KR102399294B1 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

An air conditioner is disclosed. An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body provided with an air outlet, an access sensor sensing a user around the air outlet, and one or more ultraviolet lamps accommodated in the main body and irradiating ultraviolet rays. A module, and a control unit for adjusting the ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet on the basis of the user's approach state.

Description

Air conditioner {AIR CONDITIONER}

The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly, to an air conditioner capable of controlling ultraviolet rays emitted through an air outlet based on a user's approach state.

In general, an air conditioner is a device that creates a more comfortable indoor environment for a user, and may control at least one of temperature, humidity, and cleanliness of air.

The air conditioner may use a refrigerant cycle for temperature or humidity control. In this case, the air conditioner may include a compressor through which the refrigerant is circulated, a condenser, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator. The indoor air may be sucked into the air conditioner through the air inlet of the air conditioner, exchange heat with the condenser or the evaporator, and be discharged through the air outlet of the air conditioner.

On the other hand, the air conditioner may include a purification mechanism such as a filter or an electric dust collector to control the degree of cleanliness, and the indoor air is sucked into the interior of the air conditioner through the air inlet of the air conditioner and then purified by the purification mechanism and may be discharged into the room through the air outlet of the air conditioner.

Recently, a technology for installing an ultraviolet sterilizer inside the air conditioner to purify the air sucked into the air conditioner with the ultraviolet sterilizer has been developed. 2006-0035144 (published on April 26, 2006) discloses an air conditioner equipped with an ultraviolet sterilization device installed to reciprocate along one surface of a heat exchanger.

On the other hand, ultraviolet rays can be harmful to the human body. Specifically, when ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the human body for a long time, ultraviolet rays may cause skin cancer or cataracts.

On the other hand, when the ultraviolet sterilizer is installed inside the air conditioner and operates normally, the ultraviolet rays are blocked by the main body forming the exterior of the air conditioner.

However, the air conditioner includes an air outlet for discharging air, and since the air outlet must be opened to discharge air while the air conditioner operates, ultraviolet rays are exposed to the outside of the air conditioner through the air outlet, thereby exposing the human body There were problems that could have a detrimental effect on

In particular, since the air outlet is often formed in the direction of a person, there is a need to block UV rays exposed to the outside through the air outlet.

One object of the present invention is to control the ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet according to the user's access state to the air outlet in order to prevent harmful effects on the human body by being exposed through the air outlet.

Another object of the present invention is to stop the irradiation of ultraviolet rays in order to prevent the user from being exposed to ultraviolet rays when the user approaches the air outlet.

Another object of the present invention is to resume the irradiation of ultraviolet rays when the opening is closed again in order to prevent the air from not being sterilized when the user moves away from the air outlet again.

Another object of the present invention is to turn off some UV lamps according to the user's approach state and UV exposure pattern in order to prevent air sterilization from not being performed when the user is positioned around the air outlet.

Another object of the present invention is to sequentially turn off an ultraviolet lamp with a large amount of ultraviolet light exposed through the air outlet in order to prevent air sterilization from not being performed when the user is positioned around the air outlet.

Another object of the present invention is to sequentially turn off an ultraviolet lamp with a large amount of ultraviolet light exposed in the direction of the user in order to prevent air sterilization from not being performed when the user is located around the air outlet.

Another object of the present invention is to control the ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet to be emitted in a direction different from the direction of the user in order to prevent the ultraviolet rays exposed to the outside through the air outlet from being directly irradiated to the user.

Another object of the present invention is to dispose of an ultraviolet filter between the fan and the air outlet in order to discharge the air to the outside through the air outlet and block UV rays from being exposed to the outside.

Another object of the present invention is to adjust the irradiation amount of each of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps in order to prevent only a part of the heat exchanger from being sterilized when the irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays is adjusted according to the user's approach state.

Another object of the present invention is to allow a plurality of UV lamps to operate in a preset pattern in order to prevent only a part of the heat exchanger from being sterilized when the amount of UV light is adjusted according to the user's approach state.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent a user from approaching the air conditioner in order to prevent harmful effects on the human body when UV rays inside the air conditioner are exposed to the outside through various openings or various cracks of the air conditioner. This is to control the UV rays emitted outside the air conditioner.

In order to prevent ultraviolet rays from having a harmful effect on the human body by being exposed through the air outlet, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner that sucks air from the outside for conditioning and discharges the conditioned air to the outside, It forms the exterior of the air conditioner and includes a main body in which the air outlet is formed, a sensor for sensing users around the air outlet, and a plurality of ultraviolet lamps arranged in parallel, using ultraviolet rays irradiated from the plurality of ultraviolet lamps. and a UV sterilization module for sterilizing the air inside the body, and a control unit for controlling the UV rays emitted through the air outlet based on the user's access state.

In this case, the approach state is at least one of the presence or absence of a user around the air outlet, the distance of the user from the air outlet, the direction of the user with respect to the air outlet, and the time the user is detected in the vicinity of the air outlet. may contain one.

On the other hand, in order to prevent the user from being exposed to ultraviolet rays when the user approaches the air outlet, the control unit may control the ultraviolet sterilization module to stop the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays when a user in the vicinity of the air outlet is detected. .

In this case, in order to prevent the air from not being sterilized when the user moves away from the air outlet again, the control unit may include, when the user in the vicinity of the air outlet is not detected in a state in which the irradiation of ultraviolet rays is stopped, irradiation of the ultraviolet rays It is possible to control the UV sterilization module to resume.

On the other hand, in order to prevent the sterilization of air from being performed when the user is located around the air outlet, the control unit may include a distance of the user from the air outlet, a direction of the user based on the air outlet, and the The UV sterilization module so that some of the plurality of UV lamps are turned off based on at least one of a time for which a user is sensed in the vicinity of the air outlet and a pattern in which UV rays irradiated from each of the plurality of UV lamps are exposed to the outside can be controlled.

In addition, in order to prevent the air sterilization from not being performed when the user is located around the air outlet, the control unit may include, based on the amount of UV rays irradiated from each of the plurality of UV lamps exposed through the air outlet, the The ultraviolet sterilization module may be controlled so that the ultraviolet ray lamp with a large amount of ultraviolet ray exposed through the air outlet among the plurality of ultraviolet lamps is sequentially turned off.

In addition, in order to prevent the sterilization of air from not being performed when the user is located around the air outlet, the control unit may control the exposure amount of each of the plurality of ultraviolet rays with respect to the direction of the user with respect to the air outlet. Based on the plurality of UV lamps, it is possible to control the UV sterilization module to be sequentially turned off from a lamp with a large amount of UV exposed in the direction of the user.

In addition, in order to prevent ultraviolet rays exposed to the outside through the air outlet from being directly irradiated to the user, the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a wind direction control member for guiding air passing through the air outlet, and the wind direction control and a wind direction control member driving mechanism for rotating the member, wherein the control unit controls the wind direction control member so that the ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet are emitted in a direction different from the direction of the user based on the direction of the user. The wind direction control member driving mechanism may be controlled to rotate.

In addition, in order to discharge air to the outside through the air outlet and block UV rays from being exposed to the outside, the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is a fan that discharges the air inside the air conditioner to the outside through the air outlet. , and, may further include an ultraviolet filter disposed between the fan and the air outlet.

In addition, in order to prevent only a portion of the heat exchanger from being sterilized when the irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays is adjusted according to the user's approach state, the control unit may include the user's distance from the air outlet and the user based on the air outlet. Based on at least one of the direction of and the time the user is sensed in the vicinity of the air outlet, the amount of UV light irradiated by each of the plurality of UV lamps may be adjusted.

In addition, in order to prevent only a portion of the heat exchanger from being sterilized when the irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays is adjusted according to the user's access state, the control unit may include the user's distance from the air outlet and the user based on the air outlet. based on at least one of the direction of and the time a user is sensed in the vicinity of the air outlet, control the UV sterilization module so that the plurality of UV lamps operate in a preset pattern, wherein the preset pattern is arranged in parallel In a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the plurality of UV lamps, at least one lamp is turned on, at least one lamp is turned off, at least one lamp is turned on, and at least one lamp is turned off.

On the other hand, the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes one or more ultraviolet lamps installed inside the air conditioner to irradiate ultraviolet rays, an access sensor detecting a user around the air conditioner, and the access sensor. When a user's approach is sensed, the control unit may include a control unit for controlling ultraviolet rays emitted to the outside of the air conditioner.

In this case, the air conditioner is provided with one or more openings, and the control unit is configured to, when the user's approach is sensed around at least one of the one or more openings, emit ultraviolet rays emitted through the at least one opening. can be adjusted

On the other hand, the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a case, an air intake provided in the case and sucked in external air, a heat exchanger disposed on a flow downstream side of the air intake to exchange heat, the air intake and the A filter disposed between the heat exchanger, an air outlet provided in the case and discharging air inside the case, and a fan for flowing air sucked in through the air inlet to the air outlet, an object around the air outlet It may include a sensor for detecting, and an ultraviolet sterilization module having a plurality of ultraviolet lamps for controlling the irradiation of ultraviolet rays when an object is detected by the sensor.

The present invention minimizes external exposure of ultraviolet rays harmful to the human body by controlling the ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet according to the user's access state to the air outlet when a plurality of lamps are arranged in parallel to sterilize the front surface of the heat exchanger evenly. can

According to the present invention, when the user approaches the air outlet, by stopping the irradiation of ultraviolet rays in order to prevent the user from being exposed to ultraviolet rays, it is possible to block the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays on the human body.

The present invention can prevent the air from being sterilized by resuming the irradiation of ultraviolet rays when the user moves away from the air outlet again.

The present invention minimizes the turned off UV lamps by turning off some UV lamps according to the user's approach state and UV exposure pattern in order to prevent the sterilization of air from being performed when the user is located around the air outlet while minimizing the UV lamps turned off. It has the advantage of being able to protect the user from UV rays while sterilizing the air.

The present invention minimizes the turned-off UV lamp by sequentially turning off the UV lamp with a large amount of UV exposed through the air outlet in order to prevent the air sterilization from being performed when the user is located around the air outlet. It has the advantage of being able to protect the user from UV rays while sterilizing the air.

The present invention minimizes the turned-off UV lamp by sequentially turning off the UV lamp with a large amount of UV light exposed in the direction of the user in order to prevent air sterilization from being performed when the user is located around the air outlet. It has the advantage of being able to protect the user from UV rays while sterilizing the air.

According to the present invention, ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet are controlled to be emitted in a direction different from the direction of the user in order to prevent ultraviolet rays exposed to the outside through the air outlet from being directly irradiated to the user. It has the advantage of preventing direct sunlight on the user and minimizing the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays on the user.

The present invention discharges air to the outside through the air outlet, but disposes an ultraviolet filter between the fan and the air outlet in order to block exposure of ultraviolet rays to the outside, thereby preventing ultraviolet rays without interfering with the flow of air discharged to the outside. can be effectively blocked.

In the present invention, when the irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays is adjusted according to the user's approach state, by adjusting the irradiation amount of each of a plurality of ultraviolet lamps in order to prevent only a part of the heat exchanger from being sterilized, the effect of overlapping is maintained and power consumption can be saved. There are advantages that can be

In the present invention, when the irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays is adjusted according to the user's access state, in order to prevent only a part of the heat exchanger from being sterilized, a plurality of ultraviolet lamps operate in a preset pattern to perform even sterilization through easy control. There are advantages that can be

According to the present invention, by controlling the ultraviolet rays emitted to the outside of the air conditioner when a user approaches the air conditioner, the ultraviolet rays inside the air conditioner pass through various openings or various cracks of the air conditioner and have a harmful effect on the human body. can be prevented

1 is a perspective view during operation of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view when the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention is stopped.
3 is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention.
4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view when the wind direction control member shown in FIG. 1 discharges and guides air conditioning air to the upper part of the room.
5 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
6 is an exploded perspective view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 5 .
7 is a partially cut-away perspective view of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of an ultraviolet sterilization module in an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a perspective view illustrating the positions of a UV sterilization module, a heat exchanger, and a fan in the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a view for explaining an example in which the ultraviolet sterilization module according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a metal rail.
11 is a view for explaining power energy measured in a predetermined area when one conventional ultraviolet lamp is used.
12 is a view for explaining power energy measured in a predetermined area when a plurality of ultraviolet lamps are arranged in parallel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a first embodiment in which the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention includes an ultraviolet lamp.
13B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a second embodiment in which the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention includes an ultraviolet lamp.
13C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a third embodiment in which the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention includes an ultraviolet lamp.
14 is a view showing ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet 714 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a block diagram illustrating an air conditioner capable of controlling ultraviolet rays emitted through an air outlet based on a user's approach state according to an embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a view for explaining an air conditioner capable of controlling ultraviolet rays emitted through an air outlet based on a user's approach state according to an embodiment of the present invention.
17 is a view for explaining a UV control method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
18 is a view for explaining a method for obtaining information about a user's access state around an air outlet and an operation according thereto, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
19 is a diagram for explaining a method of acquiring a distance of a user, a direction of a user, a time at which a user is sensed, and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention.
20A to 20C are diagrams for explaining a method of adjusting the irradiation amount of each UV light of a plurality of UV lamps based on a user's approach state, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
21A to 21C are diagrams for explaining a method of adjusting an operation pattern of a plurality of UV lamps based on a user's approach state, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
22 to 23b show a method of turning off some of the plurality of UV lamps based on a pattern in which UV rays irradiated from each of the plurality of UV lamps 764 are exposed to the outside, according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a drawing for explanation.
24A to 24B are views for explaining a method of rotating a wind direction adjusting member according to a user's direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.
25A and 25B are views for explaining an ultraviolet filter that blocks ultraviolet rays passing through the air outlet 714 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
26A to 26C are diagrams for explaining a notification output method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments related to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The suffixes "module" and "part" for components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of only the ease of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles by themselves.

