KR20100130350A - Air conditioner and the control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An air conditioner and a control method thereof are provided to evaporate condensate generated in a cooling and heating unit even if a cooling operation mode and a ventilating operation mode are stopped. CONSTITUTION: An air conditioner comprises an air supply fan(40), an exhaust fan(42), a regenerated heat exchanging unit(50), a cooling and heating unit(60), a humidification unit(70), and a controller. The air supply fan and the exhaust fan ventilate indoor air. The regenerated heat exchanging unit exchanges outer air with indoor air. The cooling and heating unit cools or heats air flowing through the regenerated heat exchanging unit. The humidification unit supplies moisture to the air. The controller eliminates condensate, occurred when the cooling and heating unit is operated with a cooling operation mode, and moisture in the humidification unit after a humidifying operation mode is stopped.

Description

Air Conditioner and Control Method {AIR CONDITIONER AND THE CONTROL METHOD}

The present invention relates to an air conditioner that maintains indoor air in a comfortable state by adjusting a certain space to a temperature, humidity, and air flow distribution suitable for human activity.

In general, an air conditioner uses a heating or condensation heat of a refrigerant to transfer a low temperature heat source to a high temperature or a high temperature heat source to a low temperature, an air purifier that cleans contaminated air to fresh air, and an indoor / outdoor air to each other. It is divided into the ventilation device to be replaced.

An air conditioner is a device that cools or heats an indoor space by using heat absorbing or absorbing heat when the refrigerant changes phase. Compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator constituting a cooling cycle Is provided.

An air purifier is a device that sucks indoor air to remove foreign substances such as dust and supplies purified air back to the room. The air purifier sucks contaminated air into a fan and collects fine dust or bacteria by a filter. Deodorizes body odor or tobacco smell.

Ventilation equipment is a device that exchanges indoor and outdoor air to discharge pollutants and odors of indoor air to the outside and introduce fresh air into the room. Such ventilation device can mitigate these effects by exchanging temperature and humidity between outdoor air and indoor air when the outdoor air is inflowed, if there is a large difference in temperature and humidity between indoor and outdoor. It is provided with a heat exchange element.

Recently, the air conditioner has various additional functions such as an air purifying function and a humidification (or 'dehumidification') function to filter the polluted air outside and indoors and to supply it to the indoor space in addition to cooling and heating the indoor space.

However, when the air conditioner is added to the air conditioner to cool the outdoor air supplied to the room, condensed water is generated in the cooling unit (cooling and heating unit) that cools the air. Such condensate may cause mold or bacteria to grow. There is a problem in that the outdoor air supplied to the indoor environment is polluted.

In addition, when the humidifier operation mode function is added to the air conditioner to provide moisture to the outdoor air supplied to the room, when the humidification operation mode is stopped and the ventilation of the air conditioner is stopped, moisture remains in the humidification unit.

In general, the humidifier element provided in the humidification unit is decayed due to moisture and propagation of bacteria due to the characteristics of its material and function. Therefore, if the moisture of the humidifier is kept intact while the ventilation of the air conditioner is stopped, There is a problem that is difficult to secure reliability.

In addition, since the humidifying unit stores limited water, it is necessary to periodically replenish water, and in general, the humidifying unit is installed on a ceiling and has a problem in that it is difficult to replenish water.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner capable of removing condensate generated when cooling outdoor air introduced into a room.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of removing moisture remaining in the humidifying element when the ventilation operation mode is stopped.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner in which water is automatically supplied to a humidifying unit.

Technical problems to be achieved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and other technical problems not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. Could be.

According to a feature of the present invention for achieving the object as described above, the present invention is provided in the air supply path for the outdoor air is introduced into the room and the exhaust path for the indoor air is discharged to the outdoor air supply fan and An exhaust fan; A regenerative heat exchange unit provided in an area where the air supply passage and the exhaust passage intersect to exchange humidity and heat energy of outdoor air and indoor air; A cooling and heating unit for cooling or heating air introduced into the room through the regenerative heat exchange unit; A humidifying unit connected to receive water from a water pipe and supplying moisture to air introduced into the room through the air-conditioning unit; Controlling the operation of the air supply fan to remove condensate generated after the cooling and heating unit operates in the cooling operation mode or the moisture remaining in the humidifying unit after the humidification operation mode of the humidifying unit is stopped, and the condensate or moisture It provides an air conditioner comprising a control unit for controlling the air-conditioning unit to selectively heat the air flowing in accordance with the blow drying mode or rapid drying mode selection for adjusting the removal rate of the.

