Patent Publication Number: US-2016231007-A1

Title: Air conditioner

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0019737, filed on Feb. 9, 2015 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an air conditioner. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In general, an air conditioner is an apparatus that cools or heats a room or conditions air using a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerant including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator in order to provide a more comfortable indoor environment to a user. 
     An example of the air conditioner is an air handling unit, which is coupled to an air conditioning system in a building to mix outdoor air with indoor air and to supply the mixed air into a room. 
     In a conventional air conditioner, however, when outdoor air is supplied into a room, the outdoor air is dehumidified through a refrigeration cycle using a refrigerant, with the result that power consumption is increased. 
     An example of such a conventional air conditioner is disclosed in Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2010-0128812. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner that is capable of dehumidifying outdoor air with low power consumption. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner that is capable of adjusting a proportion of outdoor air. 
     In accordance with the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of an air conditioner including a suction chamber provided with an indoor suction port, through which indoor air is suctioned, an outdoor suction port, through which outdoor air is suctioned, the suction chamber being configured to selectively adjust a ratio of outdoor air to be suctioned to indoor air to be suctioned, an outdoor discharge chamber disposed at one side of the suction chamber, the outdoor discharge chamber being provided with an outdoor discharge port, through which air in the suction chamber is discharged outdoors, and an indoor discharge chamber disposed at the other side of the suction chamber, the indoor discharge chamber being provided with an indoor discharge port, through which air in the suction chamber is discharged indoors. 
     The suction chamber may include a first heat exchange chamber having a first heat exchanger, operating as one selected from between an evaporator and a condenser, disposed therein, the first heat exchange chamber being connected to the outdoor discharge chamber and to the indoor discharge chamber, a second heat exchange chamber having a second heat exchanger, operating as the other selected from between the evaporator and the condenser, disposed therein, the second heat exchange chamber being connected to the outdoor discharge chamber and to the indoor discharge chamber, an outdoor suction selection chamber connected to the outdoor suction port for allowing the outdoor air to be introduced thereinto and supplying the outdoor air to at least one selected from between the first heat exchange chamber and the second heat exchange chamber, and an indoor suction selection chamber connected to the indoor suction port for allowing the indoor air to be introduced thereinto and supplying the indoor air to at least one selected from between the first heat exchange chamber and the second heat exchange chamber. 
     The suction chamber may further include a first outdoor suction damper disposed between the outdoor suction selection chamber and the first heat exchange chamber for controlling a flow rate of outdoor air flowing from the outdoor suction selection chamber to the first heat exchange chamber and a second outdoor suction damper disposed between the outdoor suction selection chamber and the second heat exchange chamber for controlling a flow rate of outdoor air flowing from the outdoor suction selection chamber to the second heat exchange chamber. 
     The suction chamber may further include a first indoor suction damper disposed between the indoor suction selection chamber and the first heat exchange chamber for controlling a flow rate of indoor air flowing from the indoor suction selection chamber to the first heat exchange chamber and a second indoor suction damper disposed between the indoor suction selection chamber and the second heat exchange chamber for controlling a flow rate of indoor air flowing from the indoor suction selection chamber to the second heat exchange chamber. 
     The suction chamber may further include a first outdoor heat exchange damper for selectively opening and closing the first heat exchange chamber and the outdoor discharge chamber and a second outdoor heat exchange damper for selectively opening and closing the second heat exchange chamber and the outdoor discharge chamber. 
     The suction chamber may further include a first indoor heat exchange damper for selectively opening and closing the first heat exchange chamber and the indoor discharge chamber and a second indoor heat exchange damper for selectively opening and closing the second heat exchange chamber and the indoor discharge chamber. 
     The first heat exchange chamber and the second heat exchange chamber may be partitioned from each other by a heat exchange partition wall. 
     The first heat exchange chamber may be partitioned into a first inlet chamber and a first outlet chamber by the first heat exchanger, the first inlet chamber being connected to the outdoor suction selection chamber and to the indoor suction selection chamber, the first outlet chamber being connected to the outdoor discharge chamber and to the indoor discharge chamber. 
     The second heat exchange chamber may be partitioned into a second inlet chamber and a second outlet chamber by the second heat exchanger, the second inlet chamber being connected to the outdoor suction selection chamber and to the indoor suction selection chamber, the second outlet chamber being connected to the outdoor discharge chamber and to the indoor discharge chamber. 