1 is a perspective view during operation of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a stopped perspective view of the first embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view when the wind direction control member shown in FIG. 1 discharges and guides air conditioning air to the upper part of the room.

The main body 2 of the air conditioner according to the present embodiment may include an air inlet 4 through which indoor air is sucked and an air outlet 6 through which air conditioning air is discharged. The air conditioner of the present embodiment is an air conditioner that sucks air through the air inlet 4 , performs air conditioning therein, and then discharges the air through the air outlet 6 . The air conditioner of the present invention may be a stand-type air conditioner, a ceiling-type air conditioner, and a wall-mounted air conditioner. Hereinafter, a wall-mounted air conditioner will be described as an example.

The main body 2 is an indoor unit body forming the exterior of the air conditioner, and may be composed of a single member or a combination of a plurality of members. When the body 2 is composed of a combination of a plurality of members, the body 2 may include a chassis 10 , a front frame 20 , a suction grill 21 , a front panel 28 , and a discharge unit 30 . can The chassis 10 to be described below may be referred to as a rear frame 10 .

In the main body 2 , the air inlet 4 may be formed on the front and upper surfaces of the main body 2 , and the air outlet 6 may be formed on the lower surface of the main body 2 . In this case, it is also possible to form an air intake passage between the front panel and the front panel of the main body 2 by retracting the front panel 28 in the front-rear direction or rotating around the upper or lower portions.

In the main body 2 , the air inlet 4 may be formed on the upper surface of the main body 2 , and the air outlet 6 may be formed on the lower surface of the main body 2 . An opening for service may be formed on the front surface of the main body 2 , and the front panel 28 may be arranged to open and close the front surface and the opening of the main body 2 .

Hereinafter, as for the main body 2 , the air inlet 4 is formed in the upper part of the main body 2 , particularly the upper surface side of the main body 2 , and the air outlet 6 is located in the lower part of the main body 2 , especially the lower surface of the main body 2 . formed on the side. It will be described that the front panel 28 forms the exterior of the front side of the air conditioner and is rotated to protrude forward with respect to the upper part for service, etc. inside the main body 2 or arranged to advance and retreat in the front-rear direction.

The chassis 10 is a kind of case or rear frame in which various parts are installed while being installed on the wall of the room and having a ventilation passage through which air passes.

The chassis 10 is provided with a blower flow guide 12 for guiding the air sucked in through the air intake 4 to the air discharge port 6 . The electric part 13 in which various electric parts are installed may be formed next to one of the left and right sides of the blower flow path guide 12 .

The air flow guide 12 forms a flow path for the fan 54 to be described later, and is formed between the left and right guides 15 and 16 and the left and right guides 15 and 16 protruding forward from the chassis 10 . A central guide 17 may be included. The left and right guides 15 and 16 may be provided with a heat exchanger supporter 18 that supports the heat exchanger 60 on one of the two and forms an air flow path. A motor installation part 14 on which a fan motor 52 to be described later is seated and supported may be protruded forward in the electric length part 13 . In the chassis 10 , a control box 70 , which is a control unit for controlling the air conditioner, may be installed in the electric unit 13 . The control box 70 may be equipped with a fan motor 52 of the blower 50, which will be described later, and a control unit (not shown) for controlling the wind direction control member driving mechanism 35 and the like.

The front frame 20 forms a space between the chassis 10 and may be disposed in front of the chassis 10 . The front frame 20 may form an air flow passage together with the air flow guide 12 of the chassis 10 , and cover the electric length part 13 formed on the chassis 10 to protect the electric length part 13 . The front frame 20 has openings formed on the upper surface and the front, respectively, so that the upper surface opening may act as the air intake port 4 . The front opening 5 may act as a service hole for detaching or servicing a filter 80 to be described later or an ultraviolet sterilization module 760 to be described later.

The front frame 20 may have front and rear openings 5 in front of the air flow guide 12 of the chassis 10 . Upper and lower openings may be formed on the front upper side of the air flow guide 12 of the chassis 10 .

The suction grill 21 protects the lower side of the body 2 while allowing indoor air to be sucked into the body 2 , and may be formed in a grill shape at the air intake port 4 , which is an upper surface opening of the front frame 20 .

The discharge unit 30 discharges and guides the air conditioned inside the body 2, and is attached to at least one of the chassis 10 and the front frame 20 by a fastening means such as a fastening member or a hooking means such as a hook. can be assembled.

The discharge unit 30 may have a drain part 32 on its upper surface that receives the condensed water that has fallen from the heat exchanger 60 to be described later. A drain connection hose 33 for guiding condensed water to the outside of the main body 2 is connected to the drain part 32 , and an air outlet 6 may be formed at a lower portion of the drain part 32 .

A wind direction control mechanism for adjusting a wind direction of the air passing through the air outlet 6 may be installed in the discharge unit 30 .

The wind direction control mechanism includes a wind direction control member 34 rotatably disposed on the main body 2, in particular the discharge unit 30, to adjust the wind direction while guiding the air passing through the air discharge port 6, and the wind direction control member 34. It may include a wind direction control member driving mechanism 35 for rotating.

The wind direction control member 34 includes a left and right wind direction control member for adjusting the left and right wind direction of the air passing through the air outlet 6, and a vertical wind direction adjusting member for adjusting the up and down wind direction of the air passing through the air outlet 6. can

The wind direction control member driving mechanism 35 may be connected to the left and right wind direction control members so that the left and right wind direction control members rotate about a vertical axis. In addition, it is also possible to be connected to the up-and-down wind direction control member so that the up-and-down wind direction control member rotates up and down about a horizontal axis.

The wind direction control member 34 may be rotatably disposed so that one of the left and right wind direction control members and the up and down wind direction control members can open and close the air outlet 6 . Hereinafter, the up-and-down wind direction control member is arranged to open and close the air outlet 6 , and the wind direction control member driving mechanism 35 is installed on one of the left and right sides of the discharge unit 30 to adjust the wind direction to rotate the up and down wind direction control member It will be described as consisting of a motor.

The main body 2 may be provided with a blower 50 that sucks air through the air inlet 4 , passes through the inside of the main body 2 , and then discharges the air through the air outlet 6 . In addition, a heat exchanger 60 for heat-exchanging the air sucked into the body 2 with the refrigerant may be installed in the body 2 . In addition, the filter 80 for purifying the air sucked into the air intake 4 and the filter frame 90 on which the filter 80 is mounted may be installed in the main body 2 .

The blower 50 includes a fan motor 52 seated and installed on the chassis 10, in particular, a motor installation unit 14 formed on the electric part 13, and a fan motor 52 installed on the rotation shaft of the fan motor 52 and provided with a blow path guide ( 12 ) may include a fan 54 .

The fan 54 may be formed of a cross flow fan formed long left and right between the blowing flow guides 15 , 16 , and 17 , in particular, between the left and right flow guides 15 and 16 .

The blower 50 may further include a motor cover 56 installed on the chassis 10 to cover the fan motor 52 .

The heat exchanger 60 is disposed to be positioned between the air intake port 4 and the fan 54 in the space of the main body 2, in particular, located behind the front part of the front frame 20, the lower end of which is the drain part ( 32) can be installed to be located on the upper side.

The heat exchanger 60 includes a vertical portion 62 vertically positioned on the upper side of the drain portion 32 , a front inclined portion 64 formed to be inclined from the upper side of the vertical portion 62 toward the rear upper side, and a front inclined portion It may include a rear inclined portion 66 formed to be inclined from the upper portion of the 64 to the lower rear.

The filter frame 90 may be installed to be positioned between the air intake 4 and the heat exchanger 60 . The filter frame 90 may have an opening 91 through which air passes and the filter 80 is disposed.

The air conditioner according to the present embodiment may include a control unit (not shown) installed on the main body 2 to control the fan motor 52 and the wind direction control member driving mechanism 35 .

The control unit can control the fan motor 52 and the wind direction control member driving mechanism 35 during an air conditioning operation such as a cooling operation. In this case, the conditioned air such as cold air is guided to and discharged by the wind direction control member 34 , and the wind direction control member 34 is rotated to widely disperse the conditioned air. In the open mode of the wind direction control member driving mechanism 35, the wind direction control member 34 is rotated by the wind direction control member driving mechanism 35 to open the air outlet 6, and when the fan motor 52 is driven, the fan ( 54) can be rotated. When the fan 54 rotates, indoor air may be sucked into the body 2 through the air inlet 4 , be purified by the filter 80 , and then exchange heat with the heat exchanger 60 . Thereafter, while passing through the air outlet 6 , it may be guided to the wind direction control member 34 to be discharged.

When the swing discharge mode is input through the control unit during the air conditioning operation as described above, the control unit may drive the wind direction control member driving mechanism 35 forward or reverse while the fan motor 52 is being driven. In addition, the wind direction control member 34 swings vertically and reciprocally by the wind direction control member driving mechanism 35 , and air passing through the air outlet 6 may be vertically dispersed and discharged.

5 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 5 .

The air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be a stand-type air conditioner. A base rear panel 210 supported on the floor, forming a space therein, and forming a lower rear exterior, coupled to an upper side of the base rear panel 210, forming an upper rear exterior, and a suction port 251a through which air is sucked; It may include a body rear panel 250 is formed. In addition, it may include a connector 230 coupled to the inside of the base rear panel 210, and the base front panel 220 coupled to the connector 230 to form a lower front exterior. In addition, the lower end is coupled to the base front panel 220 and the side is coupled to the main body rear panel 250 to form an upper front exterior and a main body front panel 290 having a discharge port 290a through which air is discharged. can

The base rear panel 210 forms a lower rear exterior of the air conditioner, and is supported on the floor where the air conditioner is installed to support the air conditioner. The base rear panel 210 may be formed in a polyhedral shape with an open front so that a space is formed therein. The rear surface of the base rear panel 210 is preferably formed in a curved surface. The bottom of the base rear panel 210 may touch the floor.

A connector 230 may be coupled to the side of the inner space of the base rear panel 210 . In the inner space of the base rear panel 210, an electric box (not shown) in which circuit elements for controlling the air conditioner and other electronic components are accommodated may be disposed. The base front panel 220 may be disposed in front of the base rear panel 210 . The body rear panel 250 may be coupled to the upper side of the base rear panel 210 .

The connector 230 may be coupled to the inner side of the base rear panel 210 . The connector 230 may be formed in the shape of a long column in the vertical direction. A plurality of connectors 230 are provided, and a left connector 230-1 coupled to the inner left side of the base rear panel 210 and a right connector 230-2 coupled to the inner right side of the base rear panel 210 are provided. may include. The left connector 230-1 and the right connector 230-2 may be formed symmetrically with each other.

The connector 230 may support the shroud panel 260 to which the blowing module 240 and the guide panel 270 are coupled by reinforcing the strength of the base rear panel 210 . The bottom and one side of the connector 230 may be coupled to the base rear panel 210 . A shroud panel 260 may be coupled to the upper side of the connector 230 . A base front panel 220 may be coupled to the front surface of the connector 230 .

The main body rear panel 250 may be coupled to the upper side of the base rear panel 210 to form an upper rear exterior of the air conditioner. The main body rear panel 250 may be formed in a polyhedral shape with front and rear open so that a space is formed therein.

The main body rear panel 250 may be provided with a suction port 251a through which the indoor air of the room in which the air conditioner is installed is sucked. The suction port 251a may be formed on the rear surface of the main body rear panel 250 . When the blower module 240 to be described later is driven and air flows, air is sucked into the suction port 251a, and the sucked air may flow to the shroud panel 260 through the indoor heat exchanger 110 to be described later.

The main body rear panel 250 is mounted on the rear of the main body rear panel body 251 and the main body rear panel body 251 having the intake port 251a formed on the rear side to cover the intake port 251a. may include The rear panel filter unit 252 may filter the air sucked into the suction port 251a. It is preferable that the rear panel filter unit 252 is mounted on the outside of the rear surface of the main rear panel body 251 . A shroud panel 260 may be coupled to the front of the body rear panel 250 . A base rear panel 210 may be coupled to a lower side of the main body rear panel 250 . An indoor heat exchanger 110 may be disposed inside the main body rear panel 250 . The indoor heat exchanger 110 is disposed between the main body rear panel 250 and the shroud panel 260 to exchange heat with the refrigerant air introduced into the intake port 251a of the main body rear panel 250 . Air cooled or heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 110 may flow to the shroud panel 260 . The indoor heat exchanger 110 may be formed of a tube through which a refrigerant flows and a fin that exchanges heat with air.

