Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses an air conditioner and a control method thereof. The air conditioner comprises a first indoor heat exchanger, a second indoor heat exchanger, a first indoor fan and a second indoor fan, wherein the first indoor fan is opposite to the first indoor heat exchanger, and the second indoor fan is opposite to the second indoor heat exchanger; the control method comprises the following steps: when the air conditioner enters a self-cleaning mode, S1, the second indoor heat exchanger and the second indoor fan are both operated in cooling mode, and the first indoor heat exchanger cooperates with the first indoor fan to realize self-cleaning of the first indoor heat exchanger; S2, the first indoor heat exchanger and the first indoor fan are both operated in cooling mode, and the second indoor heat exchanger cooperates with the second indoor fan to realize self-cleaning of the second indoor heat exchanger. According to the control method of the air conditioner of the present invention, the cooling mode and the self-cleaning mode of the air conditioner are realized to run simultaneously, which improves user satisfaction, reduces the actions of the compressor and the four-way valve, and improves the reliability of the air conditioner refrigeration system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioning, and in particular to an air conditioner and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Air conditioners are an electrical product widely used in people's lives. Air conditioners play an important role in regulating indoor temperature. They can provide users with a healthy and comfortable indoor environment to meet normal work, life and study needs.

[0003] In the related art, when the air conditioner performs self-cleaning, the compressor and indoor fan of the air conditioner stop running, which causes the air conditioner to fail to cool normally during the self-cleaning process, affecting user satisfaction. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one object of the present invention is to provide a control method for an air conditioner, which enables the cooling mode and the self-cleaning mode of the air conditioner to run simultaneously, thereby improving user satisfaction.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner using the above control method.

[0006] According to a control method of an air conditioner of a first aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner comprises a first indoor heat exchanger, a second indoor heat exchanger, a first indoor fan and a second indoor fan, wherein the first indoor fan is opposite to the first indoor heat exchanger, and the second indoor fan is opposite to the second indoor heat exchanger;

[0007] The control method comprises the following steps:

[0008] When the air conditioner enters the self-cleaning mode,

[0009] S1, the second indoor heat exchanger and the second indoor fan are both in cooling operation, and the first indoor heat exchanger cooperates with the first indoor fan to achieve self-cleaning of the first indoor heat exchanger;

[0010] S2. The first indoor heat exchanger and the first indoor fan both operate in cooling mode, and the second indoor heat exchanger cooperates with the second indoor fan to achieve self-cleaning of the second indoor heat exchanger.

[0011] According to the control method of the air conditioner of the embodiment of the present invention, when one of the first indoor heat exchanger and the second indoor heat exchanger is operated in the self-cleaning mode, the other of the first indoor heat exchanger and the second indoor heat exchanger is operated in the cooling mode. Thus, the cooling mode and the self-cleaning mode of the air conditioner are operated simultaneously, which improves user satisfaction, and at the same time can reduce the actions of the compressor and the four-way valve, thereby improving the reliability of the air conditioner refrigeration system.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the self-cleaning of the first indoor heat exchanger specifically includes:

[0013] S11, the first indoor fan does not operate, and the first indoor heat exchanger operates in a cooling mode to condense frost on the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger;

[0014] S12: Start the first indoor fan to defrost the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner further comprises a refrigerant control device, the refrigerant control device comprising a first refrigerant port, a second refrigerant port and a third refrigerant port, at least one of the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port is switchably connected to the first refrigerant port, the second refrigerant port is connected to the first indoor heat exchanger, and the third refrigerant port is connected to the second indoor heat exchanger;

[0016] Before step S11, the method further includes:

[0017] S10, controlling the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port to be connected to the first refrigerant port;

[0018] Before step S12, the method further includes:

