KR101631445B1 - Air-conditioner and sensor for Air-conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sensor unit for an air conditioner and an air conditioner, and more particularly, to an air conditioner including a plurality of sensor units for detecting whether refrigerant is leaked from a refrigerant pipe, And a plurality of sensor modules are provided in one sensor unit so that signals of at least two directions can be sensed so that the abnormality of the refrigerant pipe including the refrigerant leakage can be sensed more effectively, So that the leakage of the refrigerant can be detected by a small number of sensor units, thereby improving the efficiency of the management of the refrigerant pipe and the operation of the air conditioner.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor unit for an air conditioner and an air conditioner,

The present invention relates to a sensor unit for an air conditioner and an air conditioner. More particularly, the present invention relates to an air conditioner and a sensor unit for an air conditioner including a plurality of sensor units installed to detect leakage of a refrigerant pipe.

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 by being separated and controlled by an indoor unit constituted by a heat exchanger, an outdoor unit constituted by a compressor, a heat exchanger and the like, and operated by controlling 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 such an air conditioner, refrigerant is supplied from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe, and the refrigerant is discharged through the heat exchange of the refrigerant. Therefore, it is necessary to check whether the refrigerant is put in an appropriate amount or whether there is a portion where the refrigerant leaks .

 The length of the refrigerant piping depends on the installation scale of the air conditioner. For example, the refrigerant piping determines the length of the refrigerant piping depending on the number of installed indoor units and the installed location. When installed in a high-rise building, the length of the refrigerant piping reaches from several kilometers to several tens of kilometers. Also, in the case of a large-capacity air conditioner installed in a factory or a specific area, the length of the refrigerant pipe becomes long, so that it can not be confirmed by a person.

Accordingly, a sensor is installed in the refrigerant pipe to sense the leakage of the refrigerant. However, since it is difficult to install the sensor, a more effective method for detecting the leakage of the refrigerant is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a sensor unit for an air conditioner and an air conditioner in which a sensor unit for detecting the leakage of refrigerant in a refrigerant pipe includes a plurality of sensor modules and is installed so as to surround the refrigerant pipe, An air conditioner for sensing a signal, and a sensor unit for an air conditioner.

An air conditioner according to the present invention includes an outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units connected to the outdoor unit, the air conditioner comprising: a plurality of sensor units installed in a refrigerant pipe connected between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit; A communication unit for receiving a sensing signal from the plurality of sensor units; And a controller for determining whether the refrigerant pipe is abnormal in response to a sensing signal received from the plurality of sensor units received through the communication unit, wherein the sensor unit includes a plurality of sensor modules, The sensor module is installed at a different position with respect to the refrigerant pipe, and senses signals of the refrigerant pipe in different directions.

A sensor unit for an air conditioner according to the present invention comprises: a first body installed in close contact with a refrigerant pipe; A second body coupled to the first body; A sensor module provided inside the first body; A spring for urging the sensor module to contact the refrigerant pipe; A coupler provided between the sensor module and the spring for allowing the force of the spring to uniformly act on the sensor module; And a fixing bolt for fixing the spring to allow the force of the spring to act in the direction of the sensor module, wherein at least two sensor modules are provided.

In the sensor unit for an air conditioner and an air conditioner according to the present invention configured as described above, the sensor unit is installed in close contact with the refrigerant pipe in such a manner that the sensor unit surrounds the refrigerant pipe, The sensor unit can be provided with a plurality of sensor modules to sense signals in at least two directions to more effectively detect the abnormality of the refrigerant pipe including the refrigerant leakage, The leakage of the refrigerant can be detected by a small number of sensor units, thereby improving the efficiency of the management of the refrigerant pipe and the operation of the air conditioner.

