KR20100087465A - Washing apparatus of air conditioner and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A device for washing an air conditioner and a control method thereof are provided to enhance the electrolysis efficiency by supplying electrolyte after determining the type of the water stored in a storage and to increase the sterilization efficiency of a heat exchanger by spraying acid water and alkaline water to the heat exchanger. CONSTITUTION: A device(40) for washing an air conditioner comprises a storage(41), an electrolyte supply unit, an electrolysis unit(42), and a controller. The storage stores water. The electrolyte supply unit supplies electrolyte to the storage. The electrolysis unit receives water from the storage to perform electrolysis. The electrolysis unit performs electrolysis on electrolyte solution to create acid water and alkaline water. The controller determines whether the water supplied to the electrolysis unit is electrolyte solution or not and controls the supply of the electrolyte to the storage according to the determination result.

Description

Washing apparatus of air conditioner and method for controlling the same

The present invention relates to a washing apparatus for an air conditioner and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an apparatus for controlling an air conditioner for washing dust and foreign substances in a heat exchanger provided in an air conditioner and sterilizing germs. It is about.

In general, an air conditioner is a device that cools, heats or purifies an intake air by discharging the refrigerant by evaporating and condensing it, and then discharging the air to harmonize air in a specific space. A compressor for converting to a high pressure state, a condenser for releasing internal latent heat to the outside while converting the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor into a liquid phase, and expansion means for reducing pressure by controlling the flow rate of the refrigerant converted into a liquid phase from the condenser; In addition, the evaporator absorbs external heat while evaporating the liquid refrigerant expanded in the expansion means into a gas, and each component is connected by a connection pipe. If the air conditioner is not used for a long time, dust, bacteria, water, etc. are generated on the surface of the heat exchanger such as a condenser or evaporator, and the thermal efficiency is lowered when the heat exchanger is driven by such dust, bacteria, and water. Water causes an unpleasant odor when the heat exchanger is running.

Accordingly, in order to remove dust, dirt, dirt, etc. of the heat exchanger of the air conditioner, the heat exchanger was dismantled and separated from the air conditioner to perform cleaning and sterilization, or the heat exchanger itself was replaced. Accordingly, the disassembly and separation of the heat exchanger was not easy depending on the installation place and the installation method, and it was difficult to replace the heat exchanger itself in a limited space. In addition, when disassembling and separating the heat exchanger from the air conditioner to perform the cleaning and sterilization, the user has to manually wash and sterilize. In the case of replacing the heat exchanger itself, the cost of replacing the heat exchanger is high. Occurred.

According to an aspect of the invention the storage unit for storing water; An electrolyte supply unit supplying an electrolyte to the storage unit; An electrolysis unit which receives water from the storage unit and performs electrolysis; It is determined whether the water supplied to the electrolysis unit is the electrolyte dissolved water, and according to the determined result comprises a control unit for controlling the supply of the electrolyte to the storage unit.

The electrolysis unit electrolyzes the electrolyte dissolved water to generate acidic water and alkaline water, and the electrolysis unit includes a first wash water pipe through which the acidic water moves, and a second wash water pipe through which the alkaline water moves.

The electrolyte supply unit includes an electrolyte case in which an electrolyte is received and a hole is formed, a motor connected to the electrolyte case and the wire, and a guide in which the wire is unwound or wound in response to the rotation of the motor.

The electrolyte supply unit further includes an electrolyte case in which the electrolyte is accommodated and the hole is formed, a rack in which the electrolyte case is installed, a gear for moving the rack, and a motor for rotating the gear.

 The electrolyte supply unit, the electrolyte case is provided in the upper portion of the storage portion and the hole is formed to accommodate the electrolyte; An electrolyte supply valve installed in at least one washing water pipe of the first or second wash water pipe; And an auxiliary pipe connected between the electrolyte supply valve and the electrolyte case.

The control unit controls the electrolyte supply valve so that the washing water of the electrolytic part flows through the auxiliary pipe to the electrolyte case.

It further comprises a pump for pumping the water of the reservoir to the electrolysis unit.

The apparatus may further include a current detector configured to detect a current flowing in the water accommodated in the electrolysis unit, and the controller may determine whether the electrolyte is supplied by comparing the detected current with the reference current.

It further comprises an injection unit for spraying the washing water to the heat exchanger.

The apparatus further includes a drain valve connected between the reservoir and the electrolysis unit, and the controller controls the drain valve to discharge the water of the reservoir to the outside when the heat exchanger is driven.

