KR102346626B1 - Artificial intelligence air conditioner and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an artificial intelligence air conditioner and a control method therefor. In the air conditioner according to the spirit of the present invention, a compressor forming a refrigerant cycle, an input unit for inputting a set temperature input by a user, a memory unit for storing an emotional level according to the user, and a room temperature are the emotional level to the input set temperature. a control unit for driving the compressor to reach a sensitivity set temperature plus The unit is provided in a unit smaller than the unit of the input set temperature.

Description

Artificial intelligence air conditioner and its control method

The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a method for controlling the same.

An air conditioner is a device for maintaining the air in a predetermined space in the most suitable state according to the use and purpose. In general, the air conditioner includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator, and a refrigerant cycle that performs compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation of the refrigerant is driven to cool or heat the predetermined space. .

In this case, the predetermined space may be variously proposed according to a place where the air conditioner is used. For example, when the air conditioner is disposed in a home or office, the predetermined space may be an indoor space of a house or a building. Also, when the air conditioner is disposed in a vehicle, the predetermined space may be a boarding space in which a person boards.

The air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger functioning as the condenser or the evaporator. The indoor heat exchanger is installed in an indoor unit disposed in the predetermined space, and the outdoor heat exchanger is installed in an outdoor unit disposed outside the predetermined space.

The air conditioner is operated to cool or heat the predetermined space up to a set temperature input by the user. Accordingly, the air conditioner may adjust the air in the predetermined space to a temperature required by the user.

However, there are cases in which the user feels uncomfortable even though the air in the predetermined space is adjusted to the input set temperature. This is because the temperature felt by each user is different, and there is a problem that such a difference cannot be distinguished by the set temperature, which is a single numerical value.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that is driven at a set emotional temperature by adding a sensitivity level according to a user to an input set temperature, and a method for controlling the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that is driven in a more subdivided unit than a basic unit of a set temperature, and a method for controlling the same.

In the air conditioner according to the spirit of the present invention, a compressor forming a refrigerant cycle, an input unit for inputting a set temperature input by a user, a memory unit for storing an emotional level according to the user, and a room temperature are the emotional level to the input set temperature. a control unit for driving the compressor to reach a sensitivity set temperature plus The unit is provided in a unit smaller than the unit of the input set temperature.

The sensitivity level may be provided in a plurality of steps having different temperature increase and decrease values.

The absolute value of the temperature increase/decrease value may be provided as a value smaller than the unit of the input set temperature.

The sensitivity level may include at least one step having a (+) temperature increase/decrease value, a step having a temperature increase/decrease value of 0, and at least one step having a (-) temperature increase/decrease value.

The unit of the input set temperature may be 1 degree, and the unit of the sensitivity level may be 0.2 degrees.

In the sensitivity level, 4 stages with a temperature increase/decrease value of +0.8, 3 stages with a temperature increase/decrease value of +0.6, a stage 2 with a temperature increase/decrease value of +0.4, a stage 1 with a temperature increase/decrease value of +0.2, 0 0 step with a temperature ramp value of , -1 step with a temperature ramp value of -0.2, -2 step with a temperature ramp value of -0.4, -3 step with a temperature ramp value of -0.6, and a temperature ramp value of -0.8 A -4 step with a numerical value may be included.

The emotional level may be set differently according to the changed value when the input set temperature is changed after the indoor temperature reaches the emotional set temperature.

In addition, in the control method of the air conditioner according to the spirit of the present invention, the input set temperature is input from the input unit, the emotional set temperature is calculated by adding the sensitivity level stored in the memory unit to the input set temperature, and the indoor temperature is the sensitivity It drives to reach a set temperature, and when the input set temperature is changed after the indoor temperature reaches the emotional set temperature, the emotional level is stored again by reflecting the changed value in the memory unit.

The emotional level is provided as a temperature increase/decrease value having a predetermined unit, and when the input set temperature increases after the indoor temperature reaches the emotional set temperature, the emotional level is reset to have a larger value, and the indoor temperature is When the input set temperature is lowered after reaching the emotional set temperature, the emotional level may be reset to have a smaller value.