     The suction chamber may include a damper partition wall for partitioning the interior of the suction chamber into an upper part and a lower part such that suction selection chambers are formed in the upper part of the suction chamber and heat exchange chambers are formed in the lower part of the suction chamber, a selection chamber partition wall coupled to an upper side of the damper partition wall for partitioning the suction selection chambers into an outdoor suction selection chamber and an indoor suction selection chamber in leftward and rightward directions, and a heat exchange partition wall coupled to a lower side of the damper partition wall for partitioning the heat exchange chambers into a first heat exchange chamber and a second heat exchange chamber in forward and rearward directions, wherein the first heat exchange chamber may have a first heat exchanger, operating as one selected from between an evaporator and a condenser, disposed therein, the first heat exchange chamber being connected to the outdoor discharge chamber and to the indoor discharge chamber, the second heat exchange chamber may have a second heat exchanger, operating as the other selected from between the evaporator and the condenser, disposed therein, the second heat exchange chamber being connected to the outdoor discharge chamber and to the indoor discharge chamber, the outdoor suction selection chamber may be connected to the outdoor suction port for allowing the outdoor air to be introduced thereinto and supplying the outdoor air to at least one selected from between the first heat exchange chamber and the second heat exchange chamber, and the indoor suction selection chamber may be connected to the indoor suction port for allowing the indoor air to be introduced thereinto and supplying the indoor air to at least one selected from between the first heat exchange chamber and the second heat exchange chamber. 
     The outdoor suction selection chamber may be formed in the forward and rearward directions, the outdoor suction selection chamber being stacked on upper sides of the first heat exchange chamber and the second heat exchange chamber, and the indoor suction selection chamber may be formed in the forward and rearward directions, the indoor suction selection chamber being stacked on the upper sides of the first heat exchange chamber and the second heat exchange chamber. 
     The suction chamber may further include a first outdoor suction damper disposed in the damper partition wall for selectively opening and closing the outdoor suction selection chamber and the first heat exchange chamber, a second outdoor suction damper disposed in the damper partition wall for selectively opening and closing the outdoor suction selection chamber and the second heat exchange chamber, a first indoor suction damper disposed in the damper partition wall for selectively opening and closing the indoor suction selection chamber and the first heat exchange chamber, and a second indoor suction damper disposed in the damper partition wall for selectively opening and closing the indoor suction selection chamber and the second heat exchange chamber. 
     An opening degree of the first outdoor suction damper and an opening degree of the first indoor suction damper may be adjusted in order to adjust a mixing ratio of indoor air and outdoor air to be supplied to the first heat exchange chamber, and an opening degree of the second outdoor suction damper and an opening degree of the second indoor suction damper may be adjusted to adjust a mixing ratio of indoor air and outdoor air to be supplied to the second heat exchange chamber. 
     The first heat exchange chamber may be partitioned into a first inlet chamber and a first outlet chamber by the first heat exchanger, the first inlet chamber being connected to the outdoor suction selection chamber and to the indoor suction selection chamber, the first outlet chamber being connected to the outdoor discharge chamber and to the indoor discharge chamber, and the second heat exchange chamber may be partitioned into a second inlet chamber and a second outlet chamber by the second heat exchanger, the second inlet chamber being connected to the outdoor suction selection chamber and to the indoor suction selection chamber, the second outlet chamber being connected to the outdoor discharge chamber and to the indoor discharge chamber. 
     The suction chamber may further include a first outdoor heat exchange damper for selectively opening and closing the first outlet chamber and the outdoor discharge chamber, a second outdoor heat exchange damper for selectively opening and closing the second outlet chamber and the outdoor discharge chamber, a first indoor heat exchange damper for selectively opening and closing the first outlet chamber and the indoor discharge chamber, and a second indoor heat exchange damper for selectively opening and closing the second outlet chamber and the indoor discharge chamber. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the interior of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing the interior of a suction chamber shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a view showing a first example in which the conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention operates in a circulation mode; 
         FIG. 4  is a view showing a second example in which the conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention operates in the circulation mode; 
         FIG. 5  is a view showing a first example in which the conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention operates in a ventilation mode; 
         FIG. 6  is a view showing a second example in which the conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention operates in the ventilation mode; 
         FIG. 7  is a view showing a first example in which the conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention operates in a mixed ventilation mode; and 
         FIG. 8  is a view showing a second example in which the conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention operates in the mixed ventilation mode. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     In the following description of the present invention, a detailed description of known functions or configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the present invention rather unclear. The same terms may be denoted by different reference numerals if the terms indicate different parts. 
