KR20180124399A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner. The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: an outdoor unit; and an indoor unit for supplying power to the outdoor unit through a power line connected to the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit includes: a compressor for receiving and compressing a refrigerant; and an outdoor communication unit communicating with the indoor unit through a communication line connected to the indoor unit. The indoor unit has: an outdoor unit power switching device connected to the power line; a current sensing unit for sensing a current applied to the outdoor unit through the power line; an indoor communication unit communicating with the outdoor unit through the communication line; and an indoor unit controller for controlling on/off of the outdoor unit power supply switching device based on the current sensed by the current sensing unit when an error in communication with the outdoor unit occurs. Accordingly, when the communication error occurs between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, the air conditioner can be efficiently used.

Description

Air conditioner

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly, to an air conditioner that can efficiently use an air conditioner when a communication error occurs between an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

The air conditioner is installed to provide a comfortable indoor environment for humans by discharging cold air to the room to adjust the room temperature and purify the room air to create a pleasant indoor environment.

Such an air conditioner may comprise an indoor unit constituted by a heat exchanger, and an outdoor unit constituted by a compressor, a heat exchanger and the like.

In the air conditioner, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are connected to the refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant compressed from the compressor of the outdoor unit is supplied to the heat exchanger of the indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe, and the refrigerant heat-exchanged in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit is again supplied to the compressor Lt; / RTI > Accordingly, the indoor unit discharges the cold air into the room through the heat exchange using the refrigerant.

On the other hand, the outdoor unit can receive power from the indoor unit through a power line connected to the indoor unit, and the indoor unit and the outdoor unit can communicate with each other through a communication line. Further, the compressor of the outdoor unit can be driven in accordance with the operation setting of the indoor unit by mutual communication according to the operation setting inputted to the indoor unit.

However, a communication error may occur due to misconnection of communication lines or the destruction of communication circuit components. In this case, the operation of the outdoor unit is stopped, even though the outdoor unit can be normally operated by receiving power from the indoor unit. There is a problem that usage is limited.

An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of efficiently using an air conditioner by controlling the power supply state by grasping the operating state of the outdoor unit when a communication error occurs between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

In order to achieve the above object, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit for supplying power to the outdoor unit through a power line connected to the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit includes a compressor And an outdoor unit communication unit for communicating with the indoor unit through a communication line connected to the indoor unit. The indoor unit includes an outdoor unit power switching element connected to the power line, a current sensing unit for sensing a current applied to the outdoor unit through a power line, An indoor unit communication unit for communicating with the outdoor unit, and an indoor unit control unit for controlling on / off of the outdoor unit power supply switching device based on the current sensed by the current sensing unit when a communication error occurs with the outdoor unit.

The air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention can supply power continuously in accordance with the operation state of the outdoor unit when a communication error occurs between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and thus the air conditioner can be efficiently used.

Further, even when a communication error occurs between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, if the current applied to the outdoor unit is within a predetermined range, the operation of the air conditioner can be immediately stopped and continuous operation is possible.

Further, even when a communication error occurs between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, continuous operation can be performed until exchanging products such as a communication line, thereby minimizing user inconvenience.

In addition, since the outdoor unit drives the compressor at a predetermined frequency even when a communication error occurs with the indoor unit, the air conditioner can be operated to a certain level until exchanging products such as communication lines.

In addition, the current sensing unit of the indoor unit can serve as a signal transferring the operation state of the outdoor unit, and can detect the current applied to the outdoor unit through the power line when a communication error with the outdoor unit occurs, The power can be set to be reduced.

In addition, even when a communication error occurs, the indoor unit can check whether or not the outdoor unit can be operated and then, whether the power is supplied or not can be controlled, so that the user's convenience can be increased. After a predetermined time, It is possible to increase the stability of the user.

Further, when the outdoor unit applied current is not within the predetermined range in the state where the communication error occurs, the indoor unit operates the air conditioner in the standby mode or cuts off the power, so that the stability of the product can be increased.

Further, the indoor unit and the outdoor unit further include a display unit for displaying a communication error and a display, so that the user can visually recognize the communication error and can induce the user to exchange relevant parts.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit of Fig. 1. Fig.
3 is an example of an internal block diagram of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner of FIG.
4 is an example of an internal circuit diagram of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a diagram referred to in the description of the operation of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit in Fig.
6 is a circuit diagram of the air conditioner and a current flow path of an input AC power source when a communication error occurs.
7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a block diagram of a compressor driving unit for driving a compressor in the outdoor unit of Fig.
Fig. 9 is an internal block diagram of the inverter control unit of Fig. 7; Fig.
10 is a diagram referred to in the description of the present invention.

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

The suffix " module " and " part " for components used in the following description are given merely for convenience of description, and do not give special significance or role in themselves. Accordingly, the terms " module " and " part " may be used interchangeably.

Terms including ordinals, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited to these terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

In the present application, the terms "comprises", "having", and the like are used to specify that a feature, a number, a step, an operation, an element, a component, And does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The air conditioner 100 according to the present invention may include an indoor unit 31 and an outdoor unit 21 connected to the indoor unit 31 as shown in FIG.

The indoor unit 31 of the air conditioner is applicable to any of the stand-type air conditioner, the wall-mounted air conditioner, and the ceiling type air conditioner, but the stand type indoor unit 31 is exemplified in the figure.

Meanwhile, the air conditioner 100 may further include at least one of a ventilator, an air purifier, a humidifier, and a heater, and may operate in conjunction with the operation of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

The outdoor unit 21 includes a compressor (not shown) that receives refrigerant and compresses the refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger (not shown) that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air, an accumulator that extracts the gas refrigerant from the supplied refrigerant, And a four-way valve (not shown) for selecting the flow path of the refrigerant according to the heating operation. In addition, a number of sensors, valves, oil recovery devices, and the like are further included, but a description thereof will be omitted below.

The outdoor unit (21) operates the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger to compress and / or heat exchange the refrigerant according to the setting to supply the refrigerant to the indoor unit (31). The outdoor unit 21 can be driven by a demand of a remote controller (not shown) or the indoor unit 31.

At this time, as the cooling / heating capacity is changed corresponding to the indoor unit to be driven, the number of operation of the outdoor unit and the number of operation of the compressor installed in the outdoor unit can be varied.

At this time, the outdoor unit (21) supplies the compressed refrigerant to the connected indoor unit (31).

The indoor unit (31) receives the refrigerant from the outdoor unit (21) and discharges the cold air to the room. The indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit 21 can communicate with each other through a communication line or a power line, and can communicate with each other through a refrigerant pipe.

The indoor unit 31 includes an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), an indoor unit fan (not shown), an expansion valve (not shown) to which refrigerant supplied is expanded, and a plurality of sensors (not shown).

At this time, the outdoor unit 21 and the indoor unit 31 are connected to each other via a communication line to transmit and receive data. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit are connected to a remote controller (not shown) by wire or wireless, can do.

A remote controller (not shown) is connected to the indoor unit 31, and inputs a control command of the user to the indoor unit, and receives and displays the status information of the indoor unit. At this time, the remote controller can communicate by wire or wireless according to the connection form with the indoor unit.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit of Fig. 1. Fig.

Referring to the drawings, an air conditioner 100 is roughly divided into an indoor unit 31 and an outdoor unit 21.

The indoor unit 31 includes an indoor heat exchanger 109 disposed inside the room and performing a cooling / heating function, an indoor fan 109a disposed at one side of the indoor heat exchanger 109 for promoting heat radiation of the refrigerant, And an indoor heat exchanger 109 composed of an electric motor 109b for rotating the fan 109a.

At least one indoor heat exchanger 109 may be installed. At least one of an inverter compressor and a constant speed compressor may be used as the compressor 102. [

Further, the air conditioner 100 may be constituted by a cooling unit that cools the room, or a heat pump that cools or heats the room.

The outdoor unit 21 includes a compressor 102 for compressing the refrigerant, a compressor 102b for driving the compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger 104 serving to dissipate the compressed refrigerant, An outdoor fan 105 disposed at one side of the heat exchanger 104 and including an outdoor fan 105a for accelerating the heat radiation of the refrigerant and an electric motor 105b for rotating the outdoor fan 105a, An accumulator 103 for temporarily storing the gasified refrigerant to remove moisture and foreign substances, and then supplying a refrigerant of a predetermined pressure to the compressor 103; ) And the like.