The blower module 240 may flow air to suck the air through the inlet 251a of the main body rear panel 250 and discharge the air through the outlet 290a of the main body front panel 290 . When the blowing module 240 flows, the air sucked into the suction port 251a passes through the indoor heat exchanger 110 and then through the shroud hole 260a of the shroud panel 260 by the blowing module 240 can be moved. The air flowing by the blowing module 240 may be discharged to the outlet 290a of the main body front panel 290 through the guide hole 170a of the guide panel 270 . It is preferable that a plurality of blower modules 240 are provided, and in this embodiment, two blower modules 240 are provided. The two blowing modules 240 are arranged in the vertical direction. The two blowing modules 240 may be disposed to correspond to each of the two shroud holes 260a of the shroud panel 260 . The two blower modules 240 may be vertically coupled to the rear surface of the guide panel 270 .

The blower module 240 is rotated by a blower motor 242 for generating rotational force, a blower motor bracket 243 for coupling the blower motor 242 to the rear surface of the guide panel 270 , and a blower motor 242 . It may include a blowing fan 241 to flow the air. The blowing fan 241 is preferably a centrifugal fan that introduces air in an axial direction and radially discharges it through a side part. The blowing fan 241 may be disposed such that the direction in which air is sucked faces the shroud hole 260a of the shroud panel 260 . Air discharged to the side of the blowing fan 241 may pass through the guide hole 270a of the guide panel 270 toward the front by the shroud panel 260 . When a plurality of blowing modules 240 are provided, a plurality of blowing fans 241 may be provided. In addition, the plurality of blowing fans 241 may be disposed to correspond to each of the plurality of shroud holes 260a.

The shroud panel 260 may guide the air that is sucked into the suction port 251a of the body rear panel 250 and flows to the blower module 240 . The shroud panel 260 is sucked through the suction port 251a, and the shroud hole 260a through which the air flowing from the indoor heat exchanger 110 to the blowing module 240 passes may be formed. It is preferable that the shroud holes 260a correspond to the plurality of blowing modules 240 and are formed in plurality, and in this embodiment, the shroud holes 260a correspond to the two blowing modules 240 and are formed in two in the vertical direction. can be formed.

The periphery of the shroud hole 260a of the shroud panel 260 is formed in a dome shape, the blowing module 240 is accommodated therein, and the air flowing by the blowing module 240 is guided toward the front. can do.

The lower end of the shroud panel 260 may be coupled to the upper end of the connector 230 . The rear body rear panel 250 may be coupled to the rear of the shroud panel 260 . A guide panel 270 may be coupled to the front of the shroud panel 260 .

The guide panel 270 may guide the air flowing by the blower module 240 to the outlet 290a. The guide panel 270 may be formed with a guide hole 270a through which air flowing from the blower module 240 to the outlet 290a passes. The guide holes 270a are preferably formed in plurality. In this embodiment, the guide holes 270a are each formed to be elongated in the vertical direction, and two guide holes 270a may be formed on the left and right sides with respect to the center line C. As shown in FIG. Each of the guide holes 270a may be formed to become narrower toward the upper end and lower end. Each of the guide holes 270a may be formed so that the upper end and the lower end are bent toward the center line C in the vertical direction. The guide hole 270a is opened and closed by the door part 280 , and when a plurality of guide holes 270a are formed, a plurality of door parts 280 to open and close each may be provided. A blower module 240 may be mounted on the rear surface of the guide panel 270 . In the present embodiment, the two blower modules 240 may be vertically coupled to the rear surface of the guide panel 270 . A door part 280 may be disposed on the front side of the guide panel 270 . In the present embodiment, two door parts 280 may be disposed on the left and right on the front side of the guide panel 270 .

At least a portion of the guide panel 270 is preferably formed in a curved shape so that the door unit 280 can rotate and slide along the guide panel 270 . In the present embodiment, the two door parts 280 are disposed left and right, and the guide panel 270 may be formed in a curved shape on the left and right sides of the guide panel 270 based on the center line in the vertical direction. That is, a portion of the cross section of the guide panel 270 may be formed in an arc shape in which the left and right sides respectively protrude forward with respect to the center line.

The guide panel 270 may be combined with the shroud panel 260 with the blowing module 240 interposed therebetween to form one unit. In this embodiment, the guide panel 270 , the blowing module 240 , and the shroud panel 260 may be collectively referred to as a blowing unit 190 . That is, the blowing unit 190 may include a guide panel 270 , a blowing module 240 , and a shroud panel 260 .

The door unit 280 may open and close the guide hole 270a and the discharge port 290a. The door unit 280 may be rotatably coupled to the blowing unit 190 . The door unit 280 is rotatably coupled to the guide panel 270 or the shroud panel 260 of the blowing unit 190 , and in this embodiment, the door unit 280 is rotatably coupled to the guide panel 270 . can be combined. A portion of the door part 280 may be slid on the front surface of the guide panel 270 to open and close the guide hole 270a. In addition, a portion of the door part 280 may be slid on the rear surface of the main body front panel 290 to open and close the discharge port 290a. That is, a part of the door part 280 slides between the guide panel 270 and the main body front panel 290 to open and close the guide hole 270a and the discharge port 290a at the same time.

The base front panel 220 may form a lower front exterior of the air conditioner. The base front panel 220 may be coupled to the connector 230 to cover the front of the open base rear panel 210 . The base front panel 220 may be formed in a curved plate shape. The rear of the base front panel 220 may be coupled to the connector 230 , and the upper end of the base front panel 220 may be coupled to the main body front panel 290 .

The main body front panel 290 may form an upper front exterior of the air conditioner. A discharge port 290a may be formed in the main body front panel 290 through which air flowing by the blowing module 240 and passing through the guide hole 270a is discharged. The discharge port 290a may be formed to correspond to the shape of the guide hole 270a. In the present embodiment, the discharge ports 290a may correspond to the two guide holes 270a, each of which is elongated in the vertical direction, so that the two discharge ports 290a may be formed on the left and right sides with respect to the center line C. As shown in FIG. Each of the discharge ports 290a may be formed to be bent so that the upper end and the lower end face the center line direction in the vertical direction. Each of the discharge ports 290a may be formed to be lost as the width becomes narrower toward the upper end and lower end. The discharge port 290a may be opened and closed by the door unit 280 .

The body front panel 290 may be formed in a curved plate shape. The lower end of the body front panel 290 may be coupled to the base front panel 220 , and the side surface may be coupled to the body rear panel 250 .

An input/output hole 290b may be formed in the main body front panel 290 so that a part of the input/output module 300 is exposed to the outside. The input/output hole 290b is preferably formed in a circular shape.

The input/output module 300 may receive a user's command or display the operating state of the air conditioner. The input/output module 300 may be coupled to the rear surface of the main body front panel 290 so that a part thereof may be exposed to the outside through the input/output hole 290b.

The air conditioner of the present invention is applicable to both a wall-mounted air conditioner and a stand-type air conditioner.

7 is a partially cut-away perspective view of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an ultraviolet sterilization module 760 disposed inside the body 700 . The ultraviolet sterilization module 760 may include a porous main body 762 and an ultraviolet lamp 764 .

The body 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a front panel 710 and a chassis 720 . A wind direction control member 730 , a fan 740 , a heat exchanger 750 , a porous main body 762 , and an ultraviolet lamp 764 may be disposed in the body 700 .

The air conditioner shown in FIG. 7 may include all the various members described in FIGS. 1 to 4 in addition to the front panel 710 , the chassis 720 , the wind direction control member 730 , the fan 740 , and the heat exchanger 750 . can In FIG. 7 , only the front panel 710 , the chassis 720 , the wind direction control member 730 , the fan 740 , the heat exchanger 750 , and the UV sterilization module 760 will be briefly described.

In the main body 700 , the air inlet 712 may be formed on the upper surface of the air conditioner, and the air outlet 714 may be formed on the lower surface of the air conditioner. The main body 700 is arranged such that the air inlet 712 is formed on the upper surface of the air conditioner, the air outlet 714 is formed on the lower surface of the air conditioner, and the front panel 710 covers the front surface of the air conditioner. It is also possible to be

In the main body 700 , the air inlet 712 is formed at the upper portion of the air conditioner, particularly the upper surface side of the air conditioner, and the air outlet 714 is formed at the lower portion of the air conditioner, particularly the lower surface side of the air conditioner. . In addition, it will be described that the front panel 710 is rotated to protrude forward with the center of the upper part forming the front exterior of the air conditioner and for servicing the inside of the air conditioner.

In addition, the structure and function of the front panel 710, the chassis 720, the wind direction control member 730, the fan 740, and the heat exchanger 750 in the main body 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 As described with reference to FIGS. to 4 , duplicate descriptions are excluded.

The ultraviolet sterilization module 760 included in the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention may be disposed before the heat exchanger 750 in the air flow direction. The UV sterilization module 760 may be located in the air intake passage between the front panel 710 and the heat exchanger 750 .

The porous main body 762 may be formed in a structure through which air may pass, and a plurality of holes 766 through which air may pass may be formed in the porous main body 762 . The porous main body 762 may be composed of a porous plate in which a plurality of holes 766 are formed, and of course it is also possible to be composed of a wire assembly in which a plurality of wires are cross-connected. When the porous main body 762 is composed of a wire assembly, a hole 766 through which air may pass may be formed between the plurality of wires. Hereinafter, the porous main body 762 may be referred to as a mesh, a web, a main body, a body, a support body, a porous ramp support body, a web main body, a mesh body, a web body, and the like.

A hole 766 through which air flows toward the ultraviolet lamp 764 may be formed in the porous main body 762 . In the hole 766 , a hole 766 having a predetermined size or larger may be formed to minimize flow resistance caused by the porous main body 762 . In addition, the porous main body 762 can be made of an elastic material, has a round-type curved surface to correspond to the shape of the heat exchanger 750 or has a shape bent at least once, and the body 700 and the heat exchanger ( 750) may be located inside.

The UV sterilization module 760 may emit heat from the UV lamp 764 , and the porous main body 762 is preferably formed of a material having high heat resistance. In addition, the porous main body 762 is preferably formed of a metal material rather than a synthetic resin material such as plastic. The porous main body 762 is preferably formed of a material having good durability against heat and moisture, and may be formed of an aluminum (Al) material. Here, the aluminum (Al) material may include an aluminum material and an aluminum alloy material.

The porous main body 762 may be positioned before the ultraviolet lamp 764 and the heat exchanger 750 in the flow direction of the air. When a photocatalytic material is applied to the surface of the porous main body 762 , air may be deodorized by the porous main body 762 and then flow to the ultraviolet lamp 764 and the heat exchanger 750 . That is, when the photocatalytic material is applied to the surface of the porous main body 762 , adsorption of the deodorizing component in the air to the surface of the ultraviolet lamp 764 can be minimized. It is possible to minimize the degradation of the performance of the ultraviolet lamp 764 that may occur when the deodorizing component is excessively adsorbed on the surface of the ultraviolet lamp 764 .

For example, the photocatalytic material formed on the surface of the porous main body 762 includes titanium oxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), cadmium sulfide (CdS), zirconia (ZrO2), vanadium oxide (V2O3), tungsten oxide catalyst ( WO3) and the like may be included. The air sucked in through the air inlet 712 is primarily deodorized in the porous main body 762, and can be secondarily sterilized by the ultraviolet lamp 764, and the deodorized and sterilized air in the heat exchanger 750 is can be inhaled.

On the other hand, even if the porous main body 762 is disposed in a space in which the gas flows, it is possible to minimize interference with the flow of the gas. In addition, in the process of the gas passing through the porous main body 762, by flowing close to the ultraviolet lamp 764, the intensity of the ultraviolet rays transmitted to the gas or the range to which the ultraviolet rays are irradiated may be increased. Accordingly, the sterilization power of the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 may be increased.

The UV sterilization module 760 may include a plurality of UV lamps 764 , and the plurality of UV lamps 764 may be disposed in the porous main body 762 to be spaced apart from each other. At least some of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 may be arranged side by side. The plurality of UV lamps 764 may all be arranged side by side. The plurality of UV lamps 764 may be disposed on the porous main body 762 with a predetermined interval. A plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 may be arranged in parallel.

The plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 may be disposed to be spaced apart from both surfaces of the porous main body 762 . It is possible that the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 are all located between the porous main body 762 and the heat exchanger 750 in the air flow direction. In addition, it is possible that a part is disposed between the porous main body 762 and the heat exchanger 750 , and the rest is disposed between the porous main body 762 and the front panel 710 . The ultraviolet lamp 764 disposed between the porous main body 762 and the front panel 710 may primarily sterilize the air passing between the air intake 712 and the porous main body 762 . In addition, the ultraviolet lamp disposed between the porous main body 762 and the heat exchanger 750 may secondarily sterilize the air that has passed through the porous main body 762 .

As described above, the ultraviolet lamp may be dispersedly disposed on the porous main body 762 , and a photocatalytic material may be coated on the porous main body 762 . As a result, air can be primarily sterilized between the air intake port 712 and the porous main body 762 . Furthermore, when deodorized by the porous main body 762 , it may be secondarily sterilized between the porous main body 762 and the heat exchanger 750 .

