Air conditioner control methods

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, specifically to a control method for an air conditioner. This application aims to solve the problem of frequent defrosting during heating caused by the miniaturization design of existing air conditioners' compressors. To this end, the air conditioner of this application includes a flow divider and a valve mechanism. The outdoor heat exchanger includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section. The inlet of the first pipe section is connected to the compressor, the outlet of the first pipe section is connected to a mixing inlet pipe, the liquid outlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the second pipe section, the outlet of the second pipe section is connected to the inlet of a throttling element, the inlet of the valve mechanism is connected to a gas outlet pipe, and the outlet of the valve mechanism is connected to the compressor's suction port. The control method includes: acquiring the air conditioner's operating mode; when the operating mode is heating mode, determining the outdoor ambient temperature and the magnitude of a first temperature threshold; and based on the determination result, selectively controlling the valve mechanism to open. This application can delay air conditioner defrosting and maintain stable heating operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and more specifically to a control method for an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] With advancements in science and technology and the worsening energy crisis, the home appliance industry is striving to reduce overall appliance costs and energy consumption. Taking air conditioners as an example, to achieve efficiency gains and cost reductions, for air conditioners of the same capacity, compressor displacement is decreasing, while the compressor's operating frequency and pressure ratio are correspondingly increasing. The applicant's research has found that during the air conditioner's heating process, the smaller the compressor displacement and the higher the pressure ratio, the more severe the frost buildup on the outdoor unit. This results in lower return gas pressure, causing frequent triggering of the system's defrosting function, negatively impacting user experience and leading to customer complaints.

[0003] Accordingly, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address at least one of the aforementioned problems in the prior art, namely, to resolve the frequent defrosting issue caused by the miniaturized compressor design of existing air conditioners, this application provides a control method for an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a throttling element, and an indoor heat exchanger. The air conditioner also includes a flow divider and a valve mechanism. The flow divider includes a housing and a mixing inlet pipe, a gas outlet pipe, and a liquid outlet pipe disposed on the housing. The outdoor heat exchanger includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section. The inlet of the first pipe section is connected to the compressor, and the outlet of the first pipe section is connected to the mixing inlet pipe. The liquid outlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the second pipe section, and the outlet of the second pipe section is connected to the inlet of the throttling element. The inlet of the valve mechanism is connected to the gas outlet pipe, and the outlet of the valve mechanism is connected to the compressor's suction port.

[0005] The control method includes:

[0006] Obtain the operating mode of the air conditioner;

[0007] When the operating mode is heating mode, the outdoor ambient temperature is obtained;

[0008] Determine the magnitude of the outdoor ambient temperature relative to the first temperature threshold;

[0009] Based on the judgment result, the valve mechanism is selectively controlled to open.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the aforementioned air conditioner, the step of "selectively controlling the valve mechanism to open based on the judgment result" further includes:

[0011] When the outdoor ambient temperature is lower than the first temperature threshold, the valve mechanism is controlled to open;

[0012] When the outdoor ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the valve mechanism is kept closed.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the control method for the aforementioned air conditioner, after the step of "controlling the valve mechanism to open", the control method further includes:

[0014] Obtain the suction temperature of the compressor;

[0015] Determine the magnitude of the inhalation temperature and the second temperature threshold;

[0016] Based on the judgment result, the valve mechanism is selectively controlled to close.

[0017] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the aforementioned air conditioner, the step of "selectively controlling the valve mechanism to close based on the judgment result" further includes:

[0018] When the intake temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold and the duration is greater than or equal to a preset duration threshold, the valve mechanism is controlled to close.

[0019] When the intake temperature is less than the second temperature threshold and / or the duration of the intake temperature being greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold is less than the preset duration threshold, the valve mechanism is controlled to remain open.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the control method for the aforementioned air conditioner, the mixing inlet pipe is located at the center of the bottom surface of the outer casing, the gas outlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe are both located at the top surface of the outer casing, with the liquid outlet pipe located at the center of the top surface. A separation pipe is provided inside the outer casing, with both ends of the separation pipe connected to the mixing inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe, respectively. The separation pipe has micro-holes, and the separation pipe is connected to the gas outlet pipe through the micro-holes. The diversion device is configured to allow a portion of the gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant entering through the liquid outlet pipe to flow out through the gas outlet pipe, while the remaining gas-liquid mixed refrigerant flows out through the mixing inlet pipe.

[0021] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the above-mentioned air conditioner, the diameter of the mixing inlet pipe and the diameter of the liquid outlet pipe are both larger than the diameter of the separating pipe.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the control method for the aforementioned air conditioner, the micropores are located at the middle of the separation tube along its length; and / or

[0023] Two micropores are provided, and the two micropores are arranged opposite each other along the radial direction of the separation tube; and / or

[0024] The diameter of the micropores is 0.3-0.5 mm.