     The terms used in the following description are terms defined taking into consideration the functions obtained in accordance with the present invention. The definitions of these terms should be determined based on the whole content of this specification because they may be changed in accordance with the intentions of users, such as experimenters and measurers, or usual practices. 
     In this specification, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used to describe various elements. However, the elements are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first element may be named a second element, and a second element may be named a first element, without departing from the scope of right of the present invention. It will be understood that the term “and/or” refers to one or more possible combinations of specified relevant items and includes such combinations. 
     The terms used in this specification are provided only to explain specific embodiments, but are not intended to restrict the present invention. A singular representation may include a plural representation unless it represents a definitely different meaning from the context. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical and scientific terms, used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
     In addition, the terms “comprises” and “includes” described herein should be interpreted not to exclude other elements but to further include such other elements since the corresponding elements may be inherent unless mentioned otherwise. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an air conditioner according to this embodiment includes a cabinet  10 . The cabinet  10  includes an outdoor discharge chamber  20  for discharging air outdoors, an indoor discharge chamber  30  for discharging air indoors, and a suction chamber  40 . 
     In the outdoor discharge chamber  20  is disposed an outdoor discharge fan  21  for discharging air in the outdoor discharge chamber  20  outdoors. The outdoor discharge chamber  20  is provided with an outdoor discharge port  22 , which is connected to a duct (not shown). 
     In the indoor discharge chamber  30  is disposed an indoor discharge fan  31  for discharging air in the indoor discharge chamber  30  indoors. The indoor discharge chamber is provided with an indoor discharge port  32 , which is connected to a duct (not shown). 
     At least one selected from between outdoor air and indoor air may be introduced into the suction chamber  40 . The suction chamber  40  is provided with an outdoor suction port  41 , through which outdoor air is supplied, and an indoor suction port  42 , through which indoor air is supplied. 
     The suction chamber  40  includes an outdoor suction selection chamber  43 , which communicates with the outdoor suction port  41 , and an indoor suction selection chamber  44 , which communicates with the indoor suction port  42 . 
     A selection chamber partition wall  45  is disposed in the suction chamber  40 . The selection chamber partition wall  45  partitions the outdoor suction selection chamber  43  and the indoor suction selection chamber  44  from each other. 
     The selection chamber partition wall  45  partitions the outdoor suction selection chamber  43  and the indoor suction selection chamber  44  from each other in leftward and rightward directions. In this embodiment, the outdoor suction selection chamber  43  is disposed at the left side of the selection chamber partition wall  45 , and the indoor suction selection chamber  44  is disposed at the right side of the selection chamber partition wall  45 . 
     Hereinafter, the outdoor suction selection chamber  43  and the indoor suction selection chamber  44  are defined as suction selection chambers  43  and  44  for clarity of description. 
     The suction chamber  40  includes a first heat exchange chamber  51  and a second heat exchange chamber  52 . 
     The first heat exchange chamber  51  is connected to the outdoor suction selection chamber  43  and to the indoor suction selection chamber  44 . 
     The second heat exchange chamber  52  is connected to the outdoor suction selection chamber  43  and to the indoor suction selection chamber  44 . 
     In the suction chamber  40  is disposed a heat exchange partition wall  46  for partitioning the first heat exchange chamber  51  and the second heat exchange chamber  52  from each other. The heat exchange partition wall  46  partitions the first heat exchange chamber  51  and the second heat exchange chamber  52  from each other in forward and rearward directions. 
     Hereinafter, the first heat exchange chamber  51  and the second heat exchange chamber  52  are defined as heat exchange chambers  51  and  52  for clarity of description. 
     The suction chamber  40  includes a damper partition wall  47  for partitioning the heat exchange chambers  51  and  52  and the suction selection chambers  43  and  44  from each other. 
     A portion of the damper partition wall  47  at which the outdoor suction selection chamber  43  is formed is defined as an outdoor damper partition wall  47 - 1 , and a portion of the damper partition wall  47  at which the indoor suction selection chamber  44  is formed is defined as an indoor damper partition wall  47 - 2 . In this embodiment, the outdoor damper partition wall  47 - 1  and the indoor damper partition wall  47 - 2  are formed integrally. 