The input set temperature may be provided as a temperature value having a predetermined unit, and the unit of the sensitivity level may be provided in a unit smaller than the unit of the input set temperature.

In the initial state, the emotional level may be set to 0.

The emotional level may be changed only when the input preset temperature is changed after the indoor temperature reaches the emotional preset temperature.

The memory unit may store different emotional levels according to users.

In the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention, the following effects can be expected.

There is an advantage in that it is driven by the emotional set temperature input by the user and the emotional set temperature that is stored differently depending on the user to give more comfort to the user.

In addition, the unit of the sensitivity level is provided less than the unit of the input set temperature, and there is an advantage in that it is driven with a more subdivided emotional set temperature.

In addition, since the emotional level is continuously reset according to a user's input, there is an advantage that it can be set more accurately.

In addition, as the user's tendency is identified in advance and driven, additional driving is reduced, thereby enabling efficient driving.

In addition, since it is driven at a temperature customized according to the user, there is an advantage in that it can give the user a sense of trust and comfort.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II′ of FIG. 1 .
3 is a diagram illustrating a control configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a view showing a sensitivity set temperature of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart for setting a sensitivity level of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the presented embodiments, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention will be able to easily suggest other embodiments within the scope of the same spirit.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II′ of FIG. 1 .

1 and 2 , the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an indoor unit 10 installed in an indoor space. In addition, the air conditioner includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and the like, and an outdoor unit installed in an outdoor space. 1 and 2, only the indoor unit 10 provided in the indoor space is illustrated for convenience of explanation.

The indoor unit 10 has a case 11 that forms an exterior and has an indoor heat exchanger 40 and a blower fan 30 disposed therein, and is coupled to the front of the case 11 to provide a front surface of the indoor unit 10 . A front panel 20 defining the exterior is included.

The case 11 may be an indoor unit case disposed indoors in the case of a separate type air conditioner, and may be a case of the air conditioner itself in the case of an integrated air conditioner. And, in a broad sense, the front panel 20 may be understood as one configuration of the case 11 .

The case 11 includes an inlet 12 through which the indoor air is introduced and a discharge port 15 through which the air introduced through the inlet 12 is heat-exchanged and then discharged into the indoor space.

The suction port 12 is formed by opening at least a part of the upper portion of the case 11 . In addition, a suction grill 13 for preventing the inflow of foreign substances may be formed in the suction port 12 .

The discharge port 15 may be formed by opening at least a portion of the lower portion of the case 11 . A discharge vane 16 movably provided to open or close the discharge port 15 is included at one side of the discharge port 15 .

When the discharge vane 16 is opened, the air conditioned in the case 11 may be discharged into the indoor space. For example, the discharge vane 16 may be opened by rotating a lower portion of the discharge vane 16 upward. In addition, the discharge port 15 may be provided with a discharge grill (not shown).

An indoor heat exchanger 40 that exchanges heat with the air sucked in from the suction port 12 is installed inside the case 11 . The indoor heat exchanger 40 is disposed to surround the suction side of the blowing fan 30 .

The blowing fan 30 includes a cross-flow fan for discharging the air sucked in the circumferential direction in the circumferential direction. In addition, the blowing fan 30 includes a fan body 31 as a fixing member, and a plurality of blades 32 fixed to one side of the fan body 31 and arranged to be spaced apart in a circumferential direction. That is, the plurality of blades 32 are arranged in a circumferential direction.

In the inside of the case 11, the flow guides 18 and 19 are installed near the outer peripheral surface of the blowing fan 30 to guide the flow of air. The flow guides 18 and 19 include a rear guide 18 and a stabilizer 19 .

The rear guide 18 extends from the rear side of the case 11 to the suction side of the blowing fan 30 . The rear guide 18 allows the intake air to be smoothly guided toward the blowing fan 30 when the blowing fan 30 is rotated. In addition, the rear guide 18 may prevent the air flowing by the blowing fan 30 from being separated from the blowing fan 30 .