[0019] S111 , controlling the second refrigerant port to be isolated from the first refrigerant port, and maintaining the third refrigerant port to be connected to the first refrigerant port.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the refrigerant control device includes a three-way valve, which includes the first refrigerant port, the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port; or the refrigerant control device includes a three-way pipe, a first electronic expansion valve and a second electronic expansion valve, which includes the first refrigerant port, the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port, the first electronic expansion valve is arranged on a pipeline of the three-way pipe connected to the second refrigerant port, and the second electronic expansion valve is arranged on a pipeline of the three-way pipe connected to the third refrigerant port.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first indoor heat exchanger is operated in a cooling manner to cause frost to condense on the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger, specifically comprising:

[0022] detecting a surface temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger to obtain a first temperature value;

[0023] When the first temperature value is less than a first temperature threshold, the surface frost of the first indoor heat exchanger is controlled to be maintained for a first predetermined time.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present invention, defrosting the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger specifically includes:

[0025] detecting a surface temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger to obtain a second temperature value;

[0026] When the second temperature value is greater than a second temperature threshold, the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger is controlled to defrost for a second predetermined time.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the self-cleaning of the second indoor heat exchanger specifically includes:

[0028] S21, the second indoor fan does not operate, and the second indoor heat exchanger operates in a cooling mode to condense frost on the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger;

[0029] S22: Start the second indoor fan to defrost the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present invention, before step S21, the method further includes:

[0031] S20, controlling the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port to be connected to the first refrigerant port;

[0032] Before step S22, the method further includes:

[0033] S211 , controlling the third refrigerant port to be isolated from the first refrigerant port, and maintaining the second refrigerant port to be connected to the first refrigerant port.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cooling operation of the second indoor heat exchanger to cause frost to condense on the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger specifically includes:

[0035] detecting a surface temperature of the second indoor heat exchanger to obtain a third temperature value;

[0036] When the third temperature value is less than a third temperature threshold, controlling the frost on the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger to remain for a third predetermined time;

[0037] The surface defrosting of the second indoor heat exchanger specifically includes:

[0038] detecting a surface temperature of the second indoor heat exchanger to obtain a fourth temperature value;

[0039] When the fourth temperature value is greater than the fourth temperature threshold, the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger is controlled to defrost for a fourth predetermined time. The air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention adopts the control method of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and in part will be obvious from the following description, or will be learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of refrigerant flow when the air conditioner is in cooling mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a first indoor heat exchanger, a second indoor heat exchanger, a first indoor fan, and a second indoor fan according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Reference numerals:

[0046] 100: Air conditioner;

[0047] 1: First indoor heat exchanger; 2: Second indoor heat exchanger; 3: First indoor fan;

[0048] 4: Second indoor fan; 5: Refrigerant control device; 51: Three-way valve; 6: Compressor;

[0049] 7: Four-way valve; 8: Outdoor heat exchanger; 9: Throttling device; 10: Temperature sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0051] The air conditioner in this application performs a refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner by using a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator. The refrigeration cycle includes a series of processes involving compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation, and supplies refrigerant to the air that has been conditioned and heat-exchanged.

[0052] The compressor compresses the refrigerant gas in a high temperature and high pressure state and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, and the heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0053] The expansion valve expands the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The evaporator evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve and returns the refrigerant gas in a low-temperature and low-pressure state to the compressor. The evaporator can achieve a refrigeration effect by utilizing the latent heat of evaporation of the refrigerant to exchange heat with the material to be cooled. In the entire cycle, the air conditioner can adjust the temperature of the indoor space.

[0054] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner refers to a portion of a refrigeration cycle including a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve may be provided in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit.

[0055] The indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger function as a condenser or an evaporator. When the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, the air conditioner functions as a heater in a heating mode, and when the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, the air conditioner functions as a cooler in a cooling mode.

[0056] Reference below Figure 1-Figure 3 The control method of the air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is described. The air conditioner 100 may be a wall-mounted air conditioner. In the following description of the present application, the air conditioner 100 is taken as an example to be described as a wall-mounted air conditioner. Of course, the air conditioner 100 may also be other types of air conditioners, and is not limited to wall-mounted air conditioners.

