Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of air conditioners, and specifically provides an air conditioner and a control method thereof, aiming at solving the problem that the fan is damaged and the foreign matter is damaged when the foreign matter enters the air conditioner and contacts the fan, and a safety accident is caused. For this purpose, the control method comprises the following steps: controlling the working state of the indoor unit according to the position of the foreign matter. The air conditioner comprises a controller configured to execute the above control method. The present application can effectively ensure the safety of the indoor unit in use by changing the working state of the air conditioner for dissuasion and shutdown in a combined manner, and can also protect the human body from being injured when a part such as a child's finger is mistakenly inserted into the air outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning, and specifically provides an air conditioner and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of science and technology and the economy, air conditioning has become a common household appliance. In addition to residential use, it is now also widely used in commercial vehicles, especially large trucks.

[0003] When an air conditioner is in use, the indoor unit relies on a fan to transfer energy from the evaporator to the living space. To achieve higher energy exchange efficiency, the air conditioner fan typically operates at a relatively high speed. Therefore, when a person or other foreign object comes into contact with the fan, it can cause injury to the object and damage to the air conditioner fan, potentially leading to a safety accident.

[0004] Because of the limited space in a car's air conditioning unit, the above-mentioned accidents are more likely to occur.

[0005] Therefore, the relevant fields urgently need an air conditioner and its usage method to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problem, namely, to solve the problem that when foreign objects enter the air conditioner and come into contact with the fan, they damage the fan and cause safety accidents.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for controlling an air conditioner, the method comprising the following steps:

[0008] The indoor unit's operating status is controlled based on the location of the foreign object.

[0009] In a specific implementation of the above-mentioned air conditioner control method, "controlling the operating state of the indoor unit according to the location of the foreign object" includes the following specific steps:

[0010] When the foreign object is located outside the air outlet of the indoor unit and the distance between it and the air outlet is less than a preset distance, the fan of the indoor unit is adjusted to the high-power mode.

[0011] In a specific implementation of the above-mentioned air conditioner control method, "controlling the working state of the indoor unit according to the location of the foreign object" further includes the following specific steps:

[0012] When the foreign object is located inside the air outlet and outside the protective net at the air outlet, the fan is adjusted to the high-power mode and the air guide plate at the air outlet rotates upward.

[0013] In a specific implementation of the above-mentioned air conditioner control method, "controlling the working state of the indoor unit according to the location of the foreign object" further includes the following specific steps:

[0014] When the foreign object is located within the protective net, at least the fan stops.

[0015] In a specific implementation of the above-mentioned air conditioner control method, "controlling the working state of the indoor unit according to the location of the foreign object" further includes the following specific steps:

[0016] When the foreign object is located inside the protective net and the first preset time period is exceeded, the indoor unit's coil will operate in ultra-high temperature or ultra-low temperature mode for a second preset time period.

[0017] In a specific implementation of the above-mentioned air conditioner control method, "controlling the working state of the indoor unit according to the location of the foreign object" further includes the following specific steps:

[0018] If the air conditioner is forcibly shut down after the coil has been running in ultra-high temperature or ultra-low temperature mode for a second preset period of time and the foreign object is still inside the protective net, the air conditioner will be forced to shut down.

[0019] In a specific implementation of the above-mentioned air conditioner control method, after the air conditioner is forcibly shut down, a fault is displayed on the air conditioner's display screen.

[0020] In a specific implementation of the above-mentioned air conditioner control method, when the foreign object is located outside the air outlet of the indoor unit and the distance between it and the air outlet is not less than a preset distance, the air conditioner operates normally.

[0021] In a specific implementation of the above-mentioned air conditioner control method, it is determined whether to issue a warning message and the type of warning message based on the working status of the indoor unit.

[0022] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an air conditioner including a controller configured to perform the control method described above.

[0023] By employing the above technical solution, this invention can control the operating status of the indoor unit according to the location of the foreign object. Different methods of repelling the foreign object are used depending on its location. Specifically, when the foreign object is outside the air outlet of the indoor unit and the distance to the air outlet is less than a preset distance, the indoor unit's fan adjusts to a high-power mode, blowing stronger air to drive away or warn the foreign object within the preset distance outside the air outlet. When the foreign object is inside the air outlet and outside the protective mesh at the air outlet, the fan adjusts to a high-power mode, and the air guide plate at the air outlet rotates upward. The upward rotation of the air guide plate reduces the air outlet space at the bottom, thus repelling the foreign object from entering the air conditioner's air outlet. This combination of strong airflow and reduced air outlet space effectively repelles the foreign object. When the foreign object is inside the protective mesh, the fan stops. When a foreign object enters the protective mesh, the fan stops and ceases to rotate, effectively protecting both the fan and the foreign object from damage. If a foreign object remains inside the protective mesh for more than the first preset time, the indoor unit's coil will operate in ultra-high or ultra-low temperature mode for a second preset time. This maintains a relatively high or low temperature in the indoor unit's air duct, effectively deterring foreign objects from entering the air conditioner. If the coil operates in ultra-high or ultra-low temperature mode for the second preset time and the foreign object is still inside the protective mesh, the air conditioner will be forcibly shut down. If the foreign object does not exit the indoor unit after a prolonged period, it indicates that the aforementioned deterrent method is ineffective, and the air conditioner will be forcibly shut down to protect both the indoor unit and the foreign object. Forced shutdown also prevents abnormal operation of the air conditioner, thereby protecting the outdoor unit and compressor. Furthermore, after forced shutdown, a fault display will appear on the air conditioner's display screen, allowing the user to take further action based on the fault information to remove the foreign object from the air conditioner.