The stabilizer 19 is disposed on the discharge side of the blowing fan 30 . The stabilizer 19 is installed to be spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the blowing fan 30 to prevent the air discharged from the blowing fan 30 from flowing backward to the indoor heat exchanger 40 . The rear guide 18 and the stabilizer 19 extend along the longitudinal direction of the blowing fan 30 .

A drain unit 25 in which condensed water generated in a heat exchange process between air and refrigerant can be stored is provided on the lower side of the indoor heat exchanger 40 .

A filter 17 for filtering foreign substances in the air sucked through the suction unit 12 is provided inside the case 11 . The filter 17 is disposed inside the intake port 12 to surround the indoor heat exchanger 40 . The air filtered by the filter 17 may flow toward the indoor heat exchanger 40 .

At this time, in the air conditioner, one refrigerant cycle consisting of a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator is formed.

Briefly describing the refrigerant cycle, the compressor compresses a refrigerant in a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous state and discharges it in a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous state, and the condenser condenses the refrigerant in a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous state discharged from the compressor to a room temperature and high pressure liquid state. make it In addition, the refrigerant of the room temperature high pressure liquid state discharged from the condenser is expanded into the refrigerant of the low temperature and low pressure liquid state. In addition, the evaporator evaporates the refrigerant in the low-temperature and low-pressure liquid state expanded by the expansion valve into a gaseous state, and the refrigerant in the low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous state is circulated as it is provided back to the compressor.

At this time, the indoor heat exchanger 40 functions as an evaporator or a condenser to exchange heat with indoor air. Specifically, when the indoor heat exchanger 40 functions as an evaporator, it cools the indoor space by taking heat from the indoor air. In addition, when the indoor heat exchanger 40 functions as a condenser, heat is emitted to the indoor air to heat the indoor space.

Hereinafter, only a case in which the air conditioner performs a cooling operation, that is, a case in which the indoor heat exchanger 40 functions as an evaporator to cool an indoor space will be described. This is exemplary and may be equally applied to a case in which the air conditioner performs a heating operation.

3 is a diagram illustrating a control configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the air conditioner according to the spirit of the present invention includes a control unit 100 for controlling each configuration. The control unit 100 may be disposed inside the case 11 in the form of a control box. Also, the control unit 100 may be disposed in the outdoor unit, or may be respectively disposed in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.

In addition, the air conditioner includes a power supply unit 120 , an input unit 130 , and an indoor temperature sensor 140 .

The power supply unit 120 and the input unit 130 may be provided in a form that a user can input. For example, the power supply unit 120 and the input unit 130 may be provided as buttons of a remote control.

At this time, the input unit 130 is provided to input a set temperature. That is, the user may input a desired temperature of the indoor space through the input unit 130 . Hereinafter, the set temperature input by the user through the input unit 130 is referred to as 'input set temperature (T _i )'.

The indoor temperature sensor 140 may be installed by being attached to one side of the case 11 . For example, the indoor temperature sensor 140 may be installed on the suction grill 13 to detect the temperature of the air sucked into the suction port 12 . Hereinafter, the temperature sensed by the indoor temperature sensor 140 is referred to as 'indoor temperature (T _p )'.

When describing the operation of the air conditioner, the user turns on the power of the air conditioner through the power supply unit 120 . The control unit 100 operates the blower fan 30 to circulate indoor air.

In addition, the user inputs a predetermined input set temperature T _{i through the input unit 130 , and the predetermined indoor temperature T p} is sensed by the indoor temperature sensor 140 . The control unit 100 drives the compressor 50 so that the indoor temperature T _p reaches the input set temperature T _{i .}

Accordingly, the refrigerant circulates, and the indoor air and the indoor heat exchanger 40 exchange heat. Accordingly, the indoor temperature (T _p ) sensed by the indoor temperature sensor 140 is changed, and at a certain point in time, the input set temperature (T _i ) is reached. In this case, the control unit 100 may stop the compressor 50 , drive the blower fan 30 , and maintain the indoor temperature T _p at the input set temperature T _i .