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the air conditioner 100, for example, a wall-mounted air conditioner, includes a first indoor heat exchanger 1, a second indoor heat exchanger 2, a first indoor fan 3, and a second indoor fan 4. The first indoor fan 3 is opposite to the first indoor heat exchanger 1, and the second indoor fan 4 is opposite to the second indoor heat exchanger 2. Figure 2 , the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can be arranged at intervals along the length direction of the air conditioner 100. Correspondingly, the first indoor fan 3 and the second indoor fan 4 can also be arranged at intervals along the length direction of the air conditioner 100. When the air conditioner 100, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, is working, at least one of the first indoor fan 3 and the second indoor fan 4 rotates to drive the indoor air flow, so that the indoor air can enter the air conditioner 100 through the air inlet of the air conditioner 100 and perform heat exchange with the first indoor heat exchanger 1 or the second indoor heat exchanger 2. The air after heat exchange can be blown into the room through the air outlet of the air conditioner 100 to adjust the indoor temperature.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, the control method of the air conditioner 100, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises the following steps:

[0059] When the air conditioner 100 enters the self-cleaning mode,

[0060] S1, the second indoor heat exchanger 2 and the second indoor fan 4 are both in cooling operation, and the first indoor heat exchanger 1 cooperates with the first indoor fan 3 to achieve self-cleaning of the first indoor heat exchanger 1.

[0061] S2, the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the first indoor fan 3 are both in cooling operation, and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 cooperates with the second indoor fan 4 to achieve self-cleaning of the second indoor heat exchanger 2.

[0062] For example, in steps S1 and S2, when one of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can be operated in the self-cleaning mode, the other of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can be operated in the cooling mode, so that the air conditioner 100 can clean the first indoor heat exchanger 1 or the second indoor heat exchanger 2 while adjusting the indoor temperature, so as to ensure the heat exchange effect of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 or the second indoor heat exchanger 2. Thus, compared with the traditional air conditioner, the cooling mode and the self-cleaning mode of the air conditioner 100 are operated simultaneously, which improves the user satisfaction. When the air conditioner 100, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, can both cool and heat, and during the self-cleaning process of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 or the second indoor heat exchanger 2, the other indoor heat exchanger that is not self-cleaned is in the normal cooling mode, so that the compressor 6 and the four-way valve 7 of the air conditioner 100 can still work normally, thereby reducing the actions of the compressor 6 and the four-way valve 7, and further improving the reliability of the refrigeration system of the air conditioner 100.

[0063] According to the control method of the air conditioner 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, for example, a wall-mounted air conditioner, when one of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 is operated in the self-cleaning mode, the other of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 is operated in the cooling mode. Thus, the cooling mode and the self-cleaning mode of the air conditioner 100 are operated simultaneously, which improves user satisfaction, and at the same time, the actions of the compressor 6 and the four-way valve 7 can be reduced, thereby improving the reliability of the refrigeration system of the air conditioner 100.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present invention, reference Figure 3 , the self-cleaning process of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 specifically includes:

[0065] S11 : The first indoor fan 3 does not operate, and the first indoor heat exchanger 1 operates in a cooling mode to condense frost on the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 .

[0066] In step S11, by not operating the first indoor fan 3 and operating the first indoor heat exchanger 1 in cooling mode, the loss of cold before the first indoor heat exchanger 1 reaches the frost condensation temperature can be reduced, thereby lowering the surface temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger 1, so that the surface temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 can reach the frost condensation temperature, and then the water vapor in the air around the first indoor heat exchanger 1 can adhere to the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 to form frost. At the same time, since the second indoor heat exchanger 2 and the second indoor fan 4 are both operating in cooling mode, the operation of the second indoor fan 4 after the first indoor heat exchanger 1 reaches the frost condensation temperature can speed up the flow of indoor air, making the indoor temperature and water vapor evenly distributed, thereby ensuring that the thickness of the frost on the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 is more uniform.

