KR20210048478A - Indoor unit for air conditioner and method for controlling for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioner, and a control method of the same. The present invention comprises a humidification module which generates stem, mixes the generated steam with filtered air to generate humid air, and injects the humid air through an outlet to provide the humid air to an indoor space. Moreover, when humidification operation is finished, temperature of water stored in a steam generator can be reduced.

Description

Indoor unit for air conditioner and method for controlling for the same}

The present invention relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioner and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an indoor unit of an air conditioner capable of providing humidified air and a control method thereof.

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

The indoor unit of the detachable air conditioner includes a stand-type indoor unit installed upright on an indoor floor, a wall-mounted indoor unit hung on an indoor wall, and a ceiling type indoor unit installed on an indoor ceiling according to an installation type.

Conventional stand-type indoor units can dehumidify indoor air during cooling, but cannot humidify indoor air during heating.

In Korean Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-2013-0109738 (referred to as prior art 1), a stand-type indoor unit equipped with a humidifying device capable of providing humidification is known. The stand-type indoor unit of Prior Art 1 is provided with a humidifying device inside the main body forming the exterior of the indoor unit. In addition, the humidification device of the prior art 1 has a structure in which the water of the drain pan is stored in a water tank, the absorption member is wetted through the stored water, and the absorption member naturally evaporates the absorbed water.

The humidifier of Prior Art 1 does not use clean water, but uses condensed water flowing down from the heat exchanger. The water stored in the water tank may contain a large amount of foreign matter separated from the surface of the heat exchanger, and there is a problem that it is highly likely that mold or bacteria will propagate from the foreign matter.

Since the humidification device of the prior art 1 evaporates water inside the body, the evaporated water may adhere to parts or inner walls of the body, causing mold or bacteria to grow inside the body. In addition, in the humidification device of Prior Art 1, water is evaporated inside the body, and even if the blower fan is operated, all the moisture evaporated by the blower fan is not discharged into the room. There was a problem of being reattached to.

Since the humidity of the indoor air is low when the indoor temperature is low, this humidification is generally required during heating, but the humidification device of Prior Art 1 provides humidification only when cooling because it provides humidification using condensed water from the indoor heat exchanger. There is a problem in that it cannot provide humidification because condensed water is not generated during heating.

Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2013-0109738

An object of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner capable of operating in at least one of cooling, heating, air cleaning, and humidification.

An object of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner that sterilizes stored water or supplied water by heating and converts the sterilized water into steam to provide humidification.

In the present invention, an independent flow path structure capable of providing filtered air to the steam generator is arranged, steam is generated using filtered air, and humidified air generated by the steam generator can be provided to the discharge port through the independent flow path. The purpose is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner.

An object of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner that provides humidified air using clean water by setting the usage time of stored water to be drained.

An object of the present invention is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner that sterilizes a flow path through which humidified air flows after humidification.

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

In the present invention, since a humidifying assembly is disposed that generates steam, mixes the generated steam with filtered air to generate humidified air, and injects the generated humidified air from a discharge port through an independent flow path to provide humidified air to the room. , Cooling, heating, air cleaning, or humidification may be operated in at least one mode.

The present invention generates humidified air by converting water stored in a steam generator into steam, a humidifying fan supplies the filtered air passing through the filter assembly to the steam generator, and a steam guide discharges the humidified air from the steam generator. Since the air is guided to the discharge port through an independent flow path, the generated humidified air can be discharged directly into the room.

In the present invention, after the humidified air flows through an independent flow path to the discharge port, it may be discharged from the discharge port.

According to the present invention, after a humidification operation for generating humidified air, a steam sterilization operation is performed to sterilize a flow path through which the humidified air flows.

The present invention can determine whether to perform the steam sterilization operation by detecting the amount of stored water.

The present invention can automatically drain water that has elapsed for a predetermined time or longer by counting the usage time of stored water.

The present invention, a cabinet assembly in which a suction port and a discharge port are arranged; A water tank disposed on the cabinet assembly and storing water; A steam generator disposed in the cabinet assembly, receiving water stored in the water tank, converting water stored therein to steam to generate humidified air; A humidifying fan coupled to the steam generator and supplying filtered air to the steam generator; A steam guide coupled to the steam generator and guiding the humidified air discharged from the steam generator to the discharge port through an independent flow path; And a humidification module controller configured to perform a steam sterilization operation for sterilizing the steam guide and the discharge port by additionally operating the steam generator and the humidifying fan for a set time when the humidification operation for discharging the humidified air is completed.

The present invention comprises the steps of performing a humidification operation of discharging humidified air generated by a steam generator; Determining whether or not a sterilization mode is set when the humidification operation is finished; Starting the steam sterilization operation in response to the water level of the water tank when the sterilization mode is set; Sterilizing the steam guide and the discharge port by additionally operating the steam generator and the humidifying fan for a set time; Ending the steam sterilization operation by stopping the operation of the steam generator after a set time; And reducing the temperature of the water in the steam generator.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present invention has one or more of the following effects.

The present invention has the advantage that it can be used for four seasons by operating in at least one mode of cooling, heating, air cleaning, or humidification.

The present invention minimizes the possibility of contamination of the generated humidified air because the stored water or supplied water is heated to sterilize, converts the sterilized water into steam, and provides humidified air by mixing the sterilized steam and filtered air, There is an advantage of securing the reliability of humidified air.

In the present invention, since humidified air is supplied with sterilized steam and filtered air, there is an advantage of minimizing the growth of bacteria or fungi.

The present invention has the advantage of generating clean humidified air by counting the usage time of stored water and automatically draining the water so that it is not stored for more than a certain time, and minimizing the possibility of contamination of humidified air.

The present invention has the advantage of minimizing the propagation of mold by sterilizing the flow path through which the humidified air flows through steam sterilization after the humidification operation.

The present invention has an advantage of generating clean humidified air because the humidifying fan sucks filtered air that has passed through the filter assembly and supplies it to the inside of the steam generator.

In the present invention, since the humidified air generated by the steam generator flows to the discharge port through an independent flow path structure, there is an advantage of preventing the propagation of bacteria or mold inside the cabinet assembly due to the humidified air.

In the present invention, since humidified air is loaded and diffused by the wind discharged from each side outlet, the humidified air can be flowed to a remote place of the cabinet assembly, thereby minimizing the occurrence of condensation on the cabinet assembly surface. There is this.

1 is a perspective view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the door assembly is removed from FIG. 1.
3 is a front view showing the interior of the lower cabinet shown in FIG. 2.
4 is a cross-sectional view showing the humidification assembly and the water tank shown in FIG. 3.
5 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a processor for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a humidification module of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a diagram illustrating a flow of an operation for providing humidified air of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a steam sterilization operation method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a flowchart illustrating a preparation operation for a steam sterilization operation of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of draining water after a steam sterilization operation of an air conditioner according to an 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 elements throughout the specification.

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

1 is a perspective view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the door assembly is removed from FIG. 1.

The air conditioner according to the present embodiment includes an outdoor unit (not shown) connected to the indoor unit and the indoor unit through a refrigerant pipe to circulate the refrigerant.

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

The outdoor unit 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.

<<Indoor configuration>>

The indoor unit has a cabinet assembly 100 having an open front side and a suction port 101 formed at the rear side, and is assembled to the cabinet assembly 100, covers the front side of the cabinet assembly 100, and covers the cabinet assembly 100 ), a door assembly 200 that opens and closes the front of the cabinet assembly 100, and a fan assembly 300, 400 disposed in the inner space S of the cabinet assembly 100 and discharges air from the inner space S into the room And, a heat exchange assembly 500 disposed between the fan assembly 300 and 400 and the cabinet assembly 100 to exchange heat between the suctioned indoor air and the refrigerant, and the cabinet assembly 100 disposed in the room. A humidifying assembly (2000) providing moisture, a filter assembly (600) disposed on the rear surface of the cabinet assembly (100) and filtering air flowing through the inlet (101), and the filter assembly (600). It is moved in the vertical direction and includes a moving cleaner 700 that separates and collects foreign substances of the filter assembly 600.

The indoor unit includes a suction port 101 disposed at the rear of the cabinet assembly 100, a side discharge port 301, 302 disposed at a side of the cabinet assembly 100, and the cabinet assembly 100 It includes a front discharge port 201 disposed on the front side.

The suction port 101 is disposed on the rear surface of the cabinet assembly 100.

The side discharge ports 301 and 302 are disposed on the left and right sides of the cabinet assembly 100, respectively. In this embodiment, when viewed from the front of the cabinet assembly 100, the side discharge port disposed on the left side is defined as the first side discharge port 301, and the side discharge port disposed on the right side is defined as the second side discharge port 302. .

The front discharge port 201 is disposed on the door assembly 200, and the door assembly 200 further includes a door cover assembly 1200 for automatically opening and closing the front discharge port 201.