The UV sterilization module 760 may include a holder (not shown) for supporting the UV lamp 764 . The holder may support the ultraviolet lamp 764 so that the ultraviolet lamp 764 is spaced apart from the porous main body 762 . A plurality of holders may support the ultraviolet lamp 764 , and a pair of holders may support the ultraviolet lamp 764 . The UV sterilization module 760 may include a plurality of pairs of holders. A plurality of pairs of holders may be disposed at regular intervals in the porous main body 762 . The ultraviolet sterilization module 760 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764, a power supply unit (not shown) and an electric wire (not shown).

The ultraviolet lamp 764 may be provided as an external electrode having an external electrode. Accordingly, the first electrode may be provided on one side of the ultraviolet lamp 764 , and the second electrode may be provided on the other side of the ultraviolet lamp 764 . In addition, the first electrode and the second electrode may be provided by applying a conductive solder solution from the outside of the UV lamp 764 . In addition, the first electrode and the second electrode may be provided by applying silver paste. In addition, the first electrode and the second electrode may be provided by coating and curing carbon nanotubes (CNT). That is, the ultraviolet lamp 764 and the first electrode and the second electrode are provided separately, and an electric field may be formed between the first electrode and the second electrode. In addition, a discharge is induced in the radiation material inside the ultraviolet lamp 764 by the electric field and may generate ultraviolet rays. According to this, since the first electrode and the second electrode do not come into contact with the material enclosed in the ultraviolet lamp 764 , heat that can be generated from the ultraviolet lamp 764 is reduced, and the lifespan of the ultraviolet lamp 764 is reduced. can be increased.

The power supply may supply power to the UV lamp 764 . In addition, the power supply unit may stabilize the current supplied to the ultraviolet lamp 764 . In addition, the power supply may generate a high voltage required for generating ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet lamp 764 . That is, the power supply may be provided by changing the output frequency and the driving voltage according to the driving frequency and driving voltage for driving the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 . For example, the power supply may be provided as an inverter, a ballast, or the like.

The electric wire may connect the power supply and the plurality of UV lamps 764 . In detail, the electric wire may connect the first electrode and the second electrode to the power supply. In addition, the electric wire may connect the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 and the power supply in parallel. That is, by connecting the power supply unit and the plurality of UV lamps 764 in parallel, the plurality of UV lamps 764 may be operated simultaneously. And, even when one of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 is defective, there is an advantage of easy maintenance.

Meanwhile, although the ultraviolet lamp 764 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described as an external electrode fluorescent lamp in which an electrode is provided outside, a method in which the electrode is disposed inside the ultraviolet lamp may also be possible.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the ultraviolet lamp 764 will be described in detail. The ultraviolet lamp 764 of the external electrode fluorescent lamp type may be formed in the shape of a bar or tube in which an inner space is formed. And, the ultraviolet lamp 764 may be formed to be shielded to have a sealed inner space. The ultraviolet lamp 764 may be formed of one of quartz, borosilicate, and glass containing the quartz or borosilicate. In addition, a radiation material capable of generating the ultraviolet rays may be enclosed in the inner space of the ultraviolet lamp 764 . The radiation material may be discharged by the first electrode and the second electrode respectively disposed on both sides of the ultraviolet lamp 764 to generate ultraviolet rays.

For example, the radiation material in the ultraviolet lamp 764 includes mercury (Hg), neon (Ne), xenon (Xe), krypton (Kr), argon (Ar), xenon bromide (XeBr), xenon chloride (XeCl), At least one of krypton bromide (KrBr), krypton chloride (KrCl), and methane (Ch4) may be included. In addition, most of the materials other than mercury (Hg) among the radiation material 103 may be provided in a gaseous state. The radiation material may be sealed in the inner space of the ultraviolet lamp 764 at a constant pressure. For example, the radiation material may be sealed in the inner space of the ultraviolet lamp 764 under normal or medium pressure. Meanwhile, the ultraviolet lamp 764 may have a rather small diameter so that it can be easily disposed in the inner space of the air conditioner. For example, the ultraviolet lamp 764 may have a diameter of 1 mm to 7 mm or less.

If the ultraviolet lamp 764 is formed with a diameter of 1 mm or less, there is a risk of damage, and there is a problem in that it is difficult to fill the radiation material enclosed therein.

When the ultraviolet lamp 764 has a diameter of 7 mm or more, resistance to the flow of the fluid may be increased by increasing the diameter. In addition, there is a problem in that the voltage for discharging the radiation material charged in the ultraviolet lamp 764 is increased, and power consumption is increased.

In addition, the ultraviolet lamp 764 may be formed to be long in the longitudinal direction so as to be horizontally disposed in the inner space of the air conditioner. In addition, the thickness of the ultraviolet lamp 764 may be formed to a thickness that can withstand the pressure of the material enclosed in the inner space of the ultraviolet lamp 764 . For example, the thickness of the ultraviolet lamp 764 may be formed in a range of 0.2 mm to 2 mm. The diameter, length, and thickness of the ultraviolet lamp 764 are not limited to the above numerical values.

The first electrode and the second electrode of the UV lamp 764 may be provided on both sides of the outside of the UV lamp 764 . In addition, the first electrode and the second electrode may be formed on both sides of the ultraviolet lamp 764 by a conductive solder solution. In addition, the first electrode and the second electrode may be provided by applying silver paste. In addition, the first electrode and the second electrode may be provided by coating and curing carbon nanotubes (CNT). For example, both ends of the ultraviolet lamp 764 are put in a conductive solder solution, and the conductive solder solution By curing, electrodes may be formed at both ends of the ultraviolet lamp 764 .

That is, the outer surface of the ultraviolet lamp 764 can be dipping in the conductive solder solution, and has the advantage of simplifying the manufacturing process. In addition, the conductive material and the conductive solder solution may include one or more of silver (Ag), carbon nanotubes (CNT), copper (Cu), and platinum (Pt). Accordingly, the first electrode and the second electrode of the ultraviolet lamp 764 may be formed at both ends of the ultraviolet lamp 764 in the longitudinal direction of the ultraviolet lamp 764 . In addition, the first electrode and the second electrode may be formed to be at least 1 cm to 3 cm from both ends of the ultraviolet lamp 764 .

When the first electrode and the second electrode are formed to be smaller than 1 cm, there is a problem in that it is difficult to discharge the radiation material enclosed in the ultraviolet lamp 764 . That is, an area in which the first electrode and the second electrode are provided is reduced, so that the efficiency of discharging the radiation material may be reduced.

When the first electrode and the second electrode are formed to be 3 cm larger, the radiation material enclosed in the ultraviolet lamp 764 can be sufficiently discharged, but the area provided with the first electrode and the second electrode is increased to generate ultraviolet rays. The area irradiated to the outside can be reduced.

The ultraviolet sterilization module 760 uses a plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 arranged in parallel on the porous main body 762 to allow the air introduced through the air intake 712 to pass through the porous main body 762 to be a heat exchanger. When heading to 750, you can sterilize harmful substances.

The wavelength of ultraviolet light generated by the ultraviolet lamp 764 may be a wavelength near 250 nm to 260 nm, which has high sterilization power against microorganisms, and ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 250 nm to 260 nm have a sterilization effect of 1000 to 10000 times than that of near ultraviolet. can

When ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the DNA of microorganisms, the molecular structure of thymine among the bases of DNA can be intensively destroyed. Thymine that absorbs UV light sticks to neighboring thymine or cytosine. When thymine is polymerized in this way, the function as a living organism may be stopped because DNA replication cannot be properly performed. In addition, ultraviolet rays can oxidize the phospholipids and proteins that make up the cell membrane, preventing the life activities of bacteria from being extended.

Meanwhile, the UV sterilization module 760 may be located in various places in the air conditioner. For example, the UV sterilization module 760 may be located between the front panel 710 of the air conditioner and a front frame (not shown). That is, the porous main body 762 may be coupled to the rear surface of the front panel 710 of the air conditioner so that the ultraviolet lamp 764 faces the heat exchanger 750 . This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 13 .

In addition, the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 may be located between the front frame of the air conditioner and the filter (not shown). That is, the porous main body 762 may be coupled to the rear surface of the front frame so that the ultraviolet lamp 764 faces the heat exchanger 750 . This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 16 .

In addition, the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 may be located between the filter frame (not shown) of the air conditioner and the heat exchanger 750 . That is, the porous main body 762 may be coupled to the rear surface of the filter frame so that the ultraviolet lamp 764 faces the heat exchanger 750 . This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 19 .

8 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of an ultraviolet sterilization module in an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 may include a porous main body 762 , an ultraviolet lamp 764 , a hole 766 , and a holder 768 .

The hole 766 of the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be formed in at least one shape of a polygon, a circle, and an oval. And, by changing the size of the hole 766, the flow rate of the gas passing through the porous main body 762 can be adjusted.

The porous main body 762 may have a holder 768 on the front side, and a plurality of holders 768 may be attached at regular intervals. In addition, the porous main body 762 may include a plurality of holders 768 at regular intervals on both sides. The plurality of holders 768 may be made of a metal material, and may be manufactured in a shape surrounding a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the ultraviolet lamp 764 .

In addition, the porous main body 762 may have a holder 768 at regular intervals on both sides of the transverse side in one surface, and both sides of the ultraviolet lamp 764 may be coupled to the holder 768 , respectively. In addition, the porous main body 762 may have a holder 768 at regular intervals on the left, center, and right sides on one side, and each of the left, central, and right portions of the ultraviolet lamp 764 is coupled to the holder 768 . can do.

The porous main body 762 may be treated with a waterproof sealing (not shown) around the holder 768 in order to prevent corrosion of the electrode and the holder 768 of the ultraviolet lamp 764 from one side.

In addition, although not shown in FIG. 8 , the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 may include a metal rail (not shown) disposed on the porous main body 762 . The metal rail may be electrically connected to the holder 768 , and current may be applied to the ultraviolet lamp 764 through the metal rail and the holder 768 . The metal rail may be connected to the plurality of holders 768 , and the current applied to the metal rail may flow to the plurality of holders 768 . The metal rail may be a parallel connector for connecting a plurality of UV lamps 764 in parallel. The metal rail may be referred to as a bus bar.

A plurality of holders 768 may be arranged at regular intervals on one surface of the metal rail. That is, the plurality of holders 768 may be installed at regular intervals on the metal rail. In this case, the waterproof sealing may be processed to cover the electrode of the UV lamp 764 and the holder 768 as well as the metal rail.

9 is a perspective view illustrating the positions of a UV sterilization module, a heat exchanger, and a fan in the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an ultraviolet sterilization module 760 , a heat exchanger 750 and a fan 740 including a porous main body 762 and an ultraviolet lamp 764 . ) may be included. The porous main body 762 of the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 includes a hole 766 of a certain size or more so as not to interfere with the flow of air. In addition, the porous main body 762 of the UV sterilization module 760 may be made of an elastic material, and may be positioned inside the air conditioner to have a round-type curved surface to correspond to the shape of the heat exchanger 750 . The UV sterilization module 760 may include a plurality of UV lamps 764 , and the plurality of UV lamps 764 may be disposed in parallel on the porous main body 762 with a predetermined interval. The porous main body 762 may include a holder (not shown) for supporting the ultraviolet lamp 764 , and the ultraviolet lamp 764 may be coupled to a holder positioned at a predetermined interval within the porous main body 762 . . The ultraviolet sterilization module 760 uses the ultraviolet lamp 764 coupled in parallel to the porous main body 762 to allow the air introduced through the air intake 712 to pass through the porous main body 762 and the heat exchanger 750 . ) to sterilize harmful substances.

As described above, the porous main body 762 is made of an elastic material to cover the entire surface of the heat exchanger 750 , and is manufactured in a shape similar to the shape of the heat exchanger 750 to be coupled to the upper side of the heat exchanger 750 . can In this case, the porous main body 762 may include a bending part that is bent to correspond to the shape of the heat exchanger. In addition, the porous main body 762 includes a first porous main body 912 coupled to a vertical portion of the heat exchanger 750 , and a second UV sterilization module 760 coupled to the front upper surface of the heat exchanger 750 . It may include a porous main body 914 and a third porous main body 916 coupled to the rear upper surface of the heat exchanger 750 .

In addition, although not shown in FIG. 9 , the porous main body of the UV sterilization module 760 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be manufactured in various shapes to correspond to the size and shape of the UV lamp.

10 is a view for explaining an example in which the ultraviolet sterilization module according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a metal rail.

10, the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a porous main body 762, a plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764, a plurality of holes 766, a plurality of holders 768 and a metal rail 769 .

Air may be introduced through the plurality of holes 766 of the porous main body 762 . Air passing through the plurality of holes 766 may be sterilized by the plurality of UV lamps 764 . The metal rail 769 may be installed by a predetermined length on the left and right sides of the porous main body 762 . A plurality of holders 768 may be installed on the metal rail 769 to be spaced apart by a predetermined interval. As a result, the plurality of holders 768 may also be installed on the left and right sides of the porous main body 762 . The plurality of UV lamps 764 may be respectively coupled to a pair of holders installed on the left and right sides, respectively.

The ultraviolet sterilization module 760 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be supplied with electricity by a power supply unit. In this case, power may be directly supplied by connecting an electric wire to each UV lamp 764 . In addition, the holder 768 may be made of metal, and power may be supplied by connecting an electric wire to the holder 768 . Furthermore, it is possible to easily supply power to the plurality of UV lamps 764 by using the external electrode type UV lamp 764 . That is, when a plurality of metal holders 768 and a metal rail 769 are installed, and power is supplied to the metal rails 769 on both sides, power can be supplied to each of the UV lamps 764 at the same time. It works. As such, using the metal rail has a technical effect that makes it easy to mount and power the UV lamp.

