Patent Application
20240183574
This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0166273, filed in Korea on Dec. 2, 2022 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
An airconditioner, and more particularly, an air conditioner including a drain pump is disclosed herein.
An air conditioner may include an indoor unit disposed in an indoor space to exchange heat with indoor air. The indoor unit is disposed in the indoor space to exchange heat with air in the indoor space and discharge the heat-exchanged air to the indoor space. In this process, condensed water generated in the heat-exchanged air may be collected in the indoor unit. A drain pan for collecting the condensed water is disposed in the indoor unit. In addition, a drain pump may be disposed in the indoor unit in order to discharge the condensed water collected in the drain pan to the outside.
If a space is present below the drain pan in the indoor unit, the drain pump may be mounted below the drain pan to discharge water. However, in the case of a ceiling-mounted type air conditioner or a wall-mounted type air conditioner, because there is no sufficient space below a drain pan, a self-priming pump may be disposed above the drain pan in order to pump condensed water in a self-priming manner and discharge the condensed water. However, the self-priming pump is problematic in that loud noise is generated because an impeller rotates at high speed in order to pump a small amount of water.
Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2002-0047698,which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a noise reduction method using a structure in which a sound insulation member is mounted in order to prevent transmission of driving noise of an internal impeller and fluid flow noise, a structure for preventing inflow of air into an inlet in order to reduce inflow noise, and a structure for preventing backflow of remaining condensed water when operation of the impeller stops.
Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:
Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.
In the drawings, illustration of parts unrelated to the description is omitted to clearly and briefly describe the embodiments, and the same or extremely similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the specification.
As used herein, the terms with which the names of components are suffixed, “module” and “unit”, are assigned to facilitate preparation of this specification, and are not intended to suggest unique meanings or functions. Accordingly, the terms “module” and “unit” may be used interchangeably.
An air conditioner according to an embodiment may include a case 10, which includes a space defined therein, an inlet 14 formed in one or a first side thereof, and an outlet 16 formed in the other or a second side thereof, a blowing fan 18, which is disposed in the case 10 to form a flow of air from the inlet 14 to the outlet 16, a heat exchanger 20, which exchanges heat with air flowing in the case 10, a drain pan 30, which is disposed below the heat exchanger 20 to collect condensed water falling down from the heat exchanger 20, and a drain pump 40, which discharges the condensed water collected in the drain pan 30 to the outside of the case 10.
The case 10 may include a base panel 12, in which the inlet 14 through which air flows thereinto and the outlet 16 through which air escapes therefrom may be formed, and an upper cover 11, which is disposed on the base panel 12 and defines a space in which the blowing fan 18 and the heat exchanger 20 are disposed.
The air conditioner may include a vane 22, which is movably disposed in the base panel 12 to adjust a blow direction of the air flowing to the outlet 16, a filter 24, which removes foreign substances from the air introduced through the inlet 14, and an inlet grille 26, which covers a lower side of the inlet 14 of the base panel 12.
The blowing fan 18 may be disposed above the outlet 16. The drain pan 30 may be disposed above the base panel 12 at a position between the inlet 14 and the outlet 16. The heat exchanger 20 may be disposed such that a spacing distance from the base panel 12 gradually decreases in a direction from the inlet 14 toward the outlet 16.
The drain pan 30 may be disposed below the heat exchanger 20 to collect condensed water falling down from the heat exchanger 20. The drain pan 30 may include a first drain pan 30a disposed below the heat exchanger 20 and a second drain pan 30b disposed on one side of the first drain pan 30a and extending in a forward-backward direction.
The first drain pan 30a has a structure extending in a leftward-rightward or lateral direction in which the heat exchanger 20 is disposed. The first drain pan 30a extends in a direction in which a rotational axis of the blowing fan 18 extends.
The second drain pan 30b may be disposed on the left or right or lateral side of the first drain pan 30a. Referring to
The drain pump 40 is disposed on one side of the drain pan 30. Referring to
The drain pump 40 may include a pump housing (not shown), an impeller (not shown) rotatably disposed in the pump housing (not shown), and a pump motor (not shown) configured to rotate the impeller.
The air conditioner further includes a water level sensor 96, which may be disposed on one side of the pump housing and be configured to detect a level of the condensed water collected in the drain pan 30. Alternatively, the air conditioner may further include a water level switch (not shown) configured to operate when the level of the condensed water collected in the drain pan 30 reaches a predetermined level.
Referring to
The memory 120 may store data necessary for operation of the air conditioner. The memory 120 may store setting data on operation of the air conditioner, control data for control of operation, operation record, data received from other devices, and sensing data of the sensor unit 140.
The controller 110 may control the air conditioner to perform a cooling operation or a heating operation. The controller 110 may generate a control command in response to data input from various sensors of the sensor unit 140 to control the air conditioner.
