Air conditioner control methods

Abstract

This invention discloses a control method for an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a main unit and a sub-unit. The main unit has a compartment and a power supply module. The sub-unit includes a casing, an energy storage system, an energy release system, and an energy storage tank. The energy storage system includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger. The energy storage tank contains an energy storage medium that exchanges heat with the first heat exchanger. The sub-unit has an energy release mode. The control method includes: detecting the temperature of the energy storage medium to determine whether cooling is needed; when the sub-unit needs energy storage, it moves to a charging position within the compartment, the power supply module supplies power to the sub-unit, the energy storage system operates, and the energy storage medium stores energy. Therefore, when the energy storage medium needs cooling, by controlling the sub-unit to return to the compartment and store energy in the energy storage medium, compared with the prior art, the power consumption rate of the sub-unit can be slowed down, thereby extending the working time of the sub-unit after it leaves the compartment, and thus improving the efficiency of the air conditioner in regulating indoor air temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air handling, and in particular to a control method for an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, air conditioners include a main unit and a sub-unit. The sub-unit can operate independently of the main unit. However, after the sub-unit has been removed from the cabin and operated for a period of time, the temperature of the energy storage medium gradually approaches room temperature, leading to a decrease in the sub-unit's efficiency in regulating room temperature. Furthermore, the air conditioner in these technologies controls the sub-unit to cool the energy storage medium outside the cabin, which causes the sub-unit's battery to be consumed more quickly. This results in a reduction in the sub-unit's operating time after being removed from the cabin, further reducing the air conditioner's efficiency in regulating indoor air temperature. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a control method for an air conditioner that can slow down the power consumption rate of the sub-unit, thereby extending the working time of the sub-unit after it is moved out of the compartment, and thus improving the efficiency of the air conditioner in regulating indoor air temperature.

[0004] According to the control method of the air conditioner of the present invention, the air conditioner includes a main unit and a sub-unit. The main unit is provided with a compartment and a power supply module. The sub-unit includes a casing, an energy storage system, an energy release system, and an energy storage tank. The casing is provided with an air outlet and an air inlet. The energy storage system includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger. The energy release system includes a circulation pump and an energy release device. The energy release device is disposed adjacent to the air outlet. The first heat exchanger is disposed in the energy storage tank. The energy storage tank contains an energy storage medium that exchanges heat with the first heat exchanger. The sub-unit has an energy release mode. In the energy release mode, the circulation pump operates, and the energy release system is configured to circulate the energy of the energy storage medium to the energy release device. The control method of the air conditioner includes: detecting the temperature of the energy storage medium to determine whether cold storage is required; when the sub-unit needs energy storage, the sub-unit moves to a charging position in the compartment, the power supply module supplies power to the sub-unit, the energy storage system operates, and the energy storage medium stores energy.

[0005] According to the control method of the air conditioner of the present invention, when the energy storage medium needs to store cold, the energy storage medium is stored by controlling the sub-unit to return to the cabin. Compared with the prior art, the power consumption rate of the sub-unit can be slowed down, thereby extending the working time of the sub-unit after it is moved out of the cabin, and thus improving the efficiency of the air conditioner in regulating indoor air temperature.

[0006] In some examples of the invention, the mother machine receives a signal from the daughter machine to control the opening of the cabin door before the daughter machine moves to the charging position inside the cabin.

[0007] In some examples of the present invention, before the power supply module supplies power to the slave device, it determines whether the slave device has moved to the charging position; otherwise, it adjusts the position of the slave device until the slave device is located at the charging position.

[0008] In some examples of the present invention, the power supply module has a first contact port, and the slave device is provided with a second contact port. Before the power supply module supplies power to the slave device, it detects whether the first contact port and the second contact port are in contact.

[0009] In some examples of the present invention, the mother machine is provided with a duct space, a first fan is provided in the duct space, an exhaust vent is provided in the duct space located in the compartment, and an air supply vent is provided in the duct space; the control method further includes: when the energy storage system is running, controlling the first fan to run, and the air in the compartment is discharged through the exhaust vent and the air supply vent.