The control unit operates the air supply fan for a set time even when the ventilation of the indoor air is stopped to stop the operation of the exhaust fan to evaporate the condensed water of the air conditioning unit.

It further comprises a check valve provided between the humidifying unit and the water pipe to selectively block the supply of water.

When the humidification function of the humidification unit is stopped, the controller stops the operation of the air-conditioning unit and the air supply fan to block outdoor air flowing into the room, and opens the check valve for a predetermined time to remain in the humidification unit. It performs a water purification function to purify polluted water with freshly supplied water.

The control unit controls the operation of the air supply fan to block water supply to the water pipe by the check valve and to remove water remaining in the humidifying unit when the water purifying function of the humidifying unit is terminated.

The control unit operates the air supply fan for a predetermined time to evaporate the moisture of the humidifying unit even when the ventilation drying mode is selected and the ventilation drying mode is selected, even though the ventilation drying mode is stopped.

The controller may be configured to operate the air supply fan for a preset time even when the rapid drying mode is selected even though the ventilation of the indoor air is stopped and the operation of the exhaust fan is stopped, and the air is heated by the air conditioning unit during operation of the air supply fan. Heat to improve the water evaporation rate of the humidifying unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, the present invention comprises the steps of exchanging the moisture and thermal energy of the outdoor air introduced into the room and the indoor air discharged to the outside; Cooling the outdoor air introduced into the room in a cooling and heating unit; When the ventilation function for ventilating the room by the outdoor air is stopped, maintaining the indoor inflow of outdoor air for a predetermined time to remove condensate generated on the surface of the air conditioning unit; It provides an air conditioner control method comprising the step of selectively heating the air in accordance with the blow drying mode or rapid drying mode selection for adjusting the removal rate of the condensate.

When the ventilation function is stopped, the operation of the exhaust fan for discharging the indoor air to the outside is stopped and the operation of the air supply fan for introducing the outdoor air into the room further includes maintaining a predetermined time.

The step of maintaining the indoor air inflow of the outdoor air, if the air drying mode is selected, after stopping the operation of the air-conditioning unit for cooling the air flowing into the room, by operating the air supply fan for a predetermined time of the air-conditioning unit The condensate produced on the surface is evaporated.

In the step of maintaining the indoor air inflow of the outdoor air, when the rapid drying mode is selected, the air supply fan is operated for a predetermined time and the air is heated by the air conditioning unit during the operation time of the air supply fan.

According to another feature of the present invention for achieving the above object, the present invention comprises the steps of exchanging water and heat energy of the outdoor air introduced into the room and the indoor air discharged to the outside; Supplying water to the outdoor air introduced into the room by the humidifying unit receiving water from the water pipe; When the ventilation function for ventilating the room by the outdoor air is stopped, maintaining indoor inflow of outdoor air for a predetermined time to remove moisture from the humidifying unit; It provides an air conditioner control method comprising the step of selectively heating the air in accordance with the selection of the blow drying mode or the rapid drying mode for adjusting the water removal rate.

When the ventilation function is stopped and the humidification function of supplying moisture to the outdoor air introduced into the room is stopped, the operation of the air-conditioning unit and the air supply fan is stopped to block the outdoor air introduced into the room. And supplying water for a predetermined time to purify the contaminated water remaining in the humidifying unit with freshly supplied water.

When the contaminated water of the humidifying unit is purified by new water, the water supply to the water pipe is cut off, and the operation of the air supply fan is controlled to remove the water remaining in the humidifying unit.

When the blow drying mode is selected to remove the moisture remaining in the humidification unit, the operation of the exhaust fan is stopped and the air supply fan is operated for a predetermined time so that the moisture remaining in the humidification unit is evaporated.

When the quick drying mode is selected to remove the moisture remaining in the humidification unit, the operation of the exhaust fan is stopped and the air supply fan is operated for a set time such that the moisture remaining in the humidification unit is evaporated. Air flowing to the humidifying unit is heated during the operation time.