[0024] By combining methods of dissuading people from entering and shutting down the unit, the safety of using the indoor unit can be effectively guaranteed. It can also protect people from injury if children accidentally put their fingers or other parts into the air outlet. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the main steps of the air conditioner control method provided by the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a flowchart detailing the steps of the air conditioner control method provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," indicating directional or positional relationships, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are 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 invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," and "connection" 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 direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] When an air conditioner is in use, the indoor unit relies on a fan to transfer energy from the evaporator to the living space. To achieve more efficient energy exchange, the air conditioner fan typically operates at a high speed. Therefore, when a person or other foreign object comes into contact with the fan, it can cause injury to the object and damage to the air conditioner fan, leading to a safety accident. Vehicle air conditioners are more prone to such accidents due to their smaller size and space.

[0032] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this embodiment discloses an air conditioner that can both cool and heat, specifically a vehicle air conditioner, but it can also be a regular household air conditioner.

[0033] This air conditioner includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a compressor, and a controller. The compressor connects the indoor and outdoor units. This air conditioner can both cool and heat, and it can automatically defrost.

[0034] Specifically, the indoor unit includes a coil, fan, casing, protective mesh, sensors, and air guide plate. The casing has an air inlet and an air outlet. The coil and fan are both housed inside the casing. When the fan operates, air enters through the air inlet, then passes through the coil for heat exchange before being exhausted through the air outlet. The coil can be located either at the fan outlet or the fan inlet, as long as it can exchange heat with the air flowing through the casing under the fan's influence. The protective mesh is located at the air outlet and inside the casing; the mesh is made of wire mesh and primarily serves to prevent foreign objects from entering the casing and damaging the fan.

[0035] The air guide plate is rotatably mounted at the air outlet, and a motor is paired with it to drive its rotation. Alternatively, the air guide plate can be connected to the fan motor, which in turn drives the air guide plate. The air guide plate can swing up and down, allowing the indoor unit to blow air in all directions. Furthermore, the rotation of the air guide plate can change the size of the air outlet.

[0036] The sensor is located at the air outlet and can detect foreign objects inside and outside the outlet. Specifically, it can detect foreign objects within a certain distance outside the outlet, as well as foreign objects outside and inside the protective netting. The operating status of the air conditioner can be controlled based on the sensor's detection results. The sensor can be an infrared sensor, which determines the presence of foreign objects by whether the infrared rays emitted by the sensor are blocked; alternatively, it can be a distance sensor, which determines the presence of foreign objects based on the distance detected. Due to the large detection range, multiple sensors can be configured; alternatively, the sensors can be set to oscillate, changing the detection position by altering the sensor's angle. This invention does not impose any other limitations on the type of sensor, as long as it can detect the presence of foreign objects inside and outside the air outlet.

[0037] The controller stores the air conditioner's operating program and can control its operation, specifically controlling whether it operates in heating, cooling, or defrosting mode. It can also force the shutdown of various operating components to ensure safe use. The controller is also configured to execute the air conditioner's control methods.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the control method includes the following main steps:

[0039] S1. Obtain the location of the foreign object.

[0040] S2. Control the operating status of the indoor unit based on the location of the foreign object. The foreign object refers to objects, people, or animals that are not part of the indoor unit.

[0041] "Controlling the indoor unit's operating status based on the location of the foreign object" includes the following specific steps:

[0042] When a foreign object is located outside the air outlet of the indoor unit and the distance to the air outlet is less than a preset distance, the indoor unit's fan adjusts to a high-power mode. The fan power increases, and the airflow is stronger, using the strong wind to drive away or warn the foreign object within the preset distance outside the air outlet. The preset distance is preferably 5cm, but in other embodiments, other distance values ​​can be used, such as 3cm or 8cm.

