KR20210088345A - Air conditioner and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner may comprise: an intermediate connecting line electrically connecting an outdoor unit and an indoor unit and providing power provided from one of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit to the other; an outdoor unit voltage sensing part detecting an outdoor unit voltage from the outdoor unit; an indoor unit voltage sensing part for sensing an indoor unit voltage from the indoor unit; and a control part for calculating a voltage gap between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage and determining an abnormal state of the intermediate connecting line based on a change in the voltage gap according to a driving state. Accordingly, there is an effect of immediately checking the abnormal state of the intermediate connecting line connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.

Description

{AIR CONDITIONER AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a method for controlling the air conditioner, and more particularly, to an air conditioner capable of detecting an abnormal state due to a connection line between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and a method for controlling the air conditioner.

The air conditioner is installed to provide a more comfortable indoor environment for humans by discharging hot and cold air into the room to create a comfortable indoor environment, controlling the indoor temperature, and purifying the indoor air. In general, an air conditioner includes an indoor unit configured as a heat exchanger and installed indoors, and an outdoor unit configured as a compressor and a heat exchanger and supplying a refrigerant to the indoor unit.

Such an air conditioner is controlled separately from an indoor unit composed of a heat exchanger and an outdoor unit composed of a compressor and a heat exchanger, and is operated by controlling power supplied to the compressor or the heat exchanger. In addition, at least one indoor unit may be connected to the outdoor unit, and the air conditioner may be operated in a cooling or heating mode by supplying a refrigerant to the indoor unit according to a requested operating state.

In such an air conditioner, a method of driving both an indoor unit and an outdoor unit using a single power source is commonly used. In this method, separate power sources are not required for each of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and the entire air conditioner can operate even when power is supplied only to the outdoor unit or the indoor unit, so that installation is easy.

In this case, the intermediate connection line electrically connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, and serves to supply power supplied from one side to the other side.

On the other hand, in the case of the existing air conditioner, there was a problem such as a fire caused by heat generation of a connection part, arc generation in the connection line, etc. due to an installation error such as kinking of an intermediate connection line or damage such as corrosion.

Patent Publication No. 10-2004-0041405 Registered Patent No. 10-1591884

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner and a control method of the air conditioner capable of confirming an abnormal state of an intermediate connection line connecting an outdoor unit and an indoor unit of the air conditioner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and a control method of the air conditioner capable of detecting the voltage of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and detecting a state abnormality of an intermediate connection line by using the difference between the two voltages at the time of stop and at the time of driving. will provide

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and a control method of the air conditioner capable of detecting the voltage between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, and detecting a short-circuit abnormality in the intermediate connection line using the fall time of the voltage of the outdoor unit and the time of fall of the voltage of the indoor unit. will provide

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects and advantages of the present invention not mentioned may be understood by the following description, and will be more clearly understood by the examples of the present invention. Moreover, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention may be realized by the means and combinations thereof indicated in the claims.

An air conditioner according to the present invention includes an intermediate connecting line electrically connecting an outdoor unit and an indoor unit and providing power provided from one of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit to the other, an outdoor unit voltage sensing unit detecting an outdoor unit voltage from the outdoor unit; an indoor unit voltage sensing unit for sensing an indoor unit voltage from the indoor unit; a control unit calculating a voltage gap between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage; and determining an abnormal state of the intermediate connection line based on a change in the voltage gap according to a driving state; may include

The controller may be configured to calculate a first voltage gap between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage in a stopped state, calculate a second voltage gap between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage in an operating state, and the first voltage gap When the difference between the second voltage gap and the second voltage gap is equal to or greater than a threshold value, it may be determined that the intermediate connection line is in the abnormal state.

The control unit may include a voltage difference sensing unit configured to receive the outdoor unit voltage from the outdoor unit voltage sensing unit, receive the indoor unit voltage from the indoor unit voltage sensing unit, and calculate the voltage gap from a difference between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage and an abnormal state detecting unit configured to determine whether the intermediate connection line is in the abnormal state by comparing the first voltage gap calculated by the voltage difference detecting unit in the stop state with the second voltage gap calculated by the voltage difference detecting unit in the driving state may include

Also, the abnormal state detection unit may determine that the intermediate connection line is in the abnormal state when a difference between the first voltage gap and the second voltage gap is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

In addition, the abnormal state detection unit may determine the threshold value using at least one of a length of the intermediate connection line, a wire resistance of the intermediate connection line, and a maximum value of the electric power on a remote control display unit (not shown).

