KR20120072569A - An air conditioner, a control method the same and network system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner.
In the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the air conditioner that can be controlled by using a terminal, the terminal is characterized in that the pre-set information can be downloaded to control the air conditioner, the air The matching unit includes a communication unit for enabling communication with the terminal; At least one sensing unit for sensing an operating state of a component constituting the air conditioner; And a control unit recognizing information on whether the component is normally operated or an operation error according to the preset information executed in the terminal.

Description

An air conditioner, a control method the same and network system

The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method thereof.

The air conditioner is an appliance for keeping the indoor air in the most suitable condition according to the purpose and purpose. For example, in the summer, the room is controlled by a cool air condition, while in winter the room is controlled by a warm heating condition, by the humidity of the room, and by the clean air of the room.

As life convenience products such as air conditioners are gradually expanded and used, consumers are demanding high energy use efficiency, performance improvement and convenience products.

Such an air conditioner may be classified into a separate type air conditioner that separates the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and an integrated air conditioner that combines the indoor unit and the outdoor unit into one device, depending on whether the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are separated.

On the other hand, according to the installation of the air conditioner, it can be divided into a wall-mounted air conditioner and a frame type air conditioner configured to be mounted on the wall, and a slim air conditioner configured to stand in the living room.

In addition, according to the capacity of the indoor unit, a single air conditioner is configured to be used to drive a single indoor unit to be used in a small place such as home, and medium to large air conditioning composed of a very large capacity for use in a company or restaurant It can be divided into a multi-air conditioner and the like, which is configured with a capacity capable of sufficiently driving a plurality of indoor units.

On the other hand, according to the conventional air conditioner, when trying to control the operation of the air conditioner or change the operating state, there was an inconvenience to approach the air conditioner (generally indoor unit) and operate the input button directly.

To solve this problem, a remote controller for remotely controlling the air conditioner has been provided. However, the remote controller was merely a mechanical mechanism for transmitting a predetermined signal between the air conditioners.

In addition, the communication (signal transmission and reception) distance between the remote control and the air conditioner has a problem that the communication is not made well.

In addition, the remote control has a difficulty in providing all of the input unit for controlling the various functions of the air conditioner, there was a inconvenience to remotely control only the functions frequently used among the various functions.

On the other hand, there is a problem that it is limited to check whether the air conditioner is operating properly during the use of the air conditioner.

In addition, when an error occurs in the operation of the air conditioner, the status information regarding the error, that is, the error occurrence position or the cause of the error cannot be grasped, so that the error of the entire configuration of the air conditioner is checked in order to repair the air conditioner. There was a hassle to do.

The present invention has been proposed to solve this problem, and an object thereof is to provide an air conditioner whose operation can be controlled by using a terminal capable of downloading preset information from a web server.

In the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the air conditioner that can be controlled using a terminal, the terminal is characterized in that the pre-set information can be downloaded to control the air conditioner, the air The matching unit includes a communication unit for enabling communication with the terminal; At least one sensing unit for sensing an operating state of a component constituting the air conditioner; And a control unit recognizing information on whether the component is normally operated or an operation error according to the preset information executed in the terminal.

In a control method of an air conditioner according to another aspect, the control method of the air conditioner which can be controlled by using a terminal, the communication unit having a communication module capable of communicating with the terminal, the terminal is connected to the air conditioner in communication step; Requesting, by the terminal, information regarding an operating state or an error occurrence of the air conditioner; Recognizing state information of the air conditioner through a sensing unit provided in the air conditioner; And transmitting the recognized state information to the terminal.

According to the present invention, since the air conditioner and the terminal are connected to enable wireless communication, it is possible to remotely control the operation of the air conditioner using the terminal.

In addition, the terminal can download specific information from the web server, and can control the operation of the air conditioner based on the downloaded information, there is an effect that improves the accessibility to the air conditioner.

In addition, since the downloaded information includes various functions for controlling the air conditioner, there is an advantage that the function of the air conditioner can be easily set or changed using the terminal.

In addition, since a password or an authentication function is set in the process in which the terminal and the air conditioner are communicatively connected, there is an advantage that security related to communication can be enhanced.