Further comprising a water level detection unit for detecting the water level of the water stored in the storage unit, the control unit supplies the water of the storage unit to the electrolysis unit by controlling the drain valve when the water level of the storage unit during the heat exchanger cleaning is a reference level.

The air conditioner further includes a supply hole provided in a cabinet forming an exterior of the air conditioner, wherein the water in the storage unit is water supplied by the user through the supply hole.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the cleaning apparatus of an air conditioner includes a storage unit for storing water generated in a heat exchanger; An electrolyte supply unit supplying an electrolyte to the storage unit; A control unit for controlling the supply amount of the electrolyte so that the electrolyte dissolved water is generated in the storage unit; It includes an electrolysis unit for electrolyzing the electrolyte dissolved water supplied from the reservoir to generate the wash water.

The apparatus may further include a current detector configured to sense a current flowing in the electrolyte dissolved water contained in the electrolysis unit, and the controller controls the amount of additional supply of the electrolyte by comparing the detected current with the reference current.

The electrolyte supply unit includes an electrolyte supply valve provided at an upper portion of the storage unit and having a hole formed therein, and an electrolyte supply valve installed in at least one of the wash water pipes of the first or second wash water pipes, between the electrolyte supply valve and the electrolyte case. It includes an auxiliary pipe connected to, the control unit controls the opening and closing of the electrolyte supply valve to control the supply amount of the electrolyte.

The electrolyte supply unit includes an electrolyte case in which the electrolyte is accommodated and the hole is formed, and a driving device for the electrolyte case to be contained in the water stored in the storage unit, and the controller controls the driving device to control the supply amount of the electrolyte.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the water stored in the storage unit is supplied to the electrolysis unit, it is determined whether the water supplied to the electrolysis unit is the electrolyte dissolved water, and the supply of the electrolyte to the storage unit is controlled according to the determined result.

When the water supplied from the reservoir is electrolyte dissolved water, the electrolyte dissolved water may be electrolyzed to generate washing water, and the washing water may be further injected into the heat exchanger.

Determining whether the water is the electrolyte dissolved water detects a current flowing in the water accommodated in the electrolysis unit, and compares the detected current with the reference current to determine whether the water is electrolyte dissolved water.

Sensing the current flowing in the water contained in the electrolysis unit and comparing with the reference current, and further controls the additional supply of the electrolyte according to the comparison result.

When the washing is completed, the method further includes controlling the drain valve to discharge the washed water to the outside.

According to an aspect of the present invention, by supplying the electrolyte by determining the type of water stored in the storage unit, the supply of the electrolyte may be appropriately limited, and the electrolysis efficiency may be improved because the electrolyte of the appropriate amount of the electrolyte is electrolyzed. .

In addition, by spraying the acidic water and alkaline water generated during the electrolysis to the heat exchanger, it is possible to efficiently wash dust, foreign matter, scale, etc. collected in the heat exchanger of the air conditioner and increase the sterilization efficiency of the heat exchanger.

According to another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to clean the heat exchanger without disassembling and separating the heat exchanger provided in the air conditioner, so that the heat exchanger can be easily washed, and the continuous performance of the heat exchanger can be maintained, thereby saving heat exchange efficiency and energy. have.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is an external perspective view of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an internal perspective view of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a first embodiment of the present invention. Detailed perspective view of the washing apparatus according to the invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 10 is provided with a cabinet 11 having an open front face and a front panel 12 covering the entire open front of the cabinet 11 to form an exterior. Discharge openings 13 through which the heat-exchanged air is discharged are provided on both sides of the upper part of the cabinet 11, and the discharge holes 13 are provided with a blade 14 for guiding the flow of the discharged air stream. The lower both sides of the inlet 15 is provided with suction ports for sucking outside air. In addition, a supply hole 50 is formed at one side of the cabinet 11, and a cover is provided in the supply hole 50 to selectively open and close the supply hole 50 by a user. The inner space of the cabinet 11 is partitioned into a lower blower installation chamber and an upper heat exchanger installation chamber.

As shown in FIG. 2, the blower installation chamber of the cabinet 11 includes a blowing fan 21 for sucking external air and blowing the sucked air, and a fan motor for applying rotational force to the blowing fan 21 (not shown). And a fan housing 22 accommodating the blower fan 21 and guiding the air sucked through the blower fan 21 to the heat exchanger installation chamber, and the heat exchanger installation chamber is guided through the fan housing 22. The heat exchanger 31 which heat-exchanges with air is provided. Here, the heat exchanger 31 is formed in a flat plate shape so that the air blown from the fan housing 22 can be heat-exchanged while passing therethrough, and is inclined in the inner upper space of the cabinet 11.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a washing apparatus 40 for washing dust, foreign matter and scale of the heat exchanger 31 and sterilizing bacteria in the heat exchanger 31 in the internal space of the cabinet 11. ) Is provided. The cleaning device 40 includes a reservoir 41, an electrolysis unit 42, a drain valve 43, an electrolyte supply unit 44, and an injection unit 45.

