KR102399915B1 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner. An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of indoor units, at least one outdoor unit connected to the plurality of indoor units to supply refrigerant, a remote controller for controlling the operation of the plurality of indoor units or outdoor units, and backup data. and a power distributor for distributing power to each of the plurality of indoor units based on the backup data when a communication error with the remote controller occurs. Accordingly, power consumption can be distributed rationally.

Description

air conditioner {Air conditioner}

The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly, generates backup data before a communication error with a remote controller occurs, and supplies power to each of a plurality of indoor units based on the backup data when a communication error with the remote controller occurs. By distributing it, it relates to an air conditioner capable of rationally distributing power consumption.

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 such an air conditioner, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant compressed from the compressor of the outdoor unit is supplied to the heat exchanger of the indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe, and the refrigerant exchanged heat in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit is returned to the outdoor unit through the refrigerant pipe. into the compressor. Accordingly, the indoor unit discharges hot and cold air into the room through heat exchange using the refrigerant.

Meanwhile, in large buildings, it is a reality that an air conditioner is configured in a so-called multi-type air conditioner in which a plurality of indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit or a plurality of outdoor units are interconnected and connected to a plurality of indoor units.

In such a multi-type air conditioner, the power distributor communicates with the outdoor unit and the remote controller, and transmits power distribution amount information of each of the plurality of indoor units to the remote controller. In addition, the remote controller distributes power to each of the plurality of indoor units based on the power distribution amount information.

However, in the conventional air conditioner, when a communication error occurs between the power distributor and the remote controller due to an error in the remote controller, the remote controller does not receive the power distribution amount information, and power is not distributed rationally to each of the plurality of indoor units. There is a problem that it cannot.

In addition, there is a problem in that electric power cannot be rationally distributed to each of the plurality of indoor units, so that the calculation of the electric power rate of the individual indoor units is inaccurate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner capable of rationally distributing power consumption.

In order to achieve the above object, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of indoor units, at least one outdoor unit connected to the plurality of indoor units to supply refrigerant, and controlling the operation of the plurality of indoor units or outdoor units. It includes a remote controller and a power distributor that generates backup data, and distributes power to each of the plurality of indoor units based on the backup data when a communication error with the remote controller occurs.

The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention generates backup data before a communication error with the remote controller occurs, and when a communication error with the remote controller occurs, distributes power to each of a plurality of indoor units based on the backup data, There is an advantage that power consumption can be distributed rationally.

In addition, the air conditioner can more accurately calculate the electric power rate of each indoor unit by rationally distributing power consumption.

In addition, since the air conditioner generates backup data based on specific operation information of individual indoor units and distributes power to individual indoor units based on the backup data, reliability of power distribution is improved.

In addition, the air conditioner sets the power distributor as the master when a communication error occurs, and the power distributor distributes power to individual indoor units based on the power distribution amount information. It can solve the problem of accumulating electric power in the currently operating indoor unit.

In addition, the air conditioner sets the power distributor as a slave after the communication error is restored, and the power distributor transmits the power distribution amount information during the communication error occurrence time to the remote controller. information can be obtained.

In addition, since the power distributor of the air conditioner includes a display unit for displaying information on the amount of power distribution of the individual indoor units, it is possible to easily check the power use of the individual indoor units.

In addition, since the air conditioner further includes a power meter connected to a power line supplied to the outdoor unit to measure power consumed by a plurality of indoor units or outdoor units, power consumption of the air conditioner can be more efficiently managed.

1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit of FIG. 1 .
FIG. 3 is an example of an internal block diagram of the power distributor of FIG. 1 .
4 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of the air conditioner according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram referenced in the description of the operation method of FIG. 4 .
FIG. 6 is a diagram referenced in the description of the operation method of FIG. 5 .
7 is a diagram referred to in the description of the present invention.
8 is a diagram referred to in the description of the present invention.

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

The suffixes “module” and “part” for the components used in the following description are given simply in consideration of the ease of writing the present specification, and do not impart a particularly important meaning or role by themselves. Accordingly, the terms “module” and “unit” may be used interchangeably.

Terms including an ordinal number such as 1st, 2nd, etc. may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

In the present application, terms such as “comprises” or “have” are intended to designate that a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification exists, but one or more other features It should be understood that this does not preclude the existence of, or addition of, elements, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

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

The air conditioner 100 may be any of a stand-type air conditioner, a wall-mounted air conditioner, and a ceiling-type air conditioner. However, for convenience of description, the ceiling-type air conditioner will be described as an example below. Also, the air conditioner 100 may further include at least one of a ventilator, an air purifier, a humidifier, and a heater, and may operate in conjunction with the operation of the indoor unit 21 and the outdoor unit 31 .

Referring to the drawings, the air conditioner 100 is a large-sized air conditioner 100, and includes a plurality of indoor units (21 to 23; At least one outdoor unit 31 connected to 21) and supplying a refrigerant, a plurality of remote controllers 51 to 53 connected to each of the plurality of indoor units 21 (hereinafter referred to as 51 if there is no need to distinguish them), an outdoor unit A power meter 61 connected to the power line L1 supplied to 31 to measure power consumed by a plurality of indoor units 21 or outdoor units 31, and a power distributor 41 for distributing power to individual indoor units , the remote controller 10 for controlling the operation of the plurality of indoor units 21 or the outdoor unit 31 may be included.

The outdoor unit 31 includes a compressor (not shown) that receives and compresses a refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger (not shown) that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air, and an accumulator (not shown) that extracts a gaseous refrigerant from the supplied refrigerant and supplies it to the compressor. time) and a four-way valve (not shown) for selecting a refrigerant flow path according to the heating operation. In addition, it may further include a plurality of sensors, valves and oil recovery units.

