Patent Application
20240426505
The disclosure relates to an air conditioner and a method for controlling the same.
An air conditioner is an apparatus that cools or heats air using transfer of heat generated in a process of evaporating and condensing a refrigerant and conditions air of an indoor space by discharging the cooled or heated air. The air conditioner may circulate a refrigerant through a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor heat exchanger during a cooling operation or a heating operation, and discharge the air heat exchanged by the indoor heat exchanger to the indoor space, thereby cooling or heating the indoor space.
In general, an air conditioner includes a remote controller, and controls an outdoor unit and an indoor unit according to a signal input through the remote controller. In addition to the remote controller, separate input devices such as contact controllers are also provided to control an air conditioner more easily. However, external input devices such as existing contact controllers may not control overall operations of an outdoor unit.
Embodiments of the disclosure provide an air conditioner and a method for controlling the same that may allow a user to adjust a maximum current that may be applied to an outdoor unit.
According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, an air conditioner may include: an indoor unit; an outdoor unit configured to be connected to the indoor unit, and including a plurality of electronic devices including various circuitry; an inputter comprising input circuitry configured to obtain an input and transmit a signal corresponding to the input; and a controller comprising at least one processor comprising processing circuitry configured to: set a maximum current applied to the outdoor unit based on the signal received from the inputter, and adjust a driving current applied to each of the plurality of electronic devices included in the outdoor unit based on the set maximum current.
The controller may be configured to control the plurality of electronic devices to allow a total driving current of the plurality of electronic devices included in the outdoor unit to remain constant at the set maximum current.
The plurality of electronic devices may include a compressor and an outdoor fan, and the controller may be configured to control the compressor and the outdoor fan to allow a total driving current of the plurality of electronic devices included in the outdoor unit to correspond to the set maximum current.
The controller may include a plurality of contact terminals connected to the inputter, and the controller may be configured to determine the maximum current applied to the outdoor unit, based on a voltage of the signal applied to a first contact terminal of the plurality of contact terminals.
The inputter may include a regulator comprising circuitry configured to be connected to the first contact terminal of the controller, and the voltage of the signal applied to the first contact terminal may be changed based on an operation of the regulator.
The regulator may include: a plurality of resistor elements including resistors arranged in series; and a plurality of switch elements comprising switches branched from nodes between the plurality of resistor elements and arranged in parallel, and the voltage of the signal applied to the first contact terminal may be determined based on closure of one of the plurality of switch elements.
The regulator may include a variable resistor configured to vary the voltage of the signal applied to the first contact terminal.
The air conditioner may further include: a remote controller configured to be connected to the controller by wire or wirelessly, and to select an input mode of the inputter, wherein the controller may be configured to adjust the maximum current applied to the outdoor unit in response to the signal transmitted from the inputter, based on the input mode of the inputter being selected as a maximum current input mode via the remote controller.
According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, a method for controlling an air conditioner may include: obtaining an input via an inputter; receiving, by a controller, a signal corresponding to the input from the inputter; setting a maximum current applied to an outdoor unit based on the received signal; and adjusting a driving current applied to each of a plurality of electronic devices included in the outdoor unit based on the set maximum current.
The plurality of electronic devices included in the outdoor unit may be configured to be controlled to allow a total driving current of the plurality of electronic devices to remain constant at the set maximum current.
The plurality of electronic devices may include a compressor and an outdoor fan, and the adjusting of the driving current may include controlling the compressor and the outdoor fan to allow a total driving current of the plurality of electronic devices included in the outdoor unit to correspond to the set maximum current.
The setting of the maximum current may include setting the maximum current applied to the outdoor unit, based on a voltage of the signal applied to a first contact terminal of a plurality of contact terminals arranged in the controller.
The voltage of the signal applied to the first contact terminal may be changed based on an operation of a regulator provided in the inputter and connected to the first contact terminal.
The voltage of the signal applied to the first contact terminal may be determined based on closure of any one of a plurality of switches included in the regulator.
The setting of the maximum current may be performed in response to the signal transmitted from the inputter, based on an input mode of the inputter being selected as a maximum current input mode via a remote controller.
According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, an air conditioner and a method for controlling the same may allow a user to adjust a maximum current that may be applied to an outdoor unit. For example, the user may easily set a maximum value of the current applied to the outdoor unit using an inputter. Because the user is able to select the maximum current of the outdoor unit within a predetermined range, an energy consumption of the air conditioner may be adjusted according to the user's intention. The energy consumption of the outdoor unit is adjustable according to user demand, and thus the user's convenience regarding the adjustment of energy consumption efficiency may be improved.