     In this embodiment, the selection chamber partition wall  45  is disposed at the upper side of the damper partition wall  47 , and the heat exchange partition wall  46  is disposed at the lower side of the damper partition wall  47 . The damper partition wall  47  and the selection chamber partition wall  45  are coupled to each other, and the damper partition wall  47  and the heat exchange partition wall  46  are coupled to each other. 
     In this embodiment, the damper partition wall  47  is disposed horizontally. The suction selection chambers  43  and  44  are disposed at the upper side of the damper partition wall  47 . The heat exchange chambers  51  and  52  are disposed at the lower side of the damper partition wall  47 . 
     A first heat exchanger  61  is disposed in the first heat exchange chamber  51 , and a second heat exchanger  62  is disposed in the second heat exchange chamber  52 . 
     The first heat exchanger  61  and the second heat exchanger  62  are some of the parts that constitute a heat pump unit  60 , which operates as a compressor or an evaporator through a heat pump cycle of a refrigerant. 
     The heat pump unit  60  includes the first heat exchanger  61 , the second heat exchanger  62 , a compressor (not shown), a four-way valve (not shown), and an expansion valve (not shown). 
     The first heat exchanger  61  and the second heat exchanger  62  operate as the compressor or the evaporator. A desiccant coating is formed on the surface of each of the first heat exchanger  61  and the second heat exchanger  62 . 
     The desiccant coating is a material that is capable of absorbing moisture from the air and discharging the absorbed moisture into the air when heat is applied to the desiccant coating. The desiccant coating is a material that is generally used by those skill in the art, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. 
     The heat exchanger that is used as an evaporator and the heat exchanger that is used as a condenser discharge the absorbed moisture into the air. 
     In a case in which one selected from between the first heat exchanger  61  and the second heat exchanger  62  operates as an evaporator, the other operates as a condenser. In a case in which one selected from between the first heat exchanger  61  and the second heat exchanger  62  operates as a condenser, the other operates as an evaporator. 
     In this embodiment, the suction selection chambers  43  and  44  are disposed such that the suction selection chambers  43  and  44  are stacked on the heat exchange chambers  51  and  52 . 
     The outdoor suction selection chamber  43  is stacked on one side (in this embodiment, the left side) of the heat exchange chambers  51  and  52 . The indoor suction selection chamber  44  is stacked on the other side (in this embodiment, the right side) of the heat exchange chambers  51  and  52 . 
     For example, in a case in which the outdoor suction selection chamber  43  and the indoor suction selection chamber  44  are disposed in the forward and rearward directions, as in this embodiment, the first heat exchange chamber  51  and the second heat exchange chamber  52  may be disposed in the leftward and rightward directions. 
     The outdoor suction selection chamber  43  is disposed so as to be at right angles to the first heat exchange chamber  51  and the second heat exchange chamber  52 . The indoor suction selection chamber  44  is disposed so as to be at right angles to the first heat exchange chamber  51  and the second heat exchange chamber  52 . 
     In addition, dampers are disposed to selectively open and close the respective chambers. 
     A first outdoor suction damper  43 - 1  for selectively opening and closing the outdoor suction selection chamber  43  and the first heat exchange chamber  51  and a second outdoor suction damper  43 - 2  for selectively opening and closing the outdoor suction selection chamber  43  and the second heat exchange chamber  52  are disposed in the outdoor damper partition wall  47 - 1 . 
     A first indoor suction damper  44 - 1  for selectively opening and closing the indoor suction selection chamber  44  and the first heat exchange chamber  51  and a second indoor suction damper  44 - 2  for selectively opening and closing the indoor suction selection chamber  44  and the second heat exchange chamber  52  are disposed in the indoor damper partition wall  47 - 2 . 
     The suction chamber  40  includes a first outdoor heat exchange damper  53  for selectively opening and closing the first heat exchange chamber  51  and the outdoor discharge chamber  20 . The suction chamber  40  includes a second outdoor heat exchange damper  54  for selectively opening and closing the second heat exchange chamber  52  and the outdoor discharge chamber  20 . 