[0025] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the air conditioner described above, the outer casing is frustum-shaped.

[0026] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the above-mentioned air conditioner, multiple gas outlet pipes are provided, and the multiple gas outlet pipes are evenly distributed circumferentially along a concentric circle with the outer circle of the top surface of the outer casing.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the control method for the aforementioned air conditioner, the radius of the outer circle of the top surface of the housing is greater than the radius of the outer circle of the bottom surface of the housing; and / or

[0028] The ratio of the radius of the concentric circles to the radius of the outer circle of the top surface of the outer shell is 0.5-0.75.

[0029] It should be noted that, in the preferred technical solution of this application, the air conditioner includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a throttling element, and an indoor heat exchanger. The air conditioner also includes a flow distribution device and a valve mechanism. The flow distribution device includes a housing and a mixing inlet pipe, a gas outlet pipe, and a liquid outlet pipe disposed on the housing. The outdoor heat exchanger includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section. The inlet of the first pipe section is connected to the compressor, the outlet of the first pipe section is connected to the mixing inlet pipe, the liquid outlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the second pipe section, the outlet of the second pipe section is connected to the inlet of the throttling element, the inlet of the valve mechanism is connected to the gas outlet pipe, and the outlet of the valve mechanism is connected to the suction port of the compressor. The control method includes: acquiring the operating mode of the air conditioner; acquiring the outdoor ambient temperature when the operating mode is heating mode; determining the magnitude of the outdoor ambient temperature and a first temperature threshold; and selectively controlling the valve mechanism to open based on the determination result.

[0030] The air conditioner control method disclosed in this application, by setting a diversion device between the first and second pipe sections of the outdoor heat exchanger, and connecting the gas outlet pipe of the diversion device to the compressor's suction port, can effectively increase the compressor's suction temperature and suction pressure during heating operation, thus delaying frosting. Specifically, during the heating process, the refrigerant passing through the throttling element becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid mixture. This mixture enters through the second pipe section and undergoes heat exchange and evaporation, with most of the refrigerant evaporating into gaseous refrigerant. The gas-liquid mixture then enters the diversion device through the liquid outlet pipe. The liquid refrigerant flows into the first pipe section through the mixing inlet pipe to continue circulating, while the gaseous refrigerant flows back to the compressor's suction port through the gas outlet pipe and valve mechanism, thereby increasing the compressor's suction temperature and preventing excessively low suction temperatures. By setting the valve mechanism, automatic control of cylinder cooling can be achieved, improving control accuracy.

[0031] In terms of control method, by acquiring the outdoor ambient temperature in heating mode, it can determine whether the current outdoor ambient temperature is likely to cause the outdoor unit to frost. When the outdoor unit is likely to frost, the valve mechanism is opened, and the gaseous refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger is returned to the compressor's suction port to increase the compressor's suction temperature and suction pressure, thereby delaying frost formation and maintaining stable heating operation.

[0032] Furthermore, by selectively closing the valve mechanism based on the suction temperature, the compressor's suction temperature can be kept within a reasonable range, preventing excessively high suction temperatures from affecting air conditioning performance.

[0033] Furthermore, the flow-dividing device is configured such that a portion of the gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixture entering from the liquid outlet pipe passes through micropores and flows out from the gas outlet pipe, while the remaining gas-liquid mixture flows out from the mixing inlet pipe. Thus, after the liquid refrigerant containing a small amount of gaseous refrigerant becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid mixture in the second pipe section, the gas-liquid mixture enters the liquid outlet pipe at high speed. Part of the refrigerant flashes into gaseous refrigerant due to pressure drop and friction. This flashed gaseous refrigerant, resisted by the liquid refrigerant ahead, passes through the micropores and flows back from the gas outlet pipe to the compressor suction port, thereby increasing the compressor suction temperature. The majority of the gas-liquid mixture continues to flow forward under the centrifugal force of the high-speed liquid flow, entering the first pipe section to continue participating in heat exchange. Secondly, compared to existing gas-liquid separators, the flow-dividing device of this application can achieve partial separation of the gaseous refrigerant, reducing refrigerant pressure drop. Furthermore, this application features a cavity containing only one separation tube, with both ends connected to the mixing inlet and liquid outlet tubes, facilitating product miniaturization. The miniaturized distribution device can be directly integrated with an outdoor heat exchanger, such as by connecting it directly between two refrigerant pipes, without requiring a separate unit. The mixing inlet tube is positioned in the center of the bottom surface, and the liquid outlet tube in the center of the top surface, simplifying the manufacturing process and allowing the separation tube to be a straight pipe, minimizing pressure loss along the flow path.