The door cover assembly 1200 may be moved downward along the door assembly 200 after opening the front discharge port 201. The door cover assembly 1200 is movable in a vertical direction with respect to the door assembly 200.

After the door cover assembly 1200 is moved downward, a distant fan assembly 400 may pass through the door assembly 200 and move forward.

The fan assemblies 300 and 400 include a short-range fan assembly 300 and a remote fan assembly 400. The heat exchange assembly 500 is disposed behind the near fan assembly 300 and the far fan assembly 400.

The heat exchange assembly 500 is disposed inside the cabinet assembly 100 and is positioned inside the suction port 101, and the heat exchange assembly 500 covers the suction port 101 and is disposed vertically.

The short-range fan assembly 300 and the far-range fan assembly 400 are disposed in front of the heat exchange assembly 500. The air sucked through the inlet 101 passes through the heat exchange assembly 500 and then flows to the near fan assembly 300 and the remote fan assembly 400.

The heat exchange assembly 500 is manufactured to have a length corresponding to the height of the short-distance fan assembly 300 and the remote fan assembly 400.

The near fan assembly 300 and the far fan assembly 400 may be stacked in a vertical direction. In this embodiment, a far fan assembly 400 is disposed above the near fan assembly 300. The distant fan assembly 400 may be positioned on the upper side to allow discharged air to flow to a distant place in the room.

The short-range fan assembly 300 discharges air in a lateral direction with respect to the cabinet assembly 100. The short-range fan assembly 300 may provide an indirect wind to a user. The short-range fan assembly 300 simultaneously discharges air to the left and right sides of the cabinet assembly 100.

The remote fan assembly 400 is located above the near fan assembly 300 and is disposed above the cabinet assembly 100.

The remote fan assembly 400 discharges air in a forward direction with respect to the cabinet assembly 100. The remote fan assembly 300 provides direct wind to the user. In addition, the remote fan assembly 400 improves circulation of indoor air by discharging air to a distant part of the indoor space.

In this embodiment, the remote fan assembly 400 is exposed to the user only during operation. When the remote fan assembly 400 is operated, the remote fan assembly 400 passes through the door assembly 200 and is exposed to the user. When the remote fan assembly 400 is not operated, the remote fan assembly 400 is hidden inside the cabinet assembly 100.

In particular, the remote fan assembly 400 may control the discharge direction of air. The remote fan assembly 400 may discharge air in an upper, lower, left, right, or diagonal direction with respect to the front of the cabinet assembly 100.

The door assembly 200 is located in front of the cabinet assembly 100 and is assembled with the private cabinet assembly 100.

The door assembly 200 may slide in a horizontal direction with respect to the cabinet assembly 100 and may expose a part of the front surface of the cabinet assembly 100 to the outside.

The door assembly 200 may be moved in either a left or right direction to open the inner space S. In addition, the door assembly 200 may be moved in either a left or right direction to open only a part of the inner space S.

In this embodiment, opening and closing of the door assembly 200 consists of two steps.

The opening and closing of the first stage of the door assembly 200 is partially opened, and is for supplying water to the humidifying assembly 2000, and only an area such that the water tank 2100 of the humidifying assembly 2000 is exposed is exposed.

The two-stage opening and closing of the door assembly 200 is open to the maximum, and is for installation and repair. To this end, the door assembly 200 includes a door stopper structure that restricts opening and closing of the two stages.

The filter assembly 600 is disposed on the rear surface of the cabinet assembly 100. The filter assembly 600 may be rotated toward the side of the cabinet assembly 100 while being disposed on the rear surface of the cabinet assembly 100. The user can separate only the filter from the filter assembly 600 moved to the side of the cabinet assembly 100.

In this embodiment, the filter assembly 600 is composed of two parts, each of which can be rotated to the left or right.

The moving cleaner 700 is a device for cleaning the filter assembly 600. The moving cleaner 700 may clean the filter assembly 600 while moving in the vertical direction. The moving cleaner 700 may suck air while moving to separate foreign substances attached to the filter assembly 600, and the separated foreign substances are stored therein.

The moving cleaner 700 is installed in a structure that does not interfere with the rotation of the filter assembly 600.

The humidification assembly 2000 provides moisture to the inner space S of the cabinet assembly 100, and the provided moisture may be discharged into the room through the near-field fan assembly. The humidification assembly 2000 includes a detachable water tank 2100.

In this embodiment, the humidification assembly 2000 is disposed below the cabinet assembly 100. A space in which the humidification assembly 2000 is disposed and a space in which the heat exchange assembly 500 is disposed are partitioned.

The humidification assembly 2000 performs humidification using air filtered through the filter assembly 600 and sterilized steam, thereby preventing harmful substances such as bacteria or mold from contacting the water tank.

<<Composition of cabinet assembly>>

The cabinet assembly 100 includes a base 130 seated on the ground, a lower cabinet 120 disposed above the base 130, and an upper cabinet 110 disposed above the lower cabinet 120. Includes.

A short-range fan assembly 300, a long-range fan assembly 400, and a heat exchange assembly 500 are disposed inside the upper cabinet 110.

A humidifying assembly 2000 is disposed inside the lower cabinet 120.

A door assembly 200 is disposed in front of the cabinet assembly 100, and the door assembly 200 may slide in a horizontal direction with respect to the cabinet assembly 100.

When the door assembly 200 is moved, part of the left or right side of the cabinet assembly 100 may be exposed to the outside.

A discharge grill 150 is disposed on the front edge of the upper cabinet 110. The discharge grill 340 is located on the rear side of the door assembly 200.

The discharge grill 150 may be manufactured integrally with the upper cabinet 110. In this embodiment, the discharge grill 150 is separately manufactured through injection molding and then assembled in the upper cabinet 110.

In the present embodiment, the cover 160 is disposed in front of the upper cabinet 110 and the lower cabinet 120, and blocks the air inside the cabinet 100 from directly contacting the door assembly 200.

When cold air directly contacts the door assembly 200, condensation may occur, and there is a problem that negatively affects the electric circuit constituting the door assembly 200.

Therefore, the cover 160 is disposed in front of the upper cabinet 110 and the lower cabinet 120, and the air inside the cabinet 100 through the cover 160 is discharged from the front outlet 201 or the side outlets 301, 302 ) Can only be made to flow.

The cover 160 includes an upper cover 162 covering the front of the upper cabinet 110, a lower cover 164 covering the front of the lower cabinet 120, and the remote fan assembly 400 It includes a far fan cover (166) covering the front of the.

When the first stage of the door assembly 200 is opened, only the lower cover 164 in which the water tank opening 167 is formed is exposed to the user, and when the second stage is opened, the open surface 169 is also exposed to the user.

The door assembly 200 slides in the left and right directions by the operation of the door slide module 1300. A state in which the entire water tank opening 167 is exposed by the sliding movement of the door assembly 200 is defined as one-stage open, and a state in which the open surface 169 is exposed is defined as two-stage open.

When the first stage is opened, the exposed front surface of the cabinet assembly 100 is defined as a first open surface OP1, and when the second stage is opened, the exposed front surface of the cabinet assembly is defined as a second open surface OP2.

<<Composition of short-range fan assembly>>

The short-range fan assembly 300 is a configuration for discharging air in a lateral direction with respect to the cabinet assembly 100. The short-range fan assembly 300 provides an indirect wind to the user.

The short-range fan assembly 300 is disposed in front of the heat exchange assembly 500.

The short-range fan assembly 300 is installed by stacking a plurality of fans 310 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, three fans 310 are provided and are stacked in the vertical direction.

In this embodiment, the fan 310 is a four-flow type centrifugal fan. The fan 310 sucks air in the axial direction and discharges the air in the circumferential direction.

<<Composition of remote fan assembly>>

The remote fan assembly 400 is a configuration for discharging air to the front of the cabinet assembly 100. The remote fan assembly 400 provides direct wind to the user.

The remote fan assembly 400 is disposed in front of the heat exchange assembly 500. The far fan assembly 400 is stacked on the upper side of the near fan assembly 300.

The remote fan assembly 400 discharges air through the front discharge port 201 formed in the door assembly 200. The remote fan assembly 400 provides a structure that can be rotated in an up, down, left, right, or diagonal direction. The remote fan assembly 400 may improve circulation of indoor air by discharging air away from the indoor space.

The distant fan assembly 400 further includes a tilting assembly that freely rotates the discharge grill 450 in all directions such as upper, lower, left, right and diagonal with respect to the fan housing assembly.

<<<Composition of door assembly>>>

The door assembly 200 includes a front panel 210 having a front discharge port 201 formed thereon, a door cover assembly 1200, a door slide module 1300, and a camera module 1900 for photographing an indoor image. Includes.

The front discharge port 201 is disposed on the front panel 210 and is opened in the front-rear direction.

The display module 1500 may be disposed on the rear surface of the front panel 210 and transmit visual information to a user through the front panel.

In contrast, the display module 1500 may be partially exposed through the front panel 210, and visual information may be provided to the user through the exposed display.