In addition, the air conditioner and the method for controlling the same according to various example embodiments may continuously operate a compressor by continuously supplying the maximum current set by the user to the outdoor unit. Accordingly, noise caused by the operation of the outdoor unit may be reduced, and performance decrease of the air conditioner may also be reduced.
The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Various example embodiments described in the disclosure and configurations shown in the drawings are merely examples of various example embodiments of the disclosure, and may be modified in various different ways at the time of filing of the application to replace the various embodiments and drawings of the disclosure.
It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” to another element, it may be directly or indirectly connected to the other element, wherein the indirect connection includes connection via a wireless communications network.
Terminologies used herein are for the purpose of describing various embodiments and are not intended to limit/restrict the disclosure. It is to be understood that the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further understood that the terms “include”, “comprise” and/or “have”, when used in this disclosure, specify the presence of specified features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It is understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not to be limited by these terms. For example, without departing from the technical spirit or essential features of the disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and a second element may also be referred to as a first element.
Terms such as “˜portion”, “˜device”, “˜module”, “˜member”, “˜block” and the like may refer to a unit for processing at least one function or act. For example, the terms may refer to at least one process processed by at least one hardware such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)/application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc., software stored in memories or processors.
Reference numerals used for method steps are used for convenience of explanation, but not to limit an order of the steps. Thus, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the written order may be practiced otherwise.
Hereinafter, various example embodiments of the disclosure are described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Referring to
The outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 are connected through external pipes P1 and P2. The refrigerant may circulate through the outdoor unit 10, the external pipes P1 and P2, and the indoor unit 20. One end of each of the external pipes P1 and P2 may be connected to a pipe valve arranged at one side of the outdoor unit 10. In addition, the external pipes P1 and P2 may be connected to a refrigerant pipe arranged inside the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20.
The refrigerant may absorb or emit heat by phase change (e.g., change from a gas-phase to a liquid-phase and change from a liquid-phase to a gas-phase) while circulating between the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10 along a refrigerant flow path. The air conditioner 1 may include a liquid pipe P1 connecting the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 and serving as a channel for the liquid-phase refrigerant flow, and a gas pipe P2 serving as a channel for the gas-phase refrigerant flow. The liquid pipe P1 and the gas pipe P2 may extend into the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20.
The outdoor unit 10 may include a compressor to compress the refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger to perform heat exchange between outdoor air and the refrigerant, an outdoor fan disposed around the outdoor heat exchanger to flow air, a four-way valve to guide the refrigerant compressed by the compressor to the outdoor heat exchanger or the indoor heat exchanger based on a cooling operation or a heating operation, an expansion valve to decompress the refrigerant, and an accumulator to prevent the liquid refrigerant, which has not been evaporated, from flowing into the compressor.
The outdoor unit 10 may include various electronic devices. In addition to the compressor, the outdoor fan, the four-way valve, the expansion valve, and the accumulator described above, the outdoor unit 10 may include various electronic devices such as a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of the refrigerant, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the refrigerant, a control panel, and a processor for controlling an operation of the outdoor unit 10.
The compressor may include a compressor motor and may compress a low-pressure gas-phase refrigerant to a high pressure using a rotational force of the compressor motor. The compressor may change an operating frequency to correspond to a performance required by the indoor unit 20. The compressor may include an inverter air compressor, a positive displacement compressor, or a dynamic compressor, and various types of compressors that a designer may consider may be used.
The outdoor unit 10 may operate by receiving electrical energy from an external power source. Power and/or current supplied to the outdoor unit 10 may be distributed to the electronic devices included in the outdoor unit 10. For example, the current applied to the outdoor unit 10 may be distributed to the compressor, the outdoor fan, the four-way valve, the expansion valve, and the accumulator. Accordingly, a driving current may be applied to each of the compressor, the outdoor fan, the four-way valve, the expansion valve, and the accumulator.
The outdoor unit 10 may be provided with a current sensor that may detect the driving current of the outdoor unit 10. The current sensor may detect the driving current of each of the electronic devices included in the outdoor unit 10. The current sensor may transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected driving current value of the outdoor unit 10 to a controller 100.
The driving current applied to each of the electronic devices of the outdoor unit 10 may be adjusted by the controller 100. For example, the controller 100 may adjust a first driving current, applied to the compressor, and a second driving current applied to the outdoor fan, based on a maximum current of the outdoor unit 10 set by a user input. The controller 100 may transmit a control signal to the outdoor unit 10, and the outdoor unit 10 may adjust the driving current applied to the electronic devices of the outdoor unit 10 based on the received control signal.