[0043] Furthermore, "controlling the indoor unit's operating status based on the location of the foreign object" also includes specific steps:

[0044] When a foreign object is located inside the air outlet and outside the protective mesh at the outlet, the fan switches to high-power mode, and the air guide vane at the outlet rotates upward. When the foreign object moves directly from a distance into the air outlet without stopping within the preset distance range outside the outlet, the fan switches to high-power mode, specifically changing from normal operating mode to high-power mode. When the foreign object gradually moves from a distance into the air outlet and stops within the preset distance range outside the outlet, the fan is already operating in high-power mode, and the fan continues to operate in high-power mode.

[0045] Rotating the air deflector upwards can reduce the air outlet space at the bottom. Since indoor units are usually installed at a high position, foreign objects generally pass from below. Reducing the air outlet space at the bottom can deter foreign objects from entering the air conditioner vent.

[0046] Furthermore, "controlling the indoor unit's operating status based on the location of the foreign object" also includes specific steps:

[0047] When a foreign object is inside the protective net, the fan stops. When a foreign object enters the protective net, the fan stops and ceases to rotate, effectively protecting both the fan and the foreign object from damage. In this embodiment, only the fan stops, while the compressor and outdoor unit continue to operate normally. In other embodiments, the entire compressor can be shut down, causing the indoor unit's coils to stop working.

[0048] Furthermore, "controlling the indoor unit's operating status based on the location of the foreign object" also includes specific steps:

[0049] When a foreign object is located within the protective mesh and the first preset time exceeds the specified duration, the indoor unit's coil will operate in ultra-high temperature or ultra-low temperature mode for a second preset time. At this time, the fan has stopped. Ultra-high temperature refers to a high heating temperature, close to the extreme heating temperature. Ultra-low temperature refers to a low cooling temperature, close to the extreme cooling temperature (i.e., frosting mode). The first preset time is preferably 30 seconds, but in other embodiments it can be 20 seconds or 40 seconds, etc. The second preset time is 2 minutes, but in other embodiments it can be 3 minutes or 5 minutes, etc. Specifically, operating in ultra-high temperature or ultra-low temperature mode for the second preset time can cause the coil to operate at 55°C or in frosting mode for the second preset time. This keeps the temperature of the indoor unit's air duct at a relatively high or low temperature, thus deterring foreign objects from entering the air conditioner.

[0050] Furthermore, "controlling the indoor unit's operating status based on the location of the foreign object" also includes specific steps:

[0051] If the air conditioner shuts down for a predetermined period of time after the coil has been running in ultra-high or ultra-low temperature mode, and the foreign object remains within the protective mesh, the air conditioner will be forcibly shut down. If the foreign object does not exit the indoor unit after a prolonged period, it indicates that the aforementioned method of preventing it from leaving the unit is ineffective. To protect both the indoor unit and the foreign object, the air conditioner will be forcibly shut down. Forcibly shutting down the air conditioner also prevents abnormal operation, thereby protecting the outdoor unit and compressor. Furthermore, after the air conditioner is forcibly shut down, a fault code (E7) will be displayed on the display. Since the method of preventing it from leaving the unit is ineffective, the user can perform further procedures based on the fault information to remove the foreign object from the air conditioner.

[0052] Furthermore, the air conditioner will operate normally when the foreign object is located outside the air outlet of the indoor unit and the distance between the object and the air outlet is not less than the preset distance.

[0053] Furthermore, based on the operating status of the indoor unit, determine whether to issue a warning message and the type of warning message. Specifically, when a foreign object is located outside the air outlet of the indoor unit and the distance to the air outlet is less than a preset distance, the indoor unit's fan will be switched to high-power mode, at which time a warning sound or warning light may be emitted to dissuade the object from entering.

[0054] When a foreign object is located inside the air outlet and outside the protective mesh at the outlet, the fan switches to high-power mode, and the air guide vane at the outlet rotates upward. At this time, a warning sound or light can be emitted to further deter the object. The warning sound can be louder than when the object is within a preset distance from the indoor unit's air outlet for more effective deterrence.

[0055] When a foreign object is inside the protective mesh, at least the fan will stop. At this point, a warning sound or light can be emitted to further deter the object from entering. The warning sound can be louder than when the object is within a preset distance from the indoor unit's air outlet to more effectively deter it.

[0056] When a foreign object remains inside the protective mesh for more than the first preset time, the indoor unit's coils will operate in ultra-high or ultra-low temperature mode for a second preset time. At this point, a warning sound or warning light will be emitted to further deter the object from entering. The warning sound is a sharp, piercing audible signal, and the light is a bright, flashing indicator light.