The door cover assembly 1200 is configured to open and close the front discharge port 201 disposed in the door assembly 200.

The door cover assembly 1200 opens the front discharge port 201 to expand the movement path of the remote fan assembly 400. The far fan assembly 400 may protrude to the outside of the door assembly 200 through the open front discharge port 201.

The door cover assembly 1200 is located on the moving path of the far fan assembly 400 and is moved out of the moving path of the far fan assembly 400 when the front discharge port 201 is opened.

In the first front opening, the far fan assembly 400 is covered by the door cover 1210 and is not exposed to the user. In the first front opening, air inside the cabinet may be discharged into the interior through a gap between the door cover 1210 and the front panel 210.

When the first front is open, the far fan assembly 400 is positioned behind the door cover 1210. When the first front is open, the door cover 1210 is located behind the front panel body 212.

When the second front opening is performed, the door cover 1210 is located under the front discharge port 201 and the remote fan assembly 400. When the second front is open, the door cover 1210 is located behind the front panel body 212.

In the second front opening, the far fan assembly 400 is exposed to the user through the front discharge port 201. In the second front open, the far fan assembly 400 is moved forward and may protrude out of the front discharge port 201, and the far fan assembly 400 protrudes out of the front panel 210 Air can be discharged toward the room.

The door slide module 1300 is for moving the door assembly 200 in the left and right directions of the cabinet assembly 100. The door slide module 1300 may reciprocate the door assembly 200 in the left and right directions.

* The door slide module 1300 is installed in either the door assembly 200 or the cabinet assembly 100 and implements slide movement through mutual interference with the other.

The door detection sensor 207 detects a slide movement distance of the door assembly 200. The position sensing factor 208 is disposed on the door assembly 200.

The position detection factor 208 corresponds to the door detection sensor 207. The position sensing factor 208 is disposed on the rear surface of the door assembly 200, and specifically, is installed on the rear surface of the loafer panel module 1120.

In this embodiment, a hall sensor and a permanent magnet are used to detect the left and right movement distance of the door assembly 200. So, the door detection sensor 207 is used as a hall sensor, and the position detection factor 208 is used as a permanent magnet.

Unlike the present embodiment, a photosensor is used as the door detection sensor, and a rib disposed on the door assembly may be used as a position detection factor. When the rib blocks the optical signal of the photosensor, the left and right movement distance of the door assembly may be determined.

<<Camera module composition>>

The camera module 1900 is disposed on the door assembly 200 (upper panel module 1110 in this embodiment) and is selectively operated. The camera module 1900 is exposed outside the door assembly 200 only when it is operated, and is hidden inside the door assembly 200 when it is not operated.

3 is a front view showing the interior of the lower cabinet shown in FIG. 2. 4 is a view showing the humidification assembly and the water tank shown in FIG. 3.

<<<Composition of humidification assembly>>>

The humidification assembly 2000 provides moisture on the discharge passages of the fan assemblies 300 and 400, and the provided moisture may be discharged indoors. The humidification assembly 2000 may be selectively operated by an operation signal from the control unit.

In this embodiment, moisture supplied from the humidification assembly 2000 may be directly supplied to the side discharge ports 301 and 302. Moisture supplied from the humidification assembly 2000 may be in an atomized state or in a steam state. In this embodiment, the humidification assembly 2000 converts water from the water tank 2100 into steam and supplies it to the discharge passage.

In the present embodiment, the humidification assembly 2000 is disposed below the inside of the cabinet assembly 100, and is specifically located inside the lower cabinet 120.

The humidification assembly 2000 is installed on the base 130 and is wrapped through the lower cabinet 120. A drain pan 140 is positioned above the humidification assembly 2000, and the steam generated by the humidification assembly 2000 flows directly to the side outlets 301 and 302 through a steam guide (not shown). That is, the space in which the humidification assembly 2000 is installed and the space inside the upper cabinet 110 are partitioned.

The humidification assembly (2000) is disposed in the cabinet assembly (100), a water tank (2100) in which water is stored, and the water (supplied) in the cabinet assembly (100) and stored in the water tank (2100) A steam generator 2300 that generates humidified air by converting water stored therein to steam, and is disposed in the cabinet assembly 100, coupled with the steam generator 2300, and the filter assembly 600 A humidifying fan 2500 that supplies the filtered air that has passed through to the steam generator 2300, and the humidified air that is disposed in the cabinet assembly 100 and generated by the steam generator 2300 is supplied to the cabinet assembly through an independent flow path. It includes a steam guide 2400 that guides to the side discharge ports 301 and 302 of (100).

In addition, the humidification assembly is disposed in the cabinet assembly 100, the water tank 2100 is detachably mounted, and a water supply assembly providing water from the water tank 2100 to the steam generator 2300 ( 2200) and the cabinet assembly 100 or the water supply assembly 2200, selectively tilting the water tank 2100 forward according to an electrical signal, and moving the water tank tilted forward to its original position. A tilting assembly to return, and a drain assembly connected to the water supply assembly 2200 and the steam generator 2300 and draining water from the water supply assembly 2200 and the steam generator 2300 to the outside.

<<Composition of water tank>>

The water tank 2100 is exposed to the outside when the first stage of the door assembly 200 is opened, and is not exposed to the outside when the door assembly 200 is not opened.

The door assembly 200 slides in the left and right directions by the operation of the door slide module 1300. A state in which the entire water tank opening 167 is exposed by the sliding movement of the door assembly 200 is defined as one-stage open, and a state in which the open surface 169 is exposed is defined as two-stage open.

In the present embodiment, at least a part of the front surface of the water tank 2100 is formed of a material that can see the water inside. The water tank 2100 is positioned on the first open surface OP1, and more specifically, is positioned at the water tank opening 167. The water tank 2100 is inserted into the lower cabinet 120 through the water tank opening 167.

The water tank 2100 has a tank lower body 2110 mounted on the water supply assembly 2200, upper and lower sides are opened, and coupled to an upper side of the tank lower body 2110, and the kangaroo body ( The lower side is closed by 2110, the tank middle body 2120 in which water is stored, and the upper and lower sides are opened to form a water tank opening 2101, and on the upper side of the tank middle body 2120 The combined tank upper body 2130, the water tank handle 2140 rotatably assembled to the tank upper body 2130, and the water stored in the tank lower body 2110 are supplied to the water It includes a water tank valve 2150 selectively supplied to the assembly 2200.

The tank lower body 2110 provides the bottom of the water tank 2100. The tank lower body 2110 has a valve hole 2111 penetrating in the vertical direction, and the water tank valve 2150 is assembled in the valve hole 2111. The valve hole 2111 is located at the rear side when viewed from the side of the water tank 2100.

The distance from the center of the valve hole 2111 to the front of the water tank (the tank front wall described later in this embodiment) is the rear surface of the water tank from the center of the valve hole 2111 (a first to be described later in this embodiment). The distance to the rear wall) is formed longer. By placing the valve hole 2111 on the rear side of the water tank 2100, when the tilting assembly is operated, leakage of the water tank valve 2150 can be minimized.

When the tilting assembly is operated, the water tank valve 2150 is quickly closed only when the water tank 2100 is quickly separated from the water supply assembly 2200. Since the water tank 2100 is tilted forward with respect to the lower end, the water tank valve 2150 is preferably located at the rear side.

The tank upper body 2130 is coupled to an upper end of the tank middle body 2120. The tank upper body 2130 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from a top view.

The tank upper body 2130 is opened in a vertical direction. The tank upper body 2130 forms an upper body opening 2131 communicating with the middle body upper opening 2121. The middle body opening 2121 is disposed under the upper body opening 2131.

The water tank handle 2140 is rotatably assembled to the tank upper body 2130.

The water tank handle 2140 is disposed inside the tank upper body 2130 and is hidden from the user when received in the lower cabinet 120.

The water tank valve 2150 functionally functions as a check valve, and is structurally optimized for the structure of this embodiment.

When the water tank valve 2150 installed in the water tank 2100 is mounted on the water supply assembly 2200, the lower end of the valve core 2152 comes into contact with the valve supporter 2250, which will be described later.

When the valve core 2152 is in contact with and supported by the valve supporter 2250, a water tank valve 2150 including the diaphragm 2154 is positioned at the valve supporter 2250, and the water tank valve 2150 Except for the remaining configuration of the water tank 2100 is moved to the lower side.

So, when the water tank valve 2150 is supported by the valve supporter 2250, the diaphragm 2154 opens the valve hole 2111. On the other hand, when the water tank 2100 is separated from the water supply assembly 2200, the diaphragm 2154 closes the valve hole 2111 by the pressure of water.

<<Composition of water supply assembly>>

The water supply assembly 2200 supplies water from the water tank 2100 to the steam generator 2300. The water supply assembly 2200 supplies water to the steam generator 2300 by opening the water tank valve 2150 of the water tank 2100 only when the water tank 2100 is mounted.