[0034] Furthermore, by setting the diameters of both the mixing inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe to be larger than the diameter of the separator pipe, the flow velocity of the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant in the separator pipe can be increased, the pressure drop of the refrigerant can be reduced, and the gas-liquid separation effect can be guaranteed.

[0035] Furthermore, by placing the micropores in the middle of the separation tube along its length, a better gas-liquid separation effect can be obtained.

[0036] Furthermore, by setting up multiple gas outlet pipes, the separation amount of gaseous refrigerant can be guaranteed.

[0037] Furthermore, by making the outer shell truncated cone-shaped with the radius of the outer circle of the top surface being larger than the radius of the outer circle of the bottom surface, the installation space of the diversion device can be saved, making the installation method more flexible, and reducing pressure drop and refrigerant flow noise. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The control method of the air conditioner of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0039] Figure 1 This is a system diagram of the air conditioner in heating mode according to this application;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the diversion device of this application;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the refrigerant flow path of the diversion device in this application;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a top view of the diversion device of this application;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the diversion device in this application;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the control method for the air conditioner according to this application;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a logic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the air conditioner control method of this application.

[0046] List of reference numerals

[0047] 1. Compressor; 2. Outdoor heat exchanger; 21. First pipe section; 22. Second pipe section; 3. Throttling element; 4. Indoor heat exchanger; 5. Four-way valve; 6. Diverter; 61. Outer shell; 62. Mixing inlet pipe; 63. Gas outlet pipe; 64. Liquid outlet pipe; 65. Separator pipe; 66. Micro-orifice; 7. Valve mechanism; 71. Valve mechanism inlet; 72. Valve mechanism outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Preferred embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. For example, although this embodiment is described in conjunction with a wall-mounted air conditioner, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Those skilled in the art can apply this application to other application scenarios without departing from the principles of this application. For example, this application can also be applied to cabinet air conditioners, recessed air conditioners, etc.

[0049] It should be noted that in the description of this application, terms such as "upper," "lower," "vertical," "inner," and "outer," indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0050] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0051] First refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This paper describes the air conditioner described in this application. Among other things, Figure 1 This is a system diagram of the air conditioner in heating mode according to this application; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the diversion device of this application.

[0052] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, to address the problem of frequent defrosting during heating caused by the miniaturized design of the compressor 1 in existing air conditioners, the air conditioner of this application includes a compressor 1, an outdoor heat exchanger 2, a throttling element 3, an indoor heat exchanger 4, a four-way valve 5, and a flow divider 6. The four-way valve 5 includes four ports: P port, E port, S port, and C port. The outdoor heat exchanger 2 includes a first pipe section 21 and a second pipe section 22. The flow divider 6 includes a housing 61 and a mixing inlet pipe 62, a gas outlet pipe 63, and a liquid outlet pipe 64 disposed on the housing 61.

[0053] With the connections complete, the exhaust port of compressor 1 is connected to the P port of four-way valve 5, and the suction port of compressor 1 is connected to the S port of four-way valve 5. The C port of four-way valve 5 is connected to the inlet of the first pipe section 21, the outlet of the first pipe section 21 is connected to the mixing inlet pipe 62 of the flow divider 6, the gas outlet pipe 63 is connected to the inlet 71 of valve mechanism 7, the outlet 72 of valve mechanism 7 is connected to the suction port of compressor 1, the liquid outlet pipe 64 is connected to the inlet of the second pipe section 22, the outlet of the second pipe section 22 is connected to the inlet of throttling element 3, the throttling element 3 is connected to the inlet of indoor heat exchanger 4, and the outlet of indoor heat exchanger 4 is connected to the E port of four-way valve 5.

[0054] Under the above configuration, when the air conditioner operates in heating mode, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 enters the indoor heat exchanger 4 after passing through the P and E ports of the four-way valve 5. It exchanges heat with the indoor air to achieve liquefaction, becoming a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. This medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant then passes through the throttling element 3, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. All of this low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant enters the second pipe section 22 of the outdoor heat exchanger 2 for heat exchange, resulting in partial refrigerant evaporation and the majority becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Subsequently, the gas-liquid mixture containing the majority of the gaseous refrigerant enters the diversion device 6 through the liquid outlet pipe 64. The liquid refrigerant flows directly to the first pipe section 21, while the gaseous refrigerant flows into the valve mechanism 7 through the gas outlet pipe 63 and returns to the compressor 1's suction port through the outlet 72 of the valve mechanism 7, increasing the compressor 1's suction temperature and pressure and delaying frosting. The liquid refrigerant entering the first pipe section 21 continues to exchange heat and evaporate, and then becomes gaseous refrigerant. Finally, after passing through the C and S ports of the four-way valve 5, it returns to the compressor 1 from the suction port of the compressor 1.