According to the present invention, even when the cooling operation mode and the ventilation operation mode are stopped, the air supply fan is operated for a predetermined time to evaporate the condensed water generated in the cooling and heating unit, thereby keeping the cooling and heating unit clean and preventing the growth of mold and bacteria. There is an effect that can improve the comfort and hygiene of the air passing through the unit.

Further, according to the present invention, even when the humidification operation mode and the ventilation operation mode are stopped, the air supply fan is operated for a predetermined time to evaporate the moisture remaining in the humidification element, thereby preventing the humidification element of the humidification unit from decaying and durability of the humidification unit. There is an effect to ensure the reliability of the action.

According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly remove the moisture remaining in the humidifying element by heating the air drying the humidifying element, thereby reducing the time taken for drying the humidifying unit.

In addition, according to the present invention, the humidification unit is connected to the water pipe, and a check valve is provided between the humidifying unit and the water pipe to control the water supply, thereby increasing the convenience of the user.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of an air conditioner according to the present invention having the configuration as described above will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a preferred embodiment of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

As shown in this figure, the air conditioner includes an air supply fan 40 and an exhaust fan 42 for flowing air in the housing 10, a regenerative heat exchange unit 50 for exchanging outdoor air and indoor air. , A cooling and heating unit 50 for cooling or heating the air introduced into the room, and a humidifying unit 70 for supplying moisture to the air. The air conditioner may be operated in a ventilation operation mode for ventilating indoor air, a cooling and heating operation mode for cooling or heating outdoor air introduced into the room, and a humidification operation mode for providing moisture to outdoor air introduced into the room.

The housing 10 is provided with a control box 12 having a control unit for controlling the overall operation of the air conditioner. The control unit is provided to control the operation of the air supply fan 40 to remove condensate or moisture generated in the air conditioning unit 60 or the humidifying unit 70.

The housing 10 is formed in an empty rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the air supply fan 40, the exhaust fan 42, the regenerative heat exchange unit 50, the humidification unit 70, and the like inside the housing 10. Is provided. The housing 10 includes an air supply passage 20 and an exhaust passage 30 by the partition panel 14.

 The air supply passage 20 forms a path through which the outdoor air flows into the room, and the exhaust path 30 forms a path through which the indoor air is discharged to the outside. The air supply passage 20 and the exhaust passage 30 are provided to partially cross each other.

One side of the housing 20 is provided with an outdoor air outlet 22 forming a part of the air supply passage 20 and an indoor air inlet 32 forming a portion of the exhaust passage 30.

The outdoor air outlet 22 serves as an outlet of outdoor air introduced into the room from the air supply passage 20, and the indoor air inlet 32 serves as an inlet of indoor air discharged from the exhaust passage 30 to the outside. Play a role. The outdoor air outlet 22 and the indoor air inlet 32 are provided adjacent to the indoor side.

The other side of the housing 20 is provided with an outdoor air inlet 24 forming a part of the air supply passage 20 and an indoor air outlet 34 forming a part of the exhaust passage 30.

The outdoor air inlet 24 is an entrance area of the outdoor air introduced into the room from the air supply passage 20, and the indoor air discharge inlet 34 of the indoor air discharged to the outside from the exhaust passage 30. Act as an exit The outdoor air outlet 22 and the indoor air inlet 32 are provided adjacent to the outdoor side.

The air supply fan 40 is provided on the air supply passage 20 to guide the outdoor air to the interior, and the exhaust fan 42 is provided on the exhaust flow passage 30 to guide the indoor air to the outdoor. Ventilate the air. That is, the air supply fan 40 forcibly sucks outdoor air from the outside to supply the indoor air, and the exhaust fan 42 forcibly sucks contaminated air in the room and discharges it to the outdoor.

As such, the fresh outdoor air is introduced into the room, and the air is discharged to the outside.

A regenerative heat exchange unit 50 is provided in the region where the air supply passage 20 and the exhaust passage 30 cross each other. The regenerative heat exchange unit 50 is generally formed in a square pillar shape having a rectangular cross section. The regenerative heat exchange unit 50 serves to exchange the humidity and heat energy of the outdoor air introduced into the room and the indoor air discharged to the outside.

That is, the regenerative heat exchange unit 50 allows each air having a temperature and humidity difference to flow in different passages, thereby allowing moisture and sensible heat to exchange latent heat by a high-efficiency heat exchange membrane forming layers of different passages. Follow the principle of electrothermal exchange by heat exchanging.

