KR102412956B1 - Air conditioner and air conditioning system having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing in which a main outlet and a sub outlet facing a direction different from the main outlet are formed; an inner bulkhead partitioning the inside of the housing into a first space communicating with the main outlet and a second space communicating with the sub outlet, and having at least one through hole; a main opening/closing member for opening and closing the main outlet; an inner opening/closing member for opening and closing the through hole; an indoor heat exchanger disposed in the first space; and a purification assembly disposed in the second space.

Description

An air conditioner and an air conditioning system including the same

The present invention relates to an air conditioner and an air conditioning system including the same, and more particularly, to an air conditioner capable of switching between heating and cooling, and an air conditioning system including the same.

In general, an air conditioner is a device that can cool or heat a room using a refrigerant cycle of a refrigerant. When the refrigerant is sequentially compressed, condensed, expanded, and evaporated, and when the refrigerant is vaporized, the surrounding heat is absorbed and liquefied. It performs cooling or heating action by its heat dissipation characteristic.

In the air conditioner, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor during the cooling operation can be condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger, and after passing through the indoor expansion device, the phase change to a low-temperature and low-pressure two-phase refrigerant can be transferred to the indoor air side as it passes through the indoor heat exchanger.

In the air conditioner, the refrigerant flow during heating operation is reversed to that during cooling operation, so that the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator.

As such, in the air conditioning system capable of both cooling operation and heating operation, there exist a switching type and a simultaneous type. In the switching type, all of the plurality of indoor units can only perform a cooling operation or a heating operation, but in the simultaneous type, it is possible to perform a cooling operation for some of the plurality of indoor units and a heating operation for others of the plurality of indoor units.

Meanwhile, the flow of the refrigerant circulating in the cycle may be different during the cooling operation and the heating operation, and the flow path of the refrigerant may be changed by the flow path conversion device included in the air conditioning system.

On the other hand, the conventional air conditioner has a problem that an unpleasant odor may be generated from the air passing through the moisture remaining in the indoor heat exchanger when the air conditioner is restarted during the cooling operation or after the cooling operation is stopped.

KR 10-2013-0065121 A (published on June 19, 2013)

An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of deodorizing and drying an indoor heat exchanger and an air conditioning system including the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that prevents direct contact with high temperature air to a user during drying of an indoor heat exchanger, and an air conditioning system including the same.

An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing having a main outlet and a sub outlet facing a direction different from the main outlet; an inner bulkhead partitioning the inside of the housing into a first space communicating with the main outlet and a second space communicating with the sub outlet and having at least one through hole; a main opening/closing member for opening and closing the main outlet; an inner opening/closing member for opening and closing the through hole; an indoor heat exchanger disposed in the first space; and a purification assembly disposed in the second space.

The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a controller for closing the main opening/closing member and opening the inner opening/closing member in a drying mode for drying the indoor heat exchanger.

The second space may be located above the first space.

The sub discharge port may be formed on an upper surface of the housing.

The purification assembly includes: a filter; a filter mounter on which the filter is mounted; and an ultraviolet lamp disposed on the filter mounter, wherein the controller may turn on the ultraviolet lamp in the drying mode.

The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a sub opening/closing member for opening and closing the sub discharge port. The controller may open the sub opening/closing member in the drying mode.

An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a blowing fan disposed in the first space; and a heat exchanger outlet temperature sensor configured to measure an outlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger. The controller may turn on the blower fan when the temperature measured by the outlet temperature sensor of the heat exchanger in the drying mode is equal to or greater than a first preset temperature.

The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a sub opening/closing member for opening and closing the sub discharge port. The controller may open the sub opening/closing member when the temperature measured by the outlet temperature sensor of the heat exchanger in the drying mode is equal to or greater than the first set temperature.

The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include an air temperature sensor disposed in the second space. The controller may increase the rotation speed of the blowing fan when the temperature measured by the air temperature sensor is equal to or greater than a second preset temperature after the blowing fan is turned on in the drying mode.

An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first gas concentration sensor disposed in the first space; and a second gas concentration sensor disposed in the second space. In the cooling mode, the controller calculates and stores a reference gas concentration based on the gas concentration measured by the first gas concentration sensor, and in the drying mode, the gas concentration measured by the second gas concentration sensor is the reference When the gas concentration is less than or equal to the gas concentration, the drying mode may be terminated.

An air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a refrigeration cycle including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion mechanism, an indoor heat exchanger, and a switching valve; a housing having a main outlet and a sub outlet; an inner bulkhead partitioning the inside of the housing into a first space communicating with the main outlet and having the indoor heat exchanger disposed therein and a second space communicating with the sub outlet and having at least one through hole; a main opening/closing member for opening and closing the main outlet; an inner opening/closing member for opening and closing the through hole; a purification assembly disposed in the second space; and a controller controlling the switching valve so that the discharge flow path of the compressor communicates with the outdoor heat exchanger in the cooling mode and the discharge flow path of the compressor communicates with the indoor heat exchanger in the drying mode. The controller may open the main opening/closing member and close the inner opening/closing member in the cooling mode, and may close the main opening/closing member and open the inner opening/closing member in the drying mode.