[0055] By installing a diversion device 6 between the first pipe section 21 and the second pipe section 22 of the outdoor heat exchanger 2, and connecting the gas outlet pipe 63 of the diversion device 6 to the suction port of the compressor 1, the suction temperature and suction pressure of the compressor 1 can be effectively increased during the heating operation of the air conditioner, thus delaying frosting. Specifically, during the heating process, the refrigerant passing through the throttling element 3 becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid mixture. This mixture enters through the second pipe section 22 and undergoes heat exchange and evaporation, with most of the refrigerant evaporating into gaseous refrigerant. The gas-liquid mixture then enters the diversion device 6 through the liquid outlet pipe 64. The liquid refrigerant flows into the first pipe section 21 through the mixing inlet pipe 62 to continue circulating, while the gaseous refrigerant flows back to the suction port of the compressor 1 through the gas outlet pipe 63 and the valve mechanism 7, thereby increasing the suction temperature of the compressor 1 and preventing it from becoming too low. The valve mechanism 7 enables automatic control of cylinder cooling, improving control accuracy.

[0056] The following reference Figures 1 to 4 This paper describes a preferred embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present application. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the refrigerant flow path of the diversion device in this application; Figure 4 This is a top view of the diversion device of this application.

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the air conditioner is a wall-mounted air conditioner, which includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit is equipped with a compressor 1, a four-way valve 5, a throttling element 3, an outdoor heat exchanger 2, and a flow divider 6, etc., while the indoor unit is equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 4, etc.

[0058] The outdoor heat exchanger 2 includes a first pipe section 21 and a second pipe section 22, with the first pipe section 21 located above the second pipe section 22. The first pipe section 21 is divided into two flow paths. The inlet of the first pipe section 21 is connected to the mixing inlet pipe 62, and the outlet of the first pipe section 21 is located in the middle. The refrigerant enters from both ends of the first pipe section 21, flows along the two flow paths, and then merges together to flow to the four-way valve 5. The inlet of the second pipe section 22 is located at the lower part, and the outlet is located at the upper part. The inlet of the second pipe section 22 is connected to the inlet of the throttling element 3, and the outlet is connected to the liquid outlet pipe 64 of the diversion device 6.

[0059] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a valve mechanism 7. The gas outlet pipe 63 of the diversion device 6 is connected to the inlet 71 of the valve mechanism 7, and the outlet 72 of the valve mechanism 7 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 1. The valve mechanism 7 is configured such that when open, the inlet 71 of the valve mechanism 7 is connected to the outlet 72 of the valve mechanism 7, and when closed, the inlet 71 of the valve mechanism 7 is disconnected from the outlet 72 of the valve mechanism 7. The valve mechanism 7 can be a reversing valve, a solenoid valve, etc.

[0060] When the inlet 71 of the valve mechanism 7 is connected to the outlet 72 of the valve mechanism 7, the gaseous refrigerant separated by the diverter 6 can flow back to the suction port of the compressor 1 to increase the suction temperature and suction pressure of the compressor 1.

[0061] For example, in heating mode, the smaller the displacement and the higher the pressure ratio of compressor 1, the more severe the frosting on the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. This results in a decrease in suction pressure, leading to frequent system defrosting triggers. At this time, by connecting the inlet 71 and outlet 72 of control valve mechanism 7, gaseous refrigerant can be returned to the suction port of compressor 1 to increase the suction temperature and pressure. Through research, calculation, and analysis by the inventors, the temperature of the gaseous refrigerant entering the suction port of compressor 1 can be controlled between 0 and 5°C, while the temperature entering the suction port through the four-way valve 5 is between -1 and -20°C. The added gaseous refrigerant effectively increases the suction temperature and pressure, delaying frosting on the outdoor unit and maintaining stable heating operation.

[0062] See Figure 2 and Figure 4In a preferred embodiment, the diversion device 6 includes a housing 61, which is an inverted frustum shape, meaning the radius of the outer circle of the top surface of the housing 61 is larger than the radius of the outer circle of the bottom surface. A cavity is formed inside the housing 61, and a separation pipe 65 is disposed within the cavity. A mixing inlet pipe 62 is disposed on the bottom surface of the housing 61, and a gas outlet pipe 63 and a liquid outlet pipe 64 are disposed on the top surface of the housing 61. The two ends of the separation pipe 65 are respectively connected to the mixing inlet pipe 62 and the liquid outlet pipe 64, and micropores 66 are formed on the separation pipe 65. The diversion device 6 is configured to allow a portion of the gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixture entering through the mixing inlet pipe 62 to flow out through the gas outlet pipe 63, while the remaining gas-liquid mixture flows out through the liquid outlet pipe 64. Preferably, when installed between the first pipe section 21 and the second pipe section 22 of the condenser, the diversion device 6 is installed upright.