     In addition, the suction chamber  40  includes a first indoor heat exchange damper  55  for selectively opening and closing the first heat exchange chamber  51  and the indoor discharge chamber  30 . The suction chamber  40  includes a second indoor heat exchange damper  56  for selectively opening and closing the second heat exchange chamber  52  and the indoor discharge chamber  30 . 
     The first heat exchanger  61  may be disposed between the first outdoor suction damper  43 - 1  and the first outdoor heat exchange damper  53 . The first heat exchanger  61  may be disposed between the first indoor suction damper  44 - 1  and the first indoor heat exchange damper  55 . 
     A plurality of first heat exchangers may be disposed in the first heat exchange chamber  51 . In this embodiment, however, a single first heat exchanger  61  is disposed in the first heat exchange chamber  51 . 
     The first heat exchanger  61  is horizontally disposed in the first heat exchange chamber  51 . The first heat exchanger  61  partitions the first heat exchange chamber  51  in upward and downward directions. The first outdoor suction damper  43 - 1  and the first indoor suction damper  44 - 1  are located at the upper side of the first heat exchanger  61 . 
     Consequently, air introduced into the first heat exchange chamber  51  through the first outdoor suction damper  43 - 1  may pass through the first heat exchanger  61 , and may then be discharged through at least one selected from between the first outdoor heat exchange damper  53  and the first indoor heat exchange damper  55 . 
     In addition, air introduced into the first heat exchange chamber  51  through the first indoor suction damper  44 - 1  may pass through the first heat exchanger  61 , and may then be discharged through at least one selected from between the first outdoor heat exchange damper  53  and the first indoor heat exchange damper  55 . 
     In the same manner, the second heat exchanger  62  may be disposed between the second outdoor suction damper  43 - 2  and the second outdoor heat exchange damper  54 . The second heat exchanger  62  may be disposed between the second indoor suction damper  44 - 2  and the second indoor heat exchange damper  56 . 
     A plurality of second heat exchangers may be disposed in the second heat exchange chamber  52 . In this embodiment, a single second heat exchanger  62  is disposed in the first heat exchange chamber  51 . 
     The second heat exchanger  62  is horizontally disposed in the second heat exchange chamber  52 . The second heat exchanger  62  partitions the second heat exchange chamber  52  in upward and downward directions. The second outdoor suction damper  43 - 2  and the second indoor suction damper  44 - 2  are located at the upper side of the second heat exchanger  62 . 
     Consequently, air, introduced into the second heat exchange chamber  52  through the second outdoor suction damper  43 - 2 , may pass through the second heat exchanger  62 , and may then be discharged through at least one selected from between the second outdoor heat exchange damper  54  and the second indoor heat exchange damper  56 . 
     In addition, air, introduced into the second heat exchange chamber  52  through the second indoor suction damper  44 - 2 , may pass through the second heat exchanger  62 , and may then be discharged through at least one selected from between the second outdoor heat exchange damper  54  and the second indoor heat exchange damper  56 . 
     In this embodiment, the upper region of the first heat exchange chamber  51  partitioned by the first heat exchanger  61  is defined as a first inlet chamber  51 - 1 , and the lower region of the first heat exchange chamber  51  partitioned by the first heat exchanger  61  is defined as a first outlet chamber  51 - 2 . 
     In this embodiment, the upper region of the second heat exchange chamber  52  partitioned by the second heat exchanger  62  is defined as a second inlet chamber  52 - 1 , and the lower region of the second heat exchange chamber  52  partitioned by the second heat exchanger  62  is defined as a second outlet chamber  52 - 2 . 
     The first inlet chamber  51 - 1  is connected to the outdoor suction selection chamber  43  and to the indoor suction selection chamber  44 . The second inlet chamber  52 - 1  is connected to the outdoor suction selection chamber  43  and to the indoor suction selection chamber  44 . 
     The first outlet chamber  51 - 2  is connected to the outdoor discharge chamber  20  and to the indoor discharge chamber  30 . The second outlet chamber  52 - 2  is connected to the outdoor discharge chamber  20  and to the indoor discharge chamber  30 . 
     The first outdoor suction damper  43 - 1 , the first indoor suction damper  44 - 1 , the second outdoor suction damper  43 - 2 , and the second indoor suction damper  44 - 2  are opened and closed under the control of a controller. The first outdoor suction damper  43 - 1 , the first indoor suction damper  44 - 1 , the second outdoor suction damper  43 - 2 , and the second indoor suction damper  44 - 2  may enable air to flow in the upward and downward directions. 