Also, the controller may determine the short-circuit state of the intermediate connection line based on a difference between a voltage drop time of the outdoor unit voltage and a voltage drop time of the outdoor unit voltage.

In addition, the controller may include a voltage drop detection unit configured to sense a first voltage drop time taken for the outdoor unit voltage to drop to zero and a second voltage drop time taken for the indoor unit voltage to drop to zero, and the first voltage drop time and an abnormal state detection unit that determines that the intermediate connection line is in the short-circuit state when the difference between the second voltage drop time and the second voltage drop time is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

The control method of the air conditioner according to the present invention is a control method of the air conditioner performed in the air conditioner including an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and an intermediate connection line that provides electric power provided from one of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit to the other one. detecting an outdoor unit voltage from the outdoor unit, detecting an indoor unit voltage from the indoor unit, calculating a voltage gap between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage, and a change in the voltage gap according to a driving state. It may include determining an abnormal state of the intermediate connection line.

The calculating of the voltage gap between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage may include calculating a first voltage gap between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage in a stationary state and the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage in an operating state. It may include calculating a second voltage gap between the.

The determining of the abnormal state of the intermediate connection line may include determining that the intermediate connection line is in the abnormal state when a difference between the first voltage gap and the second voltage gap is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

In addition, the threshold value may be calculated using at least one of the length of the intermediate connection line, the wire resistance of the intermediate connection line, and the maximum value of the power on the remote control display unit (not shown).

The control method of the air conditioner according to the present invention is a control method of the air conditioner performed in the air conditioner including an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and an intermediate connection line that provides electric power provided from one of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit to the other one. Detecting an outdoor unit voltage from the outdoor unit, detecting an indoor unit voltage from the indoor unit, and determining a short-circuit state of the intermediate connection line based on a difference between a voltage drop time of the outdoor unit voltage and a voltage drop time of the outdoor unit voltage may include steps.

In addition, the determining of the short-circuit state of the intermediate connection line includes sensing a first voltage drop time required for the outdoor unit voltage to drop to zero, and detecting a second voltage drop time required for the indoor unit voltage to drop to zero. and determining that the intermediate connection line is in the short-circuited state when a difference between the first voltage drop time and the second voltage drop time is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

Further, determining that the intermediate connection line is in the short-circuited state may include subtracting the second voltage drop time from the first voltage drop time when the outdoor unit provides the power to the indoor unit; If the result is a positive number exceeding the threshold value, determining that the short-circuit condition is present.

The determining that the intermediate connection line is in the short-circuited state may include: subtracting the first voltage drop time from the second voltage drop time when the indoor unit provides the power to the outdoor unit; and if the subtracted result is a positive number exceeding the threshold value, determining that the short-circuit state is present.

The air conditioner and the control method of the air conditioner according to the present invention have the effect of immediately checking the abnormal state of the intermediate connecting line connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

In addition, the air conditioner and the control method of the air conditioner according to the present invention have the effect of detecting the voltage between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, and detecting the abnormal state of the intermediate connection line by using the difference between the two voltages at the time of stop and at the time of driving there is

In addition, the air conditioner and the control method of the air conditioner according to the present invention are capable of detecting a voltage between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and detecting a short circuit abnormality in an intermediate connection line using the drop time of the voltage of the outdoor unit and the time of fall of the voltage of the indoor unit. It works.

The air conditioner and the control method of the air conditioner according to the present invention can prevent a fire that may be caused by an abnormal condition of the intermediate connection line by checking the condition of the intermediate connection line at an early stage and notifying the user. It works.

In addition to the above-described effects, the specific effects of the present invention will be described together while describing specific details for carrying out the invention below.