[0067] S12, starting the first indoor fan 3 to defrost the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger 1.

[0068] In step S12, by starting the first indoor fan 3, the indoor air can be driven to flow to the first indoor heat exchanger 1. Since the temperature of the indoor air is higher than the surface temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger 1, the surface temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 can be increased, so that the surface temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 can reach the defrosting temperature, so as to convert the frost on the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 into water, wherein the water can take away dust and the like on the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger 1, so that the first indoor heat exchanger 1 can achieve a self-cleaning effect.

[0069] Furthermore, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the air conditioner 100 further includes a refrigerant control device 5, which includes a first refrigerant port, a second refrigerant port, and a third refrigerant port. At least one of the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port is switchably connected to the first refrigerant port, the second refrigerant port is connected to the first indoor heat exchanger 1, and the third refrigerant port is connected to the second indoor heat exchanger 2. The first refrigerant port can be connected to only one of the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port, and at this time, the corresponding one of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 works; or the first refrigerant port can also be connected to the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port at the same time, and at this time, both the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 work.

[0070] Reference Figure 3 , before step S11, it also includes:

[0071] S10, controlling the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port to be connected to the first refrigerant port. Thus, it can be ensured that the refrigerant can flow to the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 respectively, so that the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can both operate in cooling mode, so that the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the first indoor fan 3 can cooperate to achieve self-cleaning of the first indoor heat exchanger 1, and the cooperation of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 and the second indoor fan 4 can ensure the normal cooling of the second indoor heat exchanger 2.

[0072] Among them, when the air conditioner 100, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, enters the cooling mode, the refrigerant of the air conditioner 100 can flow from the compressor 6 to the four-way valve 7 and flow to the refrigerant control device 5 through the outdoor heat exchanger 8 and the throttling device 9, and then flow to the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and / or the second indoor heat exchanger 2 respectively through the diversion of the refrigerant control device 5. At this time, the refrigerant in the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and / or the second indoor heat exchanger 2 exchanges heat with the air in the air conditioner 100, and finally the refrigerant after heat exchange flows back to the compressor 6 through the four-way valve 7. In this way, the above-mentioned refrigerant flow process is repeated continuously to achieve the regulation of the indoor temperature.

[0073] Specifically, the air conditioner 100 may include two air outlets, the two air outlets are respectively a first air outlet and a second air outlet, the first air outlet and the second air outlet are spaced apart from each other along the length direction of the air conditioner 100, and the first air outlet is opposite to the first indoor heat exchanger 1, and the second air outlet is opposite to the second indoor heat exchanger 2. When the air conditioner 100, for example, a wall-mounted air conditioner is working, and the user is located on either the left side or the right side of the air conditioner 100, the first refrigerant port can be switched to communicate with only one of the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port, at which time only one of the corresponding first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can be working, and the indoor fans (the first indoor fan 3 and the second indoor fan 4) opposite to the above-mentioned working indoor heat exchanger (that is, the above-mentioned first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2) are working, and the air outlet opposite to the above-mentioned working indoor heat exchanger is opened. The working indoor heat exchanger may be the indoor heat exchanger corresponding to the area where the user is located. For example, when the air conditioner 100, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, is in cooling mode and the user is located on the left side of the air conditioner 100, the first refrigerant port may be connected only to the second refrigerant port, and the refrigerant of the compressor 6 may flow into the first indoor heat exchanger 1 through the first refrigerant port and the second refrigerant port, and exchange heat with the air near the first indoor heat exchanger 1. The heat-exchanged air is blown into the room through the first air outlet under the action of the first indoor fan 3, so that the temperature of the area where the user is located can be quickly adjusted, and the energy consumption of the air conditioner 100 can be reduced. The refrigerant after heat exchange in the first indoor heat exchanger 1 can flow back to the compressor 6 through the four-way valve 7.