11 is a view for explaining power energy measured in a predetermined area when one conventional ultraviolet lamp is used. 12 is a view for explaining power energy measured in a predetermined area when a plurality of ultraviolet lamps are arranged in parallel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 11 , it is assumed that UV sterilization is performed using one conventional UV lamp 1000 , and in FIG. 12 , it is assumed that 10 UV lamps 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention are arranged in parallel to perform UV sterilization. .

11 , when one conventional ultraviolet lamp 1000 is operated, power energy measured in area A is 5mW/cm2, power energy measured in area B is 2.2mW/cm2, measured in area C The resulting power energy is 0.6mW/cm2 and the power energy measured in the D region is 0.9mW/cm2.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12 , when 10 ultraviolet lamps 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention are arranged and operated in parallel, the power energy measured in area A is 5.1 mW/cm2 and measured in area B. The resulting power energy is 4.5mW/cm2, the power energy measured in the C area is 3.6mW/cm2, and the power energy measured in the D area is 3.7mW/cm2.

That is, when a plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention having a very small diameter are arranged in parallel and operated at the same time, the narrower the distance due to the overlapping effect, the higher the power density. Conversely, as the spacing increases, the effect of overlap may decrease.

In fact, the simultaneous operation of 10 UV lamps 1100 of the present invention than operating one conventional UV lamp 1000 may consume lower power. Therefore, it is more efficient to use a plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention than to use a conventional ultraviolet lamp in consideration of power consumption, space efficiency, and ultraviolet sterilization effect.

13A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a first embodiment in which the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention includes an ultraviolet lamp.

13A , the main body 1200 of the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of holders 1210 on a surface of the front panel 28 facing the filter 80 . In addition, a plurality of holders 1210 may be provided on a surface of the chassis 10 facing the heat exchanger 750 . In addition, the main body 1200 may mount the ultraviolet lamp 1220 to each of the plurality of holders 1210 . The ultraviolet lamp 1220 used in the main body 1200 of the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention is a Hot Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (HCFL) type ultraviolet lamp or Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (CCFL). It may be an anticorrosive UV lamp. The ultraviolet lamp 1220 installed in the main body 1200 of the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention may have a diameter of 28 mm or more.

In addition, the main body 1200 of the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention may include an inverter (not shown) for supplying power to the plurality of UV lamps 1220 at the same time. Alternatively, the first inverter for supplying power to the UV lamps 1220 located on the surface facing the filter 80 of the front panel 28 and the chassis 10 are located on the surface facing the heat exchanger 750 A second inverter for supplying power to the UV lamps 1220 may be separately provided.

A plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1220 installed in the main body 1200 of the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention may be installed in parallel at positions spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. In addition, the distance between the plurality of UV lamps 1220 mounted on the surface of the front panel 28 facing the filter 80 and the filter 80 may be twice or more than the diameter of the UV lamp 1220 .

By installing a plurality of UV lamps 1220 on one surface of the front panel 28 and one surface of the chassis 10 to be spaced apart from each other, it is possible to evenly sterilize the air directed to the heat exchanger 750 through the air intake 4 There is a technical effect.

13B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a second embodiment in which the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention includes an ultraviolet lamp.

As shown in FIG. 13B , the main body 1300 of the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention is disposed in a space within the body to filter out foreign substances in the air 80 and a filter on which the filter 80 is mounted. It may include a frame 90 .

In addition, a plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1320 may be positioned in the body 1300 between the heat exchanger 750 and the filter frame 90 .

As an example, a plurality of holders 1310 may be installed to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval on a surface of the filter frame 90 facing the heat exchanger 750 . As a result, the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1320 arranged in parallel on one surface of the filter frame 90 may generate ultraviolet rays toward the heat exchanger 750 . On the other hand, the length of the UV lamp 1320 may be the same as or shorter than the length of the heat exchanger 750 .

The air introduced through the air intake port 4 may pass through the filter 80 and the filter frame 90 sequentially to be directed to the heat exchanger 750 . At this time, the air may be sterilized by the ultraviolet rays generated from the ultraviolet lamp 1320 . The method of sterilizing the air has been described in detail with reference to FIG. 7 , and repeated descriptions are excluded.

The plurality of UV lamps 1320 may be respectively mounted on the holder 1310 . The UV lamp 1320 used in the main body 1300 of the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention may be a hot cathode tube (HCFL) type UV lamp or a cold cathode tube (CCFL) type UV lamp. The ultraviolet lamp 1320 installed in the air conditioner 1300 according to another embodiment of the present invention may have a diameter of 28 mm or more.

In addition, the main body 1300 of the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention may include an inverter (not shown) for supplying power to the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1220 at the same time.

The plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1320 installed in the body 1300 of the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention may be installed in parallel at positions spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. In addition, a distance between the plurality of UV lamps 1320 and the heat exchanger 750 may be more than twice the diameter of the UV lamp 1320 .

By installing a plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1320 on the surface facing the heat exchanger 750 of the filter frame 90 to be spaced apart from each other, the air passing through the air intake 4 and directed to the heat exchanger 750 can be sterilized evenly. There is a technical effect.

13C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a third embodiment in which the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention includes an ultraviolet lamp.

As shown in FIG. 13C , the main body 1400 of the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of holders 1420 on the surface facing the filter 80 among the front panel 28 . In addition, a plurality of holders 1410 may be provided on a surface of the chassis 10 facing the heat exchanger 750 .

In addition, the body 1400 may include a UV lamp support frame 1410 for mounting the plurality of holders 1420 . The UV lamp support frame 1410 may be installed on a surface of the front panel 28 facing the filter 80 , and may be installed on a surface of the chassis 10 facing the heat exchanger 750 . The plurality of holders 1420 may be mounted on one surface of the UV lamp support frame 1410 . The plurality of UV lamps 1430 may be respectively mounted on the holder 1420 .

The UV lamp 1430 used in the body 1400 of the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention may be a hot cathode tube (HCFL) type UV lamp or a cold cathode tube (CCFL) type UV lamp. The ultraviolet lamp 1430 installed in the main body 1400 of the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention may have a diameter of 28 mm or more.

In addition, the main body 1400 of the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention may include an inverter (not shown) for supplying power to the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1430 at the same time. Alternatively, the first inverter for supplying power to the ultraviolet lamps 1430 located on the surface facing the filter 80 of the front panel 28 and the chassis 10 are located on the surface facing the heat exchanger 750 A second inverter for supplying power to the ultraviolet lamps 1430 may be separately provided.

The plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1430 installed in the main body 1400 of the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention may be installed in parallel at positions spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. Also, a distance between the plurality of UV lamps 1430 mounted on the surface of the front panel 28 facing the filter 80 and the filter 80 may be twice the diameter of the UV lamp 1430 or more. Similarly, a distance between the plurality of UV lamps 1430 mounted on a surface of the chassis 10 facing the heat exchanger 750 and the heat exchanger 750 may be twice the diameter of the UV lamp 1430 or more.

A plurality of UV lamps 1430 are installed on one side of the front panel 28 facing the filter 80 and one side of the chassis 10 facing the heat exchanger 750 to be spaced apart from each other and pass through the air intake 4 Thus, there is a technical effect of evenly sterilizing the air directed to the heat exchanger 750 .

14 is a view showing ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet 714 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, an example of the air conditioner 1300 of the second embodiment will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be applied to all air conditioners described above, and furthermore, all air conditioners including an ultraviolet lamp and an air outlet.

In addition, the structures and functions of all the air conditioners described above may be applied to the air conditioners to be described later.

Ultraviolet rays may be irradiated from a plurality of ultraviolet lamps inside the air conditioner 1300 . On the other hand, the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the plurality of ultraviolet lamps go through processes such as reflection, absorption, and scattering inside the air conditioner 1300 , and some of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the plurality of ultraviolet lamps are air-conditioned through the air outlet 714 . It may be emitted to the outside of the group 1300 .

In addition, some of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the plurality of ultraviolet lamps may be emitted to the outside of the air conditioner 1300 by being directly irradiated to the outside through the air outlet 714 .

On the other hand, when the ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet 714 are irradiated to the human body for a long time, it may have a harmful effect on the human body.

15 is a block diagram illustrating an air conditioner capable of controlling ultraviolet rays emitted through an air outlet based on a user's approach state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The air conditioner 1300 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit 72 , an ultraviolet sterilization module 760 , a sensor 1610 , an output unit 1620 , and a wind direction control member driving mechanism 35 . there is.

The ultraviolet sterilization module 760 may include a plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 arranged in parallel, and use the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 to the inside of the main body 2 of the air conditioner 700 . of air can be sterilized. Configurations and functions included in the UV sterilization module 760 have been previously described, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The approach sensor 1610 may detect a user around the air outlet. In more detail, the approach sensor 1610 may detect a user located within a specific distance and a specific angle from the air outlet. A detailed description related thereto will be described later with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19 .

Meanwhile, the proximity sensor 1610 may detect a user using an electric field, a magnetic field, temperature, or the like. Also, the approach sensor 1610 may be an optical sensor, and in this case, the user's location may be sensed using ultrasonic waves or infrared rays.

In addition, the approach sensor 1610 may detect the amount of ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet. In addition, when the amount of ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet is greater than or equal to a preset value, the controller 72 may control the ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet.

The control unit 72 may acquire information about the user's access state around the air outlet 714 . Here, the user's access state includes the presence or absence of a user around the air outlet 714 , the distance of the user from the air outlet 714 , the direction of the user with respect to the air outlet 714 , and the user in the vicinity of the air outlet 714 . It may include at least one of the time during which is sensed.

It has been previously described that the sensor 1610 can detect a user around the air outlet 714 , and the control unit 72 based on the sensing result of the sensor 1610 , the user's approach state around the air outlet 714 . information can be obtained.

On the other hand, the control unit 72 may adjust the ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet 714 based on the user's approach state.

Specifically, when a user in the vicinity of the air outlet 714 is detected, the controller 72 may control the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 to stop the irradiation of ultraviolet rays.

In addition, the controller 72 may control the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 to resume the irradiation of ultraviolet rays when the user around the air outlet 714 is not detected in a state in which the irradiation of ultraviolet rays is stopped.

In addition, the control unit 72, based on at least one of the user's distance from the air outlet 714, the direction of the user with respect to the air outlet, and the time the user is detected around the air outlet, a plurality of ultraviolet lamps ( 764) It is possible to control the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 to adjust the irradiation amount of each ultraviolet ray.

In addition, the control unit 72 based on at least one of the user's distance from the air outlet 714, the direction of the user with respect to the air outlet 714, and the time the user is detected around the air outlet, the plurality of ultraviolet rays The UV sterilization module 760 may be controlled so that the lamp 764 operates in a preset pattern. Here, the preset pattern includes at least one lamp on, at least one lamp off, at least one lamp on, and at least one lamp in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of a plurality of ultraviolet lamps arranged in parallel. It may be a pattern in which is off.

Meanwhile, the control unit 72 controls at least one of the user's distance from the air outlet 714, the direction of the user based on the air outlet 714, and the time the user is detected around the air outlet 714 and a plurality of UV lamps. Based on the pattern in which the ultraviolet rays irradiated from each of 764 are exposed to the outside, the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 may be controlled such that some of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 are turned off.

In this case, the controller 72 is exposed through the air outlet 714 of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 760 based on the amount of UV rays irradiated from each of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 exposed through the air outlet 714 . The UV sterilization module 760 may be controlled so that the UV lamp with a large amount of UV light is sequentially turned off.

In addition, the control unit 72, based on the exposure amount of each of the ultraviolet rays of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 with respect to the direction of the user with respect to the air outlet 714, among the plurality of lamps 764 exposed in the direction of the user The UV sterilization module 760 may be controlled so that the lamp with a large amount of UV light is sequentially turned off.

The wind direction adjusting member driving mechanism 35 may rotate the wind direction adjusting member 34 under the control of the controller 72 . Specifically, the control unit 72 controls the wind direction control member driving mechanism 35 to rotate the wind direction control member 34 so that the ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet 714 are not directly irradiated to the user based on the direction of the user. can do.

The output unit 1220 may output a notification indicating that the user is located around the air outlet 714 under the control of the controller 72 . Here, the notification indicating that the user is located near the air outlet 714 may include at least one of an acoustic notification, a voice notification, and a visual notification.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 16 , the air conditioner has been described as including the control unit 72 , the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 , the sensor 1610 , the output unit 1620 , and the wind direction control member driving mechanism 35 , but is not limited thereto.

For example, in the air conditioner, in addition to the control unit 72, the ultraviolet sterilization module 760, the sensor 1610, the output unit 1620, and the wind direction control member driving mechanism 35, various members described in FIGS. Some or all of it may be included, and all of the functions described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15 may be performed.

As another example, at least one of the control unit 72 , the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 , the sensor 1210 , and the output unit 1220 may be omitted.