[0010] In some examples of the present invention, the exhaust vent is provided with a first damper for opening or closing it; the duct space is provided with a fresh air outlet and a fresh air inlet, and the fresh air outlet is provided with a second damper for opening or closing it; the control method further includes: controlling the first damper to open and the second damper to close when the energy storage system is running.

[0011] In some examples of the present invention, the housing of the mother machine is provided with a through hole to define the air outlet and the fresh air inlet.

[0012] In some examples of the present invention, the air duct space is further provided with a purification module, a third air damper, and a fourth air damper. The third air damper is located between the purification module and the fresh air inlet, and the fourth air damper is located between the air outlet of the first fan and the air supply outlet. The control method further includes: when the energy storage system is running, controlling the first air damper to open, the third air damper to close, the fourth air damper to open, and the second air damper to close; when the air conditioner is in fresh air mode, controlling the first air damper to close, the fourth air damper to close, the second air damper to open, and the third air damper to open, so that outdoor air is discharged from the fresh air outlet after being purified by the purification module.

[0013] In some examples of the present invention, the energy release system further includes an energy harvester located inside the energy storage tank and exchanging heat with the energy storage medium, wherein the energy harvester, the circulating pump, and the energy releaser form a circulating fluid loop.

[0014] In some examples of the present invention, an air guide component is provided at the air outlet, and the air guide component can be rotated to control the air volume and air direction of the air outlet.

[0015] In some examples of the present invention, after the power supply module supplies power to the sub-unit, it first controls the air guide assembly to open the air outlet, and then controls the energy storage system to operate.

[0016] In some examples of the present invention, the sub-unit is equipped with a second fan. After the air outlet is opened, the second fan is first controlled to run, and then the compressor is controlled to start so that the energy storage system can run.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 A flowchart of the control method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner when the slave unit is removed from the mother unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a rear view of the air conditioner when the slave unit is moved into the mother unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner when the slave unit is moved into the mother unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner when the sub-unit is operating in cold storage mode or heat storage mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner from another angle when the sub-unit is operating in cold storage mode or heat storage mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner from another angle when the sub-unit is operating in cold storage mode or heat storage mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 10This is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner when the machine is operating in fresh air mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Enlarged view of point C in the middle;

[0030] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner from another angle when the machine unit is operating in fresh air mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 13 for Figure 12 Enlarged view of point D in the middle;

[0032] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner from another angle when the machine unit is operating in fresh air mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention when all dampers are closed;

[0034] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a mother machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the slave unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the removal of a portion of the casing from the submachine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram showing another angle from which part of the casing of the submachine is removed according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of each fluid circuit in the submachine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the second heat exchanger and the energy releaser integrated into a single component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of an energy storage water tank according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 23 This is a cross-sectional view of the energy storage water tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure label:

[0043] Air conditioner 100; main unit 200; sub-unit 300;

[0044] Cabin 10; Exhaust vent 101; Power supply module 102; First air door 103; Cabin door 104;

[0045] Air duct space 20; First fan 201; Through hole 202; Fresh air outlet 203; Second damper 204; Purification module 205; Third damper 206; Fourth damper 207;

[0046] Casing 30; Air outlet 301; Air inlet 302; Air guide assembly 303;

[0047] Energy storage system 40; compressor 401; first heat exchanger 402; second heat exchanger 403; sub-unit air duct 404;

[0048] Energy release system 50; circulating pump 501; energy releaser 502; energy harvester 503;

[0049] Energy storage tank 60; inner shell 601; insulation layer 602; outer shell 603; connecting pipe 80; second fan 90. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0051] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0052] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly 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 of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0053] The following is for reference. Figures 1-23 The present invention describes a control method for an air conditioner 100 and an air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the air conditioner 100 can process indoor air to regulate indoor air temperature, air freshness, etc.