The sensor unit 140 may include a plurality of sensors configured to sense an operation/state of the air conditioner. In particular, the sensor unit 140 may include a water level switch configured to operate when the level of condensed water reaches a reference level or a water level sensor 96 configured to detect the level of condensed water.
In addition, the controller 110 may control operation of the drain pump 40 based on the level of condensed water. For example, the controller 110 may adjust current applied to a motor of the drain pump 40 to control the drain pump 40.
The drain pump 40 may be mounted above the drain pan 30. When the level of condensed water in the drain pan 30 reaches a predetermined level, the controller 110 may control the drain pump 40 to suction and discharge the condensed water. In this case, an amount of condensed water collected in the drain pan may be expressed as a water level, and the water level may be monitored and measured through the water level switch or the water level sensor 96.
Conventionally, the drain pump 40 is always maintained in an on state, and the water level switch serves to turn the drain pump 40 off or to monitor whether turning the drain pump 40 off is possible. In contrast, according to an embodiment, the water level switch or the water level sensor 96 serves to turn the drain pump 40 on. That is, while the conventional art is configured such that the drain pump operates at all times, embodiments disclosed herein are configured such that drain pump 40 operates only when necessary.
Referring to
As described above, in the conventional art, the drain pump is activated in conjunction with activation of the product, and operates at a constant rotational speed until turned off. Most drain pumps applied to actual products use a BLDC motor that is variable in rotational speed. However, as shown in
In contrast, according to embodiments disclosed herein, when the level of condensed water reaches the predetermined level, the water level switch is turned on, and accordingly, the drain pump 40 is also turned on. In addition, according to embodiments disclosed herein, the drain pump 40 operates at an optimal or minimum rotational speed only when necessary. In the conventional art, as the drain pump continuously operates at 3100 to 3200 RPM, large noise is generated. In contrast, according to embodiments disclosed herein, the drain pump 40 operates at minimum RPM satisfying required performance thereof, and therefore, noise generation is minimized. Here, the term noise includes electromagnetic noise generated from the motor. However, electromagnetic noise from the motor is relatively small. The term noise mostly refers to flow noise that increases in a square (exponential function) fashion as the specific speed (of fluid machinery) increases.
Referring to
When a specific or predetermined motor driving current I2 corresponding to the specific RPM is reached (S830), the controller 110 maintains operation of the drain pump 40 (S840). In addition, after operation for a specific or predetermined time period t2 (S850), the controller 110 stops operation of the drain pump 40 (S860). That is, application of the specific motor driving current I2 is maintained for the specific time period t2.
Referring to
When a specific or predetermined motor driving current I2 corresponding to the specific RPM is reached (S1030), the controller 110 maintains operation of the drain pump 40 (S1040). In addition, after operation for a specific or predetermined time period t2 (S1050), the controller 110 stops operation of the drain pump 40 (S1060). That is, application of the specific motor driving current I2 is maintained for the specific time period t2.
Referring to
When a specific or predetermined motor driving current I2 corresponding to the specific RPM is reached (S1230), the controller 110 maintains operation of the drain pump 40 (S1240). When motor torque decreases sharply and becomes less than a reference torque value (S1250), the controller 110 stops operation of the drain pump 40 (S1260). In addition, when the specific motor driving current I2 decreases sharply and becomes less than a reference current value (S1250), the controller 110 stops operation of the drain pump 40 (S1260).
Referring to
When a specific or predetermined motor driving current I2 corresponding to the specific RPM is reached (S1430), the controller 110 maintains operation of the drain pump 40 (S1440). When motor torque decreases sharply and becomes less than a reference torque value (S1450), the controller 110 stops operation of the drain pump 40 (S1460). In addition, when the specific motor driving current I2 decreases sharply and becomes less than a reference current value (S1450), the controller 110 stops operation of the drain pump 40 (S1460).
In the conventional art, the drain pump is activated in conjunction with activation of the product, and operates at a constant rotational speed until turned off. In contrast, according to embodiments disclosed herein, the drain pump operates at an optimal or minimum rotational speed only when necessary. When the level of condensed water reaches a predetermined water level, the drain pump 40 may be turned on by the water level switch. In this case, the operation combinations shown in
Operation at Specific Rotational Speed (RPM)+Operation for Specific Time Period
Operation at Stepwise Rotational Speed (RPM)+Operation for Specific Time Period
Operation at Specific Rotational Speed (RPM)+Operation until Reduction in Applied Current
Operation at Stepwise Rotational Speed (RPM)+Operation until Reduction in Applied Current
(Reduction in Applied Current: Reduction in Torque, Complete Discharge of Fluid)
According to embodiments disclosed herein, when the level of condensed water detected by the water level sensor 96 reaches the reference level, the drain pump 40 may be turned on.
Referring to
The reference level may be a minimum water level that is detectable by the water level sensor. For example, the reference level may be 0 mm or more.
For example, the water level may have up to 12 levels. When the water level is a negative (−) level, that is, lower than 0 mm, the water level sensor 96 may not recognize the water level. The negative (−) level is defined as one water level. In this case, the drain pump 40 does not operate (turned off).