16 is a block diagram illustrating an air conditioner capable of controlling ultraviolet rays emitted through an air outlet based on a user's approach state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In this drawing, the air conditioner of the first embodiment of FIG. 13A will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the following description will describe all air that can be air-conditioned and discharged by sucking air from the outside of the second and third embodiments. Can be applied to harmonizers.

The air conditioner 1300 may include a main body, and an air outlet 714 may be provided in the main body.

Also, the air conditioner 1300 may include an approach sensor 1610 . The approach sensor 1610 may detect a user around the air outlet 714 .

In addition, although one approach sensor 1610 is illustrated in this drawing, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a plurality of access sensors 1610 may be mounted at various positions of the air conditioner 1300 . In addition, the approach sensor 1610 may detect a user around the air conditioner 1300 .

Also, the air conditioner 1300 may include an ultraviolet sterilization module 760 . Here, the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 may include one or more ultraviolet lamps 764 accommodated in the body and irradiating ultraviolet rays. That is, one or more UV lamps 764 may be installed inside the air conditioner to irradiate UV rays.

On the other hand, the control unit 72 may adjust the ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet 714 based on the user's approach state.

In addition, when a user's approach is detected by the approach sensor 1610 , the controller 72 may control ultraviolet rays emitted to the outside of the air conditioner 1300 .

Also, the air conditioner 1300 may be provided with one or more openings, such as an air outlet 714 and an air inlet 4 . Meanwhile, when a user's approach is sensed around at least one of the one or more openings, the controller 72 may control the ultraviolet rays emitted through the at least one opening.

Meanwhile, the term access sensor 1610 may be used interchangeably with the term sensor 1610 .

Meanwhile, the air conditioner 1300 may include a case 1630 , and the air intake 4 may be provided in the case 1630 . Also, external air may be sucked into the air conditioner 1300 through the air intake port 4 .

In addition, the air conditioner 1300 may include a heat exchanger 750 disposed on the downstream side of the flow of the air intake 4 for heat exchange.

Also, the air conditioner 1300 may include a filter 80 disposed between the air intake port 4 and the heat exchanger 750 .

Also, the air conditioner 1300 may include an air outlet 714 provided in the case 1630 and for discharging air inside the case 1630 .

Also, the air conditioner 1300 may include a fan 740 that flows the air sucked in through the air inlet 4 to the air outlet 714 .

In addition, the air conditioner 1300 may include an ultraviolet sterilization module 760 having a plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 controlling the irradiation of ultraviolet rays when an object is detected by the approach sensor 1610 .

17 is a view for explaining a UV control method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The UV control method of the air conditioner 1300 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes operating the air conditioner (S1710), controlling the UV sterilization module to sterilize the air inside the body by irradiating UV rays (S1720) , Based on the step S1730 of obtaining information on the user's access state around the air outlet 714 and the user's access state around the air outlet 714, the ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet 714 are adjusted It may include a step (S1740) of doing.

First, the operation of the air conditioner (S1710) and the step of controlling the ultraviolet sterilization module to sterilize the air inside the body by irradiating ultraviolet rays (S1720) will be described.

When an input for operating the air conditioner is received from the user, the controller 72 may operate the air conditioner 1300 . Specifically, when an input for operation of the air conditioner is received from the user, the control unit 72 may absorb air from the outside for conditioning, and discharge the conditioned air to the outside.

Also, when the air conditioner 1300 is operating, the controller 72 may control the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 to sterilize the air inside the body 2 by irradiating ultraviolet rays.

Acquiring information on the user's access state around the air outlet 714 (S1730) and adjusting the ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet 714 based on the user's access state around the air outlet 714 Step S1740 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 18 to 26 .

18 is a view for explaining a method for obtaining information about a user's access state around an air outlet and an operation according thereto, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The main body 2 may form the exterior of the air conditioner. In addition, an air outlet 6 through which air conditioning air is discharged may be formed in the body 2 .

Meanwhile, the air conditioner may include a sensor 1610 that detects the user 1810 around the air outlet 6 . Although it has been described in FIG. 18 that one sensor is mounted, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the air conditioner may include two or more sensors for detecting users around the air outlet.

Meanwhile, the vicinity of the air outlet may mean an area 1820 within a preset angle range from the air outlet 6 and within a preset distance from the air outlet. Here, the preset angle range or the preset distance may be variously changed according to the design of the product.

On the other hand, the control unit 72 may obtain information about the access state of the user 1810 around the air outlet 6 . Here, the user's access state may include the presence or absence of a user in the vicinity of the air outlet 6 .

Specifically, the sensor 1610 may detect a user around the air outlet 6 . Meanwhile, the controller 72 may obtain information about whether a user is around the air outlet 6 or whether there is no user around the air outlet 6 using the sensing result of the sensor 1610 .

On the other hand, when the user does not detect the air outlet 6 , the controller 72 may control the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 so that the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 continue to emit ultraviolet rays.

Meanwhile, it is assumed that the user 1810 moves to the vicinity of the air outlet 6 in a state where there is no user around the air outlet 6 .

In this case, when a user is detected in the vicinity of the air outlet 6 , the controller 72 may control the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 to stop the irradiation of ultraviolet rays. Specifically, when the information that the user 1810 is around the air outlet 6 is obtained based on the sensing result by the sensor 1610, the control unit 72 controls the UV sterilization module 760 to provide the UV sterilization module 760. The UV sterilization module 760 may be controlled to turn off the included plurality of UV lamps 764 .

On the other hand, it is assumed that the user who has moved to the vicinity of the air outlet 6 has moved to a region far from the air outlet 6 again.

If the user in the vicinity of the air outlet 6 is not detected in a state where the irradiation of ultraviolet rays from the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 is stopped, the control unit 72 controls the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 to resume the irradiation of ultraviolet rays. can Specifically, when information that there is no user 1810 near the air outlet 6 is obtained based on the sensing result by the sensor 1610 , the control unit 72 controls the UV sterilization module 760 to provide the UV sterilization module 760. The UV sterilization module 760 may be controlled to turn on the included plurality of UV lamps 764 .

When the air inside the air conditioner is sterilized using ultraviolet rays, exposure of ultraviolet rays irradiated from the inside of the air conditioner to the outside is blocked by the main body forming the exterior of the air conditioner.

However, an air outlet is required due to the structure of the air conditioner, and therefore, when ultraviolet rays are exposed to the outside of the air conditioner through the air outlet, a problem that may have a harmful effect on the human body may occur.

Therefore, in the present invention, UV lamps are arranged in parallel to sterilize the air inside the body evenly, and when the user approaches the air outlet of the air conditioner, the irradiation of UV rays is stopped, so that UV rays generated from the air conditioner can be applied to the human body. harmful effects can be prevented.

19 to 24B are diagrams for explaining a method of adjusting ultraviolet rays according to a distance of a user, a direction of a user, a time at which the user is sensed, and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention.

19 is a diagram for explaining a method of acquiring a distance of a user, a direction of a user, a time at which a user is sensed, and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the previous description, it has been described that the ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet are controlled based on the user's approach state.

Here, the user's approach state may include the user's direction with respect to the air outlet 6 . Here, the meaning of “based on the air outlet 6” may mean “based on the average direction of ultraviolet rays exposed to the outside through the air outlet 6”.

The direction of the user with respect to the air outlet 6 is the user's left direction with respect to the air outlet 6, the user's right direction with respect to the air outlet 6, and the air outlet 6 as a reference It may include at least one of the user's upper direction and the user's lower direction with respect to the air outlet 6 .

For example, when the user is in the first direction 1910 , the direction of the user with respect to the air outlet 6 may be a left θ1 direction with respect to the air outlet 6 . As another example, when the user is in the second direction 1920 , the direction of the user with respect to the air outlet 6 may be a downward θ2 direction with respect to the air outlet 6 . As another example, when the user is in the third direction 1930 , the direction of the user with respect to the air outlet 6 may be a right θ3 direction with respect to the air outlet 6 .

As another example, when the user is in the lower θ2 direction from the first direction 1910 , the direction of the user with respect to the air outlet 6 is the left θ1 and lower θ2 directions with respect to the air outlet 6 . can

As another embodiment, the direction of the user with respect to the air outlet may include at least one of a left and right direction of the user based on the center of the air outlet and a vertical direction of the user with respect to the center of the air outlet.

On the other hand, when the sensor 1610 detects a user around the air outlet 6 , the controller 72 information on the direction of the user with respect to the air outlet 6 based on the sensing result by the sensor 1610 . can be obtained.

Meanwhile, the user's access state may include the user's distance d from the air outlet 6 . Specifically, when the sensor 1610 detects a user around the air outlet 6 , the control unit 72 determines the distance d of the user from the air outlet 6 based on the sensing result by the sensor 1610 . information can be obtained.

Meanwhile, the user's approach state may include at least one of the time the user is sensed in the vicinity of the air outlet 6 . Specifically, when the sensor 1610 detects a user around the air outlet 6 for a certain period of time, the controller 72 determines the time the user is detected around the air outlet 6 based on the sensing result by the sensor 1610 information can be obtained.

20A to 20C are diagrams for explaining a method of adjusting the irradiation amount of each ultraviolet ray of a plurality of ultraviolet lamps based on a user's approach state, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

20A to 20C, it is assumed that UV sterilization is performed by arranging 10 UV lamps in parallel.

First, a method of adjusting the irradiation amount of each of the ultraviolet rays of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps based on the distance of the user from the air outlet 6 will be described.

20A is a view showing a plurality of UV lamps 1100 when the user is at a first distance, and FIG. 20B is a plurality of UV lamps 1100 when the user is at a second distance closer than the first distance. 20c is a view showing a plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 when the user is at a third distance closer than the second distance.

As the distance between the air outlet 6 and the user decreases, the control unit 72 may reduce the amount of UV light irradiated by each of the plurality of UV lamps 1100 .

Specifically, in a state where the user is at a first distance from the air outlet 6 , the control unit 72 sterilizes the ultraviolet rays so that the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 irradiate the ultraviolet rays of the first irradiation amount, as shown in FIG. 20A . The module 760 may be controlled.

In addition, when the user is located at a second distance closer than the first distance from the air outlet 6, the control unit 72 controls the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 to irradiate the second irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays as shown in FIG. The UV sterilization module 760 may be controlled. Here, the second dose may be less than the first dose.

In addition, when the user is located at a third distance closer than the second distance from the air outlet 6, the controller 72 controls the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 to irradiate the third irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays as shown in FIG. 20C . The UV sterilization module 760 may be controlled. Here, the third dose may be less than the second dose.

In addition, when the user is located at a fourth distance closer than the third distance from the air outlet 6, the control unit 72 controls the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 so that the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 stop the irradiation of ultraviolet rays. can

Also, as the distance between the air outlet 6 and the user increases, the control unit 72 may increase the amount of UV light irradiated by each of the plurality of UV lamps 1100 . This may be done in the reverse order to the above-described method.

On the other hand, according to the distance between the air outlet 6 and the user, the irradiation amount of the ultraviolet rays irradiated by each of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 may be preset. In this case, the irradiation amount of each of the plurality of UV lamps 1100 corresponding to the distance between the air outlet 6 and the user may be stored in a storage unit (not shown) as a table.

Next, a method of adjusting the irradiation amount of each of the ultraviolet rays of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps based on the direction of the user with respect to the air outlet 6 will be described.

FIG. 20A is a view showing a plurality of UV lamps 1100 when the user is in the first direction, and FIG. 20B is a view showing the plurality of UV lamps 1100 when the user is in the second direction having an angle smaller than the first direction. ), and FIG. 20C is a view showing a plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 when the user is in the third direction having an angle smaller than the second direction.

The control unit 72 may reduce the amount of UV rays irradiated by each of the plurality of UV lamps 1100 as the angle of the direction of the user with respect to the air outlet 6 decreases.

Specifically, in a state in which the user is in the first direction with respect to the air outlet 6 , the control unit 72 controls the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 to irradiate the first irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays as shown in FIG. 20A . The UV sterilization module 760 may be controlled.

In addition, when the user is positioned in the second direction with a smaller angle than the first direction with respect to the air outlet 6 , the control unit 72 controls the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 as shown in FIG. 20B . The ultraviolet sterilization module 760 may be controlled to irradiate ultraviolet rays. Here, the second dose may be less than the first dose.

In addition, when the user is positioned in the third direction, which has a smaller angle than the second direction with respect to the air outlet 6, the control unit 72 controls the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 as shown in FIG. 20C. The ultraviolet sterilization module 760 may be controlled to irradiate ultraviolet rays. Here, the third dose may be less than the second dose.

When it is located in the fourth direction, which is smaller in angle than the third direction from the air outlet 6, the controller 72 may control the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 so that the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 stop irradiating ultraviolet rays. .

In addition, the control unit 72 may increase the amount of UV rays irradiated by each of the plurality of UV lamps 1100 as the angle of the direction of the user with respect to the air outlet 6 increases. This may be done in the reverse order to the above-described method.

On the other hand, according to the direction of the user with respect to the air outlet 6 , the irradiation amount of the ultraviolet rays irradiated by each of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 may be preset. In this case, the irradiation amount of each of the plurality of UV lamps 1100 corresponding to the distance between the air outlet 6 and the user may be stored in a storage unit (not shown) as a table.

Next, a method of adjusting the irradiation amount of each of the ultraviolet rays of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps based on the time when the user is sensed around the air outlet 6 will be described.

