AIR CONDITIONER HAVING LIGHTING MODULE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AIR CONDITIONER

Abstract

An air conditioner according to an embodiment includes: a main body frame, a panel frame facing a surface of the main body frame and comprising an inlet through which air is introduced into an inside of a main body portion and an outlet through which air is discharged to an outside of the main body portion, a grill panel arranged on a front surface of the panel frame, and a lighting module arranged between the panel frame and the grill panel and detachably coupled to a lighting module-coupling portion provided on a side of the panel frame at a specified height in a first direction perpendicular to a ceiling surface in a state in which the panel frame is installed on a ceiling.

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising: a main body frame; a panel frame arranged to face a surface of the main body frame and comprising an inlet configured introduce air through the inlet into an inside of a main body portion and an outlet configured to discharge air to an outside of the main body portion; a grill panel arranged on a front surface of the panel frame; and a lighting module comprising at least one case arranged between the panel frame and the grill panel and detachably coupled to a lighting module-coupling portion provided on a side of the panel frame at a specified height in a first direction perpendicular to a ceiling surface in a state in which the panel frame is installed on a ceiling.

2. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the lighting module comprises: a light-emitting unit including circuitry; a first case accommodating the light-emitting unit and comprising a fixing portion coupled to the lighting module-coupling portion; and a second case coupled to the first case and comprising a light-emitting surface configured to diffuse light of the light-emitting unit to an outside.

3. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein the first case comprises: a base portion comprising a side on which a plurality of protrusions are arranged in a second direction in which the first case extends; a cover portion arranged at a specified distance from the base portion and comprising a reflective surface configured to reflect the light of the light-emitting unit and a plurality of fastening hooks in the second direction; and a side wall connecting the base portion to the cover portion, and the second case comprises: a first support portion connected to a side of the light-emitting surface and comprising a plurality of fixing holes respectively configured to be coupled to the plurality of protrusions; and a second support portion connected to another surface of the light-emitting surface and comprising a fastening portion comprising a plurality of fastening holes respectively configured to be fastened with the plurality of fastening hooks.

4. The air conditioner of claim 3, wherein the light-emitting surface comprises an inclined surface having a specified inclination angle with respect to the ceiling based on the lighting module being coupled to the lighting module-coupling portion.

5. The air conditioner of claim 3, wherein the light-emitting unit comprises a plate extending in the second direction and arranged on the base portion; and a plurality of light-emitting devices comprising circuitry arranged in the second direction on a surface of the plate opposite to another surface of the plate in contact with the base portion, and the reflective surface comprises a curved surface having a specified curvature configured to reflect light generated from the light-emitting devices towards the light-emitting surface.

6. The air conditioner of claim 3, wherein a maximum height from the base portion to the reflective surface is equal to a height from the base portion to the fastening portion.

7. The air conditioner of claim 3, wherein the fixing portion comprises a plurality of fixing portions arranged at both end portions of the base portion and on the side wall, the lighting module-coupling portion comprises a seating portion and a plurality of fixing grooves respectively corresponding to the plurality of fixing portions, and the side wall and one side of the base portion of the lighting module are seated on the seating portion such that the plurality of fixing portions are respectively coupled to the plurality of fixing grooves.

8. The air conditioner of claim 1, further comprising an illuminance sensor arranged in the panel frame.

9. The air conditioner of claim 1, further comprising a motion sensor arranged in the panel frame.

10. The air conditioner of claim 1, further comprising a control unit comprising circuitry configured to change a mode of the lighting module.

11. A method of operating an air conditioner, the method comprising: identifying a lighting mode of the air conditioner; receiving an illuminance signal from an illuminance sensor; determining an on/off operation a lighting module according to a recognition value of the illuminance sensor; and controlling a brightness of the lighting module based on the illuminance signal corresponding to a specified illuminance range, wherein, based on the lighting mode being a main lighting mode, in the determining of the on/off operation of the lighting module, based on the recognition value of the illuminance sensor being 0, the brightness of the lighting module is controlled to have a maximum value, and in the determining of the brightness of the lighting module, based on the illuminance signal corresponding to a specified low-illuminance range, a lighting brightness is controlled to be dark, and based on the illuminance signal not corresponding to the specified low-illuminance range, a lighting is controlled to be off.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, when the lighting mode is an auxiliary lighting mode, in the determining of the on/off operation of the lighting module, based on the recognition value of the illuminance sensor being 0, the lighting module is controlled to be off, and in the determining of the brightness of the lighting module, based on the illuminance signal corresponding to a specified low-illuminance range, a lighting brightness is controlled to decrease, and based on the illuminance signal not corresponding to the specified low-illuminance range, the lighting brightness is controlled to increase.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: receiving a motion-sensing signal from a motion sensor; and controlling the brightness of the lighting module according to the motion-sensing signal.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: identifying an operation state of the air conditioner; and controlling a color and the brightness of the lighting module according to the operation state of the air conditioner.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the operation state of the air conditioner comprises operation states according to an operation mode and a speed of a blower fan, and the identifying of the operation state of the air conditioner comprises: receiving an operation mode comprising a cooling mode, a heating mode, a blowing mode, and a purifying mode; and receiving a speed of the blower fan.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a panel of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of air discharged to the outside when a blade is in a closed position in an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0013] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a panel frame, a grill panel, and a lighting module of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an open state of a grill panel of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0015] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a lighting module according to various embodiments;

[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first case of a lighting module according to various embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second case of a lighting module according to various embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a lighting module according to various embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective sectional view illustrating a part of a lighting module in which a fastening hook is not arranged according to various embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective sectional view illustrating a part of a lighting module in which a fastening hook is arranged according to various embodiments;

[0021] FIGS. 14A and 14B are each partial perspective sectional views illustrating a state in which a panel frame and a lighting module are coupled to each other according to various embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 15A is a diagram illustrating a plan view of a panel frame according to various embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating a plan view of a panel frame coupled to a lighting module according to various embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

[0025] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example process of adjusting a brightness of a lighting module by an air conditioner in accordance with an illuminance signal according to various embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example process of adjusting a brightness when a lighting module is set as a main lighting according to various embodiments;

[0027] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example process of adjusting a brightness when a lighting module is set as an auxiliary lighting according to various embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example process of adjusting a brightness when a lighting module is set to be in a sleep mode according to various embodiments;

[0029] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example process of adjusting a brightness of a lighting module by an air conditioner in accordance with a motion-sensing signal according to various embodiments;

[0030] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example process of adjusting a brightness of a lighting module according to a motion-sensing signal when the lighting module is set to be in a welcome light mode according to various embodiments; and

[0031] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating setting of a lighting color and brightness in accordance with a mode of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Various example embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit technical features described in the disclosure to particular modes of practice and are construed as including all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes of the various embodiments.

[0033] In the drawings, similar reference numerals denote similar or relevant components.

[0034] An expression used in the singular encompasses the expression of the plural unless it has a clearly different meaning in the context.

[0035] Throughout the disclosure, such expressions as A or B, at least one of A and B, at least one of A or B, A, B, or C, at least one of A, B, and C, and at least one of A, B, or C may each include at least one of listed items or any possible combinations thereof.

[0036] The term and/or may include combinations of multiple relevant components or any component of multiple relevant components.

[0037] Such terms as first, second, etc. may be used to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to limit other aspects of the components (for example, importance or order).

[0038] When a component (e.g., a first component) is described as being coupled or connected to another component (e.g., a second component) without an expression such as functionally or communicationally, this may refer, for example, to the component being connected to the other component directly (e.g., in a wired manner), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0039] Further, the terms such as include or have in the disclosure are used to specify the existence of features, numbers, processes, operations, components, parts recited in the detailed description, or combinations thereof, and thus should not be understood as pre-excluding the existence or possibility for addition of one or more other features, numbers, processes, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0040] When a component is described as being connected to, combined with, supported by, or in contact with another component, this includes not only the cases where the component is directly connected to, combined with, supported by, or in contact with the other component but also the cases where the component is indirectly connected to, combined with, supported by, or in contact with the other component through a third component.

[0041] When a component is described as being on another component, this includes not only the case where the component is in contact with the other component but also the case where a third component is present between the two components.

