KR102131616B1 - Apparatus for air conditioner and Method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioning apparatus and a control method of the air conditioning apparatus, wherein the air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is an air purifying filter that filters contaminants contained in incoming indoor air when an air cleaning signal is input. An indoor unit operating in a mode and operating in a temperature control mode to control the indoor temperature by cooling or heating the incoming indoor air with refrigerant gas when a temperature control signal is input; An outdoor unit that compresses and phase-converts refrigerant gas used in the indoor unit and supplies it to the indoor unit again; And after performing a connection detection operation to determine whether the connection between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and outputs the temperature control signal when the connection is detected, and a control unit for outputting the air cleaning signal if the connection is not detected Can.

Description

Air conditioning system and air conditioning system control method {Apparatus for air conditioner and Method for controlling the same}

The present invention relates to an air conditioning apparatus and a control method of the air conditioning apparatus, and more particularly, to an air conditioning apparatus and a control method of the air conditioning apparatus that can be used separately from the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

In general, an air conditioner is a device for supplying air harmonized to have an appropriate temperature and humidity in an indoor space, and can be divided into an integral type in which component parts are provided in one product and a separate type that is divided into indoor units and outdoor units.

The air conditioner can cool the air in the indoor space by performing a refrigeration cycle of compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating the refrigerant gas. In particular, in the case of a separate air conditioner, after compressing and condensing the refrigerant gas in an outdoor unit, the indoor unit By supplying the refrigerant gas to the indoor air can be cooled by expanding and evaporating the refrigerant gas in the indoor unit.

However, in the case of the conventional detachable air conditioner, it is common to use both indoor and outdoor units at fixed locations. Therefore, even if the indoor unit can perform an air cleaning function by including a filter or the like, air cleaning is possible only around a fixed position of the indoor unit.

Patent Publication No. 10-2006-0016003

The present invention is to provide an air conditioner and a control method of the air conditioner that can be used separately from the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

The air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention operates in an air cleaning mode that filters contaminants contained in the incoming indoor air when an air cleaning signal is input, and cools the incoming indoor air when a temperature control signal is input. An indoor unit operating in a temperature control mode that controls indoor temperature by cooling or heating with gas; An outdoor unit for compressing and phase-changing the refrigerant gas according to the temperature control signal and re-supplying it to the indoor unit; And a controller that outputs the temperature control signal to the indoor unit and determines that the connection between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit is disconnected, and outputs the air cleaning signal if the indoor temperature does not change over a predetermined temperature range for a preset time. It may include.

The air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention operates in an air cleaning mode that filters contaminants contained in the incoming indoor air when an air cleaning signal is input, and cools the incoming indoor air when a temperature control signal is input. An indoor unit operating in a temperature control mode that controls indoor temperature by cooling or heating with gas; An outdoor unit for compressing and phase-changing the refrigerant gas according to the temperature control signal and re-supplying it to the indoor unit; And after performing a connection detection operation to determine whether the connection between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and outputs the cooling signal when the connection is detected, the control unit for outputting the air cleaning signal if the connection is not detected may be included have.

Here, the air conditioner is a pipe connecting the indoor unit and the outdoor unit to transmit the refrigerant gas; And a detachment sensor that outputs a separation signal to the control unit when the piping unit is detached from the indoor unit or the outdoor unit.

Here, the control unit may output the air cleaning signal when the separation signal is input.

Here, the desorption sensor includes a projection provided on the piping portion to form a contact with the indoor unit; And a micro switch that outputs the separation signal when pressure is applied to the input unit by the protrusion when the pipe unit and the indoor unit are coupled, and when the pressure applied to the input unit is released.

Here, the desorption sensor includes a magnet provided on the piping portion to form a contact with the indoor unit; And a reed switch outputting the separation signal while the switch is closed by the magnetic field of the magnet when the piping unit and the indoor unit are coupled, and the switch is opened when the magnetic field is released.

Here, if the current or voltage of a predetermined size is not applied to the separation terminal included in the power supply terminal of the outdoor unit, the control unit may output the air cleaning signal.

Here, if the compression of the refrigerant gas is not sensed within a preset time, the control unit may output the air cleaning signal.

Here, the control unit may detect whether or not refrigerant gas is compressed in the outdoor unit by using the amount of electric power and current used in the outdoor unit.