     The first outdoor heat exchange damper  53 , the first indoor heat exchange damper  55 , the second outdoor heat exchange damper  54 , and the second indoor heat exchange damper  56  are opened and closed under the control of the controller. The first outdoor heat exchange damper  53 , the first indoor heat exchange damper  55 , the second outdoor heat exchange damper  54 , and the second indoor heat exchange damper  56  may enable air to flow in the horizontal direction. 
     The opening degree of each damper may be adjusted, and the flow rate of air may be controlled by adjusting the opening degree of each damper. A damper motor (not shown) for adjusting the opening degree of each damper may be installed in each damper. 
     In the indoor discharge chamber  30  may be installed a filter  33  for filtering foreign matter from air. 
     In the indoor discharge chamber  30  may be installed a heater (not shown), which generates heat when powered on. 
     Hereinafter, the operation of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 3  is a view showing a first example in which the conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention operates in a circulation mode,  FIG. 4  is a view showing a second example in which the conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention operates in the circulation mode,  FIG. 5  is a view showing a first example in which the conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention operates in a ventilation mode,  FIG. 6  is a view showing a second example in which the conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention operates in the ventilation mode,  FIG. 7  is a view showing a first example in which the conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention operates in a mixed ventilation mode, and  FIG. 8  is a view showing a second example in which the conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention operates in the mixed ventilation mode. 
     The air conditioner according to this embodiment suctions air through the outdoor suction port  41  and the indoor suction port  42 , and then discharges the suctioned air through the outdoor discharge port  22  and the indoor discharge port  32 . 
     Circulation Mode 
     First, a circulation mode, in which air suctioned outdoors is discharged outdoors and air suctioned indoors is discharged indoors, will be described with reference to  FIG. 3 or 4 . 
     In the circulation mode, indoor air is suctioned, and is then supplied indoors. At this time, the circulated air is conditioned. For example, the circulated air may be subjected to at least one selected from among dehumidification, humidification, heating, cooling, and cleaning. 
     In the circulation mode, outdoor air is not introduced indoors. 
     In the circulation mode, the indoor air passes through the first heat exchanger  61  or the second heat exchanger  62 , and then flows indoors through the indoor discharge fan  31 . 
     In a case in which a user wishes to dehumidify the indoor air when the air conditioner operates in the circulation mode, the indoor air passes through the heat exchanger operating as the evaporator, and then flows to the indoor discharge fan  31 . 
     During heat exchange between the indoor air and the heat exchanger operating as the evaporator, moisture contained in the indoor air clings to the heat exchanger operating as the evaporator, with the result that the indoor air is dehumidified. 
     In a case in which the user wishes to humidify the indoor air when the air conditioner operates in the circulation mode, the indoor air passes through the heat exchanger operating as the condenser, and then flows to the indoor discharge fan  31 . 
     During heat exchange between the indoor air and the heat exchanger operating as the condenser, moisture is evaporated from the desiccant coating formed on the surface of the heat exchanger operating as the condenser. The evaporated moisture flows to the indoor discharge fan  31  in a state of being contained in the indoor air. 
     The first heat exchanger  61  or the second heat exchanger  62  may operate as an evaporator or a condenser according to the heat pump cycle. 
     Since the extent of dehumidification or humidification attributable to the desiccant coating formed on the surface of each of the first heat exchanger  61  and the second heat exchanger  62  is limited, however, the function of the first heat exchanger  61  or the second heat exchanger  62  is switched when the dehumidification efficiency of the first heat exchanger  61  or the second heat exchanger  62  is reduced. 
     Consequently, the first heat exchanger  61  and the second heat exchanger  62  alternately operate as an evaporator or a condenser. 
     In the circulation mode, indoor air flows in the following sequence. 
     (1) 42-&gt;44-1-&gt;61-&gt;55-&gt;31 
     (2) 42-&gt;44-2-&gt;62-&gt;56-&gt;31 
     In the circulation mode, outdoor air flows in the following sequence. 
     (3) 41-&gt;43-2-&gt;62-&gt;54-&gt;21 
     (4) 41-&gt;43-1-&gt;61-&gt;53-&gt;21 
     The indoor air flows in sequence (1), and, at the same time, the outdoor air flows in sequence (3). In addition, the indoor air flows in sequence (2), and, at the same time, the outdoor air flows in sequence (4). 