The storage unit 41 is provided at the lower end of the heat exchanger 31 to store the condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 31, and supplies the stored water to the electrolysis unit 42. In addition to storing the condensed water generated by the heat exchanger 31, the storage unit 41 may store water (eg, tap water) directly supplied by the user through the supply hole 50.

And the storage unit 41 is the water level detection unit 110 for detecting the water level of the water stored therein, when the water level of the storage unit 41 sensed by the water level detection unit 110 is more than the reference level outside the water The overflow pipe 41a which discharges to the furnace is further provided.

The electrolysis unit 42 receives water from the storage unit 41 and performs electrolysis to generate washing water for sterilizing and cleaning the heat exchanger 31. The electrolysis unit 42 includes a case forming an external appearance, a pair of electrode plates provided inside the case, and an ion separation membrane provided between the electrode plates to partition the case. That is, when (+) power and (-) power are applied to each of the pair of electrode plates, the water containing the electrolyte (that is, the electrolyte dissolved water) generates acidic and alkaline water as ions pass through the ion separation membrane 135. Create

The electrolytic part 42 is provided with a first wash water pipe 42a through which the acidic water is discharged, and a second wash water pipe 42b through which the alkaline water is discharged. The first wash water pipe 42a is provided with a first minute of acidic water. The 1st pump 42c for moving to the dead part 45a is provided, and the 2nd pump 42d for moving an alkaline water to the 2nd injection part 45b is provided in the 2nd wash water piping 42b. In addition, the electrolysis unit 42 is provided with a current detection unit 120 for detecting a current flowing in the water accommodated therein.

The acidic water generated by the electrolysis serves to sterilize the bacteria inhabiting the heat exchanger 31, and the alkaline water serves to wash the dust accumulated in the heat exchanger 31. In this case, the electrolytic part 42 may have other components capable of washing the heat exchanger, and as the generated washing water, in addition to the acidic water and the alkaline water, OH radical water and ozone water may be used.

In addition, the acidic water and the alkaline water injected into the heat exchanger 31 flow downward along the heat exchanger 31, and are stored in the storage unit 41 to be neutralized, and the neutralized water in the storage unit 41 is the third pump. It is supplied to the electrolysis part 42 by the drive of 46 again.

The drain valve 43 is installed between the storage unit 41 and the electrolysis unit 42 to supply water from the storage unit 41 to the electrolysis unit 42 or externally store the water in the storage unit 41. To be discharged.

The drain valve 43 is the first valve 43b for opening and closing the first drain pipe 43a provided to drain the condensed water stored in the storage unit 41 when the air conditioner is driven, and the heat exchanger 31 It includes a second valve (43d) for opening and closing the second drain pipe (43c) provided for supplying the water of the storage unit 41 to the electrolysis unit 42 during sterilization. That is, when the air conditioner is driven, the first valve 43b is opened to drain the condensed water generated by the heat exchanger 31 through the first drain pipe 43a, and when the heat exchanger 31 is washed, The first and second valves 43b and 43d are closed to store the condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 31 in the storage 41 and then supplied to the electrolysis unit 42.

Alternatively, the drain valve 43 connects the storage unit 41 and the first and second valves 43b and 43d, so that the storage unit 41 and the first valve 43b are connected when the air conditioner is driven. In the sterilization of the heat exchanger 31, the three-way valve is switched to connect the storage part 41 and the first valve 43b.

The electrolyte supply part 44 is installed on one side of the upper part of the storage part 41 to supply the electrolyte to the storage part 41 so that water is electrolyzed in the electrolysis part 42 so that the washing water is generated. The electrolyte is then in solid or powder form.

In more detail, the electrolyte supply unit 44 is installed at one upper side of the storage unit 41 to accommodate the electrolyte, and discharges the hole h1 through which water is supplied and the electrolyte changed into liquid by the supplied water. Electrolytic case 44a having a plurality of holes h2 to be provided, an auxiliary pipe 44b connected to the hole h1 of the electrolyte case 44a, and a first wash water pipe 42a are provided for electrolysis. And an electrolyte supply valve 44c that receives the water received in the unit 42 and supplies the supplied water to the auxiliary pipe 44b. At this time, the electrolyte supply valve 44c may be installed in the second washing water pipe 42b.