The controller 100 may control the electronic devices included in the outdoor unit 10 to allow a total driving current of the electronic devices of the outdoor unit 10 to correspond to the set maximum current. For example, the controller 100 may control the electronic devices of the outdoor unit 10 to allow the total driving current of the electronic devices included in the outdoor unit 10 to remain constant at the set maximum current. The controller 100 may control the outdoor unit 10 to allow the driving current of the outdoor unit 10 to be maintained within a predetermined error range of the set maximum current.
The indoor unit 20 may include the indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan. The indoor heat exchanger may perform heat exchange between indoor air and refrigerant. The indoor fan may move indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger. A plurality of indoor fans may be provided. Indoor heat exchanger temperature sensors may be arranged at both sides (inlet and outlet) of the indoor heat exchanger to detect a temperature of the indoor heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor may be installed around the inlet and/or outlet of the indoor heat exchanger, or may be installed to be in contact with a refrigerant pipe connected to the inlet and/or outlet of the indoor heat exchanger. An indoor temperature sensor may be provided in the indoor unit 20 to detect an indoor temperature. The temperature sensor may be implemented as at least one of a bimetal thermometer, a thermistor thermometer, or an infrared thermometer. In addition, the air conditioner 1 may include various temperature sensors.
During the cooling operation, the refrigerant may emit heat in the outdoor heat exchanger of the outdoor unit 10 and may absorb heat from the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit 20. During the cooling operation, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor of the outdoor unit 10 may be first supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger through the four-way valve, and then to the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit 20 through the expansion valve. During the cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger operates as a condenser that condenses the refrigerant, and the indoor heat exchanger operates as an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant. During the cooling operation, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant discharged from the compressor moves to the outdoor heat exchanger. The liquid-phase or liquid-like refrigerant condensed by the outdoor heat exchanger is expanded and decompressed in the expansion valve. Two-phase refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve moves to the indoor heat exchanger. The refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger exchanges heat with the surrounding air and is evaporated. Accordingly, the temperature of the heat-exchanged air decreases and cooling air is discharged out of the indoor unit 20.
During the heating operation, the refrigerant may emit heat in the indoor heat exchanger and may absorb heat from the outdoor heat exchanger. That is, during the heating operation, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor may be first supplied to the indoor heat exchanger through the four-way valve and then to the outdoor heat exchanger. In this case, the indoor heat exchanger operates as a condenser that condenses the refrigerant, and the outdoor heat exchanger operates as an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant. During the heating operation, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant discharged from the compressor moves to the indoor heat exchanger. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger exchanges heat with low-temperature dry air. The refrigerant emits heat while being condensed to the liquid-phase or liquid-like refrigerant, and heating air is discharged out of the indoor unit 20 as air absorbs heat.
Although the air conditioner 1 has been described as including a single outdoor unit 10 and a single indoor unit 20, the air conditioner 1 may include a plurality of outdoor units 10 and a plurality of indoor units 20. For example, a plurality of indoor units 20 may be connected to a single outdoor unit 10. In addition, the type of the indoor unit 20 is not limited to those described. Any type of indoor unit 20 may be applied as long as it is installed in an indoor space and may cool or heat the indoor space.
In addition, the air conditioner 1 may include a remote controller (e.g., including remote control circuitry) 30, an inputter (e.g., including input circuitry) 40, and the controller (e.g., including various circuitry) 100. The controller 100 may be electrically connected to the outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 20, the remote controller 30, and the inputter 40. The outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 20, and the inputter 40 may be connected to the controller 100 by wire. The remote controller 30 may be connected to the controller 100 by wire or wirelessly. The inputter 40 may be referred to as a ‘contact controller’, and the controller 100 may be referred to as a ‘main controller’.
The remote controller 30 and the inputter 40 may obtain user input. The inputter 40 may obtain a user input about an indoor temperature setting or a current setting of the outdoor unit 10. The remote controller 30 may also obtain a user input about indoor temperature setting. The controller 100 may receive a signal corresponding to a user input from each of the remote controller 30 and the inputter 40.
The controller 100 may control operations of the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20. The controller 100 may receive a signal corresponding to a user input from at least one of the remote controller 30 or the inputter 40. The controller 100 may operate the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 in response to the user input entered via at least one of the remote controller 30 or the inputter 40. The controller 100 may control an operation of the air conditioner 1 based on the received electrical signal.