1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the outdoor unit and the indoor unit shown in FIG. 1 .
FIG. 3 is a view for explaining an example of a structure for connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit shown in FIG. 1 .
FIG. 4 is a view for explaining another example of a structure for connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit shown in FIG. 1 .
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 .
6 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the control unit shown in FIG. 5 .
7 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The above-described objects, features and advantages will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to easily implement the technical idea of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a known technology related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

Although the first, second, etc. are used to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by these terms, of course. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components, and unless otherwise stated, the first component may be the second component, of course.

Also, when it is described that a component is "connected", "coupled" or "connected" to another component, the components may be directly connected or connected to each other, but other components are "interposed" between each component. It is to be understood that “or, each component may be “connected,” “coupled,” or “connected” through another component.

Also, as used herein, the singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not be construed as necessarily including all of the various components or various steps described in the specification, some of which components or some steps are It should be construed that it may not include, or may further include additional components or steps.

Hereinafter, an air conditioner and a method of controlling the air conditioner according to some embodiments of the present invention will be described.

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

Referring to FIG. 1 , an air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an indoor unit 10 , at least one outdoor unit 20 connected to the indoor unit 10 , and the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit electrically. It may include an intermediate connecting line 30 for connecting, and a controller (not shown) for controlling the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 . According to an embodiment, a remote controller (not shown) connected to the indoor unit 10 may be further included.

The intermediate connecting line 30 electrically connects the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 10 to each other. The intermediate connection line 30 may provide power provided from either the outdoor unit 20 or the indoor unit 10 to the other. For example, when the indoor unit 10 is connected to an AC power source to receive power directly, the indoor unit 10 provides power to the outdoor unit 20 through the intermediate connection line 30 . As another example, when the outdoor unit 20 is connected to an AC power source to receive power directly, the outdoor unit 20 provides power to the indoor unit 10 through the intermediate connection line 30 . As such, when power is supplied to either the outdoor unit 20 or the indoor unit 10, power is supplied to both the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 10, and the intermediate connection line 30 serves as such power supply. do.

On the other hand, when the intermediate connection line 30 is damaged or damaged, the stability of the entire air conditioner may be problematic. Accordingly, in an embodiment of the present invention, the controller (not shown) may determine the abnormal state of the intermediate connecting line 30 . Specific details of such a controller (not shown) will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 .

A controller (not shown) may be connected to the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 to monitor and control the operation thereof. In this case, the controller (not shown) may be connected to a plurality of indoor units to perform operation setting, lock setting, schedule control, and the like for the indoor units. The controller (not shown) may have a structure included in the indoor unit 10 or the outdoor unit 20 . A controller (not shown) may be included in the indoor unit 10 or the outdoor unit 20 .

The air conditioner 100 is applicable to any of a stand-type air conditioner, a wall-mounted air conditioner, a ceiling-type air conditioner, and a duct-type air conditioner, but for convenience of description below, a stand-type air conditioner is used as an example. Explain.

The outdoor unit 20 selects a compressor that receives and compresses a refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air, an accumulator that extracts a gaseous refrigerant from the supplied refrigerant and supplies it to the compressor, and a refrigerant flow path according to the heating operation. It may include a four-way valve that In addition, it may further include a plurality of sensors, valves and an oil recovery unit.

The outdoor unit 20 operates a provided compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger to compress or heat exchange the refrigerant according to a setting to supply the refrigerant to the indoor unit 10 . The outdoor unit 20 is driven at the request of a controller (not shown) or the indoor unit 10, and as the cooling/heating capacity is changed in response to the driven indoor unit 10, the number of compressors installed in the outdoor unit 20 increases. become variable.

The indoor unit 10 is connected to the outdoor unit 20, receives a refrigerant, and discharges hot or cold air to an air conditioning target. The indoor unit 10 may include an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor unit fan, an expansion valve through which the supplied refrigerant is expanded, and a plurality of sensors.

At this time, the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 10 are connected to each other through a communication line to transmit and receive data. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit are connected to a controller (not shown) through a communication line and operate under the control of the controller (not shown). Such a communication line may be included in the intermediate connection line.

A remote controller (not shown) may be connected to the indoor unit 10 , input a user's control command to the indoor unit 10 , and receive and display status information of the indoor unit 10 . In this case, the remote controller (not shown) communicates with the indoor unit 10 by wire or wirelessly depending on the connection type. To this end, the remote controller (not shown) may include a communication module capable of transmitting or receiving data.