[0063] Preferably, see Figure 2 The mixing inlet pipe 62 is located in the middle of the bottom surface, and the liquid outlet pipe 64 is located in the middle of the top surface. The separation pipe 65 is a straight pipe, and its two ends are directly connected to the mixing inlet pipe 62 and the liquid outlet pipe 64, respectively. Regarding the pipe diameter, the diameter of the mixing inlet pipe 62 (i.e.,...) Figure 2 a) and the diameter of the liquid outlet pipe 64 (i.e. Figure 2 In section b), all diameters are greater than those of the separator 65 (i.e., ...). Figure 2 (c) In one specific embodiment, the length of the separation tube 65 can be any value between 35-38 mm, the diameter of the mixing inlet tube 62 can be any value between 6.35-8.5 mm, the diameter of the liquid outlet tube 64 can be any value between 4.5-6.35 mm, and the diameter of the separation tube 65 can be any value between 4.0-4.5 mm.

[0064] See Figure 2 and Figure 4 Multiple gas outlet pipes 63 are provided. In this application, two gas outlet pipes 63 are provided. The two gas outlet pipes 63 are evenly distributed circumferentially along concentric circles with the outer circle of the top surface of the outer shell 61, so that the center of the cross-section of the two gas outlet pipes 63 and the center of the cross-section of the liquid outlet pipe 64 are connected by a straight line. The diameter of the two gas outlet pipes 63 (i.e., Figure 2 The values ​​of 'd' in the diagram are equal, and both are equal to the diameter of the liquid outlet pipe 64. The radii of the concentric circles (i.e.,...) Figure 4 The radius of the outer circle of the top surface of the outer shell 61 (i.e., r) is the radius of the outer circle of the top surface of the outer shell 61. Figure 4 The ratio of R to R is 0.5-0.75. In one specific embodiment, the radius of the outer circle of the top surface of the outer shell 61 can be any value between 12-15 mm, and the radius of the concentric circles can be any value between 6-9 mm.

[0065] See back Figure 2Two micro-holes 66 are provided, arranged radially opposite to each other along the separation tube 65, and located at the middle of the separation tube 65 along its length. In this application, the diameter of the micro-holes 66 is 0.3-0.5 mm, and the line connecting the axes of the two micro-holes 66 is parallel to the line connecting the centers of the cross-sections of the two gas outlet tubes 63 and lies in the same vertical plane. In other words, the opening direction of the two micro-holes 66 is exactly towards the axial direction of the two gas outlet tubes 63.

[0066] See Figure 3 In the above configuration, when the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant enters the separation pipe 65 from the liquid outlet pipe 64, most of the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant continues to flow forward under the centrifugal force of the high-speed liquid flow and eventually flows out through the mixing inlet pipe 62. Meanwhile, some refrigerant flashes into gaseous refrigerant due to pressure drop and friction. This gaseous refrigerant, resisted by the liquid refrigerant ahead, passes through the micropores 66 and flows out through the gas outlet pipe 63, thus achieving effective separation of some of the gaseous refrigerant.