1 is a view showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to the present invention.
2 is a view showing the configuration of an air conditioner including a plurality of sensor units according to the present invention.
3 is a block diagram showing a control arrangement of an air conditioner according to the present invention.
4 is an exploded view showing the configuration of a sensor unit installed in a refrigerant pipe of an air conditioner according to the present invention.
5 is a perspective view showing a sensor unit installed in a refrigerant pipe of the air conditioner of the sensor unit of FIG.
6 is an exemplary diagram referred to explain a signal flowing along a refrigerant pipe of an air conditioner according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a view showing a configuration of an air conditioner and a sensor unit according to the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The advantages and features of the present invention, and the manner of achieving them, will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter in conjunction with 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 according to the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 1, the air conditioner includes a plurality of indoor units 20 (21 to 26) and at least one outdoor unit outdoor unit 10. At this time, the outdoor units can be connected to the indoor units in plural.

In addition, the air conditioner includes a remote controller (not shown) connected to the indoor unit 20 for transmitting data and displaying information on the operation state, a remote controller (not shown) connected to the indoor unit and the outdoor unit for monitoring and controlling the operation thereof .

The air conditioner can be divided into a ceiling type, a stand type, and a wall type depending on the installation type. The air conditioner 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, but a description thereof will be omitted below.

The indoor unit 20 includes an expansion valve (not shown) connected to the outdoor unit 10 and the refrigerant pipe 80 for expanding the refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit 10, an indoor heat exchanger (not shown) (Not shown) for allowing indoor air to flow into the indoor heat exchanger and 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 (not shown) for discharging the heat-exchanged air, and a discharge port is provided with a wind direction adjusting unit (not shown) for closing the discharge port and controlling the direction of the discharged air. The indoor unit 20 controls the intake air and the air to be discharged by controlling the rotation speed of the indoor fan, and adjusts the air volume. 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.

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 of the remote controller, and supplies the refrigerant to a plurality of indoor units.

The outdoor unit 10 includes at least one compressor (not shown) for compressing the refrigerant introduced therein and discharging the gas refrigerant at a high pressure, a gas cooler for separating the gas refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant, 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 the outside air, an outdoor heat exchanger An outdoor fan (not shown) for introducing air into the outdoor 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 a control configuration to be performed.

The outdoor unit 10 also includes a plurality of sensor units provided in the refrigerant pipe 80 and a communication unit for communicating with the plurality of sensor units, and receives signals sensed by the sensor unit. The outdoor unit further includes a plurality of sensors, valves, supercooling units and the like, and a description thereof will be omitted below.

The remote controller receives the data of the indoor unit, displays the operation state of the indoor unit, and transmits the input data to the indoor unit to control the indoor unit to operate according to the predetermined setting. The remote controller inputs the operation schedule such as the mode, temperature, air volume, etc. of the indoor unit as well as the operation schedule to the indoor unit so that the indoor unit is operated according to the setting.

2 is a view showing the configuration of an air conditioner including a plurality of sensor units of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

2, the air conditioner is supplied with refrigerant through the refrigerant pipe from the outdoor unit 10 to which the plurality of indoor units 20 (21 to 26) are connected, and discharges the cold air to the room through the heat exchange of the refrigerant . At this time, the configuration of the air conditioner can be changed according to the installation position and the control method.

The outdoor unit 10 is connected to the first to sixth indoor units 21 to 26 through the refrigerant pipe 80 so that the refrigerant circulates between the outdoor unit 10 and the first to sixth indoor units 21 to 26, do.

At this time, a plurality of sensor units 51 to 53 are installed in the refrigerant pipe 80.

The plurality of sensor units 51 to 53 detect whether the refrigerant is leaked from the refrigerant pipe 80 in relation to the refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit 10 to the indoor unit 20. In addition, the plurality of sensor units 51 to 53 can detect when an abnormality occurs in the refrigerant pipe.