The outdoor unit 31 supplies the refrigerant to the indoor unit 21 by operating a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger provided to compress or heat exchange the refrigerant according to a setting.

The outdoor unit 31 is driven at the request of the remote controller 10 or the indoor unit 21, and as the cooling/heating capacity is changed in response to the driven indoor unit, the number of outdoor units and the number of compressors installed in the outdoor unit are variable. do.

In this case, the outdoor unit 31 will be described on the basis of supplying refrigerant to the indoor units to which the plurality of outdoor units are respectively connected. may be

The indoor unit 21 is connected to any one of the plurality of outdoor units 31 , receives a refrigerant, and discharges hot and cold air into the room. The indoor unit 21 includes an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), an indoor unit fan (not shown), an expansion valve (not shown) through which the supplied refrigerant is expanded, and a plurality of sensors (not shown).

At this time, the outdoor unit 31 and the indoor unit 21 are connected through a communication line to transmit and receive data, and the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are connected to the remote controller 10 through a separate communication line to operate under the control of the remote controller 10 .

On the other hand, the outdoor unit 31 is directly connected to the outdoor unit data storage unit (not shown) in which the indoor unit 21 operation information and group address data of the indoor unit group connected to the outdoor unit 31 are stored and the power distributor 41 to transmit and receive data. provides operation information of the outdoor unit communication module (not shown) and the indoor unit 21 according to the request of the remote controller 10, and the power usage information received from the remote controller 10 and/or the power distributor 41. Accordingly, an outdoor unit microcomputer (not shown) for controlling the indoor unit 21 may be provided.

When the group address data of the indoor unit group allocated from the power distributor 41 and/or the remote controller 10 is received, the outdoor unit microcomputer (not shown) stores the received group address data, and the indoor unit corresponding to the indoor unit group ( The group address data received from 21 ) may be transmitted to the power distributor 41 and/or the remote controller 10 .

When a signal for requesting operation information of the indoor unit group connected to the outdoor unit 31 is received from the power distributor 41, the outdoor unit microcomputer (not shown) requests operation information to the indoor unit group, and requests the operation information of the indoor unit group received according to the request. It is possible to control the operation information to be transmitted to the power distributor 41 .

On the other hand, the indoor unit 21 includes an indoor unit microcomputer (not shown) for controlling the indoor unit 21, and the indoor unit microcomputer (not shown) is a power distributor 41 and/or remote controller 10 through the outdoor unit 31 . When the group address data of the indoor unit group allocated from , is received, the group address of the indoor unit 21 may be set according to the received group address data.

In addition, the indoor unit 21 includes an indoor unit communication module (not shown), and the indoor unit 21 transmits operation information of the indoor unit 21 according to the request of the outdoor unit 31 through the indoor unit communication module (not shown) to the outdoor unit. (31) can be transmitted.

A plurality of remote controllers (51 to 53, hereinafter referred to as 51 if no distinction is needed) are respectively connected to the indoor unit 21 , input a user's control command to the indoor unit 21 , and state information of the indoor unit 21 . can be received and displayed. At this time, the remote control 51 communicates with the indoor unit 21 by wire or wirelessly depending on the connection type with the indoor unit 21 . The setting in (21) can be changed.

In addition, the remote control 51 may include a temperature sensor therein.

The power meter 61 is connected to the power line L1 supplied to the outdoor unit 31, measures the power consumed by the plurality of indoor units 21 or the outdoor unit 31, and transmits the measured amount of power to the outdoor unit 31. there is.

The power measuring device 61 is a power measuring device for charging electricity bills. During power consumption, the rotating disk rotates at a speed proportional to the power consumption, and the total number of rotations is accumulated and used during a certain period of direct or alternating current. It may be an integrated power meter that measures power consumption.

The power meter 61 may measure the total amount of power of the indoor unit 21 usable from the outdoor unit 31 . That is, the total amount of power consumed by the outdoor unit 31 may be measured.

The power meter 61 may measure the total amount of power of the indoor unit 21 usable from the outdoor unit 31 for a preset time. That is, the accumulated amount of power consumed by the outdoor unit 31 for a preset time may be measured. For example, the preset time may be daily, monthly, quarterly, yearly, or the like. As another example, the preset time may be hours, minutes, and seconds.

The power meter 61 may exchange data with the outdoor unit 31 in a pulse data communication method.

For example, when there is a request to transmit power amount information from the outdoor unit 31 , or at a preset time interval, the power meter 61 may transmit the measured accumulated power consumption to the outdoor unit 31 as a pulse signal.

Meanwhile, the outdoor unit 31 may be connected to the indoor unit 21 through a communication line to receive operation information, power, and power usage information of the indoor unit 21 , and the outdoor unit 31 may be connected to the power distributor 41 and It is connected through a communication line to transmit operation information, power, and power usage information of the outdoor unit 31 and/or the indoor unit 21 to the power distributor 41 .

The power distributor 41 may receive operation information, power, and power usage information of the outdoor unit 31 and/or the indoor unit 21 and display the received information on the display means.

The power distributor 41 receives, from the outdoor unit 31 , power consumption information consumed by the outdoor unit 31 and operation information of the plurality of indoor units 21 , and transmits the power distribution amount information to the remote controller 10 . can

As shown in FIG. 1 , the power distributor 41 is connected to the outdoor unit 31 to directly receive operation information, electric power, power usage information, etc. from the outdoor unit 31 , and through the calculated total power of the indoor unit 21 , the individual When calculating the power consumption of the indoor unit 21 , there is no need to connect a communication line between the power meter 61 and the power distributor 41 , and installation convenience can be increased.