In more detail, the regenerative heat exchange unit 50 has a flow path of air through the side facing each other of the four sides of the cube. The air flow passage comprises a plurality of air supply passages (not shown) in communication with the air supply passage 20 and a plurality of exhaust passages (not shown) in communication with the exhaust passage 30, the air supply passage and exhaust passages Neighbors are orthogonal.

Therefore, the outdoor air and the indoor air passing through the regenerative heat exchange unit 50 exchange heat while passing through the air supply passage and the exhaust passage, respectively, and the outdoor air is introduced into the room while having a temperature close to the room temperature. In the regenerative heat exchange unit 50, partition sheets (not shown) are provided between the exhaust passages through which the indoor air passes and the air supply passages through which the outdoor air passes.

The partition sheet exchanges moisture and thermal energy of outdoor air and indoor air, and serves to block materials such as carbon dioxide and dust from being interchanged. Therefore, the fresh outdoor air absorbs the moisture and heat energy of the indoor air discharged to the outside and enters the indoor, and the dust contained in the indoor air is discharged to the outside as it is.

The regenerative heat exchange unit 50 may be provided with a filter (not shown). The filter has a filtration function to filter foreign substances contained in the air, and is preferably detachably provided at both sides of the regenerative heat exchange unit 50.

That is, the regenerative heat exchange unit 50 filters foreign substances mixed with external air to increase cleanliness of the air supplied to the room, and protects the regenerative heat exchange unit 50 from foreign substances to extend the life.

The regenerative heat exchange unit 50 may be provided with a clean filter (not shown) for filtering out dust particles in the sucked outside air and removing odors in the air.

In addition, the housing 10 is provided with a cooling and heating unit (60). The air conditioning unit 60 serves to cool or heat air introduced into the room through the regenerative heat exchange unit 50.

The air conditioning unit 60 may be configured to be connected to a cooling and heating device (air conditioner, etc.) that absorbs heat or emits heat around by using a phase change of the refrigerant. For example, the air conditioning unit 60 may be configured as a heat exchanger used as an evaporator or a condenser such as an air conditioner, and the air conditioning unit 60 may be connected to an outdoor unit such as an air conditioner to receive a refrigerant.

The cooling and heating unit 60 may be configured to provide only a cooling or heating function according to design conditions, and when the cooling and heating unit 60 performs only a function of heating outdoor air, the cooling and heating unit 60 may be configured as a heater by electric resistance. have.

2 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the humidifying unit in the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in this figure, the humidifying unit 70 is connected to receive water from the water pipe (86). The humidifying unit 70 serves to supply moisture to the air flowing into the room through the cooling and heating unit 60.

The humidifying unit 70 is provided with a humidifying element 72 positioned on the air supply passage 20 to supply moisture to outdoor air introduced into the room. The humidifying element 72 is provided with a material that sucks moisture using a capillary phenomenon. The humidifying element 72 is configured to include a body portion 74, the suction portion 76 and the vaporization portion 78.

The suction part 76 is a part which is immersed in water of the storage part 80 to draw up moisture, and the vaporization part 78 is provided to have a large surface area on the air supply passage 20 to supply moisture to air. That's the part. The body portion 74, the suction portion 76 and the vaporization portion 78 are partitioned for convenience of description and are not clearly distinguished in practical function.

The storage unit 80 is connected to the water pipe 86 in a configuration for temporarily storing water to supply water to the humidifying element 72. The storage unit 80 is provided with a float switch 82 for adjusting the amount of water stored.

A check valve 84 is provided between the humidifying unit 70 and the water pipe 86 to selectively block the supply of water. The float switch 82 is provided on the storage unit 80 to move up and down according to the water level and to control the opening and closing of the check valve 84.

In addition, a drain pan 90 is provided below the humidifying element 72. The drain pan 90 is a configuration for collecting the water generated in the humidifying element 72 and falling down to discharge to the outside.

The drain pan 90 is preferably provided below the humidifying element 72 and the air conditioning unit 60 to collect the condensed water generated by the air conditioning unit 60. The drain pan 90 is provided with a drain 92 for discharging water generated in the humidifying element 72 to the outside.

Hereinafter, the operation of the preferred embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention having the configuration as described above in detail.

3 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of air in the embodiment of the present invention.

