied together with information on the type and number of the currently selected unit is displayed.

Also, the mode setting is stored and applied, and the control unit generates a control command for the input setting and transmits the selected unit to be controlled.

Also, as shown in FIG. 11E, the changed setting is immediately reflected in the unit list of the site status and displayed in the corresponding ventilation unit.

At this time, when Q control addition is selected, Q control setting is additionally saved when the applicable key is input, and the setting can be applied or released through the Q control setting menu.

12 is a diagram referred to explain a control method for a plurality of different units. As shown in FIG. 12 (a), any one item in the site status list is displayed as a list of units included in the item. For example, a list of units for which no group is specified is displayed.

The list of units may include a plurality of different units, and the ventilation unit as well as the indoor unit are also included.

In this case, when a plurality of units of different types are selected, for example, when the indoor unit and the ventilation unit are selected together (271 to 274), a guidance message 275 for the type and quantity of the selected room is displayed at the bottom of the screen , The guidance message includes a selection key. Select all the selected units at the time of the selection, and if the check box is re-selected on the list, it can be deselected in units of individual units.

When a plurality of units of different types are selected, a detailed setting screen for the selected plurality of units is displayed as shown in Fig. 11B. At this time, as a plurality of units of different types are selected, a detailed setting screen is configured for a setting menu that is commonly applied among the selected units.

As the indoor unit and the ventilation unit are selected, the setting menu for operation ON / OFF, air volume, total lock, and whether to add Q control is displayed. The air flow rate can be selected as high or low, and the setting that can be selected according to the type of the ventilation unit can be changed.

When the application key 279 is input, as shown in FIG. 12C, a guidance message 281 for the type and number of selected units is displayed.

The setting selected through the detailed setting screen is applied to all the selected indoor units and the ventilation unit. At this time, since OFF (278) has been selected for the operation in Fig. 12B, the operation stop is applied to the selected unit.

After the guidance message 281 is output, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the site status is restored as shown in FIG. 12D and the list is displayed on the screen.

At this time, the current operation state of the selected unit is changed and displayed according to the previously applied setting. Since the operation stop is applied, the state information 282 is displayed on the first to third indoor units, and the first ventilation unit and the operation state are stopped.

When the application key is input, the terminal control unit generates a control command for controlling the operation and transmits a control command to the controller connected to the selected unit or the selected unit. Accordingly, the operation of the selected unit is changed according to the control command, and the changed status information is received by the terminal through the server again, and is reflected on the status of the site.

Therefore, the present invention can be applied to a plurality of air conditioner units, not only for each of the units but also for groups including the units, by checking the operation status of each air conditioner site, .

The present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, as all the constituent elements constituting the embodiment of the present invention have been described as being combined or combined in one operation. Within the scope of the present invention, depending on the embodiment, all of the components may operate selectively in combination with one or more.

All of the components may be implemented as one independent hardware, but a part or all of the components may be selectively combined to provide a computer having a program module that performs some or all of the functions combined in one or a plurality of hardware May be implemented as a program.

The foregoing description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention and various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

10: terminal 20: server
30: air conditioner site 40: indoor unit
50: outdoor unit 60: ventilation unit
110:
210:

Claims (19)

An air conditioner site including a plurality of units;
And a terminal connected to the plurality of units and the air conditioner site to monitor and control an operation state thereof,
The terminal displays the control group in the air conditioner site and units for which the group is not set in a list on the site status screen, and displays simple information on each operation state information for the control group and the unit in a list And provides monitoring information,
Wherein the control group and the unit are simultaneously monitored so that the selected group or unit operates in accordance with the control setting regardless of the type of the unit when the operation of the control group and the unit is monitored. Air conditioner. The method of claim 1,
Wherein the terminal is connected to the plurality of units and the air conditioner site through a network and has a program for monitoring and controlling the operation thereof,
Wherein the program provides a site status, a Q control menu, a schedule, and a setting menu for the plurality of units and the air conditioner site. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the terminal performs one control according to the control setting without setting a separate control group for the selected group or unit. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the terminal additionally registers the control setting applied to the selected group or unit and the selected group or unit according to an option of a setting menu with a Q control control setting. The method according to claim 1,
The terminal displays the type of all the units included in the selected group or unit and displays a control screen different from the setting menu for inputting the control setting corresponding to the type of the unit Air conditioner. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the terminal displays a control screen composed of setting menus that are mutually common among the included units when the selected group or units include two or more different types of units. 6. The method of claim 5,
When the selected group or unit is configured as an indoor unit, the terminal displays a control screen configured by a setting menu including an operation setting, an operation mode, a set temperature, an air flow rate, a limited temperature, The air conditioner comprising: 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the terminal displays a control screen composed of a setting menu including an operation setting, an operation mode, an air amount, an additional function, a lock setting, and a Q control addition setting when the selected group or unit is composed of a ventilation unit Harmonics. 6. The method of claim 5,
When the selected group or unit is configured as a direct ventilation unit, the terminal displays a control screen including a setting menu including an operation setting, an operation mode, a set temperature, an air volume, an air conditioner, an additional function, Wherein the air conditioner displays the air conditioner. The method according to claim 1,
The terminal displays on the site status screen a type and number of selected units and a guidance message for the changed or applied operation when any group or unit is selected or released or when control settings are applied The air conditioner comprising: The method according to claim 1,
When the control setting for the selected group or unit is completed, the terminal transmits a control command according to the control setting to the controller connected to the selected group or unit or the selected group or unit so that the operation is immediately controlled The air conditioner comprising: 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the terminal receives data on the operation state of the selected group or unit and immediately displays the changed operation state when the control setting for the selected group or unit is applied. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a server for registering the terminal and granting the terminal with the authority to the plurality of units and the air conditioner site,
Wherein the server stores operation information on the plurality of units and the plurality of air conditioner sites and provides the operation information to the terminal. Executing a provided program and connecting to an air conditioner site composed of a plurality of units and the plurality of units and receiving operation information;
Displaying the control group or unit included in the air conditioner site as a list on the site status screen by reflecting the operation information;
Selecting at least one group, or a predetermined unit in the group, and inputting a control setting for the selected group or unit;
Applying the control setting to the selected group or unit to control its operation; And
Receiving the information on the changed operation state for the selected group or unit, and reflecting operation information on the site status screen and displaying the operation information. 15. The method of claim 14,
Further comprising the step of displaying a control screen including a setting menu for the control setting differently corresponding to the type of unit included in the selected group or unit. 16. The method of claim 15,
And displays a control screen composed of setting menus commonly applicable when a plurality of units of different types are included in the selected group or unit. 15. The method of claim 14,
And the operation is controlled by applying the control setting once to the selected group or unit. 15. The method of claim 14,
Further comprising registering the selected group or unit and the control setting with a Q control control setting when the selected group or unit is set to be added to the Q control according to an option of the setting menu, Control method. 15. The method of claim 14,
Further comprising the step of displaying information on the type and number of all units included in the selected group or unit, and information about operations to be applied or released according to the control settings, in a guide message.

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