     Ventilation Mode 
     A ventilation mode, which is a mode in which all air suctioned outdoors is supplied indoors and all air suctioned indoors is discharged outdoors, will be described with reference to  FIG. 5 or 6 . 
     In the ventilation mode, indoor air is suctioned, and is then discharged outdoors. In addition, outdoor air is suctioned, and is then discharged indoors. 
     At this time, the outdoor air that is supplied indoors is conditioned. For example, the outdoor air may be subjected to at least one selected from among dehumidification, humidification, heating, cooling, and cleaning. 
     In the ventilation mode, the outdoor air passes through the first heat exchanger  61  or the second heat exchanger  62 , and is then discharged indoors through the indoor discharge fan  31 . 
     In a case in which the user wishes to dehumidify the outdoor air, the outdoor air passes through the heat exchanger operating as the evaporator, and then flows to the indoor discharge fan  31 . During heat exchange between the outdoor air and the heat exchanger operating as the evaporator, moisture contained in the outdoor air clings to the heat exchanger operating as the evaporator, with the result that the outdoor air is dehumidified. 
     In a case in which the user wishes to humidify the outdoor air, the outdoor air passes through the heat exchanger operating as the condenser, and then flows to the indoor discharge fan  31 . During heat exchange between the suctioned outdoor air and the heat exchanger operating as the condenser, moisture is evaporated from the desiccant coating formed on the surface of the heat exchanger operating as the condenser. The evaporated moisture flows to the indoor discharge fan  31  in a state of being contained in the outdoor air. 
     The first heat exchanger  61  or the second heat exchanger  62  may operate as an evaporator or a condenser depending on the heat pump cycle. The function of the first heat exchanger  61  or the second heat exchanger  62  is switched when the dehumidification or humidification efficiency of the first heat exchanger  61  or the second heat exchanger  62  is reduced. 
     In the ventilation mode, indoor air flows in the following sequence, and is then discharged outdoors. 
     (5) 42-&gt;44-1-&gt;61-&gt;53-&gt;21 
     (6) 42-&gt;44-2-&gt;62-&gt;54-&gt;21 
     In the ventilation mode, outdoor air flows in the following sequence, and is then supplied indoors. 
     (7) 41-&gt;43-2-&gt;62-&gt;56-&gt;31 
     (8) 41-&gt;43-1-&gt;61-&gt;55-&gt;31 
     The indoor air flows in sequence (5), and, at the same time, the outdoor air flows in sequence (7). In addition, the indoor air flows in sequence (6), and, at the same time, the outdoor air flows in sequence (8). 
     Mixed Ventilation Mode 
     A mixed ventilation mode, which is a mode in which outdoor air and indoor air are mixed, and then the mixed air is supplied indoors, will be described with reference to  FIG. 7 or 8 . 
     The mixed ventilation mode is characterized in that the outdoor air and the indoor air are mixed in the first inlet chamber  51 - 1  or the second inlet chamber  52 - 1 . 
     A proportion of air to be discharged outdoors may be set based on user&#39;s selection. When the user selects a proportion of indoor air that is to be discharged, the opening degrees of the first indoor suction damper  44 - 1  and the second indoor suction damper  44 - 2  are adjusted. 
     For example, in a case in which the user sets a proportion of indoor air to be discharged outdoors to 30%, the opening degree of the damper corresponding to the indoor air to be discharged outdoors may be set to 30%, and the opening degree of the other damper may be set to 70%. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , in a case in which the first indoor suction damper  44 - 1  is 30% open, the second indoor suction damper  44 - 2  is 70% open. 
     At this time, the first outdoor suction damper  43 - 1 , which is configured to operate together with the first indoor suction damper  44 - 1 , is 70% open, and the second outdoor suction damper  43 - 2 , which is configured to operate together with the second indoor suction damper  44 - 2 , is 30% open. 
     In this embodiment, in a case in which the user sets the amount of indoor air to be discharged, the controller automatically controls the opening degrees of the first indoor suction damper  44 - 1  and the second indoor suction damper  44 - 2 . 