20A is a view showing a plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 when the user is positioned around the air outlet 6 for the first time, and FIG. 20B is a view showing the user using the air outlet for a second time longer than the first time ( 6) It is a view showing a plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 when located in the periphery, and FIG. 20c is a plurality of ultraviolet lamps when the user is located in the vicinity of the air outlet 6 for a third time longer than the second time ( 1100) is a drawing showing

The control unit 72 may decrease the amount of UV light irradiated by each of the plurality of UV lamps 1100 as the time the user is positioned around the air outlet 6 increases.

Specifically, when the user is located around the air outlet 6 for the first time, the controller 72 sterilizes the ultraviolet rays so that the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 irradiate the ultraviolet rays of the first irradiation amount, as shown in FIG. 20A . The module 760 may be controlled.

In addition, when the user is positioned around the air outlet 6 for a second time longer than the first time, the control unit 72, as shown in FIG. It is possible to control the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 to irradiate. Here, the second dose may be less than the first dose.

In addition, when the user is positioned around the air outlet 6 for a third time period longer than the second time period, the control unit 72 controls the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 as shown in FIG. It is possible to control the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 to irradiate the ultraviolet rays of the 3 irradiation amount. Here, the third dose may be less than the second dose.

In addition, if the user is positioned around the air outlet 6 for a fourth time longer than the third time, the control unit 72 controls the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 so that the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 stop the irradiation of ultraviolet rays. can

If the user continues to be located near the air outlet, if UV irradiation is unconditionally stopped, UV sterilization may not be performed, and thus the user's health may be harmed.

On the other hand, the amount of ultraviolet rays reaching the user around the air outlet may be changed according to the direction of the user with respect to the air outlet, the distance between the air outlet and the user, and the time the user is exposed to ultraviolet rays.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the user's direction with respect to the air outlet, the distance between the air outlet and the user, and the time the user is exposed to UV light are adjusted in consideration of the amount of UV radiation, thereby protecting the user from UV rays and sterilizing the air. can be performed.

In addition, since the present embodiment changes the amount of UV radiation of the entire plurality of UV lamps 1100 arranged in parallel, there is an advantage in that power consumption can be saved by maintaining the overlapping effect described in FIG. 11 .

21A to 21C are diagrams for explaining a method of adjusting an operation pattern of a plurality of UV lamps based on a user's approach state, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

It is also assumed in FIGS. 21A to 21C that UV sterilization is performed by arranging 10 UV lamps in parallel.

In addition, in FIGS. 21A to 21C , it is described that the operation pattern of the ultraviolet lamp is changed according to the distance between the air outlet 6 and the user, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The operation pattern of the ultraviolet lamp may be changed according to the direction of one user or the time the user is detected near the air outlet. That is, the control unit 72 is based on at least one of the user's distance from the air outlet 6, the direction of the user with respect to the air outlet 6, and the time the user is sensed in the vicinity of the air outlet 6, The UV sterilization module 760 may be controlled so that the plurality of UV lamps 764 operate in a preset pattern.

The controller 72 may control the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 to adjust the operation pattern of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 based on the distance between the air outlet 6 and the user. Specifically, the controller 72 may control the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 to operate the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 in a preset pattern based on the distance between the air outlet 6 and the user.

21A is a view showing a plurality of UV lamps 1100 when the user is at a first distance, and FIG. 21B is a plurality of UV lamps 1100 when the user is at a second distance closer than the first distance. 21c is a view showing a plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 when the user is at a third distance closer than the second distance.

The controller 72 may control the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 to adjust the operation pattern of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 as the distance between the air outlet 6 and the user decreases. Specifically, the plurality of UV lamps 1100 may operate in a preset pattern, and the preset pattern may be changed as the distance between the air outlet 6 and the user decreases.

Here, the preset pattern is a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of a plurality of ultraviolet lamps (1101, 1102, 1103, 1104, 1105, 1106, 1107, 1108, 1109, 11110) arranged in parallel, at least one lamp is turned on , in which at least one lamp is turned off, at least one lamp is turned on, and at least one lamp is turned off.

In a state where the user is at a first distance from the air outlet 6, the control unit 72 operates the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 such that the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 operate in a first pattern, as shown in FIG. 21A . can be controlled Here, the first pattern may be a pattern in which the entire plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays by turning on all of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 .

On the other hand, if the user is located at a second distance closer than the first distance from the air outlet 6, the control unit 72 as shown in FIG. 21B, the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 to operate in the second pattern. The sterilization module 760 may be controlled.

Here, the second pattern is in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1101, 1102, 1103, 1104, 1105, 1106, 1107, 1108, 1109, 11110, and the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1101, 1102, 1103 , 1104 , 1105 , 1106 , 1107 , 1108 , 1109 , 11110 of at least one lamp 1101 , 1102 is turned on, at least one lamp 1103 is off and at least one lamp 1104 , 1105 is turned on and at least one lamp 1106 may be turned off.

In addition, the number of ultraviolet lamps (1101, 1102, 1104, 1105, 1107, 1108, 1110) turned on in the second pattern is the number of ultraviolet lamps (1101, 1102, 1103, 1104, 1105, 1106) turned on in the first pattern, 1107, 1108, 1109, 11110).

In addition, when the user is located at a third distance closer than the second distance from the air outlet 6, the control unit 72 sterilizes ultraviolet rays so that the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 operate in a third pattern, as shown in FIG. 21C . The module 760 may be controlled.

Here, the third pattern is a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1101, 1102, 1103, 1104, 1105, 1106, 1107, 1108, 1109, 11110, and the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1101, 1102, 1103 , 1104, 1105, 1106, 1107, 1108, 1109, 11110) at least one lamp 1101 is on, at least one lamp 1102, 1103 is off and at least one lamp 1104 is on, It may be a pattern in which at least one lamp 1105 and 1106 is turned off.

In addition, the number of UV lamps (1101, 1104, 1107, 1110) turned on in the third pattern is less than the number of UV lamps (1101, 1102, 1104, 1105, 1107, 1108, 1110) that are turned on in the second pattern can

In addition, when the user is located at a fourth distance closer than the third distance from the air outlet 6, the control unit 72 controls the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 so that the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 stop the irradiation of ultraviolet rays. can

In addition, the controller 72 may control the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 to adjust the operation pattern of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 as the distance between the air outlet 6 and the user increases. This may be done in the reverse order to the above-described method.

Meanwhile, the operation patterns of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 corresponding to the user's access state may be stored in a storage unit (not shown) as a table.

As described above, the present embodiment can perform air sterilization while protecting the user from ultraviolet rays by adjusting the irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays according to the user's approach state.

In addition, in this embodiment, by adjusting the operation pattern of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 arranged in parallel, only the on-off operation of some of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 1100 coupled in parallel is the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 . It has the advantage of being able to control the total amount of UV irradiation.

In addition, this embodiment has an advantage in that it is possible to evenly sterilize the air inside the body by using a pattern in which at least one UV lamp is turned on and at least one UV lamp is turned off.

Meanwhile, the control unit 72 controls at least one of the user's distance from the air outlet 6 , the direction of the user with respect to the air outlet 6 , and the time the user is detected around the air outlet 6 and a plurality of UV lamps. Based on the pattern in which the ultraviolet rays irradiated from each 764 are exposed to the outside, the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 may be controlled such that some of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 are turned off.

This will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 22 to 23B.

22 to 23b show a method of turning off some of the plurality of UV lamps based on a pattern in which UV rays irradiated from each of the plurality of UV lamps 764 are exposed to the outside, according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a drawing for explanation.

Here, the pattern in which the ultraviolet rays irradiated from each of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 are exposed to the outside may be a direction in which the ultraviolet rays irradiated from each of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 are exposed to the outside.

Specifically, the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 2210, 2220, 2230, 2240, 2250, 2260, 2270 are reflected, absorbed, scattering, etc. inside the air conditioner, and then pass through the air outlet 714. exposed to the outside. 22 shows ultraviolet rays 2211, 2221, 2231, 2241, 2251, 2261, 2271 that are irradiated from each of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 2210, 2220, 2230, 2240, 2250, 2260, and 2270 and are exposed to the outside.

Meanwhile, the plurality of UV lamps 2210 , 2220 , 2230 , 2240 , 2250 , 2260 , and 2270 are disposed in different regions inside the air conditioner. Accordingly, each of the plurality of UV lamps 2210 , 2220 , 2230 , 2240 , 2250 , 2260 , and 2270 may have different effects on a specific direction around the air outlet 714 .

For example, when the user is positioned in the first direction, the sixth UV lamp is the lamp with the largest amount of UV light exposed in the first direction among the plurality of UV lamps 2210 , 2220 , 2230 , 2240 , 2250 , 2260 , and 2270 . (2260).

As another example, when the user is positioned in the second direction, the lamp with the largest amount of UV light exposed in the first direction among the plurality of UV lamps 2210 , 2220 , 2230 , 2240 , 2250 , 2260 and 2270 is the first UV light. It may be a lamp 2210 .

In this case, the control unit 72 is based on the exposure amount of each of the plurality of lamps (2210, 2220, 2230, 2240, 2250, 2260, 2270) corresponding to the direction of the user based on the air outlet (713), Among the plurality of UV lamps 2210 , 2220 , 2230 , 2240 , 2250 , 2260 , and 2270 , the UV sterilization module 760 may be controlled to sequentially turn off from a lamp with a large amount of UV light exposed in the direction of the user.

For example, as shown in FIG. 23A , when the user is positioned in the first direction, the sixth UV lamp 2260 is the lamp with the largest amount of UV light exposed in the first direction, and the second UV light amount exposed in the first direction. A lamp with a large approximation may be the seventh UV lamp 2270 , and a lamp with a third largest amount of UV light exposed in the first direction may be the third UV lamp 2230 .

In this case, the controller 72 is based on at least one of the user's distance from the air outlet 714 and the time the user is sensed in the vicinity of the air outlet 714, the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 2210, 2220, 2230, 2240 , 2250 , 2260 , and 2270 , the UV sterilization module 760 may be controlled to sequentially turn off from a lamp with a large amount of UV light exposed in the direction of the user.

For example, when the user is in the first direction and the first distance from the air outlet 714 , the controller 72 may turn off the sixth ultraviolet lamp 2260 .

In addition, in a state in which the sixth ultraviolet lamp 2260 is turned off, if the user is located at a second distance closer than the first distance while maintaining the first direction from the air outlet 714, the controller 72 is shown in FIG. 23A . As illustrated, the seventh ultraviolet lamp 2270 may be additionally turned off.

In addition, in a state in which the sixth ultraviolet lamp 2260 and the seventh ultraviolet lamp 2270 are turned off, the user is located at a third distance closer than the second distance while maintaining the first direction from the air outlet 714, The controller 72 may additionally turn off the third UV lamp 2230 .

For another example, when the user is positioned in the second direction as shown in FIG. 23B , the lamp with the largest amount of UV light exposed in the second direction is the first UV lamp 2210 , and the amount of UV light exposed in the first direction is the first lamp 2210 . The second largest lamp may be the fourth UV lamp 2240 , and the lamp with the third largest amount of UV light exposed in the first direction may be the sixth UV lamp 2260 .

In this case, the controller 72 is based on at least one of the user's distance from the air outlet 714 and the time the user is sensed in the vicinity of the air outlet 714, the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 2210, 2220, 2230, 2240 , 2250 , 2260 , and 2270 , the UV sterilization module 760 may be controlled to sequentially turn off from a lamp with a large amount of UV light exposed in the direction of the user.

For example, when the user is positioned from the air outlet 714 in the second direction for the first time), the controller 72 may turn off the first ultraviolet lamp 2210 .

In addition, when the user is in the same position for a second time longer than the first time in a state in which the first UV lamp 2210 is turned off, the control unit 72 controls the fourth UV lamp ( 2240) may be additionally turned off.

In addition, when the first UV lamp 2210 and the fourth UV lamp 2240 are turned off and the user is in the same position for a third time longer than the second time, the controller 72 controls the sixth UV lamp (2270) can be additionally turned off.

Due to the structural feature in which the plurality of UV lamps are spread out inside the air conditioner and the structure inside the air conditioner, the effects of UV rays irradiated from each of the plurality of UV lamps on a specific direction around the air outlet 714 are different from each other. may be different.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a UV sterilization module ( 760), there is an advantage in that it is possible to protect the user from ultraviolet rays while sterilizing air while minimizing the turned-off ultraviolet lamp.

Meanwhile, in the above, it has been described that the pattern in which the ultraviolet rays irradiated from each of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 are exposed to the outside is the direction in which the ultraviolet rays irradiated from each of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 are exposed to the outside.

However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in the pattern in which the ultraviolet rays irradiated from each of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 are exposed to the outside, the ultraviolet rays irradiated from each of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 764 pass through the air outlet 714 and are exposed to the outside. It can be an amount

Specifically, the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 2210, 2220, 2230, 2240, 2250, 2260, 2270 are reflected, absorbed, scattering, etc. inside the air conditioner, and then pass through the air outlet 714. exposed to the outside. Meanwhile, the plurality of UV lamps 2210 , 2220 , 2230 , 2240 , 2250 , 2260 , and 2270 are disposed in different regions inside the air conditioner. Accordingly, the amount of UV rays irradiated from each of the plurality of UV lamps 2210 , 2220 , 2230 , 2240 , 2250 , 2260 , and 2270 passed through the air outlet 714 and exposed to the outside may be different from each other.