The controller 100 may function as an adapter to connect various indoor units to the air conditioner 1. The controller 100 may control an indoor unit produced by the same manufacturer as the outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit produced by a different manufacturer, and/or an indoor unit with different communication protocols.
Referring to
The memory 110 may record/store various information required for the operation of the air conditioner 1. The memory 110 may store instructions, applications, data, and/or programs required for the operation of the air conditioner 1. The memory 110 may include a volatile memory such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAM) for temporarily storing data, and a non-volatile memory storing data for a long time such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM).
The processor 120 may include various processing circuitry and generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1 based on the instructions, applications, data, and/or programs stored in the memory 110. The processor 120 may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits as hardware components. The processor 120 may process data in accordance with the program and/or instructions provided from the memory 110, and generate a control signal in accordance with a processing result. The memory 110 and the processor 120 may be implemented as a single control circuit or as a plurality of circuits. The processor 120 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include various processing circuitry and/or multiple processors. For example, as used herein, including the claims, the term “processor” may include various processing circuitry, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of at least one processor, individually and/or collectively in a distributed manner, may be configured to perform various functions described herein. As used herein, when “a processor”, “at least one processor”, and “one or more processors” are described as being configured to perform numerous functions, these terms cover situations, for example and without limitation, in which one processor performs some of recited functions and another processor(s) performs other of recited functions, and also situations in which a single processor may perform all recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors performing various of the recited/disclosed functions, e.g., in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.
The communication interface 200 may include various communication circuitry including, for example, a circuit for electrically connecting the outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 20, the remote controller 30, and the inputter 40. For example, the communication interface 200 may include a plurality of contact terminals 210 connected to the inputter 40. The connection between the controller 100 and the inputter 40 is described in detail with reference to
In addition, the communication interface 200 may include a wired communication circuit and/or a wireless communication circuit for communicating with the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20. The communication interface 200 may transmit a control signal transmitted from the processor 120 to the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20, or may transmit an electrical signal transmitted from the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 to the processor 120.
In addition, the communication interface 200 may communicate with an access point (AP, not shown) provided separately in the air conditioning space, and may be connected to a network through the access point. The communication interface 200 may communicate with an external device (e.g., a smartphone) through an access point. The communication interface 200 may receive information of the external device connected to the access point, and may transmit the information of the external device to the processor 120. Through the above, a user may remotely control the air conditioner 1.
The remote controller 30 may include an inputter 31 and a display 32. The inputter 31 of the remote controller 30 may include various input circuitry and obtain a user input and output an electrical signal (voltage or current) corresponding to the user input to the controller 100. For example, the remote controller 30 may obtain a power on/off input to turn on or off the air conditioner 1, an operation mode selection input to set an operation mode of the air conditioner 1, and/or a temperature control input to adjust an indoor temperature.
The inputter 31 of the remote controller 30 may be implemented with various buttons and/or dials. For example, a plurality of buttons may include a push switch operated by a user pressing the push switch, a membrane switch, and/or a touch switch operated by touching a part of the user's body. The buttons may include an operation mode button to select an operation mode such as a cooling operation, a heating operation, and a blowing operation, a temperature button to set a target temperature of an indoor space (air conditioning space), a wind direction button to set a wind direction, and/or an air volume button to set air volume (rotation speed of the indoor fan). These buttons may also be implemented as rotatable dials.
The display 32 of the remote controller 30 may display information about a state and/or operation of the air conditioner 1. The display 32 may display information entered by the user or information provided to the user as various screens. The display 32 may display information related to an operation of the air conditioner 1 as at least one of an image or text. In addition, the display 32 may display a Graphic User Interface (GUI) that enables control of the air conditioner 1. That is, the display 32 may display a User Interface Element (UI element) such as an icon.
The display 32 may include various types of display panels. For example, the display 32 may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, an Organic LED (OLED) panel, or a micro LED panel. The display 32 may be implemented as a touch display. The touch display may include a display panel that displays an image and a touch panel that receives touch input. In a case where the display 32 is provided as the touch display, a separate inputter 31 may not be provided in the remote controller 30.
The inputter 40 may obtain an input (e.g., a user input). For example, the inputter 40 may obtain an operation mode selection input to select an operation mode, a temperature setting input to set an indoor temperature, or a current setting input to set a maximum current of the outdoor unit 10. The inputter 40 may be a separate input device distinguished from the remote controller 30. The inputter 40 may have a simpler structure than the remote controller 30. The indoor temperature setting or the current setting of the outdoor unit 10 may be easily input by the inputter 40. The inputter 40 may be referred to as a ‘contact controller’.