[0054] like Figures 2-23 As shown, the air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main unit 200 and a sub-unit 300. The air conditioner 100 may have multiple functions on the main unit 200 and the sub-unit 300 respectively. In some embodiments of the present invention, the main unit 200 may be fixed indoors and may be used to cool or heat the indoor air. The main unit 200 may also draw outdoor air into the indoor air or exhaust indoor air to the outdoor air to improve indoor air quality.

[0055] And, as Figures 5-15 As shown, the mother unit 200 includes a compartment 10 and an air duct space 20. A power supply module 102 is installed in the compartment 10, and a battery can be installed on the daughter unit 300. The mother unit 200 can charge the battery of the daughter unit 300 through the power supply module 102. Preferably, the compartment 10 is located near the lower end of the mother unit 200, which reduces the difficulty of moving the daughter unit 300 into the compartment 10. The power supply module 102 is also located near the lower end of the compartment 10 to lower the center of gravity of the mother unit 200, thereby improving the stability of the air conditioner 100 and preventing it from tipping over.

[0056] Meanwhile, the sub-unit 300 includes a casing 30, an energy storage system 40, an energy release system 50, and an energy storage water tank 60. The casing 30 is equipped with an air outlet 301 and an air inlet 302, such as... Figures 17-19 As shown, the air inlet 302 can be set on the circumferential side wall of the housing 30, and multiple air inlets 302 can be provided. Air can enter the housing 30 through the air inlet 302. Furthermore, the air inlet 302 can be equipped with a filter screen, which can filter dust in the air entering the housing 30 from the air inlet 302.

[0057] Furthermore, the sub-unit 300 may also include a sub-unit air duct 404 and a second fan 90. The housing 30 may define the sub-unit air duct 404, and the second fan 90 may be installed inside the sub-unit air duct 404. One end of the sub-unit air duct 404 is connected to the air outlet 301, and the other end of the sub-unit air duct 404 is connected to the air inlet 302. The second fan 90 can draw air from the air inlet 302 into the sub-unit air duct 404, and the air entering the sub-unit air duct 404 can be pressurized by the second fan 90 and blown out from the air outlet 301. The direction of the air blown out from the air outlet 301 may be directed towards the user or towards the room. The sub-unit 300 can change the indoor air conditions, which may include indoor air temperature, indoor air humidity, etc.

[0058] Furthermore, the energy storage system 40 includes a first heat exchanger 402, a compressor 401, and a second heat exchanger 403. The first heat exchanger 402, the compressor 401, and the second heat exchanger 403 are connected by a pipeline. The energy storage system 40 can be a closed flow path. The energy storage system 40 can store refrigerant. The compressor 401 can drive the refrigerant to flow between the first heat exchanger 402, the compressor 401, and the second heat exchanger 403.

[0059] The energy release system 50 includes an energy releaser 502 and a circulation pump 501, which are connected by a pipeline. In some embodiments of the present invention, the slave unit 300 also includes an energy harvester 503, which is located in the energy storage tank 60 and exchanges heat with the energy storage medium. The energy harvester 503, the circulation pump 501, and the energy releaser 502 form a circulating fluid loop. Specifically, the energy release medium flows through the above-mentioned fluid loop. The circulation pump 501 can drive the energy release medium to circulate between the energy releaser 502, the circulation pump 501, and the energy harvester 503. The energy release medium in the energy harvester 503 exchanges heat with the energy storage medium, and the heat-exchanged energy release medium flows into the energy releaser 502 to exchange heat with the outside air. In some specific examples of the present invention, the energy release medium can be a liquid with a low freezing point, such as ethylene glycol, or it can be a liquid with a high boiling point.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, the circulation pump 501 is activated, causing the cold storage medium to flow directly into or out of the energy releaser 502, thereby utilizing the energy storage medium within the energy releaser 502 to directly exchange heat with the external space. In the following description, the energy release medium flowing through the energy release system 50 is used as an example.