[0067] The flow divider 6 of this application is configured such that a portion of the gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixture entering from the liquid outlet pipe 64 passes through the micropores 66 and flows out from the gas outlet pipe 63, while the remaining gas-liquid mixture flows out from the mixing inlet pipe 62. Thus, after the liquid refrigerant containing a small amount of gaseous refrigerant becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid mixture in the second pipe section 22, the gas-liquid mixture enters the liquid outlet pipe 64 at high speed. Part of the refrigerant flashes into gaseous refrigerant due to pressure drop and friction. This flashed gaseous refrigerant, resisted by the liquid refrigerant ahead, passes through the micropores 66 and flows back from the gas outlet pipe 63 to the compressor 1 suction port, thereby increasing the suction temperature of the compressor 1. The majority of the gas-liquid mixture continues to flow forward under the centrifugal force of the high-speed liquid flow and enters the first pipe section 21 to continue participating in heat exchange. Secondly, as can be seen from the aforementioned dimensional parameters, compared to existing gas-liquid separators, the flow divider 6 of this application can achieve partial separation of gaseous refrigerant, reducing refrigerant pressure drop. Thirdly, the cavity of this application contains only one separation pipe 65, and both ends of the separation pipe 65 are connected to the mixing inlet pipe 62 and the liquid outlet pipe 64, making product miniaturization easier. Furthermore, the miniaturized flow divider 6 can be directly used in conjunction with the outdoor heat exchanger 2, such as by directly connecting it between two refrigerant pipes, without requiring a separate device to occupy space. The mixing inlet pipe 62 is located in the middle of the bottom surface, and the liquid outlet pipe 64 is located in the middle of the top surface, simplifying the product manufacturing process and allowing the separation pipe 65 to be a straight pipe, minimizing pressure loss along the pipe. By setting the diameters of both the mixing inlet pipe 62 and the liquid outlet pipe 64 to be larger than the diameter of the separation pipe 65, the flow velocity of the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant within the separation pipe 65 can be increased, reducing refrigerant pressure drop and ensuring effective gas-liquid separation. By placing the micropores 66 in the middle of the separation tube 65 along its length, a better gas-liquid separation effect can be achieved. By setting multiple gas outlet pipes 63, the separation amount of gaseous refrigerant can be guaranteed. By making the outer shell 61 frustum-shaped with the radius of the outer circle of the top surface larger than the radius of the outer circle of the bottom surface, the installation space of the flow divider 6 can be saved, making the installation method more flexible, and reducing pressure drop and refrigerant flow noise.

[0068] It should be noted that the above preferred embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can adjust the above settings to make this application applicable to more specific application scenarios.

[0069] For example, in an alternative embodiment, although the air conditioner of this application is described in conjunction with a four-way valve 5, it is clear that the diversion device 6 of this application can also be applied to a cooling-only air conditioner or a heating-only air conditioner.

[0070] For example, in another alternative embodiment, although in the diversion device 6 of this application, the mixing inlet pipe 62 is located in the middle of the bottom surface and there is only one of it, and the liquid outlet pipe 64 is located in the middle of the top surface and there is also only one of it, and the separation pipe 65 is a straight pipe with the diameters of both the mixing inlet pipe 62 and the liquid outlet pipe 64 being larger than the diameter of the separation pipe 65, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. In other embodiments, those skilled in the art can change the above-mentioned arrangement according to the specific application scenario. For example, the positions of the mixing inlet pipe 62 and the liquid outlet pipe 64 can be adjusted, and their number can also be adjusted. The separation pipe 65 can be set as a non-straight pipe, and its diameter can be greater than or equal to the diameters of the mixing inlet pipe 62 and the liquid outlet pipe 64, etc.

[0071] For example, in another alternative embodiment, the number of gas outlet pipes 63 is not fixed, and those skilled in the art can adjust their number based on design requirements. For example, with Figure 5 As shown in the example, the gas outlet pipe 63 can also be set to three, with the three gas outlet pipes 63 evenly distributed on the concentric circles of the outer circle of the top surface. Of course, the gas outlet pipe 63 can also be set to one, four or more.

[0072] For example, in another alternative embodiment, the arrangement of two micropores 66 located in the middle of the separation tube 65 along its length is not the only option; those skilled in the art can adjust it as needed. For instance, the number of micropores 66 can be adjusted based on the number of gas outlet tubes 63, and their placement can also be moved up or down.

[0073] For example, in another alternative embodiment, although the housing 61 is described as an inverted frustum shape, this is not the only embodiment. The shape of the housing 61 can also be cylindrical, rectangular, etc.

[0074] Of course, the alternative implementation methods described above, as well as the alternative implementation methods and preferred implementation methods, can be used in combination to create new implementation methods that are suitable for more specific application scenarios.

[0075] The following is combined Figure 1 The working process of the air conditioner described in this application will be introduced.

[0076] See Figure 1When the air conditioner operates in heating mode, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 enters the indoor heat exchanger 4 after passing through the P and E ports of the four-way valve 5. There, it exchanges heat with the indoor air and liquefies, becoming a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. This medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant then passes through the throttling element 3, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. All of this low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant enters the second pipe section 22 of the outdoor heat exchanger 2 for heat exchange, resulting in partial refrigerant evaporation and the majority becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Subsequently, the gas-liquid mixture, containing a majority of the gaseous refrigerant, enters the separation pipe 65 of the diverter 6 through the liquid outlet pipe 64. Under the action of centrifugal force and gravity, the liquid refrigerant and part of the gaseous refrigerant flow directly to the first pipe section 21, while part of the gaseous refrigerant and a small amount of flashing gaseous refrigerant flow out through the micropores 66 and into the valve mechanism 7 through the gas outlet pipe 63. From the outlet 72 of the valve mechanism 7, it flows back to the suction port of the compressor 1, increasing the suction temperature and suction pressure of the compressor 1 and delaying frost formation. After further heat exchange and evaporation, the liquid and gaseous refrigerants entering the first pipe section 21 are completely converted into gaseous refrigerant. Finally, after passing through the C and S interfaces of the four-way valve 5, they return to the compressor 1 from the suction port, completing one cycle.

[0077] The following reference Figure 6 This paper introduces the control method of the air conditioner according to this application. Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the control method for the air conditioner according to this application.

[0078] like Figure 6 As shown, corresponding to the aforementioned air conditioner, this application also provides a control method for an air conditioner, including:

[0079] S101. Obtain the operating mode of the air conditioner; for example, the operating mode may include cooling mode, heating mode, dehumidification mode and air supply mode, etc. After the user turns on the air conditioner, determine the operating mode of the air conditioner based on the mode selected by the user.

[0080] S103. When the operating mode is heating mode, obtain the outdoor ambient temperature; for example, if the operating mode is heating mode, obtain the outdoor ambient temperature through the temperature sensor installed on the outdoor unit. Of course, the outdoor ambient temperature can also be obtained through other methods, such as through other temperature and humidity detection devices or equipment that are connected to the air conditioner.

[0081] S105. Determine the magnitude of the outdoor ambient temperature and the first temperature threshold. For example, the first temperature threshold is preset by the factory. The magnitude of the two is calculated by calculating the difference or ratio between the outdoor ambient temperature and the first temperature threshold.

[0082] S107. Based on the judgment result, selectively control the valve mechanism to open; for example, when the outdoor ambient temperature is less than a first temperature threshold, control the valve mechanism to open; when the outdoor ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, control the valve mechanism to remain closed.

[0083] By acquiring the outdoor ambient temperature in heating mode, it can determine whether the current outdoor ambient temperature is likely to cause the outdoor unit to frost. When the outdoor unit is likely to frost, the valve mechanism is opened, and the gaseous refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger is returned to the compressor's suction port to increase the compressor's suction temperature and suction pressure, thereby delaying frost formation and maintaining stable heating operation.

[0084] The preferred embodiments of this application are described below.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, S107 further includes: opening the control valve mechanism when the outdoor ambient temperature is lower than a first temperature threshold; and keeping the control valve mechanism closed when the outdoor ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold.

[0086] For example, the first temperature threshold can be any value between 5℃ and 10℃. When the outdoor ambient temperature is lower than the first temperature threshold, it indicates that the outdoor ambient temperature is low, and the outdoor unit may frost under low temperature conditions. In this case, the control valve mechanism opens, using the gaseous refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger to flow back to the compressor suction port, thereby increasing the compressor's suction temperature and suction pressure and delaying frost formation. Conversely, if the outdoor ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, it indicates that the outdoor ambient temperature is high, and it is unlikely to cause frost formation on the outdoor unit. In this case, no action is required, and the valve mechanism remains closed.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, after the control valve mechanism is opened, the control method further includes: acquiring the compressor's suction temperature; determining the magnitude of the suction temperature relative to a second temperature threshold; and selectively closing the valve mechanism based on the determination result. Specifically, the control valve mechanism is closed when the suction temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold and the duration of the suction temperature is greater than or equal to a preset duration threshold; the control valve mechanism remains open when the suction temperature is less than the second temperature threshold and / or the duration of the suction temperature being greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold is less than the preset duration threshold.

[0088] For example, after the control valve mechanism opens, some gaseous refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger enters the compressor through the suction port, increasing the compressor's suction temperature. Since the compressor's suction temperature has a suitable range, temperatures above or below this range are detrimental to the compressor's performance. Therefore, even after opening the valve mechanism, the compressor's suction temperature still needs to be monitored in real time. At this time, a temperature sensor installed at the compressor's suction port pipe acquires the compressor's suction temperature and compares it to a second temperature threshold to determine if the compressor's suction temperature is within a reasonable temperature range. The second temperature threshold can be any value between 0-10℃, and the preset duration threshold can be any value between 5s-20s. When the suction temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold and the duration is greater than or equal to the preset duration threshold, it indicates that the compressor's suction temperature is too high, and the control valve mechanism closes. Conversely, if the suction temperature is less than the second temperature threshold, and / or the duration of the suction temperature being greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold is less than the preset duration threshold, the compressor's suction temperature is determined to be within the normal temperature range, and no action is required; the valve mechanism remains open.

[0089] By selectively closing the valve mechanism based on the suction temperature, the compressor's suction temperature can be kept within a reasonable range, preventing excessively high suction temperatures from affecting air conditioning performance. Increasing the duration of the judgment process can improve accuracy and reduce false alarms.