Meanwhile, the power meter 61 may be connected to the indoor unit 21 and the outdoor unit 31 , and in this case, the unit configuration of the indoor unit 21 and the outdoor unit 31 may be changed.

The power distributor 41 generates backup data before a communication error with the remote controller 10 occurs, and when a communication error with the remote controller 10 occurs, based on the backup data, each of the plurality of indoor units 21 is power can be distributed. Meanwhile, this will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 3 .

The remote controller 10 may be connected to a plurality of indoor units 21 and/or outdoor units 31 to monitor and control operations thereof. In this case, the remote controller 10 may be connected to the plurality of indoor units 21 and/or the outdoor units 31 to perform operation setting, lock setting, schedule control, group control, etc. for the plurality of indoor units 21 . .

In addition, the remote controller 10 can individually operate and stop the indoor units 21 installed in each room, and can determine the operating state and abnormality of each indoor unit 21 , and the remote controller 10 can operate a computer It is also possible to remotely control and monitor by controlling in the Internet or local network environment.

Meanwhile, the remote controller 10 may store information of each protocol for the air conditioner network and the building control network, and may include a converter for data processing for different protocols or may operate as a gateway.

For example, when the remote controller 10 operates as a gateway, the remote controller 10 is connected to the outdoor unit 31 and a dedicated line communication method such as RS-485 or LAN (Local Area Network) to transmit data. can transmit and receive. As another example, the remote controller 10 may convert a communication protocol such as Lonworks or BACnet into a communication protocol in the indoor unit 21 and/or the outdoor unit 31 or vice versa.

The remote controller 10 may include input means for inputting a command and output means for displaying control data or information.

The input means of the remote controller 10 may include a mechanical button or an input device in a broad sense, such as a touch pad for sensing a touch input. The output means of the remote controller 10 may include a device for generating light including a light source (a device that emits light, such as a light emitting diode (LED) or an organic light emitting diode (OLED)).

The remote controller 10 may include a microprocessor capable of processing information, and may transmit/receive a control signal in conjunction therewith. As shown in FIG. 1 , the remote controller 10 may be connected to the outdoor unit 31 and may perform wireless or wired communication with the indoor unit 21 and the outdoor unit 31 , but is not limited thereto.

The remote controller 10 may change the operation mode of the indoor unit 21 . For example, the remote controller 10 may control the indoor unit 21 to operate in a cooling mode, a dehumidifying mode, an air cleaning mode, a heating mode, or the like.

The remote controller 10 may check the operating state of the indoor unit 21 or the outdoor unit 31 in real time. When the remote controller 10 checks the operating state of the indoor unit 21 or the outdoor unit 31 in real time, it may receive data information in real time and display the received data information.

In particular, the remote controller 10 may be connected to the power distributor 41 by wire or wirelessly, and may transmit a power consumption request signal of the individual indoor unit 21 to the power distributor 41 . In this case, the power distributor 41 may transmit power distribution amount information in response to the power consumption request signal.

The remote controller 10 may distribute power to each of the plurality of indoor units 21 based on the power distribution amount information. In addition, the power distribution information may include information on the accumulated power consumed by each of the plurality of indoor units for a preset time.

For example, when there is a difference in the accumulated power consumed for a preset time in the plurality of indoor units 21 to 23 , the remote controller 10 may configure the plurality of indoor units 21 to 23 based on the ratio of the accumulated power. ) can distribute power to each.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit of FIG. 1 .

Referring to the drawings, the air conditioner 100 is largely divided into an indoor unit 21 and an outdoor unit 31 .

The indoor unit 21 includes an indoor heat exchanger 108 disposed indoors to perform a cooling/heating function, an indoor fan 109a disposed at one side of the indoor heat exchanger 108 to promote heat dissipation of the refrigerant, and an indoor unit. and an indoor blower 109 including an electric motor 109b that rotates the fan 109a.

At least one indoor heat exchanger 108 may be installed. At least one of an inverter compressor and a constant speed compressor may be used as the compressor 102 .

In addition, the air conditioner 100 may be configured as an air conditioner for cooling the room, or may be configured as a heat pump for cooling or heating the room.

The outdoor unit 31 includes a compressor 102 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 It includes a mechanism 106, a cooling/heating switching valve that changes the flow path of the compressed refrigerant, and an accumulator 103 that temporarily stores the vaporized refrigerant to remove moisture and foreign substances and supplies the refrigerant at a constant pressure to the compressor. do.

Meanwhile, although FIG. 2 shows one indoor unit 21 and one outdoor unit 31, the driving device of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. Of course, it is applicable to an air conditioner, an air conditioner including one indoor unit and a plurality of outdoor units.

FIG. 3 is an example of an internal block diagram of the power distributor of FIG. 1 .

Referring to the drawings, the power distributor 41 of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an input unit 330 , a display unit 350 , a memory 370 , a communication unit 390 and a control unit ( 310).

The input unit 330 includes at least one button, switch, or touch input means, so that a user command for setting the operation of the power distributor 41 or information displayed through the display unit 350 may be input.

Meanwhile, when the input unit 330 is configured as a touch screen, the input unit 330 may input data by touching the screen of the display unit 350 .

The display unit 350 may display the power information calculated by the control unit 310, including a display means capable of outputting letters, numbers, and symbol images.

The display unit 350 may output specified power information in response to the control command of the control unit 310 or may display instantaneous power, accumulated power, accumulated power for each period, and the like, sequentially and repeatedly at predetermined time intervals.