The inputter 40 may include an operation mode inputter 41 and a regulator 42. The operation mode inputter 41 and the regulator 42 may each be provided as a rotatable dial. The type of the operation mode inputter 41 and the regulator 42 is not limited to a dial, and may be provided in various forms. The operation mode inputter 41 and the regulator 42 may include various buttons.
The operation mode inputter 41 may be provided to select an operation mode of the air conditioner 1. The inputter 40 may transmit an electrical signal (operation mode selection signal) corresponding to an operation of the operation mode inputter 41 to the controller 100. For example, the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 may include a cooling operation mode, a heating operation mode, and an auto operation mode. The air conditioner 1 may operate in an operation mode selected according to the operation of the operation mode inputter 41. That is, the air conditioner 1 may perform a cooling operation, a heating operation, or an auto operation. A user may select power-off, cooling operation, heating operation, or auto operation by operating the operation mode inputter 41.
The regulator 42 may include various circuitry and obtain a user input regarding the indoor temperature setting or the current setting of the outdoor unit 10. By operating the regulator 42, the user may set a target temperature of the indoor space or set a maximum current applied to the outdoor unit 10. The inputter 40 may transmit a signal corresponding to an operation of the regulator 42 to the controller 100. The controller 100 may selectively perform the adjustment of the target temperature of the indoor space or the adjustment of the maximum current applied to the outdoor unit 10 based on the signal received from the inputter 40.
By enabling the indoor temperature setting or the maximum current setting of the outdoor unit 10 with the regulator 42, the number of components may be reduced and costs may be reduced. In addition, in a case where the regulator 42 for the indoor temperature setting is already installed, the maximum current of the outdoor unit 10 may be set without changing any device using the installed regulator 42. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and a first regulator for the indoor temperature setting and a second regulator for the current setting of the outdoor unit 10 may be provided separately.
The controller 100 may determine the signal transmitted from the inputter 40 due to the operation of the regulator 42 as a first signal (target temperature setting signal) or a second signal (maximum current setting signal). That is, the signal generated according to the operation of the regulator 42 may be determined as the first signal for the target temperature setting or the second signal for the maximum current setting of the outdoor unit 10. For example, the controller 100 may determine a signal corresponding to an operation of the regulator 42 as the first signal or the second signal based on an input mode of the inputter 40.
The input mode of the inputter 40 may be selected via the remote controller 30. The remote controller 30 may be provided to select the input mode of the inputter 40. For example, the remote controller 30 may include a button for selecting/changing the input mode of the inputter 40. However, the disclosure is not limited to the above example, and the button for selecting/changing the input mode of the inputter 40 may be provided on the inputter 40 rather than on the remote controller 30.
The remote controller 30 may transmit a selection signal for selecting an input mode of the inputter 40 to the controller 100. The input mode of the inputter 40 may include a first input mode (target temperature input mode) and a second input mode (maximum current input mode). Upon selection of the first input mode, a user input obtained by the regulator 42 may be used to adjust the target temperature. Upon selection of the second input mode, a user input obtained by the regulator 42 may be used to adjust the maximum current of the outdoor unit 10. That is, the controller 100 may determine a target parameter to be adjusted by an operation of the regulator 42, based on the input mode of the inputter 40. The target parameter may be the target temperature of the indoor space or the maximum current of the outdoor unit 10.
In a case where a user selects the input mode of the inputter 40 as the first input mode (target temperature input mode) using the remote controller 30, the controller 100 may determine a signal, transmitted from the inputter 40 according to the operation of the regulator 42, as the first signal for the target temperature setting of the indoor space. In this case, the controller 100 may set the target temperature based on the first signal, and may control the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 to allow an indoor temperature of an area where the indoor unit 20 is located to reach the set target temperature. In order for the indoor temperature to reach the target temperature, frequency adjustment of the compressor included in the outdoor unit 10 and/or on/off control of the compressor may be performed.
In a case where a user selects the input mode of the inputter 40 as the second input mode (maximum current input mode) using the remote controller 30, the controller 100 may determine a signal, transmitted from the inputter 40 according to the operation of the regulator 42, as the second signal for the maximum current setting of the outdoor unit 10. In this case, the controller 100 may determine a maximum value of the current applied to the outdoor unit 10 in response to the second signal. Accordingly, a current smaller than or equal to the determined maximum current is applied to the outdoor unit 10.