[0074] Of course, the working indoor heat exchanger can also be the indoor heat exchanger on the opposite side of the user's area. For example, when the air conditioner 100 is in cooling mode and the user is on the left side of the air conditioner 100, the first refrigerant port can be connected only to the third refrigerant port, and the refrigerant in the compressor 6 can flow into the second indoor heat exchanger 2 through the first refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port, and exchange heat with the air near the second indoor heat exchanger 2. The heat-exchanged air is blown into the room through the second air outlet under the action of the second indoor fan 4, thereby avoiding the airflow blowing directly to the user. The refrigerant after heat exchange in the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can flow back to the compressor 6 through the four-way valve 7.

[0075] When users are scattered at various locations indoors or users are in dynamic activities indoors, the first refrigerant port can be connected to the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port at the same time. At this time, the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 work at the same time, the first indoor fan 3 and the second indoor fan 4 work at the same time, and the first air outlet and the second air outlet are both opened, so that the indoor temperature can be quickly adjusted. It is understandable that the specific working states of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can be specifically set according to the actual needs of the user to better meet the actual application.

[0076] In addition, by adopting the refrigerant control device 5, the air supply temperature of the first air outlet and the second air outlet can be controlled by controlling the amount of refrigerant flowing from the first refrigerant port into the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port, so that the temperature of the airflow blown out from the first air outlet and the second air outlet can be the same or different. When the airflows of the first air outlet and the second air outlet have different temperatures, the two airflows of different temperatures can make different areas of the room have different temperatures, so that the air conditioner 100, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, can realize the indoor zone temperature control, and then meet the needs of users in different areas of the room. When the temperatures of the airflows of the first air outlet and the second air outlet are approximately the same, the uniformity of the indoor temperature can be effectively guaranteed.

[0077] Before step S12, the method further includes:

[0078] S111, control the second refrigerant port to be isolated from the first refrigerant port, and keep the third refrigerant port connected to the first refrigerant port. In this way, the refrigerant can be blocked from flowing to the first indoor heat exchanger 1, ending the frost condensation process of the first indoor heat exchanger 1, and starting the first indoor fan 3 to increase the surface temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger 1, so that the first indoor heat exchanger 1 enters the defrosting process. At the same time, it is ensured that the refrigerant can flow normally to the second indoor heat exchanger 2, so that the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can cool normally to adjust the indoor temperature.

[0079] In some optional embodiments, the refrigerant control device 5 may include a three-way valve 51, and the three-way valve 51 includes the above-mentioned first refrigerant port, the second refrigerant port, and the third refrigerant port. Among them, the number of the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port is one, and the structure of the three-way valve 51 is simple and convenient to arrange. Therefore, by making the refrigerant control device 5 include the three-way valve 51, the temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can be controlled by controlling the amount of refrigerant flowing from the first refrigerant port to the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port, so that the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 or the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can condense or defrost, so as to achieve self-cleaning of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2.

[0080] Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. In other optional embodiments, the refrigerant control device 5 may also include a three-way pipe, a first electronic expansion valve and a second electronic expansion valve. The three-way pipe includes a first refrigerant port, a second refrigerant port and a third refrigerant port. The first electronic expansion valve is arranged on the pipeline of the three-way pipe connected to the second refrigerant port, and the second electronic expansion valve is arranged on the pipeline of the three-way pipe connected to the third refrigerant port. Thus, by setting the above-mentioned three-way pipe, the first electronic expansion valve and the second electronic expansion valve, the first electronic expansion valve can control the on-off of the second refrigerant port, and the second electronic expansion valve can control the on-off of the third refrigerant port, so that the amount of refrigerant flowing to the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can be controlled in the same manner, and then the temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can be controlled to ensure that the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can complete the self-cleaning process.