[0042] An air conditioner according to various embodiments may be a device configured to perform the functions of air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling, heating, etc. in a space for air conditioning (hereinafter, indoor space) and may refer to a device performing at least one of the aforementioned functions.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the air conditioner may include a heat pump device for performing the cooling function or the heating function. The heat pump device may include a cooling cycle in which a refrigerant circulates along a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. Components of the heat pump device may be equipped in one housing forming the exterior of the air conditioner, and a window-mounted air conditioner or a mobile air conditioner may have such structure. Components of the heat pump device may be divided and equipped in multiple housings forming a single air conditioner. A wall-mounted air conditioner, a standing-type air conditioner, a system air conditioner, etc. may have such structure.

[0044] The air conditioner including multiple housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed in an outdoor space and at least one indoor unit installed in an indoor space. For example, the air conditioner may include one outdoor unit and one indoor unit connected to each other through a refrigerant pipe. For example, the air conditioner may include one outdoor unit connected to two or more indoor units through a refrigerant pipe. For example, the air conditioner may include two or more outdoor units connected to two or more indoor unit through a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0045] The outdoor unit may be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner may be input through an input interface provided at the outdoor unit or the indoor unit, and the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to a user input.

[0046] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger arranged in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger arranged in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger to the indoor heat exchanger.

[0047] The outdoor heat exchanger may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and outside air using a phase change of the refrigerant (for example, evaporation or condensation). For example, during the condensation of the refrigerant at the outdoor exchanger, the refrigerant may emit light to the outside air, and during the evaporation of the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the outside air.

[0048] The indoor unit may be arranged in an indoor space. For example, the indoor unit may be divided into a ceiling-mounted indoor unit, a standing-type indoor unit, a wall-mounted indoor unit, etc. according to an installation method. For example, the ceiling-mounted indoor unit may divided into a 4-way indoor unit, a 1-way indoor unit, a duct indoor unit, etc. according to a way of air discharge.

[0049] The indoor heat exchanger may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and inside air using a phase change of the refrigerant (for example, evaporation or condensation). For example, during the evaporation of the refrigerant at the indoor unit, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the inside air, and the inside air which has been cooled by passing through the cooled indoor heat exchanger may be blown to cool down the indoor space. In addition, during the condensation of the refrigerant at the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may emit heat to the inside air, and the inside air which has been heated by passing through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger may be blown to heat up the indoor space.

[0050] For example, the air conditioner may perform the functions of cooling or heating through the phase change process of the refrigerant circulating between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger, and for the circulation of the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include a compressor configured to compress the refrigerant. The compressor may inhale and compress a refrigerant gas. The compressor may discharge the refrigerant gas having high temperature and high pressure through an outlet. The compressor may be arranged in the outdoor unit.

[0051] The refrigerant may circulate along the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the indoor heat exchanger in this stated order through the refrigerant pipe or along the compressor, the indoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the outdoor heat exchanger in this stated order through the refrigerant pipe.

[0052] For example, when a single outdoor unit is directly connected to a single indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe in the air conditioner, the refrigerant may circulate between the single outdoor unit and the single indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0053] For example, when a single outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through the refrigerant pipe in the air conditioner, the refrigerant may flow to the two or more indoor units through the refrigerant pipe diverging from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant released from the multiple indoor units may meet and circulate to the outdoor unit. For example, the multiple indoor units may be directly connected in parallel to the single outdoor unit through respective refrigerant pipes.

[0054] The multiple indoor units may operate independently from each other according to an operation mode set by a user. For example, some of the multiple indoor units may operate in a cooling mode while the other may operate in a heating mode. In this case, the refrigerant may selectively flow into each indoor unit at a high or low pressure along a designated circulation path through a flow path change valve and may be discharged to circulate to the outdoor unit.

[0055] For example, when two or more outdoor units are connected to two or more indoor units through a plurality of refrigerant pipes in the air conditioner, the refrigerant discharged from the multiple outdoor units may meet and flow in a single refrigerant pipe and then may be diverged at a point to flow into the multiple indoor units.

[0056] All of the multiple outdoor units may operate, or some of the multiple outdoor units may not operate depending on the operation load according to the operation amount of the multiple indoor units. In this regard, the refrigerant may flow into the outdoor unit selectively operating through the flow path change valve to circulate. The air conditioner may include the expansion device to lower the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be arranged in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit or in both of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

[0057] The expansion device may lower the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant through, for example, throttling. The expansion device may include an orifice for reducing a cross-sectional area of the flow path. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant which has passed through the orifice may be lowered.

[0058] The expansion device may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting an opening ratio (a ratio between a cross-sectional area of the flow path of the valve in a full open state and a cross-sectional area of the flow path of the valve in a partially open state). The amount of the refrigerant passing through the expansion device may be controlled depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve.

[0059] The air conditioner may further include a flow path change valve arranged on a refrigerant circulation flow path. The flow path change valve may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow path change valve may determine the circulation path of the refrigerant depending on the operation mode of the indoor unit (for example, cooling operation or heating operation). The flow path change valve may be connected to an outlet of the compressor.

[0060] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to an inlet of the compressor. The low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant evaporated at the indoor heat exchanger or the outdoor heat exchanger may flow into the accumulator.

[0061] The accumulator may separate the liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant gas when the mixture of the liquid refrigerant and the refrigerant gas is introduced and provide the refrigerant gas separated from the liquid refrigerant to the compressor.

[0062] An outdoor fan may be arranged near the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan may blow outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger to facilitate the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air.

[0063] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be an environment sensor. The outdoor sensor may be arranged in a position inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor sensor may include, for example, a temperature sensor for sensing the air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for sensing the humidity of air around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for sensing the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0064] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor communication unit. The outdoor communication unit may be arranged to receive a control signal from a control unit of the indoor unit of the air conditioner to be described later. The outdoor unit may control operations of the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, the flow path change valve, the accumulator, or the outdoor fan based on the control signal received through the outdoor communication unit. The outdoor unit may receive a sensing value detected from the outdoor sensor and transmit the same to the control unit of the indoor unit through the communication unit.

[0065] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing, a blower circulating the air to the inside or the outside of the housing, and the indoor heat exchanger for heat exchange with the air introduced into the housing.

[0066] The housing may include an inlet. The inside air may flow into the housing through the inlet.

[0067] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter arranged to filter out foreign substances in the air flowing into the housing through the inlet.

[0068] The housing may include an outlet. The air flowing inside the housing may be discharged to the outside of the housing through the outlet.

[0069] The housing of the indoor unit may include an air current guide for guiding a direction of the air discharged through the outlet. For example, the air current guide may include a blade arranged on the outlet. For example, the air current guide may include an auxiliary fan for adjusting a discharged air current. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the air current guide may be omitted.

[0070] The indoor heat exchanger and the blower arranged on the flow path connecting the inlet to the outlet may be arranged inside the housing of the indoor unit.

[0071] The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. For example, the indoor fan may include an axial fan, a diagonal fan, a cross flow fan, and a centrifugal fan.

[0072] The indoor heat exchanger may be arranged between the blower and the outlet or between the inlet and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from the air introduced through the inlet or transmit heat from the air introduced through the inlet. The indoor heat exchanger may include a heat exchange pipe in which the refrigerant flows and a heat exchange pin in contact with the heat exchange pipe to increase a heating surface.

[0073] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray arranged under the indoor heat exchanger and catching condensate water generated from the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate water received in the drain tray may be discharged to the outside through a drainage hose. The drain tray may be arranged to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0074] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input tool including a button, a switch, a touch screen, and/or a touch pad. The user may directly input through the input interface setting data (e.g., desired inside temperature, operation mode setting including cooling/heating/dehumidifying/air-purifying, setting of discharge hole selection, and/or setting of wind amount).

[0075] The input interface may be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a particular position in the indoor space (e.g., a part of the wall surface). The user may operate the wired remote controller to input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner. An electric signal corresponding to the setting data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. In addition, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. The user may operate a wireless remote controller to remotely input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner. The setting data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0076] In addition, the input interface may include a microphone. A voice command of the user may be obtained through the microphone. The microphone may convert the voice command of the user into an electric signal and transmit the converted electric signal to the control unit of the indoor unit. The control unit of the indoor unit may control the components of the air conditioner to perform a function corresponding to the user's voice command. The setting data (e.g., desired inside temperature, operation mode setting including cooling/heating/dehumidifying/air-purifying, setting of discharge hole selection, and/or setting of wind amount) obtained through the input interface may be transmitted to the control unit of the indoor unit to be described later. For example, the setting data obtained through the input interface may be transmitted to the outside, e.g., the outdoor unit or a server through an indoor communication unit to be described later.