First, when indoor air is somewhat contaminated, when power is applied to the exhaust fan 42, indoor air flows into the exhaust flow path 30 through the indoor air inlet 32, and the exhaust flow path 30 Indoor air passing through) passes through the regenerative heat exchange unit 50 in a diagonal direction.

For reference, an arrow A indicated by a dotted line indicates a flow trace of indoor air discharged to the outside, and an arrow B indicated by a solid line indicates a flow trace of outdoor air introduced into the room.

In addition, the indoor air passing through the regenerative heat exchange unit 50 flows along the exhaust flow path 30, and then is discharged to the outside through the indoor air outlet 34.

At the same time, when power is applied to the air supply fan 40, outdoor air flows into the air supply passage 20 through the outdoor air inlet 24, and the outdoor air passing through the air supply passage 30 is The regenerative heat exchange unit 50 crosses in a diagonal direction.

The outdoor air passing through the regenerative heat exchange unit 50 flows along the air supply passage 20, and then is supplied to the room through the outdoor air outlet 22.

Through this process, the indoor air and the outdoor air passing through the regenerative heat exchange unit 50 are mutually heat exchanged so that outdoor air having an appropriate temperature is supplied to the room.

In this case, when the cooling operation mode or the heating operation mode is selected, the air conditioning unit 60 provided on the air supply passage 20 cools or heats outdoor air introduced into the room to cool or warm air to the room. To provide.

In addition, when the humidification operation mode is selected, the humidification unit 70 provided on the air supply passage 20 supplies water to the outdoor air introduced into the room to appropriately control the humidity of the room.

Hereinafter, a process of removing condensate generated in the air conditioning unit 60 when the air conditioning unit 60 operates as a cooling unit that cools the air introduced into the room will be described.

The control unit is configured to remove condensate generated after the cooling and heating unit 60 operates in the cooling operation mode or the moisture remaining in the humidifying unit 70 after the humidification operation mode of the humidification unit 70 is stopped. Controls the operation of the air supply fan 40, and controls the air-conditioning unit 60 to selectively heat the air flowing in accordance with the blowing air drying mode or rapid drying mode for adjusting the removal rate of the condensate or water.

Here, the blowing drying mode refers to evaporating condensed water or water using the outdoor air flowing by the air supply fan 40 as it is, and the rapid drying mode heats the outdoor air to condensed water or moisture with relatively high temperature air. It means to evaporate.

In general, since the air having a high temperature is heated, the evaporation rate of the water is improved compared to that of the general air. The drying speed of the will be improved.

In more detail, when the air conditioning unit 60 cools outdoor air introduced into the room, condensed water is generated on the surface of the air conditioning unit 60 due to a temperature difference between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

As such, when condensed water remains in the air-conditioning unit 60, mold or bacteria propagate in the air-conditioning unit 60 to contaminate outdoor air supplied to the room.

Therefore, even when the ventilation function of the air conditioner is stopped and the operation of the exhaust fan 42 is stopped, the controller operates the air supply fan 40 for a predetermined time to evaporate the condensed water of the air conditioning unit 60. Eliminates elements that can grow mold or bacteria.

At this time, the air supply fan 40 is set so that the operation is maintained until the condensed water of the air conditioning unit 60 is removed even though the ventilation function of the air conditioner is stopped.

Hereinafter, a process of removing moisture remaining in the humidifying unit 70 when the humidifying operation of the humidifying unit 70 is stopped will be described.

The humidifying element 72 provided in the humidifying unit 70 is a decay of bacteria and propagation of bacteria due to the properties of the material and function well, so that the humidifying unit 70 is secured to ensure durability and reliability of the action. When it does not work, it is necessary to remove the moisture.

First, when the humidification function of the humidifying unit 70 is stopped, the controller stops the operation of the air conditioning unit 60 and the air supply fan 40 to block outdoor air introduced into the room.

In addition, the controller opens the check valve 84 for a predetermined time to perform a water purification function to purify the contaminated water remaining in the humidifying element 72 with freshly supplied water.

In more detail, when the water supplied to the humidifying unit 70 passes through the humidifying device 72 and evaporates, the hardness and the degree of contamination increase. It shortens the life of 72 and cannot be used again. Thus, some moisture remaining in the humidifying element 72 and providing moisture to the air should be removed for durability of the humidifying element 72.

To this end, when water is continuously supplied to the humidifying element 72 while the operation of the air supply fan 40 is stopped, the moisture remaining in the humidifying element 72 is removed by the newly supplied moisture.