The water supply assembly 2200 supports the water tank 2100 and provides a flow path flowing from the water tank 2100 to the steam generator 2300. In addition, the water supply assembly 2200 may open and close the water tank valve 2150 according to the level of water stored in the steam generator 2300. In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the water tank valve 2150 is implemented through a mechanical arrangement instead of being operated by an electrical signal. When the opening and closing of the water tank valve 2150 is implemented in an electric manner, electrical wiring accordingly may be exposed to moisture or water, resulting in malfunction and safety problems.

In the present embodiment, since the opening and closing of the water tank valve 2150 is implemented through a mechanical coupling relationship, it is possible to minimize the use of electricity in a portion in contact with water, thereby preventing malfunction and safety accidents.

In addition, the water supply assembly 2200 has a function of providing a tilting angle of the water tank 2100 when the water tank 2100 is tilted by the tilting assembly. In addition, the water supply assembly 2200 suppresses excessive tilting of the water tank 2100.

The water supply assembly 2200 is disposed in the cabinet assembly 100 (base in this embodiment), temporarily stores water supplied from the water tank 2100 in a supply chamber 2211, and stores the supply chamber 2211 ), the supply chamber housing 2210 that supplies the water stored in the steam generator 2300 and the supply chamber 2211 of the supply chamber housing 2210, and at the level of the water stored in the supply chamber 2211 The supply plotter 2220 moves up and down according to the supply plotter 2220, is disposed above the supply chamber housing 2210, covers the upper side of the supply chamber 2211, and supplies the water supplied from the water tank 2100 to the supply. A supply support body 2230 that provides a tilting angle by supporting the water tank 2100 when the water tank 2100 is tilted is formed, and a part of the supply flow path 2231 that guides the chamber 2211 is formed, and the It is disposed on the supply support body 2230, and when the water tank 2100 is mounted, it comes into contact with the water tank valve 2150 of the water tank 2100 to open the water tank valve 2150, and the water tank valve A valve supporter 2250 providing a part of the supply passage 2231 for guiding the water discharged from the 2150 to the supply chamber 2111, and the water tank 2100 are detachably mounted,

It is disposed between the water tank 2100 and the supply support body 2230, can rotate relative to the supply support body 2230 when the water tank is tilted, and the water supply valve of the water tank is disposed so as to pass through. A supply tilting cover 2260 that provides water from a water tank to the supply chamber 2111, and the supply tilting cover 2260 and the supply support body 2230 are disposed between the supply tilting cover 2260 and the supply. The supply is connected to the support body 2230, the valve supporter 2250 is disposed therein, and the water supplied from the supply tilting cover 2260 is supplied through the supply flow path 2231 of the supply support body 2230. It includes a water bellows 2240 that guides to the chamber 2211.

The water tank valve 2150 is disposed under the water tank 2100, a valve supporter 2250 and a supply support body 2230 are disposed under the water tank valve 2150, and the valve supporter ( The supply plotter 2220 is disposed below 2250, and the supply plotter 2220 is moved vertically within the height of the supply chamber 2211.

The water from the water tank 2100 flows into the supply chamber 2211 through the water tank valve 2150, the water bellows 2240, and the supply passage 2231. The supply chamber 2211 temporarily stores supplied water, and the water flows to the steam generator 2300 by potential energy due to its own weight.

<Composition of supply chamber housing>

The supply chamber housing 2210 is installed on the upper side of the base 130 of the cabinet assembly 100. The supply chamber housing 2210 temporarily stores water supplied from the water tank and provides the stored water to the steam generator 2300. The supply chamber housing 2210 provides an installation space for the supply plotter 2220, and the supply plotter 2220 may be moved vertically within the supply chamber housing 2210.

In order to tilt the water tank 2100, the tilting assembly utilizes the installation structure of the supply chamber housing 2210. The supply chamber housing 2210 is a component to which a tilting assembly, which will be described later, is assembled, and its structure will be described in more detail when describing the tilting assembly.

When the humidification assembly 2000 is not in use (for example, in the summer when the humidity is high or the storage period is long in the water tank), all water in the humidification assembly 2000 including the water tank 2100 is stored inside. It does not remain, and is drained to the outside.

To this end, the present embodiment provides a structure in which water supplied from the water tank 2100 does not remain in the process of flowing, and can be moved by its own weight.

The valve supporter 2250 is disposed under the water tank valve 2150. The valve supporter 2250 interferes with the water tank valve 2150 when the water tank 2100 is mounted on the water supply assembly 2200, and opens the water tank valve 2150.

The valve supporter 2250 has a sharp upper side and supports the valve core 2152 of the water tank valve 2150.

When the water tank 2100 is mounted on the water supply assembly 2200, the valve supporter 2250 interferes with the valve core 2152 to push the water tank valve 2150 upward, and the same process is performed. Through the valve hole 2111 is opened.

When the valve hole 2111 is opened, water in the water tank 2100 flows to the supply support body 2230.

In this embodiment, since the water tank 2100 is tilted forward, the second supporter unit 2236b provides a tilting slope 2237 having a high rear and a low front. The tilting inclined surface 2237 is formed on the upper side of the second supporter part 2236b. The tilting inclined surface 2237 is formed to be inclined from the rear toward the front and lower sides.

The tilting inclined surface 2237 forms a predetermined tilting angle with the bottom surface of the water tank 2100. The tilting inclined surface 2237 may be formed in a range of 10 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less. When the water tank 2100 is supported on the tilting inclined surface 2237, the water tank 2100 should not be overturned. In addition, when the water tank 2100 is supported on the tilting inclined surface 2237, the water tank handle 2140 is exposed to the user and must be rotated upward to be deployed.

The water bellows 2240 is formed of an elastic material. The water bellows 2240 is fixed to the supply tilting cover 2260 and the supply support body 2230, and provides water discharged from the water tank to the supply support body 2230.

The water bellows 2240 prevents water discharged from the water tank 2100 from leaking. When the water tank 2100 is tilted, the water bellows 2240 is elastically deformed to increase. The water bellows 2240 connects the supply tilting cover 2260 and the supply support body 2230 even when the water tank is tilted.

In this embodiment, the water bellows 2240 is formed in the shape of a corrugated pipe.

The supply plotter 2220 is disposed in the supply chamber 2211, and moves in the vertical direction according to the water level of the supply chamber 2211.

When the water level of the supply chamber 2211 rises above the reference value, the supply plotter 2220 closes the valve hole 2258. When the valve hole 2258 is closed, water is not supplied to the supply chamber 2211, and water in the supply chamber 2211 is moved to the steam generator 2300 through the chamber housing pipe 2214.

As water moves from the supply chamber 2211 to the steam generator 2300, the water level in the supply chamber 2211 decreases, and the height of the supply plotter 2220 decreases, so that the valve hole 2258 may be opened. have.

In this embodiment, water flowing from the water tank 2100 to the supply chamber 2111 undergoes two intermittent processes.

First, the water tank valve 2150 opens and closes the valve hole 2111 to regulate the flow of water. Next, the floater valve 2270 opens and closes the middle hole 2258 to regulate the flow of water.

Since the water discharged from the water tank 2100 flows to the supply chamber 2111 through two opening and closing processes, oversupply of water can be prevented. Specifically, since the supply plotter 2220 additionally controls the supply of water, oversupply of water to the steam generator 2300 can be prevented.

In addition, a water level sensor for sensing the level of water may be disposed inside the supply chamber 2211.

<<Composition of the steam generator>>

The steam generator 2300 receives water from the water supply assembly 2200 to generate steam. Since the steam generator 2300 generates steam by heating water, sterilized steam may be provided.

The steam generator 2300 is disposed in the steam housing 2310, the steam housing 2310, a steam heater 2320 generating heat by an applied power source, and the steam housing 2310. , A water supply part 2314 connected to the chamber housing pipe 2214 of the water supply assembly 2200 to receive water, and disposed in the steam housing 2310, connected to the steam guide 2400, and internally A steam discharge unit 2316 for supplying the steam generated in the steam guide 2400 and disposed in the steam housing 2310, connected to the humidification fan 2500, and the humidification fan 2500 It includes an air intake part 2318 for receiving filtered air inside the cabinet assembly 100.

The steam housing 2310 has a structure sealed to the outside. Only the water supply part 2314 and the steam discharge part 2316 communicate with the inside of the steam housing 2310. The steam housing 2310 is installed on the base 130.

In this embodiment, the water supply unit 2314 is disposed in the lower steam housings 2310 and 2312, and the steam discharge unit 2316 is disposed in the upper team housings 2310 and 2311.

The water supply part 2314 protrudes from the upper housing 2310 and 2311 toward the water supply assembly 2300. The water supply part 2314 is connected to the chamber housing pipe 2214 and is disposed in the transverse direction. In this embodiment, the water supply part 2314 has a shape of a pipe with an empty inside.