In general, a reference maximum current (peak current) that may be applied to the outdoor unit 10 is predetermined (e.g., specified) at a design stage, and a current applied to the outdoor unit 10 during operation of the outdoor unit 10 is controlled so as not to exceed the reference maximum current. However, although the current applied to the outdoor unit 10 is kept lower than the reference maximum current determined at the design stage, depending on outdoor environmental conditions (e.g., outdoor temperature), indoor environmental conditions (e.g., indoor temperature), and/or installation environment conditions (e.g., pipe length), a cooling performance or heating performance of the air conditioner 1 may not be reduced. That is, in a case where the outdoor unit 10 operates at the predetermined reference maximum current, more energy may be consumed than the energy required in order to achieve actually required cooling/heating performances. In addition, because the cooling/heating performance felt by each user is different, a user may desire to reduce energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 based on the cooling performance/heating performance actually felt by the user. In existing air conditioners, a user could not change the maximum current applied to the outdoor unit 10.
In order to reduce such energy consumption, the air conditioner 1 according to the disclosure allows a user to set the maximum current that may be applied to the outdoor unit 10. That is, the user may easily set the maximum value of the current applied to the outdoor unit 10 using the inputter 40. The controller 100 may set the maximum current of the outdoor unit 10 according to a user input, and may adjust a driving current applied to each of the electronic devices of the outdoor unit 10 based on the set maximum current. For example, the driving current of electronic devices such as the compressor and the outdoor fan may be limited based on the set maximum current.
The controller 100 may control the electronic devices included in the outdoor unit 10 to allow a total driving current of the electronic devices of the outdoor unit 10 to correspond to the set maximum current. For example, the controller 100 may control the electronic devices of the outdoor unit 10 to allow the total driving current of the electronic devices included in the outdoor unit 10 to remain constant at the set maximum current. The controller 100 may control the outdoor unit 10 to allow the driving current of the outdoor unit 10 to be maintained within a predetermined error range of the set maximum current.
As such, because the user may select the maximum current of the outdoor unit 10 within the predetermined range, energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 may be adjusted according to the user's intention. For example, by setting the maximum current of the outdoor unit 10 to be low, the energy consumption of the outdoor unit 10 may be reduced. The energy consumption of the outdoor unit 10 is adjustable according to user demand, and thus the user's convenience regarding the adjustment of energy consumption efficiency may be improved.
The components of the air conditioner 1 are not limited to those described above. In addition to the above-described components of the outdoor unit 1, other components may be added.
Referring to
The outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 20, the remote controller 30, and the inputter 40 may be connected to the plurality of contact terminals 210. The contact terminals 210 and each of the outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 20, the remote controller 30, and the inputter 40 may be connected with wires and/or cables.
The outdoor unit 10 may be connected to an F1 terminal and an F2 terminal among the contact terminals 210. The controller 100 may communicate with the outdoor unit 10 through the F1 terminal and the F2 terminal. For example, a signal generated by the processor 120 of the controller 100 may be transmitted to the outdoor unit 10 through the F1 terminal, and a signal generated by the outdoor unit 10 may be transmitted to the processor 120 through the F2 terminal.
The indoor unit 20 may be connected to a TR terminal, a TEI terminal, and a TEO terminal among the contact terminals 210. As described above, the indoor unit 20 may include the indoor temperature sensor and the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor. A signal generated by the indoor temperature sensor of the indoor unit 20 may be input to the processor 120 of the controller 100 through the TR terminal. A signal generated by the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor of the indoor unit 20 may be input to the processor 120 of the controller 100 through the TEI terminal and the TEO terminal.
The remote controller 30 may be connected to an F3 terminal and an F4 terminal among the contact terminals 210. The controller 100 may communicate with the remote controller 30 through the F3 terminal and the F4 terminal. For example, a signal generated by the processor 120 of the controller 100 may be transmitted to the remote controller 30 through the F3 terminal, and a signal generated by the remote controller 30 may be transmitted to the processor 120 through the F4 terminal.
The inputter 40 may be connected to a COM terminal, an AUT terminal, a HP terminal, a CO terminal, an AV1 terminal, and an AV2 terminal among the contact terminals 210. The COM terminal, the AUT terminal, the HP terminal, and the CO terminal may be connected to the operation mode inputter 41 of the inputter 40. The COM terminal may refer to a common terminal, and an auto operation signal may be input to the AUT terminal. A heating operation signal may be input to the HP terminal, and a cooling operation signal may be input to the CO terminal. According to an operation of the operation mode inputter 41, a signal may be input to one of the AUT terminal, the HP terminal, or the CO terminal.