Here, the indoor unit, a filter unit for filtering contaminants contained in the incoming indoor air; An indoor heat exchange unit that cools the indoor air using an endothermic action according to thermal expansion of the refrigerant gas or heats the indoor air using an exothermic action of liquefied refrigerant gas; And an indoor fan that forms an air flow to introduce the indoor air into the indoor unit.

Here, the outdoor unit, a compression unit for compressing the refrigerant gas expanded in the indoor unit; An outdoor heat exchange unit that heat-exchanges the compressed refrigerant gas with outdoor air, and liquefies the refrigerant gas or thermally expands the refrigerant gas; And an outdoor fan that forms an air flow and supplies the outdoor air to the outdoor unit.

A control method of an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention provides an indoor unit operating in an air cleaning mode or a temperature control mode according to an input control signal, and providing refrigerant gas to the indoor unit when the indoor unit operates in a cooling mode. It relates to a control method of an air conditioning apparatus including an outdoor unit, and performs a connection detection operation to detect a connection between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, outputs a temperature control signal when the connection is detected, and air if the connection is not detected. A connection determination step of outputting a clean signal; When the temperature control signal is output, the indoor unit cools or heats the incoming air using the refrigerant gas, and the outdoor unit operates in a temperature control mode that compresses and phase changes the refrigerant gas again and supplies it to the indoor unit. Temperature control operation step; And when the air cleaning signal is output, it may include an air cleaning step of operating in an air cleaning mode to filter the pollutants contained in the indoor air flowing into the indoor unit using a filter unit and stop the operation of the outdoor unit.

Here, the connection determining step includes: outputting a temperature control signal to the indoor unit; Measuring a temperature change of the room temperature for a predetermined time; And if the indoor temperature does not change over a preset temperature range, outputting the air cleaning signal.

Here, the step of determining the connection comprises: a detachment sensor connecting between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit to detect desorption of a pipe unit transmitting the refrigerant gas, and outputting a separation signal; And when the separation signal is detected, outputting the air cleaning signal.

Herein, the connection determining step includes: sensing an electric signal applied to the separation discriminating terminal included in the power supply terminal of the outdoor unit; And if the magnitude of the electrical signal is equal to or smaller than a preset electrical signal, outputting the air cleaning signal.

Here, the connection determining step includes: measuring a size of the amount of power used in the outdoor unit; And if the size of the amount of power used in the outdoor unit is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of power, outputting the air cleaning signal.

In addition, the solution means of the above-mentioned subject does not list all the characteristics of this invention. Various features of the present invention and advantages and effects thereof may be understood in more detail with reference to specific embodiments below.

According to the air conditioning apparatus and the control method of the air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to control the indoor temperature by connecting the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the air conditioning unit, and separate the indoor unit and use it as a separate air purifier It is possible to do. Therefore, it is possible to increase the utilization of the air conditioner, which was mainly used for indoor cooling in the summer, and use it as an air purifier throughout the four seasons.

In addition, according to the air conditioning apparatus and the control method of the air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, after being separated from the outdoor unit, there is no restriction on the location of the indoor unit, so that the indoor unit can be freely moved and utilized as an air purifier. Can.

In addition, according to the air conditioning apparatus and the control method of the air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are separated, the indoor unit automatically operates as an air cleaner. That is, since the user does not need to set separately to use the indoor unit as an air purifier, it is possible to increase user convenience.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a schematic diagram showing an air cleaning mode and a cooling mode of an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the present invention. However, in the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings for parts having similar functions and functions.

In addition, in the entire specification, when a part is said to be'connected' to another part, it is not only'directly connected', but also'indirectly connected' with other elements in between. Includes. In addition, "including" a component means that other components may be further included instead of excluding other components, unless otherwise stated.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an indoor unit 10, an outdoor unit 20, a control unit 30, and a piping unit 40.

Hereinafter, an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

A conventional air conditioner (especially, an air conditioner, etc.) is configured to connect an indoor unit that cools indoor air using refrigerant gas and an outdoor unit that compresses and condenses the refrigerant gas through a piping unit. In the case of the conventional air conditioner, it is not intended to separately use the indoor unit and the outdoor unit separately. Therefore, even when the indoor unit includes a configuration such as a filter unit and an indoor fan, only the indoor unit is separated and air is separated. It was not possible to use it as a purifier.