The plurality of sensor units 51 to 56 transmit detection signals according to whether or not the refrigerant is leaked to the outdoor unit 10. The outdoor unit (10) receiving the detection signal outputs an error due to refrigerant leakage. Further, according to the configuration of the air conditioner, the plurality of sensor units can transmit a sensing signal to the indoor unit. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which a plurality of sensor units communicate with an outdoor unit, transmit sensing signals, and function as one sensing unit of an outdoor unit.

The sensor units 50 (51 to 56) are arranged at a predetermined distance (D). Each of the sensor units 50 (51 to 56) is provided with a communication module, and transmits a sensing signal according to leakage of the refrigerant pipe to the outdoor unit 10 or the indoor unit 20 by a wired or wireless communication method.

When there is a leakage of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe, there is a limit in the distance to detect leakage. Therefore, the sensor unit 50 is installed in correspondence with the distance to which the leakage is detected, do. At this time, the installation interval D of the sensor unit 50 may vary depending on the transmission distance of the signal.

The installation interval between the sensor units 50 can be changed according to the signal detection range of the sensor module included in the sensor unit. That is, the distance over which the signal according to the abnormality is transmitted, and the detection range of the sensor module.

At this time, the sensor units 50 are installed at regular intervals. The sensor unit 50 senses the signal due to the leakage of the refrigerant and also compares the signals sensed by the sensor units 50 as the sensor units 50 are installed at the same intervals to calculate the leakage position of the refrigerant .

A second sensor 52 is installed at a position separated from the first sensor 51 of the first refrigerant pipe P1 by a predetermined distance D and a third sensor 52 is provided at a position spaced from the second sensor 52 by a predetermined distance D, A sensor 53 is installed.

For example, when a refrigerant leak occurs between the first sensor unit 51 and the second sensor unit 52, a signal is sensed by the first sensor unit 51 and the second sensor unit 52. Since the interval D of the sensor units is set according to the distance over which the signal is transmitted due to the refrigerant leakage and the position of each sensor unit 50 is designated, the outdoor unit determines the leakage position of the refrigerant using the received sensing signal .

When a signal due to refrigerant leakage is detected in the first sensor unit 51 and the second sensor unit 52, the detection signal of the first sensor unit 51 and the magnitude of the detection signal of the second sensor unit 52 The leakage position at which the refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipe between the first sensor unit 51 and the second sensor unit 52 can be calculated.

For example, in the outdoor unit, when the magnitude (intensity) of the signal is greater than the sensing signal of the first sensor unit 51, the magnitude of the signal is larger than the sensing signal of the second sensor unit 52, It can be determined that leakage occurs at the center of the first sensor unit 51 and the second sensor unit 52 when the two signals are the same size.

In this way, when the leakage of the refrigerant is determined and the position of the refrigerant is calculated, the outdoor unit 10 outputs information on the leakage and position of the refrigerant pipe and an error. The error information may be transmitted to the indoor unit, and an error may be output through the display unit provided in the indoor unit.

3 is a block diagram showing the control arrangement of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

3, the outdoor unit 10 includes a data unit 120, a driving unit 130, an input unit 170, an output unit 160, a sensing unit 140, a communication unit 150, And a control unit 110. The other components, such as the compressor described above, will not be described below.

The driving unit 130 controls the driving of the compressor, the valve, and the outdoor fan in response to the control command of the controller 110. At this time, the driving unit 130 may be divided into a compressor driving unit, an outdoor fan driving unit, and a valve control unit.

The data unit 120 stores control data according to the operation of the outdoor unit, and data input / output through the sensing unit 140 and the communication unit 150 during the outdoor unit operation. In addition, address data for communication with the indoor unit or the sensor unit is stored.

The input unit 170 includes predetermined input means such as at least one button or switch. The input unit 170 may include a touch pad. The input unit 170 inputs commands for power input, address setting, trial operation, and the like to the controller 110 as the input means is operated.