The compressor 102 in the outdoor unit 21 of Fig. 1 can be driven by a motor driving device (220 in Fig. 8) for driving the compressor motor 230. [

3 is an example of an internal block diagram of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner of FIG.

The indoor unit 31 includes an indoor unit communication unit 120b, a memory 140b, an indoor unit control unit 170b, an output unit 550, an input unit 110, a power supply unit 190b, a fan driving unit 127b, 530, and a display 180.

The indoor unit communication unit 120b may include at least one communication module and may exchange data with the outdoor unit 21 through a communication line connected to the outdoor unit 21, The outdoor unit 21 can be operated.

The communication method between the indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit 21 is not limited to the communication method using the power line and the communication method using the refrigerant piping but also the method using the Wi-fi, Bluetooth, ) Or the like. In addition, the outdoor unit communication unit 120a may connect to a server connected to an external network to transmit / receive data.

The indoor unit communication unit 120b is provided with a plurality of communication modules and is capable of communicating with a server or controller of the external network by using a communication method different from the communication method in the air conditioner 100 Can be connected.

The memory 140b may store various data for operation of the entire indoor unit 31, such as a program for processing or controlling the indoor unit controller 170b. The memory 140b may store reference data for controlling the outdoor unit 21 and data transmitted and received through the indoor unit communication unit 120b.

The memory 140b can store information such as the allowable range of the current applied to the outdoor unit 21 through the power line and the allowable power consumption range of the outdoor unit 21 when a communication error occurs in the air conditioner 100. [ In addition, the memory 140b may store information on the operation mode when a communication error occurs in the air conditioner 100, and may be referred to as a predetermined operation mode.

Meanwhile, the range of the current applied to the outdoor unit 21 through the power line can be changed according to the operation mode of the indoor unit 31. For example, the applied current range of the outdoor unit 21 in the cooling mode may be larger than the applied current range of the outdoor unit 21 in the dehumidification mode. Also, the lower the temperature is set, the larger the current range may be.

The indoor unit controller 170b can control the overall operation of each unit in the indoor unit 31. [

The indoor unit control unit 170b controls the operation of the indoor unit 31 in response to the data received from the outdoor unit 21 and outputs the operation status of the indoor unit 31 through the display 180. The indoor unit communication unit 120b, And data transmission / reception via the network.

The indoor unit control unit 170b can control the power supplied to the outdoor unit 21 by controlling the outdoor unit power switching element 710 on and off via the power supply unit 190b.

The indoor unit control unit 170b determines whether the outdoor unit 21 has received the response signal from the outdoor unit 21 for a first predetermined time in response to the signal transmitted to the outdoor unit 21, It is possible to calculate a communication error with the outdoor unit 21. [

For example, the indoor unit communication unit 120b may transmit a communication signal to the outdoor unit 21 at a first predetermined cycle, and the indoor unit control unit 170b may transmit the communication signal to the outdoor unit 21 in response to the signal transmitted to the outdoor unit 21, If there is no response signal of the outdoor unit 21 for a predetermined time, it can be calculated by a communication error. The first predetermined time period or the first predetermined period may be set by the manufacturer of the air conditioner (100).

As another example, the outdoor unit communication unit 120a can transmit the communication signal to the indoor unit 31 at a predetermined cycle, and the indoor unit control unit 170b can receive the data transmitted from the outdoor unit 21 for the first predetermined time period , It is possible to calculate a communication error with the outdoor unit (21). The first predetermined time period or the first predetermined period may be set by the manufacturer of the air conditioner (100).

An error check byte may be present in the signal transmitted from the outdoor unit 21. If the number of error check bytes is greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the indoor unit controller 170a can calculate an error due to a communication error with the outdoor unit 21. [

When the indoor unit controller 170b calculates an error in communication with the outdoor unit 21, the indoor unit controller 170b turns on / off the outdoor unit power supply switching device 710 based on the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 Can be controlled.

For example, if the current detected by the current sensing unit 530 is within a preset current range in a state where a communication error with the outdoor unit 21 occurs, the indoor unit controller 170b turns on the outdoor unit power supply switching element 710 So that the outdoor unit 21 can be supplied with power.

When the power is supplied to the outdoor unit 21, the indoor unit control unit 170b turns on / off the outdoor unit power switching device 710 based on the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 after a predetermined time Can be controlled.

The indoor unit control unit 170b calculates the power supply to the outdoor unit 21 again according to the current range sensed by the current sensing unit 530 after a predetermined time so as to protect the air conditioner 100, Can be increased.

In a case where a communication error with the outdoor unit 21 occurs, the indoor unit control unit 170b turns off the outdoor unit power supply switching device 710 when the current sensed by the current sensing unit 33 is out of a predetermined current range The power to the outdoor unit 21 can be cut off.

The indoor unit controller 170b controls the outdoor unit power switching device 710 to switch on and off based on the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 after a predetermined time when the outdoor unit 21 is powered off Can be controlled.

As described above, the indoor unit controller 170b calculates the power supply to the outdoor unit 21 again according to the current range sensed by the current sensing unit 530 after a predetermined time, so that the air conditioner 100 is protected And user safety can be increased at the same time.

The indoor unit controller 170b operates the indoor unit 31 to operate in a predetermined operation mode when the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 is within the preset current range in a state where a communication error with the outdoor unit 21 occurs, .

The predetermined operation mode may be lower in power consumption than the operation mode in the case where there is no communication error with the outdoor unit 21, thereby protecting the air conditioner 100 and causing the user to exchange components such as communication lines can do.

The indoor unit controller 170b may control the operation mode of the indoor unit according to the current range sensed by the current sensing unit 530 after a predetermined time when the indoor unit 31 is controlled to operate in the predetermined operation mode.

The indoor unit control unit 170b operates the indoor unit 31 to operate in the standby mode when the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 is out of the preset current range in the state where a communication error with the outdoor unit 21 occurs , The indoor unit 31 can be controlled to be shut off.

The indoor unit controller 170b controls the operation of the indoor unit 31 in accordance with the current range sensed by the current sensing unit 530 after a predetermined period of time when the indoor unit 31 is controlled to operate in the standby mode or to shut off the power of the indoor unit 31 Mode can be controlled.

The output unit 550 outputs an operation state of the indoor unit 31 and outputs a sound effect for the operation state of the indoor unit 31 including a speaker and a buzzer for displaying an operation state and an error, It is possible to output a warning sound.

The input unit 110 may include a plurality of buttons or a touch screen attached to the indoor unit 31. The input unit 110 can turn on the power of the indoor unit 31 via a plurality of buttons or a touch screen.

The input unit 110 may be configured to set an operation frequency of the outdoor unit 21 when a driving command, a test operation command, a test operation, an address setting, and a communication error occur, And so on.

The power supply unit 190b can supply power necessary for the operation of each component under the control of the indoor unit controller 170b. The power supply unit 190b may include an outdoor power supply switching element 710 connected to a power line connected to the outdoor unit 21 and may supply AC power to the outdoor unit 21 under the control of the indoor unit controller 170b .

 The fan driving unit 127b includes a circuit for driving the fan, so that the fan can be driven. The fan driving unit 127b can control the indoor fan 109a in response to the control signal of the indoor unit control unit 170b and the fan driving unit 127b supplies the operation power to the indoor fan 109a, It is possible to control the rotating operation and the rotating speed of the rotating shaft 109a.

The indoor fan 109a may be composed of a motor and a fan, and the fan rotates as the motor operates under the control of the fan driving unit 127b. The fan driving unit 127b may be provided inside or outside the indoor fan 109a.

The current sensing unit 530 may sense a current applied to the outdoor unit 21 through a power line. The current sensing unit 530 may include a current transformer (CT) for current sensing, a Hall sensor, and the like.

The display 180 can display an operation state of the indoor unit 31. [ The display 180 is provided with display means for outputting the operation state of the indoor unit 31, and can display the operation state and the error.

The outdoor unit 21 may include an outdoor unit communication unit 120a, a memory 140a, an outdoor unit control unit 170a, a compressor driving unit 220, a fan driving unit 127a, and a display unit 510.

The outdoor unit communication unit 120a may include at least one communication module and may exchange operation state information by exchanging data with the indoor unit 31 via a communication line connected to the indoor unit 31 or by mutual communication.

The communication method between the indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit 21 is not limited to the communication method using the power line and the communication method using the refrigerant pipe but also the communication method using the Wi-fi, Bluetooth, beacon, zigbee, Lt; / RTI > In addition, the outdoor unit communication unit 120a may connect to a server connected to an external network to transmit / receive data.

The outdoor unit communication unit 120a includes a plurality of communication modules and can be connected to a server or a controller of an external network by using a communication method different from the communication method in the air conditioner 100 have.

The memory 140a may store various data for operation of the outdoor unit 21, such as a program for processing or controlling the outdoor unit control unit 170a. For example, the memory 140a may store control data for controlling the operation of the outdoor unit 21, data sensed during operation of the outdoor unit, and input / output data.

The memory 140a may store reference data for controlling the compressor 102 and the outdoor fan 105a and data transmitted and received through the outdoor communication unit 120a.

The memory 140a may store information on the compressor driving frequency when a communication error occurs in the air conditioner 100 and may be referred to as a predetermined frequency.

The outdoor unit control unit 170a can control the overall operation of each unit in the outdoor unit 21. [

The outdoor unit control unit 170a controls the operation of the outdoor unit 21 in response to the data received from the indoor unit 31 and outputs the operation status of the outdoor unit through the display unit 510. The outdoor unit control unit 170a transmits data through the outdoor unit communication unit 120a Transmission and reception can be controlled.

The outdoor unit control unit 170a can receive power from the indoor unit 31 and control the overall operation of each unit.

The outdoor unit control unit 170a drives the compressor 102 in accordance with the operation setting received from the indoor unit 31 and generates control signals for controlling the outdoor fan 105a to be supplied to the compressor driving unit 220 and the fan driving unit 127a ).

The outdoor unit control unit 170a determines the state of the compressor 102, the refrigerant, and the outdoor fan 105a corresponding to the data input from the plurality of sensors, generates a control command corresponding thereto, Can be applied to the driving unit 127a.

The outdoor unit control unit 170a may further include a switching unit (not shown) for controlling the operation power supplied to the load of the outdoor unit 21. [ The switching unit (not shown) may apply a switching signal to the compressor driving unit 220 to cause the compressor driving unit 22 to operate. Accordingly, the compressor driving unit 220 supplies operating power to the compressor 102, particularly, the motor of the compressor.

The outdoor unit control unit 170a transmits the data of the outdoor unit 21 to the indoor unit 31 at predetermined time intervals or communicates with the indoor unit 31 at predetermined time intervals through the outdoor unit communication unit 120a, Data can be received.

The outdoor unit control unit 170a controls the outdoor units 31a and 31b in response to the signal transmitted to the indoor unit 31 for a second predetermined time period when there is no response signal from the indoor unit 31 or during the second predetermined time period If data is not received, it can be calculated by a communication error with the indoor unit (31).

For example, the outdoor unit communication unit 120a may transmit a communication signal to the indoor unit 31 at a first predetermined cycle, and the outdoor unit control unit 170a may transmit the communication signal to the indoor unit 31, If there is no response signal from the indoor unit 31 for a predetermined time, the communication error can be calculated. The second predetermined time period or the first predetermined period may be set by the manufacturer of the air conditioner 100.

The indoor unit communication unit 120b can transmit the communication signal to the outdoor unit 21 at the first predetermined cycle and the outdoor unit control unit 170a can receive the data transmitted by the indoor unit 31 for the second predetermined time period It is possible to calculate a communication error with the indoor unit 31. [ The second predetermined time period or the first predetermined period may be set by the manufacturer of the air conditioner 100.

An error check byte may exist in the signal transmitted from the indoor unit 31. If the number of error check bytes is more than the predetermined number, the outdoor unit control unit 170b can calculate a communication error with the indoor unit 31. [

The outdoor unit control unit 170a can drive the compressor 102 at a preset frequency when the outdoor unit control unit 170a computes a communication error with the indoor unit 31. [ The preset frequency may be lower than the frequency in the case where there is no communication error with the indoor unit 31, thereby protecting the air conditioner 100 and inducing the user to exchange parts such as a communication line.

The compressor driving unit 220 includes a circuit for driving the compressor so as to drive the compressor 102. [ In this case, the compressor driving unit 220 can supply operating power to the motor of the compressor 102 so that the compressor 102 operates at a specific operating frequency. Accordingly, the compressor 102 compresses the introduced low-temperature low-pressure refrigerant to discharge the high-temperature high-pressure refrigerant.

The compressor driving unit 220 can drive the compressor 102 at a predetermined frequency in accordance with the control command of the outdoor unit control unit 170a and can control the compressor 102 at a predetermined frequency when a communication error with the indoor unit 31 occurs Can be driven.

On the other hand, the driving frequency of the compressor 102 can be changed according to the operation mode of the indoor unit 31. For example, the compressor drive frequency in the cooling mode may be greater than the compressor drive frequency in the dehumidification mode. Further, the lower the temperature is set, the larger the driving frequency of the compressor 102 can be.

The fan driving unit 127a includes a circuit for driving the fan, so that the fan can be driven. The fan driving unit 127a can control the outdoor fan 105a in response to the control signal of the outdoor unit control unit 170a and the fan driving unit 127a supplies the operation power to the outdoor fan 105a, 105a can be controlled.

The outdoor fan 105a is provided in the outdoor heat exchanger so that the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 102 is introduced into the heat exchanger to suck and supply outdoor air so as to exchange heat with the outdoor air and to discharge the heat exchanged air to the outside. In this case, the outdoor fan 105a may be composed of a motor and a fan, and the fan is rotated as the motor is operated under the control of the fan driving unit 127a. The fan driving unit 127a may be provided inside or outside the outdoor fan 105a.

The display unit 510 may include an LED (Light Emitting Diode) for indicating an operation state and an error of the outdoor unit. For example, when a communication error with the indoor unit occurs, the display unit 510 can visually inform the user of the communication error by flashing the red LED 5 times.

The indoor unit 31 can supply the AC power to the outdoor unit through the power line connected to the outdoor unit and the indoor unit 31 can supply the AC power to the outdoor unit 21 sensed by the current sensing unit 530, Off of the outdoor unit power supply switching element 710 based on the power consumed by the outdoor unit 21 or the power consumed by the outdoor unit 21. [

According to the present invention, even when a communication error occurs between the indoor unit (31) and the outdoor unit (21), the indoor unit (31) provides a way of grasping the operation state of the outdoor unit (21) and controlling the power supply. According to this method, continuous operation can be performed according to the operation state of the outdoor unit 21, minimizing user inconvenience, and enabling efficient use of the air conditioner 100.

This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

4 is an example of an internal circuit diagram of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The indoor unit 31 of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention receives the power supply 405 and supplies the power to the respective components of the indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit 21 An indoor unit power supply unit 751, a fan driving unit 127b, an indoor fan 109a, and the like, for example, a power supply unit 190b for supplying AC power, a filter unit 750 for removing noise from the power supply 405, An indoor unit control unit 170b for generally controlling the operation of the indoor unit 31, an indoor unit communication unit 120b for communicating with the outdoor unit 21, a current sensing unit 530 for sensing the electric current, Terminal 741, a first neutral terminal 742, and a first communication terminal 743.

The power supply unit 190b may include an indoor unit power supply switching device 730 and the indoor unit controller 170b may control the indoor unit power supply switching device 730 to supply power to the indoor unit 31, Can be supplied.

The power supply unit 190b can supply the AC power to the outdoor unit 21 through the power line 630 connected to the outdoor unit 21 under the control of the indoor unit controller 170b.

The power supply unit 190b may include an outdoor power supply switching device 710 connected to the power line 630. The indoor unit control unit 170b may include an outdoor unit power switching device 710, The ON / OFF control of the switch 710 can be controlled.

The outdoor unit power supply switching device 710 may be connected in series between the commercial power input terminal of the indoor unit 31 and the current sensing unit 530.

The indoor unit power supply switching device 730 and / or the outdoor unit power supply switching device 710 may include relays, semiconductor circuits, bimetallic switching, and the like that perform ON and OFF operations.

The indoor unit 31 may further include a filter unit 750 for reducing the noise of the power source 405. The power source 405 in which the noise is reduced is subjected to full-wave rectification or half-wave rectification by the diode element , It can be smoothed by the capacitor element and supplied to the indoor unit power supply unit 751.

The indoor unit power supply unit 751 receives the power supply 405 and can output a DC voltage for driving circuits, units, and the like constituting the indoor unit 31. [ For example, the indoor unit power supply unit 751 can output a DC voltage of 5 V, 12 V, 15 V, or the like for operating the air conditioner 100.

The indoor unit power supply unit 751 may include an AC-to-DC converter such as a Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) using a high-frequency transformer or a buck converter of a non-insulation step-down type .

The indoor unit load unit 752a may include a fan driving unit 127b, a motor, a fan, and the like, which are included in the indoor unit 31, for driving the indoor fan 019a. It can be driven by the received DC voltage of 15V.

The indoor unit control unit 170b can control the overall operation of the indoor unit 31 and can be driven by the DC voltage of 5 V supplied from the indoor unit control unit 751. [

The indoor unit control unit 170b controls the operation of the indoor unit 31 in response to the data received from the outdoor unit 21 and outputs the operation status of the indoor unit 31 through the display 180. The indoor unit communication unit 120b, And data transmission / reception via the network.

The indoor unit control unit 170b can control the power supplied to the outdoor unit 21 by controlling the outdoor unit power switching element 710 on and off via the power supply unit 190b.

The indoor unit control unit 170b determines whether the outdoor unit 21 has received a response signal from the outdoor unit 21 for a first predetermined time in response to a signal transmitted to the outdoor unit 21, If the data is not received, it is possible to calculate the communication error with the outdoor unit (21).

When the indoor unit controller 170b calculates an error in communication with the outdoor unit 21, the indoor unit controller 170b turns on / off the outdoor unit power supply switching device 710 based on the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 Can be controlled.

For example, when the current detected by the current sensing unit 530 is within the preset current range in a state where a communication error with the outdoor unit 21 occurs, the indoor unit controller 170b sets the outdoor unit power supply switching element 710 Power can be supplied to the outdoor unit (21).

The indoor unit controller 170b controls the outdoor unit power supply switching device 710 to turn on and off based on the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 after the third predetermined time when power is supplied to the outdoor unit 21. [ Off.

The indoor unit control unit 170b calculates the power supply to the outdoor unit 21 again according to the current range sensed by the current sensing unit 530 after a predetermined time so as to protect the air conditioner 100, Can be increased.

In a case where a communication error with the outdoor unit 21 occurs, the indoor unit control unit 170b turns off the outdoor unit power supply switching device 710 when the current sensed by the current sensing unit 33 is out of a predetermined current range The power to the outdoor unit 21 can be cut off.

The indoor unit controller 170b controls the outdoor unit power supply switching device 710 to turn on and off based on the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 after the third predetermined time when the power supply to the outdoor unit 21 is shut off, Off. As described above, the indoor unit controller 170b calculates the power supply to the outdoor unit 21 again according to the current range sensed by the current sensing unit 530 after a predetermined time, so that the air conditioner 100 is protected And user safety can be increased at the same time.

The indoor unit controller 170b operates the indoor unit 31 to operate in a predetermined operation mode when the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 is within the preset current range in a state where a communication error with the outdoor unit 21 occurs, .

The predetermined operation mode may be lower in power consumption than the operation mode in the case where there is no communication error with the outdoor unit 21, thereby protecting the air conditioner 100 and causing the user to exchange components such as communication lines can do.

When the indoor unit controller 170b is controlled to operate in the predetermined operation mode, the indoor unit controller 170b controls the operation mode of the indoor unit according to the current range sensed by the current sensing unit 530 after the fourth predetermined time .

The indoor unit controller 170b may cause the indoor unit 31 to operate in the standby mode when the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 is out of the predetermined current range in a state where a communication error with the outdoor unit 21 has occurred have.

The indoor unit control unit 170b turns off the indoor unit power switching element 730 when the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 is out of the predetermined current range in a state where a communication error with the outdoor unit 21 occurs, The power supply to the indoor unit 31 can be shut off.

 The indoor unit control unit 170b may control the indoor unit 31 to operate in the standby mode or shut off the power of the indoor unit 31. In accordance with the current range detected by the current detection unit 530 after the fourth predetermined time, Can be controlled.

The indoor unit communication unit 120b may include at least one communication module and may communicate with the outdoor unit 21 through a communication line 610 connected to the outdoor unit 21. [ The indoor communication unit 120b may be connected to the ground line 650 and the communication line 610 and the indoor communication unit 120b may be connected to the first communication terminal 743. [

The current sensing unit 530 can sense the current applied to the outdoor unit 21 through the power line 630. [ The current sensing unit 530 may be connected between the outdoor power supply switching device 710 and the first power supply terminal 741.

Since the indoor unit 31 supplies the AC power to the outdoor unit through the power line 630 connected to the outdoor unit, the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 is a current applied to the outdoor unit 21, The indoor unit control unit 1701b can calculate the power consumption consumed by the outdoor unit 21 based on the current applied to the outdoor unit 21. [

The current sensing unit 530 can sense a current applied to the outdoor unit 21 through the power line 630 when a communication error with the outdoor unit 21 occurs. Therefore, the current sensing unit 530 can be set to sense the current applied to the outdoor unit 21 when a communication error occurs, and accordingly the power consumption can be reduced. Meanwhile, the current sensing unit 530 may be configured to sense the current applied to the outdoor unit even when there is no communication error.

The current sensing unit 530 may include a current transformer CT, a Hall sensor, and the like.

The indoor unit 31 may include a plurality of connection terminals and the plurality of connection terminals may include a first power terminal 741 to which the power line 630 is connected, a first neutral terminal 742 to which the ground line 650 is connected, And a first communication terminal 743 to which the communication line 610 is connected.

The outdoor unit 21 of the air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one filter unit 720 and 761 for removing noise from the power source 405, an outdoor unit power source unit 762, An outdoor unit load unit 752b including a fan 105a and the like and an outdoor unit control unit 170a that controls the operation of the outdoor unit 21, an outdoor unit communication unit 120a that communicates with the outdoor unit 21, a reactor 721, A rectifying section 722 for rectifying the power supply 405, a dc-stage capacitor C 723 for storing a predetermined voltage, an inverter 420, a second power supply terminal 781, a second neutral terminal 782, And a communication terminal 783.

The outdoor unit 21 can receive the power source 405 through the power line 630 connected to the indoor unit 31 and at least one of the filter units 720 and 761 can reduce the noise of the power source 405 can do.

The noise-reduced power source 405 is subjected to full-wave rectification or half-wave rectification by the diode element, smoothed by the capacitor element, and supplied to the outdoor unit power source unit 762.

The outdoor unit power supply unit 762 can generate the driving voltage necessary for the outdoor unit 21. [ For example, the outdoor unit power supply unit 762 can output a DC voltage of 5 V, 12 V, 15 V, or the like for operating the air conditioner 100.

The outdoor unit power supply unit 762 may include an AC-to-DC converter such as a Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) using a high-frequency transformer or a buck converter of a non-insulation step-down type .

The outdoor unit load unit 752b may include a fan driving unit 127a for driving the outdoor fan 105a included in the outdoor unit 21, a motor, a fan, It can be driven by the received DC voltage of 15V.

The outdoor unit control unit 170a can control the overall operation of the outdoor unit 21 by receiving power from the indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit control unit 170a can control the overall operation of the outdoor unit 21 by controlling the DC voltage of 5V supplied from the outdoor unit power supply unit 762 Lt; / RTI >

The outdoor unit control unit 170b controls the operation of the outdoor unit 21 in response to data received from the indoor unit 31 and outputs the operation status of the outdoor unit 21 through the display unit 510. The outdoor unit communication unit 120a, And data transmission / reception via the network.

The outdoor unit control unit 170a drives the compressor 102 in accordance with the operation setting received from the indoor unit 31 and generates control signals for controlling the outdoor fan 105a to be supplied to the compressor driving unit 220 and the fan driving unit 127a ).

The outdoor unit control unit 170a determines the state of the compressor 102, the refrigerant, and the outdoor fan 105a corresponding to the data input from the plurality of sensors, generates a control command corresponding thereto, Can be applied to the driving unit 127a.

The outdoor unit control unit 170a controls the compressor driving unit 220 to allow the compressor 102 to operate. At this time, the outdoor unit control unit 170a can supply the operating power to the compressor of the compressor 102 so that the compressor 102 operates at a specific operating frequency. The compressor 102 compresses the introduced low- It is possible to discharge the refrigerant.

The outdoor unit control unit 170a transmits the data of the outdoor unit 21 to the indoor unit 31 at predetermined time intervals or communicates with the indoor unit 31 at predetermined time intervals through the outdoor unit communication unit 120a, Data can be received.

The outdoor unit control unit 170a controls the indoor unit 31 to transmit the data transmitted by the indoor unit 31 for a second predetermined time in response to the signal transmitted to the indoor unit 31 when there is no response signal from the indoor unit 31 or during the second predetermined time period It is possible to calculate by the communication error with the indoor unit 31. [

The outdoor unit control unit 170a can drive the compressor 102 at a preset frequency when the outdoor unit control unit 170a computes a communication error with the indoor unit 31. [ The preset frequency may be lower than the frequency in the case where there is no communication error with the indoor unit 31, thereby protecting the air conditioner 100 and inducing the user to exchange parts such as a communication line.

The outdoor unit communication unit 120a can exchange the operation state information by exchanging data with the indoor unit 31 via the communication line 610 connected to the indoor unit 31 or by mutual communication.

The communication method between the indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit 21 is not limited to the communication method using the power line and the communication method using the refrigerant pipe but also the communication method using the Wi-fi, Bluetooth, beacon, zigbee, Lt; / RTI > In addition, the outdoor unit communication unit 120a may connect to a server connected to an external network to transmit / receive data.

The outdoor unit communication unit 120a can be connected to the ground line 650 and the communication line 610 and the outdoor unit communication unit 120a can be connected to one end of the second communication terminal 783. [

The reactor 721 is connected between the filter unit 720 and the rectifying unit 722, and can perform a power factor correcting or boosting operation. The reactor 721 may also function to limit the harmonic current due to the fast switching of the converter.

The rectifying section 722 is connected between the reactor 721 and the dc short capacitor 723 via the first and second diode elements D1 and D2 and the third through sixth diode elements D3 to D4 ). The rectifying unit 722 can perform half-wave or full-wave rectification of the AC power applied to the inverter 420.

The dc single capacitor 723 is connected to both ends of dc, and can smoothly store the input power and store it. In the figure, one element is exemplified by the dc short capacitor 723, but a plurality of elements are provided, and the element stability can be ensured.

The inverter 420 includes a plurality of inverter switching elements and converts the smoothed DC power supply Vdc into a three-phase AC power supply (va, vb, vc) of a predetermined frequency by turning on and off the switching elements, And outputs it to the synchronous motor 230.

The inverter 420 includes a pair of upper arm switching elements Sa, Sb and Sc and lower arm switching elements S'a, S'b and S'c serially connected to each other, The switching elements are connected to each other in parallel (Sa & S a, Sb & S'b, Sc & S'c). Diodes are connected in anti-parallel to each switching element Sa, S'a, Sb, S'b, Sc, S'c.

The switching elements in the inverter 420 are turned on and off based on the inverter switching control signal Sic from the outdoor unit controller 170a. Thus, three-phase AC power having a predetermined frequency is output to the three-phase synchronous motor 230.

The outdoor unit 21 may include a plurality of connection terminals and the plurality of connection terminals may include a second power supply terminal 781 to which the power line 630 is connected, a second neutral terminal 782 to which the ground line 650 is connected, And a second communication terminal 783 to which the communication line 610 is connected.

5 is a diagram referred to in the description of the operation of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit in Fig.

5A illustrates a circuit diagram of the air conditioner 100 and a current flow path of the power supply 405 when the outdoor unit power supply switching element 710 is turned on.

Referring to the drawings, the indoor unit 31 of the air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can receive a power source 405. The power source 405 may be an input AC power source, a current, or a voltage. Hereinafter, a power source 405 and an input AC power source 405, a current or a voltage may be used in combination.

The indoor unit control unit 170b can turn on the outdoor unit power supply switching element 710 of the power supply unit 190b and the electric current flows through the electric power line 630. [

The power line 630 may be connected to the first power terminal 741 and the second power terminal 781 of the indoor unit 31 and the indoor unit 31 may be connected to the outdoor unit 21 through the power line 630. [ As shown in Fig.

The current applied to the outdoor unit 21 may be supplied to the outdoor communication unit 120a and may be supplied to the inverter 420 through the filter unit 720. [ Further, the current applied to the outdoor unit 21 can be supplied to the outdoor unit power supply unit 762 through another filter unit 761. [

On the other hand, the outdoor unit power supply unit 762 can generate a driving voltage necessary for the outdoor unit 21 by using a high frequency transformer or the like. For example, the outdoor unit power supply unit 762 can output a DC voltage of 5V, 12V, 15V or the like for operating the air conditioner 100.

On the other hand, the outdoor unit control unit 170a can control the compressor 102 according to the operation mode setting of the indoor unit 31 based on the AC power supplied from the indoor unit 31. [

For example, the outdoor unit control unit 170a controls the ON / OFF operation of the switching elements in the inverter 420 to output the three-phase AC power (va, vb, vc) at a predetermined frequency to the three-phase synchronous motor 230 . In this case, the motor 230 rotates the rotor by applying alternating current power of a predetermined frequency to the stator coils of the phases (a, b, c).

5B illustrates a circuit diagram of the air conditioner 100 and a current flow path of the input AC power supply 405 when the outdoor power supply switching element 710 is turned off.

The indoor unit control unit 170b can turn off the outdoor unit power supply switching device 710 of the power supply unit 190 and in this case the current is supplied to the outdoor unit 21 through the power line 630 Can not be. Therefore, the outdoor unit 21 stops operating.

Even if the outdoor unit power supply switching element 710 is turned off and no current is supplied to the outdoor unit 21, the current flows through the filter unit 750 of the indoor unit 31 to the indoor unit power supply unit 751 , So that the circuit constituting the indoor unit 31 can be operated.

On the other hand, when the indoor unit 31 communicates with the outdoor unit 21 via the communication line 610, a communication error may occur due to erroneous connection of the communication line 610, loss of communication circuit components, disconnection of the communication line 610, . This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

6 is a circuit diagram of the air conditioner and a current flow path of an input AC power source when a communication error occurs.

The air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a current sensing unit 530 that senses a current applied to the outdoor unit 21 through a power line 630 And the current sensing unit 530 can be connected between the outdoor power supply switching device 710 and the first power supply terminal 741.

On the other hand, a communication error due to erroneous connection of the communication line 610 or misconnection of the communication line 610 may occur due to disconnection of the communication line 610 and the like. In this case, the indoor unit controller 170b can control on / off of the outdoor unit power supply switching device based on the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530. [

6A, when a current detected by the current sensing unit 530 is within a preset current range in a state where a communication error with the outdoor unit 21 occurs, the indoor unit controller 170b sets the outdoor unit power supply switching element 710 Turn on. Therefore, the external input current can be applied to the outdoor unit 21 through the power line 630. [

The current applied to the outdoor unit 21 can be supplied to the outdoor unit communication unit 120a and applied to the outdoor unit power supply unit 762 in the outdoor unit 21 to generate the required driving voltage for the outdoor unit 21. [

In addition, the current applied to the outdoor unit 21 may be supplied to the inverter 420 through the filter unit 720.

The outdoor unit control unit 170a controls the ON and OFF of the switching elements in the inverter 420 according to the operation mode setting of the indoor unit 31 or the communication error with the indoor unit 31 based on the AC power supplied from the indoor unit 31. [ So that the compressor 102 can be driven at a predetermined frequency.

6B, when a current detected by the current sensing unit 530 is out of a preset current range in a state where a communication error with the outdoor unit 21 occurs, the indoor unit controller 170b outputs the outdoor unit power supply switching element 710 Off. Therefore, the external input current can not be applied to the outdoor unit 21 through the power line 630, and the outdoor unit 21 stops operating.

The indoor unit controller 170b operates the indoor unit 31 in the standby mode when the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 is out of the preset current range in a state where a communication error with the outdoor unit 21 occurs Alternatively, the indoor unit power supply switching element 730 may be turned off to shut off the power supplied to the indoor unit 31. [

7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7A, the indoor unit control unit 170b can calculate whether or not a communication error has occurred based on whether the response signal of the outdoor unit 21 or the data transmitted by the outdoor unit 21 is received (S700).

More specifically, in response to the signal transmitted to the outdoor unit (21), the indoor unit control unit (170b) determines whether the response signal of the outdoor unit (21) is absent or not for a first predetermined time for a first predetermined time 21 can not be received, it can be calculated by a communication error with the outdoor unit (21).

The outdoor unit control unit 170a also receives the signal transmitted to the indoor unit 31 when the response signal of the indoor unit 31 is absent or the second predetermined time period for the second predetermined time corresponding to the signal transmitted to the indoor unit 31 If data is not received, it can be calculated by a communication error with the indoor unit (31).

It is needless to say that the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time are used for the purpose of distinguishing each, and the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time may be set to be the same.

The display 180 of the indoor unit 31 can display a communication error with the outdoor unit 21 and the display unit 510 of the outdoor unit 21 can display a communication error with the indoor unit 31 (S710).

The indoor unit control unit 170b can turn on the outdoor unit power supply switching element 710 and supply power to the outdoor unit 21 when a communication error with the outdoor unit 21 occurs.

In addition, the outdoor unit 21 can drive the compressor 102 at a predetermined frequency when a communication error with the indoor unit 31 occurs (S730). Therefore, when a communication error occurs, the compressor 102 is driven at a predetermined frequency without stopping the product immediately, so that user convenience due to continuous operation can be increased.

In the case where a communication error occurs, the driving frequency of the first compressor 102 in accordance with the first operation mode of the indoor unit 31 is lower than the driving frequency of the second compressor (corresponding to the first operation mode of the indoor unit 31) 102) driving frequency.

For example, if a communication error occurs, the compressor drive frequency at cooling mode 18 may be less than the compressor drive frequency at cooling mode 18 when there is no communication error. Accordingly, when the communication error occurs, the air conditioner 100 can be protected by setting the driving frequency of the compressor 102 to be low.

In the case where a communication error occurs, the driving frequency of the compressor 102 according to the operation setting of the indoor unit 31 may be the same as the driving frequency of the compressor 102 according to the operation setting of the indoor unit 31 when there is no communication error. Therefore, even when a communication error occurs, the user can use the air conditioner 100 normally, and the user's convenience can be increased.

The current sensing unit 530 can sense the current applied to the outdoor unit 21 through the power line 630. [ The current sensing unit 530 may be connected between the outdoor power supply switching device 710 and the first power supply terminal 741. The current sensing unit 530 can sense a current applied to the outdoor unit 21 through the power line 630 when the outdoor unit power switching element 710 is turned on.

The current sensing unit 530 may sense a current applied to the outdoor unit 21 through the power line 630 when a communication error with the outdoor unit 21 occurs in operation S740.

The memory 140b of the indoor unit 31 may store a current range applied to the outdoor unit 21 and the indoor unit controller 170b may store the current range detected by the current sensing unit 530 in a preset current range (S750).

The indoor unit controller 170b may turn on the outdoor unit power switching device when the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 is within the predetermined current range (S770).

In this case, the outdoor unit 21 receives the current from the indoor unit 31, and the outdoor unit 21 can continuously operate the compressor 102 at a predetermined frequency.

As described above, the predetermined frequency may be lower than or equal to the driving frequency of the compressor 102 in the absence of a communication error.

Therefore, even if a communication error occurs between the indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit 21, if the current applied to the outdoor unit 21 is within the predetermined range, the operation of the air conditioner 100 is not immediately stopped, (100) can be continuously operated.

The indoor unit controller 170b may control the on / off state of the outdoor unit power supply switching device 710 based on the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 after a third predetermined time (S790).

For example, when the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 is within the predetermined current range after the third predetermined time, the indoor unit controller 170b maintains the outdoor unit power supply switching element 710 in the ON state, The outdoor unit (21) maintains the compressor (102) driven at a predetermined frequency.

The indoor unit controller 170b turns off the outdoor unit power supply switching device 710 when the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 is out of the predetermined current range after the third predetermined time, Lt; / RTI >

The indoor unit controller 170b may turn off the outdoor unit power supply switching device 710 when the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 is out of the preset current range (S780). In this case, the power supply to the outdoor unit 21 is cut off and the operation of the compressor 102 is stopped.

The indoor unit controller 170b may control on / off of the outdoor unit power supply switching device 710 based on the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 after a third predetermined time.

For example, the indoor unit control unit 170b can turn on the outdoor unit power supply switching element 710 after the third predetermined time, and supply power to the outdoor unit 21. [ If the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 is within the preset current range, the outdoor unit power switching element 710 is turned on and the outdoor unit 21 drives the compressor 102 at a preset frequency.

On the other hand, the indoor unit control unit 170b can calculate whether or not a communication error has occurred based on whether the response signal from the outdoor unit 21 or the data transmitted from the outdoor unit 21 is received (S700). If there is no communication error, The device 710 is turned on (S760). The outdoor unit 21 receives power from the indoor unit 31 and drives the compressor 102 at a predetermined frequency according to the operation mode of the indoor unit 31. [

7B is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. The difference from FIG. 7A is the step after the calculation process of the current range of the indoor unit controller 170b.

As described above, the indoor unit controller 170b can calculate whether the current range sensed by the current sensing unit 530 corresponds to a preset current range (S740).

The indoor unit 31, particularly, the indoor unit control unit 170b, when a current detected by the current sensing unit 530 is within a predetermined current range in a state where a communication error with the outdoor unit 21 occurs, (S830). In this case, the outdoor unit 21 receives the current from the indoor unit 31, and the outdoor unit 21 can continuously operate the compressor 102 at a specific frequency corresponding to the predetermined operation mode.

For example, when a communication error occurs, the predetermined operation mode may be the same as the power saving mode in the case where there is no communication error.

As another example, when a communication error occurs, the indoor unit controller 170a increases the number of revolutions of the indoor fan 109a by a predetermined rotation value, completely opens the air outlet port of the indoor unit 31, .

As a further example, when a communication error occurs, the indoor unit control unit 170b increases the number of revolutions of the indoor fan 109a by a predetermined rotation value, and the outdoor unit control unit 170a increases the operation frequency of the compressor 102 to a predetermined frequency Value. In addition, the predetermined rotation value and the predetermined frequency value may be set by the manufacturer of the air conditioner 100.

 As another example, even if a communication error occurs, the indoor unit controller 170b can operate the air conditioner 100 normally if the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 is in a preset current range.

The indoor unit 31, particularly, the indoor unit control unit 170b may control the indoor unit 31 based on the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 after a fourth predetermined time (S870).

For example, when the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 is within the predetermined current range after the fourth predetermined time, the indoor unit controller 170b maintains the indoor unit 31 in a predetermined operation mode, (21) maintains the compressor (102) driven at a predetermined frequency corresponding to a predetermined operation mode.

The indoor unit controller 170b can operate the indoor unit 31 in the standby mode or shut off the power of the indoor unit 31 when the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 is out of the predetermined current range after the fourth predetermined time And the outdoor unit 21 can stop the operation.

The indoor unit 31 and particularly the indoor unit control unit 170b are connected to the indoor unit 31 when the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 is out of the preset current range in a state where a communication error with the outdoor unit 21 occurs It is possible to operate in the standby mode or shut off the power supply of the indoor unit 31 (S850). In this case, the power supply to the outdoor unit 21 is cut off and the operation of the compressor 102 is stopped.

The indoor unit 31, in particular, the indoor unit control unit 170b may control the indoor unit 31 based on the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 after the fourth predetermined time.

For example, the indoor unit controller 170b may turn on the outdoor unit power supply switching element 710 and supply power to the outdoor unit 21 after the fourth predetermined time. When the current sensed by the current sensing unit 530 is within the predetermined current range, the indoor unit 31 is operated in a predetermined operation mode. In response to the predetermined operation mode, the outdoor unit 21 sets the predetermined frequency The compressor 102 can be operated.

On the other hand, the indoor unit controller 170b can calculate whether or not a communication error has occurred based on whether the response signal from the outdoor unit 21 or the data transmitted from the outdoor unit 21 is received (S700). If there is no communication error, The controller 31 can operate normally (S810).

8 is a block diagram of a compressor driving unit for driving a compressor in the outdoor unit of FIG.

Referring to the drawings, the reactor 721 is disposed between the input AC power source 405 and the converter 410 to perform a power factor correcting or boosting operation. The reactor L may also function to limit the harmonic current due to the fast switching of the converter 410.

The input current detecting section A can detect the input current is inputted from the input AC power supply 405. [ For this, a current transformer (CT), a shunt resistor, or the like may be used as the input current detector A. The detected input current is may be input to the inverter control unit 430 as a discrete signal in the form of a pulse.

The converter 410 converts the input AC power source 405, which has passed through the reactor 721, into DC power and outputs the DC power. Although the input AC power source 405 is shown as a single-phase AC power source in the figure, it may be a three-phase AC power source. The internal structure of the converter 410 also changes depending on the type of the input AC power source 405. [

Meanwhile, the converter 410 may include a diode without a switching element, and may perform a rectifying operation without a separate switching operation.

For example, in the case of a single-phase AC power source, four diodes may be used in the form of a bridge, and in the case of a three-phase AC power source, six diodes may be used in the form of a bridge.

On the other hand, the converter 410 may be, for example, a half-bridge type converter in which two switching elements and four diodes are connected, and in the case of a three-phase AC power source, six switching elements and six diodes may be used . In this case, the converter 410 may be referred to as a rectifier.

When the converter 410 includes a switching element, the boosting operation, the power factor correction, and the DC power conversion can be performed by the switching operation of the switching element.

The dc single capacitor C smoothes the input power supply and stores it. In the figure, one element is exemplified by the dc short-circuit capacitor C, but a plurality of elements are provided, so that the element stability can be ensured.

In the figure, it is exemplified that it is connected to the output terminal of the converter 410. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and direct current power may be directly inputted. For example, DC power from the solar cell may be input directly to the dc-capacitor C or DC / DC converted and input. Hereinafter, the portions illustrated in the drawings are mainly described.

On the other hand, both ends of the dc short-circuit capacitor C may be referred to as a dc stage or a dc stage since the dc power source is stored.

the dc short-circuit voltage detector B can detect the dc short-circuit voltage Vdc at both ends of the dc short-circuit capacitor C. For this purpose, the dc voltage detection unit B may include a resistance element, an amplifier, and the like. The detected dc voltage source Vdc can be input to the inverter control unit 430 as a discrete signal in the form of a pulse.

The inverter 420 includes a plurality of inverter switching elements and converts the smoothed DC power supply Vdc into a three-phase AC power supply (va, vb, vc) of a predetermined frequency by turning on and off the switching elements, And outputs it to the synchronous motor 230.

The inverter 420 includes a pair of upper arm switching elements Sa, Sb and Sc and lower arm switching elements S'a, S'b and S'c serially connected to each other, The switching elements are connected to each other in parallel (Sa & S a, Sb & S'b, Sc & S'c). Diodes are connected in anti-parallel to each switching element Sa, S'a, Sb, S'b, Sc, S'c.

The switching elements in the inverter 420 are turned on and off based on the inverter switching control signal Sic from the inverter controller 430. [ Thus, three-phase AC power having a predetermined frequency is output to the three-phase synchronous motor 230.

The inverter control unit 430 can control the switching operation of the inverter 420 based on the sensorless method. To this end, the inverter control unit 430 may receive the output current idc detected by the output current detection unit E.

The inverter control unit 430 outputs the inverter switching control signal Sic to the inverter 420 to control the switching operation of the inverter 420. [ The inverter switching control signal Sic is generated based on the output current idc detected by the output current detector E as a switching control signal of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and is output. Detailed operation of the output of the inverter switching control signal Sic in the inverter control unit 430 will be described later with reference to Fig.

The output current detection unit E can detect the output current idc flowing between the three-phase motors 230. [

The output current detection unit E can be disposed in the inverter 420 and the motor 230 to detect the current flowing in the motor 230 as shown in the figure.

The output current detection section E may include three resistance elements as shown in the drawing. It is possible to detect phase currents (ia, ib, ic) that are the output currents io flowing through the motor 230 through the three resistive elements. The detected output currents (ia, ib, ic) can be applied to the inverter control unit 430 as a discrete signal in the form of pulses, and based on the detected output currents ia, ib, ic, The switching control signal Sic is generated.

In the present specification, the output currents ia, ib, ic, or io are used in combination.

On the other hand, unlike the drawing, the output current detecting section E may include two resistance elements. The phase currents of the remaining phases can be calculated using three-phase equilibrium.

The output current detection unit E is disposed between the dc short-circuit capacitor C and the inverter 420 and includes a single shunt resistor Rs to control the current flowing through the motor 230 . This method can be called a 1-shunt method.

According to the one-shunt method, the output current detection section E uses the single shunt resistor element Rs to detect the output current (current) flowing through the motor 230 in time division at the time of turning on the lower arm switching element of the inverter 420 idc) can be detected.

The detected output current idc can be applied to the inverter control unit 430 as a pulse discrete signal and the inverter switching control signal Sic is generated based on the detected output current idc .

On the other hand, the three-phase motor 230 has a stator and a rotor, and each phase alternating current power of a predetermined frequency is applied to a coil of a stator of each phase (a, b, c) .

The motor 230 may be a surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (SMPMSM), a permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM), and a synchronous relay A synchronous motor (Synchronous Reluctance Motor; Synrm), and the like. Among them, SMPMSM and IPMSM are permanent magnet applied Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), and Synrm is characterized by having no permanent magnet.

Fig. 9 is an internal block diagram of the inverter control unit of Fig. 8; Fig.

9, the inverter control unit 430 includes an axis conversion unit 310, a speed calculation unit 320, a current command generation unit 330, a voltage command generation unit 340, an axis conversion unit 350, And a switching control signal output unit 360.

The axis converting unit 310 can convert the output currents ia, ib, ic detected by the output current detecting unit E into the two-phase currents iα, iβ in the stationary coordinate system.

On the other hand, the axis converting unit 310 can convert the two-phase current i ?, i? Of the still coordinate system into the two-phase current id, iq of the rotating coordinate system.

)를 추정하고, 추정된 위치를 미분하여, 속도(

)를 연산할 수 있다. Based on the output currents (ia, ib, ic) detected by the output current detecting unit E, the speed calculating unit 320 calculates the position value

), Differentiates the estimated position,

) Can be calculated.

)와 속도 지령치(ω^* _r)에 기초하여, 전류 지령치(i^* _q)를 생성한다. 예를 들어, 전류 지령 생성부(330)는, 연산 속도(

)와 속도 지령치(ω^* _r)의 차이에 기초하여, PI 제어기(335)에서 PI 제어를 수행하며, 전류 지령치(i^* _q)를 생성할 수 있다. 도면에서는, 전류 지령치로, q축 전류 지령치(i^* _q)를 예시하나, 도면과 달리, d축 전류 지령치(i^* _d)를 함께 생성하는 것도 가능하다. 한편, d축 전류 지령치(i^* _d)의 값은 0으로 설정될 수도 있다. On the other hand, the current command generation unit 330 generates the current command

(I ^* _q ) on the basis of the speed command value? ^* _R and the speed command value? ^* _R. For example, the current command generation section 330 generates the current command

The PI controller 335 performs the PI control based on the difference between the speed command value? ^* _R and the speed command value? ^* _R , and generates the current command value i ^* _q . In the figure, the q-axis current command value (i ^* _q ) is exemplified by the current command value, but it is also possible to generate the d-axis current command value (i ^* _d ) unlike the figure. On the other hand, the value of the d-axis current command value i ^* _d may be set to zero.

On the other hand, the current command generation section 330 may further include a limiter (not shown) for limiting the current command value (i ^* _q ) so that the current command value (i ^* _q ) does not exceed the allowable range.