When the water level reaches each of the levels (defined according to a water level condition), the drain pump operates at a specific or predetermined rotational speed (RPM) corresponding to the reached level according to preset operation control logic. For example, when the water level is classified into a total of 12 levels, the rotational speed of the drain pump may be set differently depending on the 12 levels as follows.
Water Level Lower Than 0 mm: Water Level Not Recognized, Drain Pump OFF
Water Level of 0 mm: RPM 1300 (Drain Pump Activated)
Water Level of 1 mm: RPM 1500
Water Level of 2 mm: RPM 1700
Water Level of 3 mm: RPM 1900
Water Level of 4 mm: RPM 2100
Water Level of 5 mm: RPM 2300
Water Level of 6 mm: RPM 2500
Water Level of 7 mm: RPM 2700
Water Level of 8 mm: RPM 2900
Water Level of 9 mm: RPM 3000
Water Level of 10 mm: RPM 3100
The rotational speed for each water level may be determined taking into consideration maximum rotational speed of commercially available drain pumps and minimum rotational speed satisfying performance stored in each performance map.
When the specific motor driving current In for each water level corresponding to the speed (RPM) for each water level is reached (S1630), the controller 110 maintains operation of the drain pump 40 (S1640). Thereafter, when there is a change in the water level detected by the water level sensor 96 (S1650), the above-described processes S1610 to S1640 are repeated. When the water level becomes lower than 0 mm and thus is not recognized, the controller 110 stops operation of the drain pump 40 (S1260).
According to embodiments disclosed herein, the drain pump 40 always operates at an optimal or minimum rotational speed, thereby minimizing noise.
As is apparent from the above description, according to at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, an air conditioner capable of minimizing noise during operation of a drain pump may be provided.
According to at least one of embodiments disclosed herein, it may be possible to minimize noise through control of a drain pump.
According to at least one of embodiments disclosed herein, it may be possible to minimize noise through optimal rotational speed (RPM) control satisfying required performance of a drain pump during operation thereof.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air conditioner capable of minimizing noise during operation of a drain pump.
Embodiments disclosed herein further provide an air conditioner capable of minimizing noise through control of a drain pump.
Embodiments disclosed herein minimize noise through optimal rotational speed (RPM) control satisfying required performance of a drain pump during operation thereof.
Advantages are not limited to the above-described advantages, and other advantages not mentioned herein may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.
An air conditioner according to an embodiment may include a case including an inlet and an outlet formed therein, a blowing fan disposed in the case to blow air from the inlet to the outlet, a heat exchanger disposed in the case to exchange heat with air flowing in the case, a drain pan disposed below the heat exchanger to collect condensed water falling down from the heat exchanger, a drain pump disposed on one side of the drain pan to discharge condensed water collected in the drain pan to the outside of the case, and a water level switch configured to operate when a level of the condensed water reaches a reference level. When the level of the condensed water reaches the reference level, the drain pump is turned on.
The drain pump may operate at a predetermined specific speed for a specific time period. The drain pump may operate while increasing in speed in a stepwise manner for a specific time period.
The drain pump may operate at a predetermined specific speed, and may then be turned off when an applied current becomes lower than a reference current value. The drain pump may operate at a predetermined specific speed, and may then be turned off when motor torque becomes lower than a reference torque value.
The drain pump may operate while increasing in speed in a stepwise manner, and may then be turned off when an applied current becomes lower than a reference current value. The drain pump may operate while increasing in speed in a stepwise manner, and may then be turned off when motor torque becomes lower than a reference torque value.
An air conditioner according to an embodiment may include a case including an inlet and an outlet formed therein, a blowing fan disposed in the case to blow air from the inlet to the outlet, a heat exchanger disposed in the case to exchange heat with air flowing in the case, a drain pan disposed below the heat exchanger to collect condensed water falling down from the heat exchanger, a drain pump disposed on one side of the drain pan to discharge condensed water collected in the drain pan to the outside of the case, and a water level sensor configured to detect a level of the condensed water. When the level of the condensed water reaches the reference level, the drain pump is turned on.
The drain pump may operate at different speeds depending on water levels detected by the water level sensor. The reference level may be a minimum water level detectable by the water level sensor. The reference level may be 0 mm or more.
Various other advantages may be directly or implicitly disclosed in this description.
The air conditioner and the operation method thereof according to the present disclosure are not limited to the configurations and methods of the embodiments described above, but all or part of the embodiments may be selectively combined so as to be modified into various forms.
Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments shown in the drawings, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to those exemplary embodiments and is embodied in many forms without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, which is described in the following claims. These modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or scope of the present disclosure.
It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on another element or layer or intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
Spatially relative terms, such as “lower”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “lower” relative to other elements or features would then be oriented “upper” relative to the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated 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.
Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures). As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2022-0166273 | Dec 2022 | KR | national |