Also, the display unit 350 may display power information on a specific unit selected through the input unit 330 among the outdoor unit 31 or the plurality of indoor units 21 .

The display unit 350 may display not only the total accumulated electric power of the individual indoor units 21 but also the accumulated electric power consumed by the individual indoor units 21 during a preset period. In this case, the controller 310 may initialize the amount of power accumulated for a certain period of time.

The display unit 350 displays the total amount of power consumed by the outdoor unit 31, the plurality of indoor units 21, each power distribution amount, and electricity rate information on the display means in real time, by period, and cumulative information. can Accordingly, it is possible to more easily check the power use of the air conditioner 100 .

Meanwhile, the power distributor 41 may transmit power information and charge information about the indoor unit 21 to the remote controller 10 at the request of the remote controller 10 .

The memory 370 may store power usage of the indoor unit 21 and the outdoor unit 31 and operation information of the indoor unit 21 and the outdoor unit 31 received through the communication unit 390 .

In addition, the memory 370 may store instantaneous power, accumulated power, and period-by-period accumulated power of the indoor unit 21 and the outdoor unit 31 , reference data according to power distribution, and the like.

The memory 370 may store backup data. The backup data may be information on the accumulated power consumed by each of the plurality of indoor units 21 for a preset time. Accordingly, the backup data may be the same as the power distribution amount information distributed to each of the plurality of indoor units 21 for a preset time.

Also, the backup data may be information on the accumulated power consumed by each of the plurality of indoor units 21 during the communication error occurrence time.

In particular, the memory 370 stores information on the accumulated power consumed by each of the plurality of indoor units 21 at preset time intervals, and when a communication error between the power distributor 41 and the remote controller 10 occurs, The information may be provided to the control unit 310 .

That is, when a communication error occurs between the power distributor 41 and the remote controller 10 , the memory 370 controls information on the accumulated power consumed by each of the plurality of indoor units for a preset time immediately before the communication error occurs. 310 may be provided.

In addition, the memory 370 stores information on the accumulated power consumed by each of the plurality of indoor units 21 during a communication error occurrence time, and causes a communication error between the power distributor 41 and the remote controller 10 . When it occurs, the information may be provided to the control unit 310 .

Meanwhile, the memory 370 may provide the controller 310 with information on the power distribution amount of the individual indoor units 21 during the communication error occurrence time after the communication error is recovered.

Memory 370 may also include, but is not limited to, non-volatile memory such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memory devices, and may include a readable storage medium.

For example, the memory 370 may include an Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), but is not limited thereto. In the EEPROM, writing and erasing of information may be performed by the control unit 310 while the control unit 310 is operating. The EEP-ROM may be a storage device in which information stored therein is maintained without being erased even when the power supply of the power distributor 41 is turned off and power supply is stopped.

The communication unit 390 may be connected to the remote controller 10 , the outdoor unit 31 , the indoor unit 21 , and the power meter 61 through a wired or wireless communication method.

At this time, the communication unit 390 includes at least one communication module, and can transmit and receive data in different communication methods in communication with the remote controller 10 , the indoor unit 21 , the outdoor unit 31 , and the power meter 610 . .

The communication unit 390 may transmit/receive one or more data between the indoor unit 21 and/or the outdoor unit 31 .

In more detail, the communication unit 390 receives the power consumption information of the outdoor unit 31 and operation information of the plurality of indoor units 21 from the outdoor unit 31 , and transmits power distribution information to the outdoor unit 31 and / or may be transmitted to the individual indoor unit 21 . Also, the communication unit 390 may transmit information on standby power of the indoor unit 21 .

Meanwhile, the communication unit 390 may be connected to the power meter 61 in a pulse data communication method to periodically receive power usage information from the power meter 610 . To this end, the communication unit 390 may include a communication module according to a pulse data communication method.

The communication unit 390 may transmit, to the remote controller 10 , the power distribution amount information calculated by the control unit 310 based on the operation information of the individual indoor unit 21 and the power consumption information of the outdoor unit 31 .

More specifically, the communication unit 390 may receive the power distribution amount information request signal of the remote controller 10 , and transmit the power distribution amount information to the remote controller 10 under the control of the controller 310 . To this end, the communication unit 390 may include a communication module according to the air conditioner network communication method.

The controller 310 may request the operation information of the plurality of indoor units 21 from the outdoor unit 31 . Also, the controller 310 may request, from the outdoor unit 31 , information on power consumption consumed by the outdoor unit 31 .

Meanwhile, in FIG. 1 , when the power meter 61 is connected to the power line L1 supplied to the outdoor unit 31 and is not connected to the individual indoor unit 21 , the total power consumption information of the outdoor unit 31 is , may be equal to the total power consumption of the outdoor unit 31 and the plurality of indoor units 21 to 23 connected to the outdoor unit 31 .

The controller 310 may calculate the power distribution amount of the individual indoor units 21 based on the power consumption of the outdoor unit 31 and operation information of the plurality of indoor units 21 .

In more detail, the control unit 310 calculates the weighted power for each indoor unit 21 in response to the operation information of the individual indoor unit 21 , and calculates the weighted power for each indoor unit 21 as a ratio to the total power consumed by the outdoor unit 31 . The power distribution can be calculated.

In this case, the total power consumed by the outdoor unit 31 may be instantaneous power, accumulated power, power for each period, and the like.

In addition, the operation information may be a concept including operation settings such as the operation of the indoor unit 21, the operating state such as stop, the capacity of the individual indoor unit 21, the air volume of the individual indoor unit, the temperature, the opening degree of the expansion valve, etc. .

Accordingly, since the power distributor 41 distributes power based on specific operation information of individual indoor units, the reliability of power distribution is improved.