In addition, since the normal operation of the air conditioner can be checked from time to time by using the terminal, it is easy to manage the air conditioner, and there is an advantage of preventing a malfunction.

In addition, when an error is detected in the operation of the air conditioner, since the error occurrence position or error cause can be diagnosed using the terminal, there is an advantage that the air conditioner can be repaired quickly.

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a communication related network system according to the present invention.
2 and 3 are views showing a state in which an application is downloaded through the terminal according to the present invention.
4 is a flowchart showing a method of communication connection between a terminal and an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a block diagram showing a communication configuration between a terminal and an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of communication connection between a terminal and an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a view showing a synchronization is made between the terminal and the air conditioner according to the present invention.
8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a network system according to the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a network system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a network system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the spirit of the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and that those skilled in the art, upon reading and understanding the spirit of the invention, may easily suggest other embodiments within the scope of the same concept.

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a communication related network system according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, in the network system 10 according to the present invention, an air conditioner 100 provided for harmony of indoor air and a terminal 200 provided to communicate with the air conditioner 100 are provided. Included.

Here, the terminal 200 includes a mobile terminal that can be used while being carried by a user. The user may transmit / receive specific information through the terminal 200. For example, a voice or video call with another user may be possible, and specific data may be transmitted (transmitted and received) in relation to another terminal.

The air conditioner 100 has a first communication unit connected to the indoor unit controller 110 and the indoor unit controller 110 for controlling an indoor unit disposed in an indoor space and provided as a means for communicating with the terminal 200. Module 120 is included.

When the air conditioner 100 is a separate air conditioner, the first communication module 120 may be described as being connected to the indoor unit controller 110. When the air conditioner 100 is an integrated air conditioner, It may be understood that the first communication module 120 is connected to the control unit of the air conditioner or the indoor unit.

That is, the first communication module 120 may be described as being connected to any one control unit for controlling the operation of the air conditioner.

The indoor unit controller 110 and the first communication module 120 may be connected by a serial communication method (a). For example, the serial communication scheme may include a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) scheme.

The UART scheme may include an interface IC (Line driver / receiver) capable of receiving a signal to be transmitted and being resistant to noise and increasing a transmission distance. The interface IC includes RS232, RS422, RS485, and the like.

The communication scheme (a) may be referred to as a "first communication interface" defined in the air conditioner 100, that is, between the indoor unit controller 110 and the first communication module 120 to transmit information. .

The terminal 200 has a second communication module 220 connected to the terminal controller 210 for controlling the operation of the terminal and the terminal controller 210 and provided as a means for wirelessly communicating with the air conditioner 100. ) Is included.

The terminal controller 210 and the second communication module 220 may be connected to the serial communication method (c). The communication scheme (c) may be the same as the communication scheme (a).

The communication method (c) may be referred to as a “second communication interface” defined in the terminal 200, that is, between the terminal controller 210 and the second communication module 220 to transmit information.

The first communication module 120 and the second communication module 220 may be connected to enable wireless communication. The first communication module 120 and the second communication module 220 may be understood as a kind of gateway for connecting the air conditioner 100 and the terminal 200, respectively.

The communication method (b) between the first communication module 120 and the second communication module 220 is a wireless communication method, and may include Bluetooth, Wifi, Ad-hoc, or Zigbee. .

The communication scheme (b) may be referred to as a “third communication interface” defined between the air conditioner 100 and the terminal 200 to which information is transmitted.

2 and 3 are views showing a state in which an application is downloaded through the terminal according to the present invention.

2 and 3, the terminal 200 according to the present invention can be connected to the Internet, it is provided to download specific information from the outside.

The terminal 200 is provided with a display 201 for displaying specific contents. The display unit 201 displays at least one selection unit executable for the operation of the terminal 200.

The selection unit includes a web market selection unit 202 connected to a web server to download specific information. When the web market selection unit 202 is executed, the terminal 200 may be connected to the Internet and connected to a specific web server (for example, a web market for downloading a specific program).

The user may input a specific command by touching the display unit 201. That is, a user may use a touch pen or a finger to execute a plurality of selection units including the web market selection unit 202.

After executing the web market selector 202, a control program (for example, an application) of the air conditioner may be searched. When the name of the control program to be downloaded (for example, "WHISEN") is searched for, the display unit 201 displays a search result.

When the search result is selected and executed, the display unit 201 may display a content (for example, a pop-up window) relating to a procedure for downloading the control program. To download the control program.

When the download of the control program is completed, as shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 201 generates a display unit (icon) indicating the control application 207.

The display unit 201 includes a Bluetooth display unit 203 and a Wi-Fi display unit 204 indicating that a specific wireless communication method is connected. According to the connected communication method of the terminal 200, the Bluetooth display unit 203 or the Wi-Fi display unit 204 may be activated.

For example, if the terminal 200 is connected to other devices in a Bluetooth connection, the Bluetooth display unit 203 may be activated. If the terminal 200 is connected to Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi display unit 204 may be activated. Of course, the Bluetooth display unit 203 and the Wi-Fi display unit 204 may be activated at the same time.

In addition, the display unit 201 includes an update display notification unit 205 for indicating that there is specific information stored in the terminal 200, for example, information to be updated by a specific program.

In relation to the control application 207, when an application function addition or modification occurs, the update display notification unit 205 may be activated. In addition, a user may update the application through a web server (web market).

As an example of the updating method, when the web market execution unit 202 is selected, an indication of “there is an update” may be displayed for an application in which an update item is generated among applications stored in the terminal 200. .

After the user executes the application, the user may add or modify the function of the application according to the update message.

4 is a flowchart showing a method of communication connection between a terminal and an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the terminal 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may control the operation of the air conditioner 100 after being connected to the air conditioner 200.

Here, the present embodiment is characterized in that the terminal 200 is connected to the air conditioner 200 by a Bluetooth method.

As described above, while the control application is downloaded to the terminal 200, the control mode of the air conditioner 100 using the terminal 200 may be started (S10).

In detail, pairing is performed as an initial step for the Bluetooth connection between the terminal 200 and the air conditioner 100.

The "pairing" is a procedure for establishing a permanent connection between two Bluetooth devices and is established by exchanging a pin code between the two devices for security.

The pairing is performed only once initially for the Bluetooth connection, and the related information according to the pairing may be stored in the Bluetooth device list of the terminal 200.

The communication module 120 is provided with a pairing switch. For Bluetooth pairing, the pairing switch is operated for a predetermined time to enter the device searchable mode. If the pairing switch is not pressed, the device search for the Bluetooth connection is not performed.

In addition, pairing may be completed by inputting an encryption key using the terminal 200. However, if the pairing fails, the pairing failure message may be displayed on the air conditioner 100 or the terminal 200 (S11).

After pairing is performed between the air conditioner 100 and the terminal 200, a control program (application) may be executed through the terminal 200 (S12).

When the control program is executed, the paired device is searched for, and an automatic connection of Bluetooth is attempted to the air conditioner to be controlled. If there are several air conditioners to be controlled, connection may be attempted in order.

In the process of attempting to connect Bluetooth between two devices (terminal and air conditioner), the message “Connecting to the air conditioner” may be displayed on the display unit 201 of the terminal 200. When the Bluetooth connection is completed, the display unit 201 may display a message “Connected with the room” (S13).

When the Bluetooth connection between the terminal 200 and the air conditioner 100 is completed, the terminal 200 is synchronized to reflect the function of the air conditioner 100 or the state value set in the air conditioner 100. The process can be performed.

The synchronization process may include at least one of function synchronization and setting value synchronization (S14).

When the function or setting value of the air conditioner 100 is synchronized with the terminal 200, the operation of the air conditioner 100 may be controlled using the terminal 200 (S15).

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a communication configuration of a terminal and an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a communication connection method of a terminal and an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart.

Referring to FIG. 5, in the network system 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner 100, a terminal 200, and the air conditioner 100 and the terminal 200 communicate with each other. A wireless router (AP, 300) is included to enable the connection.

The air conditioner 100 and the terminal 200 may be communicatively connected by a Wi-Fi method.

In detail, in the air conditioner 100, a first Wi-Fi communication module connected to the indoor unit controller 110 for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 100 and the indoor unit controller 110 and communicated with the terminal 200. 122 is included.

In the terminal 200, a second Wi-Fi communication module connected to the terminal control unit 210 and the terminal control unit 210 controlling the operation of the terminal 200 and communicating with the first Wi-Fi communication module 122 ( 222).

The first Wi-Fi communication module 122 and the second Wi-Fi communication module 222 may be configured to communicate with each other through the wireless router 300. The wireless router 300 may be understood as a device for creating a wireless LAN environment by connecting to an internet line.

Referring to FIG. 6, when a control mode for controlling the air conditioner 100 is started using the terminal 200 (S21), a wireless router connection of a Wi-Fi communication method is established.

In detail, a security function such as encryption / authentication of the wireless router 300 may be set. A user of the wireless router 300 may set a password of the wireless router 300.

If you want to control the air conditioner 100 using the terminal 200, after setting the wireless Internet using environment by entering the password of the wireless router 300, the air from the wireless router 300 In step S22, the coordinator 100 searches for the communication unit.

Here, when the wireless Internet use environment is not set or when the communication connection between the terminal 200 and the air conditioner 100 is not established, a communication error indication is displayed on the terminal 200 or the air conditioner 100. Can be.

After the air conditioner 100 and the terminal 200 are connected in a Wi-Fi communication method, a control program (application) may be executed (S23), and the function and set value synchronization of the air conditioner 100 may be performed. (S24).

When the function and setting values of the air conditioner are synchronized with the terminal 200, the operation of the air conditioner 100 may be controlled using the terminal 200 (S25).

Other embodiments are suggested.

In the above embodiment, the air conditioner 100 and the terminal 200 have been described as being communicatively connected via the wireless router 300. Alternatively, the air conditioner 100 and the terminal 200 are connected to each other using a Wi-Fi direct or Ad-hoc technology. The air conditioner 100 and the terminal 200 may be directly connected to each other.

In this case, the wireless router 300 may be omitted, and one of the air conditioner 100 and the terminal 200 may directly transmit and receive data with respect to another device.

7 is a view showing a synchronization is made between the terminal and the air conditioner according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, when the communication connection between the air conditioner 100 and the terminal 200 according to the present invention is completed, the terminal 200 is synchronized with information of the air conditioner 100.

The synchronization includes function synchronization for bringing various functions of the air conditioner 100 and setting value synchronization for bringing the setting state values of the air conditioner 100 into account. The function synchronization and setting value synchronization differ only in the object to be synchronized, and the synchronization process is similar.

The function synchronization list may include an operation mode, a wind strength, a temperature range, a temperature control method, a product family, a set air volume, a wind direction, an additional function, a reservation function, a reservation setting time, and a range of the air conditioner 100.

The set value synchronization list may include setting state values related to an operation mode, a set temperature, a wind strength, a set wind volume, a wind direction, an additional function, and a reservation function of the air conditioner 100.

Describe the process of synchronization.

First, a synchronization request message is transmitted from the terminal 200 toward the air conditioner 100. When a confirmation message is received from the air conditioner 100 to the terminal 200 within a preset time t1 (for example, 100 ms), synchronization may be performed.

On the other hand, even though the synchronization request message is transmitted, if the confirmation message is not received within the t1, the synchronization request message is retransmitted a predetermined number of times.

Even in such a retransmission process, if the confirmation message of the air conditioner 100 is not received, a synchronization error message may be displayed on the display unit 201.

In this way, function synchronization or setpoint synchronization of the air conditioner can be achieved.

On the other hand, it has been described above that the terminal 200 transmits a synchronization request message and the air conditioner 100 transmits a confirmation message. Alternatively, the air conditioner 100 transmits a synchronization request message. In addition, the terminal 200 may be configured to transmit a confirmation message.

The setpoint synchronization of the air conditioner 100 will be described in more detail.

When one set value of the air conditioner 100 is changed, the set value synchronization of the air conditioner 100 may be performed. That is, when the set value of the air conditioner 100 is changed, the air conditioner 100 transmits the changed contents to the terminal 200, and the terminal 200 sends a confirmation signal to the air conditioner 100. Can be sent.

In this case, only the changed contents may be displayed on the terminal 200.

On the other hand, the synchronization of the set value of the air conditioner, when the operation of the application is switched on / off after the completion of the function synchronization, when the display unit 201 of the terminal 200 is changed from off to on state The application may be performed when the application is switched from the inactive state to the active state or when the setting value of the air conditioner 100 is changed.

When the application is switched from the inactive state to the active state, the terminal 200 executes the application, stops and executes another program, and then returns to the application again, or calls, text messages, etc. while the application is running. It may include the case where the application returns to the application after the interrupt occurs.

On the other hand, even if the robot cleaning or automatic drying of the function of the air conditioner 100 is performed or the reservation is completed, the set value synchronization of the air conditioner 100 can be made.

8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a network system according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, in the network system 10 according to the present invention, in order to control the operation of the air conditioner 100 and the air conditioner 100 in which a refrigeration cycle is driven to condition air in an indoor space. A terminal 200 capable of executing a specific application is included.

As described above, the terminal 200 includes a terminal controller 210 and a second communication module 220.

The air conditioner 100 includes a first communication module 120 provided as a communication means (communication unit), and for detecting an operating state of at least one component constituting the air conditioner 100. A plurality of detectors 151, 152, 153, and an air conditioning controller 180 for controlling the first communication module 120 and the detectors 151, 152, 153 are included.

The air conditioner 100 further includes a memory unit 160 and a display unit 170. The memory unit 160 may store in advance information on signal values (results detected by the sensing unit) generated during normal or abnormal operation of the air conditioner. In addition, the memory unit 160 may store information (table value) on what causes an error according to the magnitude of the signal value.

The display unit 170 may display information on an operating state of the air conditioner 100, whether the air conditioner is normally operated, or information on an error when an error occurs.

For convenience of description, the air conditioner controller 180 and the terminal controller 210 may be referred to as a first controller and a second controller, respectively.

The component can be understood as the main component constituting the air conditioner 100, or as the component required to drive the refrigeration cycle. In one example, the component may be a compressor, a heat exchanger, an expansion device, a refrigerant pipe, a gas-liquid separator, an oil separator, a valve device, or a communication device.

The detection unit (151, 152, 153), the communication detection unit 151 for detecting the communication connection state of the first communication module 120, and the refrigerant pressure of the refrigeration cycle driven in the air conditioner 100 A pressure sensing unit 152 and a temperature sensing unit 153 for sensing the refrigerant temperature is included.

The communication detecting unit 151 may determine whether communication is connected between the first communication module 120 and the second communication module 220 or the strength (or sensitivity) of a signal transmitted and received between the modules 120 and 220. It can detect whether it is formed in a proper range (communicable range).

When the signal strength transmitted between the first communication module 120 and the second communication module 220 is not formed in the communication range, the communication detection unit 151 detects this and the air conditioning control unit 180 is detected. The detection result can be delivered to.

The pressure detector 152 detects a pressure of a component constituting the refrigerant cycle or a pressure of a refrigerant circulating through a refrigerant cycle (or a component). The pressure sensing unit 152 may be provided in plural to detect a plurality of component operating states.

For example, the pressure sensing unit 152 may be provided in the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe of the compressor, and may be provided in the inlet / outlet pipe of the outdoor / indoor heat exchanger or the inlet / outlet pipe of the expansion device.

The temperature sensing unit 153 detects the temperature of the component constituting the refrigerant cycle or the pressure of the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant cycle (or component). A plurality of temperature sensing units 153 may be provided to detect a plurality of component operating states.

For example, the temperature sensing unit 153 may be provided in the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe of the compressor, and may be provided in the inlet / outlet pipe of the outdoor / indoor heat exchanger or the inlet / outlet pipe of the expansion device.

The results detected by the detectors 151, 152, and 153 are transmitted to the air conditioner controller 180, and the air conditioner controller 180 has an abnormality on the operation state of the air conditioner 100 based on the detected result. Can recognize whether or not.

For example, the air conditioner controller 180 may recognize whether a communication operation is normally performed between the air conditioner 100 and the terminal 200, that is, whether a communication frequency is formed in a normal range.

In addition, the air conditioner controller 180 may recognize whether the pressure or temperature (temperature of the refrigerant pipe) of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant cycle is formed in a normal range.

The air conditioning controller 180 may transmit the recognized result value to the terminal 200.

When the operating state value of the air conditioner 100 is recognized as "normal", the terminal 200 may display, for example, the message "normal operation." In addition, the display unit 201 of the terminal 200 may display a normal numerical range of communication or refrigerant pressure (temperature).

If it is recognized that the operating state value of the air conditioner 100 is formed in the "abnormal" range or the "error" range, the terminal 200 may display, for example, a "operation error occurs" message. have.

9 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 9, a control method of a network system for confirming whether the air conditioner 100 is operating normally according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Check the communication connection state between the air conditioner 100 and the terminal 200. As described above, the communication method between the air conditioner 100 and the terminal 200 may include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Direct Wi-Fi, or Ad-hoc method via the AP (S31).

When the air conditioner 100 and the terminal 200 are communicatively connected to each other (S32), the operation diagnostic mode provided as a specific function in the application is executed using the terminal 200 (S33).

When the operation diagnosis mode is executed, a diagnostic command (request) of the terminal 200 is transmitted to the air conditioner 100, and the air conditioning controller 180 detects the result values detected by the detectors 151, 152, and 153. It is possible to recognize the state of the air conditioner 100 from (S34).

The recognized state information is transmitted to the terminal 200.

At this time, if it is recognized that the air conditioner 100 is operating normally, a signal relating to the result indicating that the normal operation may be transmitted to the terminal 200, the result value detected by the detection unit (151, 152, 153) This signal may be converted and transmitted to the terminal 200 (S35).

The terminal 200 may output a message of “normal operation” or a detection value for recognizing that it is operating normally. For example, a numerical value for the normal operating range of the air conditioner 100 and the sensed value may be output comparably.

On the contrary, if it is recognized that the air conditioner 100 does not operate normally, a message of “abnormal operation” may be output or a detection value for recognizing abnormal operation may be output. For example, the numerical value for the normal operating range of the air conditioner 100 and the detected value of the abnormal range may be output to be comparable (S36).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that communication is not connected, the air conditioner 100 or the terminal 200 may output an indication regarding a communication state error (S37).

Such a diagnostic method for the normal operation of the air conditioner 100, in particular during the test run after the air conditioner is first installed in a specific space (indoor or outdoor space), the components of the air conditioner 100 is normally It can be used if you need to check whether it is installed or driven. In other words, it can be understood that the application is provided with an installation diagnostic function.

By such a control method, the user can monitor the normal operation of the air conditioner using the terminal 200, there is an effect that the ease of use and reliability of the device can be improved.

10 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a network system according to another embodiment of the present invention. 10, a control method of a network system for confirming information regarding an operation error of the air conditioner 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Check the communication connection state between the air conditioner 100 and the terminal 200 (S41).

In a state in which the air conditioner 100 and the terminal 200 are in communication with each other (S42), it may be sensed that an error has occurred in the operation of the air conditioner 100. The error may be determined when it is recognized that a result value detected by at least one of the detectors 151, 152, and 153 is in an abnormal operating range (S43).

The air conditioner 180 may transmit error occurrence information to the terminal (S44), and the terminal 200 displays information indicating that an error has occurred in the operation of the air conditioner (S45).

When an error indication is output to the terminal 200, the user may execute an error diagnosis mode provided as a specific function in the application. When the error diagnosis mode is executed, the terminal 200 requests the air conditioner 100 to perform error diagnosis (S46).

The air conditioning controller 180 recognizes an error state of the air conditioner 100 from the result values detected by the detectors 151, 152, and 153. At this time, the air conditioner controller 180 can recognize at which position of the air conditioner an error occurs from the result value.

Then, according to the result value, it is possible to recognize what the cause of the error (S47).

The recognized error information (error location or cause) may be transmitted to the terminal 200 (S48). In addition, the error information may be displayed on the terminal 200, and the user may perform a quick response or repair based on the displayed error information (S49).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S42 that communication is not connected, the air conditioner 100 or the terminal 200 may be output to indicate that an error in the communication state.

According to such a control method, information on whether an error occurs in the air conditioner 100 may be immediately transmitted to the terminal 200, and the user may quickly respond by checking information on the error using an application. There is an effect.

Other embodiments are suggested.

9 and 10, it has been described that an operation diagnosis mode or error diagnosis mode is provided as a specific function in one application. Alternatively, however, the operation diagnosis mode and the error diagnosis mode may be configured as functions performed when a separate application is executed.

That is, the application may include a plurality of applications, and the plurality of applications may include a first application for operating diagnosis and a second application for error diagnosis.

Of course, the first and second applications may be downloaded to the terminal 200 from a web server.

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, since the present embodiment has a difference in the configuration of the network system using the intelligent power grid compared to the previous embodiment, the description will be mainly focused on the difference, and the same reference numerals and descriptions of the previous embodiment are used.

11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a network system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11, the network system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a power measurement unit 310 for receiving information on power supplied from a power supply 400 (hereinafter, “power information”) and A power management unit 320 is communicatively connected to the power measurement unit 310 and controls a power related operation of the air conditioner 100.

The power supply 400 may be, for example, a power seller such as Korea Electric Power. The air conditioner 100 may receive power from the power supply 400, and may receive the power information through the power measurement unit 310.

The electric power information includes electric charge information, power generation amount information, or information on electric power quality (safety).

Electricity rates can be formed differently over time. For example, the electric charge may be formed to change in real-time, or may be formed to change according to a predetermined schedule.

The power management unit 320 or the air conditioning control unit 180 may control an operation timing or method (course) of the air conditioner 100 based on the power information.

For example, when the power information received through the power measurement unit 310 is on-peak time information, the air conditioner 100 is controlled to be driven in a manner to avoid the on-peak time period or to reduce power consumption. do.

Here, the on-peak time period may be understood as a time period in which the power fee is formed at a fee higher than or equal to a preset reference.

In the method of reducing power consumption, a method of restricting the operation of a component having a relatively high power consumption or a course (operating method) having a relatively high power consumption among the components constituting the air conditioner 100 may be used. Included.

In this manner, the air conditioner 100 may include a preset "low power usage mode" or a "user setting mode" for allowing a user to set manually.

The air conditioner 100 includes a power communication unit 190 that communicates with the power measurement unit 310 or the power management unit 320. The power communication unit 190 may be provided in the air conditioner 100 as one module, or may be detachably provided outside the air conditioner 100. The power communication unit 190 may be the same as the first communication module 120.

Power information transmitted from the power measuring unit 310 may be delivered to the terminal 200 through the air conditioner 100. In a state in which the terminal 200 is connected to the air conditioner 100 in a communication state, the user may check the power information through the terminal 200.

The power information may be previously stored in an application stored in the terminal 200 and updated at predetermined intervals. In detail, when the update of the power information is required, the update information is displayed on the terminal 200, and the user may update the power information by executing an application.

Based on the power information, when the on-peak time period arrives, the terminal 200 may notify the user. In addition, the user may control the power consumption of the air conditioner 100 to be reduced by using the terminal 200. For example, power consumption may be reduced through the low power usage mode or the user setting mode.

The power measuring unit 310 or the power management unit 320 may be communicatively connected to the terminal 200. Power information received through the power measuring unit 310 may be transmitted to the terminal 200. In particular, information about the on-peak time period may be transmitted to the terminal 200 and displayed on the terminal 200.

The power information may be transmitted to the terminal 200 through the Internet. In detail, the application may be provided with a power information checking function, the power supply 400 may monitor the power information delivered on the web server.

When specific information about power, for example, information about an on-peak time period is sent from the power supply 400, the terminal 200 may monitor and receive it.

According to this configuration, it is possible to receive power information using the terminal 200, it is possible to control the air conditioner 100 to reduce the electric charges based on the received power information.

The operating method of the air conditioner 100 may be controlled by a control command of the terminal 200, or may be controlled in a preset mode (method) based on power information transmitted from the terminal 200. will be.

100: air conditioner 110: indoor unit control unit
120: first communication module 200: terminal
210: terminal control unit 220: second communication module

Claims (20)

In the air conditioner that can be controlled using a terminal,
The terminal may be configured to download the preset information to control the air conditioner,
In the air conditioner,
A communication unit for enabling communication with the terminal;
At least one sensing unit for sensing an operating state of a component constituting the air conditioner; And
And a control unit for recognizing information on whether the component is normally operated or an operation error, according to the preset information executed in the terminal. The method of claim 1,
In the preset information,
And an application for requesting the air conditioner for information regarding the operation of the component. The method of claim 2,
In the application,
An operational diagnostic mode executable to confirm normal operation of the component; And
And an error diagnosis mode executable to check information about the error when an operation error occurs in the component. The method of claim 2,
The application is provided with a plurality, the plurality of applications,
A first application executable to check whether the component operates normally; And
And a second application executable to check information about the error when an operation error occurs in the component. The method according to claim 3 or 4,
The operation diagnostic mode or the first application,
And an installation diagnosis function for confirming whether the components are normally installed during the test operation after the air conditioner is installed indoors or outdoors. The method according to claim 3 or 4,
In the information about the error,
An air conditioner including a cause or an error occurrence position in the component. The method of claim 2,
And when the application is executed, the control unit receives a signal regarding the operating state of the component from the sensing unit. The method of claim 1,
The detection unit,
A communication detecting unit checking whether the communication unit can communicate or the communication strength;
A pressure sensing unit for sensing a pressure of the component or the refrigerant circulating through the component; And
At least one of a temperature sensing unit for sensing the temperature of the component or the refrigerant. The method of claim 1,
In the terminal or air conditioner,
The air conditioner further comprises a display unit for displaying information on the error of the normal operation of the component or an error occurs. In the control method of the air conditioner which can be controlled by using a terminal, and having a communication module that can communicate with the terminal,
The terminal communicating with the air conditioner;
Requesting, by the terminal, information regarding an operating state or an error occurrence of the air conditioner;
Recognizing state information of the air conditioner through a sensing unit provided in the air conditioner; And
And transmitting the recognized state information to the terminal. 11. The method of claim 10,
In requesting the information,
And executing an application stored in the terminal to transmit a command to sense an operating state of the air conditioner. The method of claim 11,
In the step of transmitting the command,
Transmitting an operation diagnosis command for confirming whether the air conditioner is normally operated, or
And when an operation error occurs in the air conditioner, transmitting an error diagnosis command for confirming information about the error. 11. The method of claim 10,
In the application,
A first application for diagnosing whether the air conditioner is normally installed after the air conditioner is installed in the installation space; And
And a second application for diagnosing error information of the air conditioner. 11. The method of claim 10,
And displaying information on whether the air conditioner is normally operated or generating an error on the terminal. The method of claim 1,
The terminal,
And an information relating to power supplied to the air conditioner. The method of claim 15,
The information about the electric power includes electric charge information.
In the electric charge information,
Air conditioner with real-time electricity rate information or pre-stored electricity rate information. The method of claim 15,
If it is detected that the electric charge information is more than a predetermined reference value,
And the control unit controls the operation of the air conditioner in such a manner that power consumption is reduced. The method of claim 17,
The terminal,
And the information indicating that the electric charge information is greater than or equal to a preset reference value. The method of claim 17,
In the manner in which the power consumption is reduced,
And a low power usage mode for limiting the operation of a component or a driving method in which power consumption is greater than or equal to a predetermined value among driving methods of the component or the air conditioner constituting the air conditioner. The method of claim 17,
In the manner in which the power consumption is reduced,
And a user setting mode for allowing a user to determine a component or a driving method of which the operation of the component or the air conditioner constituting the air conditioner is limited.

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