[0081] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, the cooling operation of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 to cause frost to condense on the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 specifically includes:

[0082] The surface temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 is detected to obtain a first temperature value. For example, the first indoor heat exchanger 1 may be provided with a temperature sensor 10, and the temperature sensor 10 may be used to detect the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger 1, such as the coil temperature. The first temperature value may be directly read from the temperature sensor 10.

[0083] When the first temperature value is less than the first temperature threshold, the surface frost of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 is controlled to maintain the first predetermined time. Thus, it can be determined that frost can be formed on the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger 1, and by controlling the time for frost to form on the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger 1, the surface frost of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 can reach a certain thickness, so that the first indoor heat exchanger 1 can be better cleaned in the subsequent defrosting process to ensure the cleanliness of the first indoor heat exchanger 1. It can be understood that the first predetermined time can be a time that can be tested to ensure that the thickness of the frost on the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 can reach the design requirements.

[0084] Optionally, the first temperature threshold is T0, wherein T0 satisfies: T0≤0°C. When T0>0°C, the surface temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 is relatively high, so that frost is not easily formed on the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger 1. Therefore, by making T0 satisfy T0≤0°C, it can be effectively ensured that the surface temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 can reach the frost condensation temperature, so that frost is formed on the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger 1.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, the surface defrosting of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 specifically includes:

[0086] The surface temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 is detected to obtain a second temperature value, wherein the second temperature value can also be directly read from the temperature sensor 10 .

[0087] When the second temperature value is greater than the second temperature threshold, the surface defrosting of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 is controlled to maintain the second predetermined time. Thus, it can be determined that the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 can be defrosted, and by controlling the time of the surface defrosting of the first indoor heat exchanger 1, it is ensured that the frost on the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 can be completely converted into water, so that the water can take away the dust on the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger 1, thereby achieving self-cleaning of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and ensuring the cleanliness of the first indoor heat exchanger 1. It is understandable that the second predetermined time can be the time that can be tested and experimentally ensured that the frost on the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 can be completely melted.

[0088] Optionally, the second temperature threshold is T1, wherein T1 satisfies: T1 ≥ 0°C. When T1 < 0°C, the surface temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 is low, so that the frost on the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 is not easy to melt. Therefore, by making T1 satisfy T1 ≥ 0°C, it can be effectively ensured that the surface temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 can reach the defrosting temperature, so as to ensure that the frost on the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 can be completely melted, thereby achieving self-cleaning of the first indoor heat exchanger 1.

[0089] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, the self-cleaning of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 specifically includes:

[0090] S21: The second indoor fan 4 does not operate, and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 operates in a cooling mode to condense frost on the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger 2.

[0091] In step S21, by not operating the second indoor fan 4 and operating the second indoor heat exchanger 2 in cooling mode, the loss of cold before the second indoor heat exchanger 2 reaches the frost temperature can be reduced, thereby lowering the surface temperature of the second indoor heat exchanger 2, so that the surface temperature of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can reach the frost temperature, and then the water vapor in the air around the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can adhere to the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 to form frost. At the same time, since the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the first indoor fan 3 are both operating in cooling mode, the operation of the first indoor fan 3 after the second indoor heat exchanger 2 reaches the frost temperature can speed up the flow of indoor air, making the indoor temperature and water vapor evenly distributed, thereby ensuring that the thickness of the frost on the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 is more uniform.

[0092] S22, starting the second indoor fan 4 to defrost the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger 2.

[0093] In step S22, by starting the second indoor fan 4, the indoor air can be driven to flow to the second indoor heat exchanger 2. Since the temperature of the indoor air is higher than the surface temperature of the second indoor heat exchanger 2, the surface temperature of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can be increased, so that the surface temperature of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can reach the defrosting temperature, so as to convert the frost on the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 into water, wherein the water can take away dust and the like on the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger 2, so that the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can achieve a self-cleaning effect.