However, according to the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to utilize the indoor unit as a separate air purifier, and in particular, it is possible to separately move only the indoor unit. Therefore, the utilization of the indoor unit as an air purifier can be further improved.

In addition, the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention compresses and condenses refrigerant gas in an outdoor unit and then cools the indoor air using forward circulation that expands in the indoor unit, or expands and compresses the refrigerant gas in an outdoor unit. The indoor air can be heated by using a reverse circulation condensing in the indoor unit. That is, the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to control the indoor temperature by performing at least one of cooling and heating for the indoor air by using the circulation of the refrigerant gas.

Specifically, the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a filter unit 11, an indoor heat exchange unit 12 and an indoor fan 13, and additionally a temperature sensor 14 , 14'), a humidity sensor 15 and a dust sensor 16.

The filter unit 11 may filter contaminants contained in the indoor air flowing into the indoor unit 10. Here, the filter unit 11 may include a plurality of filters, and may include a prefilter, a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air filter), a deodorizing filter, and various functional filters. The pre-treatment filter can remove relatively large dust, hair, and pet hair, and the functional filter can remove antibacterial, pollen, tick, bacteria, and bacteria. In addition, the HEPA filter can remove various types of bacteria, such as fine dust and mold, and the deodorizing filter can function to remove various odors and harmful gases in the room. In addition to the pretreatment filter, the functional filter, the HEPA filter and the deodorizing filter, any filter that is generally used in an air purifier can include any filter in the filter unit 11 to perform an air cleaning function.

The indoor heat exchange unit 12 may cool the introduced indoor air by using an endothermic action according to thermal expansion of the refrigerant gas, or heat the indoor air by using the exothermic action of the liquefied refrigerant gas.

When cooling the indoor air using the indoor heat exchange unit 12, after the refrigerant gas is compressed in the compression unit 21 of the outdoor unit 20 and liquefied in the outdoor heat exchange unit 22, the indoor heat exchange unit (12). Thereafter, the refrigerant gas may be vaporized and expanded in the indoor heat exchange unit 12 to absorb heat contained in the indoor air introduced into the indoor unit 10. That is, the introduced indoor air may be taken away from the indoor heat exchange unit 12 and cooled. At this time, when the temperature of the introduced indoor air decreases, a dew point may be reached, and in this case, the moisture contained in the indoor air may be liquefied to lower the humidity of the indoor air. Therefore, the heat exchange part 12 may perform not only the cooling operation of the indoor air, but also a dehumidifying operation for removing water vapor contained in the indoor air.

On the other hand, when the indoor air is heated using the indoor heat exchange unit 12, the refrigerant gas in the liquefied state in the outdoor heat exchange unit 22 of the outdoor unit 20 may vaporize and expand, and the vaporized The refrigerant gas may be compressed by the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas in the compression unit (21). Thereafter, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas may be transferred to the indoor heat exchange unit 12 to supply heat to the inflowing indoor air and be liquefied. That is, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas may be generated in the indoor heat exchange unit 12 to take heat away from the indoor air, liquefy and condense. Thereafter, the liquefied refrigerant gas is transmitted to the outdoor heat exchange unit 22 of the outdoor unit 20 again, and may be vaporized and expanded in the outdoor heat exchange unit 22.

The indoor fan 13 can be rotated by a motor provided inside the indoor unit 10, and the flow of air flowing into the filter unit 11 by the rotation and discharged to the outside through the indoor heat exchange unit 12 Can form. That is, indoor air outside the indoor unit 10 may be introduced into the indoor unit 10 by the air flow formed by the rotation of the indoor fan 13. Thereafter, the indoor air introduced into the indoor unit 10 may be filtered by the filter unit 11, and may be cooled or heated by the indoor heat exchange unit 12.