The output unit 160 includes display means (not shown) for displaying information on operation settings, operation status, and abnormality of the air conditioner, a buzzer or speaker (not shown) for outputting a predetermined sound effect or a warning sound, And a lamp (not shown) that flickers and outputs an operation state, a connection state with each device, or a warning.

In addition, the output unit 160 outputs information about the refrigerant leakage according to the data received from the sensor unit 50. At this time, an error message depending on whether or not the refrigerant is leaked and a leakage position of the refrigerant may be outputted.

The sensing unit 140 is installed inside or outside the outdoor unit 10 and senses and measures data on the outdoor unit 10 and data during operation and inputs the measured data to the control unit 110.

The sensing unit 140 may include a plurality of sensors and may include sensors for measuring temperature, pressure, humidity, carbon dioxide, flow rate, voltage, and current to the inside and the outside of the outdoor unit.

The sensing unit 140 includes a first sensing unit 141 installed on the outer surface of the outdoor unit 10 and on the outer surface of the outdoor unit 10 to sense and measure data on the outdoor unit, And a second sensing unit 142 for sensing the leakage.

For example, the first sensing unit 141 may include a temperature sensor provided outside the outdoor unit to measure the outdoor temperature, and a plurality of temperature sensors may be provided in the refrigerant pipe to detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor, The temperature is measured individually.

The second sensing unit 142 is composed of a plurality of sensor units 50 installed in the refrigerant pipe. At this time, the sensor unit 50 of the second sensing unit 142 may measure the vibration, the pressure, and the temperature of the surface of the refrigerant pipe and transmit the measurement to the outdoor unit 10.

Since the plurality of sensor units 50 each include the communication module, the second sensing unit 142 transmits the sensed or measured data to the outdoor unit 10 through wired or wireless communication.

The sensor unit 50 of the second sensing unit 142 senses a signal due to the leakage of the refrigerant and transmits the sensed signal along with sensor information in a wired or wireless communication manner.

The communication unit 150 transmits and receives data to and from a plurality of indoor units 20 including a plurality of communication modules. The communication unit 150 includes a plurality of communication modules and can communicate with a remote controller, an external server, and other units in a wired or wireless manner.

At this time, the communication unit 150 receives the sensing signal according to the refrigerant leakage from the second sensing unit 142, which is composed of a plurality of sensor units 50 installed in the refrigerant pipe, and applies the sensing signal to the control unit 110.

 The control unit 110 processes input / output data and controls data transmission / reception with the indoor unit 20 through the communication unit 140. The control unit 110 applies a control command to the driving unit 130 so that the compressor and the outdoor fan operate in accordance with the operation setting for the indoor unit 20. [

The control unit 110 determines the operation state of the compressor and the outdoor fan corresponding to the data input from the first sensing unit 141 and controls the operation of the outdoor unit according to the sensed temperature and pressure.

The control unit 110 transmits the data input through the first sensing unit 141 to the indoor unit 20 through the communication unit 150. [

The controller 110 determines the state of the refrigerant pipe corresponding to the data received from the second sensing unit 142 through the communication unit 150.

When the leakage detection signal is received from at least one sensor unit 50 of the second sensing unit 142, the control unit 110 determines that the refrigerant is leaking and outputs a warning message or a warning sound through the output unit 160 , And the warning lamp may be turned on. The control unit 110 may stop the operation at the same time as the warning output.

The control unit 110 also transmits a warning message to the indoor unit 20 via the communication unit 150 to display a warning through the indoor unit 20.

At this time, the controller 110 determines the refrigerant leakage position based on the information of the sensor unit that sensed the leakage detection signal.

The control unit 110 controls the operation of the second sensor unit 52 and the third sensor unit 53 in the case where a sensing signal due to refrigerant leakage is received in the second sensor unit 52 and the third sensor unit 53. [ It can be judged that the refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipe between the refrigerant pipes. In addition, it is determined at which point in the piping between the second sensor unit 52 and the third sensor unit 53 according to the magnitude (intensity) of the sensing signal. At this time, the controller 110 can confirm the position of the second sensor unit 52 and the third sensor unit 53 through the sensor information of the sensor unit.