     In addition, when the opening degrees of the first indoor suction damper  44 - 1  and the second indoor suction damper  44 - 2  are set, the first outdoor suction damper  43 - 1  and the second outdoor suction damper  43 - 2 , which are configured to operate together with the first indoor suction damper  44 - 1  and the second indoor suction damper  44 - 2 , respectively, are also automatically set. 
     For convenience in use, the opening degree of each damper may be set to one of three different degrees, that is, a high degree, a middle degree, and a low degree, although the user can precisely adjust the opening degree of each damper. 
     For example, in a case in which the user selects the high degree of the mixed ventilation mode, the corresponding damper for discharging the indoor air may be controlled to be 70% open. 
     In a case in which the user selects the middle degree of the mixed ventilation mode, the corresponding damper for discharging the indoor air may be controlled to be 50% open. 
     In a case in which the user selects the low degree of the mixed ventilation mode, the corresponding damper for discharging the indoor air may be controlled to be 30% open. 
     In addition to selecting the degree of the mixed ventilation mode, the user may select one from among various kinds of air conditioning, such as dehumidification, humidification, heating, cooling, and cleaning, for mixed air to be supplied indoors (hereinafter, defined as air discharged from the suction chamber  40  to the indoor discharge chamber  30 ). 
     For example, in a case in which the user selects dehumidification, the mixed air passes through the heat exchanger operating as the evaporator, and then moves to the indoor discharge chamber  30 . 
     For example, in a case in which the user selects humidification, the mixed air passes through the heat exchanger operating as the condenser, and then moves to the indoor discharge chamber  30 . 
     The first heat exchanger  61  or the second heat exchanger  62  may operate as an evaporator or a condenser depending on the heat pump cycle. The function of the first heat exchanger  61  or the second heat exchanger  62  is switched when the dehumidification or humidification efficiency of the first heat exchanger  61  or the second heat exchanger  62  is reduced. 
     In the mixed ventilation mode, the respective dampers  43 - 1 ,  43 - 2 ,  44 - 1 , and  44 - 2 , disposed in the outdoor suction selection chamber  43  and the indoor suction selection chamber  44 , are opened, while the opening degrees of the respective dampers  43 - 1 ,  43 - 2 ,  44 - 1 , and  44 - 2  are controlled. 
     The outdoor air and the indoor air that have passed through the respective dampers  43 - 1 ,  43 - 2 ,  44 - 1 , and  44 - 2  are mixed in the first inlet chamber  51 - 1  or the second inlet chamber  52 - 1 . 
     Subsequently, the air mixed in the first inlet chamber  51 - 1  may pass through the first heat exchanger  61 , and may then flow to the first outdoor heat exchange damper  53  or the first indoor heat exchange damper  55 . 
     In addition, the air mixed in the second inlet chamber  52 - 1  may pass through the second heat exchanger  62 , and may then flow to the second outdoor heat exchange damper  54  or the second indoor heat exchange damper  56 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the mixed air having exchanged heat with the second heat exchanger  62  is discharged indoors, and the mixed air having exchanged heat with the first heat exchanger  61  is discharged outdoors. The second heat exchanger  62  shown in  FIG. 7  may operate as an evaporator or a condenser. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the mixed air having exchanged heat with the first heat exchanger  61  is discharged indoors, and the mixed air having exchanged heat with the second heat exchanger  62  is discharged outdoors. The first heat exchanger  61  shown in  FIG. 8  may operate as an evaporator or a condenser. 
     As is apparent from the above description, the air conditioner according to the present invention has one or more of the following effects. 
     First, the air conditioner according to the present invention has the effect of alternately operating a plurality of heat exchangers, each having a desiccant coating formed thereon, thereby effectively dehumidifying outdoor air or indoor air. 
     Second, the air conditioner according to the present invention has the effect of adjusting a proportion of outdoor air introduced indoors when discharging indoor air. 
     Third, the air conditioner according to the present invention has the effect of adjusting a proportion of outdoor air according to the user&#39;s selection and selecting one from among various kinds of air conditioning, such as dehumidification, humidification, heating, cooling, and cleaning, for mixed air to be supplied indoors. 
     It should be noted that effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects of the present invention as mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects of the present invention will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following claims. 
     It will be apparent that, although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described specific embodiments, and therefore various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the appended claims. Thus, it is intended that the modifications and variations should not be understood independently of the technical spirit or prospect of the present invention. The above embodiments are therefore to be construed in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive.