|
(11) | EP 2 607 799 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| (54) | Air conditioner and method of operating an air conditioner |
| (57) An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises
a main body (4); and an air discharger (8) installed in the main body (4), wherein
the air discharger comprises an air discharging opening (G) through which the air
of the main body (4) is discharged and a light emitting unit (32) corresponding to
the shape of the air discharging opening (G). An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a main body (4); and an air discharger (8) installed in the main body, wherein the air discharger (8) comprises an air discharging opening (G) through which the air of the main body (4) is discharged and a light emitting unit (32) corresponding to the shape of the air discharging opening (G); and further comprising a controller varying the setting of the light emitting unit (32) in accordance with operating state or the user's input. |
[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner for conditioning indoor air, and a method for operating the same.
[0002] Generally, an air conditioner can change temperature, humidity, or air cleanness by taking air through an air intake and discharging the air into indoor space through an air discharge hole, thereby rendering the indoor space into a comfortable environment.
[0003] An air conditioner can comprise a heat exchanger exchanging heat between refrigerant and air; and a blower taking in air and blowing the air into the heat exchanger and discharging the air to the outside.
[0004] An air conditioner can form various air currents in an indoor environment according to the shape of the air intake and the air discharger or direction or the number of openings.
[0005] For safety concerns and product upgrading, there is a growing trend toward the structure of discharging air with as large a surface area as possible while avoiding exposing an air intake and an air discharging hole as possibly as can be.
[0006] An air conditioner can provide not only physical comfort to users inside by conditioning the air but also inner comfort by employing aesthetic design and lighting.
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner and a method for operating the same, which can improve user comfort.
[0008] The above objects of the present invention are achieved by the inventions defined in the claims.
[0009] One embodiment of the present invention provides the user with both physical and inner comfort through control of lighting by taking into account operating state and the user's selection.
[0010] The present invention provides an air conditioner, comprising: a main body; and an air discharger installed in the main body, wherein the air discharger includes: an opening formed inside thereof, through which heat exchanged air is discharged; an air discharge port formed along the periphery of the opening to deliver heat exchanged air to the opening; and a light emitting unit arranged around the opening to correspond to the shape of the air discharge port.
[0011] Preferably, the light emitting unit comprises: a light source generating light; and a guide unit forming an external shape of the light emitting unit to change light generated from the light source into a surface light source, wherein the guide unit forms at least a part of the air discharging hole.
[0012] Further, the air discharger may include an air container through which heat exchanged air sent from the main body is delivered to the air discharge port.
[0013] Furthermore, the light emitting unit may be formed into a single body together with the air container.
[0014] Moreover, the light emitting unit may be configured to form a cover of at least one side of the air container.
[0015] In addition, the air conditioner may further comprise a controller configured to control the light emitting unit in response to operating conditions of the air conditioner or a user input.
[0016] The controller may be configured to change setting of the light emitting unit such as light color or intensity.
[0017] The present invention provides a method for operating the air conditioner, the method comprising: performing an operating state mode in which setting of the light emitting unit is changed according to operating state of the air conditioner; and/or performing a lighting mode in which the light emitting unit emits a particular light color according to a user input or periodically emits and converts a plurality of colors of light in an alternate fashion.
[0018] Preferably, the operating state mode comprises: incrementally increasing intensity of light generated by the light emitting unit up to a predetermined target value; maintaining the intensity of light at a constant level for a preset time period; and reducing the light intensity gradually.
[0019] Further, the step of increasing intensity may be performed longer than the reducing step. Furthermore, the step of maintaining intensity may be performed the longest.
[0020] Preferably, the lighting mode comprises: generating by the light emitting unit one light color from among a plurality of light colors included in a color group, the group being chosen by a user; incrementally increasing intensity of the light color generated by the light emitting unit up to a predetermined target value; subsequently maintaining the intensity of light at a constant level for a preset time period; changing the light color into a next one belonging to the color group; maintaining the changed light color at a constant intensity level for a preset time period; and reducing the light intensity gradually.
[0021] Further, the light intensity may be maintained at a constant level during the change of the light color.
[0022] Furthermore, if operating state of the air conditioner is changed during the lighting mode, the operating state mode may be performed based on the change of operating state.
[0023] Moreover, the lighting mode may be restored after the operating state mode is performed based on the change of operating state.
[0024] In addition, the method may further comprise, if power is turned off, gradually increasing intensity of light in a color corresponding to the power-off up to a target value and subsequently decreasing the light intensity gradually.
[0025] An air conditioner of one embodiment of the present invention forms a light emitting unit corresponding to the shape of an air discharger, thereby enabling the user to easily check the area through which conditioned air is discharged.
[0026] An air conditioner of one embodiment of the present invention can provide inner tranquility for the user by adjusting light emission according to a group of colors selected by the user.
[0027] An air conditioner of one embodiment of the present invention can provide visual comfort for the user as a light emitting unit varies the color of emitted light according to change of operating state.
[0028] An air conditioner of one embodiment of the present invention can provide inner comfort for the user by reducing light intensity more quickly when a light emitting unit is turned off than when it is turned on.
[0029] An air conditioner of one embodiment of the present invention can minimize visual fatigue of the user by keeping light intensity at a constant level while light color is varied.
[0030] An air conditioner of one embodiment of the present invention can enable the user to check operating state thereof by varying light color according to the operating state.
[0031] An air conditioner of one embodiment of the present invention can be used as a lighting device independently of an operating state.
[0032] An air conditioner of one embodiment of the present invention can discharge heat generated from a light source of a light emitting unit effectively to the outside by incorporating an air container and the light emitting unit into a single body.
[0033] The accompany drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this document and are incorporated on and constitute a part of this specification illustrate embodiments of this document and together with the description serve to explain the principles of this document.
FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating structure of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating structure of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an air discharger of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an air discharger of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 illustrates a situation where a light emitting unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention emits light;
FIG. 7 illustrates variation of a light emitting unit according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating intensity of light generated by a light emitting unit of an air conditioner according one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating intensity and color change of light generated by a light emitting unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating intensity of light generated by a light emitting unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention; and
FIGS. 12 to 15 are flow diagrams illustrating a method for operating an air conditioner according to a plurality of embodiments of the present invention.
[0034] In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to appended drawings.
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating structure of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating structure of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an air conditioner comprises a main body 4 in which an air intake 2 is formed; a heat exchanger 6 installed inside the main body 4; an air discharger 8 installed in an upper part of the main body 4, through which the air having passed through the heat exchanger 6 is discharged; and a blow unit 10 blowing air to the air discharger 8 after taking in the air through an air intake 2 and making the air passing through the heat exchanger 6. The air discharger 8 forms space G inside thereof. An air discharging hole L through which air is discharged toward the space G can be formed in the air discharger 8.
[0037] The air outside the main body 4 can be taken into the inside of the main body 4 through the air intake 2. The air intake 2 can be formed in the rear of the main body 4. The air outside the main body 4 can be taken into the inside of the main body 4 through the air intake 2 from the rear of the main body 4.
[0038] A side air discharging hole 12 can be formed in the main body 4, through which the air inside the main body 4 can be discharged separately from the air discharging hole L. Part of the air taken in through the air intake 2 can flow into the air discharger 8 within the main body 4 and then be discharged toward the front of space G of the air discharger 8. Part of the air taken in through the air intake 2 can be discharged to the outside of the main body 4 from the inside of the main body 4 through the side air discharging hole 12.
[0039] The main body 4 can comprise an intake panel 13 having an air intake 2 and purifying the air taken in; and a discharge panel 14 disposed in the front of the intake panel 13 and forming a side air discharging hole 12. The upper surface of the intake panel 13 and the discharge panel 14 can be opened. The side air discharging hole 12 can have an elongated shape along a vertical direction on the discharge panel 14.
[0040] An air conditioner can be constructed in the form of a stand-type air conditioner. The main body 4 can further comprise a base 24 on which an intake panel 13 and a discharge panel 14 are placed. An intake panel 13 can be installed in the upper side of the rear part of the base 24 of the air conditioner; a discharge panel 14 can be installed in the upper side of the front part of the base 24. The base 24 can be constructed in such a way that its front surface can be opened.
[0041] The heat exchanger 6 can be installed in the front of the air intake 2. The heat exchanger 6 can be disposed close to the intake panel 13.
[0042] The air discharger 8 can be installed in the upper side of the intake panel 13 and the discharge panel 14. An opening 30 can be formed in the lower surface of the air discharger 8, through which air blown from the blow unit 10 in an upward direction flows towards the air discharger 8. The space G can be opened toward the front of the air discharger 8. According to the embodiment, the space G can be constructed in such a way to penetrate the air discharger 8; however, the form of the space G is not limited to the above.
[0043] The air discharger 8 can comprise a light emitting unit 32 in which the space G is formed and an inner body 34 having a front edge inserted toward the space G and forming an air discharging hole L. The air discharger 8 can be installed in an upper side of the main body 4 and can further comprise an outer case 38 containing the light emitting unit 32 and the inner body 34.
[0044] The front edge of the inner body 34 can be placed inside the space G of the light emitting unit 32. The inner body 34 can form the air discharger L in the direction towards the space G; however, the combination can be realized in various ways and is not limited to the above illustration.
[0045] The outer case 38 can form the external shape of the air discharger 8. The outer case 38 can protect the inner body 34 and the light emitting unit 32. The outer case can be formed in the form of hexahedron but is not limited to the shape above.
[0046] The outer case 38 can be installed in the upper side of the main body 4. An opening 30 can be formed in a lower surface of the outer case 38. The air blown from the main body 4 can be taken in towards the inside of the outer case 38 through the opening 30 formed in the lower surface of the outer case 38.
[0047] The outer case 38 can be installed in the upper side of the intake panel 13 and the discharging panel 14. The opening 30 can be formed in such a way to penetrate through the intake panel 13 and the discharge panel 14. The outer case 38 can comprise a rear outer case 39 and a front outer case 40 disposed in the front of the rear outer case 39.
[0048] The rear outer case 39 can constitute the rear part of the outer case 38. The rear outer case 39 can be installed in an upper side of the intake panel 13. The rear outer case 39 can be placed on the upper part of the intake panel 13 and can be fastened to the upper part of the intake panel 13 by using a fastening member such as a screw.
[0049] The front outer case 40 can constitute the front part of the outer case 38. The front outer case 40 can be installed in an upper side of the intake panel 14. The front outer case 40 can be placed on the upper part of the discharge panel 14 and can be fastened to the upper part of the discharge panel 14 by using a fastening member such as a screw.
[0050] The blow unit 10 can be installed in the front of the heat exchanger 6. The blow unit 10 can be composed of centrifugal blow units which inhale the air of the rear and blow the air along a circumferential direction. The blow unit 10, being installed at the discharge panel 14, can blow air to the side air discharging hole 12 and the air discharger 8.
[0051] The blow unit 10 can comprise an upper blow unit 41 taking in air through the air intake 2 and blowing the air to the side air discharging hole 12 and the air discharger 8; and a lower blow unit 42 taking in air through the air intake 2 and blowing the air to the side air discharging hole 12.
[0052] The upper blow unit 41 can comprise an upper motor 43 installed in the discharge panel 14 in such a way to be positioned in the upper front of the heat exchange unit 40; and an upper turbo fan 44, a rotation axis of which being connected to the upper motor 43 and taking in air of the rear and blowing the air along a circumferential direction.
[0053] The lower blow unit 42 can comprise an lower motor 45 installed in the discharge panel 14 in such a way to be positioned in the lower front of the heat exchanger 6; and an lower turbo fan 46, a rotation axis of which being connected to the lower motor 45 and taking in air of the rear and blowing the air along a circumferential direction.
[0054] A separation guide 47 can be disposed inside the main body 4, the guide 47 separating the flow path of the upper blow unit 41 and the flow path of the lower blow unit 42 and guiding air flow. The upper surface of the separation guide 47 guides air flowing due to the upper blow unit 41 while the lower surface thereof guides air flowing due to the lower blow unit 42.
[0055] The blow unit 10 can comprise an orifice 48 guiding the air which has passed the heat exchanger 6 to the blow unit 10. An upper guide hole 49 can be formed in the orifice 48, the upper guide hole 49 guiding the air which has passed the upper part of the heat exchanger 6 to the upper blow unit 41. An lower guide hole 50 can be formed in the orifice 48, the lower guide hole 50 guiding the air which has passed the lower part of the heat exchanger 6 to the lower blow unit 42.
[0056] The blow unit 10 can blow air toward the air discharger 8. The air blown by the blow unit 10 can be contained in an air container P of the air discharger 8.
[0057] The air conditioner can include a side cover 60 in which an air discharge hole (not shown) connected to the side air discharging hole 12 is formed, wherein the side cover 60 covers the side surface of the discharge panel 14 together with the side surface of the front part of the air discharger 8.
[0058] The side cover 60 can cover the boundary between the side surface of the discharge panel 14 and the side surface of the front part of the air discharger 8. The side cover 60 can have an elongated shape along a vertical direction, capable of covering the side surface of the front part of the base 24 together with the side surface of the discharge panel 14 and the side surface of the front part of the air discharger 8.
[0059] A blow direction control member 67 can open and close the side air discharging hole 12. A blow control motor can control blow direction of air by rotating the blow direction control member 67 and open and close the side air discharging hole 12.
[0060] The air conditioner can include a front cover 70 in which an opening hole 68 larger than the air discharging hole L is formed, wherein the front cover 70 covers the front surface of the discharge panel 14 together with the front surface of the air discharger 8. The front cover 70 can cover the boundary between the front surface of the discharge panel 14 and the front surface of the air discharger 8.
[0061] The front cover 70 forms the external shape of the front part and can form an opening hole. The front cover 70 can be elongated along a vertical direction and cover the front surface of the base 24 together with the front surface of the discharge panel 14 and the front surface of the air discharger 8. The opening hole 68 can be formed larger than the front edge of the light emitting unit 32. The front cover 70 can be installed in such a way to cover the air discharger 8 except for the front edge of the light emitting unit 32.
[0062] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an air discharger of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an air discharger of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of FIG. 4; and FIG. 6 illustrates a situation where a light emitting unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention emits light.
[0063] With reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, an air discharger 8 of an air conditioner according to one embodiment can comprise an air discharging hole L through which air of the main body is discharged and a light emitting unit 32 corresponding to the shape of the air discharger L.
[0064] The air discharger 8 can form an air container P containing air blown toward a upper side from the main body 4. The air discharger 8 can be formed so that the air discharging hole L connects the air container P and space G. The air discharger 8 can have a discharge path guiding the air blown toward an upper side from the main body 4 to the front of the air discharger 8. The discharge path can be formed by the air container P, the air discharging hole L, and the space G.
[0065] The light emitting unit 32 can be formed to be disposed in the front of the air discharging hole L. One area of the light emitting unit 32 can form a curvature along a circumferential direction but a straight line along a forward and backward direction.
[0066] The inner diameter D1 of the light emitting unit 32 can be formed larger than the diameter of the front edge of the inner body 34. Since the inner diameter D1 of the light emitting unit 32 is formed larger than the diameter D2 of the front edge of the inner body 34, the air which has passed the air discharging hole L can pass the space G formed inside the light emitting unit 32.
[0067] The air discharging hole L can discharge air to the space G formed within the light emitting unit 32 from around the light emitting unit 32. The air discharged from the air discharging hole L can be discharged to the outside of the air conditioner through the space G.
[0068] The opening area of the light emitting unit 32 can be increased as it approaches the front from the one area of the front edge. The light emitting unit 32 can form a curvature at the front edge. The diameter of the light emitting unit 32 can be increased as it approaches the front from one area of the front edge whereas the diameter is decreased as it comes closer to the rear.
[0069] The front edge of the light emitting unit 32 can be formed smaller than the opening hole 68 of the front cover 70 illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0070] The light emitting unit 32 can form inner space V. A guide unit 104 forms the external shape of the light emitting unit 32 and can be formed to be transparent or translucent so that light can pass. The light emitting unit 32 can include a light source 112 radiating light toward the guide unit 104. The light source 112 can be disposed in the inner space V where the guide unit 104 is formed.
[0071] The light emitting unit 32 can correspond to the shape of the air discharging hole L. The light emitting unit 32 can generate light whose shape corresponds to that of the air discharging hole L. The light emitting unit 32 is disposed around the air discharging hole L and can emit light around the air discharging hole L.
[0072] With reference to FIG. 6, the light emitting unit 32 emits ring-shaped light in accordance with the shape of the air discharging hole L formed in a ring shape. The shape of the light emitting unit 32 can be changed corresponding to the shape of the air discharging hole L; therefore, the shape illustrated in FIG. 6 is only one embodiment and the present invention is not limited to the description above.
[0073] The light emitting unit 32 can be formed in the shape of a closed curve. When the air discharging hole L is formed as a closed curve, the light emitting unit 32 can be formed in the shape of a closed curve in accordance therewith. The light emitting unit 32 can be disposed in the front of the air discharging unit L and emit light in the form of a closed curve.
[0074] The light emitting unit 32 can include a light source 112 emitting light and a guide unit 104 converting the light generated by the light source into a surface light source.
[0075] The light source 112 can be positioned in the inner space V formed by the guide unit 104. The light source 11 can be protected by the guide unit 104. The light source 112 can comprise a substrate and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) installed on the substrate, which is not limited to the above but can include other devices emitting light. The substrate can be disposed in the inner space V forming a ring-shape. A plurality of LEDs can be disposed on the front surface of the substrate, being separated from each other along a circumferential direction.
[0076] The guide unit 104 can be made of translucent material allowing the light emitted from the light source to pass. The guide unit 104 can form a light emitting surface by converting light emitted from the light source 112 into a surface light source. The guide unit 104 can be curved. The guide unit 104 can be curved so that one area can form an obtuse angle θ.
[0077] The guide unit 104 can form a part of the air discharging hole L. The guide unit 140 can form the air discharging hole L together with the inner body 34. The rear edge of the guide unit 140 and the front edge of the inner body 34 can from the air discharging hole L. The guide unit 140, being connected to the air discharging hole L of the inner body 34, can extend the air discharging hole L.
[0078] The guide unit 104 can be disposed in the front of the air discharging hole L. The guide unit 104 can form the space G inside, through which the air discharged from the air discharging hole L passes.
[0079] The guide unit 104 can be formed to correspond to the shape of the air discharging hole L. The guide unit 104 can covert the light emitted from the light emitting unit 32 into a surface light source in the form corresponding to the air discharging hole L.
[0080] The guide unit 104 can be disposed in the front of the air discharging hole L. The guide unit 104 can emit light around the air discharging hole L. The guide unit 104 can be formed in a closed curve shape around the air discharging hole L.
[0081] The guide unit 104 can form space G inside, through which the air discharged from the air discharging hole L passes. For example, the guide unit 104 can be formed as a closed curve shape or a ring shape, forming the space G inside.
[0082] The light emitting unit 32 can be connected to the front part of the outer case 38 and the inner body 34 can be connected to the rear part of the outer case 38. The light emitting unit 32 can be connected to a front inner case 40 or it can be incorporated into the front inner case 40; but is not limited to the connection example described above. The inner body 34 can not only be connected to a rear inner case 39 but also incorporated into the rear inner case 39.
[0083] The outer case 38 can form an air container P together with the inner body 34. The air container P can work as a distribution path through which the air taken in to the outer case 38 through the opening 30 can be distributed. According to the embodiment, the light emitting unit 32 can be formed into a single body together with the air container P or formed separately.
[0084] The light emitting unit 32 of an air conditioner of one embodiment can be formed being separated from the air container P. The rear part of the light emitting unit 32 can be connected to a disc unit 84 of a fixed unit 80.
[0085] The outer case 38 of an air conditioner of one embodiment can form a fixed unit 80 in which part of the light emitting unit 32 is inserted and contained. The fixed part 80 can be extended from the front surface of the outer case 38 to the rear part. The fixed unit 80 can comprise a cylinder unit 82 extended from the front surface to the rear part and the disc unit 84 formed in the rear of the cylinder unit 82. The disc unit 84 can be formed to be orthogonal to the rear part of the cylinder unit 82.
[0086] The fixed unit 80 can separate the light emitting unit 32 from the air container P. The fixed unit 80 can prevent light from being leaked to the air container P by separating the light emitting unit 32 from the air container P.
[0087] The light emitting unit 32 can be inserted into the fixed unit 80 formed in the outer case 38. The light emitting unit 32 can be connected to the fixed unit 80. The rear edge of the light emitting unit 32 can be connected to the fixed unit 80. The front edge of the light emitting unit 32 can protrude forward more than the front surface of the outer case 110. However, the fixed unit 80 can be omitted depending on embodiments and part of the light emitting unit 32 can be disposed to be positioned inside the outer case 38.
[0088] The light emitting unit 32 of an air conditioner according to another embodiment can be incorporated into a single body together with the air container P. The light emitting unit 32 can form one area of the air container P. The light emitting unit 32 can be a cover of one side of the air container P. If the light emitting unit 32 is incorporated into a single body with the air container P, the heat generated at the light source can be easily discharged to the outside, thereby improving the stability of the light emitting unit 32.
[0089] Rear space S connected to the space G of the light emitting unit 32 in a forward and backward direction can be formed inside the inner body 34. The front edge of the inner body 34 can be inserted into the space G of the light emitting unit 32. The rear edge of the inner body 34 can be connected to the outer case 38.
[0090] The inner body 34 can from an air discharging hole L and guide the air inside the air container P to the air discharging hole L. The inner body 34 can form an air discharging hole L of a closed curve or a ring-shape depending on embodiments. The inner body 34 can dispose the light emitting unit 32 in the front of the air discharging hole.
[0091] The front edge of the inner body 34 can be installed to be positioned in the space G of the light emitting unit 32. The rear part of the inner body 34 can form the rear outer case 39 and the air container P.
[0092] The inner body 34 can be fastened to the rear outer case 39. The rear edge of the inner body 34 can be connected to the rear outer case 39. The rear space S can be formed inside the inner body 34. The inner body can be formed in a cylindrical shape. The inner surface of the inner body 34 can be seen through the rear space S when viewed from the outside.
[0094] The outer case 38 can form rear container space containing the inner body 34 in the rear outer case 39 while front container space containing the light emitting unit 32 can be formed in the front outer case 40.
[0095] The front surface of the rear outer case 39 can be opened. An opening 30 can be formed in a lower surface of the rear outer case 39. An air container P can be formed between the rear outer case 39 and the inner body 34. A rear opening hole 145 can be formed in the rear of the rear outer case 39. The rear opening hole 145 can be opened in a forward and backward direction. The rear opening hole 145 can be formed to be connected to the rear space S of the inner body 34 in a forward and backward direction. However, the description above related to only one embodiment. The present invention is not limited to the above, since the rear part of the rear outer case may not be opened in another embodiment.
[0096] The rear surface of the front outer case 40 can be opened. An opening 30 can be formed in a lower surface of the front outer case 40. An air container P can be formed between the front outer case 40 and the fixed unit 80. The fixed unit 80 can be formed to be bigger than the light emitting unit 32. The light emitting unit 32 can be protected by the fixed unit 80.
[0097] In what follows, operation of an air conditioner constructed as in the above will be described.
[0098] First, at the time of operating the blow unit 10, indoor air is taken in toward the air intake 2 from the rear of the air intake 2 and is taken in to the inside of the main body 4 through the air intake 2. The air taken in to the inside of the main body 4 passes the heat exchanger in a forward and backward direction, exchanging heat with refrigerant, after which being taken in to the blow unit 10. The air taken in to the blow unit 10 is blown in a circumferential direction by the blow unit 10. Part of the air blown in a circumferential direction of the blow unit 10 flows to an upper side between the intake panel 13 and the discharge panel 14 and is taken in to the inside of the air discharger 8 through the opening 30. The air taken in to the inside of the air discharge unit 8 is distributed to the air container P while being spread widely between the outer case 38 and the inner body 34, after which the air is discharged to the space G through the air discharging hole L. The air discharged to the space G passes the space G and can be discharged in a forward and backward direction of the space G. Part of the air blown in a circumferential direction of the blow unit 10 is blown to the sides of the blow unit and flows into the side air discharging hole 14; then the air passes the side air discharging hole 14 and is discharged into the outside of the main body 4.
[0099] FIG. 7 illustrates variation of color of light emitted from a light emitting unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0101] The light emitting unit 32 can include a light source. The light source 112 can include LED (Light Emitting Diode); however, the light source is not limited to the above and can be implemented in various ways to convert electrical energy to light energy.
[0102] A plurality of LEDs can be used. For example, a plurality of LEDs generating light of red, green, and blue color to emit white light by adjusting PWM duty ratio can be employed, but the present invention is not limited to the above example.
[0103] The light emitting unit 32 can generate various colors of light by combining various colors of light generated by a plurality of LEDs.
[0104] Setting of the light emitting unit 32 can be varied in accordance with an operating state or the user's input. For example, the setting for the light emitting unit 32 can vary the light color or light intensity. The light emitting unit 32 can generate the light color according to the user's selection. The light emitting unit 32 can change light color when the operating state is changed.
[0105] For example, with reference to FIG. 7, the light emitting unit 32 can emit light of a particular color according to the input (a). The light emitting unit 32 converts and emits various colors of light in an alternate fashion according to a predetermined period. The light emitting unit 32 can change the light color if a predetermined time period is passed since a particular color of light is emitted (b). The light emitting unit 32 can change the light color if operating state is changed, to correspond to the changed operating state (c).
[0106] The light emitting unit 32 can include a plurality of modes and the plurality of modes can be interchanged to each other according to the input. For example, the light emitting unit 32 can include a lighting mode and an operating state mode.
[0107] The light emitting unit 32 can generate a particular color of light according to the user's input, as illustrated in (a) above. In (b) above, the plurality of colors of light converted by the light emitting unit 32 can be a group of colors due to the user's selection. The group of colors selected by the user can be more than one and the number of colors can be varied. In what follows, the description above is referred to as 'lighting mode'.
[0108] When the operating state is changed, the light emitting unit 33 can change color into the one corresponding to the operation state changed. The light emitting unit 32 can emit light corresponding to the operating state and after a predetermined time period passed, inversely convert the light color to the original light color. In what follows, it is called an 'operating state mode'.
[0109] Color corresponding to an operating state may differ from a group of colors due to the user's selection. Colors corresponding to an operating state, separately from the group of colors, can display the operating state clearly.
[0110] The light emitting unit 32 can vary light pattern according to the user input. The light pattern comes from either changing the number of colors or changing the intensity of light. The light emitting unit 32 can perform the lighting mode where light color is varied and the operating state mode representing an operating state in terms of light color.
[0111] The light emitting unit 32 can enter the lighting mode according the user's selection. The light emitting unit 32 can change the light color periodically when carrying out the lighting mode. The light emitting unit 32 can change the light color or the number of light colors to be changed to accommodate the user's selection. For example, the light emitting unit 32 can emit a particular color of light by adjusting a plurality of LED light in accordance with the user's selection.
[0112] An embodiment illustrating a case where the light emitting unit 32 performs the lighting mode will be described in association with FIG. 10 later.
[0113] The light emitting unit 32 can enter the operating state mode if power of the air conditioner is turned on or operating state is changed.
[0114] When the light emitting unit 32 performs the operating state mode, it can generate a different color of light according to the operating state of the air conditioner. The operating state may correspond to a plurality of methods used for indoor air conditioning; for example, the operating state can correspond to at least one of air cooling, dehumidification, air cleaning, and blow direction control. An air conditioner according to one embodiment may use blue color for air cooling, pale blue-green for air cleaning, purple for dehumidification, and green for blow direction control among the operating states.
[0115] The light emitting unit 32 of an air conditioner of one embodiment can generate light of blue color for the operating state of air cooling; purple or dehumidification; pale blue-green for air cleaning; and green for blow direction control. The light color according to the operating state can be changed according to the setting; it can also be changed according to the user's selection.
[0116] In addition, when a different function from the operating state above is being performed, the light emitting unit 32 can generate light of a color corresponding to the function. For example, if a function of changing blow speed and direction in various ways is being performed, the light emitting unit 32 may generate light color of green family according thereto; but the present invention is not limited to the above example.
[0117] When the air conditioner enters the operating state mode, the light emitting unit 32 can increase gradually the intensity of light in a color corresponding to the operating state. When the operating state mode is terminated, the light emitting unit 32 can decrease the light intensity gradually. The above will be described with reference to the graph of FIG. 9.
[0118] FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0119] With reference to FIG. 8, an air conditioner according to one embodiment can comprise an input unit 180 receiving the user's input. The input unit 180 can comprise a control unit 182 with which the user can enter an operating state or temperature change of the air conditioner. The input unit 180 can comprise a selection unit 185 through which the lighting mode of the light emitting unit 32 can be selected.
[0120] The input unit 180 can send a signal to the controller 160. The input unit 180, if an user input is received, can send a signal corresponding to the user input to the controller 160.
[0121] An air conditioner according to one embodiment can comprise a controller 160. The controller 160 can control various operations of the air conditioner. For example, the controller 160 can control an upper blow unit 41 and a lower blow unit 42.
[0122] The controller 160 can comprise an upper blow unit 41, a lower blow unit 42, or a main body controller 148 controlling a rotating mechanism 188. The main body controller 148 can control speed and operation of the upper blow unit 41 and the lower blow unit 42 according to a signal received from the input unit 180.
[0123] For example, rotation speed or operation of the upper blow unit 41 and the lower blow unit 42 can be determined according to an operating state mode or indoor temperature; and the upper blow unit 41 and the lower blow unit 42 can be controlled independently of each other.
[0124] When the operating state is changed, the controller 160 can make the light emitting unit 32 enter into the operating state mode and generate light color corresponding to the operating state for a predetermined time period.
[0125] The controller 160 can include a display controller 143. The display controller 143 can control the display unit 189. The display controller 143 can control the light emitting unit 32. When operating state of the air conditioner is changed or lighting mode is selected, the display controller 143 can control the light emitting unit 32 accordingly.
[0126] An air conditioner according to one embodiment can comprise a display unit 189. The display unit 189 can display operating state of the air conditioner, target temperature, or indoor temperature. The display unit 189 can be disposed in one area of the front cover 70; however, various embodiments can be realized without being limited by particular locational relationship.
[0127] The display controller 143 can vary the setting of the light emitting unit 32 in response to operating state or user input. The setting can vary light color or intensity.
[0128] When an event such as change of the operating state of the air conditioner or the user's input of lighting mode occurs, the display controller 143 can send a signal corresponding to the event to the light emitting unit 32. The display controller 143 can control the color or intensity of light generated by the light emitting unit 32 in the operating state mode or lighting mode. The display controller 143 can control the light emitting unit 32 performing the operating state mode and the lighting mode in an alternate fashion.
[0129] The display controller 143 can vary the setting of the light emitting unit 32 according to lighting mode. Description about control of the light emitting unit 32 will be described in detail below.
[0130] In an air conditioner according to one embodiment, the air discharger 8 can be supported by the main body 4 in a rotatable manner. The air discharger 8 can rotate with respect to a vertical axis or a horizontal axis of the main body 4. The air conditioner can include a rotating mechanism 188 which rotates the air discharger 8.
[0131] For example, the rotating mechanism 188 can comprise a motor (not shown), a pinion attached to the motor, and a rack to which the pinion is connected. The motor can be installed in the main body 4; the pinion can be attached to the rotation axis of the motor; and the rack can be installed at the air discharger 8. The rack can be formed in a round shape at the air discharger 8. When the motor is driven, the pinion is made to rotate and the rack can be rotated by the pinion.
[0132] The main body controller 148 can control rotation of the air discharger 8. If a predetermined input is received by the input unit 180, the main body controller 148 makes the air discharger 8 rotate in response to the input, thereby making the light source unit 32 rotate in left and right direction.
[0133] FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating intensity of light generated by a light emitting unit 32 of an air conditioner according one embodiment of the present invention.
[0134] In the air conditioner according to one embodiment, emitting light as shown in FIG. 9, the light emitting unit 32 can vary the light pattern according to operating conditions. The light pattern may be either varying a plurality of colors or varying light intensity.
[0135] Operating state can be denoted as the light emitting unit 32 emits light by changing light color. The operating state can correspond to a plurality of methods for conditioning indoor air. When power is turned on or operating state is changed during operation, the light emitting unit 32 can represent the change of operating state by chaing light patterns.
[0136] The light emitting unit 32 can increase light intensity gradually when power is turned on or operating conditions are changed during operation. This increment is denoted in FIG. 9 as an increase interval A.
[0137] When the air conditioner enters the operating state mode, the light emitting unit 32 may initiate the increase interval A during which light intensity grows incrementally. The light emitting unit 32 can generate light of the color corresponding to the operating state during the interval A. The light emitting unit 32 can increase the light intensity gradually up to a target value during the interval A. The target value is not limited to a particular value but can be varied according to a setting.
[0138] The light emitting unit 32 can minimize fatigue on the user's eyes by increasing the light intensity gradually in the increase interval A.
[0139] If the light intensity reaches the target value, the light emitting unit 32 can enter a maintain interval B. The light emitting unit 32 can maintain the intensity of light of a color corresponding to the operating state at a constant level; but the present invention is not limited to the above, allowing various embodiments related to the above.
[0140] The light emitting unit 32 can generate the light of a color corresponding to current operating state and turn off after a predetermined time period. For example, if a predetermined time has passed since an air conditioner entered the maintain interval B, the light emitting unit 32 can reduce the light intensity gradually, which is denoted as a decrease interval C. The light emitting unit 32 can reduce intensity of light of a color corresponding to the operating state during the decrease interval C.
[0141] The increase interval A of the light emitting unit 32 can be longer than the decrease interval C. The light emitting unit 32 can make the slope with which the light intensity is decreased in the decrease interval C steeper than that with which the light intensity is increased in the increase interval A.
[0142] The light emitting unit 32 can make the maintain interval B to be longer than the increase interval A or decrease interval C. The light emitting unit 32 can allow the user clearly detect the change of operating state. For example, the light emitting unit 32 can have the increase interval A three seconds; the decrease interval C 1.5 seconds, which is half the increase interval A; and the maintain interval B 10.5 seconds; however, the above setting is only one embodiment and the present invention is not limited to the above example.
[0143] When the operating state changes while the light emitting unit 32 performs the operating state mode, the light emitting unit 32 can change light color to accommodate the operating state changed.
[0144] If the operating state is changed while the air conditioner is in the maintain interval B, the light emitting unit 32 can change light color at the time the operating state is changed. The light emitting unit 32 can change the light color gradually. For example, the light emitting unit 32 can change the light color linearly as time passes; however, the above example is only one embodiment and the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0145] If a predetermined time is passed after the light color is changed according to the operating state changed, the light emitting unit 32 enters the decrease interval and can reduce light intensity.
[0146] If a predetermined time is passed from the latest time point between the time point at which light color is changed to accommodate the change of the operating state while the air conditioner is in the increase interval of light intensity and the time point at which the light intensity reaches a target value, the light emitting unit 32 can enter the decrease interval and reduce light intensity.
[0147] FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating intensity and color change of light generated by a light emitting unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0148] The light emitting unit 32 can carry out a lighting mode. The light emitting unit 32 can enter the lighting mode according to the user's input. The light emitting unit 32, in the case of carrying out the lighting mode, can adjust light color according to a color group input by the user independently of the operating state of the air conditioner. The light emitting unit 32 can change the light color according to a predetermined period to accommodate the color group selected by the user. The light emitting unit 32 can change the light color gradually. For example, the light emitting unit 32 can change the light color linearly as time passes.
[0149] The color group can include a plurality of colors for light. The color group is plural. The user can choose one from among the plurality of color groups.
[0150] A first color group corresponds two colors belonging to blue color family. For example, the two colors of blue color family may be blue and sky blue.
[0151] A second color group corresponds two colors belonging to orange color family. For example, the two colors of orange color family may be yellow and orange.
[0152] A third color group corresponds six colors differing from each other. For example, the third color group may include purple, blue, green, yellow-green, yellow, and orange color.
[0153] The light emitting unit 32 can generate light corresponding to each color group. The light emitting unit 32 can emit light by rotating a plurality of light colors according to a predetermined period. For example, if the user selects the first color group, the light emitting unit 32 can emit light by alternating blue and sky blue color. If the user selects the third color group, the light emitting unit 32 can emit light by rotating purple, blue, green, yellow green, yellow, and orange color.
[0154] The light colors corresponding to the three color groups above are only embodiments and thus, the present invention is not limited to the examples above since light color and the number of colors can be diverse.
[0155] With reference to FIG. 10, the light emitting unit 32 can enter the increase interval D if the user selects the lighting mode. For the convenience of description, it is assumed that the color group for the lighting mode selected by the user is the first color group. Therefore, the color emitted by the light emitting unit 32 can be blue or sky blue; however, since the example above is only one embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the color and the number of colors.
[0156] The light emitting unit 32 can increase the light intensity gradually in the increase interval D. In the increase interval D, the light emitting unit 32 can generate one light color from among the color groups chosen by the user. If the color group chosen by the user corresponds to the first color group, the light emitting unit 32 can generate blue or sky blue color; here, it is assumed that blue color is generated.
[0157] The light emitting unit 32 can increase light intensity in the increase interval D gradually to a target value. For example, the light emitting unit can increase the light intensity in the increase interval D to a target value linearly according to time spans. The target value is not limited to a fixed value but can be varied depending on a setting. FIG. 9 illustrates the target value in units of percentage (%).The light emitting unit 32 can minimize fatigue on the user's eyes by increasing the light intensity gradually in the increase interval D.
[0158] The light emitting unit 32 can enter a first maintain interval E if the intensity of generated light reaches a target value. In the first maintain interval E, the light emitting unit 32 can maintain the intensity of light corresponding to a color group chosen by the user at a constant level. For example, if the user selects the first color group, the light emitting unit 32 can emit blue light in the first maintain interval E.
[0159] The light emitting unit 32 can change light color according to a predetermined period. The light emitting unit 32 can enter a color change interval F after a predetermined time period since it entered the first maintain interval E. The light emitting unit 32 can change light color in the color change interval F. The light emitting unit 32 can maintain the light intensity at a constant level in the color change interval F.
[0160] In the color change interval, the light emitting unit 32 can change the light color gradually from the color before the change to the color after the change. For example, if the user selects the first color group, the light emitting unit 32 can change the wavelength of light linearly from blue to sky blue color as time passes. The light emitting unit 32 can vary the light color by adjusting intensity of light sources such as red, blue, and green.
[0161] The light emitting unit 32 changes the light color from blue to sky blue color and then is enabled to enter a second maintain interval G. In the second maintain interval G, the light emitting unit 32 can maintain the light intensity at a constant level and the light color the same.
[0162] The light emitting unit 32 can change light color according to a predetermined period. The light emitting unit 32 can enter the color change interval H again after a predetermined time period in the second maintain interval G. The light emitting unit 32 can change the color of generated light gradually. The light emitting unit 32, if it changes the light color again to blue color, can enter again to the first maintain interval E.
[0163] The light emitting unit 32 can enter a decrease interval I if power of the air conditioner is turned off or the lighting mode is turned off while the light emitting unit 32 is in the maintain interval or in the color change interval.
[0164] The light emitting unit 32 can decrease light intensity in the decrease interval I. The light emitting unit 32 can maintain the light color to be the same in the decrease interval I.
[0165] The intensity of light generated by the light emitting unit 32 in the decrease interval I can be reduced gradually down to a target value from the time point at which power of the air conditioner or the lighting mode is turned off. The target value of light intensity in the decrease interval I can be 0%.
[0166] The amount of time needed before light intensity's reaching up to a target value when the light emitting unit 32 enters the lighting mode can be shorter than that needed before reducing light intensity down to a target value when the light emitting unit 32 turns off the lighting mode. The increase interval D of the light emitting unit 32 can be longer than the decrease interval I. The light emitting unit 32 can make the slope with which light intensity is decreased in the decrease interval I steeper than that with which light intensity is increased in the increase interval A.
[0167] The light emitting unit 32 can make the first and the second maintain interval E, G to be longer than the increase interval D or decrease interval I. For example, the light emitting unit 32 can have the increase interval D three seconds; the decrease interval I 1.5 seconds, which is half the increase interval D; and the first and the second maintain interval E, G 8 seconds; however, the above setting is only one embodiment and the present invention is not limited to the above example. Though the plurality of color change intervals F, H in FIG. 10 has the same time period as the increase interval D, the present invention is not limited to the above setting but various embodiments can be implemented.
[0168] The light emitting unit 32 can enter the operating state mode while performing the lighting mode, if operating state of the air conditioner is changed. The light emitting unit 32 can change the light color from the time point at which the operating state of the air conditioner has changed. The light emitting unit 32 can change the light color according to the change of the operating state.
[0169] The light emitting unit 32 can maintain the light color and intensity for a predetermined time period from the time point at which light color has been changed to accommodate the changed operating state. The light emitting unit 32 can maintain light color and intensity to correspond to the operating state; and change the light color to correspond to the lighting mode after a predetermined time period.
[0170] FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating intensity of light generated by a light emitting unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0171] With reference to FIG. 11, if power of the air conditioner is turned off, the light emitting unit 32 can display the turning off visually.
[0172] The light emitting unit 32, if the lighting mode is not carried out or power is turned off after termination of the lighting mode, can increase intensity of light in a color corresponding to power-off gradually up to a target value and decrease the light intensity once it reaches the target value.
[0173] For example, the light emitting unit 32 can emit white light for the case where power of the air conditioner is turned off. The light emitting unit 32 can have the same length for the interval J of increasing light intensity and the interval K of decreasing light intensity when power of the air conditioner is turned off. The light emitting unit 32 can have the same slope for increase and decrease of light intensity when power of the air conditioner is turned off. However, the example above is only one embodiment and the present invention can include various embodiments.
[0174] The air discharger 8 can be initialized after the light emitting unit 32 is turned off, but the present invention is not limited to the above situation.
[0175] The graphs of FIGS. 9 to 10 should be considered only as a plurality of embodiments showing how the light emitting unit 32 emits light; the plurality of embodiments can be implemented separately from each other.
[0176] FIGS. 12 to 15 are flow diagrams illustrating a method for operating an air conditioner according to a plurality of embodiments of the present invention.
[0177] With reference to FIG. 12, a method for operating an air conditioner according to one embodiment can perform a lighting mode.
[0178] A method for operating an air conditioner according to one embodiment can comprise a step of turning on the lighting mode S310; a step of turning on a light emitting unit S320; a step of changing light color S330; and a step of turning off the light emitting unit S340.
[0179] The user can turn on the lighting mode S310. The user can turn on the lighting mode and select a desired color family.
[0180] When the lighting mode is turned on, the light emitting unit can be turned on S320. If the light emitting unit is turned on, the light emitting unit can increase light intensity gradually up to a target value. The light emitting unit can generate light color corresponding to the color group selected by the user.
[0181] If a predetermined time passes since the time point at which the light intensity reached a target value, the light emitting unit can change light color S330. The color family selected by the user can include a plurality of colors corresponding to the color group. The light emitting unit can generate light such that the light color can vary according to a predetermined period. The predetermined period may be the one determined previously. The light emitting unit can maintain light intensity at a constant level in an interval where light color is changed; but the present invention is not limited to the above.
[0182] If the user turns off the lighting mode or power, the light emitting unit can be turned off S340. The light emitting unit can reduce light intensity gradually if the lighting mode or power is turned off. For example, the light emitting unit can decrease light intensity gradually to turn off the light. The light emitting unit can make the slope with which light intensity is increased as the lighting mode is turned on steeper than that with which light intensity is decreased as the lighting mode is turned off.
[0183] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a method for operating an air conditioner carrying out the operating mode.
[0184] With reference to FIG. 13, a method for operating an air conditioner according to one embodiment can carry out the operating state mode. The operating state mode can display the operating state of an air conditioner in the light emitting unit.
[0185] The user can turn on the power of an air conditioner S410. When the user turns on the air conditioner, the air conditioner can enter the operating state mode based on the initial setting. For example, if the air conditioner is turned on, it can perform air cooling mode; however, the present invention is not limited to the above and the air conditioner can perform various modes depending on a setting.
[0186] When the air conditioner is turned on S410, the light emitting unit can be turned on S420. When the light emitting unit is turned on, light intensity can be increased gradually up to a target value. The light emitting unit can generate light color corresponding to the operating state of the air conditioner.
[0187] When the light intensity reaches a target value, the light emitting unit can maintain the light intensity at the target value. After a predetermined time period since the light intensity reached the target value, the light intensity can be decreased S430. For example, the light emitting unit can decrease the light intensity linearly.
[0188] The user can input a command turning off the power of the air conditioner S440. When the user inputs a power turn-off command to the air conditioner S440, the light emitting unit can generate light of a particular color in response to the input S450. For example, the light emitting unit can generate white light in response to the power off. The light emitting unit can gradually increase intensity of light having a particular color up to a target value.
[0189] When the light intensity reaches the target value, the light emitting unit can decrease the light intensity again S460. If the light intensity becomes 0%, the light emitting unit can be turned off. When the light emitting unit is turned off, power of the air conditioner can be turned off and functions thereof can be initialized; but the present invention is not limited to the above example.
[0190] Referring to FIG. 14, a method for operating an air conditioner according to one embodiment can change operating state while in the operating state mode.
[0191] The user can turn on the air conditioner S510. If the user turns on the air conditioner, it can enter into predetermined operating state.
[0192] When the air conditioner is turned on S510, the light emitting unit can be turned on S520. When the light emitting unit is turned on, light intensity can be increased gradually up to a target value. The light emitting unit can generate light color corresponding to the operating state of the air conditioner.
[0193] The user can change the operating state of the air conditioner. The light emitting unit can change light color according to the operating state changed S530. If a predetermined time is passed from the latest time point between the time point at which light color is changed to accommodate the change of the operating state and the time point at which the light intensity reaches a target value, the light emitting unit can decrease light intensity gradually S550.
[0194] With reference to FIG. 15, a method for operating an air conditioner according to one embodiment can change operating state while in the lighting mode.
[0195] A method for operating an air conditioner according to one embodiment can comprise a step of turning on a lighting mode where generated light color is varied; a step of changing operating state comprising a plurality of methods for air conditioning; a step of changing light color to accommodate operating state changed; and a step of changing light color to correspond to a lighting mode after a predetermined time is passed.
[0196] The user can turn on the lighting mode of the air conditioner S610. The lighting mode may correspond to the state where light color generated by the light emitting unit is made to change according to a predetermined period. The user can choose a color group for the lighting mode.
[0197] If the lighting mode is turned on, the light emitting unit can generate light color corresponding to the color group chosen by the user. The light emitting unit can gradually increase light intensity to a target value. When light intensity reaches the target value, the light emitting unit can change light color according to a predetermined period.
[0198] Operating conditions of the air conditioner can be changed while the air conditioner carries out the lighting mode S630. When operating state changes, the light emitting unit can change light color to correspond to the operating state S640. The light emitting unit can gradually change light color as time passes.
[0199] If operating state is changed after light intensity reaches a target value, the light emitting unit can change light color while maintaining the light intensity to the target value.
[0200] If operating state is changed before light intensity reaches the target value, the light emitting unit can change light color while increasing light intensity to the target value.
[0201] If a predetermined time is passed since the latest time point between the time point at which light color has been changed to accommodate the operating state and the time point at which light intensity has reached the target value, the light emitting unit can return to the lighting mode S650. The light emitting unit can inversely change the light color to accommodate the color group chosen by the user. The light emitting unit can gradually change light color according as time passes.
[0202] A method for operating an air conditioner according to one embodiment can further comprise a step of turning off the light emitting unit by gradually decreasing light intensity when the lighting mode is turned off or power is turned off while the lighting mode is carried out.
[0203] The user can terminate the lighting mode S660. If the user terminates the lighting mode, the light emitting unit can gradually decrease light intensity.
[0204] The user can turn off the power of the air conditioner. If the air conditioner is turned off while the light emitting unit is carrying out the lighting mode, the light emitting unit can gradually decrease light intensity to turn off the lighting.
[0205] If the light emitting unit gradually decreases light intensity and light intensity reaches 0%, the light emitting unit can be turned off S670.
[0206] If the air conditioner is turned off after the lighting mode is turned off, light of a particular color can be increased gradually to a target intensity value and the light can be gradually decreased after it reaches the target intensity value. For example, light of a particular color can be white light but the present invention is not limited to the above example.
[0207] A method for operating an air conditioner according to one embodiment can further comprise a step of gradually increasing the light intensity to a target value when the lighting mode is turned on and a step of turning off the light emitting unit by gradually decreasing the light intensity when the lighting mode is turned off, where the slope with which light intensity is decreased can be steeper than that with which light intensity is increased.
[0208] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been introduced and described. However, the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described above; it should be understood that various modifications of the embodiments are possible by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs without leaving the technical scope of the present invention and moreover, those modifications should not be understood separately from the technical principles or prospects of the present invention.
1. An air conditioner, comprising:
a main body (4); and
an air discharger (8) installed in the main body (4), wherein the air discharger (8) includes:
an opening (G) formed inside thereof, through which heat exchanged air is discharged;
an air discharge port (L) formed along the periphery of the opening (G) to deliver heat exchanged air to the opening (G); and
a light emitting unit (32) arranged adjacent the air discharge port (L).
2. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the light emitting unit (32) comprises:
a light source (112) generating light; and
a guide unit (104) forming an external shape of the light emitting unit (32) to change light generated from the light source (112) into a surface light source, wherein the guide unit (104) forms at least a part of the air discharging hole (L).
3. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein the air discharger (8) includes an air container
(P) through which heat exchanged air sent from the main body (4) is delivered to the
air discharge port (L).
4. The air conditioner of claim 3, wherein the light emitting unit (32) is formed into
a single body together with the air container.
5. The air conditioner of claim 3 or 4, wherein the light emitting unit (32) is configured
to form a cover of at least one side of the air container (P).
6. The air conditioner of any of preceding claims, further comprising a controller configured
to control the light emitting unit (32) in response to operating conditions of the
air conditioner or a user input.
7. The air conditioner of claim 6, the controller is configured to change setting of
the light emitting unit (32) such as light color or intensity.
8. A method for operating the air conditioner of any of preceding claims, the method
comprising:
performing an operating state mode in which setting of the light emitting unit (32) is changed according to operating state of the air conditioner; and/or
performing a lighting mode in which the light emitting unit (32) emits a particular light color according to a user input or periodically emits and converts a plurality of colors of light in an alternate fashion.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the operating state mode comprises:
incrementally increasing intensity of light generated by the light emitting unit (32) up to a predetermined target value;
maintaining the intensity of light at a constant level for a preset time period; and
reducing the light intensity gradually.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of increasing intensity is performed longer
than the reducing step, and/or the step of maintaining intensity is performed the
longest.
11. The method of any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the lighting mode comprises:
generating by the light emitting unit (32) one light color from among a plurality of light colors included in a color group, the group being chosen by a user;
incrementally increasing intensity of the light color generated by the light emitting unit (32) up to a predetermined target value;
subsequently maintaining the intensity of light at a constant level for a preset time period;
changing the light color into a next one belonging to the color group;
maintaining the changed light color at a constant intensity level for a preset time period; and
reducing the light intensity gradually.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the light intensity is maintained at a constant level
during the change of the light color.
13. The method of any of claims 8 to 12, wherein, if operating state of the air conditioner
is changed during the lighting mode, the operating state mode is performed based on
the change of operating state.
14. The method of any of claim 13, wherein the lighting mode is restored after the operating
state mode is performed based on the change of operating state.
15. The method of any of claims 8 to 12, further comprising, if power is turned off, gradually
increasing intensity of light in a color corresponding to the power-off up to a target
value and subsequently decreasing the light intensity gradually.