Additionally, the indoor unit 10 may measure temperature, humidity, and pollution of the indoor air using sensors included therein. That is, the temperature of the indoor air can be measured using the temperature sensor 14, and the humidity of the indoor air can be measured using the humidity sensor 15. In addition, the degree of contamination of the indoor air can be measured using the dust sensor (16). Here, the operation control of the indoor unit 10 may be changed according to the measured values of the temperature sensor 14, the humidity sensor 15, and the dust sensor 16. Specifically, the temperature of the indoor air cooled by the heat exchanger 12 is adjusted based on the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 14 or the heat exchange is performed based on the humidity value measured by the humidity sensor 15. The degree of dehumidifying operation in the part 12 can be adjusted. In addition, it is also possible to adjust the degree of performance of the air cleaning function by the filter unit 11 based on the degree of contamination measured by the dust sensor 16. Here, the cooling speed, the dehumidification degree and the performance degree of the air cleaning function, etc. are controlled by adjusting the rotation speed and operation time of the indoor fan 13, the operation time and operation cycle of the heat exchanger 12, and the like. Can be controlled. Here, the operation control of the indoor unit 10 according to the measured values of the sensors may be performed by the control unit 30. In addition, the indoor heat exchange unit 12 may also be provided with a temperature sensor 14', and it is also possible to measure the temperature of the heat exchange unit 12 using the temperature sensor 14'.

Since the indoor unit 10 includes a filter unit 11 and an indoor heat exchange unit 12, it is possible to perform an air cleaning operation and a temperature control operation as previously described. Here, the indoor unit 10 may perform only one of the air cleaning operation and the temperature control operation, and it is also possible to perform the temperature control operation together with the air cleaning operation. In particular, when the indoor unit 10 is separated from the outdoor unit 20, the temperature control operation or the dehumidification operation cannot be performed, and only the air cleaning operation can be performed.

The operation of the indoor unit 10 may vary depending on the control signal of the control unit 30, and the indoor unit 10 performs an air cleaning operation when the control unit 30 inputs an air cleaning signal Ctr_clean, and the temperature When the control signal Ctr_cool is input, a temperature control operation may be performed. In particular, when the separation of the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 is detected by the control unit 30, the indoor air cleaner 10 may be operated as an air cleaner by outputting the air cleaning signal Ctr_clean.

2 shows a specific embodiment of the air conditioning apparatus, and as shown in FIG. 2(a), the indoor unit 10 may be used separately from the outdoor unit 20. That is, the indoor unit 10 is separated from the outdoor unit 20 and cannot perform a temperature control operation or a dehumidification operation, but uses the filter unit 11 and the indoor fan 13 included in the interior unit 10. It can be used as an air purifier. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2(a), since the indoor unit 10 can be freely moved and used, convenience in use can be improved. For example, when there are a plurality of rooms in the room, it is possible to move the indoor unit 10 to utilize the air cleaning function of the indoor unit 10 in each room.

FIG. 2(b) shows the state in which the indoor unit 10 is connected to the outdoor unit 20. In this case, the indoor unit 10 receives a refrigerant gas from the outdoor unit 20 at a fixed position, thereby controlling the temperature. You can do That is, it can be utilized as a conventional general air conditioner or a warm air fan. However, since FIG. 2(b) shows an embodiment, it is also possible to use the indoor unit 10 while moving the indoor unit 10 only when the piping unit 40 is connected. In some cases, it is also possible to move the position of the outdoor unit 20.

The outdoor unit 20 may compress and phase change the refrigerant gas according to the temperature control signal Ctr_cool to perform the cooling operation or the heating operation in the indoor unit 10. That is, during the cooling operation, the refrigerant gas that has been evaporated and expanded in the indoor unit 10 may be compressed and condensed again to be supplied back to the indoor unit 10, and during the heating operation, the refrigerant gas expanded in the outdoor unit 20 By compressing again, a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas may be supplied to the indoor unit 10. Specifically, the outdoor unit 20 may include a compression unit 21, an outdoor heat exchange unit 22 and an outdoor fan 23.

The compression unit 21 may compress the expanded refrigerant gas using a pump driven by electric energy. When the expanded refrigerant gas is compressed, high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas may be generated. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas generated in the compression unit 21 may then be supplied to the outdoor heat exchange unit 22 or the indoor heat exchange unit 12.

The outdoor heat exchange unit (22) exchanges the compressed refrigerant gas with outdoor air flowing in to liquefy the refrigerant gas, or heats the liquefied refrigerant gas supplied by the indoor unit (10) with outdoor air to vaporize the refrigerant gas. And expandable.

Here, the outdoor fan 23 is to supply the outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchange unit 22, the outdoor heat exchange unit 22 is forced to heat exchange by the air flow formed by the rotation of the outdoor fan 23 can do. Thereafter, the refrigerant gas compressed and phase-changed in the outdoor unit 20 may be supplied to the indoor unit 10 along the pipe portion 40.

The outdoor unit 20 is configured for compression and phase change of the refrigerant gas, and when the indoor unit 10 is separated and operated as an air cleaner, the outdoor unit 20 may not be used.

As described above, the indoor unit 10 may be separated from the outdoor unit 20 and operate as a separate air cleaner. Accordingly, the control unit 30 may perform a connection detection operation to determine whether or not the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are connected, and may be controlled differently according to the connection detection result. That is, when it is determined that the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are separated, since the indoor unit 10 operates as an air cleaner, the air cleaner signal Ctr_clean is output to control the indoor unit 10 with an air cleaner. can do.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are combined, the indoor unit 10 may perform a temperature control function and a dehumidification function. Therefore, the control unit 30 may output a temperature control signal Ctr_cool to adjust the indoor temperature of the indoor air or the humidity of the indoor air. Additionally, when the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are connected, it is possible to stop the operation of the outdoor unit 20 and drive the indoor unit 10 to operate in an air cleaning mode. Accordingly, even when the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are combined, the control unit 30 may output the air cleaning signal Ctr_clean according to a user's input or setting state.

Here, the control unit 40 may perform a connection detection operation in various ways to determine whether the connection between the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 is performed. Hereinafter, the connection detection operation of the various methods will be described.

First, when the separation signal Sig_div is output from the detachable sensor 50 and input to the control unit 30, it is determined that the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are separated and outputs the air cleaning signal Ctr_clean. can do. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the desorption sensor 50 may determine whether the piping unit 40 is detached from the indoor unit 10, and the desorption sensor 50 is a micro switch, It may include a reed switch (reed switch), a hall sensor (hall sensor), or a pressure sensor.

For example, in the case where the detachable sensor 50 is implemented using the micro sensor, a micro sensor is provided in the indoor unit 10, and an end portion of a piping unit 40 connected to the indoor unit 10 is provided. Protrusions can be provided. The protrusion forms a contact point with the indoor unit 10. When the indoor unit 10 and the piping unit 40 are connected, the protrusion may apply pressure to the input of the micro sensor. That is, the protrusion can be implemented to be inserted into the input portion of the micro sensor. In this case, the micro-sensor can detect the insertion of the protrusion and generate an electrical signal corresponding to this. Then, when the piping part 40 and the indoor unit 10 are separated, the protrusion no longer applies pressure to the input of the micro sensor, and in this case, the generation of the electrical signal may be interrupted or deformed. have. Therefore, the micro-sensor can detect that the pressure application due to the projection of the piping portion 40 is released, and output the separation signal Sig_div correspondingly.

In a similar way, a reed switch can be used as the detachable sensor 50. That is, the indoor unit 10 may be provided with the reed switch, and a magnet may be provided at an end of the pipe portion 40. Thereafter, when the pipe 40 and the indoor unit 10 are connected, a contact of the reed switch may be closed by a magnetic field of a magnet provided at an end of the pipe 40, and an electrical signal corresponding thereto may be generated. Can be generated. Here, when the pipe portion 40 is separated from the indoor unit 10, the magnet provided at the end of the pipe portion 40 is moved away, and the contact of the reed switch can no longer be kept closed and open. The generation of the electrical signal may be interrupted or modified. Accordingly, the reed switch can detect disconnection of the piping unit 40 and the indoor unit 10 from the opening of the contact point, and may output the separation signal Sig_div correspondingly.

When using the pressure sensor, it may be determined whether the connection between the piping unit 40 and the indoor unit 10 is based on whether or not pressure from the end of the piping unit 40 is applied to the pressure sensor. In addition, when using the hall sensor, the change in the strength of the magnetic field by the magnet located at the end of the pipe portion 40 is detected through the hall sensor, and the connection between the pipe portion 40 and the indoor unit 10 It can be determined whether or not.

Here, the micro sensor, the reed switch, the pressure sensor and the hall sensor are exemplified in the case where they are located in the indoor unit 10, however, it is also possible to be located in the pipe portion. In addition, the connection between the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 is determined through whether or not the outdoor unit 20 and the pipe unit 40 are connected, rather than the connection between the indoor unit 10 and the pipe unit 40. It is also possible.

Here, the indoor unit 10 and the piping portion 40 may be connected in a one-touch nipple structure. That is, when connecting the piping unit 40 and the indoor unit 10, there is no need to perform an operation such as tightening or loosening, so that the indoor unit 10 and the piping unit 40 can be easily connected or disconnected without a separate tool. have. The one-touch nipple structure may also be utilized between the outdoor unit 10 and the pipe portion 40.