The AV1 terminal and the AV2 terminal may be connected to the regulator 42 of the inputter 40. The AV1 terminal may be referred to as a first contact terminal, and the AV2 terminal may be referred to as a second contact terminal. A voltage of a signal applied to the first contact terminal (AV1 terminal) may vary depending on an operation of the regulator 42. In other words, the voltage applied between the first contact terminal (AV1 terminal) and the second contact terminal (AV2 terminal) may vary depending on the operation of the regulator 42. The controller 100 may determine a target temperature of an indoor space or a maximum current applied to the outdoor unit 10 based on the voltage of the signal applied to the first contact terminal (AV1 terminal).
Referring to
In a case where the operation mode inputter 41 is provided as a dial, as the dial rotates, one of the S1 switch element, the S2 switch element, or the S3 switch element may be closed, while the other two switch elements may be opened. Upon closure of the S1 switch element, the auto operation signal may be input to the AUT terminal. Upon closure of the S2 switch element, the heating operation signal may be input to the HP terminal. Upon closure of the S3 switch element, the cooling operation signal may be input to the CO terminal. Accordingly, one of the auto operation, the heating operation, or the cooling operation may be selected according to an operation of the operation mode inputter 41. The controller 100 may operate the air conditioner 1 in the auto operation, the heating operation, or the cooling operation based on the operation mode selection signal received via the operation mode inputter 41.
The regulator 42 of the inputter 40 may include a plurality of resistor elements R1, R2, R3, . . . , and Rn arranged in series. In addition, the regulator 42 may include the plurality of switch elements (e.g., including switches) SW1, SW2, SW3, . . . , SWn which are branched from nodes N1, N2, N3, . . . , and Nn between the plurality of resistor elements R1, R2, R3, . . . , and Rn and arranged in parallel. The plurality of switch elements included in the regulator 42 may be referred to as ‘regulating switch elements.’
For example, one end of the SW1 switch element (first switch element) may be connected to a first node N1 between a first resistor element R1 and a second resistor element R2. One end of the SW2 switch element (second switch element) may be connected to a second node N2 between the second resistor element R2 and a third resistor element R3. One end of the SW3 switch element (third switch element) may be connected to a third node N3 between the third resistor element R3 and a fourth resistor element (not shown). The other end of each of the plurality of switch elements SW1, SW2, SW3, . . . , and SWn may be connected to the first contact terminal AV1. Accordingly, the plurality of switch elements SW1, SW2, SW3, . . . , and SWn may be arranged in parallel.
In a case where the regulator 42 is provided as a dial, as the dial rotates, one of the plurality of switch elements SW1, SW2, SW3, . . . , and SWn may be closed, while the other switch elements may be opened. For example, in a case where a needle on the dial of the regulator 42 points to the number 10, the SW1 switch element (first switch element) may be closed, and the other switch elements from the SW2 switch element (second switch element) to the SWn switch element (n ti switch element) may be opened. In this case, a circuit network may be formed by the first contact terminal (AV1 terminal), the second contact terminal (AV2 terminal), and from the second resistor element R2 to the nth resistor element Rn, and a signal may be input to the first contact terminal (AV1 terminal). A voltage of the signal applied to the first contact terminal (AV1 terminal) may be determined based on a sum of resistance values from the second resistor element R2 to the nth resistor element Rn and a power supply voltage VDD supplied to the inputter 40.
As another example, in a case where the needle on the dial of the regulator 42 points to the number 9, the SW2 switch element (second switch element) may be closed, the SW1 switch element (first switch element) may be opened, and the other switch elements from the SW3 switch element (third switch element) to the SWn switch element (nth switch element) may also be opened. In this case, a circuit network may be formed by the first contact terminal (AV1 terminal), the second contact terminal (AV2 terminal), and from the third resistor element R3 to the nth resistor element Rn, and a signal may be input to the first contact terminal (AV1 terminal). A voltage of the signal applied to the first contact terminal (AV1 terminal) may be determined based on a sum of resistance values from the third resistor element R3 to the nth resistor element Rn and the power supply voltage VDD supplied to the inputter 40.
As such, the number of resistor elements connected between the first contact terminal (AV1 terminal) and the second contact terminal (AV2 terminal) may vary depending on an operation of the regulator 42, and a resistance value may vary accordingly. Thus, a magnitude of the voltage applied to the first contact terminal (AV1 terminal) may change according to the operation of the regulator 42. The controller 100 may determine a target temperature of an indoor space or a maximum current applied to the outdoor unit 10 based on the voltage of the signal applied to the first contact terminal (AV1 terminal).