[0061] The energy releaser 502 is located near the air outlet 301, and the first heat exchanger 402 is located inside the energy storage tank 60. The energy storage tank 60 contains an energy storage medium that exchanges heat with the first heat exchanger 402. In some preferred embodiments, the energy storage medium can be water, which is inexpensive and has good energy storage capacity. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an energy storage structure made of a high heat capacity material can also be added to the energy storage medium. After the energy storage medium completes the heat exchange with the heat exchanger, the energy storage medium can exchange heat with the energy storage structure. By adding an energy storage structure to the energy storage medium, the energy storage capacity of the energy storage tank 60 can be further increased. The refrigerant can exchange heat with the energy storage medium in the first heat exchanger 402, and the refrigerant can exchange heat with the air in the second heat exchanger 403. The air that has completed heat exchange with the second heat exchanger 403 can be discharged to the outside of the sub-unit 300 through the second fan 90. The energy storage system 40 can introduce or export heat into the energy storage tank 60, thereby raising or lowering the temperature of the energy storage medium in the energy storage tank 60.

[0062] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, the energy storage tank 60 may include an inner shell 601, an insulation layer 602, and an outer shell 603. The inner shell 601 is disposed inside the outer shell 603. The insulation layer 602 may be sandwiched between the inner shell 601 and the outer shell 603. The energy storage medium may be stored in the inner shell 601. The insulation layer 602 may prevent the energy storage medium in the inner shell 601 from exchanging heat with the external environment, thereby effectively extending the energy storage time of the energy storage tank 60.

[0063] Furthermore, such as Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, both the energy releaser 502 and the second heat exchanger 403 can be installed in the sub-unit air duct 404. The energy releaser 502 can be integrated with the second heat exchanger 403, and the heat exchange pipelines of the energy releaser 502 and the heat exchange pipelines of the second heat exchanger 403 can be spaced apart. The energy release medium in the energy releaser 502 and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 403 do not mix. By integrating the energy releaser 502 and the second heat exchanger 403 together, the space occupied by the energy releaser 502 and the second heat exchanger 403 in the sub-unit 300 can be reduced, thereby making the structure of the sub-unit 300 more compact and reducing the size of the sub-unit 300.

[0064] Furthermore, the surface of the energy emitter 502 and / or the surface of the second heat exchanger 403 may be provided with fins. That is, the surface of the energy emitter 502 may be provided with fins, or the surface of the second heat exchanger 403 may be provided with fins, or both the surface of the energy emitter 502 and the surface of the second heat exchanger 403 may be provided with fins. Preferably, both the surface of the energy emitter 502 and the surface of the second heat exchanger 403 may be provided with fins. The fins can increase the contact area between the energy emitter 502 and the air, and between the second heat exchanger 403 and the air, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the energy emitter 502 and the air, and between the second heat exchanger 403 and the air.

[0065] Furthermore, the sub-unit 300 may be equipped with a drive device. After the sub-unit 300 has completed charging in the compartment 10 and / or after the sub-unit 300 has completed cooling or heating in the compartment 10, the sub-unit 300 may be moved out of the compartment 10 by the drive device. The sub-unit 300 may also move automatically in the room by the drive device. By making the sub-unit 300 movable relative to the main unit 200, the cooling and / or heating range of the air conditioner 100 may be increased, and the uniformity of indoor temperature may be improved, thereby improving the product quality of the air conditioner 100.

[0066] The sub-unit 300 has a cold storage mode and an energy release mode. In cold storage mode, the sub-unit 300 is located in the compartment 10 and is powered by the power supply module 102. The energy storage system 40 is running and the energy storage medium stores energy. The second fan 90 can draw air from the air inlet 302 into the sub-unit air duct 404. The air exchanges heat with the second heat exchanger 403 in the sub-unit air duct 404. The compressor 401 drives the refrigerant to flow in the energy storage system 40. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 401 is first discharged into the second heat exchanger 403 for condensation and heat dissipation. Then, the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 403 is throttled and depressurized by the throttling element and discharged into the first heat exchanger 402. The refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger 402 flows back into the compressor 401, completing the refrigeration cycle. The temperature of the second heat exchanger 403 is higher than the temperature of the air drawn into the sub-unit air duct 404 from the air inlet 302. In other words, the second heat exchanger 403 can heat the air in the sub-unit air duct 404, while the first heat exchanger 402 can cool the energy storage medium in the energy storage tank 60.

[0067] According to some specific embodiments of the present invention, the sub-unit 300 may also have a heat storage mode. In the heat storage mode, the sub-unit 300 is located in the compartment 10 and is powered by the power supply module 102. The heating system is running and the energy storage medium stores energy. The second fan 90 can draw air from the air inlet 302 into the sub-unit air duct 404. The air exchanges heat with the second heat exchanger 403 in the sub-unit air duct 404. The compressor 401 drives the refrigerant to flow in the energy storage system 40. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 401 is first discharged into the first heat exchanger 402. Then, the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 402 is discharged into the second heat exchanger 403 after being throttled and depressurized by the throttling element. It then evaporates and absorbs heat. The refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 403 flows back into the compressor 401, completing the heating cycle. That is, the temperature of the second heat exchanger 403 is lower than the temperature of the air drawn into the sub-unit air duct 404 from the air inlet 302. In other words, the second heat exchanger 403 can cool the air in the sub-unit air duct 404, while the first heat exchanger 402 can heat the energy storage medium in the energy storage tank 60.

[0068] In energy release mode, the circulation pump 501 operates, and the energy release system 50 is configured to circulate the energy (cold or hot) of the energy storage medium to the energy release device 502. Preferably, the energy release device 502 can be located within the slave unit's air duct 404. Specifically, when the battery on the slave unit 300 reaches a preset charge level, the slave unit 300 can be moved outside the compartment 10 to operate. In energy release mode, the slave unit 300 is located outside the compartment 10. In energy release mode, the circulation pump 501 operates, and the energy release system 50 is also configured to circulate the cold or hot energy of the energy storage medium to the energy release device 502. The second fan 90 can draw air from the air inlet 302 into the sub-unit air duct 404. The air exchanges heat with the energy releaser 502 in the sub-unit air duct 404. The circulating pump 501 drives the energy release medium to flow in the energy release system 50. The energy release medium flowing into the energy releaser 502 can exchange heat or cold with the air to heat or cool the air at the energy releaser 502. The heated or cooled air can be discharged into the indoor environment through the air outlet 301 to increase or decrease the indoor temperature.

[0069] Furthermore, a temperature sensor can be installed inside the energy storage tank 60. The slave unit 300 can detect the temperature inside the energy storage tank 60 based on the signal from the temperature sensor. After operating in energy release mode for a period of time, the slave unit 300 determines whether energy storage is required based on the detection results. It should be noted that the energy storage process of the energy storage medium can include cold storage and heat storage. Specifically, when the set value of the first preset temperature is higher than the indoor temperature and the temperature inside the energy storage tank 60 is lower than the set value of the first preset temperature, the slave unit 300 can determine that the energy storage medium needs heat storage. When the set value of the first preset temperature is lower than the indoor temperature and the temperature inside the energy storage tank 60 is higher than the set value of the first preset temperature, the slave unit 300 can determine that the energy storage medium needs cold storage.

[0070] When the slave unit 300 determines that the energy storage medium needs to store energy, the slave unit 300 can control the drive device to move the slave unit 300 into the compartment 10. When the slave unit 300 is in the charging position, it can be electrically connected to the power supply module 102. The power supply module 102 can supply power to the slave unit 300. The slave unit 300 can work in either cold storage mode or heat storage mode. The energy storage system 40 is running and the energy storage medium stores energy. Compared with related technologies, when the slave unit 300 is working in either cold storage mode or heat storage mode, it can draw power from the power supply module 102. Therefore, the slave unit 300 does not consume battery power when cooling or heating. This can avoid the slave unit 300 consuming battery power too quickly when storing energy in the energy storage medium outside the compartment 10. It can also extend the working time of the slave unit 300 after it is moved out of the compartment 10, thereby improving the efficiency of the air conditioner 100 in regulating indoor air temperature.

[0071] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, compartment 10 may be equipped with a door 104, which can open or close compartment 10. When door 104 is open, sub-unit 300 can move into or out of compartment 10. Furthermore, the shell of mother unit 200 may be equipped with a guide ramp connecting the ground and the entrance to compartment 10. Sub-unit 300 can enter or exit compartment 10 along the guide ramp. When door 104 is closed, compartment 10 essentially forms an insulated space. Compartment 10 can reduce energy loss in the energy storage tank 60 within compartment 10, thereby effectively extending the insulation time of the energy storage tank 60 after cooling or heating by sub-unit 300, and thus reducing the energy consumption of air conditioner 100.

[0072] Furthermore, the mother unit 200 and the daughter unit 300 can communicate with each other, with the mother unit 200 receiving signals from the daughter unit 300 to control the opening or closing of the hatch 104. The daughter unit 300 may be equipped with at least one control box, for example... Figure 19As shown, the control box may include a first control box and a second control box. The first and second control boxes can be used to control the drive device to control the movement path of the slave unit 300. A first communication device may be installed in both the first and second control boxes, and a corresponding second communication device may be installed in the master unit 200. The first communication device can communicate with the second communication device. Before the slave unit 300 moves to the charging position inside the compartment 10, the master unit can receive a signal from the slave unit 300 to control the opening of the hatch 104 of the compartment 10, thereby ensuring that the slave unit 300 can smoothly enter the compartment 10 for charging. Furthermore, after the slave unit 300 moves to the charging position inside the compartment 10, the master unit can receive a signal from the slave unit 300 to control the closing of the hatch 104 of the compartment 10, thereby ensuring that the compartment 10 has good heat preservation capabilities.

[0073] Furthermore, both the mother unit 200 and the daughter unit 300 can be equipped with positioning devices. The positioning device on the mother unit 200 can be used to locate the position of the mother unit 200 inside the room, and the positioning device on the mother unit 200 can set the charging position inside the compartment 10 as the positioning origin. The positioning device on the daughter unit 300 can be used to locate the position of the daughter unit 300 inside the room, and by controlling the positioning device of the daughter unit 300 to move the daughter unit 300 to align with the positioning origin on the mother unit 200, the daughter unit 300 can be moved to the charging position. When the positioning device of the daughter unit 300 determines that the daughter unit 300 is not aligned with the positioning origin on the mother unit 200, the positioning device of the daughter unit 300 can control the daughter unit 300 to adjust its position multiple times until the daughter unit 300 moves to the charging position. Furthermore, the slave unit 300 may also be equipped with an alarm device. If the slave unit 300 still cannot move to the charging position after multiple attempts, the slave unit 300 can trigger the alarm device. The alarm device can prompt the user to manually adjust the position of the slave unit 300 within the compartment 10 to ensure that the slave unit 300 is in the charging position. Preferably, the slave unit 300 can trigger the alarm device if it still cannot move to the charging position after three attempts.

[0074] However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, multiple infrared ranging devices can be installed in the compartment 10 of the mother unit 200. These multiple infrared ranging devices can emit infrared rays in different directions, and the infrared rays all illuminate different positions of the daughter unit 300. The multiple infrared ranging devices can measure the distance between the infrared ranging device and the corresponding illuminated position by reflecting the infrared rays, thereby determining whether the daughter unit 300 is in the charging position. When the infrared ranging device determines that the daughter unit 300 is not in the charging position, the mother unit 200 can control the daughter unit 300 to adjust its position multiple times until the daughter unit 300 moves to the charging position. By controlling the daughter unit 300 to be in the charging position, it can be ensured that the power supply module 102 reliably supplies power to the daughter unit 300, and it can avoid the generation of electrical sparks between the power supply module 102 and the daughter unit 300 during charging, thereby reducing the occurrence of dangerous accidents and preventing damage to the air conditioner 100.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present invention, the power supply module 102 may have a first contact port, and the slave unit 300 may have a second contact port. The second contact port may contact the first contact port, and the power supply module 102 may supply power to the slave unit 300. One of the first and second contact ports may be provided with a metal pin, and the other of the first and second contact ports may be provided with a socket. A conductive element may be provided inside the socket, and the metal pin may be inserted into the socket to contact the conductive element. That is, the first contact port may be provided with a metal pin, and the second contact port may be provided with a socket, or the first contact port may be provided with a socket, and the second contact port may be provided with a metal pin.

[0076] By connecting the metal pins to the sockets, the first contact port and the second contact port can be electrically connected. Through the electrical interaction between the first and second contact ports, the power supply module 102 can supply power to the sub-machine 300, ensuring its normal operation. Compared to placing the power supply module 102 on the sub-machine 300, placing it inside the compartment 10 reduces the space occupied by the power supply module 102 on the sub-machine 300, thereby effectively reducing the size of the sub-machine 300, or allowing the sub-machine 300 to accommodate more functional modules.

[0077] In other embodiments of the present invention, both the first contact port and the second contact port may be provided with metal contacts. When the first contact port and the second contact port are connected, the metal contacts on the first contact port can make contact with the metal contacts on the second contact port. By making contact and connecting the metal contacts on the first contact port and the metal contacts on the second contact port, the first contact port and the second contact port can be electrically connected. By electrically engaging the first contact port and the second contact port, the power supply module 102 can supply power to the slave unit 300 to ensure the normal operation of the slave unit 300.

[0078] However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the power supply module 102 may also have a wireless charging module, and the slave unit 300 may be equipped with a wireless receiving module. Both the wireless charging module and the wireless receiving module can be designed according to the principle of electromagnetic induction. The power supply module 102 can wirelessly charge the slave unit 300 through the wireless charging module. The wireless charging module and the wireless receiving module can achieve the technical effect of contactless charging between the master unit 200 and the slave unit 300. When the power supply module 102 and the slave unit 300 are electrically connected, high positional accuracy is not required, thereby saving the position calibration time between the power supply module 102 and the slave unit 300.

[0079] A first fan 201 is installed within the air duct space 20. The air duct space 20 has an exhaust vent 101 located in the compartment 10 and an air supply vent. The first fan 201 is connected to both the exhaust vent 101 and the air supply vent. The first fan 201 draws air from the exhaust vent 101 into itself, and the air inside the first fan 201 is exhausted from the air supply vent to the outside of the air duct space 20. The air duct space 20 is connected to the compartment 10 via the exhaust vent 101, allowing for air exchange between them. After air from the compartment 10 is exhausted into the air duct space 20 through the exhaust vent 101, air from the compartment 10 is also exhausted from the air supply vent to the outside of the air duct space 20 through the first fan 201.

[0080] Furthermore, the mother unit 200 can be equipped with a connecting pipe 80, which can be located on the outside of the mother unit 200. The end of the connecting pipe 80 closer to the mother unit 200 can be connected to the air outlet, and the end of the connecting pipe 80 farther away from the mother unit 200 can be connected to the outdoor environment. Air in the outdoor environment can enter the air duct space 20 through the connecting pipe 80, and air in the air duct space 20 can also be discharged to the outside through the air outlet and the connecting pipe 80 in sequence.

[0081] In the cold storage mode, the first fan 201 operates, and the air in the compartment 10 is discharged through the exhaust port 101 and the supply port. Specifically, in the cold storage mode, the second fan 90 can draw air from the air inlet 302 into the sub-unit air duct 404, where the air exchanges heat with the second heat exchanger 403, and the heated air can be discharged into the compartment 10 through the air outlet 301. Furthermore, the first fan 201 can draw the heated air from the compartment 10 into the air duct space 20, and the first fan 201 can discharge the heated air to the outside through the through-hole 202. When the sub-unit 300 is in cold storage mode, the first fan 201 works in conjunction with the sub-unit 300. The first fan 201 can quickly exhaust the air generated by the sub-unit 300 after heat exchange in the compartment 10 from the compartment 10. This can reduce the temperature difference between the compartment 10 and the energy storage tank 60, prevent the cooling efficiency of the sub-unit 300 from decreasing after a period of cooling, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the sub-unit 300 and reducing the time required for the sub-unit 300 to cool to the preset temperature, thus reducing the operating energy consumption of the air conditioner 100.