The control unit 110 outputs the refrigerant leakage position through the output unit 160 or transmits the refrigerant leakage position to the indoor unit 20 through the communication unit 150. The control unit 110 may transmit the leakage information to the terminal (not shown) of the administrator through the communication unit 150. [

4 is an exploded view showing the configuration of a sensor unit installed in a refrigerant pipe of an air conditioner according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the sensor unit 50 is configured to be installed in the refrigerant pipe in a manner to surround the refrigerant pipe.

The sensor unit 50 includes a main body 101 in which the sensor module 108 is incorporated and a second main body 102 and is installed in the refrigerant pipe 80. At this time, the first body 101 and the second body 102 are fastened and fixed with bolts (not shown).

The first body and the second body are each formed in a semicircular shape in cross section, and are formed into a circular shape at the time of engagement and contact with the refrigerant pipe.

When the first main body 101 is provided with the sensor module 108 therein and a hole is formed on the inner diameter side of the main body 101 in a direction in contact with the refrigerant pipe and the sensor unit 50 is fixed to the refrigerant pipe 80 And a part of the sensor module 108 is configured to be able to contact the refrigerant pipe 80.

At this time, the inner diameter of the body of the sensor unit 50 is designed to be the same as the outer diameter of the refrigerant pipe 80, and the body is closely attached to the refrigerant pipe 80. Particularly, the first main body 101 is installed in close contact with the refrigerant pipe 80 so that the sensor module 108 contacts the refrigerant pipe 80 through the hole.

The first body 101 is provided with a coupling 107 for transmitting a constant force to the sensor module 108, a spring 106 for applying pressure to the sensor module from the outside, and fixing bolts 105 .

At this time, the spring 106 is fixed to the sensor unit 50, that is, the first main body 101 by the fixing bolt 105, and thereby exerts a constant force on the inner diameter of the main body, that is, the sensor module. The coupling 107 causes the force of this spring to be constantly transmitted to the sensor module 108.

The sensor module 108 receives pressure in the inner diameter direction of the main body by the force of the spring transmitted through the coupling 107 and contacts the refrigerant pipe 80 by the force.

At least two spring fixing portions 103 and 104 are provided in the first main body 101 so that the spring 106 is inserted and fixed. That is, the sensor unit 50 is provided with two sensor modules, and accordingly, at least two couplings, springs, and fixing bolts are provided.

At this time, the first spring fixing portion 103 and the second spring fixing portion 104 are formed so as to protrude outward, and their axes are mutually formed in a range of more than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. Especially at right angles (90 degrees).

Accordingly, the internal sensor module, the first sensor module, and the second sensor module sense signals flowing along the refrigerant pipe in different directions, respectively. Since each sensor module is formed in a 90-degree direction with respect to the refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant pipe senses signals in different directions from the refrigerant pipe.

At this time, the sensor module 108 may be an acoustic emission sensor. When there is a leakage of the refrigerant pipe, a predetermined sound wave caused by sound or vibration generated when the refrigerant leaks from the leakage position is transmitted through the refrigerant pipe 80, and the sound wave radiation detector detects the sound wave.

The sound waves generated due to the leakage of the refrigerant and the like can be transmitted with a predetermined directionality so that the first sensor module and the second sensor module are installed at right angles to each other so that sound waves transmitted in different directions can be detected do.

5 is a perspective view showing a sensor unit installed in a refrigerant pipe of the air conditioner of the sensor unit of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sensor unit 50 is installed in the refrigerant pipe 80.

The first main body 101 and the second main body 102 are attached to the upper and lower sides of the refrigerant pipe 80, respectively, and fastened to each other with bolts, thereby closely contacting the refrigerant pipe.