[0090] The following reference Figure 7 This paper describes one possible control process for this application. Figure 7 This is a logic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the air conditioner control method of this application.

[0091] like Figure 7 As shown, in one possible control process:

[0092] S201, Obtain the operating mode of the air conditioner.

[0093] S203: Determine if the operating mode is heating mode. If yes, execute S205; otherwise, terminate the program.

[0094] S205, obtain the outdoor ambient temperature Tao.

[0095] S207, determine if Tao < T1 is true. If true, proceed to S209; otherwise, proceed to S215. T1 is the first preset temperature.

[0096] S209, the control valve mechanism is open.

[0097] S211, obtain the compressor's suction temperature Tx.

[0098] S213, determine whether Tx≥T2 and t≥△t are both true simultaneously. If true, execute S215; otherwise, if false, return to continue executing S209. Here, T2 is the second preset temperature, and △t is the preset duration threshold.

[0099] S215, control valve mechanism closed.

[0100] Those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments described herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this application and form different embodiments. For example, any of the claimed embodiments in the claims of this application can be used in any combination.

[0101] It should also be noted that although the detailed steps of the method of this application have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art can combine, split and rearrange the above steps without departing from the basic principles of this application. Such modified technical solutions do not change the basic concept of this application and therefore also fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0102] The technical solutions of this application have been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of this application is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A control method for an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a throttling element, and an indoor heat exchanger, characterized in that, The air conditioner further comprises a flow splitting device and a valve mechanism, the flow splitting device comprises a shell and a mixed inlet pipe, a gas outlet pipe and a liquid outlet pipe arranged in the shell, the outdoor heat exchanger comprises a first pipe section and a second pipe section, an inlet of the first pipe section is communicated with the compressor, an outlet of the first pipe section is communicated with the mixed inlet pipe, the liquid outlet pipe is communicated with an inlet of the second pipe section, an outlet of the second pipe section is communicated with an inlet of the throttling element, an inlet of the valve mechanism is communicated with the gas outlet pipe, an outlet of the valve mechanism is communicated with a suction port of the compressor, The mixed inlet pipe is arranged in the middle of the bottom surface of the shell, the gas outlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe are both arranged on the top surface of the shell, and the liquid outlet pipe is arranged in the middle of the top surface, a separation pipe is arranged in the shell, two ends of the separation pipe are communicated with the mixed inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe respectively, a plurality of micro-holes are arranged on the separation pipe, the separation pipe is communicated with the gas outlet pipe through the micro-holes, the flow splitting device is arranged to enable part of the gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant entering from the liquid outlet pipe to flow out from the gas outlet pipe, and the remaining gas-liquid mixed refrigerant to flow out from the mixed inlet pipe, the pipe diameter of the mixed inlet pipe and the pipe diameter of the liquid outlet pipe are both greater than the pipe diameter of the separation pipe, the shell is in the shape of a circular truncated cone, and a plurality of gas outlet pipes are arranged, and the plurality of gas outlet pipes are uniformly distributed along the circumferences of concentric circles of the top surface of the shell. The control method comprises: acquiring the working mode of the air conditioner; when the working mode is the heating mode, acquiring the outdoor environment temperature; determining the size of the outdoor environment temperature and the first temperature threshold value; based on the determination result, selectively controlling the valve mechanism to open.

2. The control method of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized by, The step of "based on the determination result, selectively controlling the valve mechanism to open" further comprises: when the outdoor environment temperature is less than the first temperature threshold value, controlling the valve mechanism to open; when the outdoor environment temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold value, controlling the valve mechanism to remain closed.

3. The control method of the air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized by, After the step of "controlling the valve mechanism to open", the control method further comprises: acquiring the suction temperature of the compressor; determining the size of the suction temperature and the second temperature threshold value; based on the determination result, selectively controlling the valve mechanism to close.

4. The control method of the air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized by, The step of "based on the determination result, selectively controlling the valve mechanism to close" further comprises: when the suction temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold value and the duration is greater than or equal to the preset duration threshold value, controlling the valve mechanism to close; when the suction temperature is less than the second temperature threshold value and / or the duration of the suction temperature being greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold value is less than the preset duration threshold value, controlling the valve mechanism to remain open.

5. The control method of the air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein The micro-holes are arranged in the middle of the separation pipe along the length direction; and / or The micro-holes are arranged in two, and the two micro-holes are arranged opposite along the radial direction of the separation pipe; and / or The diameter of the micro-holes is 0.3-0.5mm.

6. The control method of the air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein The radius of the top surface of the shell is greater than the radius of the bottom surface of the shell; and / or The ratio of the radius of the concentric circle to the radius of the outer circle of the top surface of the housing is 0.5-0.75.

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