The water inside the supply chamber 2211 flows into the water supply part 2314 by its own weight. To this end, the water supply part 2314 is disposed lower than the chamber housing pipe 2214. In particular, the water supply part 2314 is disposed equal to or lower than the outer end 2214b of the chamber housing pipe 2214.

In particular, the water supply part 2314 is connected to the lowermost side of the lower steam housings 2310 and 2312. In this embodiment, a separate valve is not disposed in the water supply unit 2314.

Since the water supply part 2314 and the chamber housing pipe 2214 are connected to each other, the water level of the supply chamber 2211 and the water level of the steam housing 2310 may be formed equally.

Specifically, when sufficient water is supplied to the inside of the steam housing 2310, the water level of the supply chamber 2211 and the water level of the steam housing 2310 are formed equal, and the supply of the water supply assembly 2200 The plotter 2220 rises as the water level rises, and the supply plotter 2220 may close the middle hole 2258 through which water is supplied.

In this embodiment, the chamber housing pipe 2214 is disposed within the height of the steam heater 2320. The chamber housing pipe 2214 is disposed lower than the maximum water level of the steam generator 2300.

The middle hole 2258 is disposed higher than the maximum water level of the steam generator 2300. In this embodiment, the middle hole 2258 forms an upper end of the steam heater 2320 and a separation distance H.

The steam discharge part 2316 communicates with the inside of the upper team housings 2310 and 2311. The steam discharge part 2316 passes through the upper team housings 2310 and 2311 in the vertical direction. The steam discharge part 2316 protrudes upward from the upper side of the upper housing 2310 and 2311 for connection with the steam guide 2400.

The air intake part 2318 is disposed in the steam housing 2310, and in more detail, it is disposed in the upper team housings 2310 and 2311. The air intake unit 2318 communicates with the inside of the upper team housings 2310 and 2311, and air supplied from the humidification fan 2500 is introduced.

The air intake part 2318 protrudes upward from the upper side of the upper housing 2310 and 2311 for connection with the humidification fan 2500.

In this embodiment, the air intake part 2318 is disposed behind the steam discharge part 2316. The air intake part 2318 is disposed closer to the humidification fan 2500 than the steam discharge part 2316.

The air intake part 2318 is connected to the humidifying fan 2500 and receives filtered air from the humidifying fan 2500. The air intake part 2318 passes through the filter assembly 600 and receives the filtered air. The filtered air supplied to the air intake unit 2318 is introduced into the steam housing 2310 and is discharged to the steam discharge unit 2316 together with the steam inside the steam housing 2310.

When general air, not filtered air, flows into the steam housing 2310, there is a very high possibility that mold or the like will propagate inside the steam housing 2310.

In this embodiment, since the air supplied to the inside of the steam housing 2310 is limited to filtered air, when the steam generator 2300 is not operated, contamination of the inside of the steam generator 2300 with bacteria or mold can be minimized.

In the steam generator 2300 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the air flow of the humidifying fan 2500 is supplied to the inside to push the steam out of the steam housing 2310, thereby maximizing the flow pressure of the steam.

Unlike the present embodiment, if the humidifying fan is configured to suck steam outside the steam housing 2310, the steam inside the steam housing 2310 may not be discharged smoothly.

If the steam generated by the steam generator 2300 does not flow quickly to the side discharge ports 301 and 302, condensation may occur during the movement of the steam.

In this embodiment, since the humidifying fan 2500 supplies air from the air intake side of the steam generator 2300, condensation generated during the flow of steam can be minimized. In addition, in this embodiment, since the air of the humidifying fan 2500 pushes the steam inside the steam housing 2310 out of the steam housing 2310, a sufficient flow rate of air can be ensured.

In particular, in the present embodiment, even if condensation occurs during the flow of steam, condensed water can be spontaneously evaporated by the flow rate of air because the flow rate of air for flowing the steam is sufficiently secured.

The steam guide 2400 supplies steam from the steam generator 2300 to a discharge passage. The discharge passage includes an air passage flowing by the remote fan assembly 400 and an air passage flowing by the near fan assembly 300.

In the present embodiment, the discharge passage is disposed in the cabinet assembly 100 and is defined as before air that has passed through the filter assembly 600 is discharged out of the cabinet assembly 100.

In this embodiment, the steam guide 2400 guides the steam generated by the steam generator 2300 to the side discharge ports 301 and 302. The steam guide 2400 provides a separate flow path separated from the air inside the cabinet assembly 100. The steam guide 2400 may be in the form of a pipe or a duct.

In this embodiment, the diffuser is disposed at the side discharge port, but may be installed at the front discharge port. That is, the installation position of the diffuser is not limited to the side discharge port.

The side discharge ports 301 and 302 discharge air toward the front right and the front left, and the humidified air is discharged to the front of the side discharge ports 301 and 302. When the humidified air is discharged to the front of the side discharge ports 301 and 302, the humidified air can flow farther.

The humidification assembly 2000 according to the present embodiment does not depend only on the output of the humidification fan 2500 on the reach of moisture when providing humidification. When relying only on the output of the humidifying fan 2500 in order to flow moisture further, the capacity of the humidifying fan 2500 must be increased or the humidifying fan 2500 must be operated at high speed.

In this embodiment, when the humidifying assembly 2000 is operated, moisture may be loaded into the airflow of the near-field fan assembly 300 to allow it to flow further. In this case, even if a humidifying fan 2500 having a small output capacity is used, humidification can be provided to a distant place in the room.

If the diffuser outlet 2431 is disposed in front of the side discharge ports 301 and 302 than in the rear, the humidified air may flow farther.

<<Composition of humidifying fan>>

The humidification fan 2500 sucks the filtered air that has passed through the filter assembly 600 and supplies it to the steam generator 2300, and the filtered air together with the steam generated by the steam generator 2300 is supplied to the steam guide 2400. Flow.

The humidifying fan 2500 generates an air flow that discharges steam and filtered air (referred to as humidified air in this embodiment) from the diffusers 2430 and 2440.

The humidification fan 2500, a humidification fan housing 2530 for inhaling filtered air that has passed through the filter assembly 600 and guiding the suctioned filtered air to the steam generator 2300, and the humidification fan housing at the lower side. A clean suction duct 2540 connected to 2530 and disposed in front of the filter assembly 600 to provide filtered air that has passed through the filter assembly 600 to the humidification fan housing 2530, and the A humidifying impeller 2510 disposed inside the humidifying fan housing 2530 and flowing the filtered air of the humidifying fan housing 2530 to the steam generator 2300, and disposed in the humidifying fan housing 2530, the It includes a humidification motor 2520 for rotating the humidification impeller 2510.

The clean suction duct 2540 provides filtered air that has passed through the filter assembly 600 to the humidification fan housing 2530.

Since the filter assembly 600 is disposed in the upper cabinet 110 and the humidifying fan 2500 is disposed in the lower cabinet 120, there is a difference in height. That is, the filter assembly 600 is located above the humidification fan 2500.

In particular, the filtered air that has passed through the filter assembly 600 flows to the near-field fan assembly 300, and the filtered air does not flow through the lower cabinet 120 or is difficult to flow. Specifically, since there is no portion of the lower cabinet 120 from which air is discharged, filtered air does not flow or circulate into the lower cabinet 120 unless air is artificially supplied.

In addition, since the drain pan 140 that supports the heat exchange assembly and collects condensate is disposed under the upper cabinet 110, there is no restriction on the flow of the filtered air inside the upper cabinet 110 to the lower cabinet 120. many.

The upper end of the clean suction duct 2540 is located inside the upper cabinet 110, and the lower end is located inside the lower cabinet 120. That is, the clean suction duct 2540 provides a flow path for flowing the filtered air inside the upper cabinet 110 into the lower cabinet 120.

The humidifying fan housing 2530 is coupled to a clean suction duct 2540, filtered air is sucked, and a first humidifying fan housing 2550 having a first suction space 2551 formed therein, and the first humidifying fan It is coupled to the housing 2550 to receive filtered air from the first humidifying fan housing 2550, a second suction space 2451 is formed therein, and the humidifying impeller 2510 is disposed therein, and the A second humidification fan housing (2560) that guides filtered air to the steam generator (2300) by the operation of the humidification impeller (2510), and is formed in the first humidification fan housing (2550), the first suction space ( 2551), formed in the first suction opening surface 2552, which is open toward one side (upper side in this embodiment), and the second humidifying fan housing 2560, and the second suction space 2551 and The second suction opening surface 2562 communicated and opened toward the other side (lower side in this embodiment), the first humidifying fan housing 2550 and the second humidifying fan housing 2560, and penetrated, and the first A first suction space discharge unit 2553 communicating the suction space 2551 and the second suction space 2551, and a motor disposed in the second humidifying fan housing 2560 and in which the humidifying motor 2520 is installed It includes an installation part 2565.

The first humidification fan housing 2550 has a first suction opening 2552 toward the upper side. The clean suction duct 2540 is connected to the suction opening 2552. On the other hand, the second humidifying fan housing 2560 has a second suction opening 2562 toward the lower side.