The air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include an indoor temperature sensor for measuring an external temperature of the housing. The controller may turn off the compressor, close the main opening/closing member, and open the inner opening/closing member if the temperature measured by the indoor temperature sensor during the cooling mode is within a set indoor temperature range.

The purification assembly includes: a filter; a filter mounter on which the filter is mounted; and an ultraviolet lamp disposed on the filter mounter, wherein the controller may turn on the ultraviolet lamp when the temperature measured by the indoor temperature sensor during the cooling mode is within a set indoor temperature range.

The controller may start the drying mode when the cooling mode ends.

The second space may be located above the first space.

The sub discharge port may be formed on an upper surface of the housing.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to dry the moisture condensed on the indoor heat exchanger during the cooling mode, and there is an advantage in that the odor generated from the air passing through the moisture can be removed.

In addition, in the drying mode, since air is discharged through the sub discharge port facing in a different direction from the main discharge port, there is an advantage that it may not directly touch the user.

In addition, there is an advantage in that the air discharged to the sub discharge port by the purification assembly can be deodorized and sterilized, so that the indoor air can be maintained comfortably.

In addition, since the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger rises in the drying mode, the indoor heat exchanger can be dried quickly, and odor-generating substances can be effectively removed by the bake-out effect.

In addition, by controlling the rotation speed of the blower fan according to the temperature of the discharged air in the drying mode, it is possible to prevent the indoor temperature from rising too much.

In addition, by measuring the gas concentration of the air discharged in the drying mode, the operation of the drying mode may be adjusted accordingly.

In addition, since the drying mode is automatically performed when the cooling mode is terminated, generation of odor generating substances can be prevented and comfortable air can be provided to the user when the air conditioner is restarted.

1 is a block diagram of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a refrigerant in an air conditioning system in a cooling mode.
3 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a refrigerant in an air conditioning system in a heating mode or a drying mode.
4 is a front view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a side view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a plan view of the inner partition wall when the inner opening/closing member is opened.
7 is a plan view of the inner partition wall when the inner opening/closing member is closed.
8 is a plan view of a purification assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a control block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method in a drying mode of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method when the air conditioner enters a simple drying mode among a cooling mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

1 is a block diagram of an air conditioning system including an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the description will be made based on a separate type air conditioner, but the spirit of the present invention is not limited thereto, and it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be applied to an integrated air conditioner as well.

The air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a refrigeration cycle 1 , an outdoor unit 2 , and an air conditioner 3 . In this case, the air conditioner 3 may refer to an indoor unit.

<Configuration of the refrigeration cycle>

The refrigeration cycle 1 may include a compressor 20 , an outdoor heat exchanger 21 , an expansion mechanism 22 , an indoor heat exchanger 23 , and a switching valve 24 .

The compressor 20 , the outdoor heat exchanger 21 , and the expansion mechanism 22 may be disposed in the outdoor unit 2 , and the indoor heat exchanger 23 may be disposed in the air conditioner 3 which is an indoor unit. .

<compressor>

The compressor 20 may compress the refrigerant. The compressor 20 may be a constant speed compressor or an inverter compressor whose operating frequency is adjustable. The compressor 20 may be controlled on/off by a controller 90 to be described later, and an operating frequency may be controlled.

A discharge passage 25 and a suction passage 26 may be connected to the compressor 20 . The compressor 20 may compress the refrigerant flowing into the suction passage 26 and discharge it to the discharge passage 25 .

An oil separator (not shown) may be provided in the discharge flow path 25 , and an accumulator (not shown) may be provided in the suction flow path 26 . The discharge flow path 25 and the suction flow path 26 may be connected to the switching valve 24 , respectively.

<Outdoor Heat Exchanger>

In the outdoor heat exchanger 21 , the refrigerant may be condensed or evaporated. In the cooling mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a condenser, and the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 20 may be condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 21 . In the heating mode or the drying mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 21 functions as an evaporator, and the refrigerant expanded by the expansion mechanism 22 may be evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 21 .

The outdoor heat exchanger 21 may be connected to the switching valve 24 through a first flow path 27 , and may be connected to the expansion mechanism 22 through a second flow path 28 .

The outdoor unit 2 may be provided with an outdoor blowing fan 31 , and the air blown by the outdoor blowing fan 31 may pass through the outdoor heat exchanger 21 to exchange heat.

<Inflation mechanism>

In the expansion mechanism 22 , the refrigerant may be expanded.

The expansion mechanism 22 may be an electric expansion valve (EEV). The expansion mechanism 22 may be connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 21 through a second flow path 28 , and may be connected to the indoor heat exchanger 23 through a third flow path 29 .

<Indoor heat exchanger>

In the indoor heat exchanger 23 , the refrigerant may be condensed or evaporated. In the cooling mode, the indoor heat exchanger 23 functions as an evaporator, and the refrigerant expanded by the expansion mechanism 22 may be evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 23 . In the heating mode or the drying mode, the indoor heat exchanger 23 functions as a condenser, and the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 20 may be condensed in the indoor heat exchanger 23 .

The indoor heat exchanger 23 may be connected to the expansion mechanism 22 through a third flow path 29 , and may be connected to the switching valve 24 through a fourth flow path 30 .

A blower fan 32 may be provided in the air conditioner 3 , and the air blown by the blower fan 32 may pass through the indoor heat exchanger 23 to exchange heat. Accordingly, in the cooling mode, the air is cooled and discharged into the room to perform cooling, and in the heating mode, the air is heated and discharged into the room to perform heating.

<Switch valve>

The selector valve 24 may be a four-way-valve. The switching valve 24 may be switched by a controller 90 to be described later.

The selector valve 24 may communicate the suction flow path 26 with any one of the first flow path 27 and the fourth flow path 30 , and connect the discharge flow path 25 to the first flow path 27 and the fourth flow path. It can communicate with another one of (30).

In more detail, in the cooling mode, the switching valve 24 may communicate the fourth flow path 30 and the suction flow path 26 , and the first flow path 27 and the discharge flow path 25 may communicate with each other. In the heating mode or drying mode, the switching valve 24 may communicate the fourth flow path 30 and the discharge flow path 25 and the first flow path 27 and the suction flow path 26 in communication.

<First temperature sensor and second temperature sensor>

Meanwhile, the air conditioner 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first temperature sensor 33 and a second temperature sensor 34 .

The first temperature sensor 33 and the second temperature sensor 34 may be temperature sensors that measure the temperatures of the inlet and outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 23 , respectively. With respect to the flow direction of the refrigerant, the first temperature sensor 33 may be disposed on one side of the indoor heat exchanger 23 , and the second temperature sensor 34 may be disposed on the other side of the indoor heat exchanger 23 . have.

In more detail, the first temperature sensor 33 may be disposed at a connection portion between the indoor heat exchanger 23 and the fourth flow path 30 , and the second temperature sensor 34 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 23 and the third It may be disposed at the connection part of the flow path 34 .

Based on the refrigerant circulation direction in the heating mode or the drying mode, the first temperature sensor 33 may be a heat exchanger inlet sensor, and the second temperature sensor 34 may be a heat exchanger outlet sensor.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a refrigerant in an air conditioning system in a cooling mode of the air conditioner.

<Operation of air conditioning system in cooling mode>

Hereinafter, the operation of the air conditioning system in the cooling mode will be described.

As described above, in the cooling mode, the switching valve 24 may communicate the discharge flow path 25 and the first flow path 27 , and the suction flow path 26 and the fourth flow path 30 may communicate with each other.

The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 20 may be guided to the outdoor heat exchanger 21 through the discharge passage 25 and the first passage 27 . The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 21 may be condensed by heat exchange with the air blown by the outdoor blowing fan 31 .

The refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 21 may be guided to the expansion mechanism 22 through the second flow path 28 . The refrigerant introduced into the expansion mechanism 22 may be expanded, and may be guided to the indoor heat exchanger 23 through the third flow path 29 .

The refrigerant introduced into the indoor heat exchanger 23 may be evaporated while exchanging heat with the air blown by the blower fan 32 , and the air may be cooled and discharged into the room where the air conditioner 3 is disposed. Thereby, cooling of the room can be performed.

The refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 23 may be sucked into the compressor 20 through the fourth passage 30 and the suction passage 26 . The refrigerant sucked into the compressor 20 is compressed again by the compressor 20 and discharged, and the above process is repeated to circulate the refrigeration cycle.

3 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a refrigerant in an air conditioning system in a heating mode or a drying mode of the air conditioner.

<Action of air conditioning system in heating mode or drying mode>

Hereinafter, the operation of the air conditioning system in the heating mode or the drying mode will be described.

As described above, in the heating mode or the drying mode, the switching valve 24 may communicate the discharge flow path 25 and the fourth flow path 30 , and the suction flow path 26 and the first flow path 27 may communicate with each other.

The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 20 may be guided to the indoor heat exchanger 23 through the discharge passage 25 and the fourth passage 30 . The refrigerant introduced into the indoor heat exchanger 23 may be condensed by heat exchange with the air blown by the blower fan 32 , and the air may be heated and discharged into the room in which the air conditioner 3 is disposed. Thereby, heating of the room can be performed. In addition, since the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 23 is increased, moisture condensed on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 23 cooled in the cooling mode may be dried.

The refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger 23 may be guided to the expansion mechanism 22 through the third flow path 29 . The refrigerant introduced into the expansion mechanism 22 may be expanded, and may be guided to the outdoor heat exchanger 21 through the second flow path 28 .

The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 21 may be evaporated while exchanging heat with the air blown by the outdoor blowing fan 31 .

The refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 21 may be sucked into the compressor 20 through the first passage 27 and the suction passage 26 . The refrigerant sucked into the compressor 20 is compressed again by the compressor 20 and discharged, and the above process is repeated to circulate the refrigeration cycle.