[0077] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module. The power module may be connected to an external power and supply power to the components of the indoor unit.

[0078] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor sensor. The indoor sensor may be an environment sensor arranged inside or outside of the housing. For example, the indoor sensor may include at least one temperature sensor and/or a humidity sensor arranged in a predetermined space inside or outside of the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the indoor sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of each of an inlet, a middle part, and/or an outlet of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0079] Each environment information sensed by the indoor sensor may be transmitted to the indoor control unit to be described later or to the outside through the indoor communication unit to be described later.

[0080] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor communication unit. The indoor communication unit may include at least one of a short range communication module or a long distance communication module. The indoor communication unit may include at least one antenna for wireless communication with other devices. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor communication unit. The outdoor communication unit may also include at least one of a short range communication module or a long distance communication module.

[0081] The short range wireless communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module, a wireless local area network (WLAN) (WiFi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication module, a WiFi direct (WFD) communication module, an ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a micro wave (uWave) communication module, etc.; however, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0082] The long distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long distance communication, and may include a mobile communication module. The mobile communication module may receive and transmit a wireless signal from and to at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network.

[0083] The indoor communication unit may communicate with external devices such as a server, a mobile device, other home appliances, etc. through a nearby access point (AP). The AP may connect a local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or a user device is connected with a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The air conditioner or the user device may be connected to the server through the WAN. The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor control unit configured to control the components of the indoor unit including the blower, etc. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include the outdoor control unit configured to control the components of the outdoor unit including the compressor, etc. The indoor control unit may communicate with the outdoor control unit through the indoor communication unit and the outdoor communication unit. The outdoor communication unit may transmit a control signal generated by the outdoor control unit to the indoor communication unit or transmit a control signal transmitted from the indoor communication unit to the outdoor control unit. That is, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may communicate with each other in both ways. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0084] The outdoor control unit may be electrically connected to the components of the outdoor unit and control operations of each component. For example, the outdoor control unit may adjust a frequency of the compressor and control the flow path change valve to change the circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor control unit may adjust the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor control unit may generate a control signal for adjusting an opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control by the outdoor control unit, the refrigerant may circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, the flow path change valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0085] Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit an electric signal corresponding to each detected temperature to the outdoor control unit and/or the indoor control unit. For example, various humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit an electric signal corresponding to each detected humidity to the outdoor control unit and/or the indoor control unit.

[0086] The indoor control unit may obtain a user input from a user device including a mobile device, etc. through the indoor communication unit and obtain a user input directly through the input interface of via a remote controller. The indoor control unit may control the components of the indoor unit including the blower, etc. in response to a received user input. The indoor control unit may transmit information about the received user input to the outdoor control unit of the outdoor unit.

[0087] The outdoor control unit may control the components of the outdoor unit including the compressor, etc. based on the information about the user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when a control signal corresponding to a user input for selecting an operation mode including a cooling operation, a heating operation, a blowing operation, a defrosting operation, and a dehumidifying operation, the outdoor control unit may control the components of the outdoor unit to perform an operation of the air conditioner corresponding to a selected operation mode.

[0088] The outdoor control unit and the indoor control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0089] The memory may remember/store various types of information required for operations of the air conditioner. The memory may store an instruction, an application, data, and/or a program required for operations of the air conditioner. For example, the memory may store various programs for the cooling operation, the heating operation, the dehumidifying operation, and/or the defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory may include volatile memory for temporary storage such as static access memory (SRAM), and dynamic random access memory (DRAM). In addition, the memory may include non-volatile memory for long-term storage such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), and electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM).

[0090] The processor may include various processing circuitry and generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on an instruction, an application, data, and/or a program stored in the memory. The processor, as a hardware, may include a logic circuit and a computation circuit. The processor may process data according to a program and/or an instruction provided from the memory and generate a control signal according to a processing result. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or a plurality of circuits.

[0091] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface may be electrically connected to the indoor control unit and output information about the operation of the air conditioner under the control by the indoor control unit. For example, information such as an operation mode, a wind direction, a wind amount, and a temperature selected by a user input may be output. In addition, the output interface may output sensing information and warning/error message obtained from the indoor sensor or the outdoor sensor.

[0092] The outdoor interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker, as an audio device, may output various sounds. The display may display information input by a user or information provided to the user as various graphic elements. For example, operation information of the air conditioner may be displayed as at least of an image or a text. In addition, the display may include an indicator providing particular information. The display may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel, a micro LED panel, and/or a plurality of LEDs.

[0093] Hereinafter, an air conditioners according to various example embodiments is described in greater detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, an indoor unit of an air conditioners is referred to as an air conditioner for convenience in description.

[0094] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner 1 according to various embodiments. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the air conditioner 1 according to various embodiments. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner 1 according to various embodiments.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment may include a main body 20 and a panel 30 assembled with the main body 20. The air conditioner 1 may include an input unit of a ceiling-type air conditioner.

[0096] The main body 20 may be buried in the ceiling. The main body 20 may include a main body frame 21, a heat exchanger 22 arranged in the main body frame 21, and a blower fan 23 arranged in the main body frame 21. The heat exchanger 22 may induce heat exchange between air introduced into the main body frame 21 and a refrigerant.

[0097] The blower fan 23 may generate a flow in the main body frame 21. The blower fan 23 may generate a flow in a direction towards an outlet 312. The blower fan 23 may be arranged between the heat exchanger 22 and the outlet 312.

[0098] A plurality of wind direction guides 24 may adjust left and right directions of wind discharged from the outlet 312. The plurality of wind direction guides 24 may be arranged between the blower fan 23 and the outlet 312. The plurality of wind direction guides 24 may be arranged rotatably at the main body frame 21. The left and right directions of the discharged wind may be changed according to a rotation angle of the plurality of wind direction guides 24.

[0099] The panel 30 may include a panel frame 31 formed to be assembled with the main body frame 21 and a grill panel 32 and a blade 33 which are arranged at the panel frame 31.

[0100] The panel frame 31 may include an inlet 311 through which air is introduced into the main body 20 and an outlet 312 through which air is discharged to the outside of the main body 20. The panel frame 31 may be detachably assembled with a lower portion of the main body frame 21.

[0101] The grill panel 32 may be arranged to cover the inlet 311. The grill panel 32 may include a plurality of grill openings through which outside air is introduced to the inlet 311. The grill panel 32 may induce inflow of outside air through the grill openings and at the same time minimize and/or reduce unintended inflow of foreign substances into the inlet 311 of the panel frame 31.

[0102] The grill panel 32 may be detachably assembled with the panel frame 31. For example, the grill panel 32 may be assembled with the panel frame 31 using a hook method. However, the assembly method of the grill panel 32 is not limited thereto, and various other methods may be used.

[0103] At least one filter 351 and 352 may be arranged at the inlet 311 of the panel frame 31. The filters 351 and 352 may be arranged between the main body 20 and the grill panel 32. The filters 351 and 352 may be detachably assembled with the panel frame 31. For example, the filters 351 and 352 may be assembled with a filter frame 353, and the filter frame 353 may be mounted onto the panel frame 31. In other words, a filter module 35 including the filters 351 and 352 and the filter frame 353 may be mounted onto the panel frame 31. However, the mounting of the filters 351 and 352 is not limited thereto, and the filters 351 and 352 may be directly mounted onto the panel frame 31 without the filter frame 353.

[0104] The filters 351 and 352 may include an electric precipitator filter 351 collecting foreign substances using electrostatic force. The filters 351 and 352 may include a deodorizing filter 352 configured to eliminate odor. However, the type of the filters 351 and 352 is not necessarily limited thereto, and any filter that is for adsorption or elimination of foreign substances in air inflow thorough the grill openings.

[0105] Although FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an example in which the filters 351 and 352 are mounted onto the panel frame 31 in the air conditioner 1, the filters 351 and 352 may be optional. For example, although it is not shown in the drawings, the filters 351 and 352 may not be mounted onto the panel frame 31 of the air conditioner 1.