For example, a user may input a target temperature through a remote controller (not shown). In this case, the remote controller (not shown) receives the user input for the target temperature and transmits it to the controller (not shown).

FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the outdoor unit and the indoor unit shown in FIG. 1 .

The outdoor unit 20 includes a compressor 102a serving to compress the refrigerant, a compressor electric motor 102b for driving the compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger 104 serving to radiate heat from the compressed refrigerant, and an outdoor unit. An outdoor blower 105 comprising an outdoor fan 105a disposed on one side of the heat exchanger 104 to promote heat dissipation of the refrigerant and an electric motor 105b rotating the outdoor fan 105a, and expansion to expand the condensed refrigerant The mechanism 106, the cooling/heating switching valve 110 for changing the flow path of the compressed refrigerant, and the accumulator 103 for temporarily storing the vaporized refrigerant to remove moisture and foreign substances and then supplying the refrigerant at a constant pressure to the compressor etc.

The outdoor unit 20 includes a control circuit (not shown) for controlling the outdoor unit, and an outdoor unit voltage sensing unit (not shown) that detects the voltage of the outdoor control circuit (hereinafter referred to as 'outdoor unit voltage').

For example, when external power is provided to the indoor unit 10 , the outdoor unit 20 receives power from the indoor unit 10 through the intermediate connection line 30 . As another example, when external power is provided to the outdoor unit 20 , the outdoor unit 20 provides power to the indoor unit 10 through the intermediate connection line 30 . Accordingly, the outdoor unit voltage may change in response to power provided to the intermediate connection line 30 from the outdoor unit or received through the intermediate connection line 30 from the outdoor unit.

The indoor unit 10 includes an indoor heat exchanger 108 for cooling, heating, or dehumidification, and an indoor fan 109a for facilitating heat dissipation of the refrigerant, which is disposed on one side of the indoor heat exchanger 108. and an indoor blower 109 including an electric motor 109b for rotating the indoor fan 109a.

The indoor unit 10 includes a control circuit (not shown) for controlling the indoor unit, and an indoor unit voltage sensing unit (not shown) that detects a voltage (hereinafter, referred to as 'indoor unit voltage') of the indoor unit control circuit. As described above, the indoor unit voltage corresponds to the power provided from the indoor unit to the intermediate connecting line 30 or from the indoor unit through the intermediate connecting line 30 .

For example, when external power is provided to the indoor unit 10 , the outdoor unit 20 receives power from the indoor unit 10 through the intermediate connection line 30 . As another example, when external power is provided to the outdoor unit 20 , the outdoor unit 20 provides power to the indoor unit 10 through the intermediate connection line 30 . Accordingly, the outdoor unit voltage may change in response to power provided to the intermediate connection line 30 from the outdoor unit or received through the intermediate connection line 30 from the outdoor unit.

At least one indoor heat exchanger 108 may be installed. Compressor 102a, various compression methods such as an inverter compressor and a constant speed compressor may be applied.

In addition, the air conditioner 50 may be configured as an air conditioner for cooling a room, or may be modified as a heat pump for cooling or heating the room.

Meanwhile, although FIG. 2 shows one indoor unit 10 and one outdoor unit 20, the driving device of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto, and a multi-type having a plurality of indoor units and outdoor units. Of course, it is applicable to an air conditioner, an air conditioner including one outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units.

Hereinafter, each configuration will be described based on the cooling operation of the air conditioner 100, but it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the heating operation, the dehumidifying operation, or the blowing operation are also included in the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining an example of a structure for connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit shown in FIG. 1 .

The example shown in FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which the indoor unit 10 receives external power and the indoor unit 10 supplies power to the outdoor unit 20 through the intermediate connection line 30 .

In the illustrated example, power is exemplified in a manner using an L (Live) line, an N (Neutral) line, and a G (Ground) line, but it is obvious that various power supply methods may be applied in addition to this. The intermediate connection line 30 may further include a C (Control) line for transmitting and receiving a control signal between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 .

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining another example of a structure for connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit shown in FIG. 1 .