In this embodiment, the opening direction of the first suction opening surface 2552 and the opening direction of the second suction opening surface 2252 are opposite.

The lower side 2554 of the first humidifying fan housing 2550 is formed in a round shape, and is positioned below the first suction space discharge part 2553. The upper side surface 2564 of the second humidifying fan housing 2560 is formed in a round shape, and is positioned above the first suction space discharge part 2553.

The motor shaft (not shown) of the humidification motor 2520 passes through the second humidification fan housing 2560 and is assembled to the humidification impeller 2510.

The motor installation part 2565 protrudes from the second humidification fan housing 2560 to the rear, and the humidification motor 2520 is inserted into the motor installation part 2565 to be installed.

The first humidification fan housing 2550 in which the first suction space 2551 is formed and the second humidification fan housing 2560 in which the second suction space 2601 is formed may be fabricated and then assembled.

In this embodiment, in order to simplify the assembly structure and reduce the manufacturing cost, the humidification fan housing 2530 is manufactured by assembling 3 parts.

The humidification fan housing 2530 is formed to surround the front of the first suction space 2551 and constitutes a part of the first humidification fan housing 2550; and It is formed to surround the rear of the first suction space 2551, is formed to surround the front of the second suction space 2251, the first suction space discharge part 2553 is formed, and the first humidification fan housing ( 2550 and a second humidifying fan housing part 2532 constituting a part of the second humidifying fan housing 2560 and formed to surround the rear of the second suction space 2551, and the motor installation part ( 2565 is disposed, and includes a third housing part 2533 constituting the remainder of the second humidifying fan housing 2560.

Since the second humidifying fan housing unit 2532 is commonly used in the first humidifying fan housing 2550 and the second humidifying fan housing 2560, manufacturing cost can be reduced by simplifying the number of parts.

A first suction space discharge part 2553 is formed in the second humidification fan housing part 2532. The first suction space discharge part 2553 is formed to pass through the second humidification fan housing part 2532 in the front-rear direction.

The first suction space discharge part 2553 protrudes toward the humidification impeller 2510 and is formed in a circular shape.

The second humidification fan housing part 2532 forms the first suction space discharge part 2553, and an orifice part 2534 protruding toward the humidification impeller 2510 is formed.

In the second humidifying fan housing unit 2532, a first suction space 2551 is disposed in the front, and a second suction space 2601 is disposed in the rear.

The humidification impeller 2510 is a centrifugal fan that sucks air in the center and discharges air in the circumferential direction. The air discharged from the humidification impeller 2510 flows to the steam generator 2300 through the second humidification fan housing 2560.

The flow of filtered air according to the driving of the humidification motor 2520 is as follows.

When the humidification motor 2520 is driven, the humidification impeller 2510 coupled with the humidification motor 2520 is rotated. When the humidification impeller 2510 is rotated, air flow is generated in the humidification fan housing 2530, and filtered air is sucked through the clean suction duct 2540.

The filtered air sucked through the clean suction duct 2540 passes through the first suction space 2551 and the first suction space discharge part 925353 of the first humidification fan housing 2550 to the second humidification fan housing 2560. Flow. The air flowing to the second humidifying fan housing 2560 is pressurized by a humidifying impeller 2510, and after flowing downward along the second humidifying fan housing 2560, the second suction opening 2562 is closed. It flows into the steam generator 2300 through.

The filtered air flowing into the steam housing 2310 through the air intake part 2318 of the steam generator 2300 is discharged to the steam discharge part 2316 together with the steam generated by the steam generator 2300.

The humidified air discharged from the steam discharge unit 2316 is branched from the main steam guide 2450 to the first branch guide 2410 and the second branch guide 2420.

The humidified air flowing through the first branch guide 2410 is discharged to the first side discharge port 301 through the first diffuser 2440, and the humidified air flowing through the second branch guide 2420 is a second diffuser. It is discharged to the second side discharge port 302 through the 2450.

The humidified air discharged from the first side discharge port 301 is diffused to the left side of the cabinet assembly 100 together with the wind generated through the short-range fan assembly 300, and humidified discharged from the second side discharge port 302 Air is diffused to the right side of the cabinet assembly 100 together with the wind generated through the short-range fan assembly 300.

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

As shown in FIG. 5, the air conditioner includes a sensor unit 3215, a power supply unit 3223, a driving unit 3280, an operation unit 3230, a display module 3293, a memory 3256, a communication unit 3270, and an audio output. It includes a unit 3290, an audio input unit 3220, a vision module 3210, 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 connected commercial power, thereby generating and supplying 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 fan assembly 400 at a distance. In addition, the driving unit 3280 provides power to a moving means (not shown) so that the fan assembly 400 at a distance 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 11 slides to the left or right to move. The driving unit 3280 may be divided into a remote fan assembly driving unit, a moving means driving unit, a valve driving unit, and a front panel driving unit.

The operation unit 3230 includes at least one of a button, a switch, and a touch input means, and inputs a user command or predetermined data to the indoor unit.

The display module 3288 is composed of display means such as LCD, LED, and OLED, and may include a touch screen in which a touch pad is layered. The display module 3293 displays operation setting or operation information of the indoor unit as a combination of at least one of a character, an image, a special character, a symbol, an emoticon, and an icon. In addition, the display module 3293 may further include a lighting unit that outputs an operation state according to whether it is lit, a lighting color, or whether it is blinking.

The audio output unit 3291 outputs a voice guide, a predetermined warning sound, and a sound effect. The audio output unit 3291 includes a buzzer or a speaker. The audio input unit 3220 receives and recognizes a user's voice, and inputs a command 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 sensed 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 3256 stores data that can be read by a micro processor, and is a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state disk (SSD), a silicon disk drive (SDD), ROM, RAM, and CD-ROM. , Magnetic tape, floppy disk, 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). In addition, 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, and a humidity sensor, and includes a water tank sensing unit.

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 3293. 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 at the inlet 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 vision module 3210 photographs an indoor environment including at least one image acquisition unit and detects a user's location. In addition, the vision module can detect indoor intrusion according to the operation mode. The vision module 3210 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 and cleans foreign substances in the filter unit. The cleaning module includes a cleaning robot (not shown). The cleaning robot moves along the surface of the filter unit and inhales foreign substances from 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.

As for the humidification module 2000, a vibration type using vibration, a heating type, or a spraying method of spraying water may be used, 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. .

In response to the set operation mode or data measured from the sensor unit 3215, the control unit 3240 operates the humidification module 2000 to discharge the humidified air, and detects the occupant through the vision module 3210, In addition, the cleaning module 4400 is controlled so that the filter is cleaned.

The control unit 3240 monitors the operation state of each module and causes the operation state to be output through the display module 3293 according to the applied data.

6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a processor for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 3240 may be configured with one or a plurality of microprocessors.

The control unit 3240 includes a main control unit 3241, a vision module control unit 3242, a power supply control unit 3244, a lighting control unit 3244, a display module control unit 3245, a humidification module control unit 3246, and a cleaning module according to functions. It includes a control unit 3247.

Each control unit may be composed of one microprocessor, and may be installed in each module. For example, the vision module 3210, the cleaning module 3400, and the humidification module may be controlled through one microprocessor. In addition, a microprocessor is installed in each module, a vision module control unit 3242 is provided in the vision module 3210, and a humidification module control unit is provided in the humidification module to control its operation.

The main control unit applies a control command to each control unit and receives and processes data from each control unit. The main control unit and each control unit are connected in the form of a bus to transmit and receive data.

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

As shown in FIG. 7, the humidifying module 2000 includes a humidifying assembly 2000.

The humidification module 2000 controls the overall operation of the steam generator 2300, the water level sensor 3330, the water tank detection unit 3340, the drain pump 3350, the temperature sensor, the humidification fan 2500, and the humidification module. It includes a humidification module control unit 3310 (3246).

The steam generator 2300 includes a steam generator 2300 that generates humidified air by converting water supplied from the water tank 2100 into fine particles.

The steam generator 2300 includes a temperature sensor for preventing overheating, and a second water level sensor 332 is installed.

The steam generator 2300 is a heating type that generates steam by heating water, an ultrasonic type that generates humidified air by making water into fine particles through vibration using an ultrasonic vibrator, a combination type that combines a heating type and an ultrasonic type, and humidifies by spraying water. Either of a centrifugal spray type that provides filtered air or a filter vaporization type that evaporates water using a wet filter can be applied.

The steam housing 2310 receives water automatically supplied from the water tank 2100.

The water level sensor 3330 is installed in the water tank 2100 and the steam housing 2310, respectively, and senses the height of the injected water. A first water level sensor 331 may be installed in the water tank 2100 and a second water level sensor 332 may be installed in the steam housing 2310.

The water level sensor 3330 detects the water level according to the amount of water in the water tank 2100 and outputs a full water signal when the water in the water tank exceeds a certain amount, and outputs an air level signal when there is no water in the water tank. have.

The water level sensor 3330 may measure a water level value by at least one electrode disposed vertically. When there is water in the water tank, the water level sensor can measure the water level as the resistance value is changed by the water.

In addition, the water level sensor 3330 may sense the water level through an electrode to which a signal is input according to the water level using a plurality of electrodes having different lengths, and based on the vertical axis of any one side of the water tank or steam housing 2310 The water level can be sensed through a signal detected by arranging a plurality of sensors in a row, and the water level can be sensed using signals such as ultrasonic waves, and a hose installed in the water tank 2100 or the steam housing 2310 The water level can be sensed by inserting a magnet into and changing the position of the magnet according to the water level.

The water level sensor 3330 detects the water level by mixing at least one method or a plurality of methods.

The water tank detection unit 3340 detects the mounting state of the water tank 2100.

The water tank detecting unit 3340 detects that the water tank 2100 protrudes to the front and the inlet is open or the water tank is separated from the main body. In response to a signal detected by the water tank detection unit 3340, the humidification module control unit 3310 sends a signal to the control unit 3240 to output an error indicating that the water tank is not normally mounted through the display module 3293. Can be approved.

In response to a detection signal from the water tank detection unit 3340, a water tank icon or a water tank image may be displayed on the display module 3290, and a lamp for a water tank error may be turned on, or a guide for inducing the installation of a water tank. A message can be printed.

The drain pump 3350 is installed in a drain hose connected to the steam housing 2310 of the steam generator 2300 to discharge water from the steam housing 2310, which is a water tank for steam, to the outside. The drainage pump 3350 starts operation according to a control command of the humidification module control unit 3310, and stops the operation when the drainage is completed.

When the drain pump 3350 operates, water is drained. In addition, when the drain pump 3350 is operated, water from the steam housing 2310 is drained, and water supplied from the water tank to the steam housing 2310 through the water supply assembly 2200 is mixed and flows into the drain pump. It is drained through a drain hose by a drain pump.

As the water in the steam housing 2310 is mixed with the water in the water tank, the temperature may decrease.

The water supply assembly 2200 is configured such that a flow path for supplying water to the steam housing 2310 and a flow path for draining from the steam housing to the drain pump are interconnected. It is arranged so that the water is mixed.

When the humidification control unit is drained, when the water temperature of the steam housing 2310 sensed through the temperature sensor is higher than the set temperature, it may control the drainage pump so that the water is drained after cooling the water. If the water temperature of the steam housing 2310 is higher than or equal to the set temperature, the humidification control unit allows the drain hose or the drain pump to be damaged, so that when the water temperature decreases below the set temperature, drainage starts.

Even if the water temperature of the steam housing 2310 is less than the set temperature, as the water supply assembly 2200 is installed so that it is mixed with the water in the bucket and introduced into the drain pump, water with a temperature lower than the water temperature of the steam housing 2310 is It can be introduced into the drain pump.

The humidification module control unit 3310 controls the generation of humidified air according to a control command of the control unit 3240. When the humidification operation is set, the control unit 3240 applies a control command according to the humidification operation to the humidification module control unit 3310, and the humidification module control unit 3310 operates the steam generator 2300 in response to the water level, temperature, and set mode. Operate to allow the humidified air to be discharged.

The humidification module control unit 3310 checks the state of the sensor during the humidification operation, and performs the humidification operation after the water cutting operation is preceded. In addition, the humidification module control unit 3310 may perform steam sterilization after the humidification operation, and controls the overall humidification operation by allowing water to be cooled after the humidification operation or steam sterilization.

The humidification module control unit 3310 detects whether a water tank is mounted through the water tank detection unit 3340.

The humidification module control unit 3310 determines the amount of water in the water tank through the water level sensor 3330. The humidification module control unit 3310 outputs a notification notifying that there is no water so that water is supplied when there is no water in the water tank or when the water is below a certain level.

In addition, when a water level display unit (not shown) is provided on the inner panel 141 or a part of the water tank 2100, the humidification module control unit 3310 controls the water level sensed by the water level sensor to be displayed on the water level display unit.

When the water tank is opened or separated from the main body and installed after being removed, the humidification module control unit 3310 determines that new water has been supplied to the water tank and sets the usage time for water. The time remaining in this water tank is counted.

In addition, when the water tank is mounted, the humidification module control unit 3310 may determine whether new water has been introduced by comparing the water level before and after the installation of the water tank.

The humidification module control unit 3310 controls the drain pump 3350 to drain the water when the water in the water tank remains for a predetermined time or longer. The humidification module control unit 3310 allows water to be drained when the water in the water tank remains until a set usage time. In addition, the humidification module control unit 3310 may extend the use time when the use time reaches during the humidification operation.

The humidification module control unit 3310 causes a notification according to water drainage to be output through the display module, and when the drainage is completed, a notification notifying that there is no water is outputted. In addition, the humidification module control unit 3310 initializes the use time when drainage is completed.

When water is normally supplied to the water tank, the humidification module control unit 3310 controls the first valve to supply water to the steam housing 2310, and controls the steam generator 2300 to generate humidified air.

The humidification module control unit 3310 checks whether water is supplied from the water tank to the steam housing 2310, and when the steam generator is operated, checks whether the steam heater 2320 operates normally through a change in water temperature, and corrects errors accordingly. Can be printed.

The steam heater 2320 includes a plurality of heaters with different capacities, that is, the amount of heat generated per hour. The steam heater 2320 may include a first heater having a first capacity and a second heater having a second capacity. The first heater may be set to have a larger capacity than the second heater.

In addition, when humidified air is generated, the humidification module control unit 3310 allows the humidified air to be discharged to the discharge port through the steam guide 2400 connected to the steam discharge unit 2316 of the steam housing 2310. The steam guide 2400 is connected to a discharge port or an auxiliary vane, and is configured to discharge the humidified air together with the heat-exchanged air to the interior. In addition, the steam guide 2400 may be connected to a flow path through which heat-exchanged air flows, and is discharged together with the air-conditioned air through a discharge port.

The humidification module control unit 3310 controls the steam generator to stop operating according to the water level of the water tank and the water level of the steam housing, and outputs a notification about no water.

The humidification module control unit 3310 generates a predetermined signal to output a notification about the installation of the water tank, drainage, and no water, and transmits it to the display module, and accordingly notifies in at least one of an icon, an image, a notification message, and a lamp Can be output.

In addition, the humidification module control unit 3310 generates and applies a predetermined signal to the control unit to output a notification about installation of a water tank, drainage, and no water, and the control unit controls the display module 3293 to output a notification corresponding to the signal. You can do it.

8 is a diagram illustrating a flow of an operation for providing humidified air of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, the humidification module 2000 sets the humidification operation. By sensing the water level in the water tank, the amount of water required for the humidification operation is checked (S310). The humidification module can detect the water level in the water tank and check whether the water tank is installed.

In addition, the humidification module 2000 detects water supplied to the steam housing, that is, the steam level (S320). Check whether water is supplied to the steam housing, and check whether the water level is at which the heater can operate.

The humidification module 2000 may perform a preparatory operation before starting the humidification operation in the water boiling operation (S330) when the heater is at a level at which the operation is possible.

When the water temperature reaches a set temperature, for example, 100 degrees, the humidification module 2000 starts a humidification operation.

When the humidification operation is finished, the humidification module 2000 performs a steam sterilization operation to sterilize the flow path through which the steam flows by generating steam according to whether or not the sterilization mode is set (S350).

When the sterilization mode is not set or when the steam sterilization operation is completed, the humidification module 2000 lowers the temperature of the water in the steam housing through the water cooling operation (S360).

The humidification module 2000 generates humidified air by driving the steam generator 2300 from water boiling operation to water cooling, and controls the rotation speed of the humidification fan 2500. In addition, the humidification module 2000 may discharge the humidified air into the room by changing the capacity of the heater or the number of operating heaters according to the operation.

In addition, the humidification module 2000 may count the time for water contained in the water tank, and automatically drain the water if it remains for a predetermined time or longer (S370).

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

9, the air conditioner according to the present invention may perform a steam sterilization operation for sterilizing the steam guide 2400 through which humidified air flows after the humidification operation.

The humidification module 2000 performs a humidification operation after the water boiling operation (S410), so that the humidified air generated from the steam generator 2300 by the humidification fan 2500 is discharged.

When the humidification operation is finished (S420), the humidification module control unit 3310 determines whether the sterilization mode is set (S430). The sterilization mode can be set as an option according to the humidification operation setting. When the sterilization mode is set by the operation unit 3230, the control unit 3240 applies a control command for setting the sterilization mode together with a control command according to the humidification operation to the humidification module control unit.

When the sterilization mode is set, the humidification module control unit 3310 detects the water level of the water tank 2100 (S440), and determines whether the water level of the water tank is higher than the first water level (S450).

The humidification module control unit 3310 determines that steam sterilization is possible when the water level of the water tank is higher than the first level, and determines that steam sterilization is impossible when the water level of the water tank is less than the first level. The first water level is the level at which the humidification operation is possible and contains about 500 ml for steam sterilization.

When the water level of the water tank is equal to or higher than the first level, the humidification module control unit 3310 starts the steam sterilization operation (S460). The humidification module control unit 3310 sets the humidifying fan to operate as a sterilizing wind for steam sterilization, and operates a plurality of heaters.

Accordingly, the air humidified to a high temperature flows through the steam guide and is discharged through the discharge port, so that the steam guide is sterilized by the high temperature.

The humidification module control unit 3310 counts the steam sterilization time, performs steam sterilization for a set time, and then ends the steam sterilization operation (S480).

The humidification module control unit 3310 causes the temperature of the water contained in the steam housing to decrease through the water cooling operation (S500) after the steam sterilization operation.

Meanwhile, when the water level of the water tank is less than the first water level, the humidification module control unit 3310 causes a notification of water shortage to be displayed through the display module. The humidification module control unit 3310 applies a notification to the control unit to indicate that steam sterilization is impossible due to insufficient water, and the control unit controls the display module so that the notification is displayed in the form of a text, an emoticon, or an icon.

When the sterilization mode is not set, or when the water level of the water tank is less than the first level, the humidification module control unit 3310 may perform a water cooling operation without performing steam sterilization (S500).

10 is a flowchart illustrating a preparation operation for a steam sterilization operation of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 10, the humidification module 2000 operates as follows during the steam sterilization operation.

The first water level sensor 331 detects the level of the water tank and applies it to the humidification module control unit 3310, and the humidification module control unit 3310 can determine whether a humidification operation or steam sterilization operation is possible according to the water level. have.

The water level of the water tank can be divided into a plurality of stages from the empty water level to the humidification operation possible water level (the second water level), the steam sterilization operation possible water level (the first water level), and the full water level. The steps according to the determination of the water level may be subdivided according to settings and divided into a plurality of steps, may be determined by the amount of water, and may be changed without being limited to the present invention.

The humidification module control unit 3310 determines whether the water level of the water tank 2100 is above the first level (S450), determines whether steam sterilization is possible, and outputs a water shortage notification when it is less than the first level (S490). ).

When the water level of the water tank 2100 is higher than the first level, the humidification module control unit 3310 detects the level of the steam housing 2310 through the second level sensor 3322 (S500).

The humidification module control unit 3310 determines whether the water level of the steam housing 2310 is equal to or higher than the eleventh level (S510), and operates the heater (S540). The eleventh water level is the lowest water level at which the heater is completely submerged by the received water and the steam generator 2300 can start to operate.

The second water level sensor 3332 continuously senses the water level and applies it to the steam generator 2300.

The humidification module control unit 3310 compares the water level of the steam housing 2310 at predetermined time intervals, and determines whether the water supply is normally performed according to the change in the water level in the steam housing.

Water from the water tank 2100 is automatically supplied to the steam generator 2300 and accommodated in the steam housing 2310. Therefore, when the water level of the water tank 2100 is above the first level, the steam housing is generally full, but when the water from the water tank is newly supplied, it takes a certain time to supply water from the water tank to the steam generator. In consideration of this newly supplied case, the humidification module control unit 3310 may determine a change in water level at predetermined time intervals.

The humidification module control unit 3310 may first determine whether the steam level is equal to or higher than the eleventh level, and may secondly determine the water level after waiting for the first time. The first time may be set based on a time required to supply water from the water tank to the eleventh water level based on the air level of water in the steam housing.

After the first time, the humidification module control unit 3310 may determine the water level change multiple times in a second time unit shorter than the first time (S520).

The humidification module control unit 3310 determines the water level change a plurality of times, determines whether the steam level is above the 11th level, and determines that the steam level detected multiple times is less than the 11th level as an abnormality of the water supply assembly 2200 do. The display module outputs an error according to water supply according to the control command of the controller (S530).

In a situation where the water level of the water tank is higher than the first level, when the steam level does not reach the eleventh level so as to elapse for more than a first time, it may be determined that water is not supplied from the water tank to the steam housing.

The humidification module control unit 3310 starts a steam sterilization operation when water above the 11th level is accommodated in the steam housing (S540).

The humidification module control unit 3310 sets the humidification fan 2500 to operate with sterilization wind.

The humidification module control unit 3310 performs a steam sterilization operation by operating both the first heater and the second heater having different capacities included in the steam generator 2300.

The humidification fan 2500 may operate in three modes of sterilization wind, humidification wind, and dry wind during humidification operation. The rotation speed of the humidification fan is set to increase in the order of sterilization wind, humidification wind, and drying wind.

When setting the sterilizing air, the humidifying fan operates with the minimum air volume and can rotate in the range of 1000 to 15000 rpm. For example, the humidification fan can rotate at about 1120 rpm. At this time, the air volume of the humidified air discharged through the discharge port is about 0/.25CMM.

During the steam sterilization operation, as both the first and second heaters operate to generate humidified air, the humidified air reaches a high temperature in a short time. In addition, as the steam sterilization proceeds while the temperature of the water in the steam housing is increased due to the humidification operation, the temperature of the humidification guide and the discharge port also rise, thereby enabling sterilization. On the other hand, since a safety accident may occur as the temperature of the discharge pipe rises, the blowing power can be minimized to prepare for a safety accident.

The humidification module control unit 3310 counts the operation time of the steam sterilization operation, and when the set time is reached (S470), the steam sterilization operation is terminated (S480).

Steam sterilization is discharged when the temperature of the steam reaches a high temperature in a short time, and may be performed for about 15 minutes. If steam sterilization is performed for 15 minutes, about 99% of sterilization is possible.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of draining water after a steam sterilization operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 11, the steam module 2000 counts the usage time of water contained in the water tank (S550) so that the water does not remain in the water tank for more than a certain time.

The humidification module control unit 3310 may count the usage time of water based on the time when the water is newly supplied. For example, the humidification module control unit 3310 may count the usage time based on the sensed water level when the water bottle is mounted after being removed.

The humidification module control unit 3310 determines whether the water contained in the water tank reaches the set water use time (S560), and when the water use time reaches, determines whether the humidification operation is in progress (S570). At this time, the humidification operation includes the entire operation from boiling water to cooling water.

When the humidification module control unit 3310 reaches the water use time, if the humidification operation is currently being performed, the water use time may be extended (S580). In some cases, the humidification module control unit 3310 may drain water when the humidification operation is finished.

When the humidification module control unit 3310 is not in the humidification operation or when the humidification operation is completed, the water after the use time is drained.

The humidification module control unit 3310 detects the temperature of water contained in the steam housing through a temperature sensor before operating the drain pump (S590).

When draining starts, the water contained in the steam housing flows into the drain pump.If hot water flows into the drain pump, the drain hose is water and the drain pump may be damaged by high temperature, so check the water temperature before operating the drain pump. .

The humidification module control unit 3310 compares the water temperature with the set temperature (S600), and if the temperature is higher than the set temperature, the water is drained after cooling the water (S610).

The humidification module control unit 3310 operates the drain pump when the water temperature is less than the set temperature (S620).

When the drain pump is operated, water in the steam housing flows into the drain pump, and at the same time, water in the water tank also flows into the drain pump to drain the water from the steam housing and the water tank (S630). At this time, as the water in the steam housing and water in the water tank are mixed and introduced into the drain pump, the temperature of the water decreases, and the drain pump can discharge water to the outside without damage due to high temperature.

The humidification module control unit 3310 determines whether drainage is complete (S640), and when the drainage is completed, applies a signal for no water to the controller. Accordingly, the display module outputs a water-free notification (S650).

The humidification module control unit 3310 may determine whether drainage is completed according to the water level of the water tank and the water level of the steam housing.

In addition, since water may remain in the drain hose or the like, the humidification module control unit 3310 may maintain the operation of the drain pump for a predetermined period of time after the water tank and the steam housing are sensed at the air level.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but may be manufactured in various different forms. It will be understood that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative and non-limiting in all respects.

100: cabinet assembly 200: door assembly
300: near fan assembly 400: far fan assembly
600: filter assembly
1200: door cover assembly 1500: display module
1900: camera module 2000: humidification assembly
2100: water tank
2200: water supply assembly 2300: steam generator
2400: steam guide 2500: humidifying fan

Claims (1)

A cabinet assembly in which an inlet port and a discharge port are disposed;
A water tank disposed on the cabinet assembly and storing water;
A steam generator disposed in the cabinet assembly, receiving water stored in the water tank, converting water stored therein to steam to generate humidified air;
A humidifying fan coupled to the steam generator and supplying filtered air to the steam generator;
A steam guide coupled to the steam generator and guiding the humidified air discharged from the steam generator to the discharge port through an independent flow path;
When the humidification operation for discharging the humidified air is completed, the indoor unit of the air conditioner comprising a humidification module control unit for controlling the temperature of the water of the steam generator to decrease.

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