As such, when the electrolyte supply valve 44c of the electrolyte supply unit 44 is opened, water received in the electrolytic unit 42 is supplied to the electrolyte case 44a through the auxiliary pipe 44b, and the electrolyte case 44a is supplied. Electrolyte contained in) is melted by the supplied water and discharged into the storage part 41 through the plurality of holes h2.

The injection unit 45 is installed above the heat exchanger 31 to inject the washing water generated by the electrolysis unit 42 to the heat exchanger 31. At this time, the washing water generated in the electrolysis unit 42 is acidic water and alkaline water, and the injection unit 45 receives at least one washing water of acidic water and alkaline water and sprays the heat exchanger 31 by spraying the heat exchanger 31. Sterilize and wash.

The injection part 45 includes a second injection part 45a for injecting acidic water and a first injection part 45b for injecting alkaline water.

And the washing device 40 is installed between the storage unit 41 and the electrolysis unit 42, the third pump 46 for easily supplying the water of the storage unit 41 to the electrolysis unit 42 And a filter unit (not shown) for filtering the water supplied from the storage unit 41 to the electrolysis unit 42. That is, when water of the reference level is stored in the storage unit 41, the second valve 43d is opened and the third pump 46 is driven to allow the electrolytic unit 42 to pass through the second drain pipe 43b and the filter unit. To supply water.

4 is a control block diagram of the washing apparatus provided in the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the water level detecting unit 110, the current detecting unit 120, the control unit 130, the drain valve driving unit 140, electric The decomposition driving unit 150, the pump driving unit 160, and the electrolyte supply valve driving unit 170 are included.

The water level detection unit 110 is installed inside the storage unit 41 to detect the water level of the water stored in the storage unit 41, and transmits the detected water level to the controller 130.

The current detecting unit 120 is installed inside the electrolytic unit 42 to detect a current flowing in the water received in the electrolytic unit 44 when power is supplied to the electrolytic unit 42, and the detected current is controlled by the controller ( 130).

The control unit 130 transmits the ON signal of the first valve 43b to the drain valve driving unit 140 when the heat exchanger operates according to the operation of the air conditioner, thereby opening the first valve 43b to open the first heat exchanger 31. The water stored in the storage unit 41 is discharged to the outside according to the heat exchange. The control unit 130 transmits the off signals of the first and second valves 43b and 43d to the drain valve driving unit 140 when the heat exchanger 31 is cleaned, thereby closing the first and second valves 43b and 43d. In accordance with the heat exchange of the heat exchanger 31 is stored in the heat exchanger (31) flows into the storage (41).

The controller 130 compares the water level of the storage unit 41 transmitted from the water level detecting unit 110 with a preset reference water level, and if the water level of the storage unit 41 is equal to or higher than the reference water level, the second valve 43d is operated. It is controlled on so that the water stored in the storage unit 41 is supplied to the electrolysis unit 42.

The controller 130 compares the current transmitted from the current sensing unit 120 with a preset reference current, and the water stored in the storage unit 41 when the current flowing in the water contained in the electrolysis unit 42 is greater than or equal to the reference current. Is determined to be electrolyte dissolved water (ie, tap water) instead of condensed water, and the electrolysis unit 42 is controlled to perform electrolysis. When the current flowing in the water accommodated in the electrolysis unit 42 is less than the reference current, The water stored in the storage unit 41 is determined to be condensed water, and the driving of the electrolyte supply unit 44 is controlled so that the electrolyte is supplied to the storage unit 41. That is, in order to electrolyze the condensed water because the water stored in the storage unit 41 is condensed by flowing into the heat exchanger 31 during the heat exchange process of the heat exchanger 31 and thus does not contain ions and thus is not easily electrolyzed. On the other hand, tap water (ie, electrolyte dissolved water) supplied with water stored in the storage unit 41 by the user contains ions of various chemicals introduced during the water purification process, and thus easy electrolysis by itself. This is to limit the supply of electrolyte.

The controller 130 drives the first and second injection parts 45a and 45b by driving the first and second pumps 42c and 42d to generate the acidic and alkaline water generated during the electrolysis of the electrolysis part 42. Be sure to

The drain valve driving unit 140 transmits on or off of the first and second valves 43b and 43d, respectively, according to the instructions of the controller 130 so that the water stored in the storage unit 41 is discharged to the outside, or the storage unit. The water stored in the 41 is supplied to the electrolysis unit 42.

The electrolysis driving unit 150 controls the power supply to the electrolysis unit 42 according to the instructions of the control unit 130 to perform electrolysis of water in the electrolysis unit 42.

The pump driving unit 160 transmits driving signals to the first and second pumps 42c and 42d and the third pump 46 according to the instructions of the controller 130 to transmit the first and second pumps 42c and 42d and the third pump. Allow pump 46 to be driven.

The electrolyte supply valve driver 170 controls the driving of the electrolyte supply valve 44c according to the instructions of the controller 130 so that the water contained in the electrolysis unit 42 passes through the first wash water pipe 42a to the electrolyte case 44a. To be supplied.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a washing control flowchart of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

First, when heat exchange of air is performed in the heat exchanger 31 according to the operation of the air conditioner 10, and water (that is, condensed water) forms on the heat exchanger 31 according to the heat exchange of the heat exchanger 31. Water formed in the heat exchanger 31 flows to the storage part 41 and is stored in the storage part 41. At this time, the first valve of the drain valve is opened to discharge the water stored in the storage unit 41 to the outside.

Then, when the heat exchanger 31 is washed, the water generated in the heat exchanger 31 is closed by storing the first valve 43b and the second valve 43d of the drain valve 43. To be stored at 301. At this time, the water level detection unit 110 detects the water level of the storage unit 41, and compares the water level of the detected storage unit 41 with a predetermined reference level (302), so that the water level of the storage unit 41 is the reference water level. If it is abnormal, the second valve 43d of the drain valve is opened and water stored in the storage part 41 is supplied to the electrolysis part 42 (303).

Next, power is supplied to the electrolysis unit 42, and the current flowing through the water supplied from the storage unit 41 and received in the electrolysis unit 42 is detected to compare the preset reference current. At this time, if the current flowing through the water contained in the electrolysis unit 42 is greater than or equal to the reference current 304, the water stored in the storage unit 41 is regarded as electrolyte dissolved water, and the pair of electrode plates installed in the electrolysis unit 42 is determined. Electrolysis of water contained in the electrolysis unit 42 is performed by applying power of different polarities. The electrolysis unit 42 generates acidic water and alkaline water, which are washing water, by the electrolysis. At this time, when the power of different polarity is applied to the pair of electrode plates installed in the electrolytic part 42, the polarity is changed at predetermined time intervals, and the acidic and alkaline water are supplied through the first and second injection parts 45a and 45b. Alternately spray.

The acid water generated during the electrolysis of the electrolysis unit 42 is driven to the first injection unit 45a by driving the first pump 42c. At this time, the first injector 45a sterilizes the heat exchanger 31 by injecting acidic water into the heat exchanger 31. In addition, the alkaline water generated during the electrolysis of the electrolysis unit 42 is driven to the second injection unit 45b by driving the second pump 42d. At this time, the second injection unit 45b cleans the heat exchanger 31 by spraying alkaline water onto the heat exchanger 31 (305). The acidic water and the alkaline water flowing along the heat exchanger 31 are supplied to the storage part 41, and the acidic water and the alkali water stored in the storage part 41 are neutralized again by the pumping operation of the third pump 46. It is supplied to the electrolysis unit 42.

If the current flowing in the water contained in the electrolysis unit 42 is less than the reference current, it is determined that the water stored in the storage unit 41 is condensed water, and the driving of the electrolyte supply unit 44 is controlled to supply the electrolyte to the storage unit 41. Supply (306).

At this time, after supplying the electrolyte to the storage unit 41, the electrolyte dissolved water generated in the storage unit 41 by the supply of the electrolyte to the electrolytic unit 42, the electrolyte contained in the electrolytic unit 42 The current flowing in the dissolved water is detected and compared with the reference current to determine whether the electrolyte is added. In this way, it is possible to perform the optimum electrolysis by determining whether to add the electrolyte and by supplying additional electrolyte according to the determination result.

In this case, the electrolyte is supplied to the electrolysis unit 42 by opening the electrolyte supply valve 44c connected to at least one of the first and second wash water pipes 42a and 42b provided in the electrolysis unit 42. Water is supplied to the electrolyte case 44a provided at the upper portion of the storage part 41 through the electrolyte supply valve 44c. At this time, the electrolyte contained in the electrolyte case is melted by the water supplied to the electrolyte case 44a and supplied to the storage part 41.

At this time, the electrolyte is dissolved in the water stored in the storage unit 41 to become electrolyte dissolved water, and the electrolyte dissolved water is supplied to the electrolysis unit 42. The electrolysis unit 42 performs electrolysis of the electrolyte dissolved water to generate washing water such as acidic water and alkaline water, and the generated acidic water and alkaline water are driven by the first and second pumps 42c and 42d. It is moved to the 1st, 2nd injection parts 45a and 45b. The acidic water and the alkaline water supplied to the first and second injection parts 45a and 45b are injected into the heat exchanger 31 by the injection operation of the first and second injection parts 45a and 45b, and the heat exchanger 31 is provided. The acidic water and the alkaline water flowing along are supplied to the storage part 41 again, and the acidic water and the alkaline water stored in the storage part 41 are neutralized and the electrolysis part 42 is again driven by the pumping operation of the third pump 46. Is supplied.

Next, when the washing of the heat exchanger 31 is completed, the drain valve 43 and the third pump 46 are operated to dissolve condensate or electrolyte remaining on the storage part 41, the electrolysis part 42, and each pipe. The water is discharged to the outside (307). This is because if the condensed water or the electrolyte solution remains on each pipe for a long time, the condensed water or the electrolyte solution will rot, causing odor.

The cleaning of the heat exchanger 31 is performed at a predetermined cycle (about two weeks) or at the user's choice.

Here, it is also possible to supply only the acidic water to the injection part 45 and to spray the heat exchanger 31. At this time, the acidic water is an acidic water of pH 3 to pH 4, by spraying the acidic water to the heat exchanger 31 for a predetermined time (about 30 minutes) can remove most of the bacteria inhabiting the heat exchanger (31). .

6 is a perspective view of the inside of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 is a detailed perspective view of the washing apparatus provided in the air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, a washing device 40 is provided in the inner space of the cabinet 11 to wash dust, foreign matter, and scale of the heat exchanger 31 and to sterilize bacteria inhabiting the heat exchanger 31. have. The cleaning device 40 includes a reservoir 41, an electrolysis unit 42, a drain valve 43, an electrolyte supply unit 44, and an injection unit 45. In the washing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the storage part 41, the electrolysis part 42, the drain valve 43, and the injection part 45 have the configuration of the washing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The same as the configuration of the storage unit 41, the electrolytic unit 42, the drain valve 43 and the injection unit 45 of 40, a description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, the electrolyte supply part 44 is installed at one upper side of the storage part 41 to supply electrolyte to the storage part 41 to electrolyze water in the electrolysis part 42 to generate washing water. Be sure to The electrolyte is then in solid or powder form.

In more detail, the electrolyte supply unit 44 is installed at one upper side of the storage unit 41 to receive the electrolyte, and when the electrolyte is contained in the water of the storage unit 41, the water in the storage unit 41 is reduced. Electrolyte case 44d having a plurality of holes (not shown) dissolved in and discharged to the storage part 41, and a wire connected to one side of the electrolyte case 44d to move the electrolyte case 44d up and down ( w) and the drive device of the guide 44e for adjusting the length of the wire w to adjust the length of the wire w wound around the guide 44e or the wire w unwound from the guide 44e. In order to rotate the electrolyte w (44f) and the wire (w) by the rotation of the electrolyte transfer motor (44f) to transfer the rotational force to the guide (44e) to guide the electrolyte case (44d) to move up and down (44e).

In this way, the electrolyte transfer motor 44f of the electrolyte supply unit 44 is rotated to release the wire w of the guide 44e while moving the electrolyte case 44d to the lower portion of the storage unit 41, and then storing The electrolyte case 44d is contained in the water stored in the portion 41, and the water of the storage portion 41 flows into the electrolyte case 44d through the plurality of holes, so that the electrolyte melts and mixes with the water of the storage portion 41. Accordingly, the water in the reservoir 41 becomes the electrolyte dissolved water. After a certain time has elapsed, the transfer motor 44f is rotated again to move the electrolyte case 44d to the upper portion of the storage 41 while winding the wire w on the guide 44e.

8 is a control block diagram of a washing apparatus provided in the air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the water level detection unit 210, the current detection unit 220, the control unit 230, the drain valve driving unit 240, electric The decomposition driving unit 250, the pump driving unit 260, and the electrolyte transfer motor driving unit 270 are included.

In the control block diagram of the washing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the water level detection unit 210, the current detection unit 220, the control unit 230, the drain valve driving unit 240, the electrolysis driving unit 250, and the pump The configuration of the driving unit 260 is a water level detecting unit 110, a current detecting unit 120, a control unit 130, a drain valve driving unit 140, electric in the control configuration of the washing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention The same as that of the decomposition driving unit 150 and the pump driving unit 160 will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, the control unit 230 transmits a drive control signal of the electrolyte transfer motor 44f to the electrolyte transfer motor driver 270 when the electrolyte is supplied to the storage unit 41 so that the electrolyte case 44d is stored in the storage unit 41. ), And when a predetermined time elapses, the driving control signal of the electrolyte transport motor 44f is transmitted back to the electrolyte transport motor driver 270 to move the electrolyte case 44d to the upper part of the storage 41. Be sure to

The electrolyte transfer motor driver 270 transmits a drive signal of the electrolyte transfer motor 44f according to the instruction of the controller 130 so that the wire w is released from the guide 44e, and at this time, the wire w is released to release the electrolyte. By allowing the case 44d to be contained in the storage portion 41, the electrolyte is supplied to the storage portion 41.

9 is a detailed perspective view of the washing apparatus provided in the air conditioner according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the inner space of the cabinet 11, the dust, foreign matter, and scale of the heat exchanger 31 are washed and the heat exchanger 31 is washed. There is provided a washing device (40) for sterilizing bacteria that inhabit. The cleaning device 40 includes a reservoir 41, an electrolysis unit 42, a drain valve 43, an electrolyte supply unit 44, and an injection unit 45. In the washing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the storage part 41, the electrolysis part 42, the drain valve 43, and the injection part 45 have the configuration of the washing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The same as the configuration of the storage unit 41, the electrolytic unit 42, the drain valve 43 and the injection unit 45 of 40, a description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9, the electrolyte supply unit 44 is installed at an upper side of the storage unit 41 to supply electrolyte to the storage unit 41 to electrolyze water in the electrolysis unit 42 to generate washing water. Be sure to The electrolyte is then in solid or powder form.

In more detail, the electrolyte supply unit 44 is installed at one upper side of the storage unit 41 to receive the electrolyte, and when the electrolyte is contained in the water of the storage unit 41, the water in the storage unit 41 is reduced. An electrolyte case 44d having a plurality of holes (not shown) dissolved in and discharged to the storage part 41, and a rack 44f connected to the electrolyte case 44d to vertically move the electrolyte case 44d. And a gear 44g for moving the rack 44f and a drive device for the rack 44f for adjusting the position of the electrolyte case dd4 so as to be connected to the gear 44g so that the rack 44f moves up and down. And an electrolyte transfer motor 44f which transmits rotational force to 44g to cause the gear 44g to rotate. Here, the rack 44f and the gear 44g are formed with teeth so that the teeth are engaged with each other.

As such, when the gear 44g is rotated by driving the electrolyte transfer motor 44f of the electrolyte supply unit 44, the rack 44f coupled by the gear descends while the electrolyte case 44d installed in the rack 44f is lowered. The electrolyte case 44d is immersed in the water stored in the storage part 41 by being moved to the lower part of the storage part 41, and the water of the storage part 41 flows into the electrolyte case 44d through the plurality of holes. As the electrolyte melts, the electrolyte is mixed with the water in the storage part 41, and thus the water in the storage part 41 becomes the electrolyte dissolved water. When a predetermined time has elapsed, the electrolyte transport motor 44f of the electrolyte supply unit 44 is driven to rotate the gear 44g again, and as a result, the rack 44f coupled by the gear is raised and installed in the rack 44f. The electrolyte case 44d is moved to the upper portion of the reservoir 41.

1 is an external perspective view of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is an internal perspective view of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a perspective view of a washing apparatus provided in the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a block diagram illustrating a washing control configuration of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a washing control of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

6 is an internal perspective view of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a perspective view of a washing apparatus provided in the air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a block diagram illustrating the washing control of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a perspective view of a washing apparatus provided in the air conditioner according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the Related Art [0002]

11: cabinet 12: front panel

13: inlet 14: blade

15: discharge port 21: blowing fan

22: fan housing 31: heat exchanger

40: washing device 41: storage unit

42: electrolytic part 43: drain valve

44: electrolyte supply part 45: injection part

50: supply hole

Claims (21)

A storage unit for storing water; An electrolyte supply unit supplying an electrolyte to the storage unit; An electrolysis unit that receives water from the storage unit and performs electrolysis; And a control unit for determining whether the water supplied to the electrolysis unit is electrolyte dissolved water and controlling the supply of the electrolyte to the storage unit according to the determined result. The method of claim 1, The electrolysis unit electrolyzes the electrolyte dissolved water to generate acidic water and alkaline water, The electrolysis unit cleaning apparatus of the air conditioner including a first wash water pipe to move the acidic water, and a second wash water pipe to move the alkaline water. The method of claim 2, wherein the electrolyte supply unit, An electrolyte case in which the electrolyte is accommodated and the hole is formed; A motor connected with the electrolyte case and a wire; And a guide for unwinding or winding the wire in response to the rotation of the motor. The method of claim 2, wherein the electrolyte supply unit, An electrolyte case in which the electrolyte is accommodated and the hole is formed; A rack in which the electrolyte case is installed; A gear for moving the rack, Cleaning apparatus of the air conditioner further comprises a motor for rotating the gear. The method of claim 2, wherein the electrolyte supply unit, An electrolyte case provided in an upper portion of the storage part and having a hole formed therein to accommodate the electrolyte; An electrolyte supply valve installed in at least one washing water pipe among the first and second wash water pipes; And an auxiliary pipe connected between the electrolyte supply valve and the electrolyte case. The method of claim 5, wherein the control unit And a washing device for controlling the electrolyte supply valve so that the washing water of the electrolytic part flows through the auxiliary pipe to the electrolyte case. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pump for pumping the water of the reservoir to the electrolysis unit. The method of claim 7, wherein Further comprising a current sensing unit for sensing the current flowing in the water accommodated in the electrolysis unit, The control unit is a cleaning device of the air conditioner to determine whether the supply of the electrolyte by comparing the sensed current with the reference current. The method of claim 8, Sterilization apparatus of the air conditioner further comprises an injection unit for spraying the washing water to the heat exchanger. The method of claim 1, Further comprising a drain valve connected between the reservoir and the electrolysis unit, The control unit is a washing device of the air conditioner for controlling the drain valve to discharge the water of the storage unit to the outside when the heat exchanger is driven. The method of claim 10, Further comprising a water level detection unit for detecting the water level of the water stored in the storage unit, The control unit is a washing device of the air conditioner for supplying water to the electrolysis unit by controlling the drain valve when the water level of the storage unit is the reference level when the heat exchanger cleaning. The method of claim 1, Further comprising a supply hole provided in the cabinet forming the appearance of the air conditioner, Water of the storage unit, the sterilizer of the air conditioner is water supplied by the user through the supply hole. A storage unit for storing water generated in the heat exchanger; An electrolyte supply unit supplying an electrolyte to the storage unit; A control unit for controlling the supply amount of the electrolyte so that electrolyte dissolved water is generated in the storage unit; And an electrolysis unit configured to electrolyze the electrolyte dissolved water supplied from the storage unit to generate washing water. The method of claim 13, Further comprising a current sensing unit for sensing the current flowing in the electrolyte dissolved water accommodated in the electrolysis unit, The control unit is a cleaning device of the air conditioner for controlling the additional supply amount of the electrolyte by comparing the sensed current with the reference current. The method of claim 14, The electrolyte supply unit, an electrolyte supply valve provided in the upper portion of the storage portion and formed with a hole, the electrolyte case is installed in at least one washing water pipe of the first or second wash water pipe, and the electrolyte supply An auxiliary pipe connected between the valve and the electrolyte case, The control unit is a washing apparatus of the air conditioner for controlling the supply amount of the electrolyte by controlling the opening and closing of the electrolyte supply valve. The method of claim 14, The electrolyte supply unit includes an electrolyte case in which the electrolyte is accommodated and the hole is formed, and a driving device for the electrolyte case to be contained in the water stored in the storage unit, The control unit is a washing apparatus of the air conditioner for controlling the supply amount of the electrolyte by controlling the drive device. Supply the water stored in the storage to the electrolysis unit, It is determined whether the water supplied to the electrolysis part is electrolyte dissolved water, The washing control method of the air conditioner for controlling the supply of the electrolyte to the storage unit in accordance with the determined result. The method of claim 17, If the water supplied from the reservoir is electrolyte dissolved water, electrolytically dissolving the electrolyte dissolved water to generate washing water, and spraying the washing water to a heat exchanger. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein determining whether the water is electrolyte dissolved water, And detecting a current flowing in the water accommodated in the electrolysis unit, and comparing the detected current with a reference current to determine whether the electrolyte is dissolved water. The method of claim 18 or 19, Detect the current flowing in the water accommodated in the electrolysis unit and compare with the reference current, And controlling further supply of the electrolyte in accordance with the compared result. The method of claim 20, The washing control method of the air conditioner further comprises the step of controlling the drain valve to discharge the washed water to the outside when the washing is completed.

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