[0057] If the air conditioner is forced to shut down after the coil has been running in ultra-high or ultra-low temperature mode for a second preset period of time, and the foreign object is still inside the protective mesh, the air conditioner will shut down automatically. At this time, a warning sound or warning light will be emitted to further deter the object from entering. The warning sound will be a sharp, piercing audible signal, and the light will be a bright, flashing light.

[0058] Issuing warning messages can be a more effective way to discourage users from leaving the air conditioner. Furthermore, this method can continue even when other methods fail, ensuring effective dissuasion. In addition, warning messages remind users to remove foreign objects to prevent them from affecting the normal operation of the air conditioner, and also protect the indoor unit fan, ensuring safe use.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the control method includes the following specific steps:

[0060] S0, Obtain the location of the foreign object.

[0061] S1. Determine whether there are foreign objects within a preset distance outside the air vent. If yes, proceed to step S2; otherwise, proceed to step S3.

[0062] S2. The indoor unit's fan is adjusted to the high-power mode, and step S0 is performed after a third preset duration, wherein the third preset duration is preferably 5s, but can also be 7s or 10s, etc.

[0063] The indoor unit's fan is switched to high power mode, increasing the fan's power and blowing out stronger air. This strong airflow is used to drive away or warn foreign objects within a preset distance outside the air outlet.

[0064] S3. Determine whether there are foreign objects in the air outlet outside the protective net. If yes, proceed to step S4; otherwise, proceed to step S5.

[0065] S4. The fan is adjusted to the high-power mode, and the air guide plate at the air outlet rotates upward; and step S0 is performed after the third preset time.

[0066] The upward rotation of the air deflector reduces the air outlet space at the bottom, thus deterring foreign objects from entering the air conditioner vent. By combining strong airflow with reduced air outlet space, foreign objects can be more effectively deterred.

[0067] S5. Determine if there are foreign objects inside the protective net. If so, stop the fan and proceed to step S6; otherwise, proceed to step S7. Stopping the fan and preventing it from rotating effectively protects both the fan and any foreign objects from damage.

[0068] S6. Determine whether the foreign object has been inside the protective net for more than the first preset time. If yes, proceed to step S8. If no, proceed to step S0 after the third preset time.

[0069] S7. The air conditioner is running normally. After the third preset time, proceed to step S0.

[0070] S8. The indoor unit's coil operates for a second preset time in ultra-high temperature or ultra-low temperature mode. This keeps the temperature of the indoor unit's air duct at a relatively high or low temperature to repel foreign objects entering the air conditioner.

[0071] S9. Determine whether there are foreign objects inside the protective net. If yes, proceed to step S10; otherwise, proceed to step S0 after the third preset time period.

[0072] S10. Force the air conditioner to shut down. If the foreign object has not been removed from the indoor unit after a long period of time, it means that the above-mentioned methods of persuading it to leave are no longer effective. Shutting down the air conditioner can better protect the indoor unit and foreign objects, and can also prevent the air conditioner from working abnormally, thereby protecting the outdoor unit and compressor.

[0073] S11. The air conditioner display shows a fault, specifically E7. Since the warning method is ineffective, the user can take further action based on the fault information to remove the foreign object from outside the air conditioner.

[0074] The technical solution of the present invention has 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 the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an air conditioner, characterized in that, It includes the following steps: The indoor unit's operating status is controlled based on the location of the foreign object; "Controlling the operating status of the indoor unit based on the location of the foreign object" includes the following specific steps: When the foreign object is located inside the protective mesh of the indoor unit's air outlet, at least the indoor unit's fan will stop. When the foreign object is located inside the protective net and the first preset time period is exceeded, the indoor unit's coil will run in ultra-high temperature or ultra-low temperature mode for a second preset time period. If the air conditioner is forcibly shut down after the coil has been running in ultra-high temperature or ultra-low temperature mode for a second preset period of time and the foreign object is still inside the protective net, the air conditioner will be forced to shut down.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, "Controlling the operating status of the indoor unit based on the location of the foreign object" includes the following specific steps: When the foreign object is located outside the air outlet of the indoor unit and the distance between it and the air outlet is less than a preset distance, the fan of the indoor unit is adjusted to the high-power mode.

3. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, "Controlling the operating status of the indoor unit based on the location of the foreign object" also includes specific steps: When the foreign object is located inside the air outlet and outside the protective net at the air outlet, the fan is adjusted to the high-power mode and the air guide plate at the air outlet rotates upward.

4. The control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, After the air conditioner is forcibly shut down, a fault is displayed on the air conditioner's display screen.

5. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the foreign object is located outside the air outlet of the indoor unit and the distance between it and the air outlet is not less than a preset distance, the air conditioner will operate normally.

6. The control method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Based on the operating status of the indoor unit, determine whether to issue a warning message and the type of warning message.

7. An air conditioner, characterized in that, It includes a controller configured to perform the control method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

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