KR20200136193A - Air conditioner and method for controlling for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method thereof. The total load is calculated in accordance with set operation to limit a current flowing through a circuit in the air conditioner so as to easily change a current limit by judging an actual use load capacity. Moreover, an optimized protection circuit can be provided by easily changing the circuit to be protected from overcurrent in accordance with the load, overheating and fire occurrence due to overcurrent and excessive load capacity can be prevented, and the circuit can be protected from the overcurrent and damage to components can be prevented.

Description

Air conditioner and method for controlling the same {Air conditioner and method for controlling for the same}

The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an air conditioner and a control method for limiting current consumed according to an operation mode.

In the separate air conditioner, an indoor unit is disposed indoors, an outdoor unit is disposed outdoors, and indoor air may be cooled, heated, or dehumidified through a refrigerant circulating the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

Separate air conditioners include a stand-type indoor unit that is installed upright on the indoor floor, a wall-mounted indoor unit that is hung on an indoor wall, and a ceiling type indoor unit that is installed on the indoor ceiling.

The air conditioner can discharge heat exchanged air by driving a compressor and rotating a fan using an input power.

The air conditioner has a protection means for protecting the circuit from overcurrent of an input power source and overcurrent occurring during operation.

A conventional air conditioner, as disclosed in Korean Patent Application Publication No. KR19970035241A, includes a circuit that detects a current flowing through an inverter and protects a switching party when an overcurrent occurs.

Conventional air conditioners have a path of normal current that passes through the classification resistor in the same way as before in the switching mode. In the free wheeling mode, the delay current is transferred from the classification resistor to prevent malfunction of the overcurrent protection circuit due to the transistor being turned off. It includes an inverter with a bypass path.

Such a conventional air conditioner has an overcurrent protection circuit due to a reverse voltage that may occur when the transistor is turned off, and is configured to prevent damage to the inverter due to malfunction.

However, recently, a design capable of controlling overcurrent by sensing a primary current like a conventional air conditioner is included in a general inverter control design.

Since the conventional air conditioner does not take into account the difference in the load used for each function, only the current sensing of the primary side bridge diode can only be used to design a protection according to the entire load, so there is a limit to circuit protection. In addition, conventional air conditioners are difficult to control according to the load used, and all controllers have to be designed to protect against voltage and current suitable for the total load, so there is a problem that the design must always be larger than the load capacity used by the actual controller. .

Since it is difficult to protect the circuit according to various load capacities with only the basic inverter control design, the circuit may be damaged due to overheating of the internal circuit. In addition, since there is a risk that a fire may occur due to overheating, an additional protection circuit is required.

Republic of Korea Patent Publication KR19970035241A

An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and a control method for controlling a current limiting capacity according to a load condition.

An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and a control method thereof that operate by applying different current limits because the size of the load used is varied according to the set operation.

An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that protects a control circuit from overcurrent through an operation of a protection circuit according to a load capacity, and a control method thereof.

The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

An air conditioner and a control method thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object is characterized in that the load capacity is varied by applying a current limit differently according to an operation mode based on a feedback current. .

The present invention can be provided with an optimized protection circuit by easily changing the circuit to protect from overcurrent according to the load used.

The air conditioner of the present invention includes a display module that displays a menu screen for operation status and operation setting in response to a touch input, a driving unit that converts and applies supplied power to required operation power, and sets an operation in response to the touch input. And a control unit for calculating a total load in response to a set operation and applying a current limiting signal, a current limiting unit operating according to the current limiting signal to apply a feedback signal having a different size to the driving unit, and the driving unit It is characterized in that the operation is performed by limiting the current according to the feedback signal applied from the current limiting unit.

The current limiting unit may include a switch operating in response to the current limiting signal; And a current limiting resistor connected in parallel with the switch, and applying a feedback signal to the driver.

The driving unit is characterized in that, from a first current limiting mode based on the first load, to a second current limiting mode based on a set load lower than the first load.

The control method of the air conditioner of the present invention comprises the steps of setting an operation to be performed by a touch input to a menu screen displayed on the display module, calculating a total load in response to the set operation, and Generating and applying a current limiting signal to a current limiting unit, operating the current limiting unit according to the current limiting signal, applying a feedback signal to a driving unit, and operating the driving unit by limiting current according to the feedback signal And starting operation according to the set operation by the operation power applied from the driving unit.

The air conditioner and its control method according to the present invention can easily change the current limit by determining the actual load capacity using a signal fed back according to an operation mode or operation setting.

The present invention can protect the circuit from overcurrent and prevent damage to components.

According to the present invention, even if an overcurrent occurs due to a short circuit, a driving circuit such as an inverter can be protected from overcurrent.

The present invention can be provided with an optimized protection circuit by easily changing the circuit to protect from overcurrent according to the load used.

According to the present invention, even if an overcurrent occurs due to a short circuit, a driving circuit such as an inverter can be protected from overcurrent.

The present invention can prevent overheating and fire due to overcurrent and excessive load capacity.

The present invention can design an optimized protection circuit based on the load capacity used according to the model of the air conditioner.

1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a diagram referred to for explaining a current limit setting of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a diagram showing a configuration for setting a current limit according to a load capacity of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a diagram illustrating a change in current according to occurrence of an overcurrent according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flow chart showing a control method according to the current limit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a view referred to for explaining the magnitude of a load according to the operation of the air conditioner and a current limiting mode according to the operation of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and a method of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in a variety of different forms, and only these embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and are common knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. It is provided to completely inform the scope of the invention to those who have, and the invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. The same reference numerals refer to the same components throughout the specification. The control configuration of the present invention may consist of at least one processor.

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

As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit 1 for discharging airflow into a space, and an outdoor unit 2 for providing a heat exchange medium to the indoor unit 1.

The outdoor unit and the indoor unit are connected by a refrigerant pipe, and the refrigerant compressed at high temperature and high pressure in the outdoor unit is supplied to the indoor unit by flowing through different paths according to the heating mode or the cooling mode, and circulates between the outdoor unit and the indoor period. Through heat exchange using the compressed refrigerant, the indoor unit can discharge an air stream of cold or warm air into the room. In addition to the refrigerant, water may be used as the heat exchange medium.

The outdoor unit 2 includes a compressor (not shown) that compresses a refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger (not shown) that receives and condenses the refrigerant from the compressor, and an outdoor fan (not shown) that supplies air to the outdoor heat exchanger, It includes an accumulator (not shown) that supplies only gaseous refrigerant to the compressor after receiving the refrigerant discharged from the indoor unit.

The outdoor unit 2 may further include a four-way valve (not shown) to operate the indoor unit in a cooling mode or a heating mode. When operating in the cooling mode, the refrigerant is evaporated in the indoor unit to cool the indoor air. When operating in the heating mode, the refrigerant is condensed in the indoor unit to heat the indoor air.

The indoor unit 1 discharges airflow into the indoor space through the operation of the indoor fan.

The indoor unit 1 receives a refrigerant from the outdoor unit 2 and discharges cold and hot air into the room.

The indoor unit 1 includes an indoor heat exchanger (not shown) disposed indoors to perform cooling/heating functions, and an indoor fan (not shown) and indoor fan disposed at one side of the indoor heat exchanger to promote heat dissipation of refrigerant. And an indoor blower (not shown) made of a motor to rotate.

The indoor unit includes a display module 1500 that receives a user's command and displays an operating state. The display module can operate as an input device as well as simply outputting an operation state to a touch screen that receives a signal by a touch operation. In some cases, a control unit including input means such as buttons, switches, and touch pads may be separately provided.

Also, in the indoor unit, a camera of the camera module 1900 may be disposed. The camera module can photograph an indoor area and detect a person occupying the indoor area.

In addition, the indoor unit may include a proximity sensor that detects the user's approach. The indoor unit may display a specified screen by activating the display module when the user approaches within a certain distance. Also, as the display module is activated, it may receive a touch input from a user and display a menu screen corresponding thereto.

The indoor fan (not shown) is accommodated in the cabinet assembly and discharges the heat-exchanged airflow through the discharge port. The indoor fan may include a circulator positioned at the front discharge port to discharge airflow to the target area. The circulator may be tilted in at least one direction according to the set wind direction to discharge airflow.

The outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 1 may be connected through a communication line, and may transmit and receive data to each other through a wireless communication method. In addition, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may be connected to a controller (not shown) by wire or wirelessly to operate.

A remote control (not shown) is connected to the indoor unit 1, inputs a user's control command to the indoor unit, and receives and displays status information of the indoor unit. In this case, the remote control may communicate by wire or wirelessly according to a connection type with the indoor unit.

Meanwhile, the air conditioner may further include at least one of a ventilation device, an air cleaning device, a humidifying device, and a heater, and may operate in conjunction with the operation of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Fig. 2, the air conditioner includes a sensor unit 3215, a power supply unit 3223, a driving unit 3280, an operation unit 3230, a display module 1500, a memory 3256, a communication unit 3270, and an audio output. It includes a unit 3290, an audio input unit 3220, a camera module 1900, a cleaning module 4400, a humidification module 2000, and a control unit 3240 for controlling overall operation.

The power supply unit 3299 supplies operating power to the main body. The power supply unit 3299 rectifies and smoothes the commercial power to be connected to generate and supply the voltage required by each unit. The power supply unit 3299 prevents inrush current and generates a constant voltage. In addition, the power supply unit 3223 may supply operation power to an outdoor unit (not shown).

The driving unit 3280 provides a driving force to rotate the indoor fan. In addition, the driving unit 3280 provides power to a moving means (not shown) so that the indoor fan can move.

In addition, the driving unit 3280 controls opening and closing of a valve installed therein. In some cases, the driving unit 3280 may provide a driving force so that the front panel slides to the left or right to move. The driving unit 3280 may be divided into an indoor fan driving unit, a moving means driving unit, a valve driving unit, and a front panel driving unit.

The display module 1500 is composed of display means such as LCD, LED, OLED, etc., and may include a touch screen in which a touch pad is layered. The display module 1500 displays operation setting or operation information of the indoor unit as a combination of at least one of characters, images, special characters, symbols, emoticons, and icons. In addition, the display module 1500 may further include a lighting unit that outputs an operating state according to whether it is lit, a lighting color, or whether it is blinking.

The display module 1500 is a touch screen and can operate as a manipulation unit. The display module 1500 may apply a signal corresponding to a user's touch input to the controller and output a menu screen corresponding thereto.

In some cases, the indoor unit may further include at least one input means of a button, a switch, and a touch input means for inputting a user command or predetermined data.

The audio output unit 3291 outputs voice guidance, a predetermined warning sound, and a sound effect. The audio output unit 3291 includes a buzzer or speaker. The audio input unit 3220 receives and recognizes a user's voice, and inputs a command corresponding thereto to the control unit 3240. The audio input unit 3220 includes at least one microphone.

The memory 3256 includes control data for controlling the operation of the indoor unit, data on the operation mode, data detected from the sensor unit 3215, data transmitted and received through the communication unit, data input by the operation unit, output data, and operation. Data for determining whether there is an abnormality is stored. The memory stores load data on the load value acting during operation for the configuration of each unit inside the air conditioner.

The memory 3256 stores data that can be read by a microprocessor, and includes HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Disk), SDD (Silicon Disk Drive), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, It may include a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, or an optical data storage device.

The communication unit 3270 includes at least one communication module to transmit and receive data through wired or wireless communication.

The communication unit 3270 transmits and receives data to and from an outdoor unit (not shown), and receives data from a remote control (not shown). Further, the communication unit 3270 may be connected to a predetermined network to communicate with an external server or terminal. The communication unit 3270 transmits and receives data including short-range wireless communication such as ZigBee, Bluetooth, and infrared rays, as well as communication modules such as Wi-Fi and WiBro.

The sensor unit 3215 inputs measured data including a plurality of sensors to the control unit 3240. The sensor unit 3215 includes a proximity sensor 17, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a dust sensor, and a smell sensor.

The proximity sensor 17 detects a person or an object approaching within a predetermined distance. The proximity sensor 17 may be installed at the lower part of the main body and the front part of the base, and may also be installed adjacent to the display module 1500. The proximity sensor inputs an approach signal to the controller 3240 when a predetermined object or person approaches within a predetermined distance.

The temperature sensor is installed in the intake port to measure the indoor temperature, installed inside the body to measure the heat exchange temperature, installed at one side of the discharge port to measure the temperature of the discharged air, and installed in the refrigerant pipe to measure the refrigerant temperature. can do. The humidity sensor measures the humidity of indoor air.

The dust sensor detects the concentration of dust in the air. The dust sensor may be provided in plurality according to the particle size of the dust.

In addition, the odor sensor detects the concentration of a specific gas in the air. A gas sensor can be used as the odor sensor, and the concentration of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, etc. can be detected.

The camera module 1900 captures an indoor environment including an image acquisition unit composed of at least one camera, and detects a user's location. In addition, the camera module can detect indoor intrusion according to the operation mode. The camera module 1900 is installed on the front panel 11, and in some cases, may be installed on the upper panel of the cabinet.

The cleaning module 4400 is installed in the filter unit to clean foreign substances in the filter unit. The cleaning module includes a cleaning robot (not shown). The cleaning robot sucks foreign substances from the filter unit while moving along the surface of the filter unit. In addition, the cleaning robot may sterilize the filter unit using a sterilization lamp while cleaning the filter unit. The cleaning module 4400 may further include a position sensor that detects the position of the robot cleaner.

The humidification module 2000 receives water from the water tank 2100, performs humidification to provide moisture, and discharges humidified air to the outside. The humidification module 2000 generates steam to humidify the air, and allows the humidified air to be discharged into the room through a discharge port together with the air-conditioned air.

The humidification module 2000 may be a vibration type using vibration, a heating type, a spraying method of spraying water, and various other humidification methods may be used. The humidification module may include a humidification assembly. It should be noted that the humidification module and humidification assembly have the same reference numerals.

The controller 3240 processes input/output data, stores data in a memory, and controls data to be transmitted/received through a communication unit. The control unit 3240 sets the air conditioner to operate according to the setting input through the operation unit, transmits and receives data with the outdoor unit, and controls the driving unit 3280 so that the cold and hot air conditioned by the refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit is discharged into the room. .

The control unit 3240 controls the operation in response to the set operation mode or data measured from the sensor unit 3215, detects the occupant through the camera module 1900, the camera module 1900, and the filter is cleaned. The cleaning module 4400 is controlled so that it is possible.

When an operation is set in response to a touch input of the display module, the control unit 3240 applies a control command to the driving unit to discharge heat-exchanged airflow in a designated direction in response to the set operation mode, temperature, and wind direction. The indoor fan rotated by the drive unit tilts or rotates in a designated direction and discharges heat exchanged air.

The control unit 3240 monitors the operation state of each module and causes the operation state to be output through the display module 1500 according to the applied data. The controller 3240 may determine the indoor air pollution degree and output it through the display module.

The controller 3240 may set a current limit of the driving unit 3280 by determining the capacity of a load that is actually used according to the operation mode. The control unit can set a current limit for a load below the set load.

The control unit 3240 generates a current limit signal according to the load capacity that is changed according to the operation mode and applies it to the current limiting unit (not shown), and the current limiting unit changes the resistance value by the current limiting signal, and the driving unit 3280 By varying the feedback signal to the furnace, the current limiting mode of the driver 3280 may be set. The control unit applies a current limiting signal to the current limiting unit, and sets the driving unit 3280 to operate in the first current limiting mode (A) or the second current limiting mode (B).

The control unit 3240 may be composed of one or a plurality of micro processors. (1900) (1900) Each control unit is connected in a bus format to transmit and receive data. 3 is a diagram referred to for explaining a current limit setting of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 3240 sets a current limit based on the capacity of the load L generated according to the operation mode, and controls the driving unit 3280 to supply the operation power of the limited current.

The driving unit 3280 converts the operation power supplied from the power supply unit 3299 into a DC or AC operation power having a size corresponding to the load and supplies it to the load. For example, the driving unit 3280 may include an inverter (not shown) and an inverter control unit (not shown) supplying operating power for driving the indoor fan.

The driver 3280 may include a protection circuit for protecting the inverter from a surge voltage. In addition, the driving unit 3280 may include a converter and a converter control unit.

The control unit 3240 calculates a total load according to the operation mode based on a preset load value for each function, and applies a current limiting signal corresponding thereto to the current limiting unit 3250. When the current limiting unit is operated by the current limiting signal, the feedback signal to the driving unit 3280 is varied by the current limiting unit 3250, and accordingly, the driving unit 3280 is in the first current limiting mode (A) or the second current limiting. It can operate in mode (B).

The control unit calculates the load according to the configuration of each unit that actually operates for each set operation based on the load data previously stored in the memory.

The control unit may limit the current of the driving unit by setting the second current limiting mode for a load less than the set load. For example, a first current limiting mode and a second current limiting mode can be set based on a load of 30W.

For example, the driver 3280 may limit the current use to 80W in the first current limit mode (A) and limit the current use to 30W in the second current limit mode (B). It is specified that the current limit value can be changed in some cases, and that the third current limit mode or the fourth current limit mode can also be set further.

Since the air conditioner actually operates in different configurations depending on the operation mode, the load capacity actually used is also different.

Air conditioner, when cooling operation, wind speed control, circulator operation, camera module operation, display module operation, voice recognition, network connection, audio output malfunction, dielectric filter, circulator lighting, power relay operation, sub relay operation NTC Each power load can be generated by relay operation, sensor operation, and microprocessor operation.

In addition, when the air conditioner replaces the humidifying water tank, loads may occur due to movement of the circulator, display operation, audio output operation, voice recognition, network connection, lighting of the water bottle, relay operation, sensor operation, and microprocessor operation. have.

As the total load by the cooling mode is about 55W and a load of about 23W is generated when the water bottle is replaced, the control unit switches to the first current limiting mode (A) in the cooling mode and the second current limiting mode (B) when replacing the water bottle. A current limiting signal may be applied to the current limiting unit 3250 to operate.

Accordingly, the driving unit 3280 may operate the protection circuit to respond to a load of 80W in the first current limit mode (A), and operate the protection circuit to respond to a load of 30W in the second current limit mode (B). .

4 is a diagram showing a configuration for setting a current limit according to a load capacity of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the current limiting unit 3250 includes a current limiting resistor 251 and a switch 252.

The switch 252 may be a transistor or a relay.

The control unit calculates the total load for each operation mode by summing the loads for each part performing a function for each operation mode, and when the operation mode is set, the current limit signal S11 is limited by setting the current limit mode accordingly. Approved as negative.

The control unit calculates the load according to the configuration of each unit that actually operates for each set operation based on the load data previously stored in the memory.

When the current limiting signal S11 is applied from the control unit 3240, the current limiting unit 3250 operates the switch 252 to change the current value of the feedback signal applied to the driving unit.

The driver sets the current limit mode based on the current value of the applied feedback signal.

The current limiting unit 3250 is connected to the output terminal of the driving unit and may apply a feedback signal for the output signal to the input terminal of the driving unit. In some cases, a feedback signal may be applied to the power supply.

When the current limiting signal S11 is an OFF signal, 0V is applied to the base of the switch to turn off the switch, and the first current I1 is applied as a feedback signal to the driver through the current limiting resistor 251. Accordingly, the driving unit operates in the second current limiting mode (B).

On the other hand, when the current limiting signal S11 is an ON signal, 5V is applied to the base of the switch 252 to operate the switch. The second current I2 is applied as a feedback signal to the driver by the conduction of the switch, that is, the transistor. Accordingly, the driving unit operates in the first current limiting mode (A).

As the first current I1 is applied through the current limiting resistor 251, the first current I1 has a lower current value than the second current I2.

The driver may set the current limit mode based on the current value of the applied feedback signal.

The driver operates the protection circuit to correspond to the 80W load in the first current limit mode (A), and operates the protection circuit to correspond to the 30W load according to the limited current value in the second current limit mode (B).

Since the drive unit is composed of an inverter that drives a load, for example, the motor of the indoor fan, it operates in the first or second current limiting mode according to the current value of the feedback signal, thereby protecting the circuit from abnormal operation such as a secondary short circuit. can do.

The current limiting unit 3250 is included in the feedback circuit to the driving unit, and by applying the first current I1 to the driving unit through the current limiting resistor 251 in a general operating state, the driving unit is in a second current limiting mode of 30W ( B) works. On the other hand, when the ON signal of the current limiting signal is applied, the current limiting resistor 251 is bypassed, and the second current I2, which is greater than the first current, is applied to the driving unit, thereby changing to a first current limiting mode of 80W.

The resistance value of the current limiting resistor 251 (R _IS ) is determined by the following equation (1).

The current limiting resistor 251 may be determined as a value obtained by dividing the output current IOUT _CC of the driver by the limit value I _SV(TH) for current limiting.

Therefore, the air conditioner can change the current limit according to the actual load usage.

5 is a diagram illustrating a change in current according to occurrence of an overcurrent according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the air conditioner, an internal circuit, a control unit, or a circuit of a driver may be damaged due to overcurrent.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 5, when a short circuit, for example, a DC short, occurs in the circuit under no load, the overcurrent L2 flows through the DC line, so the inductor and the display module connected to the power supply are overheated. This may cause damage.

When a DC short occurs, the driving unit is reset at a periodic time T1 and operates again. At this time, a current peak A11 occurs at a periodic time period. For example, the peak value of the current may be about 32A.

In the case of the display module, when such a short circuit occurs, the current L12 flows at the peak value of the first current value A13 during the first time T11 and after the first time T11, as shown in FIG. 5B. During a second time T12, a current having a second current value A14 lower than the first current flows to the DC line. The occurrence of such an overcurrent may damage the circuits and components of the display module. For example, the first current value is 32A, and the second current is 10A.

When a short circuit occurs in the DC power supply in the circuit as described above, even if the safety circuit is provided, the safety circuit (OCP) operates after passing a current of 80W or more, which is the rated load of the driving unit, so that the instantaneous overcurrent cannot be blocked.

Thus, the air conditioner depends on the size of the total load. In the operating mode where the load is less than 30W, the current can be limited to 30W instead of 80W. By limiting the current according to the load, even if a short occurs, the current can be limited within 30W, thus protecting the circuit.

6 is a flow chart showing a control method according to the current limit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the operation including the operation mode is set (S410), the controller 3240 calculates the total load by summing the loads actually driven according to the set operation (S420).

The control unit 3240 sets the current limit mode according to the calculated load (S430), and the control unit 3240 releases the current limit for 30W (A) (S450) when the high load is higher than a certain value (S450), and is less than a certain value. In case of a low load of, the current limit (B) can be set (S460).

In the case of a high load, the control unit 3240 applies an OFF signal as a current limiting signal to the current limiting unit, and in the case of a low load, an ON signal is applied to the current limiting unit as a current limiting signal.

Accordingly, the current limiting unit is switched off by the current limiting signal, setting the first current limiting mode (A), and in case of a low load, the switch is turned on due to the current limiting signal, and the second current limiting mode (B). Is set.

Regarding the release of the current limit, the current limit is set by limiting the current in the circuit to a load of 30 W in the second current limit mode (B), and in the first current limit mode (A), the current limit is set to 80 W instead of 30 W. By setting it means that the current limit of 30W is released. To release the current limit of 30W is to set the current limit to 80W, and according to the size of the load, the third or fourth current limiting mode can be further set.

For example, when the water container is opened to supply water to the water container supplying water to the humidification module, the controller may set the second current limiting mode (B) because the total load is less than 30W. Also, in the case of the cooling mode, since the total load is 30W or more, the control unit may set the first current limiting mode (A).

The controller 3240 starts a designated operation according to the current limit setting (S470).

7 is a diagram referenced for explaining the magnitude of a load according to the operation of the air conditioner and a current limiting mode according to the operation of the air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, the air conditioner acts as a load of a certain size by operating each of the related units according to the operation being executed.

The air conditioner may have different load sizes depending on the model or the set compressor capacity. In addition, it may be applied differently depending on the type of parts and functions provided in the air conditioner.

When the air conditioner is set to cool, a compressor for refrigerant circulation and various parts for refrigerant circulation operate and consume power, and power consumption occurs according to the movement of the indoor fan as well as the rotation of the indoor fan. In addition, when a door is provided at the outlet, the door is opened and closed, the operation of the camera module to detect occupants during cooling, the display module, various lights, the operation of the audio input unit and the audio output unit, the operation of Wi-Fi, and filtering the air inhaled through the inlet. Power is consumed by the operation of the dust collecting unit and the large collecting unit, the operation of the constant voltage and various relays, and the operation of various sensors and control units.

The control unit applies an on or off current limiting signal to the current limiting unit according to the size of the load.

Accordingly, the current limiting unit applies a current as a feedback signal to the driving unit corresponding to the set current limiting mode, and the driving unit operates in the first or second current limiting mode corresponding thereto.

Since the air conditioner consumes about 32.38W when turning on/off the power, the first current limiting mode (A) can be set. In addition, when cooling is set, a load of about 55.35W is applied, so that the second current limiting mode A is set.

When heating and air cleaning functions are performed at the same time, the load consumes more current than when only heating is operated and generates about 58.47W. When heating and humidification are performed at the same time, about 36.94W, heating, humidification, and air cleaning are performed. At the same time, 40.06W is consumed, and 34.86W is consumed when the cleaning module performs robotic cleaning to clean the filter, so the off current limiting signal is applied to the current limiting unit, thereby setting the first current limiting mode (A). .

On the other hand, in the case of performing only air cleaning, the operation of the indoor fan, opening and closing the door when the door is provided at the outlet, operation of the camera module to detect occupants during cooling, operation of the display module, various lighting, audio input unit and audio output unit, Power is consumed by the operation of Wi-Fi, the operation of the dust collecting unit and the large collecting unit to filter the air sucked through the inlet, the operation of the constant voltage and various relays, and the operation of various sensors and control units.

Since the air conditioner is in a low load state of 30W or less for operations such as air cleaning, humidification, water bottle replacement, filter replacement, etc., the second current limiting mode (B) can be set.

The controller 3240 applies the ON signal to the current limiting unit as a current limiting signal, and accordingly applies the first current I1 to the driving unit, thereby setting a current limit of 30W.

When the second current limiting mode is set, the amount of current consumed is limited, so that even if an overcurrent is applied due to a short circuit or the like, the size is not large, so that damage to the circuit can be reduced.

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but to explain the technical idea, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

1: indoor unit 2: indoor unit
1500: display module 1900: camera module
3240: control unit 3250: current limiting unit
3280: drive unit 3299: power unit
L: load

Claims (18)

A display module for displaying a menu screen for operation status and operation setting in response to a touch input;
A driving unit that converts and applies the supplied power to required operating power;
A controller configured to set an operation in response to the touch input, calculate a total load in response to the set operation, and apply a current limit signal; And
A current limiting unit operating according to the current limiting signal and applying a feedback signal having a different size to the driving unit; Including,
The air conditioner, wherein the driving unit operates by limiting a current according to the feedback signal applied from the current limiting unit. The method of claim 1,
And the driving unit operates in one of a first current limit mode and a second current limit mode according to the feedback signal. The method of claim 1,
The air conditioner, wherein the driving unit limits the first current limiting mode based on the first load to the second current limiting mode based on a set load lower than the first load. The method of claim 1,
The air conditioner, characterized in that the driving unit limits the current supplied based on the load of 30W. The method of claim 1,
The control unit is an air conditioner, characterized in that the total load is calculated by summing the loads of each unit driven by a set operation. The method of claim 5,
The control unit calculates a total load using load data previously stored in a memory according to a set operation. The method of claim 1,
And the control unit controls the current limiting unit to limit the use of current when the calculated load is less than or equal to the set load. The method of claim 1,
The current limiting unit,
A switch operating in response to the current limit signal; And
Including a current limiting resistor connected in parallel with the switch,
An air conditioner, characterized in that applying a feedback signal to the driving unit. The method of claim 8,
The current limiting unit is connected to the output terminal of the driving unit to apply a feedback signal to the output signal of the driving unit. The method of claim 8,
The current limiting unit, when the total load is less than the set load, the switch is stopped by the off signal of the current limiting signal,
An air conditioner, characterized in that applying the feedback signal of the first current through the current limiting resistor. The method of claim 10,
The current limiting unit, when the total load is greater than or equal to the set load, the switch is conducted by an ON signal of the current limiting signal, and applies the feedback signal of a second current greater than the first current through the switch. Air conditioner characterized in that. The method of claim 1,
The control unit sets a first current limiting mode for any one of power control, heating, cooling, heating and air cleaning, heating and humidification, robot cleaning of the filter, and heating, humidification and air cleaning,
An air conditioner, characterized in that a second current limiting mode is set for any one of air cleaning, humidification, water bottle replacement, and filter replacement. Setting an operation to be performed by a touch input to a menu screen displayed on the display module;
Calculating a total load in response to the set operation;
Generating a current limiting signal according to the size of the load and applying it to a current limiting unit;
Applying a feedback signal to a driving unit by operating the current limiting unit according to the current limiting signal;
Operating the driving unit by limiting current according to the feedback signal; And
And starting the operation according to the set operation by the operation power applied from the driving unit. The method of claim 13,
The control method of an air conditioner, wherein the driving unit operates by operating in one of a first current limit mode and a second current limit mode according to the feedback signal. The method of claim 14,
In the second current limiting mode, the control method of the air conditioner, wherein the driving unit limits the current based on a load of 30W. The method of claim 13,
The step of calculating the total load,
Based on the previously stored load data, the control method of the air conditioner further comprising the step of summing the loads of each unit driven by the set operation. The method of claim 13,
Limiting the current when the total load is less than or equal to the set load. The method of claim 16,
The step of applying the feedback signal,
When the total load is greater than or equal to the set load, the feedback signal of the second current for the first current limiting mode is applied, and
When the total load is less than the set load, the feedback signal of a first current smaller than the second current for a second current limit mode is applied through a current limiting resistor.

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