4 is a front view of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a side view of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of the inner partition wall when the inner opening/closing member is opened. , FIG. 7 is a plan view of the inner partition wall when the inner opening/closing member is closed, and FIG. 8 is a plan view of the purification assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The air conditioner (3) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing (4), an inner bulkhead (7), a main opening/closing member (50), an inner opening/closing member (71), an indoor heat exchanger (23), a blowing fan ( 32 ) and a purging assembly 8 . The air conditioner 3 may further include a sub opening/closing member 60 .

<Housing>

The housing 4 may constitute an external appearance of the air conditioner 3 . The housing 4 may include a suction port 9 , a main discharge port 5 , and a sub discharge port 6 .

The shape and number of each of the inlet 9 , the main outlet 5 , and the sub outlet 6 may be changed as needed.

The main outlet 5 and the sub outlet 6 may be formed to face different directions. Preferably, the main outlet 5 may face forward and the sub outlet 6 may face upward. That is, the main outlet 5 may be formed on the front surface of the housing 4 , and the sub outlet 6 may be formed on the upper surface of the housing 4 .

Accordingly, the air discharged through the main discharge port 5 may be blown to directly contact the user, and the air discharged through the sub discharge port 6 may be blown so as not to directly contact the user.

The inlet 9 may be formed on the rear surface of the housing 4 .

A display 4A may be provided on the front surface of the housing 4 . The controller 90, which will be described later, may display various types of information regarding the air conditioner 3 on the display 4A. For example, the display 4A may display in which mode the air conditioner 3 is being operated among a cooling mode, a heating mode, a drying mode, and a simple drying mode.

<Main opening and closing member>

The main opening/closing member 50 may be disposed at the main outlet 5 , and may open/close the main outlet 5 . The main opening/closing member 50 may be a vane driven by a driving unit including a motor or the like.

The main opening/closing member 50 may be controlled open/closed by a controller 90 to be described later.

The main opening/closing member 50 may be controlled to open in a cooling mode or a heating mode, and may be controlled to be closed in a drying mode or a simple drying mode.

<Sub opening/closing member>

The sub opening/closing member 60 may be disposed at the sub discharge port 6 , and may open and close the sub discharge port 6 . The sub opening/closing member 60 may be a vane driven by a driving unit including a motor or the like.

The sub opening/closing member 60 may be controlled open/closed by a controller 90 to be described later.

The sub opening/closing member 60 may be controlled to close in a cooling mode or a heating mode, and may be controlled to open in a drying mode or a simple drying mode.

<Inner bulkhead and inner opening/closing member>

The inner partition 7 may be disposed inside the housing 4 . The inner partition 7 may divide the inside of the housing 4 into a first space S1 and a second space S2 .

The first space S1 may communicate with the suction port 9 and the main discharge port 5 , and the second space S2 may communicate with the sub discharge port 6 .

The inner partition 7 may be horizontally disposed, and the second space S2 may be located above the first space S1 .

At least one through hole 70 may be formed in the inner partition wall 7 , and the first space S1 and the second space S2 may communicate with each other through the through hole 70 .

The inner opening/closing member 71 is disposed in each through hole 70 formed in the inner partition wall 7 , and can open and close each through hole 70 .

The inner opening/closing member 70 may be connected to the driving unit 72 , and may be rotated by the driving unit 72 to open and close the through hole 70 .

The driving unit 72 may include a motor 73 and a gear 74 connected to the motor 73 .

The inner opening/closing member 71 may be controlled open/closed by a controller 90 to be described later. In more detail, the controller 90 may control the motor 70 to open/close the inner opening/closing member 70 .

The inner opening/closing member 71 may be controlled to close in a cooling mode or a heating mode, and may be controlled to open in a drying mode or a simple drying mode.

<Blowing fan and indoor heat exchanger>

The indoor heat exchanger 23 and the blowing fan 32 may be disposed inside the housing 4 , and in more detail, may be disposed in the first space S1 .

At least one blowing fan 32 may be provided.

The blower fan 32 may be controlled on/off by the controller 90 to be described later, and the rotation speed may be controlled.

The indoor heat exchanger 23 may be positioned between the inlet 9 and the main outlet 5 . The blower fan 32 may be disposed between the inlet 9 and the indoor heat exchanger 23 , or between the main outlet 5 and the indoor heat exchanger 23 .

When the blowing fan 32 is turned on, the air outside the housing 4 may be sucked into the first space S1 through the suction port 9 and may be heat exchanged while passing through the indoor heat exchanger 23 .

In the cooling mode or the heating mode, the air heat-exchanged in the indoor heat exchanger 23 may be discharged to the main outlet 5 . In the drying mode or simple drying mode, the air heat-exchanged in the indoor heat exchanger 23 passes through the through hole 70 formed in the inner bulkhead 7 , flows into the second space S2 , and then is discharged to the sub discharge port 6 . can be

<Purification assembly>

The purification assembly 8 may be disposed inside the housing 4 , and more specifically, may be disposed in the second space S2 .

The purification assembly 8 may be disposed between the sub discharge port 6 and the inner partition wall 7 . The purification assembly 8 may be arranged horizontally.

The purification assembly 8 may purify the air introduced into the second space S2 from the first space S1 through the through hole 70 of the inner partition wall 7 . In this case, air purification may mean deodorization and sterilization of air.

The purification assembly 8 may include a filter 81 and a filter mounter 80 on which the filter 81 is mounted. The purification assembly 8 may further include an ultraviolet lamp 82 .

The filter 81 may include a deodorizing filter member. The filter 81 may deodorize the air discharged from the second space S2 to the sub discharge port 6 . In addition, the filter 81 may filter out foreign substances such as dust contained in the air discharged from the second space S2 to the sub discharge port 6 .

The ultraviolet lamp 82 may sterilize the air discharged from the second space S2 to the sub discharge port 6 .

The UV lamp 82 may be controlled on/off by a controller 90 to be described later.

The ultraviolet lamp 82 may be mounted on the filter mounter 80 together with the filter 81 , but is not limited thereto, and may be disposed in the second space S2 as a separate fixing member.

<Temperature sensor and gas concentration sensor>

Meanwhile, the air conditioner 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a temperature sensor and a gas concentration sensor.

The temperature sensor may include at least one of a first temperature sensor 33 (refer to FIG. 1 ), a second temperature sensor 34 (refer to FIG. 1 ), an air temperature sensor 83 , and an indoor temperature sensor 36 . The gas concentration sensor may include at least one of the first gas concentration sensor 35 and the second gas concentration sensor 84 .

As described above, the first temperature sensor 33 and the second temperature sensor 34 may sense the temperature of the inlet and the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 23, respectively.

The air temperature sensor 83 may be disposed in the second space S2. In more detail, the air temperature sensor 83 may be disposed on the upper side of the purification assembly 8 .

The air temperature sensor 83 may sense the temperature of the air discharged to the sub discharge port 6 through the purification assembly 8 .

The indoor temperature sensor 36 may detect the air temperature outside the housing 4 . That is, the indoor temperature sensor 36 may sense the temperature of the room in which the air conditioner 3 is placed. The indoor temperature sensor may be mounted on the outer surface of the housing 4 .

The first gas concentration sensor 35 may be disposed in the first space (S1). In more detail, the first gas concentration sensor 35 may be disposed on the indoor heat exchanger 23 , and more specifically, may be disposed on the front part of the indoor heat exchanger 23 .

The second gas concentration sensor 84 may be disposed in the second space S2. In more detail, the second gas concentration sensor 84 may be disposed above the purification assembly 8 .

The first gas concentration sensor 35 and the second gas concentration sensor 84 may detect gas concentrations of specific chemical components such as sulfur compounds or acetaldehydes.

The first gas concentration sensor 35 may detect the gas concentration of the air surrounding the indoor heat exchanger 23 , and the second gas concentration sensor 84 passes through the purification assembly 8 and is discharged to the sub-discharge port 6 . It is possible to detect the concentration of gases in the air.

9 is a control block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<controller>

The air conditioner 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a controller 90 .

The controller 90 may be disposed in the air conditioner 3 , in the outdoor unit 2 , or in a building or structure in which the air conditioning system is disposed.

The controller 90 may receive a user's command. The user may input a command through a terminal such as a remote control or press an input button provided in the air conditioner 3 to input a command.

The controller 90 may receive and store the measured values sensed by each of the temperature sensors 33 , 34 , 83 , 36 and each of the gas concentration sensors 35 and 84 , respectively.

In more detail, the controller 90 may receive and store the inlet/outlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 23 measured by the first temperature sensor 33 and the second temperature sensor 34 . The controller 90 may receive and store the air temperature measured by the air temperature sensor 83 and the indoor temperature sensor 36 .

In addition, the controller 90 may receive and store the concentration of the gas measured by the first gas concentration sensor 35 and the second gas concentration sensor 84 .

Meanwhile, the controller 90 may control on/off the compressor 20 , and may control an operating frequency of the compressor 20 .

The controller 90 may control the on/off control of the outdoor blowing fan 31 and the blowing fan 32, respectively, and may control the respective rotational speeds.

The controller 90 may open/close the main opening/closing member 50 , the sub opening/closing member 60 , and the inner opening/closing member 71 .

The controller 90 may turn on/off the UV lamp.

The controller 90 may display various types of information related to the operation of the air conditioner, such as the operation mode of the air conditioner, the desired temperature, the indoor temperature, and the strength of the wind on the display 4A.

The controller 90 may switch the switching valve 24 to communicate the discharge flow path 25 of the compressor 20 with the indoor heat exchanger 23 or the outdoor heat exchanger 21 .

<Cooling Mode>

Hereinafter, the operation of the air conditioner 3 in the cooling mode will be described.

When the user inputs a cooling mode command, the controller 90 may control the switching valve 24 so that the discharge flow path 25 of the compressor 20 communicates with the outdoor heat exchanger 21 .