[0106] The blade 33 may be provided to open and close the outlet 312 of the panel frame 31. The blade 33 may be arranged rotatably at the panel frame 31. The blade 33 may adjust a rotation angle to open or close the outlet 312. The blade 33 may have an open position 331 opening the outlet 312 and a closed position 332 closing the outlet 312.

[0107] The blade 33 may adjust up and down directions of wind discharged from the outlet 312. The up and down directions of the wind discharged from the outlet 312 may change according to a rotation angle of the blade 33. The discharge direction and discharge amount of the wind discharged from the outlet 312 may be controlled by adjusting the rotation angle of the blade 33.

[0108] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the panel 30 of the air conditioner 1 according to various embodiments. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of air discharged to the outside of a housing 10 when the blade 33 is in the closed position 332 in the air conditioner 1 according to various embodiments.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment, air may be released when the blade 33 is in the closed position 332.

[0110] For example, the blade 33 may include a plurality of first holes h1. The first hole h1 may have a size suitable for air discharge, but it may not be possible to put a finger in the first hole h1. For example, the size of the first hole h1 may be 0.1 mm to 10 mm. For example, the size of the first hole h1 may be 5 mm or less. For example, the size of the first hole h1 may be 3 mm or less.

[0111] The panel 30 may include a middle panel 34 covering a middle portion 313 surrounding the outlet 312 in the panel frame 31. The middle panel 34 may be arranged between the grill panel 32 and the blade 33. The middle panel 34 may be detachably assembled with the panel frame 31. For example, the middle panel 34 may be assembled with the panel frame 31 using a hook method.

[0112] The middle panel 34 may include a plurality of second holes h2 through which air is discharged. The second hole h2 may have a size suitable for air discharge, but it may not be possible to put a finger in the second hole h2. For example, the size of the second hole h2 may be 0.1 mm to 10 mm. For example, the size of the second hole h2 may be 5 mm or less. For example, the size of the second hole h2 may be 3 mm or less. The size of the second hole h2 may correspond to the size of the first hole h1.

[0113] The air discharged from the outlet 312 may be delivered to the middle portion 313 covered by the middle panel 34 in the panel frame 31. A plurality of ribs 3131 for changing the direction of air delivered from the outlet 312 may be arranged at the middle portion 313 of the panel frame 31. After the direction of the air is changed by the plurality of ribs 3131, the air may be discharged to the outside through the second holes h2.

[0114] Although the example embodiment described above focuses on an example in which the plurality of second holes h2 are formed at the middle panel 34, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the middle panel 34 may not include the second holes h2. In this case, when the blade 33 is in the closed position 332, the air may be discharged through the plurality of first holes h1.

[0115] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the panel frame 31, the grill panel 32, and a lighting module 40 of the air conditioner 1 according to various embodiments. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the open state of the grill panel 32 of the air conditioner 1 according to various embodiments.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment may further include the lighting module 40 and a sensor unit 50.

[0117] The lighting module 40 may be arranged between the panel frame 31 and the grill panel 32. The lighting module 40 may be arranged between the panel frame 31 and the grill panel 32 and on one side of the panel frame 31, to which the grill panel 32 is mounted. For example, the lighting module 40 may be detachably coupled to a lighting module-coupling portion 314 arranged on one side of the panel frame 31. For example, the lighting module-coupling portion 314 may be arranged on one side of the panel frame 31 at a predetermined height in a first direction (Z direction) perpendicular to a ceiling surface when the panel frame 31 is installed on the ceiling. For example, the lighting module may be arranged in a second direction (Y direction) which is a length direction of the panel frame 31 and may be detachably coupled with the lighting module-coupling portion 314.

[0118] The lighting module 40 may be coupled with the lighting module-coupling portion 314 in a manner that allows an access to the lighting module 40 by a user when the grill panel 32 is detached from the panel frame 31. For example, when the coupling between a fixing portion 322 arranged at the grill panel 32 and a hook of the panel frame 31 is disengaged, the grill panel 32 may rotate around a hinge axis of a hinge portion 321 arranged on one side of the grill panel 32, thereby enabling the access to the lighting module 40 by the user. The coupling state between the lighting module 40 and the lighting module-coupling portion 314 is to be described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B.

[0119] The sensor unit 50 may be arranged on a front surface of the panel frame 31. The sensor unit 50 may be covered by a sensor cover 54 arranged at the grill panel 32. The air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment may be configured to adjust the brightness and colors of the lighting module 40 based on a signal sensed by the sensor unit 50. The interactions between the sensor unit 50 and the lighting module 40 are to be described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 16 to 23.

[0120] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting module 40 according to various embodiments. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first case 41 of the lighting module 40 according to various embodiments, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second case 42 of the lighting module 40 according to various embodiments. FIG. 11 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of the lighting module 40 according to various embodiments.

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, the lighting module 40 may include the first case 41, the second case 42, and the light-emitting unit 43.

[0122] The first case 41 and the second case 42 may be coupled with each other to accommodate the light-emitting unit 43. The first case 41 may include a base portion 411, a side wall 412, and a cover portion 413.

[0123] The base portion 411 may extend in the second direction (Y direction). A protrusion 4111 that protrudes upwards in the first direction (Z direction) may be arranged on one side of the base portion 411. For example, a plurality of protrusions 4111 may be arranged apart from each other on the base portion 411 in the length direction (Y direction) of the base portion 411. Each protrusion 4111 may correspond to a fixing hole 4221 of the second case 42 to be described later.

[0124] The side wall 412 may be arranged to connect the base portion 411 to the cover portion 413. The side wall 412 may extend in the first direction (Z direction) from an outer circumferential portion of the base portion 411. For example, a first side wall 4121 extending perpendicularly to a plane of the base portion 411 may be arranged on one side of the base portion 411 which is opposite to the other side on which the plurality of protrusions 4111 arranged. For example, a pair of second side walls 4122 extending perpendicularly to the plane of the base portion 411 may be respectively arranged on both sides of the base portion 411 in the length direction thereof.

[0125] A fixing portion 415 may be arranged on the side wall 412. The fixing portion 415 may be arranged to correspond to a fixing groove 316 (see FIGS. 14A and 14B) arranged at the panel frame 31. The fixing portion 415 may be engaged with the fixing groove 316 to couple the lighting module 40 with the panel frame 31. The fixing portion 415 may be arranged on the side wall 412 in a direction opposite to the base portion 411. For example, at least one fixing portion 415 may be arranged on the first side wall 4121, and one fixing portion 415 may be arranged on each of the pair of the second side walls 4122. The engagement between the fixing portion 415 and the fixing groove 316 is to be described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 14A to 15B.

[0126] The cover portion 413 may be arranged at a predetermined distance from the base portion 411 in the first direction (Z direction). For example, the cover portion 413 may include a plane arranged parallel with the base portion 411. Accordingly, an internal space surrounded by the base portion 411, the side wall 412, and the cover portion 413 may be formed in the first case 41.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 11, in an embodiment, the cover portion 413 may include a stepped shape including a first cover portion 4131, a second cover portion 4132, and a third cover portion 4133. The first cover portion 4131 and the third cover portion 4133 may be arranged at a predetermined distance from the base portion 411 and parallel with the base portion 411. For example, the first cover portion 4131 may extend from another end of the side wall 412 and may be arranged at a first predetermined distance d1 corresponding to a height of the side wall 412 in the first direction (Z direction) from the base portion 411. The third cover portion 4133 may be arranged at a second predetermined distance d3 that is greater than the first predetermined distance d1 from the base portion 411.

[0128] The second cover portion 4132 may be arranged to connect the first cover portion 4131 to the third cover portion 4133. The second cover portion 4132 may include a curved surface. For example, the second cover portion 4132 may include a curved surface having a predetermined curvature. An inner surface of the second cover portion 4132 may include a reflective surface 414 capable of reflecting light. For example, the reflective surface 414 may be formed through application of reflectorized paint having high reflection efficiency. The reflective surface 414 may be arranged to reflect light of the light-emitting unit 43 and deliver the light evenly to a light-emitting surface 421 of the second case 42. For example, the reflective surface 414 may have a predetermined variable curvature to evenly deliver the light generated from the light-emitting unit 43 to the light-emitting surface 421. A path of light among the reflective surface 414, the light-emitting unit 43, and the light-emitting surface 421 is to be described later in relation to FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0129] A fastening hook 4134 protruding downwards (Z) in the first direction (Z direction) may be arranged on one side of the third cover portion 4133. For example, a plurality of fastening hooks 4134 may be arranged apart from each other in a length direction (Y direction) of the third cover portion 4133 on the third cover portion 4133. Each fastening hook 4134 may correspond to a fastening hole 4232 of the second case 42 to be described later.

[0130] Although the drawings illustrate that the cover portion 413 includes the first cover portion 4131, the second cover portion 4132, and the third cover portion 4133, the configuration and shape of the cover portion 413 are not limited thereto. The cover portion 413 may include a fastening member that may be engaged with the second case 42 and may be changed variously as long as the reflective surface 414 capable of reflecting light towards the second case 42 is included.

[0131] The second case 42 may include the light-emitting surface 421, a first support portion 422, and a second support portion 423.

[0132] The light-emitting surface 421 may extend in the second direction (Y direction). The light-emitting surface 421 may emit through one surface light introduced through another surface. For example, the light-emitting surface 421 may include a window of which surface is treated to facilitate light diffusion. The light that has passed through the light-emitting surface 421 may be diffused in a form of surface emission. Due to the structure of the light-emitting surface 421 emitting light in a form of surface emission, the lighting module 40 may be used without hot spots. The light-emitting surface 421 may include an inclined surface inclined at a predetermined angle a with respect to the ceiling surface. The inclined arrangement of the light-emitting surface 421 is to be described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13 and 14B.

[0133] The first support portion 422 and the second support portion 423 may support the light-emitting surface 421 and may include a fastening portion to couple the second case 42 with the first case 41.

[0134] The first support portion 422 may extend from one side of the light-emitting surface 421 in the second direction (Y direction) and may include a plurality of fixing holes 4221 arranged apart from each other in the second direction (Y direction). Each fixing hole 4221 may be arranged to correspond to the protrusion 4111 arranged on the base portion 411.

[0135] The second support portion 423 may extend in the second direction (Y direction) from another side of the light-emitting surface 421. A fastening portion 4231 protruding in a third direction (X direction) perpendicular to the first direction (Z direction) and the second direction (Y direction) may be arranged on the second support portion 423. For example, a plurality of fastening portions 4231 may be arranged apart from each other in the second direction (Y direction) on the second support portion 423. The fastening hole 4232 may be arranged at each fastening portion 4231. Each fastening hole 4232 may be arranged to correspond to the fastening hook 4134 arranged at the cover portion 413.

[0136] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 11, the light-emitting unit 43 may include a plate 431 and a light-emitting device 432. The plate 431 may extend in the length direction (Y direction) in correspondence with the length of the first case 41 and the second case 42. The light-emitting device 432 may include a plurality of light-emitting devices 432 arranged apart from each other in the length direction (Y direction) on the plate 431.

[0137] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective sectional view illustrating a cross-section of a part of the lighting module 40 in which the fastening hook 4134 is not arranged according to various embodiments, and FIG. 13 is a partial perspective sectional view illustrating a cross-section of a part of the lighting module 40 in which the fastening hook 4134 is arranged according to various embodiments.

[0138] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, the light-emitting unit 43 of the lighting module 40 may be arranged in an internal space of the first case 41 and the second case 42.

[0139] In an embodiment, the light-emitting unit 43 may be arranged on the base portion 411 of the first case 41. The plate 431 may be arranged on the base portion 411, and a surface of the plate 431 on which the light-emitting device 432 is arranged may be directed towards the cover portion 413. For example, the plate 431 may be arranged on the base portion 411 such that the light-emitting device 432 is directed towards the reflective surface 414. One side of the plate 431 may be arranged in a space surrounded by the first cover portion 4131, the side wall 412, and the base portion 411 of the first case 41 in the length direction (Y direction). For example, one side of the plate 431 may be arranged at the first predetermined distance d1 between the base portion 411 and the first cover portion 4131 and may be fixed to the first case 41 without a separate fixing member.

[0140] The first case 41 and the second case 42 may be combined with each other in a detachable manner. In an embodiment, the base portion 411 and the cover portion 413 of the first case 41 may be coupled with the first support portion 422 and the second support portion 423 of the second case 42, respectively.

[0141] In an embodiment, the first case 41 and the second case 42 may be coupled with each other without a separate fastening member such as a screw. The plurality of protrusions 4111 arranged on the base portion 411 may respectively be engaged with the fixing holes 4221 arranged on the first support portion 422. The plurality of fastening hooks 4134 arranged at the cover portion 413 may respectively be engaged with the fastening hole 4232 arranged on the second support portion 423. For example, when the second case 42 is combined with the first case 41, the protrusion 4111 may be fixed into the fixing hole 4221 first, and then the fastening hook 4134 may be engaged with the fastening hole 4232. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and when the second case 42 is combined with the first case 41, the fastening hook 4134 may be engaged with the fastening hole 4232 first, and then the protrusion 4111 may be fixed into the fixing hole 4221.

[0142] The first case 41 and the second case 42 may be arranged to diffuse light of the light-emitting unit 43 arranged therein to the outside. In an embodiment, the first case 41, the second case 42, and the light-emitting unit 43 may be arranged in such a manner that the light of the light-emitting unit 43 is reflected from the reflective surface 414 of the first case 41 and is diffused to the outside through the light-emitting surface 421 of the second case 42. For example, the plate 431 of the light-emitting unit 43 may be arranged on the base portion 411 such that the light-emitting device 432 is directed towards the reflective surface 414, and the reflective surface 414 may include a curved surface to evenly deliver incident light from the light-emitting device 432 to the light-emitting surface 421 of the second case 42. For example, the reflective surface 414 may include a curved surface having a predetermined variable curvature such that the incident light from the light-emitting device 432 of the light-emitting unit 43 arranged on the base portion 411 is reflected towards the light-emitting surface 421.

[0143] In an embodiment, the light-emitting surface 421 may include an inclined surface having the predetermined angle a with respect to the ceiling surface (see FIG. 14B). In an embodiment, the predetermined angle a may be less than 90. In this case, the inclined surface of the light-emitting surface 421 may be arranged to be directed upwards in the first direction (Z direction). In a state where the lighting module 40 is coupled with the panel frame 31, the inclined surface of the light-emitting surface 421 may be arranged to be directed towards the ceiling. As the light-emitting surface 421 includes the inclined surface directed towards the ceiling, the light which has passed through the light-emitting surface 421 may be diffused towards the ceiling. Accordingly, the lighting module 40 may function as an auxiliary lighting.

[0144] The first case 41 and the second case 42 of the lighting module 40 be arranged to diffuse the light generated from the light-emitting unit 43 and minimize and/or reduce hot spots or dark spots which cause particular areas to be bright or dark.

[0145] The first case 41 and the second case 42 may consistently deliver light to the light-emitting surface 421 in the length direction (Y direction). Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the light-emitting surface 421 may secure a similar light path regardless of a position of a coupled structure of the first case 41 and the second case 42.

[0146] In an embodiment, the fastening portion 4231 with which the fastening hook 4134 is engaged may be arranged not to protrude downwards more than the reflective surface 414 in the first direction (Z direction). For example, a maximum height d2 from the base portion 411 to the reflective surface 414 may be equal to a height d4 from the base portion 411 to the fastening portion 4231. For example, the maximum height d2 from the base portion 411 to the reflective surface 414 may be greater than the height d4 from the base portion 411 to the fastening portion 4231.

[0147] A height d5 of a part of the fastening portion 4231 that is connected to the second support portion 423 may be determined to the extent that the height does not block the path of light transmitted from the reflective surface 414 to the light-emitting surface 421. For example, the height d5 of the part of the fastening portion 4231 that is connected to the second support portion 423 may be determined such that the light reflected from the reflective surface 414 may reach an outer circumferential portion of the light-emitting surface 421. An inclined portion 4233 may be formed on one side of the fastening portion 4231 connected to the second support portion 423 for stable connection between the fastening portion 4231 and the second support portion 423 while not blocking the path of light transmitted from the reflective surface 414 to the light-emitting surface 421.

[0148] As described above, the first case 41 and the second case 42 may be coupled with each other in a detachable manner without a separate fastening member. The protrusion 4111 and the fastening hook 4134 of the first case 41 may be engaged with the fixing hole 4221 and the fastening hole 4232 of the second case 42, respectively. When the first case 41 and the second case 42 are fixed by a separate fastening member, the thickness of the light-emitting surface 421 may not be constant and may be thicker in some parts. In this case, dark spots may be generated. Accordingly, by coupling the first case 41 and the second case 42 without a separate fastening member such as a screw, a fixing component, etc., generation of dark spots may be minimized/reduced.

[0149] In an embodiment, to prevent/reduce generation of dark spots at a coupling portion of the first case 41 and the second case 42, the first case 41 and the second case 42 may be arranged to minimize/reduce an overlap. For example, the first case 41 and the second case 42 may be arranged to minimize/reduce a fastening length I in which the third cover portion 4133 on which the fastening hook 4134 is arranged and the fastening portion 4231 on which the fastening hole 4232 is arranged overlap each other. For example, the fastening length I may be designed to be 7 mm or less to minimize/reduce a shadow zone when the light reflected from the reflective surface 414 is diffused.

[0150] Although the drawings illustrate that the protrusion 4111 and the fastening hook 4134 of the first case 41 are engaged with the fixing hole 4221 arranged on the first support portion 422 of the second case 42 and the fastening hole 4232 of the fastening portion 4231 protruding from the second support portion 423, respectively, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the embodiment may be modified variously as long as the first case 41 and the second case 42 are coupled with each other without a separate fastening member.

[0151] FIGS. 14A and 14B are each a partial perspective sectional views illustrating a state in which the panel frame 31 and the lighting module 40 are coupled to each other according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15A is a diagram illustrating a plan view of the panel frame 31 according to various embodiments, and FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating a plan view of the panel frame 31 coupled with the lighting module 40 according to various embodiments.

[0152] Referring to FIG. 14A, the lighting module 40 may be slide-coupled with the panel frame 31. In an embodiment, the lighting module 40 may move in the third direction (X direction) perpendicular to the second direction (Y direction) which is the length direction and may be coupled with the lighting module-coupling portion 314 provided at the panel frame 31. For example, the lighting module 40 may move in the third direction (X direction) to be coupled with the panel frame 31 such that the first case 41 is mounted onto a seating portion 315 arranged in a stepped shaped at the lighting module-coupling portion 314. One side of the base portion 411 of the lighting module 40 and the side wall 412 may be mounted onto the seating portion 315 such that the fixing portion 415 of the lighting module 40 is placed at the fixing groove 316 of the panel frame 31.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 14B, the lighting module 40 may be fixed to the panel frame 31 by a fastening member f. For example, in a state where one side of the base portion 411 and the side wall 412 are mounted onto the seating portion 315, the fixing portion 415 may be engaged with the fixing groove 316 by the fastening member f.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 14B, 15A, and 15B, the fixing groove 316 may be arranged on both sides of the lighting module-coupling portion 314 and one side on which the seating portion 315 is arranged. The fixing groove 316 may be arranged at a position corresponding to the fixing portion 415 at the lighting module-coupling portion 314. Each fixing groove 316 may be arranged not to block the light diffused from the light-emitting surface 421 of the lighting module 40. Accordingly, dark spots that may be generated due to the fastening member f may be minimized/reduced.

[0155] The lighting module 40 may slide in the third direction (X direction) towards the lighting module-coupling portion 314 and may be fixed by the fastening member f to be fixed to the panel frame 31 in a limited space. The lighting module 40 may slide-coupled with the lighting module-coupling portion 314 having a predetermined height in the first direction (Z direction), and the light-emitting surface 421 may be arranged to face the opposite side of the lighting module-coupling portion 314. For example, the height d6 of the lighting module-coupling portion 314 may be less than 15 mm. Although the lighting module 40 is arranged in a limited space, the light may be diffused through the light-emitting surface 421 inclined towards the ceiling and the reflective surface 414 and spread sufficiently, thereby minimizing and/or reducing generation of hot spots.

[0156] The user may install the lighting module 40 to be coupled with the lighting module-coupling portion 314 or release the fastening member f and separate the lighting module 40 from the lighting module-coupling portion 314 while the panel frame 31 is installed on the ceiling. For example, the grill panel 32 may be separated from the panel frame 31, and the lighting module 40 may be coupled to or separated from the lighting module-coupling portion 314 for easy replacement of the lighting module 40 while the air conditioner 1 is installed on the ceiling.

[0157] FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the air conditioner 1 according to various embodiments.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 16, the air conditioner 1 may further include a control unit (e.g., including circuitry) 60 and an operation management unit (e.g., including various circuitry and/or executable program instructions) 70. The control unit 60 may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor unit 50 and the operation management unit 70 to control the lighting module 40.

[0159] In an embodiment, the sensor unit 50 may include an illuminance sensor 51, a motion sensor 52, and a dust sensor 53.

[0160] The illuminance sensor 51 may measure and provide an illuminance of a peripheral area. The illuminance sensor 51 may measure an amount of measured light and provide brightness information. For example, the illuminance sensor 51 may include a variable resistor including a device having a conductivity that varies according to light energy.

[0161] The motion sensor 52 may sense a person who is present nearby and provide such information. The motion sensor 52 may sense a motion of a person and determine whether a person is present. For example, the motion sensor 52 may include an infrared motion sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a radar sensor.

[0162] The dust sensor 53 may measure and provide a concentration of dust in atmosphere. For example, the dust sensor 53 may include an infrared scattering sensor, a light scattering sensor, an electric sensor, a laser scattering sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor.

[0163] In an embodiment, the operation management unit 70 may include an operation mode management unit 71, a blower fan management unit 72, and a lighting mode management unit 73, each of which may include various circuitry and/or executable program instructions.

[0164] The operation mode management unit 71 may manage operation modes of the air conditioner 1. The operation mode management unit 71 may receive an operation mode of the air conditioner 1 from a user. For example, the operation mode management unit 71 may include a cooling mode, a heating mode, a blowing mode, and a purifying mode. For example, the operation mode management unit 71 may manage an operation mode for operation of the indoor unit.

[0165] The blower fan management unit 72 may manage the speed of the blower fan 23. The blower fan management unit 72 may receive a speed of the blower fan 23 from a user. For example, the blower fan management unit 72 may manage the rotation speed of the blower fan 23 to be strong wind, light wind, breeze, etc.

[0166] The lighting mode management unit 73 may mange a lighting mode of the lighting module 40. For example, the lighting mode management unit 73 may manage on/off of main/auxiliary lighting mode, on/off of a welcome light mode, and on/off of a sleep mode for the lighting module 40.

[0167] The control unit 60 may include various circuitry and control the lighting module 40 and the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 according to a predetermined signal range based on a signal received from each sensor of the sensor unit 50. The control unit 60 may control the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 based on a signal received from the operation mode management unit 71, the blower fan management unit 72, and the lighting mode management unit 73 and control the lighting module 40 accordingly.

[0168] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example process of adjusting a brightness of the lighting module 40 by the air conditioner 1 in accordance with an illuminance signal according to various embodiments.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 17, in operation S1701, the control unit 60 may check lighting mode setting. The control unit 60 may receive a currently set lighting mode from the lighting mode management unit 73. For example, the control unit 60 may identify a setting status between the main lighting mode and the auxiliary lighting mode. For example, the control unit 60 may check whether the welcome light mode or the sleep mode is on.

[0170] In operation S1703, the control unit 60 may receive an illuminance signal. The control unit 60 may receive an illuminance signal measured by the illuminance sensor 51. For example, the control unit 60 may receive a signal value measured by the illuminance sensor 51. For example, the control unit 60 may receive an input value of 0 to 2 according to a signal value measured by the illuminance sensor 51.

[0171] In operation S1705, the control unit 60 may check whether the received illuminance signal corresponds to a predetermined illuminance range. For example, the illuminance range may be a preset illuminance range according to an illuminance signal. For example, when the received illuminance signal is 0, the peripheral area may be dark, when the received illuminance is 1, it may correspond to a low illuminance range, and when the received illuminance is 2, it may correspond to a high illuminance range.

[0172] In operation S1707, the control unit 60 may set a brightness of the lighting module 40. For example, the control unit 60 may identify whether the received illuminance signal corresponds to a predetermined illuminance range to set a brightness of lighting.

[0173] A process of controlling the lighting module 40 by the control unit 60 according to each lighting mode is described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20.

[0174] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example process of adjusting a brightness when the lighting module 40 is set as a main lighting according to various embodiments.

[0175] In operation S1801, the control unit 60 may receive an illuminance signal from the illuminance sensor 51, and when the received illuminance signal is 0 (S1803), the brightness of the lighting module 40 may be set as a maximum brightness (S1805).

[0176] When the received illuminance signal is not 0 (S1803), in operation S1807, the control unit 60 may set the brightness of lighting to be dark when the illuminance signal corresponds to a predetermined low illuminance range (S1809) and may turn off the lighting when the illuminance signal does not correspond to the predetermined low illuminance range (S1811).

[0177] In operations S1801 to S1811, when the lighting module 40 is the main lighting mode, the control unit 60 may operate the lighting module 40 when the peripheral area is dark. When the illuminance of the peripheral area corresponds to the low illuminance range, the control unit 60 may lower the brightness of the lighting accordingly, and when the peripheral area is bright, and a lighting is not needed, the control unit 60 may turn off the lighting module 40.

[0178] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example process of adjusting a brightness when the lighting module 40 is set as an auxiliary lighting according to various embodiments.

[0179] In operation S1901, the control unit 60 may receive an illuminance signal from the illuminance sensor 51, and when the received illuminance signal is 0 (S1903), the lighting module 40 may be turned off. Or, when the received illuminance signal is 0 (S1903), the lighting module 40 may remain or turn off by the control unit 60 (S1905).

[0180] When the received illuminance signal is not 0 (S1903), in operation S1907, the control unit 60 may set the brightness of lighting to decrease when the illuminance signal corresponds to a predetermined low illuminance range (S1909) and may set the brightness of lighting to increase when the illuminance signal does not correspond to the predetermined low illuminance range (S1911). For example, when the lighting module 40 is set as an auxiliary lighting, a threshold value of the illuminance corresponding to the low illuminance range may be different from that of the case where the lighting module 40 is set as a main lighting. For example, when the lighting module 40 is set as an auxiliary lighting, the illuminance that corresponds to the low illuminance range may be low.

[0181] In operations S1901 to S1911, when the lighting module 40 is in the auxiliary lighting mode, the control unit 60 may set the lighting module 40 to act as an auxiliary lighting when other main lighting is on in the peripheral area. When the illuminance of the peripheral area corresponds to a low illuminance range, the control unit 60 may lower the brightness of the lighting accordingly, and when the illuminance of the peripheral area corresponds to a high illuminance range, the control unit 60 may raise the brightness of the lighting. When no other main lighting is on in the peripheral area, the control unit 60 may maintain the off state of the lighting module 40.

[0182] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example process of adjusting a brightness when the lighting module 40 is set to be in a sleep mode according to various embodiments.

[0183] In operation S2001, the control unit 60 may receive an illuminance signal from the illuminance sensor 51, and in operation S2003, the control unit 60 may identify the sleep mode and a time from the operation mode management unit 71. In an embodiment, operation S2003 may be conducted prior to or concurrently with operation S2001.

[0184] In operation S2005, when the sleep mode is on, and the received time corresponds to a preset sleeping time, the control unit 60 may turn off the lighting (S2007).

[0185] When the received time does not correspond to the preset sleeping time, in operation S2009, the control unit 60 may check whether the received illuminance signal corresponds to the predetermined low illuminance range. When the received illuminance signal corresponds to the low illuminance range, the control unit 60 may set the brightness of the lighting module 40 to decrease (S2011). When the received illuminance signal does not correspond to the low illuminance range, the control unit 60 may set the brightness of the lighting module 40 to increase (S2013).

[0186] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example process of adjusting a brightness of the lighting module 40 by the air conditioner 1 in accordance with a motion-sensing signal according to various embodiments.

[0187] Referring to FIG. 21, in operation S2101, the control unit 60 may check the lighting mode setting. The control unit 60 may receive a currently set lighting mode from the lighting mode management unit 73. For example, the control unit 60 may check whether the welcome light is set.

[0188] In operation S2103, the control unit 60 may receive a motion-sensing signal. The control unit 60 may receive a motion-sensing signal measured by the motion sensor 52. For example, the control unit 60 may receive a motion-sensing signal measured by the motion sensor 52 with regard to whether a person is moving.

[0189] In operation S2105, the control unit 60 may set the brightness of the lighting module 40. The control unit 60 may set the brightness of lighting based on the motion-sensing signal. For example, the control unit 60 may turn on the lighting of the lighting module 40 or raise the brightness thereof based on the motion-sensing signal indicating that there is a motion of a person in the peripheral area. For example, the control unit 60 may turn off the lighting of the lighting module 40 or lower the brightness thereof based on the motion-sensing signal indicating that there is no motion of a person in the peripheral area.

[0190] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example process of adjusting the brightness of the lighting module 40 according to a motion-sensing signal when the lighting module 40 is set to be in a welcome light mode according to various embodiments.

[0191] In operation S2201, the control unit 60 may receive a motion-sensing signal. For example, the control unit 60 may receive a motion-sensing signal from the motion sensor 52.

[0192] In operation S2203, the control unit 60 may determine whether there is a motion-sensing signal, and when there is a motion of a person, the control unit 60 may turn on the lighting of the lighting module 40 (S2205). When there is no motion of a person, the control unit 60 may turn off the lighting of the lighting module 40 or set the brightness thereof to be a lowest brightness (S2207). Accordingly, when a motion of a person is detected in a space where the air conditioner 1 is arranged, the control unit 60 may turn on and operate the lighting module 40 such that the lighting module 40 serves as a welcome light.

[0193] By setting the brightness of the lighting module 40 based on a signal received from the motion sensor 52, the lighting may be turned off or lowered when a person is not present, thereby achieving the power-saving effect.

[0194] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating setting of a lighting color and brightness in accordance with a mode of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

[0195] In operation S2301, the control unit 60 may identify an air conditioner mode. The control unit 60 may receive and identify an operation mode of the air conditioner 1 from the operation mode management unit 71. For example, the operation of the air conditioner 1 may be one of a cooling mode, a heating mode, a blowing mode, or a purifying mode. The control unit 60 may receive and identify a speed of the blower fan 23 from the blower fan management unit 72. For example, the speed of the blower fan 23 may be one of strong wind, light wind, and breeze.

[0196] In operation S2303, the control unit 60 may set the light color and brightness of the lighting module 40. The control unit 60 may set the lighting color and brightness of the lighting module 40 according to a mode of the air conditioner 1.

[0197] In an embodiment, the control unit 60 may set different colors of lighting for each operation mode including a cooling mode, a heating mode, a blowing mode, and a purifying mode. For example, the lighting color may be set to be red for the heating mode and blue for the cooling mode such that a user may intuitively recognize the operation mode from the lighting color. For example, according to a desired cooling temperature set by a user, the lighting color may be set to have a higher color density for a lower desired cooling temperature such that the user may intuitively recognize the tendency of desired temperature setting.

[0198] In an embodiment, the control unit 60 may set the color or brightness of the lighting according to the speed of the blower fan. For example, the brightness of the lighting may be set to be higher for the strong wind operation than the light wind operation.

[0199] Aside from the above, the control unit 60 may set the color or brightness of the lighting module 40 in various manners according to the setting of the air conditioner 1 for user convenience.

[0200] For understanding of the disclosure, the reference numerals are provided in the various embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and particular terms are used to describe the various embodiments. The disclosure is not limited by such particular terms, and the disclosure includes every components generally perceivable by a person of skill in the art.

[0201] The various example implementations shown and described herein are illustrative examples and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the disclosure in any way. For the sake of brevity, conventional electronics, control systems, software development and other functional aspects of the systems may not be described in detail. The connecting lines, or connectors shown in the various figures presented are intended to represent example functional relations and/or physical or logical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relations, physical connections or logical connections may be present in a practical device. No component is essential to the practice of the disclosure unless the component is specifically described as essential or critical. The expressions such as including, comprising, etc. are to be understood as terms used for open ending for description.