The control unit 310 may control to transmit power distribution amount information to the remote controller 10 through the communication unit 390 in response to the power distribution amount request signal of the remote controller 10 .

Also, the controller 310 may control to display information on the amount of power distribution of the individual indoor unit 21 through the display unit 350 .

On the other hand, as described above, when a communication error occurs between the power distributor 41 and the remote controller 10 , the memory 370 stores the accumulated power consumed by each of the plurality of indoor units for a preset time immediately before the communication error occurs. information on the accumulative power may be provided to the control unit 310, and the information on the accumulated power may be backup data when a communication error occurs.

When a communication error with the remote controller 10 occurs, the controller 310 may distribute power to each of the plurality of indoor units 21 to 23 based on the backup data.

More specifically, when the power distribution amount information request signal of the remote controller 10 is not received for a predetermined time, the controller 310 may calculate as a communication error.

Also, when a communication error with the remote controller 10 occurs, the controller 310 may distribute power to each of the plurality of indoor units 21 to 23 in proportion to the accumulated power.

Accordingly, the power distributor 41 generates backup data before a communication error with the remote controller occurs, and distributes power to each of the plurality of indoor units based on the backup data when a communication error with the remote controller occurs. , it has the advantage that power consumption can be distributed rationally.

The control unit 310 may set the power distributor 41 to operate as a master or a slave according to a communication state between the power distributor 41 and the remote controller 10 .

For example, when a communication error with the remote controller 10 occurs, the controller 310 may set the power distributor 41 to operate as a master. In addition, when the communication state with the remote controller 10 is normal or the communication error is recovered, the controller 310 may set the power distributor 41 to operate as a slave.

The controller 310 may set the power distributor 41 to operate as a master or a slave according to a data packet received from the outdoor unit 31 or the remote controller 10 in a state in which a communication error occurs.

For example, the controller 310 maintains the master setting when receiving an outdoor unit packet from the outdoor unit 31 in a state in which a communication error occurs, and when receiving a remote controller packet from the remote controller 10, the master You can cancel the setting and set it to operate as a slave.

On the other hand, when the power distributor 41 operates as a master, the power distributor 41 distributes power to each of the plurality of indoor units 21 to 23 based on the backup data, and the power distributor 41 serves as a slave. When operated, the power distributor 41 distributes power to each of the plurality of indoor units 21 to 23 based on the power distribution amount information.

Meanwhile, it goes without saying that the power distribution amount information for a preset period may be backup data.

On the other hand, the power distributor 41 of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention has an auxiliary display unit (not shown) that displays the communication status with the outdoor unit 31 and the remote controller 10 through lighting or flickering of the lamp. time) and an audio output unit (not shown) for outputting a predetermined sound effect or warning sound.

4 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the outdoor unit 31 may be connected to the indoor unit 21 through a communication line to receive operation information of the indoor unit 21 . In this case, the operation information may be a concept including operation settings such as the operation of the indoor unit 21 , the operating state of the stop lamp, the capacity of the individual indoor unit 21 , the air volume of the individual indoor unit, the temperature, and the opening degree of the expansion valve. .

The outdoor unit 31 may receive power consumption information consumed by the outdoor unit 31 from the power meter 61 . In this case, the information on the power consumption of the outdoor unit 31 may include information on the accumulated power consumption of the outdoor unit for a preset time.

The outdoor unit 31 may transmit the power consumed by the outdoor unit 31 and operation information of the plurality of indoor units 21 to the power distributor 41 at the request of the power distributor 41 or periodically.

The power distributor 41 may receive power consumed by the outdoor unit 31 and operation information of the plurality of indoor units 21 ( S400 ).

The power distributor 41 may calculate the power distribution amount of the individual indoor units 21 based on the power consumption of the outdoor unit 31 and operation information of the plurality of indoor units 21 ( S410 ).

For example, the power distributor 41 calculates the weighted power for each indoor unit 21 in response to the operation information of the individual indoor unit 21 , and uses the ratio of the total power consumed by the outdoor unit 31 . The power distribution can be calculated.

In particular, the power distributor 41 may generate backup data based on the power distribution amount (S420).

In more detail, the power distributor 41 may calculate the accumulated power distributed to each of the plurality of indoor units for a predetermined time before the occurrence of a communication error. The accumulated power may be stored in the memory 370 as backup data.

As described above, the accumulated power may be calculated based on the power consumption of the outdoor unit 31 and operation information of the plurality of indoor units 21 for a preset time.

Meanwhile, the remote controller 10 may transmit a power distribution amount information request signal to the power distributor 41 , and the power distributor 41 transmits the power distribution amount information to the remote controller in response to the power distribution amount information request signal. (10) can be transmitted.

The remote controller 10 may distribute power to the individual indoor units 21 based on the power distribution amount information. In addition, the power distribution amount information may be used to calculate power rates.

The power distributor 41 may calculate a communication error with the remote controller (S430).

More specifically, when the power distribution amount information request signal from the remote controller 10 is not received for a predetermined time, the power distributor 41 may calculate as a communication error. The predetermined time may be set by the manufacturer.

On the other hand, the communication error may occur due to misconnection of the communication line between the power distributor 41 and the remote controller 10 , a communication line defect, or an error of the remote controller 10 .

The power distributor 41 may be set to operate as a master when a communication error with the remote controller 10 occurs (S440). On the other hand, when the communication between the power distributor 41 and the remote controller 10 is in a normal state, the steps below S470 are performed.

When the power distributor 41 is operated as a master, the power distributor 41 distributes power to individual indoor units 21 like the remote controller 10. It can solve the problem of accumulating electric power in the indoor unit being used.