On the other hand, even though the room temperature (T _p ) has reached the input set temperature (T _i ), there are cases in which the user still feels uncomfortable. Then, the user sets a new input set temperature (T _i), and the control unit 100 causes the room temperature (T _p) moving the compressor 50 to reach the new input set temperature (T _i) again.

When repeating this process, ON or OFF of the compressor 50 may be repeated. This may cause a malfunction of the compressor 50, and unnecessary energy may be consumed.

In order to prevent this, the air conditioner according to the spirit of the present invention is controlled to a set sensitivity temperature (T _i,s ) _{calculated by adding the sensitivity level (T s} ) stored in the memory unit 110 to _{the input set temperature (T i )} do. That is, the control unit 100 operates the compressor 50 so that the _{indoor temperature (T p} ) reaches the emotional set temperature (T _{i,s ).}

Hereinafter, the emotional set temperature (T _i,s ) will be described in detail.

4 is a view showing a sensitivity set temperature of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Fig. 4, the emotional set temperature (T _i,s ) is calculated as a value obtained by adding the sensitivity level (T _s ) to the input set temperature (T _{i ). (T i,s} = T _i + T _s )

The input set temperature (T _i ) is understood as a temperature value having a predetermined unit. In general, a predetermined unit corresponds to 1 degree. For example, the input set temperature (T _i ) may be 18 degrees. This is a value arbitrarily input by the user and may be changed according to circumstances.

The sensitivity level (T _s ) is understood as a temperature increase/decrease value having a predetermined unit. In this case, the _{unit of the sensitivity level (T s} ) is provided in a unit smaller than the unit of the input set temperature (T _{i ).} For example, when the unit of the input set temperature (T _i ) is 1 degree, the unit of the sensitivity level (T _s ) is provided as a value less than 1 degree, such as 0.1 degree or 0.2 degree.

In FIG. 4, the input set temperature (T _i ) has a unit of 1 degree, and the sensitivity level (T _s ) is shown as having a unit of 0.2 degree. This is exemplary, and includes all the various cases in which _{the unit of the sensitivity level (T s} ) is smaller than the unit of the input set temperature (T _{i ).}

The emotional level (T _s ) may be provided in a plurality of steps. In particular, the sensitivity level T _s includes at least one step having a (+) temperature increase/decrease value, a step having a temperature increase/decrease value of 0, and at least one step having a (-) temperature increase/decrease value.

_{For example, in FIG. 4, the emotional level (T s} ) prepared in 9 stages divided into -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 stages is shown. Each stage has a different temperature increase/decrease value. For example, step 1 has a value of +0.2 degrees, and step -2 has a value of -0.4 degrees.

The absolute value of this temperature increase/decrease value is provided as a value smaller than the unit _{of the input set temperature (T i ).} That is, when the unit of the input set temperature (T _i ) is 1 degree, the absolute value of the temperature increase/decrease value is less than 1.

In addition, as described above, the temperature increase/decrease value is provided in a predetermined unit smaller than the unit of _{the input set temperature (T i ).} Accordingly, when the input set temperature (T _i ) is 1 degree and the sensitivity level (T _s ) has a unit of 0.2 degree, the temperature increase and decrease values are -0.8, -0.6, -0.4, -0.2, 0, + It is provided as 0.2, +0.4, +0.6, +0.8.

As shown in FIG. 4 , these temperature increase/decrease values may be matched with each step. Accordingly, in the sensitivity level (T _s ), 4 steps having a temperature increase/decrease value of +0.8, 3 steps having a temperature increase/decrease value of +0.6, 2 steps having a temperature increase/decrease value of +0.4, and a temperature increase/decrease value of +0.2 1 step with , 0 step with a temperature ramp value of 0, -1 step with a temperature ramp value of -0.2, -2 step with a temperature ramp value of -0.4, -3 step with a temperature ramp value of -0.6 and step -4 having a temperature increase/decrease value of -0.8.