The example shown in FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which the outdoor unit 20 receives external power, and the outdoor unit 20 supplies power to the indoor unit 10 through the intermediate connection line 30 .

In the illustrated example, power is exemplified in a manner using an L (Live) line, an N (Neutral) line, and a G (Ground) line, but it is obvious that various power supply methods may be applied in addition to this. The intermediate connection line 30 may further include a C (Control) line for transmitting and receiving a control signal between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the embodiment of the present invention provides an indoor unit. External power may be supplied to the (10) side, or external power may be supplied to the outdoor unit 20 side.

Although shown briefly in FIGS. 3 and 4, a voltage conversion circuit is additionally configured in the indoor unit 10 or the outdoor unit 20 that transmits power as needed, so that the provided power can be changed. Various modifications are possible. .

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIG. 5 , the air conditioner 100 includes a compressor 102 , an outdoor fan 105a , an indoor fan 109a , a controller 170 , an outdoor unit voltage sensing unit 138 , and an indoor unit voltage sensing unit 158 . ), a memory 140 , a communication unit 160 , and a remote control (not shown). In addition, the air conditioner 100 includes a compressor driving unit 113 , an outdoor fan driving unit 153 , an indoor fan driving unit 133 , a switching valve 110 , an expansion valve 106 , a display unit 130 , and an input unit ( 120) may be further included.

Description of the compressor 102 , the outdoor fan 105a , and the indoor fan 109a refer to FIG. 2 .

The input unit 120 may include a plurality of operation buttons to transmit a signal for an input operation request of the air conditioner to the control unit 170 .

The input unit 120 may receive an energy control command and transmit an energy control signal to the control unit 170 .

For example, at least one of the plurality of manipulation buttons may be an energy control button, and the user may set the energy control mode by manipulating the energy control button. In this case, the input unit 120 may transmit a power consumption control signal to the control unit 170 based on the energy control command. The control unit 170 may execute a power consumption limiting mode (or energy control mode) based on the power consumption control signal, which will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 6 .

The display unit 130 may display the operating state of the air conditioner 100 . For example, the display unit 130 may include a display means for outputting the operation state of the indoor unit 21 to display the operation state and an error.

When it is determined that the air conditioner 100 is in an abnormal state, the display unit 130 may display it.

The memory 140 may store data necessary for the operation of the air conditioner 100 .

The memory 140 may provide a memory function necessary for controlling the air conditioner 100 . For example, the memory 140 may store information about a threshold value related to a voltage gap difference.

The outdoor unit voltage detecting unit 138 may detect the outdoor unit voltage from the outdoor unit 20 . For example, the outdoor unit voltage sensing unit 138 may be provided in the outdoor unit 20 , and may detect the outdoor unit voltage by detecting an input voltage (or output voltage) of a control circuit provided in the outdoor unit 20 .

The indoor unit voltage sensing unit 158 may detect an indoor unit voltage from the indoor unit 10 . For example, the indoor unit voltage sensing unit 158 may be provided in the indoor unit 20 , and may detect an outdoor unit voltage by detecting an input voltage (or an output voltage) of a control circuit provided in the indoor unit 20 .

The communication unit 160 may include at least one communication module, and may communicate with a remote controller (not shown) wirelessly or by wire.

When the communication unit 160 includes a wireless communication module, the wireless communication module includes a Wi-Fi communication module, an NFC module, a Zigbee communication module, a Bluetooth communication module, and an infrared communication module. Data Association: IrDA) and the like.

The communication unit 160 may receive a control signal corresponding to a user's driving command from a remote controller (not shown). In this case, the controller 170 controls the operations of the compressor 102 , the indoor fan 109a , the outdoor fan 105a and the like based on the control signal.

The communication unit 160 may transmit status information of the air conditioner 100 to a remote controller (not shown). In this case, the remote control (not shown) may display status information of the air conditioner 100 on the remote control display unit (not shown).

The controller 170 may control the overall operation of the air conditioner 100 . For example, the controller 170 may control the operation of the cooling/heating switching valve or the four-way valve 110 . Alternatively, the controller 170 may control the operation of the expansion mechanism or the expansion valve 106 .