Also, the controller 90 may open the main opening/closing member 50 and may close the inner opening/closing member 71 and the sub opening/closing member 60 .

Accordingly, the air sucked in by the blower fan 32 into the inlet 9 may be cooled by heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 23 , and discharged through the main outlet 5 to cool the room. At this time, since the inner opening/closing member 71 is in the closed state, the air sucked into the first space S1 through the suction port 9 does not flow into the second space S2 and is completely discharged to the main discharge port 5 . can be

Meanwhile, in the cooling mode, the controller 90 may receive the gas concentration measured by the first gas concentration sensor 35 , and set the reference gas concentration based on the gas concentration measured by the first gas concentration sensor 35 . It can be calculated and stored. The method in which the controller 90 calculates the reference gas concentration may be changed according to need. For example, the controller 90 may determine the reference gas concentration by calculating an average of the measured values received during a predetermined time interval. The reference gas concentration may be updated every time interval, and the controller 90 may then determine an end time of the drying mode based on the last updated reference gas concentration in the drying mode. This will be described in detail later.

<Heating mode>

Hereinafter, the operation of the air conditioner 3 in the heating mode will be described.

When the user inputs a heating mode command, the controller 90 may control the switching valve 24 so that the discharge flow path 25 of the compressor 20 communicates with the indoor heat exchanger 23 .

Also, the controller 90 may open the main opening/closing member 50 and may close the inner opening/closing member 71 and the sub opening/closing member 60 .

Accordingly, the air sucked into the suction port 9 by the blower fan 32 can be heated by heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 23 , and discharged through the main discharge port 5 to perform indoor heating. At this time, since the inner opening/closing member 71 is in the closed state, the air sucked into the first space S1 through the suction port 9 does not flow into the second space S2 and is completely discharged to the main discharge port 5 . can be

<Dry mode>

The controller 90 may operate the air conditioner 3 in the drying mode when the cooling mode is terminated or a dry mode command by the user is input during the cooling mode.

In the cooling mode, since the refrigerant is evaporated while exchanging heat with air in the indoor heat exchanger 23 , moisture may condense on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 23 , and the air passing through the moisture may stink. Such odors may be due to odor generating substances such as methyl mercaptan. The drying mode may be a mode for drying moisture condensed on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 23 and removing odor-generating substances in the cooling mode. Detailed control in the drying mode will be described later in detail.

<Simple drying mode>

The controller 90 may operate the air conditioner 3 in the simple drying mode when the temperature measured by the indoor temperature sensor 36 is within the set indoor temperature range during the cooling mode. The set indoor temperature range may vary according to a desired temperature input by a user.

That is, the simple drying mode may be a mode in which cooling is temporarily stopped and moisture in the indoor heat exchanger 23 is dried when the indoor temperature reaches a desired temperature during the cooling mode.

Detailed control in the simple drying mode will be described later in detail.

10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method in a drying mode of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the operation of the air conditioner 3 in the drying mode will be described in more detail.

<Detailed control in dry mode>

When the cooling mode is terminated or the user inputs a drying mode command during the cooling mode, the drying mode may be started.

When the drying mode is started, the controller 90 may turn off the compressor 20 and the blowing fan 32 (S10). Accordingly, the refrigerant may not circulate in the refrigeration cycle 1 .

After the compressor 20 and the blowing fan 32 are turned off, the controller 90 may close the main opening/closing member 50, open the inner opening/closing member 71, and turn on the ultraviolet lamp 82 (S11). The controller 90 may maintain the closed state of the sub opening/closing member 60 .

The controller 90 may switch the switching valve 24 (S12). Before the start of the drying mode, since the discharge flow path 25 of the compressor 20 is in communication with the outdoor heat exchanger 21, when the switching valve 24 is switched, the discharge flow path 25 of the compressor 20 is heat exchanged indoors. It may be in communication with the group (23).

When the switching valve 24 is switched and the discharge passage 25 of the compressor 20 communicates with the indoor heat exchanger 23 , the controller 90 may turn on the compressor 20 ( S13 ). The controller 90 may operate the compressor 20 at a constant speed and low frequency.

When the compressor 20 is turned on, the refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle 1 may be circulated while sequentially passing through the compressor 20, the indoor heat exchanger 23, the expansion mechanism 22, and the outdoor heat exchanger 21, In the indoor heat exchanger 23, a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant may pass through and be condensed. Accordingly, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 23 may rise.

The controller 90 may determine whether the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 34 serving as the heat exchanger outlet temperature sensor is equal to or greater than a first preset temperature (S14). The first set temperature is preferably about 45 degrees Celsius.

As the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant passes through the indoor heat exchanger 23 and is condensed, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 23 may gradually increase. As the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 23 rises, odor generating substances due to moisture in the indoor heat exchanger 23 may be activated.