When a communication error with the remote controller 10 occurs, the power distributor 41 may distribute power to each of the plurality of indoor units 21 based on the backup data (S450).

On the other hand, the backup data may be accumulated power distributed to each of the plurality of indoor units 21 for a preset period of time before the occurrence of a communication error, and the power distributor 41, when a communication error with the remote controller 10 occurs , power may be distributed to each of the plurality of indoor units 21 in proportion to the accumulated power. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 6 .

The power splitter 41 may set the power splitter 41 to operate as a master or a slave according to a data packet received from the outdoor unit 31 or the remote controller 10 in a state in which a communication error occurs (S460) .

In this case, the power distributor 41 may use a polling technique to sequentially or periodically check the outdoor unit 31 or the remote controller 10 . Accordingly, there is an advantage in that the implementation is simple compared to the interrupt method.

The power distributor 41 maintains the master setting when receiving an outdoor unit packet from the outdoor unit 31 in a state in which a communication error has occurred, and the power distributor 41 uses the backup data as the basis for the individual indoor unit 21 . Power can be distributed to each.

When a remote controller packet is received from the remote controller 10 in a state in which a communication error occurs, the power distributor 41 may release the master setting and may be set to operate as a slave (S470).

Meanwhile, when the power divider 41 is reset as a slave, the power divider 41 may transmit power distribution amount information during the communication error occurrence time to the remote controller 10 .

The remote controller 10 may distribute power to the individual indoor units 21 based on the power distribution amount information during the time when a communication error occurs, and the power distribution amount information may be used to calculate a power rate.

The air conditioner 100 according to the present invention sets the power distributor 41 as a slave after the communication error is restored, and the power distributor 41 transmits the power distribution amount information during the communication error occurrence time to the remote controller 10 ), there is an advantage that information on power consumption of the individual indoor unit 21 can be obtained even after communication error recovery.

When the power distributor 41 operates as a slave, the remote controller 10 may operate as a master.

That is, the power distributor 41 may operate as a slave when a communication error with the remote controller 10 is recovered or when the communication state with the remote controller 10 is normal.

The power distributor 41 calculates the power distribution amount of each indoor unit 21 based on the power consumption of the outdoor unit 31 and operation information of the plurality of indoor units 21, and transmits the power distribution amount information to the remote controller ( 10) can be transmitted (S480).

The remote controller 10 may distribute power to each of the plurality of indoor units 21 based on the power distribution amount information ( S490 ). In addition, the remote controller 10 may calculate a power rate based on power consumption of the individual indoor units 21 .

FIG. 5 is a diagram referred to in the description of the operation method of FIG. 4 .

More specifically, in FIG. 5 , when the communication between the power distributor 41 and the remote controller 10 is in a normal state, the power of the individual indoor unit 21 according to the operation of the power distributor 41 and the remote controller 10 . A diagram showing distribution.

Referring to the drawings, the outdoor unit 31 may be connected to the first to third indoor units 21 to 23 through a communication line to receive operation information of the first to third indoor units 21 to 23 . . In addition, the operation information may be transmitted to the power distributor 41 .

The outdoor unit 31 may receive power consumption information consumed by the outdoor unit 31 from the power meter 61 and transmit it to the power distributor 41 .

The power distributor 41 distributes power to each of the first to third indoor units 21 to 23 based on the power consumed by the outdoor unit 31 and operation information of the first to third indoor units 21 to 23 . quantity can be calculated.

That is, the distribution ratio for distributing the amount of electric power to each indoor unit according to the capacity, set air volume, set temperature, etc. of the first to third indoor units 21 to 23 may be varied. For example, when the capacity of the indoor unit 21 is large and the air volume is set to high, the distribution ratio may be higher than that of the indoor unit 21 having a small capacity and low air volume.

In FIG. 5 , the power distributor 41 may calculate that the total accumulated power consumed by the first to third indoor units 21 to 23 during the first time T1 is 9 kW. In addition, the power distributor 41 sets the amount of power distributed to each indoor unit based on the operation information of each indoor unit, the first indoor unit 21 is 2kW, the second indoor unit 22 is 3kW, and the third indoor unit 23 ) can be calculated as 4 kW.

The power distributor 41 transmits the accumulated electric power consumed by the first to third indoor units 21 to 23 for the first time T1 to the remote controller 10 at the request of the remote controller 10 . can be transmitted

Also, since the first to third indoor units 21 to 23 are continuously operated in the power distributor 41 during the second time period T2, the above-described process may be performed in the same manner.

That is, when the total accumulated power consumed by the first to third indoor units 21 to 23 during the second time T2 is 6 kW, the amount of power distributed to each indoor unit is determined based on the operation information of each indoor unit. It can be calculated that one indoor unit 21 is 1 kW, the second indoor unit 22 is 2 kW, and the third indoor unit 23 is 3 kW.

Meanwhile, during the third time T3 , the power of the second indoor unit 22 and the third indoor unit 23 may be turned off. Also, during the third time T3 , the total accumulated power may be 1 kW.

In this case, the power distributor 41 may distribute the total accumulated power of 1 kW to the first indoor unit 21 based on the operation information of the second indoor unit 22 and the third indoor unit 23 .

FIG. 6 is a diagram referenced in the description of the operation method of FIG. 5 .

More specifically, FIG. 6A shows individual indoor units 21 according to the operation of the power distributor 41 and the remote controller 10 when a communication error occurs between the power distributor 41 and the remote controller 10 in the conventional air conditioner. ), and FIG. 6b is, in the air conditioner according to the present invention, when a communication error occurs between the power distributor 41 and the remote controller 10, the power distributor 41 and the remote controller 10 It is a diagram showing power distribution of individual indoor units 21 according to operation.

Referring to the drawings, in FIG. 6A , when the communication state between the power distributor and the remote controller is normal, as in FIG. 5 , the power distributor operates the first indoor units 21 to the third for a first time T1 as shown in FIG. 5 . It is calculated that the power distribution of the indoor unit 23 is 2 kW, 3 kW, and 4 kW, respectively.

However, during the second time T2 when the communication error occurs, the power distributor fails to distribute the total accumulated power (6 kW) to each indoor unit.

In addition, after the second time T2 at which the communication error is recovered, the remote controller integrates 6 kW, which is the total accumulated power during the time when the communication error occurs, to the first indoor unit 21 .

Meanwhile, the power distributor adds 1 kW, which is the total accumulated power, to the first indoor unit 21 during the third time T3 after the second time T2 when the communication error is recovered, as shown in FIG. 5 .

As described above, there is a problem in that the conventional air conditioner cannot rationally distribute electric power to each of a plurality of indoor units by accumulating electric power to an indoor unit currently in operation after a communication error is restored.

In FIG. 6B, as in FIG. 6A, the power distributor 41 indicates that the power distribution amount of the first indoor unit 21 to the third indoor unit 23 is 2 kW, 3 kW, and 4 kW, respectively, during the first time T1. The calculation is the same.

However, according to the present invention, the power distributor 41 of the air conditioner 100 backs up the accumulated power distributed to the first to third indoor units 21 to 23 for a preset time before a communication error occurs. It may be stored in the memory 370 as data.

For example, the preset time may be the first time T1 , and the accumulated power distributed to the first to third indoor units 21 to 23 may be 2kW, 3kW, and 4kW, respectively.

The power distributor 41 may be set to operate as a master when a communication error with the remote controller 10 occurs.

For example, when the power distributor 41 operates as a master, the power distributor 41 supplies power to the first to third indoor units 21 to 23 like the remote controller 10 before a communication error occurs. can be distributed At this time, the power distributor 41, unlike the remote controller 10, may distribute power internally.

Accordingly, during the second time T2, the distribution ratio of the first to third indoor units 21 to 23 may be 1:2:3, as shown in FIG. 5, and the power distributor 41 is The accumulated power of 6kW can be internally distributed to each indoor unit as 1kW, 2kW, or 3kW.

As another example, the power distributor 41 may distribute power to each of the first to third indoor units 21 to 23 in proportion to the accumulated power. That is, power may be distributed to each indoor unit during the second time T2 in proportion to the accumulated power during the first time T1 .

Accordingly, during the first time T1 , power consumed by the first indoor unit 21 is 2 kW, power consumed by the second indoor unit 22 is 3 kW, and power consumed by the third indoor unit 23 is 4 kW Therefore, the power distributor 41 may distribute the total accumulated power 6kW to 1kW, 2kW, and 3kW to each indoor unit during the second time T2 in proportion to the accumulated power. Meanwhile, even in this case, the power distributor 41 may distribute power internally.

The power distributor 41 may be set to operate as a slave when a communication error with the remote controller 10 is recovered.

When the power distributor 41 is reset as a slave, the power distribution amount information during the communication error occurrence time may be transmitted to the remote controller 10 .

For example, during the second time period T2, the power distributor 41 transmits 1kW of the first indoor unit 21, 2kW of the second indoor unit 22, and 3kW of the third indoor unit 23 that were internally distributed to the remote controller ( 10) can be transmitted.

The remote controller 10 may distribute power to the individual indoor units 21 based on the power distribution amount information during the communication error occurrence time.

Accordingly, as in FIG. 5 , the total accumulated power of the first indoor unit 21 to the third indoor unit in FIG. 6B is 3 kW, 5 kW, and 7 kW, respectively.

Accordingly, the air conditioner according to the present invention can solve the problem that the conventional air conditioner accumulates electric power in the currently operating indoor unit after the communication error is restored.

Meanwhile, the power distributor 41 adds 1kW, which is the total accumulated power, to the first indoor unit 21 during the third time T3 after the second time T2 when the communication error is recovered, FIGS. 5 and 6A . same as

7 is a diagram referred to in the description of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a remote controller 10, power distributors 41 to 42, a plurality of outdoor units 31 to 32, and a plurality of power measuring devices ( 61 to 62), and a plurality of indoor units 21 to 26.

The difference from FIG. 1 is that the power distributor 41 is connected to the plurality of outdoor units 31 to 32 .

The power distributor 41 is provided with a plurality of outdoor unit input terminals (not shown), and may be connected to the plurality of outdoor units 31 to 32 through the plurality of input terminals (not shown).

At this time, the first power meter 61 is connected to the first outdoor unit 31 , and the second power meter 62 is connected to the second outdoor unit 32 by wire or wirelessly, and the power measurement value is transmitted as a pulse signal. can be transmitted to each outdoor unit.

The first outdoor unit 31 may be connected to the first to third indoor units 21 to 23 to receive operation information of the first to third indoor units 21 to 23 .

The second outdoor unit 32 may be connected to the fourth to sixth indoor units 24 to 26 to receive operation information of the fourth to sixth indoor units 24 to 26 .

Meanwhile, the power distributor 41 allocates addresses of the plurality of outdoor units 31 to 32 connected to the power distributor 41, and according to the assigned addresses, each outdoor unit, power consumption information of each outdoor unit, and each outdoor unit It is possible to request operation information of a plurality of connected indoor units.

To this end, the power distributor 41 may include a setting unit (not shown) for setting an address of each outdoor unit. The setting unit (not shown) may allocate an address of the outdoor unit connected to the power distributor 41 and store address data in the memory 370 .

Meanwhile, each outdoor unit may transmit power consumption information and operation information to the power distributor 41 in response to the request signal.

The power distributor 41 receives, from each outdoor unit, power consumption information consumed by each outdoor unit and operation information of a plurality of indoor units connected to each outdoor unit, and based on the power consumption information and operation management information, a power distribution amount of each indoor unit can be calculated.

The power distributor 41 may transmit power distribution amount information of individual indoor units and address information of outdoor units to the remote controller 10 .

The remote controller 10 may distribute power to each indoor unit based on the power distribution amount information and the address information.

Meanwhile, the power distributor 41 generates backup data before a communication error with the remote controller 10 occurs, and when a communication error occurs, distributes power to individual indoor units based on the backup data as described in FIG. 4 .

8 is a diagram referred to in the description of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a remote controller 10 , a power distributor 41 , a plurality of power measuring devices 61 and 63 , an outdoor unit 31 , a plurality of may include indoor units 21 to 23 of

The difference from FIG. 1 is that the first power meter 61 is connected to the outdoor unit 31 to measure the power consumed by the outdoor unit 31 , and the second power meter 63 is connected to the plurality of indoor units 21 to 23 . ) to measure the power consumed by the plurality of indoor units 21 to 23 , and the power distributor 41 is connected to the first power meter 61 and the second power meter 62 .

In more detail, the first power meter 61 may measure the amount of power consumed by the outdoor unit 31 . Also, the second power meter 63 may measure the amount of power consumed by the plurality of indoor units 21 to 23 .

The first power meter 61 and the second power meter 63 may be wired or wirelessly connected to the power distributor 41 to transmit the power measurement value to the power distributor 41 as a pulse signal.

The power distributor 41 may receive power measurement values of the first power meter 61 and the second power meter 63 . To this end, the power distributor 41 may further include a signal input unit (not shown).

Meanwhile, the outdoor unit 31 may receive operation information of the plurality of indoor units 21 to 23 and transmit it to the power distributor 41 .

The power distributor 41 receives total power consumption information consumed by the plurality of indoor units 21 to 23 and operation information of the plurality of indoor units 21 to 23 , and based on the power consumption information and the operation information, individual indoor units can calculate the power distribution of

The power distributor 41 may transmit power distribution amount information of individual indoor units to the remote controller 10 .

The remote controller 10 may distribute power to each indoor unit based on the power distribution amount information.

Meanwhile, the power distributor 41 generates backup data before a communication error with the remote controller 10 occurs, and when a communication error occurs, distributes power to individual indoor units based on the backup data as described in FIG. 4 .

The air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention generates backup data before a communication error occurs, and when a communication error with the remote controller 10 occurs, power is supplied to each of a plurality of indoor units based on the backup data Therefore, by rationally distributing power consumption, it is possible to more accurately calculate the electric power rate of individual indoor units.

In addition, by more accurately distributing the power consumption state and power rate of individual indoor units, it is possible to improve the management efficiency of the multi-air conditioning system.

The accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed herein is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all changes and equivalents included in the spirit and scope of the present invention It should be understood to include water or substitutes.

Likewise, although acts are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, it should not be construed that such acts must be performed in that particular order or sequential order shown, or that all depicted acts must be performed in order to achieve desirable results. . In certain cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

In addition, although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and the technical field to which the present invention belongs without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims In addition, various modifications are possible by those of ordinary skill in the art, and these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or prospect of the present invention.

10: remote controller
21: indoor unit
31: outdoor unit
41: power distributor
61: power meter
310: control unit

Claims (10)

a plurality of indoor units;
at least one outdoor unit connected to the plurality of indoor units to supply a refrigerant;
a remote controller for controlling operations of the plurality of indoor units or the outdoor units; and
including a power distributor;
The power distributor is
generating backup data based on the power distributed to each of the plurality of indoor units;
When a communication error occurs between the power divider and the remote controller, the power divider is set to operate as a master,
The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, while the master is set, power is distributed to each of the plurality of indoor units based on the backup data. According to claim 1,
The power distributor is
The air conditioner, characterized in that it is determined that the communication error has occurred when a signal requesting transmission of the power distribution amount information is not received from the remote controller for a predetermined time. According to claim 1,
The backup data is
The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the accumulated power is distributed to each of the plurality of indoor units for a preset time before a communication error occurs. 4. The method of claim 3,
The accumulated power is
The air conditioner is calculated based on power consumption of the outdoor unit and operation information of the plurality of indoor units for a preset time. 4. The method of claim 3,
The power distributor is
When a communication error with the remote controller occurs, power is distributed to each of the plurality of indoor units in proportion to the accumulated power. delete According to claim 1,
The power distributor is
When the outdoor unit packet is received from the outdoor unit in the state in which the communication error occurs, maintaining the setting for the master;
When a remote controller packet is received from the remote controller, the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting for the master is canceled. According to claim 1,
The power distributor is
a memory for storing information on accumulated power consumed by each of the plurality of indoor units for a preset time; and
and a control unit that distributes power to each of the plurality of indoor units in proportion to the accumulated power when a communication error occurs with the remote controller. 9. The method of claim 8,
The power distributor is
a communication unit configured to receive, from the outdoor unit, power consumption information of the outdoor unit and operation information of the plurality of indoor units, and transmit power distribution information to the remote controller; and
The air conditioner further comprising a; a display unit for displaying the power distribution information. According to claim 1,
and a power meter connected to a power line supplied to the outdoor unit to measure power consumed by the plurality of indoor units or the outdoor unit.

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