The controller 170 may determine whether the intermediate connection line is in an abnormal state based on a difference between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage.

For example, the controller 170 calculates a first voltage gap between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage in a stopped state, and calculates a second voltage gap between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage in a running state. When the difference between the first voltage gap and the second voltage gap is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the controller 170 may determine that the intermediate connection line is in an abnormal state.

This is because, when the intermediate connecting line 30 is twisted or the connecting portion is loosened, the contact resistance of the intermediate connecting line 30 is increased and thus the wire resistance is increased. Therefore, the current rises during operation and the voltage drop due to the resistance increases, so this voltage drop appears larger in comparison with the stationary state (ie, during non-operation).

The control unit 170 may determine the short state of the intermediate connection line. For example, the controller 170 may determine the short-circuit state of the intermediate connection line based on a difference between the voltage drop time of the outdoor unit voltage and the voltage drop time of the outdoor unit voltage. Here, the voltage drop time means a time for the corresponding voltage to reach zero. This takes advantage of the fact that when the intermediate connection line is shorted, it takes different time for the input voltages of the front and rear ends to reach 0.

6 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the control unit shown in FIG. 5 .

With further reference to FIG. 6 , the control unit 170 will be described.

The control unit 170 includes a voltage difference detection unit 171 and an abnormal state detection unit 173 . According to an embodiment, the control unit 170 may further include a voltage drop detection unit 172 .

The voltage difference sensing unit 171 receives the outdoor unit voltage Vo from the outdoor unit voltage sensing unit 138 and provides the indoor unit voltage Vi from the indoor unit voltage sensing unit 158 . The voltage difference detecting unit 171 may calculate a voltage gap from the difference between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage.

The abnormal state detection unit 173 includes a first voltage gap (ΔVid) calculated by the voltage difference detection unit 171 in a stopped state and a second voltage gap (Δ) calculated by the voltage difference detection unit 171 in a driving state. Vop), it is possible to determine whether the intermediate connecting line 30 is in an abnormal state.

For example, when the difference between the first voltage gap ΔVid and the second voltage gap ΔVop is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the abnormal state detection unit 173 may determine that the intermediate connection line is in an abnormal state.

Here, the threshold value may be calculated using at least one of the length of the intermediate connecting line, the wire resistance of the intermediate connecting line, and the maximum value of power. For example, upon completion of the installation of the air conditioner, the installer may input the length of the intermediate connection line, the wire resistance of the intermediate connection line in a normal state, and the maximum value of power to the control unit, and the control unit 170 may input a threshold value based on these input values. value can be set. Alternatively, when the installer inputs the type of the intermediate connection line, the control unit 170 may set the threshold value by checking the wire resistance in a normal state of the corresponding type of the intermediate connection line. The maximum value of power may be preset according to the type of the installed air conditioner.

The voltage drop detecting unit 172 may detect a first voltage drop time Tdip_Vo taken for the outdoor unit voltage to drop to zero and a second voltage drop time Tdip_Vi taken for the indoor device voltage to drop to zero.

When the difference between the first voltage drop time Tdip_Vo and the second voltage drop time Tdip_Vi is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the voltage drop detection unit 172 may determine that the intermediate connection line is in the short-circuited state. Here, the threshold value is predetermined in response to a difference between the preset value of the outdoor unit voltage and the preset value of the indoor unit voltage.

For example, when the outdoor unit 20 provides power to the indoor unit 10 , the voltage drop detection unit 172 subtracts the second voltage drop time from the first voltage drop time, and the subtracted result exceeds the threshold value. If it is a positive number, it can be determined that it is a short circuit.

As another example, when the indoor unit 10 provides power to the outdoor unit 20 , the voltage drop detection unit 172 subtracts the first voltage drop time from the second voltage drop time, and the subtracted result exceeds the threshold value. If it is a positive number, it can be determined that it is a short circuit.

In the above, various examples of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention have been described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 . Hereinafter, a method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 8 . However, since the control method of the air conditioner to be described below is performed in the air conditioner described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 , it can be easily understood from the above description with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 .