Referring to FIG. 4 , for example, the user inputs 18 degrees through the input unit 130 and the emotional level stored in the memory unit 110 may be the second stage. The control unit 100 determines the _{sensitivity level (T s ) +0.4 degrees to the input set temperature (T i} ) of 18 degrees to add 18.4 degrees to the set emotional temperature (T _i,s ). In addition, the control unit 100 operates the compressor 50 so that the _{indoor temperature (T p} ) reaches the emotional set temperature (T _{i,s ) of 18.4 degrees.}

At this time, the emotional level (T _s ) is set differently according to the user's tendency. Hereinafter, this will be described in detail.

5 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart for setting a sensitivity level of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the air conditioner is operated and the input set temperature T _i is input by the user ( S200 ).

As described above, the control unit 100 calculates the emotional set temperature (T _i,s ) by adding the sensitivity level (T _{s ) to the input set temperature (T i} ) ( S210 ). In the initial state, since the emotional level (T _s ) is set to step 0, the emotional preset temperature (T _i,s ) in the initial state corresponds to the same temperature value as the input preset temperature (T _{i ).}

The control unit 100 operates _{the compressor 50 so that the indoor temperature (T p} ) reaches the emotional set temperature (T _i,s ), and at a certain moment the indoor temperature (T _p ) is the emotional set temperature (T) _{i, s} ) is reached (S220). At this time, the controller 100 stops the operation of the compressor 50 .

On the other hand, after the indoor temperature (T _p ) reaches the emotional set temperature (T _i,s ), the input set temperature (T _i ) may be changed by the user ( S230 ). In particular, it means only when the indoor temperature (T _p ) reaches the emotional set temperature (T _i,s ) and the input set temperature (T _i ) is changed. In other cases, the change in the input set temperature (T _i ) does not affect _{the sensitivity level (T s ).}

The numerical value changed by the user is stored in the memory unit 110 (S240), and accordingly, the emotional level T _s is reset (S250). For example, after the indoor temperature (T _p ) reaches the emotional set temperature (T _i,s ), when the user increases the input set temperature (T _i ), the emotional level (T _s ) is one step It can be reset high.

In detail, when the user increases the input set temperature (T _i ) in the initial state, the emotional level (T _s ) may be reset from the 0 step to the 1 step. In this way, the emotional level (T _s ) is the indoor temperature (T _p ) reaches the emotional set temperature (T _i,s ) and data when the input set temperature (T _i ) is changed is accumulated and continuously reset. can

For example, once the user A inputs the input set temperature (T _i ) through the input unit 130 , there is a tendency not to change it. Accordingly, the user A's emotional level (T _s ) is not changed in step 0, and the air conditioner is driven at the same emotional set temperature (T _{i,s ) as the input set temperature (T i ).}

User B tends to increase the input set temperature (T _i ) after the indoor temperature (T _p ) reaches the emotional set temperature (T _{i,s ).} Accordingly, the emotional level (T _s ) of the user B corresponds to steps 1 to 4, and the step _{of the emotional level (T s} ) may be changed according to the change value of the _{input set temperature (T i ).}

User C tends to lower the input set temperature (T _i ) after the indoor temperature (T _p ) reaches the emotional set temperature (T _{i,s ).} Accordingly, the emotional level (T _s ) of the user B corresponds to steps -1 to -4, and the step _{of the emotional level (T s} ) may be changed according to the change value of the _{input set temperature (T i ).}

After the indoor temperature (T _p ) reaches the emotional set temperature (T _i,s ), the user D tends to very low the input set temperature (T _{i ).} In particular, the user D tends to change the _{input set temperature (T i ) more than that of the user C.} Accordingly, the user D's emotional level (T _s ) may correspond to steps -3 and -4.