In addition, the control unit 30 may output a temperature control signal (Ctr_cool) to the indoor unit 10 to determine whether or not the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are connected. That is, when the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are connected, refrigerant gas compressed and phase-changed in the outdoor unit 20 may be supplied to the indoor unit 10 according to the temperature control signal Ctr_cool. Therefore, the indoor unit 10 may cool or heat the incoming indoor air, and the indoor temperature may change. On the other hand, if the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are separated, the refrigerant gas of the outdoor unit 20 does not flow into the indoor unit 10 despite the temperature control signal Ctr_cool. That is, indoor air cooling or heating in the indoor unit 10 is not performed. Accordingly, the control unit 30 outputs the temperature control signal Ctr_cool to cool or heat the indoor air, and then detects the change in the indoor temperature (Sig_temp) of the temperature sensor 14 in the indoor unit. It is possible to determine whether the combination of the (10) and the outdoor unit (20). Here, after outputting the temperature control signal (Ctr_cool) to the indoor unit, if the indoor temperature (Sig_temp) does not change over the preset temperature range for a predetermined time, it is determined that the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are separated. can do. Thereafter, the control unit 30 may output the air cleaning signal Ctr_clean and use the indoor unit 10 as an air cleaner. Here, the temperature sensor 14 may measure the temperature of the indoor heat exchange part 12 to be the indoor temperature (Sig_tem). That is, it is possible to determine whether the temperature control operation is performed by determining whether the temperature of the indoor heat exchange unit 12 changes.

In addition, the control unit 30 detects the amount of current or voltage applied to the separation terminal included in the power supply terminal of the outdoor unit 20, and determines whether the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are connected. Can discriminate. Specifically, since the outdoor fan 23, the compression unit 21, etc. of the outdoor unit 20 may operate only when receiving power from the outside, the outdoor unit 20 receives external power through a power connection cord. Can. That is, after connecting the power connection cord to the power supply terminal of the outdoor unit 20, the commercial power can be supplied to the outdoor unit 20 by connecting the power connection cord to an outlet. Here, the power supply terminal may further include a separation terminal, and when the power connection cord is connected to the commercial AC power, a current or voltage having a predetermined size may be applied to the separation terminal. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the outdoor unit 20 is supplied with power by detecting whether a current or voltage of the predetermined size is applied to the terminal for separation. If the power is not connected to the outdoor unit 20, since the outdoor unit 20 cannot operate, the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 may be considered to be separated. Accordingly, the outdoor unit 20 may inform the control unit 30 that a current or voltage having a predetermined size is not applied to the separation terminal, and the control unit 30 outputs the air cleaning signal Ctr_clean. can do.

Additionally, if the compression of the refrigerant gas is not detected within a preset time, the control unit 30 may determine that the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are separated. As described above, in order to cool or heat the indoor air flowing from the indoor heat exchange part 12 of the indoor unit 10, the refrigerant gas needs to be compressed and phase-changed. That is, the compression unit 21 and the outdoor heat exchange unit 22 of the outdoor unit 20 that compresses and phase-changes the refrigerant gas must operate, so that the indoor unit 10 can cool or heat the indoor air. Accordingly, the control unit 30 may detect whether the compression unit 21 compresses the refrigerant gas, and determine whether the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are connected. Specifically, since the restart time of the compression unit 21 is usually about 3 minutes, if the compression unit 21 does not operate within 5 minutes after cooling the indoor unit 10, the indoor unit 10 is separated. It can be regarded as being done. Here, the control unit 30 determines whether the refrigerant gas is compressed in the compression unit 21 through a change in the current value applied to the compression unit 21 or the amount of power consumed by the outdoor unit 20. You may.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 3, the control method of the air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a connection determining step (S10), a temperature control operation step (S20) and an air cleaning step (S30).