[0094] Further, refer to Figure 3 , before step S21, further comprising:

[0095] S20, controlling the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port to be connected to the first refrigerant port. Thus, it can be ensured that the refrigerant can flow to the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 respectively, so that after the air conditioner 100 completes the self-cleaning of the first indoor heat exchanger 1, the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can both operate in the cooling mode, so that the self-cleaning of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can be achieved through the cooperation of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 and the second indoor fan 4, and the cooperation of the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the first indoor fan 3 can ensure the normal cooling of the first indoor heat exchanger 3.

[0096] Before step S22, the method further includes:

[0097] S211, control the third refrigerant port to be isolated from the first refrigerant port, and keep the second refrigerant port connected to the first refrigerant port. In this way, the refrigerant can be blocked from flowing to the second indoor heat exchanger 2, ending the frost condensation process of the second indoor heat exchanger 2, and starting the second indoor fan 4 to increase the surface temperature of the second indoor heat exchanger 2, so that the second indoor heat exchanger 2 enters the defrosting process. At the same time, it is ensured that the refrigerant can flow normally to the first indoor heat exchanger 1, so that the first indoor heat exchanger 1 can be cooled normally to adjust the indoor temperature.

[0098] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, the cooling operation of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 to cause frost to condense on the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 specifically includes:

[0099] The surface temperature of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 is detected to obtain a third temperature value. For example, the second indoor heat exchanger 2 may also be provided with a temperature sensor 10, which may be used to detect the surface temperature of the second indoor heat exchanger 2, such as the coil temperature. The third temperature value may be directly read from the temperature sensor 10.

[0100] When the third temperature value is less than the third temperature threshold, the surface frost of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 is controlled to maintain the third predetermined time. Thus, it can be judged that frost can be formed on the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger 2, and by controlling the time of frost on the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger 2, the surface frost of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can reach a certain thickness, so that the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can be better cleaned in the subsequent defrosting process to ensure the cleanliness of the second indoor heat exchanger 2. It can be understood that the third predetermined time can be the time that can be guaranteed by experimental testing that the thickness of the frost on the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can reach the design requirements. Among them, the third temperature threshold can be equal to the first temperature threshold, and the third predetermined time can be equal to the first predetermined time.

[0101] The surface defrosting of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 specifically includes:

[0102] The surface temperature of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 is detected to obtain a fourth temperature value, wherein the fourth temperature value can also be directly read from the temperature sensor 10 on the second indoor heat exchanger 2 .

[0103] When the fourth temperature value is greater than the fourth temperature threshold, the surface defrosting of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 is controlled to maintain the fourth predetermined time. Therefore, it can be judged that the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can be defrosted, and by controlling the time of the surface defrosting of the second indoor heat exchanger 2, it is ensured that the surface frost of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can be completely converted into water, so that the water can take away the dust on the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger 2, so as to achieve self-cleaning of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 and ensure the cleanliness of the second indoor heat exchanger 2. It can be understood that the fourth predetermined time can be the time that can be guaranteed by experimental testing that the surface frost of the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can be completely melted. Among them, the fourth temperature threshold can be equal to the second temperature threshold, and the fourth predetermined time can be equal to the second predetermined time.

[0104] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can perform self-cleaning alternately, and at the same time, the first indoor heat exchanger 1 and the second indoor heat exchanger 2 can perform cooling alternately, thereby ensuring that the air conditioner 100, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, can run the cooling mode and the self-cleaning mode at the same time, thereby improving user satisfaction.

[0105] The air conditioner 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention adopts the control method of the air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] According to the air conditioner 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, by adopting the above control method, the cooling mode and the self-cleaning mode of the air conditioner 100 are operated simultaneously, which improves user satisfaction and ensures the reliability of the cooling system of the air conditioner 100.