When the outlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 23 measured by the second temperature sensor 34 reaches the first set temperature, the controller 90 opens the sub opening/closing member 60 and turns on the blower fan 32 . It can be (S15). The controller 90 may control the rotational speed of the blowing fan 32 so that the flow rate of the air blown by the blowing fan 32 is maintained at 0.1 m/s or more and 0.2 m/s or less.

When the blowing fan 32 is turned on, indoor air may be sucked into the first space S1 through the suction port 9 . Since the main opening/closing member 50 is closed and the inner opening/closing member 71 is in an open state, the air sucked into the first space S1 is not discharged to the main discharge port 5, but the through hole 70 of the inner partition wall 7 ) through the second space (S2). At this time, due to the bake-out effect, the odor generating material activated by the heat of the indoor heat exchanger 23 may flow into the second space S2 together with the air. The air flowing into the second space S2 passes through the purification assembly 8 , is deodorized by the filter 81 , and may be sterilized by the ultraviolet lamp 82 . The purified air passing through the purification assembly 8 may be discharged to the sub discharge port 6 .

Accordingly, the indoor heat exchanger 23 may be dried by the flow of air and heat, and the odor generating material may be removed at the same time. In addition, since the sub discharge port 6 is formed on the upper surface of the housing 4 , there is an advantage in that the air discharged to the sub discharge port 6 together with the odor generating material may not be directly blown to the user.

Meanwhile, the controller 90 may determine whether the determined gas concentration measured by the second gas concentration sensor 84 is equal to or less than the reference gas concentration after the blowing fan 32 is turned on (S16). In this case, the reference gas concentration may be a value calculated based on the gas concentration measured by the first gas concentration sensor 35 in the cooling mode and stored in the controller 90 .

The controller 90 may maintain the dry mode when the determined gas concentration is higher than the reference gas concentration.

The controller 90 may determine whether the temperature measured by the air temperature sensor 83 is equal to or greater than a second preset temperature (S17).

Since the air that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 23 is heat-exchanged with the refrigerant, high-temperature air may be discharged through the sub-discharge port. At this time, in order to prevent the temperature rise in the room due to the high-temperature air discharged through the sub-discharge port, the controller 90 controls the rotation speed of the blower fan 32 when the temperature measured by the air temperature sensor 83 is equal to or greater than the second set temperature. can be increased (S18).

On the other hand, when the determined gas concentration measured by the second gas concentration sensor 84 is less than or equal to the reference gas concentration, the controller 90 turns off the compressor 20 and the blowing fan 32, and the inner opening/closing member 71 and the sub The opening and closing member 60 may be closed, the ultraviolet lamp 82 may be turned off (S19), and the drying mode may be terminated.

When the drying mode is executed by the user's command during the cooling mode, when the drying mode is terminated, the controller 90 may operate the air conditioner 3 again in the cooling mode.

When the cooling mode is terminated and the drying mode is performed, the controller 90 may turn off the air conditioner 3 when the drying mode is terminated.

11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method when the air conditioner enters a simple drying mode among a cooling mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the operation of the air conditioner 3 in the simple drying mode will be described in more detail.

<Detailed control in simple drying mode>

When the temperature measured by the indoor temperature sensor 36 during the cooling mode is within a preset indoor temperature range, the simple drying mode may be started.

In the simple drying mode, the controller 90 may turn off the compressor 20 ( S20 ), and may keep the blower fan 32 on.

Accordingly, the refrigerant may not have to circulate in the refrigeration cycle 1 , and the air sucked into the suction port 9 by the blower fan 32 may not exchange heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 23 .

In addition, in the simple drying mode, the controller 90 may close the main opening/closing member 50, may open the inner opening/closing member 71 and the sub opening/closing member 60, and may turn on the ultraviolet lamp 82 (S21).

Since the main opening/closing member 50 is closed and the inner opening/closing member 71 is open, the air sucked into the first space S1 through the suction port 9 is not discharged to the main discharge port 5, but the inner partition wall ( 7) may flow into the second space S2 through the through hole 70 , pass through the purification assembly 8 , be deodorized by the filter 81 , and may be sterilized by the ultraviolet lamp 82 . Since the sub opening/closing member 60 is in an open state, the air purified while passing through the purification assembly 8 may be discharged to the sub outlet 6 .

Accordingly, the indoor heat exchanger 23 can be dried by the flow of air, and at the same time, the generation of odor-generating substances can be prevented.

Meanwhile, the controller 90 may determine whether the temperature measured by the indoor temperature sensor 36 is within a set indoor temperature range during the simple drying mode (S22).

When the temperature measured by the indoor temperature sensor 36 is within the set indoor temperature range, the controller 90 may maintain the simple drying mode.

When the temperature measured by the indoor temperature sensor 36 is out of the set indoor temperature range, the controller 90 opens the main opening/closing member 50 and closes the inner opening/closing member 71 and the sub opening/closing member 60, The ultraviolet lamp 82 may be turned off (S23). This may end the simple drying mode.

When the simple drying mode ends, the controller 90 turns on the compressor 20 again to return to the cooling mode.