Hereinafter, a control method of an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

In the connection determination step (S10 ), a connection detection operation for detecting a connection between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit may be performed to determine whether the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected. Here, when the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected, since the compressed and phase-changed refrigerant gas can be supplied from the outdoor unit, cooling or heating operation for the indoor air can be performed. On the other hand, when the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are separated, since the refrigerant gas cannot be supplied from the outdoor unit, the indoor air cooling or heating operation cannot be performed, and an air cleaning function using a filter provided in the indoor unit is performed. Can. Therefore, if it is determined that the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are separated in the connection determining step (S10), the indoor unit may be operated in the air cleaning mode by outputting an air cleaning signal. On the other hand, when it is determined that the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected, a temperature control signal may be output to allow the indoor unit to operate in a temperature control mode. However, when the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected, it is also possible to perform only the air cleaning function without cooling or heating the indoor air, so it is possible to output the air cleaning signal and operate in the air cleaning mode.

Here, in the connection determining step (S10), after first outputting a temperature control signal to the indoor unit, if the indoor air does not change over a preset temperature range, the indoor unit and the outdoor unit may be considered to be separated. When the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected, the indoor air is cooled or heated to change the indoor temperature according to the temperature control signal. However, when the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are separated, despite the temperature control signal, the indoor unit cannot cool or heat the indoor air, so there may be no change in the indoor temperature. Therefore, after outputting the temperature control signal, it is possible to determine whether the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected in a manner that detects a change in the indoor temperature. Here, if there is no change in the indoor temperature after the temperature control signal is output, the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are separated, and thus the air cleaning signal can be output.

In addition, in the connection determination step (S10), the connection between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit can be determined by detecting whether or not the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected to the indoor unit and the outdoor unit using a detachment sensor to detect the detachment of the piping unit transmitting the refrigerant gas. have. That is, when the detachment sensor detects detachment of the pipe portion, a separation signal may be output, and when the separation signal is detected, the indoor unit and the outdoor unit may be determined to be separated and the air cleaning signal may be output. Here, the detachable sensor may be implemented using a micro sensor, a reed switch, a hall sensor, a pressure sensor, and the like. The content of determining whether to separate the indoor unit from the outdoor unit using the detachable sensor has been described above, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

In addition, the connection determining step (S10), after detecting the electrical signal applied to the separation terminal included in the power supply terminal of the outdoor unit, if the size of the electrical signal is less than the preset electrical signal size, the An air cleaning signal can be output. That is, since the power must be supplied from an external power source to operate the outdoor unit, if the power is not supplied to the outdoor unit, it can be determined that the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are separated. Specifically, when electric power of an external power is applied to the power supply terminal of the outdoor unit, a preset electrical signal may be applied to the separation terminal included in the power supply terminal. Accordingly, it is possible to determine whether the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected by using whether or not the electric signal is applied, and if it is determined that the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are separated, the air cleaning signal may be output.

Additionally, the connection determining step (S10) may determine whether the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected by measuring the amount of power used in the outdoor unit. That is, when the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are connected, the amount of power used by the operation of the outdoor fan and the compressor of the outdoor unit may be large, but when the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are separated, there is no use of the outdoor unit, so the amount of power used in the outdoor unit There may be little. Therefore, when the size of the amount of power used in the outdoor unit is equal to or less than the predetermined amount of power, the indoor unit and the outdoor unit may be determined to be separated, and an air cleaning signal may be output.

When the temperature control signal is output, the temperature control operation step S20 may be performed. That is, the indoor unit may operate in a temperature control mode that cools or heats the indoor air introduced using the refrigerant gas, and the outdoor unit compresses and phase changes the refrigerant gas again and supplies it to the indoor unit. On the other hand, when the air cleaning signal is output, the air cleaning step (S30) may be performed, and the pollutants contained in the indoor air flowing into the indoor unit are filtered using a filter unit, and the operation of the outdoor unit is stopped to enter the air cleaning mode. It can work. Since the temperature control mode and the air cleaning mode have been described above, a detailed description is omitted here.

The present invention is not limited by the above-described embodiments and the accompanying drawings. For those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, it will be apparent that components according to the present invention can be substituted, modified and changed without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention.

10: indoor unit 11: filter unit
12: indoor heat exchange unit 13: indoor fan
14, 14' temperature sensor 15: humidity sensor
16: Dust sensor 20: Outdoor unit
21: compression unit 22: outdoor heat exchange unit
23: outdoor fan 30: control
40: piping 50: desorption sensor
S10: Connection determination step S20: Temperature control operation step
S30: air cleaning step

Claims (16)

delete When the air cleaning signal is input, it operates in an air cleaning mode that filters contaminants contained in the incoming indoor air, and when a temperature control signal is input, it controls the room temperature by cooling or heating the incoming indoor air with refrigerant gas. An indoor unit operating in a mode;
An outdoor unit for compressing and phase-changing the refrigerant gas according to the temperature control signal and re-supplying it to the indoor unit;
After performing a connection detecting operation to determine whether the connection between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit is performed, if the connection is not detected, the operation of the outdoor unit is stopped and the air cleaning signal is output to the indoor unit, so that the indoor unit is in the air cleaning mode only. A control unit that controls to operate;
A piping unit connecting the indoor unit and the outdoor unit to transmit the refrigerant gas; And
When the piping portion is detached from the indoor unit or the outdoor unit, the air conditioning apparatus including a detachable sensor for outputting a separation signal to the control unit.
delete The method of claim 2, wherein the control unit
An air conditioning device that outputs the air cleaning signal when the separation signal is input.
The method of claim 4, wherein the desorption sensor
Protrusions provided in the piping portion to form a contact with the indoor unit; And
An air conditioner including a micro switch that outputs the separation signal when pressure is applied to an input unit by the protrusion when the pipe unit and the indoor unit are coupled, and when the pressure applied to the input unit is released.
The method of claim 4, wherein the desorption sensor
A magnet provided on the piping portion to form a contact with the indoor unit; And
An air conditioner including a reed switch outputting the separation signal while the switch is closed by the magnetic field of the magnet when the piping unit and the indoor unit are coupled, and the switch is opened when the magnetic field is released.
The method of claim 2, wherein the control unit
An air conditioning device that outputs the air cleaning signal when a current or voltage having a predetermined size is not applied to the separation terminal included in the power supply terminal of the outdoor unit.
The method of claim 2, wherein the control unit
An air conditioning device that outputs the air cleaning signal when compression of the refrigerant gas is not detected within a preset time.
The method of claim 8, wherein the control unit
An air conditioner that detects whether or not refrigerant gas is compressed in the outdoor unit by using the amount of electric power and current used in the outdoor unit.
According to claim 2, The indoor unit
A filter unit for filtering contaminants contained in the incoming indoor air;
An indoor heat exchange unit that cools the indoor air using an endothermic action according to thermal expansion of the refrigerant gas or heats the indoor air using an exothermic action of liquefied refrigerant gas; And
An air conditioning apparatus including an indoor fan that forms an air flow and introduces the indoor air into the indoor unit.
The outdoor machine according to claim 2, wherein
A compression unit compressing the refrigerant gas expanded in the indoor unit;
An outdoor heat exchange unit that exchanges the compressed refrigerant gas with outdoor air flowing in to liquefy the refrigerant gas or thermally expands the refrigerant gas; And
An air conditioning apparatus comprising an outdoor fan that forms an air flow and supplies the outdoor air to the outdoor unit.
In the control method of the air conditioning apparatus including an indoor unit operating in an air cleaning mode or a temperature control mode according to the input control signal and an outdoor unit providing refrigerant gas to the indoor unit when the indoor unit operates in a temperature control mode,
A connection discrimination step of performing a connection detection operation to detect a connection between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, outputting a temperature control signal to the indoor unit when the connection is detected, and outputting an air cleaning signal to the indoor unit if the connection is not detected ;
When the temperature control signal is output, the indoor unit cools or heats the incoming air using the refrigerant gas, and the outdoor unit operates in a temperature control mode that compresses and phase changes the refrigerant gas again and supplies it to the indoor unit. Temperature control operation step; And
When the air cleaning signal is output, an air cleaning step of operating only in an air cleaning mode in which the operation of the outdoor unit is stopped and the pollutants contained in the indoor air flowing into the indoor unit are filtered using a filter unit and the operation of the outdoor unit is stopped. It includes,
The connection determination step
A desorption sensor connecting between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit to detect desorption of a pipe portion transmitting the refrigerant gas, and outputting a separation signal; And
And when the separation signal is detected, outputting the air cleaning signal.
delete delete The method of claim 12, wherein the step of determining the connection
Sensing an electrical signal applied to the separation terminal included in the power supply terminal of the outdoor unit; And
And if the magnitude of the electric signal is equal to or less than a preset electric signal size, outputting the air cleaning signal.
The method of claim 12, wherein the step of determining the connection
Measuring the amount of power used in the outdoor unit; And
And if the size of the amount of power used in the outdoor unit is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of power, outputting the air cleaning signal.

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