[0107] Other structures and operations of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0108] In the description of the present invention, it is necessary to understand that the terms "length", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0109] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0110] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0111] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0112] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an air conditioner, characterized in that: The air conditioner comprises a first indoor heat exchanger, a second indoor heat exchanger, a first indoor fan and a second indoor fan, wherein the first indoor fan is opposite to the first indoor heat exchanger, and the second indoor fan is opposite to the second indoor heat exchanger; The control method comprises the following steps: When the air conditioner enters the self-cleaning mode, S1, the second indoor heat exchanger and the second indoor fan are both in cooling operation, and the first indoor heat exchanger cooperates with the first indoor fan to achieve self-cleaning of the first indoor heat exchanger; S2, the first indoor heat exchanger and the first indoor fan are both in cooling operation, and the second indoor heat exchanger cooperates with the second indoor fan to achieve self-cleaning of the second indoor heat exchanger; The self-cleaning of the first indoor heat exchanger specifically includes: S11, the first indoor fan does not operate, and the first indoor heat exchanger operates in a cooling mode to condense frost on the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger; S12, starting the first indoor fan to defrost the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger; The self-cleaning of the second indoor heat exchanger specifically includes: S21, the second indoor fan does not operate, and the second indoor heat exchanger operates in a cooling mode to condense frost on the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger; S22: Start the second indoor fan to defrost the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger.

2. The air conditioner control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air conditioner further includes a refrigerant control device, the refrigerant control device including a first refrigerant port, a second refrigerant port and a third refrigerant port, at least one of the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port is switchably connected to the first refrigerant port, the second refrigerant port is connected to the first indoor heat exchanger, and the third refrigerant port is connected to the second indoor heat exchanger; Before step S11, the method further includes: S10, controlling the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port to be connected to the first refrigerant port; Before step S12, the method further includes: S111 , controlling the second refrigerant port to be isolated from the first refrigerant port, and maintaining the third refrigerant port to be connected to the first refrigerant port.

3. The air conditioner control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The refrigerant control device includes a three-way valve, and the three-way valve includes the first refrigerant port, the second refrigerant port, and the third refrigerant port; or The refrigerant control device includes a three-way pipe, a first electronic expansion valve and a second electronic expansion valve. The three-way pipe includes the first refrigerant port, the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port. The first electronic expansion valve is arranged on the pipeline of the three-way pipe connected to the second refrigerant port, and the second electronic expansion valve is arranged on the pipeline of the three-way pipe connected to the third refrigerant port.

4. The air conditioner control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first indoor heat exchanger is operated in a cooling manner to cause frost to form on the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger, specifically comprising: detecting a surface temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger to obtain a first temperature value; When the first temperature value is less than a first temperature threshold, the surface frost of the first indoor heat exchanger is controlled to be maintained for a first predetermined time.

5. The air conditioner control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface defrosting of the first indoor heat exchanger specifically includes: detecting a surface temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger to obtain a second temperature value; When the second temperature value is greater than a second temperature threshold, the surface of the first indoor heat exchanger is controlled to defrost for a second predetermined time.

6. The air conditioner control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: Before step S21, the method further includes: S20, controlling the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port to be connected to the first refrigerant port; Before step S22, the method further includes: S211 , controlling the third refrigerant port to be isolated from the first refrigerant port, and maintaining the second refrigerant port to be connected to the first refrigerant port.

7. The air conditioner control method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cooling operation of the second indoor heat exchanger to cause frost to form on the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger specifically includes: detecting a surface temperature of the second indoor heat exchanger to obtain a third temperature value; When the third temperature value is less than a third temperature threshold, controlling the frost on the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger to remain for a third predetermined time; The surface defrosting of the second indoor heat exchanger specifically includes: detecting a surface temperature of the second indoor heat exchanger to obtain a fourth temperature value; When the fourth temperature value is greater than a fourth temperature threshold, the surface of the second indoor heat exchanger is controlled to defrost for a fourth predetermined time.

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