KR20100109602A - Method for controlling washing apparatus of air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A control method of an air-conditioner washing apparatus is provided to enable the failure of an air-conditioner washing device to be determined through the measuring of the level of the water stored in the washing device and the current flowing in the washing device. CONSTITUTION: The operating mode of an air-conditioner is checked(S10) and according to the operating mode, the condensed water generated from the air-conditioner flows into the storage of the washing apparatus of the air-conditioner or an external drain(S30). The condensed water flows into the storage if the operating mode is a washing mode(S50). The air-conditioner is connected to the storage through a condensed water pipe and if the operating mode is a washing mode, a discharge valve installed on the condensed water pipe is controlled and the condensed water flows into the storage. The air-conditioner washing apparatus comprises a filter section and the residue contained in the condensed water flowing into the storage is filtered through the filter section.

Description

Control method of air conditioner washing device {METHOD FOR CONTROLLING WASHING APPARATUS OF AIR CONDITIONER}

One aspect of the present invention relates to a control method of an external air conditioner washing apparatus capable of sterilizing and cleaning an indoor heat exchanger.

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, washing to remove dust, bacteria, water, etc. of the heat exchanger of the air conditioner is performed. At this time, by dismantling and separating the heat exchanger, the user manually washes or exchanges the heat exchanger itself. This incurs labor and exchange costs. In addition, the heat exchanger of the air conditioner is not only easy to separate and clean the heat exchanger according to the installation place and installation method, but also to replace the heat exchanger itself in a limited space.

One aspect of the present invention is to propose a control method of the air conditioner washing apparatus for adjusting the moving direction of the condensate according to the operation mode of the air conditioner.

In addition, another aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling an air conditioner washing apparatus that can determine the failure of the air conditioner washing apparatus by measuring the water level of the water stored in the air conditioner washing apparatus and the current flowing in the air conditioner washing apparatus. I would like to present.

The control method of the air conditioner washing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention for this purpose in the control method of the air conditioner washing apparatus for washing the heat exchanger, and the heat exchanger, confirming the operation mode of the air conditioner, According to the driving mode, it is preferable to move the condensed water generated in the air conditioner to the storage part or the external drain of the air conditioner cleaning device.

If it is confirmed that the running mode is the washing mode, it is preferable to move the condensate to the reservoir.

The air conditioner is connected to the storage unit of the air conditioner washing apparatus and the condensate pipe, and when the operation mode is determined to be the washing mode, the condensate is moved to the storage unit by a drain valve provided in the condensate pipe. Do.

The air conditioner washing apparatus includes a filter unit, and the residue contained in the condensed water moving to the air conditioner washing apparatus is preferably filtered through the filter unit.

The air conditioner cleaning apparatus includes at least one level sensor, and the level sensor detects the level of the storage unit.

The air conditioner washing apparatus includes a washing water generating unit, and when the water level of the storage unit reaches a reference level, it is preferable to move the condensed water to the washing water generating unit.

The air conditioner washing apparatus includes a pump, and the pump is operated to move the condensate to the washing water generating unit.

The washing water generating unit may include a hot water generating device, and the washing water generating unit may generate the washing water by heating the condensate.

The washing water generating unit may include an electrolyte generating device, a radical generating device, and a silver nano generating device, and the washing water generating unit may generate the washing water by electrolyzing the condensate.

It is preferable to check whether the condensate contains an electrolyte by measuring a current flowing in the water accommodated in the washing water generating unit.

The air conditioner cleaning device includes an electrolyte supply unit, and when it is confirmed that no electrolyte is included in the condensate, the electrolyte supply unit preferably supplies electrolyte to the air conditioner cleaning device.

The air conditioner is connected to the air conditioner washing apparatus and the washing water pipe, and when the operation mode is determined to be the washing mode, it is preferable to move the washing water generated in the washing water generating unit to the air conditioner through the washing water pipe. .

The air conditioner washing apparatus includes a spraying unit, and the spraying unit may be mounted to at least one heat exchanger to spray the washing water onto the heat exchanger.

When the driving mode is confirmed to be the normal running mode, it is preferable to move the condensate to the external drain.

When the condensed water generated in the air conditioner is supplied to the storage unit according to the driving mode, the level of the condensed water supplied to the storage unit is sensed, and the failure of the air conditioner washing apparatus is determined according to the water level. desirable.

Determining the failure of the air conditioner washing apparatus according to the water level, it is preferable to determine that the air conditioner washing apparatus is broken if the water level of the storage unit does not reach the reference level even after a predetermined time.

The storage unit is connected to the air conditioner and the condensate pipe, and if the water level of the storage unit does not reach the reference level even after a predetermined time, it is preferable to determine that the drain valve provided in the condensate pipe failure.

The air conditioner washing apparatus includes a water level detecting unit, and it is preferable to determine that the water level detecting unit is out of order when the water level of the storage unit does not reach the standard level even after the reference time passes.

When the water level of the storage unit is higher than the reference level, the heat exchanger is washed. If the water level of the storage unit falls below the reference level while the heat exchanger is washed, it is determined that the connection between the air conditioner and the air conditioner cleaning device is leaking. It is desirable to.

If it is determined that the air conditioner cleaning device is faulty, it is preferable to stop the operation of the air conditioner cleaning device and to display the fault condition on the display unit.

When the condensed water generated by the air conditioner is supplied to the storage unit according to the driving mode, the condensed water is electrolyzed by an electrolysis device to generate washing water, and the pump of the air conditioner washing device is driven to operate the washing water. It is preferable to determine the failure of the air conditioner cleaning device by moving to the heat exchanger to perform the cleaning, by measuring the current flowing through the pump or the electrolysis device.

Determining the failure of the air conditioner washing device by measuring the current flowing through the pump, it is determined that the air conditioner washing device is broken when foreign matter is blocked in the electrolysis device when the current flowing in the pump is a predetermined current value or more. It is desirable to.

The failure of the air conditioner washing device by measuring the current flowing through the pump is preferably determined that the pump is malfunctioning and the air conditioner washing device is broken when the current flowing in the pump is equal to or less than a predetermined current value. .

Determining the failure of the air conditioner cleaning device by measuring the current flowing through the electrolysis device, if the current flowing through the electrolysis device is 0, the operation of the electrolysis device is stopped and the air conditioner cleaning device is broken. It is preferable to judge.

Determining the failure of the air conditioner cleaning device by measuring the current flowing through the electrolysis device, if the current flowing through the electrolysis device is a predetermined current value or more, the electrolysis device is overheated and the air conditioner cleaning device is It is preferable to judge that it is out of order.

If it is determined that the air conditioner cleaning device is faulty, it is preferable to stop the operation of the air conditioner cleaning device and to display the fault condition on the display unit.

In addition, the control method of the washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention is a control method of a heat exchanger and an air conditioner washing apparatus for washing the heat exchanger, the condensed water generated in the air conditioner of the air conditioner washing apparatus It is preferable to move to the storage unit, confirm the operation mode of the air conditioner, and to move the condensed water moved to the storage unit according to the operation mode to the external drain or the washing water generating unit.

The air conditioner washing apparatus includes a filter unit, and the residue contained in the condensate moving to the storage unit is preferably filtered through the filter unit.

When it is determined that the driving mode is the washing mode, it is preferable to move the condensed water to the washing water generating unit.

The air conditioner washing apparatus further includes a drain pump, and the condensate is moved to the external drain or the wash water generator by driving the drain pump.

When it is confirmed that the driving mode is the normal operation mode or the washing end mode, it is preferable to move the condensed water moved to the storage to the external drain.

On the other hand, according to one aspect of the present invention it is possible to actively control the supply of water required for cleaning the air conditioner by changing the direction of movement of the condensate according to the operation mode of the air conditioner.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention by measuring the level of the water stored in the air conditioner cleaning device or the amount of current flowing in the pump or the washing water generating unit of the air conditioner cleaning device to determine the failure state of the air conditioner cleaning device You can judge.

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

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which an air conditioner washing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to an air conditioner.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner washing device 10 cleans dust, foreign matter and scale of the heat exchanger 3 installed inside the air conditioner 1, and removes bacteria that inhabit the heat exchanger 3. It is connected to the air conditioner 1 for sterilization. At this time, the air conditioner washing device 10 receives the condensate through the condensate pipe 6 of the air conditioner, generates the wash water using the supplied condensate water, and generates the wash water through the wash water pipe 9. By supplying the air conditioner 1, the heat exchanger can be washed.

On the other hand, the air conditioner cleaning device 10 is the filter unit 11 for removing the residue contained in the condensed water supplied from the air conditioner 1 or the water supplied by the user, and the condensed water or supplied by the user A storage unit 12 for storing water, pumps 13 and 14 for pumping the water stored in the storage unit 12 or the washing water generated in the washing water generating unit 15 to move to another place, and the storage unit 12 Measuring the height of the water stored in the washing water generating unit 15, the electrolyte supply unit 16 supplying the electrolyte dissolved water to the storage unit 12, and the water stored in the storage unit 12 using the water stored in Water level sensing units 17 and 18, an injection unit 19 installed above the heat exchanger 3 located inside the air conditioner 1, and spraying washing water to the heat exchanger 3, and condensate or The currents of the drain valves 20, 21, 22, the first drain pump 13, and the wash water generator 15 that adjust the movement direction of the wash water are measured. Which may include a current measurement unit (23, 24). On the other hand, the air conditioner cleaning device 10 is provided with a cover 26 on the top may be supplied with water (eg, tap water) manually by the user.

The filter unit 11 may be installed inside the air conditioner cleaning device 10 to filter the residue contained in the condensed water supplied by the air conditioner 1 or the water manually supplied by the user through a net or the like. The water filtered by the filter unit 11 is stored in the storage unit 12.

The storage unit 12 stores the condensed water supplied from the air conditioner 1 or the water supplied by the user, and when the heat exchanger 3 is cleaned, the stored water is supplied to the washing water generator 15 to generate the washing water. When the heat exchanger cleaning is completed, the water stored in the storage unit 12 is discharged to the external drain 25. In addition, the storage unit 12 includes at least one level detecting unit 17 or 18 to detect the level of water stored therein.

The washing water generator 15 may use, for example, an electrolyte generator, a hot water generator, a silver nanogenerator, or a radical generator, and sterilize the heat exchanger 3 using water stored in the storage unit 12. It is possible to produce wash water which can be washed.

On the other hand, the electrolyte generating device includes a case forming an appearance, a pair of electrode plates installed inside the case, and an ion separation membrane provided between each electrode plate to partition the case. At this time, when a positive (+) power source and a negative power source are applied to each of the pair of electrode plates, ions of water (ie, electrolyte dissolved water) containing electrolytes pass through the ion separation membrane to generate acidic water and alkaline water. . Here, the acidic water generated by the electrolysis sterilizes the bacteria inhabiting the heat exchanger 3, and the alkaline water can wash the dust accumulated in the heat exchanger 3. In addition, the hot water growth value is provided with a heater therein to heat the condensed water or water supplied by the user to a certain temperature to generate a wash water having a sterilizing power, the radical growth value is similar to the electrolyte generation device (but, ions Membrane) and water is electrolyzed to produce wash water with OH radicals. In addition, the silver nano-generator may generate washing water containing silver ions (Ag +) generated by electrolyzing a silver plate having a purity of 99.99% in water.

On the other hand, the electrolyte generation device, the silver nano-generation device and the radical growth value is provided with a current sensing unit 23 for sensing the current flowing in the water contained therein, according to an embodiment of the present invention according to the size of the measured current It is possible to determine whether the electrolyte contained in the water accommodated in the failure state of the air conditioner cleaning device (10).

The electrolyte supply unit 16 may be installed at an upper side of the storage unit 12 to supply the electrolyte dissolved water in which the solid or powder electrolyte is dissolved to the storage unit 12. Specifically, the electrolyte supply unit 16 accommodates the electrolyte in the form of a solid or powder, and when water is supplied to the electrolyte supply unit 16 by the opening and closing operation of the electrolyte supply valve, that is, the third drain valve 22, the supplied water Electrolyte melts to form electrolyte dissolved water, and electrolyte dissolved water is discharged to the storage unit 12 through a plurality of holes (not shown).

The water level detectors 17 and 18 are installed at least one inside the storage unit 12 to detect the water level of the water stored in the storage unit 12, and transmits the detected water level information to the controller 30. Specifically, according to an embodiment of the present invention, two water level sensing units 17 and 18 are installed in the storage unit 12, and the height of the water level sensing unit 17 installed at the lower end is referred to as a first reference water level. And, the height of the water level detection unit 18 installed on the top will be referred to as the second reference water level.

The pumps 13 and 14 include a first drain pump 13 and a second drain pump 14, and the first drain pump 13 stores condensed water stored in the storage unit 12 or water supplied by a user. Pumped to move to the external drain 25 or the washing water generating unit 15 of the air conditioner washing device 10, the second drain pump 14 is the air to the washing water generated by the washing water generating unit 15 It is pumped to be moved to the injection unit 19 installed inside the conditioner (1).

The injection unit 19 is installed above the heat exchanger 3 provided in the air conditioner 1, and receives the acidic water, the alkaline water, or the silver nano wash water generated by the washing water generating unit 15. By spraying 3), the heat exchanger 3 can be sterilized and cleaned.

The drain valves 20, 21, 22 and the first drain valve 20 are opened and closed to selectively move the condensed water discharged from the air conditioner 1 to the external drain 25 or the storage 12. The second drain valve 21 is opened and closed to selectively move the condensed water stored in the storage unit 12 or water supplied by the user to the washing water generating unit 15 or the external drain 25, and the washing water is generated. The wash water generated in the unit 15 may include a third drain valve 22 controlled to selectively move to the spray unit 19 or the electrolyte supply unit 16.

The first drain valve 20 is controlled to open and close so that the condensate discharged from the air conditioner 1 may be discharged to the external drain 25 when the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is the normal running mode. When the operation mode of the conditioner 1 is the washing mode, the condensate discharged from the air conditioner 1 is controlled to open and close so as to move to the storage unit 12.

When the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is the washing mode, the second drain valve 21 may move the condensed water stored in the storage unit 12 or water supplied by the user to the washing water generating unit 15. The air conditioner 1 is controlled to open and close, and when the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is the washing end mode, the air conditioner opens and closes so as to move the condensed water or water supplied by the user to the external drain 25. Controlled.

The third drain valve 23 has a predetermined amount of electrolyte to the electrolyte supply unit 16 when there is no electrolyte in the water stored in the storage unit 12 while the washing water generated in the washing water generating unit 15 moves to the spray unit 19. The washing water is moved and controlled to supply the electrolyte dissolved water to the storage unit 12 by moving the washing water.

2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which an air conditioner cleaning device according to another embodiment of the present invention is connected to an air conditioner.

FIG. 2 is different in that it does not include the first drain valve 20 in the condensate pipe 6 when compared with FIG. That is, in FIG. 2, the condensed water discharged from the air conditioner 1 is not immediately discharged to the external drain 25, but is discharged to the external drain 25 through the air conditioner washing device 10, and the air conditioner 1 When the operation mode of) is the washing mode, the second drain valve 21 is controlled to open and close so that the condensed water or water supplied by the user is moved to the washing water generating unit 15, and the operating mode of the air conditioner is the washing end mode. Alternatively, in the normal running mode, the second drain valve 21 is controlled to open and close to discharge the condensed water stored in the storage unit 12 or water supplied by the user to the external drain 25. 2 has the effect that the cost can be reduced by not installing the first drain valve 20 in the condensate pipe 6 as compared to the configuration of FIG.

3 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner cleaning device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioner cleaning device 10 includes a water level detection unit 17 and 18 for detecting the water level of the storage unit 12, a washing water generation unit (excluding the hot water generator), and a first drainage water. The current sensing unit 23 for measuring the current flowing through the pump 13, the control unit 30 for controlling the overall control of the air conditioner washing apparatus 10, and the drain valve for opening and closing control of the moving direction of the condensate or washing water Operation of the driving unit 31, the pump driving unit 32 driving the pumps 13 and 14, the washing water generating unit driving unit 33 driving the washing water generating unit 15, and the air conditioner washing apparatus 10. The display unit 34 may display a state such as a mode.

The water level detectors 17 and 18 detect at least one level of water stored and installed in the storage unit 12, and transmit the detected water level information to the controller 30.

The current sensing units 23 and 24 are internal and first drain pumps 13 of an electrolyte generator, a radical generator, and a silver nanogenerator (hereinafter, referred to as an “electrolysis device”) that are examples of the wash water generator 15. It is installed in, and when the power is applied to the above-described device (13, 15) detects the current flowing in the device (13, 15), and transmits the detected current information to the controller (30).

The control unit 30 manages the overall control of the air conditioner washing device 10, and the overall control can be divided into general operation control and failure determination control of the air conditioner washing device 10, which will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. The operation of the control unit 20 based on an example (with a first drain valve) will be described.

First, referring to the general operation control of the control unit 30, the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 may include a normal operation mode, the washing mode and the washing end mode, the control unit 30 in the normal operation mode The opening and closing control of the first drain valve 20 during operation of the heat exchanger 3 according to the operation of the air conditioner 1 to discharge the condensate generated in the heat exchanger 3 to the external drain 25. do.

In the washing mode, the control unit 30 controls the opening and closing of the first drain valve 20 during the operation of the heat exchanger 3 according to the operation of the air conditioner 1 to store the condensate generated in the heat exchanger 3. Go to (12). At this time, the controller 30 compares the water level of the storage unit 12 transmitted from the water level detection units 17 and 18 with a second reference water level (the height of the water level detection unit 18) set in advance, and the storage unit ( When the water level of 12) is greater than or equal to the second reference water level, the first drain pump 13 is operated, and the second drain valve 21 is opened and closed to move the condensed water stored in the storage unit 12 to the wash water generator 15. Let's go.

On the other hand, the controller 30 compares the current information transmitted from the current sensing unit 24 with a predetermined reference current, and the current flowing in the water accommodated in the wash water generator (except for the hot water generator 15) is the reference current (designer Above), it is determined that the water stored in the storage unit 12 is electrolyte dissolved water, and the electrolysis is performed by controlling the driving of the washing water generating unit 15, and the current flowing in the water contained in the washing water generating unit 15 If it is less than the reference current, the water stored in the storage unit 12 is determined to be electrolyte cost seawater, and by opening and closing the third drain valve 2 so that the electrolyte dissolved water can be supplied from the electrolyte supply unit 16 to the storage unit 12. .

The control unit 30 drives the second drainage pump 21 by the pump driving unit 32 to install the washing water generated by the washing water generating unit 15 on the heat exchanger 3 through the washing water pipe 9. Moving to the spray unit 19, the spray unit 19 to wash the heat exchanger (3) by spraying the moving washing water. On the other hand, the injection unit 19 has a plurality of holes (not shown) are formed on the lower surface to correspond to the interval between the heat transfer fins (not shown) of the heat exchanger 3, and thus the wash water to the heat exchanger (3) It can be evenly discharged. At this time, the plurality of holes formed on the lower surface of the injection unit 19 may be arranged in a line according to the interval between the heat transfer fins, may be arranged in any two or more rows. In other words, the injection unit 19 may be any shape as long as it can be evenly sprayed washing water to the heat exchanger (3).

On the other hand, in the washing end mode, the control unit 30 controls the opening and closing of the second drain valve 21 to discharge the water stored in the storage unit 12 to the external drain 25, the first drain pump 13 By operating the water remaining in the storage unit 12 can be discharged.

Secondly, in regard to the failure determination control, the control unit 30 detects the water level of the water stored in the storage unit 12 or flows to the washing water generating unit (except the hot water generator, 15) or the first drain pump 13. The failure can be determined by sensing the magnitude of the current.

Specifically, when the heat exchanger 3 is operated in the washing mode, the control unit 30 controls the opening and closing of the first drain valve 20 by the drain valve driving unit 31 to store the condensate generated in the heat exchanger 3 in the storage unit ( Go to 12). At this time, the control unit 30 receives the water level information of the storage unit 12, and even after a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) elapses the water level of the storage unit 12 is the first reference water level (water level detection). If the height of the unit 17 is not reached, it is determined that the first drain valve 20 or the water level detecting unit 17 has failed, and a failure state is displayed on the display unit 34.

In addition, the control unit 30 when the condensed water stored in the storage unit 12 or the water supplied by the user in the washing mode reaches the second reference water level (the height of the water level detecting unit 18), washing water generating unit 15 The second drain valve 21 and the first drain pump 13 are driven and controlled so that they can be moved to the first position, and the second drain valve 21 is opened and controlled for the first time and then stored within a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes). When the water level of the unit 12 falls below the first reference water level, it is determined that the second drain valve 21 has failed, and the failure state is displayed on the display unit 34. That is, since the water stored in the storage 12 is discharged to the external drain 25 when the second drain valve 21 is broken, the water level of the storage 12 is lower than the predetermined water level. When the water level of the storage unit 12 falls below the first reference level during the opening and closing control of the second drain valve 21, it is determined that the second drain valve 21 has failed, and the display unit 34 indicates a failure state. Will be displayed. In addition, the controller 30 determines that there is a leakage at the connection portion of the air conditioner washing apparatus 10 when the water level of the storage unit 12 falls below a predetermined level during the heat exchanger cleaning process, and the display unit 34 The fault status will be displayed on the screen.

 On the other hand, when the washing operation of the air conditioner cleaning device 10 is started, the washing water is generated from the water stored in the storage unit 12 and moved to the air conditioner 1, but the air conditioner 1 Since the water that has washed the heat exchanger 3 is moved back to the storage unit 12, the water level of the storage unit 12 does not fall below a certain level (for example, the first reference level).

 On the other hand, the control unit 30 receives the current information flowing in the first drain pump 13 from the current sensing unit 23, the current of the first drain pump 13 is a constant current value (for example, 0.1A) In the case of the following, it is determined that the first drain pump 13 is faulty, and when the current of the first drain pump 13 is equal to or greater than a predetermined current value (for example, 0.5 A), the washing water generation unit 15 As a result of the blockage, it is determined that the load is increased and the current is increased, and a failure state is displayed on the display unit 34.

 In addition, the controller 30 receives the current information flowing through the electrolytic device 15 from the current measuring unit 24, and when the current flowing through the electrolytic device is "0", the electrolytic device 15 is broken. If it is determined that the current flowing through the electrolysis device 15 is equal to or greater than a predetermined current (for example, 2.5 A), the electrolysis device 15 is determined to be overheated, and the display unit 34 displays the above-described result. do.

On the other hand, as described above, if it is determined that a part of the air conditioner cleaning device 10 is broken, the controller 30 displays the failure state on the display unit 34 and stops the operation of the air conditioner cleaning device 10. do.

The drain valve driver 31 discharges from the air conditioner 1 by controlling the opening and closing of the first drain valve 20, the second drain valve 21, and the third drain valve 22 according to a signal from the controller 30. Condensed water, the water stored in the storage unit 12 of the air conditioner washing apparatus 10 and the movement path of the water contained in the washing water generating unit 15 can be adjusted.

The pump driver 32 controls the on / off of the first and second drain pumps 13 and 14 by transmitting a driving signal to the first and second drain pumps 13 and 14 according to a signal from the controller 30.

The washing water generating unit driver 33 controls power supply to the washing water generating unit 15 according to a signal from the controller 30, and performs electrolysis or heating of water contained in the washing water generating unit 15.

The display unit 34 may be provided on the front of the air conditioner cleaning apparatus 10 as a display for allowing a user to check an operation mode state or a failure state of the air conditioner 1.

Figure 4 is a control flow chart of the drain valve according to the running mode of the air conditioner washing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the power of the air conditioner cleaning device 10 is turned on, the controller 30 corresponds to any one of the normal operation mode, the cleaning mode, and the cleaning end mode of the air conditioner. (S10)

Next, when the controller 30 determines that the driving mode of the air conditioner 1 is the normal running mode, the control unit 30 controls the opening and closing of the first drain valve 20 in the heat exchanger 3 of the air conditioner 1. The condensate generated can be discharged directly to the external drain 25. (S20, S30)

On the other hand, if it is determined that the driving mode of the air conditioner 1 is the washing mode, the control unit 30 generates the heat exchanger 3 of the air conditioner 1 by controlling the opening and closing of the first drain valve 20. The condensed water is moved to the storage unit 12 of the air conditioner washing apparatus 10. (S40, S50)

Next, when the condensed water stored in the storage unit 12 reaches a predetermined level, the condensed water is moved to the washing water generating unit 15 to generate the washing water, and the generated washing water is injected into the air conditioner 1. Move to (19) to wash the heat exchanger (3), and when the washing of the heat exchanger is finished is controlled in the second drain valve 21 and the first drain pump 13 is stored in the storage unit 12 The discharged water is discharged to the external drain 25. (S60, S70, S90)

On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is the washing end mode, the controller 30 controls the second drain valve 21 and the first drain pump 13 to control the inside of the storage unit 12. The water stored in the water is discharged to the external drain 25. (S80, S90)

5 is a control flow chart of the drain valve according to the running mode of the air conditioner washing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

5 is compared with FIG. 4, the condensed water discharged from the air conditioner 1 is discharged through the air conditioner washing device 10 even when the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is the normal operation mode. ) Is released. That is, the control flow of FIG. 5 is a control flow according to the connection state of the air conditioner washing device 10 of FIG. 2, and the condensate pipe 6 connected from the air conditioner 1 to the air conditioner washing device 10 is provided. ) Is not provided with the first drain valve 20, the condensate is moved to the storage unit 12 of the air conditioner washing device 10 even in the normal operation mode, the moved water is the first drain pump 13 It is discharged to the external drain 25 by the operation of. The connection method of the air conditioner cleaning device has an advantage in that it is possible to reduce costs and increase spatial utilization by not installing the first drain valve 20. Meanwhile, since the same control flow as in FIG. 4 is applied in addition to the above-described difference, the description of other steps will be replaced with the description of FIG. 4.

6 is a control flow chart for determining whether or not the air conditioner cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the operation of the air conditioner washing apparatus 10 is started, the condensed water is supplied to the storage unit 12. That is, when it is determined that the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is the washing mode, the controller 30 controls the condensate generated by the heat exchanger 3 due to the operation of the air conditioner 1. Open and control the first drain valve 20 to move to the storage unit 12 of (S200).

Next, the level of condensate stored in the storage unit 12 is sensed. Meanwhile, at least one water level sensing unit 17 or 18 may be installed on an inner wall of the storage unit 12. According to one aspect of the present invention, the water level sensing unit 17 and 18 may be installed inside the storage unit 12. ) Are installed. At this time, the height of the water level detection unit 17 installed below the two water level detection units 17 and 18 is referred to as the first reference water level, and the height of the water level detection unit 18 that is relatively high is set to the second. This is referred to as the reference water level (S205).

Next, the controller 30 checks whether the water level of the storage unit 12 reaches the first reference water level, and even after a predetermined time (for example, three minutes) elapses, the water level of the storage unit 12 reaches the first level. If it is determined that the reference water level has not been reached, it is determined that the first drain valve 20 or the water level detection unit 17 is broken, and the display unit 34 displays a failure state, and the operation of the air conditioner cleaning device 10 is performed. (S210, S215, S220, S225, S230)

On the other hand, if it is determined that the water level of the storage unit 12 reaches the first reference level before the predetermined time elapses, the controller 30 checks whether the second reference level is reached. At this time, the second reference water level is the water level required for washing the heat exchanger (3) (S235).

Next, when it is confirmed that the water level of the storage unit 12 reaches the second reference water level, the control unit 30 controls the opening and closing of the first drain pump 13 and the second drain valve 21 to control the storage unit 12. The water stored in the) is moved to the washing water generating unit 15, and the washing water generating unit 15 generates the washing water by electrolyzing or heating the water moved from the storage unit 12. (S240)

Next, the second drain pump 14 pumps the washing water generated by the washing water generating unit 15 to move to the spray unit 19 installed at the upper portion of the heat exchanger 3, and the spray unit 19 moves the washing water. Spray evenly to wash the heat exchanger (3). (S245)

Next, the level of the storage unit 12 is continuously sensed while the heat exchanger 3 is washed in the above-described process, and the water level of the storage unit 12 is lower than the first reference level. S255)

Next, when it is confirmed that the water level of the storage unit 12 is lower than the first reference level, it is checked whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the initial operation of the air conditioner washing apparatus 10. (S260)

Next, if the water level of the storage unit 12 is determined to be lower than the first reference level before a predetermined time elapses after the initial driving of the air conditioner washing apparatus (preferably after the initial driving of the washing water generating unit 15). It is determined that the water stored in the storage unit 12 is discharged to the external drain 25 due to the failure of the second drain valve, and the failure state is displayed on the display unit 34, and the operation of the air conditioner washing device 10 is performed. Stop (S270, S225, S230)

On the other hand, the water level of the storage unit 12 is higher than the first reference water level after a predetermined time elapses after the initial driving of the air conditioner washing apparatus 10 (preferably after the initial driving of the washing water generating unit 15). When it is confirmed that the lowering is determined that the leakage occurs in any connection, and displays the failure state on the display unit 34, and stops the operation of the air conditioner cleaning device 10. (S265, S225, S230)

7 is a control flow chart for determining whether or not the air conditioner cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the operation of the air conditioner washing apparatus 10 is started and the washing of the heat exchanger 3 proceeds, the current value flowing through the first drain pump 13 is measured. S310)

Next, the pump current value is compared with the magnitude of the first reference current (for example, 0.1A), and when it is determined that the pump current value is smaller than the first reference current value, it is determined that the first drain pump 13 has failed. And, it displays a failure on the display unit 34, and stops the operation of the air conditioner cleaning device 10. (S320, S330, S340, S350)

On the other hand, if it is determined that the pump current value is greater than the second reference current (for example, 0.5A), it is determined that the washing water generation unit 15 is blocked by the foreign matter and the load is increased, and a failure is displayed on the display unit 34. The operation of the air conditioner cleaning device 10 is stopped. (S360, S370)

8 is a control flow chart for determining whether or not the air conditioner cleaning apparatus 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the operation of the air conditioner washing apparatus 10 is started and the heat exchanger 3 is cleaned, the current value flowing through the washing water generating unit 15 is measured. At this time, the washing water generating unit 15 may be an example of an electrolyte generating device, a radical generating device and a silver nano generating device, and a hot water generating device that does not perform an electrolysis operation is not applied in this embodiment. S400, S410)

Next, check whether the current value flowing in the wash water generation unit 15 is "0", and if the current value flowing in the wash water generation unit is "0", that is, no current flows, it is determined that the wash water generation unit 15 is broken. The display unit 34 displays a failure indication and stops the operation of the air conditioner cleaning device 10. (S420, S430, S440, S450)

On the other hand, if it is determined that the current value flowing in the wash water generation unit 15 is greater than the third reference current (for example, 2.5A), it is determined that the wash water generation unit 15 is overheated, and the display unit 34 fails. It displays the status and stops the operation of the air conditioner cleaning device 10. (S460, S470, S440, S450)

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which an air conditioner cleaning device is connected to an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which an air conditioner cleaning device according to another embodiment of the present invention is connected to an air conditioner;

Figure 3 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner washing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention

Figure 4 is a control flow diagram of the drain valve according to the running mode of the air conditioner washing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention

5 is a control flow chart of the drain valve according to the running mode of the air conditioner washing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention

Figure 6 is a control flow chart for determining whether the failure of the air conditioner washing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention

7 is a control flow chart for determining whether or not the air conditioner cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention

8 is a control flow chart for determining whether or not the air conditioner cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention

Description of the Related Art [0002]

10 air cleaning unit 11 filter unit

12: storage unit 13: the first drain pump

15: washing water generating unit 17,18: water level detecting unit

Claims (31)

In the control method of the heat exchanger and the air conditioner washing apparatus for washing the heat exchanger, Check the operation mode of the air conditioner, The control method of the air conditioner washing apparatus for moving the condensed water generated in the air conditioner to the storage or external drain of the air conditioner washing apparatus according to the running mode. The method of claim 1, When the driving mode is confirmed to be the washing mode, The control method of the air conditioner cleaning device to move the condensate to the storage. The method of claim 2, The air conditioner is connected to the storage unit and the condensate pipe, And controlling the drain valve provided in the condensate pipe to move the condensate to the storage unit when the operation mode is determined to be the washing mode. The method of claim 2, The air conditioner cleaning device includes a filter unit, The control method of the air conditioner washing apparatus for filtering the residue contained in the condensate moving to the storage through the filter unit. The method of claim 1, The air conditioner cleaning device includes at least one level sensor, The water level detecting unit is a control method of the air conditioner cleaning device for detecting the water level of the storage. The method of claim 1, The air conditioner washing device includes a washing water generating unit, The control method of the air conditioner washing apparatus for moving the condensed water to the washing water generating unit when the water level of the reservoir reaches the reference level. The method of claim 6, The air conditioner washing device includes a pump, Operating the pump to move the condensate to the washing water generating unit. The method of claim 6, The washing water generating unit includes a hot water generating device, The washing water generating unit is a control method of an air conditioner washing apparatus to heat the condensed water to generate the washing water. The method of claim 6, The washing water generating unit includes an electrolyte generating device, a radical generating device and a silver nano generating device, The washing water generating unit is a control method of the air conditioner washing apparatus to electrolyze the condensed water to generate the washing water. The method of claim 9, The control method of the air conditioner washing apparatus for measuring the current flowing in the water accommodated in the washing water generating unit to determine whether the condensate contains an electrolyte. The method of claim 10, The air conditioner cleaning device includes an electrolyte supply unit, If it is confirmed that the electrolyte does not contain the condensate water control method of the air conditioner cleaning device for supplying the electrolyte to the electrolyte supply to the storage unit The method of claim 6, The air conditioner is connected to the washing water generating unit and the washing water pipe, And when the driving mode is determined to be the washing mode, moving the washing water generated by the washing water generating unit to the air conditioner through the washing water pipe. 13. The method of claim 12, The air conditioner cleaning device includes a spray unit, And at least one spraying unit is mounted on the heat exchanger to spray the washing water on the heat exchanger. The method of claim 1, If it is confirmed that the driving mode is the normal driving mode, And controlling the condensate to the external drain. The method of claim 2, Detect the level of condensate supplied to the reservoir, Control method of the air conditioner cleaning device for determining whether the air conditioner cleaning device failure according to the water level. The method of claim 15, Determining whether the air conditioner cleaning device is broken according to the water level, And if the water level of the storage unit does not reach the reference level even after a predetermined time, the air conditioner cleaning device is to determine that the failure of the air conditioner cleaning device. The method of claim 15, The storage unit is connected to the air conditioner and the condensate pipe, If the water level of the storage unit does not reach the reference level even after a certain period of time, the control method of the air conditioner cleaning device to determine that the drain valve provided in the condensate pipe failure. The method of claim 15, The air conditioner cleaning device includes a water level detection unit, If the water level of the storage unit does not reach the reference level even after the reference time elapses, the control unit of the air conditioner cleaning device to determine that the water level detection unit is broken. The method of claim 15, When the water level of the storage unit is above the reference level, the heat exchanger is washed. The control method of the air conditioner cleaning device to determine that the water leakage occurs in the connection portion of the air conditioner and the air conditioner cleaning device when the water level of the storage unit is lowered below the reference level while cleaning the heat exchanger. The method of claim 15, If it is determined that the air conditioner cleaning device is broken, The control method of the air conditioner cleaning device to stop the operation of the air conditioner cleaning device, and to display the failure state on the display. The method of claim 2, The air conditioner washing apparatus includes an electrolysis apparatus for electrolyzing condensate to generate washing water, and a pump for moving the washing water to the heat exchanger. The control method of the air conditioner cleaning device to determine the failure of the air conditioner cleaning device by measuring the current flowing through the pump or the electrolysis device. The method of claim 21, Determining the failure of the air conditioner cleaning device by measuring the current flowing through the pump, And controlling the air conditioner cleaning device to determine that the air conditioner cleaning device is broken when foreign matter is blocked in the electrolysis device when the current flowing through the pump is equal to or greater than a predetermined current value. The method of claim 21, Determining the failure of the air conditioner cleaning device by measuring the current flowing through the pump And if the current flowing in the pump is equal to or less than a predetermined current value, the pump malfunctions and determines that the air conditioner cleaning device has failed. The method of claim 21, Determining the failure of the air conditioner cleaning device by measuring the current flowing through the electrolysis device, And if the current flowing through the electrolysis device is 0, the operation of the electrolysis device is stopped and the air conditioner washing device is determined to be out of order. The method of claim 21, Determining the failure of the air conditioner cleaning device by measuring the current flowing through the electrolysis device, And if the current flowing through the electrolysis device is equal to or greater than a predetermined current value, the electrolysis device is overheated and determines that the air conditioner cleaning device is broken. The method of claim 21, If it is determined that the air conditioner cleaning device is broken, The control method of the air conditioner cleaning device to stop the operation of the air conditioner cleaning device, and to display the failure state on the display. In the control method of the heat exchanger and the air conditioner washing apparatus for washing the heat exchanger, The condensate generated in the air conditioner is moved to the storage unit of the air conditioner washing device, Check the operation mode of the air conditioner, The control method of the air conditioner washing apparatus for moving the condensed water moved to the storage unit to the external drain or the washing water generating unit according to the driving mode. 28. The method of claim 27, The air conditioner cleaning device includes a filter unit, The control method of the air conditioner washing apparatus for filtering the residue contained in the condensate moving to the storage through the filter unit. 28. The method of claim 27, And controlling the air conditioner washing apparatus to move the condensed water to the washing water generating unit when it is determined that the driving mode is the washing mode. 28. The method of claim 27, If the driving mode is confirmed to be the normal operation mode or the washing end mode, The control method of the air conditioner washing apparatus for moving the condensed water moved to the storage to the external drain. 28. The method of claim 27, The air conditioner washing device further includes a drain pump, The control method of the air conditioner washing apparatus for moving the condensate water to the external drain or the washing water generating unit by the drive of the drain pump.

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