When the water purification function of the humidifying unit 70 is terminated, the controller cuts off the water supply to the water pipe 86 by the check valve 84 and removes the water remaining in the humidifying unit 70. The operation of the air supply fan 40 is controlled to be removed.

That is, the control unit operates the air supply fan 40 for a predetermined time even when the ventilation of the indoor air is stopped and the operation of the exhaust fan 42 is stopped to evaporate the moisture of the humidifying unit 70.

On the other hand, the control unit may heat the air introduced into the room by the cooling and heating unit 60 to improve the evaporation rate of the moisture of the humidifying unit (70). In other words, when the moisture is in contact with the hot air, the evaporation rate is increased. For this purpose, when the temperature of the air passing through the humidification unit 70 is increased by heating the air conditioning unit 60, The remaining moisture evaporates quickly.

Hereinafter, the control method of the air conditioner according to the present invention having the configuration as described above will be described in detail.

First, a process of removing condensate generated in the air conditioning unit 60 will be described.

Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a process of removing the condensed water of the air conditioning unit in the embodiment of the present invention.

When power is supplied to perform the ventilation function of the air conditioner (s101), the air supply fan 40 and the exhaust fan 42 are operated.

At this time, when the air conditioner is set to the cooling operation mode (s103), the air conditioning unit 60 is driven by the cooling device to cool the outdoor air introduced into the room (s104). After the flow into the air conditioner, if the ventilation function of the air conditioner is stopped (s105), the operation of the exhaust fan 42 is stopped and the cooling function of the air conditioning unit 60 is stopped (s106), the air conditioning unit 60 ) Condensate remains.

Therefore, the control unit controls to evaporate the condensed water of the air conditioning unit 60 by continuously operating the air supply fan 40 even when the ventilation function of the air conditioner is stopped.

That is, when the ventilation function is stopped, the operation of the exhaust fan 42 for discharging the indoor air to the outside is stopped and the operation of the air supply fan 40 for introducing the outdoor air to the indoor is maintained for a predetermined time.

 The control unit stops the operation of the air supply fan 40 when the additional operation time of the air supply fan 40 reaches a preset time. (S108) The setting time of the air supply fan 40 is the cooling and heating unit ( 60 is set to a time at which the operation of the air supply fan 40 must be maintained for evaporation of condensate.

As such, the air supply fan 40 is further operated for a predetermined time after the ventilation function of the air conditioner is stopped to stop the operation after removing all the condensed water of the air conditioning unit 60.

Hereinafter, a process of removing residual moisture of the humidifying unit 70 in a state in which the air conditioning unit 60 does not operate will be described.

5 is a flowchart showing a process of removing moisture remaining in the humidifying unit in the embodiment of the present invention.

When power is supplied to perform the ventilation function of the air conditioner, the air supply fan 40 and the exhaust fan 42 operate. (s201)

Then, when the air conditioner is set to the humidification operation mode (s202), water is supplied to the humidifying unit 70 to supply water to the outdoor air flowing into the room. (S203) The ventilation is completed and the indoor air When the ventilation is stopped by being maintained at a constant humidity (s204), the operation of the air supply fan 40 and the exhaust fan 42 is stopped (s205).

In more detail, when the ventilation function is stopped and the humidification function of supplying moisture to the outdoor air introduced into the room is stopped, the operation of the air supply fan 40 and the exhaust fan 42 is stopped to the room. Blocking the outdoor air flowing in, and supplying water to the humidifying unit 70 for a predetermined time to purify the contaminated water remaining in the humidifying unit 70 by the newly supplied water (s206).

That is, the water supplied to the humidifying unit 70 is not interrupted, and moisture is continuously supplied to the humidifying element 72 of the humidifying unit 70 so that the polluted moisture remaining in the humidifying element 72 is newly supplied. The water purification function to be purified by the water is performed.

When the water purification function is performed for a predetermined time, the check valve 84 blocks the water supplied to the humidification unit 70 so that no more water is supplied to the humidification unit 70. (s207)

In addition, the air supply fan 40 operates to flow air (s208), and the outdoor air supplied to the room evaporates moisture present in the humidification unit 70 to propagate bacteria in the humidification unit 70. (S209) The air supply fan 40 is stopped after operating for a predetermined time (s210).

Hereinafter, a process of removing the remaining moisture of the humidifying unit 70 by heating the air introduced into the room by the air conditioning unit 60 in a short time will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of removing moisture remaining in the humidifying unit using heating air in an embodiment of the present invention.

When power is supplied to perform the ventilation function of the air conditioner, the air supply fan 40 and the exhaust fan 42 are operated. (S301) And, the heating operation mode by the air conditioning unit 60 It is determined whether the cooling operation mode is selected. (s302, s304)

In this case, when the heating operation mode is selected, the air conditioning unit 60 heats the outdoor air introduced into the room (s303), and when the cooling operation mode is selected, the air conditioning unit 60 cools the outdoor air introduced into the room. In operation S305, when the air blowing operation mode is selected, the air conditioning unit 60 does not operate.

When the humidification operation mode is selected by determining whether the humidification operation mode of the air conditioner is selected (s307), water is supplied to the humidification unit 70 to supply moisture to outdoor air introduced into the room. When the ventilation is stopped after the humidification function is performed as described above, the operation of the air supply fan 40 and the exhaust fan 42 is stopped. (S310) Of course, when the heating operation mode or the cooling operation mode is selected, The operation of the air conditioning unit 60 is also stopped. (s311)

In more detail, when the ventilation function is stopped and the humidification function of supplying moisture to the outdoor air introduced into the room is stopped, the operation of the air supply fan 40 and the exhaust fan 42 is stopped to the room. Blocking the outdoor air flowing in, and supplying water to the humidifying unit 70 for a predetermined time to purify the polluted water remaining in the humidifying unit 70 by the newly supplied water (s312).

That is, the water supplied to the humidifying unit 70 is not blocked, and water is continuously supplied to the humidifying element 72 of the humidifying unit 70 so that the polluted moisture remaining in the humidifying element 72 is newly supplied. The water purification function to be purified by the water is performed.

When the water purification function is performed for a predetermined time, the check valve 84 blocks the water supplied to the humidification unit 70 so that no more water is supplied to the humidification unit 70. (s313)

As such, when the water purification function of the humidifying unit 70 is stopped, the air supply fan 40 is operated to flow air (s314), and the air conditioning unit 60 is operated in a heating operation mode to be introduced into the room. The air is heated (s315). That is, the humidifying unit 70 is dried by heated air. (S316)

As such, when the air passing through the humidifying unit 70 has a high temperature, moisture evaporation of the humidifying unit 70 occurs actively, thereby reducing the time for drying the humidifying unit 70. Then, the air conditioning unit 60 and the air supply fan 40 is stopped after operating for a predetermined time. (S317)

The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but is defined by the claims, and various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the claims. It is self-evident.

1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a preferred embodiment of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the humidifying unit in the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is an explanatory view showing a flow of air in the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a process of removing the condensate of the heating and cooling unit in the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a process of removing the moisture remaining in the humidifying unit in the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a process of removing the moisture remaining in the humidifying unit using the heating air in the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

10: housing 12: control box

14: compartment panel 20: air supply passage

22: Outdoor air outlet 24: Outdoor air inlet

30: exhaust passage 32: indoor air inlet

34: indoor air outlet 40: air supply fan

42: exhaust fan 50: regenerative heat exchange unit

60: air conditioning unit 70: humidification unit

72: humidifier 74: body

76: suction part 78: vaporization part

80: storage 82: float switch

84: check valve 86: water pipe

90: drain pan 92: drain

Claims (16)

An air supply fan and an exhaust fan provided in each of an air supply path through which outdoor air is introduced into the indoor air and an exhaust path through which indoor air is discharged to the outside; A regenerative heat exchange unit provided in an area where the air supply passage and the exhaust passage intersect to exchange humidity and heat energy of outdoor air and indoor air; A cooling and heating unit for cooling or heating air introduced into the room through the regenerative heat exchange unit; A humidifying unit connected to receive water from a water pipe and supplying moisture to air introduced into the room through the cooling and heating unit; Controlling the operation of the air supply fan to remove condensate generated after the cooling and heating unit operates in the cooling operation mode or the moisture remaining in the humidifying unit after the humidification operation mode of the humidifying unit is stopped, and the condensate or moisture And a control unit for controlling the air-conditioning unit to selectively heat the air flowing according to the blow drying mode or the quick dry mode selection for adjusting the removal rate of the air conditioner. The method of claim 1, The control unit is an air conditioner characterized in that even when the operation of the exhaust fan is stopped because the ventilation of the indoor air to operate the air supply fan for a set time to evaporate the condensed water of the cooling and heating unit. The method of claim 2, And a check valve provided between the humidification unit and the water pipe to selectively block the supply of water. The method of claim 1, When the humidification function of the humidification unit is stopped, the controller stops the operation of the air-conditioning unit and the air supply fan to block outdoor air flowing into the room, and opens the check valve for a predetermined time to remain in the humidification unit. An air conditioner, characterized by performing a water purification function to purify polluted water by newly supplied water. The method of claim 4, wherein The control unit is characterized in that when the water purification function of the humidifying unit is terminated by the check valve to shut off the water supply to the water pipe, and controls the operation of the air supply fan to remove the water remaining in the humidification unit. Air conditioner. The method of claim 5, And the control unit operates the air supply fan for a predetermined time to evaporate the moisture of the humidification unit even when the ventilation drying mode is selected and the operation of the exhaust fan is stopped. The method of claim 5, The controller may be configured to operate the air supply fan for a preset time even when the rapid drying mode is selected even though the ventilation of the indoor air is stopped and the operation of the exhaust fan is stopped, and the air is heated by the air conditioning unit during operation of the air supply fan. Heating the air conditioner, characterized in that to improve the moisture evaporation rate of the humidifying unit. Exchanging moisture and thermal energy of outdoor air introduced into the room and indoor air discharged into the outside; Cooling the outdoor air introduced into the room in a cooling and heating unit; When the ventilation function for ventilating the room by the outdoor air is stopped, maintaining the indoor inflow of outdoor air for a predetermined time to remove condensate generated on the surface of the air conditioning unit; And selectively heating the air in accordance with a blow drying mode or a quick drying mode for adjusting the removal rate of the condensate. The method of claim 8, When the ventilation function is stopped, the operation method of the air conditioner further comprises the step of stopping the operation of the exhaust fan for discharging the indoor air to the outside and maintaining the operation of the air supply fan for introducing the outdoor air into the room for a predetermined time. . The method of claim 9, Maintaining the indoor inflow of the outdoor air, When the air drying mode is selected, after stopping the operation of the air-conditioning unit for cooling the air flowing into the room, the air supply fan is operated for a predetermined time, characterized in that to evaporate the condensed water generated on the surface of the air-conditioning unit Control method of air conditioner. The method of claim 9, Maintaining the indoor inflow of the outdoor air, If the rapid drying mode is selected, the air supply fan is operated for a predetermined time and the air conditioning unit control method for heating the air by the air conditioning unit during the operation time of the air supply fan. Exchanging moisture and thermal energy of outdoor air introduced into the room and indoor air discharged into the outside; Supplying water to the outdoor air introduced into the room by the humidifying unit receiving water from the water pipe; When the ventilation function for ventilating the room by the outdoor air is stopped, maintaining indoor inflow of outdoor air for a predetermined time to remove moisture from the humidifying unit; A method of controlling an air conditioner comprising the step of selectively heating the air in accordance with the blow drying mode or the quick drying mode selection for adjusting the water removal rate. 13. The method of claim 12, When the ventilation function is stopped and the humidification function of supplying moisture to the outdoor air introduced into the room is stopped, the operation of the air-conditioning unit and the air supply fan is stopped to block the outdoor air introduced into the room. And supplying water for a predetermined time to purify the contaminated water remaining in the humidification unit with freshly supplied water. The method of claim 13, When the contaminated water of the humidifying unit is purified by new water, the air conditioner to block the water supply of the water pipe, and to control the operation of the air supply fan to remove the moisture remaining in the humidifying unit Control method. The method of claim 14, When the blow drying mode is selected to remove the moisture remaining in the humidification unit, the operation of the exhaust fan is stopped and the air supply fan is operated for a predetermined time so that the moisture remaining in the humidification unit is evaporated. Control method. The method of claim 15, When the quick drying mode is selected to remove the moisture remaining in the humidification unit, the operation of the exhaust fan is stopped and the air supply fan is operated for a set time such that the moisture remaining in the humidification unit is evaporated. Control method of an air conditioner, characterized in that the air flowing to the humidifying unit is heated during the operation time.

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