In this way, the air conditioner according to the spirit of the present invention is driven according to the user's tendency. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , in the case of an air conditioner installed in a relatively narrow space, the air conditioner may be driven to a customized temperature for one user.

In addition, in the case of an air conditioner used by a plurality of users, it may be provided to input a user. Accordingly, even when the same input set temperature is input, the air conditioner may be driven to a different emotional set temperature depending on the user driving the air conditioner.

In addition, since the user's tendency is identified and the temperature is adjusted accordingly, the operation of the additional compressor may be reduced. Accordingly, the air conditioner can be efficiently driven.

10: indoor unit 30: blower fan
50: compressor 100: control unit
110: memory unit 130: input unit
140: room temperature sensor T _{i :} input set temperature
T _{s :} emotional level T _{i,s :} emotional set temperature
T _{p :} room temperature

Claims (13)

a compressor forming a refrigerant cycle;
an input unit for inputting an input set temperature by a user;
a memory unit in which an emotional level according to a user is stored; and
a control unit for driving the compressor so that the indoor temperature reaches the emotional set temperature obtained by adding the emotional level to the input set temperature;
The input set temperature is a temperature value having a predetermined unit,
The sensitivity level is a temperature increase/decrease value having a predetermined unit,
The unit of the sensitivity level is provided in a unit smaller than the unit of the input set temperature,
The air conditioner, characterized in that the sensitivity level is set differently according to the changed value when the input set temperature is changed after the indoor temperature reaches the emotional set temperature. The method of claim 1,
The air conditioner, characterized in that the sensitivity level is provided in a plurality of steps having different temperature increase and decrease values. 3. The method of claim 2,
The absolute value of the temperature increase/decrease value is an air conditioner, characterized in that it is provided as a value smaller than the unit of the input set temperature. 3. The method of claim 2,
The sensitivity level includes a plurality of steps having a (+) temperature increase/decrease value, a step having a temperature increase/decrease value of 0, and a plurality of steps having a (-) temperature increase/decrease value. The method of claim 1,
The unit of the input set temperature is 1 degree,
The unit of the emotional level is an air conditioner, characterized in that 0.2 degrees. 6. The method of claim 5,
At the emotional level,
4 stages with a temperature increase/decrease value of +0.8;
3 stages with a temperature increase/decrease value of +0.6;
2nd stage with a temperature increase/decrease value of +0.4;
Step 1 with a temperature increase/decrease value of +0.2;
Step 0 having a temperature increase/decrease value of 0;
-1 step with a temperature increase/decrease value of -0.2;
-2 step with a temperature increase/decrease value of -0.4;
-3 step with a temperature increase/decrease value of -0.6; and
An air conditioner comprising a; -4 step having a temperature increase/decrease value of -0.8. delete The input set temperature is input from the input part,
Calculate the emotional set temperature by adding the emotional level stored in the memory to the input set temperature,
Drive so that the room temperature reaches the emotional set temperature,
When the input set temperature is changed after the indoor temperature reaches the emotional set temperature, the emotional level is stored again by reflecting the changed value in the memory unit. 9. The method of claim 8,
The sensitivity level is provided as a temperature increase/decrease value having a predetermined unit,
When the input set temperature increases after the indoor temperature reaches the emotional set temperature, the emotional level is reset to have a larger value,
When the input set temperature is lowered after the indoor temperature reaches the emotional set temperature, the emotional level is reset to have a smaller value. 10. The method of claim 9,
The input set temperature is provided as a temperature value having a predetermined unit,
The unit of the sensitivity level is a control method of the air conditioner, characterized in that provided in a unit smaller than the unit of the input set temperature. 9. The method of claim 8,
The control method of the air conditioner, characterized in that the sensitivity level is set to 0 in the initial state. 9. The method of claim 8,
The control method of the air conditioner, characterized in that the emotional level is changed only when the input preset temperature is changed after the indoor temperature reaches the emotional preset temperature. 9. The method of claim 8,
The method of controlling an air conditioner, characterized in that the memory unit stores different emotional levels according to users.

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