The sensor unit 50 is installed such that the axes of the spring fixing portions 103 and 104 are perpendicular to each other so that the sensor module 108 provided therein senses a signal due to the sound or vibration of the refrigerant pipe, And transmits the sensing signal to the outdoor unit 10 through the outdoor unit 60.

At this time, the sensor unit 50 may be provided with a separate wireless communication module, and can transmit a sensing signal through wireless communication without a communication line.

As described above, the sensor module 108 is fixed to the inside of the body, that is, the spring fixing portions 103 and 104 by the fixing bolts 105, And is brought into close contact and contact with the refrigerant pipe (80) by the applied force.

Accordingly, the sensor module 108 senses a signal flowing through the refrigerant pipe 80, that is, a signal such as sound or vibration.

Since at least two sensor modules 108 are provided in one sensor unit 50 and are perpendicular to each other with respect to the axis, signals transmitted in different directions with respect to the refrigerant pipe can be sensed.

6 is an exemplary diagram referred to explain a signal flowing along a refrigerant pipe of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipe 80, the corresponding signals can be transmitted in different directions.

6 (a) shows the same vibration acting on all parts of the surface of the refrigerant pipe 80, and is measured in the same manner regardless of the measurement in any direction with respect to the cross section of the refrigerant pipe.

6 (b) to 6 (c), when a predetermined signal due to the refrigerant leakage is transmitted with directionality, a signal may be detected or not detected in accordance with the measuring direction with respect to the cross section of the refrigerant pipe have. Also, the magnitude of the measured signal may be different.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, since a plurality of sensor modules are installed in the sensor unit and the sensor modules are mutually perpendicular to each other, signals transmitted in different directions can be detected, respectively.

That is, as shown in (c) of FIG. 6, signals are sensed for two different axes (based on the cross section of the refrigerant pipe) at a predetermined position of the refrigerant pipe, so that it is easy to detect the abnormality of the refrigerant pipe including the refrigerant leakage .

Particularly, since each sensor module can sense a signal in a different direction with respect to a signal transmitted in a direction, the range of signal detection increases. When an abnormality such as a refrigerant leakage occurs in the refrigerant pipe, the installation distance between the sensor unit and the sensor unit corresponding to the sensing range of the sensor module can be changed depending on the distance to which the signal is transmitted.

Since the sensor unit senses a signal transmitted in a different direction from each of the plurality of sensor modules, the type of the signal that can be sensed at one point increases, so that the interval between the sensor units is wider than one sensor module . That is, even a small number of sensor units can detect the abnormality of the refrigerant pipe.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a configuration of an air conditioner and a sensor unit according to the present invention.

7, when a refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipe 80, a corresponding signal is transmitted along the refrigerant pipe, and the sensor unit 50 installed in the refrigerant pipe 80 senses the signal.

When the refrigerant leaks at the predetermined position P3, the signal can be sensed by the first sensor unit 51 and the second sensor unit 52, respectively.

The magnitude of each signal detected by the first sensor unit 51 and the second sensor unit 52 due to the leakage of the refrigerant is determined by the distance between the leakage point P3 of the refrigerant and the first sensor unit 51, Is proportional to the distance from the second sensor unit (P3) to the second sensor unit (52).

Accordingly, the outdoor unit 10 can locate the refrigerant leakage position between the first sensor unit 51 and the second sensor unit 52 and determine its position according to the magnitude of the sensing signal. In some cases, the fifth sensor unit 55 or the sixth sensor unit 56 is also detectable, but in this case, the installation interval of the sensor is preferably changed.

Accordingly, since the sensor modules installed in the refrigerant pipe are installed at different angles, signals can be sensed in a plurality of directions in the refrigerant pipe, so that a signal due to an abnormality such as refrigerant leakage can be easily Can be detected. In addition, since the signal detection range of the sensor unit increases, it is possible to detect an abnormality with only a small number of sensor units.

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

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: outdoor unit 20, 21 to 26: indoor unit
50, 51 to 56: sensor unit
101: first main body 102: second main body
103, 104: spring fixing portion 105: fixing bolt
106: spring 107: coupler
108: Sensor module
110: control unit 120:
140: sensing unit 141: first sensing unit
142: second sensing unit 150: communication unit

Claims (21)

1. An air conditioner comprising: an outdoor unit; and a plurality of indoor units connected to the outdoor unit,
A plurality of sensor units installed in a refrigerant pipe connected between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit;
A communication unit for receiving a sensing signal from the plurality of sensor units; And
And a controller for determining whether the refrigerant pipe is abnormal in response to a sensing signal received from the plurality of sensor units received through the communication unit,
The sensor unit includes:
A plurality of sensor modules;
A spring that forces each of the plurality of sensor modules to contact the refrigerant pipe;
A coupler provided between the sensor module and the spring for allowing the force of the spring to uniformly act on the sensor module; And
And a fixing bolt for fixing the spring so that the force of the spring acts in the direction of the sensor module,
Wherein the plurality of sensor modules are installed at different positions with respect to the refrigerant pipe, and sense the signals of the refrigerant pipe in different directions. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the plurality of sensor modules are arranged such that the axes of the plurality of sensor modules with respect to the refrigerant pipe are at an angle of more than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the plurality of sensor modules are arranged such that axes of the refrigerant pipes are perpendicular to each other. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the sensor unit comprises at least two sensor modules. The method according to claim 1,
The sensor unit includes:
A first body having the plurality of sensor modules;
And a second body coupled to the first body,
Wherein the first body and the second body are tightly coupled to each other so as to surround the refrigerant pipe, and are closely attached to the refrigerant pipe. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the first body has a hole formed in a surface thereof in contact with the refrigerant pipe,
Wherein at least a part of the sensor module contacts the refrigerant pipe through the hole to sense a signal of the refrigerant pipe. delete 6. The method of claim 5,
The sensor unit includes:
Further comprising a spring fixing portion protruding from the first main body,
Wherein the coupler, the spring, and the fixing bolt are inserted into the spring fixing portion. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the sensor unit has at least two spring fixing portions. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the sensor module is an acoustic emission sensor. The method according to claim 1,
The sensor unit further includes a communication module
And transmits the sensed signal sensed by the sensor module through a wired or wireless communication method through the communication module. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the sensor unit transmits data including a sensing signal through the communication module when a signal due to vibration or sound of the refrigerant pipe is sensed by the sensor module. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the sensor unit is installed at equal intervals in the refrigerant pipe. A first body installed in close contact with a refrigerant pipe;
A second body coupled to the first body;
A sensor module provided inside the first body;
A spring for urging the sensor module to contact the refrigerant pipe;
A coupler provided between the sensor module and the spring for allowing the force of the spring to uniformly act on the sensor module; And
And a fixing bolt for fixing the spring so that the force of the spring acts in the direction of the sensor module,
Wherein at least two sensor modules are provided. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the sensor module is arranged such that axes of the refrigerant pipe are orthogonal to each other between the sensor modules. 15. The method of claim 14,
The sensor unit includes:
Further comprising a spring fixing portion protruding from the first main body,
Wherein the coupler, the spring, and the fixing bolt are inserted into the spring fixing portion. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the sensor unit includes at least two spring fixing portions. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein at least a part of the sensor module is in contact with the refrigerant pipe. 19. The method of claim 18,
Wherein the first body is formed with a hole in a direction in contact with the refrigerant pipe,
And a part of the sensor unit is in contact with the refrigerant pipe through the hole. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the sensor module is an acoustic emission sensor. 15. The method of claim 14,
The sensor unit further includes a communication module
Wherein the sensor module senses the sensed signal and transmits the sensed signal sensed by the sensor module to the main body of the air conditioner through a wired or wireless communication method through the communication module.

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