Next, the voltage command generating unit 340 generates the voltage command generating unit 340 with the d-axis and q-axis currents (i _d , i _q ) axially transformed into the two-phase rotational coordinate system in the axial converting unit and the current command value based on ^{_{i * d, i * q)}} , and generates a d-axis, q-axis voltage command value ^{_{(v * d, v * q}} ). For example, the voltage command generation unit 340 performs PI control in the PI controller 344 based on the difference between the q-axis current (i _q ) and the q-axis current command value (i ^* _q ) It is possible to generate the axial voltage command value v ^* _q . The voltage command generation unit 340 performs PI control in the PI controller 348 based on the difference between the d-axis current i _d and the d-axis current command value i ^* _d , It is possible to generate the command value v ^* _d . The voltage command generator 340 may further include a limiter (not shown) for limiting the level of the d-axis and q-axis voltage command values v ^* _d and v ^* _q so as not to exceed the permissible range .

On the other hand, the generated d-axis and q-axis voltage command values (v ^* _d and v ^* _q ) are input to the axial conversion unit 350.

)와, d축, q축 전압 지령치(v^* _d,v^* _q)를 입력받아, 축변환을 수행한다.The axis transforming unit 350 transforms the position calculated by the velocity calculating unit 320

) And the d-axis and q-axis voltage command values (v ^* _d , v ^* _q ).

)가 사용될 수 있다.First, the axis converting unit 350 performs conversion from a two-phase rotating coordinate system to a two-phase stationary coordinate system. At this time, the position calculated by the speed calculator 320 (

) Can be used.

Then, the axial conversion unit 350 performs conversion from the two-phase stationary coordinate system to the three-phase stationary coordinate system. Through this conversion, the axial conversion unit 1050 outputs the three-phase output voltage instruction values v ^* a, v ^* b, v ^* c.

The switching control signal output section 360 generates the switching control signal Sic for inverter according to the pulse width modulation (PWM) method based on the three-phase output voltage instruction values v ^* a, v ^* b and v ^* And outputs it.

The output inverter switching control signal Sic may be converted into a gate driving signal in a gate driving unit (not shown) and input to the gate of each switching element in the inverter 420. As a result, the switching elements Sa, S'a, Sb, S'b, Sc, and S'c in the inverter 420 perform the switching operation.

The switching operation of each of the switching elements Sa, S'a, Sb, S'b, Sc, and S'c causes the three-phase AC power source having the predetermined frequency to be output to the motor 230, 230 rotates the rotor by applying an alternating current power of a predetermined frequency to the stator coils of virtual (a, b, c).

On the other hand, the memory 140a of the outdoor unit 21 can store information on the compressor driving frequency when a communication error occurs in the air conditioner 100, and can be referred to as a predetermined frequency. The outdoor unit control unit 170a can calculate whether or not the communication with the indoor unit 31 is erroneous and when the outdoor unit control unit 170a calculates the communication error with the indoor unit 31, As described above.

10 is a diagram referred to in the description of the present invention.

The indoor unit 31 of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a display 180 indicating a communication error with the outdoor unit 21, 21 may include a display unit 510 for indicating a communication error with the indoor unit 31. [

10A, the indoor unit controller 170b controls the outdoor unit 21 in response to a signal transmitted to the outdoor unit 21, for a first predetermined time, when there is no response signal from the outdoor unit 21, , It is possible to calculate a communication error with the outdoor unit (21). In this case, the indoor unit controller 170b can display on the display 180 that there is a communication error with the outdoor unit 21. [

10B, in response to the signal transmitted to the indoor unit 31, the outdoor unit control unit 170a controls the indoor unit 31 in a case where there is no response signal from the indoor unit 31 for a second predetermined time, When data to be transmitted is not received, it can be calculated by a communication error with the indoor unit 31. [ In this case, the outdoor unit control unit 170a can display on the display unit 510 that there is a communication error with the indoor unit 31. [ For example, when a communication error with the indoor unit 31 occurs, the display unit 510 can visually inform the user of the communication error by blinking the red LED 5 times.

10A and 10B are merely examples of a communication error of the air conditioner 100, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The form of communication error of the air conditioner 100 may be UI, design, moving picture, 3D OBJECT and so on. 10B, the display unit 510 is located at the right upper end of the front surface of the outdoor unit 21, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The display unit 510 can be disposed at a position where communication errors can be easily detected.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. It should be understood that it includes water and alternatives.

Likewise, although the operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, it should be understood that such operations must be performed in that particular order or sequential order shown to obtain the desired result, or that all depicted operations should be performed . In certain cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, It should be understood that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

21: outdoor unit
31: indoor unit
100: air conditioner
102: compressor
120a: outdoor communication unit
120b: indoor unit communication unit
170a: outdoor unit control unit
170b:
180: Display
510:
530:
610: Communication line
630: Power line
710: Outdoor power switching device

Claims (15)

Outdoor unit; And
An indoor unit for supplying power to the outdoor unit through a power line connected to the outdoor unit; Lt; / RTI >
The outdoor unit includes:
A compressor for receiving and compressing refrigerant; And
An outdoor communication unit communicating with the indoor unit through a communication line connected to the indoor unit; And,
The indoor unit includes:
An outdoor unit power switching element connected to the power line;
A current sensing unit for sensing a current applied to the outdoor unit through the power line;
An indoor communication unit communicating with the outdoor unit through the communication line; And
An indoor unit control unit for controlling on / off of the outdoor unit power supply switching device based on the current sensed by the current sensing unit when a communication error occurs with the outdoor unit; And a control unit
Air conditioner.
The method according to claim 1,
The indoor unit control unit includes:
When there is no response signal of the outdoor unit for a first predetermined time corresponding to a signal transmitted to the outdoor unit or when data to be transmitted by the outdoor unit is not received for the first predetermined time, And calculating an error by the error,
Air conditioner.
The method according to claim 1,
The outdoor unit includes:
When there is no response signal of the indoor unit for a second predetermined time corresponding to the signal transmitted to the indoor unit or when data to be transmitted by the indoor unit is not received during the second predetermined time, And calculating an error by the error,
Air conditioner.
The method according to claim 1,
The indoor unit control unit includes:
And when an error occurs in communication with the outdoor unit, the outdoor unit power supply switching element is turned on to supply power to the outdoor unit.
Air conditioner.
5. The method of claim 4,
The outdoor unit includes:
And the compressor is driven at a predetermined frequency.
Air conditioner.
The method according to claim 1,
The current sensing unit includes:
Wherein the controller senses a current applied to the outdoor unit through the power line when a communication error occurs with the outdoor unit.
Air conditioner.
The method according to claim 1,
The indoor unit control unit includes:
Wherein the control unit turns on the outdoor unit power switching element to supply the power to the outdoor unit when the current sensed by the current sensing unit is within a predetermined current range in a state where a communication error with the outdoor unit occurs,
Air conditioner.
8. The method of claim 7,
The indoor unit control unit includes:
And controls the on / off state of the outdoor unit power supply switching element based on the current sensed by the current sensing unit after a third predetermined time.
Air conditioner.
The method according to claim 1,
The indoor unit control unit includes:
Wherein when the current sensed by the current sensing unit is out of a predetermined current range in a state where a communication error with the outdoor unit occurs, the outdoor unit power switching element is turned off to shut off the power supplied to the outdoor unit ,
Air conditioner.
The method according to claim 1,
The indoor unit includes:
Wherein when the current sensed by the current sensing unit is within a preset current range in a state where a communication error with the outdoor unit is generated,
Air conditioner.
11. The method of claim 10,
The indoor unit includes:
And controls the operation mode of the indoor unit based on the current sensed by the current sensing unit after a fourth predetermined time.
Air conditioner.
The method according to claim 1,
The indoor unit includes:
Wherein when the current sensed by the current sensing unit is out of a predetermined current range in a state in which a communication error has occurred with the outdoor unit, the control unit operates in a standby mode or cuts off power of the indoor unit.
Air conditioner.
The method according to claim 1,
The outdoor unit includes:
Further comprising a display unit for displaying a communication error with the indoor unit,
The indoor unit includes:
Further comprising a display for indicating a communication error with the outdoor unit,
Air conditioner.
The method according to claim 1,
The outdoor unit power supply switching device includes:
Wherein the current sensing unit is connected in series between a commercial power input terminal of the indoor unit and the current sensing unit.
Air conditioner.
The method according to claim 1,
The indoor unit includes:
A first power supply terminal, a first neutral terminal, and a first communication terminal,
The current sensing unit includes:
Connected between the outdoor unit power supply switching element and the first power supply terminal,
The indoor unit communication unit
And the second communication terminal is connected to one end of the first communication terminal.
Air conditioner.

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