In
Referring to
The controller 100 may receive a signal corresponding to the user input from the inputter 40 (602). The inputter 40 may transmit an electrical signal (operation mode selection signal) corresponding to an operation of the operation mode inputter 41 to the controller 100. In addition, the inputter 40 may transmit a signal corresponding to an operation of the regulator 42 to the controller 100.
The controller 100 may set the maximum current applied to the outdoor unit 10 based on the signal received from the inputter 40 (603). The controller 100 may determine the signal generated according to the operation of the regulator 42 as a second signal (maximum current setting signal) for the maximum current setting of the outdoor unit 10. For example, based on an input mode of the inputter 40 being selected as a maximum current input mode via the remote controller 30, the controller 100 may determine the signal corresponding to the operation of the regulator 42 as the maximum current setting signal. The controller 100 may adjust the maximum current applied to the outdoor unit 10 in response to the signal transmitted from the inputter 40 according to the operation of the regulator 42 (604).
In a case where a user selects the input mode of the inputter 40 as a second input mode using the remote controller 30, the controller 100 may determine the signal transmitted from the regulator 42 of the inputter 40 as a second signal for the maximum current setting of the outdoor unit 10. In this case, the controller 100 may determine a maximum value of the current applied to the outdoor unit 10 based on a voltage of the second signal. That is, the current applied to the outdoor unit 10 may be adjusted to be less than or equal to the determined maximum value. By setting the maximum current of the outdoor unit 10 to be low, energy consumption of the outdoor unit 10 may be reduced.
Referring to a table 700 of
The output voltage of the inputter 40 may vary within a predetermined voltage range (e.g., from 0V to 10V). To correspond to the above, the input voltage of Micom may vary within the range from 0V to 10V. The output voltage of the inputter 40 may vary depending on an operation of the regulator 42.
In a case where the needle on the dial of the regulator 42 shown in
Referring to the table 700 of
Referring to the table 800 in
As such, the air conditioner 1 according to the disclosure may allow a user to set the maximum current that may be applied to the outdoor unit 10. For example, the user may easily set a maximum value of the current applied to the outdoor unit 10 using the inputter 40. The controller 100 may set the maximum current of the outdoor unit 10 according to the user input and adjust a driving current applied to each electronic device of the outdoor unit 10 based on the set maximum current. The controller 100 may control the electronic devices included in the outdoor unit 10 to allow a total driving current of the electronic devices of the outdoor unit 10 to correspond to the set maximum current. For example, the controller 100 may control the electronic devices of the outdoor unit 10 to allow the total driving current of the electronic devices included in the outdoor unit 10 to remain constant at the set maximum current. The controller 100 may control the outdoor unit 10 to allow the driving current of the outdoor unit 10 to be maintained within a predetermined error range of the set maximum current.
Because the user may select the maximum current of the outdoor unit 10 within the predetermined range, energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 may be adjusted according to the user's intention. The energy consumption of the outdoor unit 10 is adjustable according to user demand, and thus the user's convenience regarding the adjustment of energy consumption efficiency may be improved.
Referring to a graph 910 of
Referring to a graph 920 of
As such, the air conditioner and the method for controlling the same may allow a user to adjust the maximum current that may be applied to the outdoor unit. For example, the user may easily set the maximum value of the current applied to the outdoor unit using the inputter. Because the user may select the maximum current of the outdoor unit within a predetermined range, energy consumption of the air conditioner may be adjusted according to the user's intention. The energy consumption of the outdoor unit is adjustable according to user demand, and thus the user's convenience regarding the adjustment of energy consumption efficiency may be improved.
In addition, the air conditioner and the method for controlling the same may enable continuous operation of the compressor by continuously supplying the maximum current set by the user to the outdoor unit. Accordingly, noise caused by the operation of the outdoor unit may be reduced, and performance decrease of the air conditioner may also be reduced.
The disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program codes, and when executed by a processor, the instructions may create a program module to perform operations of the disclosed embodiments.
The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, when a storage medium is referred to as “non-transitory,” it may be understood that the storage medium is tangible and may not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but rather that data is semi-permanently or temporarily stored in the storage medium. For example, a “non-transitory storage medium” may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.
The method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) online. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be stored at least semi-permanently or may be temporarily generated in a storage medium, such as a memory of a server of a manufacturer, a server of an application store, or a relay server.
While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood that the various example embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and full scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2022-0052350 | Apr 2022 | KR | national |
This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/2023/003454 designating the United States, filed on Mar. 15, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Receiving Office and claiming priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0052350, filed on Apr. 27, 2022, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/KR2023/003454 | Mar 2023 | WO |
| Child | 18825613 | US |