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

The air conditioner includes an outdoor unit 20 , an indoor unit 10 , and an intermediate connection line 30 that provides power provided from one of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit to the other. The air conditioner 100 senses the outdoor unit voltage Vo from the outdoor unit 20 and senses the indoor unit voltage Vi from the indoor unit 10 ( S710 ).

The air conditioner 100 may calculate a voltage gap between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage. The air conditioner 100 may determine an abnormal state of the intermediate connection line based on a change in a voltage gap according to an operating state.

For example, the air conditioner 100 may calculate a first voltage gap ΔVid between the outdoor unit voltage Vo and the indoor unit voltage Vi in a stopped state ( S720 ). Also, the air conditioner 100 may calculate a second voltage gap ΔVop between the outdoor unit voltage Vo and the indoor unit voltage Vi in the operating state ( S730 ).

Thereafter, the air conditioner 100 extracts the difference value ΔVrs between the first voltage gap ΔVid and the second voltage gap ΔVop ( S740 ), and the difference value ΔVrs is equal to or greater than the threshold value. On the other side (S750, yes), it is determined that the intermediate connection line 30 is in an abnormal state, a connection line defect error may be displayed, and an error response operation such as stopping operation may be performed as necessary (S760).

Here, the threshold value may be calculated using at least one of the length of the intermediate connecting line, the wire resistance of the intermediate connecting line, and the maximum value of power.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The air conditioner includes an outdoor unit 20 , an indoor unit 10 , and an intermediate connecting line 30 that provides power provided from one of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit to the other. The air conditioner 100 senses the outdoor unit voltage Vo from the outdoor unit 20 and senses the indoor unit voltage Vi from the indoor unit 10 ( S810 ).

The air conditioner 100 may determine the short-circuit state of the intermediate connection line based on a difference between the voltage drop time of the outdoor unit voltage and the voltage drop time of the outdoor unit voltage.

For example, the air conditioner 100 detects the first voltage drop time Tdip_Vo required for the outdoor unit voltage Vo to drop to zero (S820), and the second voltage drop required for the indoor unit voltage Vi to drop to zero (S820). The time (Tdip_Vi) may be detected (S830).

If the difference (ΔTrs) between the first voltage drop time (Tdip_Vo) and the second voltage drop time (Tdip_Vi) is equal to or greater than a threshold value (S850, Yes), the air conditioner 100 determines that the intermediate connection line is in the short-circuit can do.

In one embodiment, the outdoor unit provides power to the indoor unit, the air conditioner 100 subtracts the second voltage drop time from the first voltage drop time, and if the subtracted result is a positive number exceeding the threshold value, can be judged as

In one embodiment, the indoor unit provides power to the outdoor unit, the air conditioner 100 subtracts the first voltage drop time from the second voltage drop time, and if the subtracted result is a positive number exceeding the threshold value, can be judged as

As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the illustrated drawings, but the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and various methods can be obtained by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention. It is obvious that variations can be made. In addition, although the effects according to the configuration of the present invention are not explicitly described and described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects predictable by the configuration should also be recognized.

10: indoor unit
20: outdoor unit
30: middle connecting line
200: motor control device
41: remote control
105a: outdoor fan 109a: indoor fan
153: outdoor fan driving unit 133: indoor fan driving unit
102: compressor 113: compressor driving unit
110: switching valve
138: outdoor unit voltage sensing unit 158: indoor unit voltage sensing unit
140: memory 160: communication unit
170: control unit
171: voltage difference detection unit 172: voltage drop detection unit
173: abnormal state detection unit

Claims (15)