For example, among the plurality of UV lamps 2210, 2220, 2230, 2240, 2250, 2260, and 2270, the lamp with the largest amount of UV light exposed to the outside through the air outlet 714 is the first UV lamp 2210. can

As another example, among the plurality of UV lamps 2210 , 2220 , 2230 , 2240 , 2250 , 2260 , and 2270 , the lamp with the second largest amount of UV light exposed to the outside through the air outlet 714 is the fourth UV lamp 2240 . ) can be

In this case, the control unit 72 is based on the amount of UV rays irradiated from each of the plurality of UV lamps 2210 , 2220 , 2230 , 2240 , 2250 , 2260 , and 2270 are exposed through the air outlet 713 , the plurality of UV rays Among the lamps 2210 , 2220 , 2230 , 2240 , 2250 , 2260 , and 2270 , the UV sterilization module 760 may be controlled so that the UV lamp with a large amount of UV exposed through the air outlet 713 is sequentially turned off.

In this case, the control unit 72 based on at least one of the user's direction with respect to the air outlet 714 , the distance of the user from the air outlet 714 , and the time the user is detected around the air outlet 714 . , to control the UV sterilization module 760 so that the UV lamp with a large amount of UV exposed through the air outlet 713 among the plurality of UV lamps 2210, 2220, 2230, 2240, 2250, 2260, 2270 is sequentially turned off can

For example, when the user approaches the plurality of UV lamps 2210, 2220, 2230, 2240, 2250, 2260, and 2270 in a state in which they are all turned on and the user is located around the air outlet 713, the control unit 72 is The first UV lamp 2210, which is the UV lamp with the largest amount of UV light exposed to the outside through the air outlet 714, may be turned off.

Also, when the user approaches the air outlet 713 while the first UV lamp 2210 is turned off, the controller 72 may additionally turn off the fourth UV lamp 2240 .

Due to the structural characteristics in which the plurality of UV lamps are spread out inside the air conditioner and the structure inside the air conditioner, the amount of UV rays irradiated from each of the plurality of UV lamps passing through the air outlet 714 may be different from each other. there is.

Therefore, in the present invention, the ultraviolet sterilization module 760 based on the amount of ultraviolet rays irradiated from each of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps 2210, 2220, 2230, 2240, 2250, 2260, and 2270 is exposed to the outside through the air outlet 714. ), there is an advantage in that it is possible to protect the user from UV rays while sterilizing the air while minimizing the UV lamp that is turned off.

24A to 24B are views for explaining a method of rotating a wind direction adjusting member according to a user's direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The air conditioner may include a wind direction adjusting member 770 for guiding air passing through the air outlet 6 and a wind direction adjusting member driving mechanism 35 for rotating the wind direction adjusting member 770 .

On the other hand, the control unit 72, based on the direction of the user, the wind direction control member driving mechanism ( 35) can be controlled.

Specifically, the sensor may detect a user around the air outlet 6 . Meanwhile, the controller 72 may acquire information about the direction of the user around the air outlet 6 based on the sensing result of the sensor. Also, the controller 72 may acquire information on the direction of the current wind direction adjusting member 770 .

In this case, the control unit 72 controls the wind direction adjusting member 770 so that the ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet 6 are emitted in a direction different from the direction of the user based on the information about the direction of the user around the air outlet 6 . can be rotated.

For example, in FIG. 24A , the wind direction adjusting member 770 is directed in the direction of the user, and accordingly, ultraviolet rays exposed to the outside through the air outlet 6 are also emitted in the direction of the user.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 24B , the controller 72 determines that the ultraviolet light emitted through the air outlet 6 is different from the direction of the user based on the information about the direction of the user around the air outlet 6 . The wind direction control member driving mechanism 35 may be controlled to rotate the wind direction control member 770 so as to be released into the air.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, it has been described that the wind direction adjusting member 770 is rotated in the left and right directions by sensing the user's left and right directions, but is not limited thereto.

For example, the control unit 72 may obtain information about the user's vertical direction, and based on the information about the user's vertical direction, the ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet 6 are directed in a direction different from the user's direction. The wind direction control member 770 may be rotated in the vertical direction to be released.

The ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet 6 proceed with directionality. On the other hand, when the ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet 6 are directly irradiated to the user, it may have the most harmful effect on the user.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, by controlling the direction of the ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet 6, there is an advantage that can minimize the harmful effect of the ultraviolet rays on the user.

25A and 25B are views for explaining an ultraviolet filter that blocks ultraviolet rays passing through the air outlet 714 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The air conditioner may include an ultraviolet filter 2500 .

Here, the ultraviolet filter 2500 may be formed between the fan 54 and the air outlet 714 in order to block the ultraviolet rays passing through the air outlet 714 as shown in FIG. 25A .

A specific structure of the UV filter 2500 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 25B .

25B is a cross-sectional view of an ultraviolet filter 2500 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The UV filter 2500 may include a first UV filter 2510 and a second UV filter 2520 .

The first UV filter 2510 has an opening formed between the UV blocking panels 2511, 2512, 2513, 2514, 2515 and the UV blocking panels 2511, 2512, 2513, 2514, 2515 made of a UV blocking material. may include

In addition, the second UV filter 2520 is formed between the UV blocking panels 2521 , 2522 , 2523 , 2524 , 2525 and the UV blocking panels 2521 , 2522 , 2523 , 2524 and 2525 made of a UV blocking material. It may include an opening.

The UV filter 2500 may have a double structure in which UV blocking panels are crossed. Specifically, UV blocking panels 2511, 2512, 2513, 2514, 2515 formed on the first UV filter 2510 and UV blocking panels 2521, 2522, 2523, 2524 formed on the second UV filter 2520, 2525) may be disposed to cross each other in the flow direction of the air. Also, the opening formed in the first ultraviolet filter 2510 and the opening formed in the second ultraviolet filter 2520 may be disposed to cross each other in the air flow direction.

Ultraviolet (U) generated inside the air conditioner moves in a straight line, and thus the UV blocking panels 2511 , 2512 , 2513 , 2514 , 2515 or the second UV filter 2520 formed on the first UV filter 2510 . ) is blocked by the UV blocking panels 2521 , 2522 , 2523 , 2524 , 2525 formed on the .

On the other hand, the air (A) inside the air conditioner passes through the opening formed in the first ultraviolet filter 2510 and the opening formed in the second ultraviolet filter 2520 and then passes through the air outlet 714 to the outside. can be discharged with

As described above, the present invention can effectively block UV rays without interfering with the flow of air discharged to the outside through the air discharge unit 714 by using the UV filter.

26A to 26C are diagrams for explaining a notification output method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 26A , the air conditioner may further include an output unit 1620 for outputting a notification indicating that a user is detected around the air outlet 6 .

Also, when a user is detected around the air outlet 6 , the controller 72 may control the output unit 1620 to output a notification indicating that the user is detected around the air outlet 6 .

Meanwhile, the output unit 1220 may include a display unit (not shown), and when a user is detected around the air outlet 6 , the control unit 72 may output a visual notification indicating the danger of ultraviolet rays.

In addition, the output unit 1220 may include a sound output unit (not shown), and the control unit 72 may output a sound notification or a voice notification indicating that a user is detected around the air outlet 6 .

Meanwhile, the air conditioner may include a communication unit (not shown) that communicates with an external device. On the other hand, when a user is detected around the air outlet 6 , the control unit 72 transmits a command indicating that the user is detected around the air outlet 6 to an external device such as the TV 2610 or the remote controller 2620 of the air conditioner. can

In this case, the external device receiving the command indicating that the user is detected around the air outlet 6 may output a notification indicating that the user is detected around the air outlet 6 .

For example, the TV 2510 may display a visual notification indicating that the user is detected around the air outlet 6 .

As another example, the remote control 2520 of the air conditioner may include a display unit 1521 , and the remote control 2520 of the air conditioner may output a visual notification indicating that a user is detected around the air outlet 6 . In addition, the remote control 2520 of the air conditioner may include a sound output unit 2522 , and the remote control 2520 of the air conditioner may output a sound notification indicating that a user is detected around the air outlet 6 .

When UV rays are exposed to the outside for a long time, they may be harmful to the human body, but the user may not be aware of the UV exposure. Therefore, the present invention can induce the user to change the location by outputting a notification when the user is located near the air outlet.

On the other hand, the control unit 180 is a component that is generally responsible for controlling the device, can be mixed with a central processing unit, a microprocessor, a processor, etc., and can control the overall operation of the device. In combination with other functional parts, it can be implemented as a single-chip system (System-on-a-chip or System on chip, SOC, SoC).

The present invention described above can be implemented as computer-readable codes on a medium in which a program is recorded. The computer-readable medium includes all types of recording devices in which data readable by a computer system is stored. Examples of computer-readable media include Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Disk (SSD), Silicon Disk Drive (SDD), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, etc. There is also a carrier wave (eg, transmission through the Internet) includes implementation in the form of. In addition, the computer may include the control unit 180 of the terminal. Accordingly, the above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in all respects but as exemplary. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

2: main body 72: control unit
760: UV sterilization module 1610: sensor

Claims (14)

a body provided with an air outlet;
an approach sensor for detecting a user in the vicinity of the air outlet;
an ultraviolet sterilization module accommodated in the body and including one or more ultraviolet lamps for irradiating ultraviolet rays; and
And a control unit for adjusting the ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet based on the user's approach state,
the control unit
An air conditioner for controlling the UV sterilization module to adjust the amount of UV irradiated by each of the one or more UV lamps based on the user's access state. The method of claim 1,
The access state is
An air conditioner comprising at least one of the presence or absence of a user around the air outlet, the distance of the user from the air outlet, the direction of the user with respect to the air outlet, and a time when the user is detected around the air outlet energy. 3. The method of claim 2,
The control unit is
When a user near the air outlet is detected, the air conditioner controls the UV sterilization module to stop irradiating the UV rays. 4. The method of claim 3,
The control unit is
An air conditioner for controlling the ultraviolet sterilization module to resume irradiation of the ultraviolet rays when the user around the air outlet is not detected in a state in which the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays is stopped. 3. The method of claim 2,
The control unit is
An air conditioner for controlling the ultraviolet sterilization module so that some of the one or more ultraviolet lamps are turned off based on the user's approach state and a pattern in which ultraviolet rays irradiated from each of the one or more ultraviolet lamps are exposed to the outside. 6. The method of claim 5,
The control unit is
Based on the user's approach state and the amount of UV rays irradiated from each of the one or more UV lamps exposed through the air outlet, from among the one or more UV lamps from the UV lamp with a large amount of UV exposed through the air outlet, sequentially An air conditioner that controls the UV sterilization module to be turned off. 6. The method of claim 5,
The control unit is
Based on the exposure amount of each of the one or more UV lamps for the user's direction with respect to the user's approach state and the air outlet as a reference, from among the one or more UV lamps from the lamp with a large amount of UV exposed in the direction of the user An air conditioner that controls the UV sterilization module to be sequentially turned off. 3. The method of claim 2,
a wind direction control member for guiding air passing through the air outlet; and
Further comprising a wind direction control member driving mechanism for rotating the wind direction control member,
The control unit is
The air conditioner controls the wind direction control member driving mechanism to rotate the wind direction control member so that the ultraviolet rays emitted through the air outlet are emitted in a direction different from the direction of the user based on the direction of the user. The method of claim 1,
a fan for discharging the air inside the air conditioner to the outside through the air outlet; and
The air conditioner further comprising an ultraviolet filter disposed between the fan and the air outlet. delete 3. The method of claim 2,
The control unit is
Based on the user's access state, the one or more UV lamps control the UV sterilization module to operate in a preset pattern,
The preset pattern is
A pattern in which at least one lamp is turned on, at least one lamp is turned off, at least one lamp is turned on, and at least one lamp is turned off in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps arranged in parallel air conditioner. one or more UV lamps installed inside the air conditioner to irradiate UV rays;
an approach sensor for detecting a user around the air conditioner; and
and a control unit for controlling ultraviolet rays emitted to the outside of the air conditioner when a user's approach is detected by the approach sensor;
the control unit
An air conditioner that adjusts an irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays irradiated by each of the one or more ultraviolet lamps based on the user's approach state. 13. The method of claim 12,
The air conditioner is provided with one or more openings,
The control unit is
When the user's approach is sensed around at least one of the one or more openings, the air conditioner controls ultraviolet rays emitted through the at least one opening. case;
an air intake provided in the case and through which external air is sucked;
a heat exchanger disposed on a flow downstream side of the air intake for heat exchange;
a filter disposed between the air intake and the heat exchanger;
an air outlet provided in the case and discharging air inside the case; and
a fan for flowing the air sucked in through the air inlet to the air outlet;
a sensor for detecting an object around the air outlet; and
and an ultraviolet sterilization module having a plurality of ultraviolet lamps for controlling the irradiation of ultraviolet rays when an object is detected by the sensor,
The UV sterilization module is
An air conditioner that adjusts the amount of UV light irradiated by each of the plurality of UV lamps based on the approaching state of the object.

Images