[0202] The use of the terms a and an and the and similar referents in the context of describing embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural. Furthermore, recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the disclosure as if it were individually recited herein. Also, the steps of all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. Embodiments are not limited to the described order of the steps. The use of any and all examples, or example language (e.g., such as) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of embodiments unless otherwise claimed. In addition, a person of skill in the art may clearly understand that various modifications and changes can be easily made from the disclosure without departing from the scope or concept of the disclosure.

[0203] The present disclosure provides an air conditioner including a lighting module that can be easily replaced and capable of minimizing/reducing generation of hot spot and dark spots. In addition, the present disclosure provides an air conditioner capable of controlling a lighting module using a signal sensed by an illuminance sensor and a motion sensor. The technical objects to be achieved by the disclosure are not limited to the above, and other objects which are not mentioned herein can be clearly understood from the description by a person skilled in the art.

[0204] An air conditioner according to an example embodiment includes: a main body frame; a panel frame arranged to face a surface of the main body frame and including an inlet through which air is inhaled into an inside of a main body portion and an outlet through which air is discharged to an outside of the main body portion; a grill panel arranged on a front surface of the panel frame; and a lighting module arranged between the panel frame and the grill panel and detachably coupled to a lighting module-coupling portion provided on a side of the panel frame at a predetermined height in a first direction perpendicular to a ceiling surface in a state in which the panel frame is installed on a ceiling. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the disclosure may have various effects including the feature of easily detaching the lighting module from the panel frame.

[0205] The lighting module may include: a light-emitting unit; a first case accommodating the light-emitting unit and including a fixing portion coupled to the lighting module-coupling portion; and a second case coupled to the first case and including a light-emitting surface diffusing light of the light-emitting unit to an outside. According to an embodiment, the disclosure may have various effects including the effect of preventing and/or reducing the hot spot phenomenon by diffusion of light from the light-emitting unit to the outside through the light-emitting surface.

[0206] The first case may include: a base portion 411 including a side on which a plurality of protrusions 4111 are arranged in a second direction in which the first case extends; a cover portion 413 arranged at a predetermined distance from the base portion and including a reflective surface 414 reflecting the light of the light-emitting unit and a plurality of fastening hooks 4134 in the second direction; and a side wall 412 connecting the base portion to the cover portion, and the second case may include: a first support portion connected to a side of the light-emitting surface and including a plurality of fixing holes respectively coupled to the plurality of protrusions; and a second support portion connected to another surface of the light-emitting surface and including a fastening portion including a plurality of fastening holes respectively fastened with the plurality of fastening hooks. According to an embodiment, the disclosure may have various effects including the effect of preventing and/or reducing generation of dark spots by combining the first case and the second case of the lighting module without a separate fastening member.

[0207] The light-emitting surface may include an inclined surface arranged to form a predetermined inclination angle with the ceiling when the lighting module is coupled to the lighting module-coupling portion. According to an embodiment, the disclosure may have various effect including the effect of the light being diffused from the lighting module towards the ceiling and serving as an auxiliary lighting.

[0208] The light-emitting unit may include a plate extending in the second direction and arranged on the base portion; and a plurality of light-emitting devices arranged in the second direction on a surface of the plate which is opposite to another surface of the plate that is in contact with the base portion, and the reflective surface may include a curved surface having a predetermined curvature to reflect light generated from the light-emitting devices towards the light-emitting surface. According to an embodiment, the disclosure may have various effects including the effect of minimizing/reducing generation of hot spot of the lighting module arranged in a limited space.

[0209] A maximum height from the base portion to the reflective surface may be equal to a height from the base portion to the fastening portion. According to an embodiment, the disclosure may have various effects including the effect of preventing and/or reducing generation of dark spot at the coupling portion of the first case and the second case.

[0210] The fixing portion may include a plurality of fixing portions arranged at both end portions of the base portion and on the side wall, the lighting module-coupling portion may include a seating portion and a plurality of fixing grooves respectively corresponding to the plurality of fixing portions, and the side wall and one side of the base portion of the lighting module may be seated on the seating portion such that the plurality of fixing portions are respectively coupled to the plurality of fixing grooves. According to an embodiment, the disclosure may have various effects including the effect of arranging the lighting module in a limited space while minimizing/reducing generation of dark spots and easily replacing the lighting module from the air conditioner installed on the ceiling.

[0211] An illuminance sensor may be further arranged in the panel frame. According to an embodiment, the disclosure may have various effects including the effect of controlling the brightness of the lighting module according to the brightness of the peripheral area.

[0212] A motion sensor may be further arranged in the panel frame. According to an embodiment, the disclosure may have various effects including the effect of turning on and off the lighting module or controlling the brightness of the lighting module according to the presence of a person.

[0213] The air conditioner may further include a control unit configured to change a mode of the lighting module. According to an embodiment, the disclosure may have various effects including the effect of controlling the lighting module according to the blower fan mode and the operation mode of the air conditioner.

[0214] An operating method of an air conditioner according to an example embodiment includes: identifying a lighting mode of the air conditioner; receiving an illuminance signal from an illuminance sensor; determining an on/off operation a lighting module according to a recognition value of the illuminance sensor; and controlling a brightness of the lighting module when the illuminance signal corresponds to a predetermined illuminance range.

[0215] When the lighting mode is a main lighting mode, in the determining of the on/off operation of the lighting module, when the recognition value of the illuminance sensor is 0, the brightness of the lighting module may be controlled to have a maximum value, and in the determining of the brightness of the lighting module, when the illuminance signal corresponds to a predetermined low-illuminance range, a lighting brightness may be controlled to be dark, and when the illuminance signal does not correspond to the predetermined low-illuminance range, a lighting may be controlled to be off. According to an embodiment, the disclosure may have various effects including the effect of controlling the lighting module based on a signal measured by the illuminance sensor according to the lighting mode.

[0216] When the lighting mode is an auxiliary lighting mode, in the determining of the on/off operation of the lighting module, when the recognition value of the illuminance sensor is 0, the lighting module may be controlled to be off, and in the determining of the brightness of the lighting module, when the illuminance signal corresponds to a predetermined low-illuminance range, a lighting brightness may be controlled to decrease, and when the illuminance signal does not correspond to the predetermined low-illuminance range, the lighting brightness may be controlled to increase. According to an embodiment, the disclosure may have various effects including the effect of controlling the lighting module based on a signal measured by the illuminance sensor according to the lighting mode.

[0217] The operating method may further include: receiving a motion-sensing signal from a motion sensor; and controlling the brightness of the lighting module according to the motion-sensing signal. According to an embodiment, the disclosure may have various effects including the effect of controlling the lighting module based on a signal measured by the motion sensor.

[0218] The operating method may further include: identifying an operation state of the air conditioner; and controlling a color and the brightness of the lighting module according to the operation state of the air conditioner. According to an embodiment, the disclosure may have various effects including the effect of controlling the brightness of the lighting according to the operation state of the air conditioner.

[0219] The operation state of the air conditioner may include operation states according to an operation mode and a speed of a blower fan, and the identifying of the operation state of the air conditioner may include: receiving an operation mode including a cooling mode, a heating mode, a blowing mode, and a purifying mode; and receiving a speed of the blower fan. According to an embodiment, the disclosure may have various effects including the effect of controlling the lighting module according to the speed of the blower fan and the operation mode such that a user may intuitively recognize the operation state of the air conditioner.

[0220] In addition to the above, the operating method of the air conditioner may include identifying a time and whether a sleep mode is on, and turning off the lighting when the lighting mode is in the sleep mode, and the time corresponds to a predetermined sleeping time. According to an embodiment, the disclosure may have various effects including the effect of providing a proper lighting to a user according to setting of the sleep mode.

[0221] According to the operating method of the air conditioner according to an embodiment, the density of the lighting color may be controlled according to a desired temperature set by the user. According to an embodiment, the disclosure may have various effects including the effect of allowing a user to intuitively recognize a tendency of desired temperature setting of an air conditioner.

[0222] According to the present disclosure, an air conditioner including a lighting module that can be easily replaced and is arranged to minimize and/or reduce generation of hot spots and dark spots. According to the present disclosure, an air conditioner capable of controlling a lighting module according to a brightness of a peripheral area and a motion of a person may be provided. The effects to be achieved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above, and other effects which are not mentioned herein can be clearly understood from the description by a person of skill in the art.

[0223] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood that the various example embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, alternatives and/or variations of the various example embodiments may be made without departing from the true technical spirit and full technical scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.