an intermediate connection line electrically connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit and providing power provided from one of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit to the other;
an outdoor unit voltage sensing unit detecting an outdoor unit voltage from the outdoor unit;
an indoor unit voltage sensing unit sensing an indoor unit voltage from the indoor unit; and
a control unit calculating a voltage gap between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage and determining an abnormal state of the intermediate connection line based on a change in the voltage gap according to a driving state;
An air conditioner comprising a.
According to claim 1, wherein the control unit
calculating a first voltage gap between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage in a stopped state, calculating a second voltage gap between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage in an operating state, and calculating the first voltage gap and the second voltage An air conditioner for determining that the intermediate connection line is in the abnormal state when the difference between the gaps is equal to or greater than a threshold value.
According to claim 1, wherein the control unit
a voltage difference sensing unit receiving the outdoor unit voltage from the outdoor unit voltage sensing unit, receiving the indoor unit voltage from the indoor unit voltage sensing unit, and calculating the voltage gap from a difference between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage; and
an abnormal state detection unit configured to determine whether the intermediate connection line is in the abnormal state by comparing the first voltage gap calculated by the voltage difference detection unit in a stopped state with the second voltage gap calculated by the voltage difference detection unit in an operating state;
An air conditioner comprising a.
The method of claim 3, wherein the abnormal state detection unit
If the difference between the first voltage gap and the second voltage gap is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the air conditioner determines that the intermediate connection line is in the abnormal state.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the abnormal state detection unit
An air conditioner for determining the threshold value by using at least one of a length of the intermediate connection line, a wire resistance of the intermediate connection line, and a maximum value of the electric power by a remote control display unit (not shown).
According to claim 1, wherein the control unit
An air conditioner for determining a short-circuit state of the intermediate connection line based on a difference between a voltage drop time of the outdoor unit voltage and a voltage drop time of the outdoor unit voltage.
The method of claim 6, wherein the control unit
a voltage drop sensing unit sensing a first voltage drop time taken for the outdoor unit voltage to drop to zero and a second voltage drop time taken for the indoor unit voltage to drop to zero; and
an abnormal state detection unit that determines that the intermediate connection line is in the short-circuit state when a difference between the first voltage drop time and the second voltage drop time is equal to or greater than a threshold value;
An air conditioner comprising a.
A control method of an air conditioner performed in an air conditioner including an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and an intermediate connection line for providing power provided from any one of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit to the other one,
detecting an outdoor unit voltage from the outdoor unit;
detecting an indoor unit voltage from the indoor unit;
calculating a voltage gap between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage; and
determining an abnormal state of the intermediate connection line based on a change in the voltage gap according to a driving state;
A control method of an air conditioner comprising a.

The method of claim 8 , wherein calculating a voltage gap between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage comprises:
calculating a first voltage gap between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage in a stopped state; and
calculating a second voltage gap between the outdoor unit voltage and the indoor unit voltage in an operating state;
An air conditioner comprising a.
The method of claim 9, wherein the step of determining the abnormal state of the intermediate connection line
determining that the intermediate connection line is in the abnormal state when a difference between the first voltage gap and the second voltage gap is equal to or greater than a threshold value;
An air conditioner comprising a.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the threshold is
An air conditioner calculated by using at least one of a length of the intermediate connection line, a wire resistance of the intermediate connection line, and the maximum value of the electric power on a remote control display unit (not shown).
A control method of an air conditioner performed in an air conditioner including an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and an intermediate connection line for providing power provided from any one of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit to the other one,
detecting an outdoor unit voltage from the outdoor unit;
detecting an indoor unit voltage from the indoor unit; and
determining a short-circuit state of the intermediate connection line based on a difference between a voltage drop time of the outdoor unit voltage and a voltage drop time of the outdoor unit voltage;
A control method of an air conditioner comprising a.
The method according to claim 12, wherein the step of determining the short-circuit state of the intermediate connecting line comprises:
detecting a first voltage drop time required for the outdoor unit voltage to drop to zero;
detecting a second voltage drop time required for the indoor unit voltage to drop to zero; and
determining that the intermediate connection line is in the short-circuited state when a difference between the first voltage drop time and the second voltage drop time is equal to or greater than a threshold value;
A control method of an air conditioner comprising a.
The method according to claim 13, wherein the step of determining that the intermediate connecting line is in the short-circuited state comprises:
subtracting the second voltage drop time from the first voltage drop time when the outdoor unit provides the power to the indoor unit; and
if the subtracted result is a positive number exceeding the threshold value, determining that the short-circuit state is present;
A control method of an air conditioner comprising a.
The method according to claim 13, wherein the step of determining that the intermediate connecting line is in the short-circuited state comprises:
subtracting the first voltage drop time from the second voltage drop time when the indoor unit provides the power to the outdoor unit; and
if the subtracted result is a positive number exceeding the threshold value, determining that the short-circuit state is present;
A control method of an air conditioner comprising a.

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