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical spirit of the present invention, and various modifications and variations will be possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present invention, but to explain, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

The protection scope of the present invention should be construed by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

1: Refrigeration cycle 2: Outdoor unit
20: compressor 21: outdoor heat exchanger
22: expansion mechanism 23: indoor heat exchanger
24: selector valve 3: air conditioner
31: outdoor blowing fan 32: blowing fan
33: first temperature sensor 34: second temperature sensor
35: first gas concentration sensor 36: air temperature sensor
4: Housing 5: Main outlet
50: main opening and closing member 6: sub outlet
60: sub opening and closing member 7: inner bulkhead
70: through hole 71: inner opening and closing member
8: purification assembly 80: filter mounter
81: filter 82: ultraviolet lamp
83: air temperature sensor 84: second gas concentration sensor
9: Inlet 90: Controller

Claims (16)

a housing having a main outlet facing forward and a sub outlet facing upward;
an inner bulkhead partitioning the inside of the housing into a first space communicating with the main outlet and a second space communicating with the sub outlet and having at least one through hole;
a main opening/closing member for opening and closing the main outlet;
a sub opening/closing member for opening and closing the sub discharge port;
an inner opening/closing member for opening and closing the through hole;
an indoor heat exchanger disposed in the first space;
a purification assembly disposed in the second space; and
a controller for controlling the main opening/closing member, the sub opening/closing member, and the inner opening/closing member;
The controller is
An air conditioner for closing the main opening/closing member and opening the inner opening/closing member and the sub opening/closing member in a drying mode for drying the indoor heat exchanger so that air passing through the indoor heat exchanger is discharged upward through the sub outlet . delete The method of claim 1,
The second space is an air conditioner located above the first space. 4. The method of claim 3,
The sub outlet is formed on the upper surface of the housing. The method of claim 1,
The purification assembly comprises:
filter;
a filter mounter on which the filter is mounted; and
Including an ultraviolet lamp disposed on the filter mounter,
The controller is
An air conditioner that turns on the UV lamp in the drying mode. delete The method of claim 1,
a blowing fan disposed in the first space; and
Further comprising a heat exchanger outlet temperature sensor for measuring the outlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger,
The controller is
The air conditioner turns on the blower fan when the temperature measured by the outlet temperature sensor of the heat exchanger in the drying mode is equal to or higher than a first preset temperature. 8. The method of claim 7,
The controller is
In the drying mode, when the temperature measured by the outlet temperature sensor of the heat exchanger is equal to or higher than the first set temperature, the sub opening/closing member is opened. 8. The method of claim 7,
Further comprising an air temperature sensor disposed in the second space,
The controller is
After the blowing fan is turned on in the drying mode, if the measured temperature of the air temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a second preset temperature, the air conditioner increases the rotation speed of the blowing fan. The method of claim 1,
a first gas concentration sensor disposed in the first space; and
Further comprising a second gas concentration sensor disposed in the second space,
The controller is
In the cooling mode, the reference gas concentration is calculated and stored based on the gas concentration measured by the first gas concentration sensor,
In the drying mode, when the gas concentration measured by the second gas concentration sensor is equal to or less than the reference gas concentration, the drying mode is terminated. a refrigeration cycle including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion mechanism, an indoor heat exchanger, and a switching valve;
a housing having a main outlet facing forward and a sub outlet facing upward;
an inner bulkhead partitioning the inside of the housing into a first space communicating with the main outlet and having the indoor heat exchanger disposed therein and a second space communicating with the sub outlet and having at least one through hole;
a main opening/closing member for opening and closing the main outlet;
a sub opening/closing member for opening and closing the sub discharge port;
an inner opening/closing member for opening and closing the through hole;
a purification assembly disposed in the second space; and
a controller for controlling the switching valve so that the discharge flow path of the compressor communicates with the outdoor heat exchanger in the cooling mode, and the discharge flow path of the compressor communicates with the indoor heat exchanger in the drying mode;
The controller is
In the cooling mode, the main opening/closing member is opened and the inner opening/closing member and the sub opening/closing member are closed,
An air conditioning system for closing the main opening/closing member and opening the inner opening/closing member and the sub opening/closing member in the dry mode so that the air that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger is discharged upward through the sub outlet. 12. The method of claim 11,
Further comprising an indoor temperature sensor for measuring the external temperature of the housing,
The controller is
When the temperature measured by the indoor temperature sensor during the cooling mode is within a set indoor temperature range, the compressor is turned off, the main opening/closing member is closed, and the inner opening/closing member and the sub opening/closing member are opened. 13. The method of claim 12,
The purification assembly comprises:
filter;
a filter mounter on which the filter is mounted; and
Including an ultraviolet lamp disposed on the filter mounter,
The controller is
An air conditioning system that turns on the UV lamp when the temperature measured by the indoor temperature sensor during the cooling mode is within a set indoor temperature range. 12. The method of claim 11,
The controller is
The air conditioning system starts the drying mode when the cooling mode ends. 12. The method of claim 11,
The second space is located above the first space. 16. The method of claim 15,
The sub outlet is formed on an upper surface of the housing.

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