[0082] In heat storage mode, the first fan 201 operates to exhaust air from compartment 10 through exhaust vent 101 and supply vent. Specifically, in heat storage mode, the second fan 90 draws air from inlet 302 into sub-unit duct 404, where it exchanges heat with the second heat exchanger 403. The cooled air is then discharged into compartment 10 through outlet 301. Furthermore, the first fan 201 draws the cooled air from compartment 10 into duct space 20, and then discharges it outdoors through through hole 202. By cooperating with sub-unit 300 in heat storage mode, the first fan 201 can quickly exhaust the air generated after heat exchange within compartment 10, thereby improving the heating efficiency of sub-unit 300. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sub-unit 300 may also be equipped with a heating device, such as a heating rod, which can be inserted into the energy storage tank 60 to heat the energy storage medium. After the energy storage medium is heated, it increases in temperature and stores energy. By installing a heating device on the sub-unit 300, the heating device can draw power from the power supply module 102, which can extend the usage time of the sub-unit 300 after it is removed from the compartment 10, thereby avoiding the sub-unit 300 from frequently returning to the compartment 10 due to power outage issues.

[0083] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figures 9-11As shown, a first damper 103 can be provided at the exhaust vent 101. The first damper 103 can be used to close or open the exhaust vent 101. At least a portion of the structure of the first damper 103 can selectively block the exhaust vent 101. When the first damper 103 blocks the exhaust vent 101, the first damper 103 can close the exhaust vent 101, and air cannot circulate between the compartment 10 and the air duct space 20. When the first damper 103 does not block the exhaust vent 101, the first damper 103 can open the exhaust vent 101, and air can circulate between the compartment 10 and the air duct space 20.

[0084] In some embodiments of the present invention, a first pivot shaft may be provided on the first damper 103, and a first motor may be provided at the exhaust port 101. The first motor may be connected to the first pivot shaft, and the first motor may control the rotation of the first pivot shaft so that the first pivot shaft drives the first damper 103 to selectively block the exhaust port 101, thereby causing the first damper 103 to close or open the exhaust port 101.

[0085] When the sub-unit 300 is located inside the compartment 10 and is operating in either cold storage or heat storage mode, the first damper 103 can open the exhaust vent 101. The exhaust vent 101 connects the compartment 10 and the duct space 20. The air generated by the sub-unit 300 after heat exchange can be discharged into the compartment 10. The air discharged into the compartment 10 can enter the duct space 20 through the exhaust vent 101. The first fan 201 can discharge the air from the exhaust vent 101 into the duct space 20 to reduce the temperature difference between the compartment 10 and the energy storage tank 60, thereby improving the cooling or heating efficiency of the sub-unit 300.

[0086] Furthermore, when the submachine 300 is moved outside the cabin 10, the first air door 103 can close the exhaust port 101. The exhaust port 101 cannot connect the cabin 10 and the air duct space 20. The air in the air duct space 20 cannot enter the cabin 10 through the exhaust port 101, which can prevent dust and other debris in the air duct space 20 from entering the cabin 10, thereby ensuring that the cabin 10 is clean and tidy.

[0087] Furthermore, the air duct space 20 can be equipped with a fresh air inlet and a fresh air outlet 203. The fresh air outlet 203 can be equipped with a second damper 204, which can be used to close or open the fresh air outlet 203. The fresh air inlet can be connected to the outdoor environment, and the fresh air outlet 203 can be connected to the indoor environment. The main unit 200 can have a fresh air mode. When the main unit 200 is operating in fresh air mode, both the fresh air inlet and the fresh air outlet 203 can be opened, and the exhaust vent 101 can be closed. Outdoor air can enter the air duct space 20 through the fresh air inlet. The first fan 201 can pressurize the fresh air entering the air duct space 20 and exhaust it into the indoor environment through the fresh air outlet 203, thereby improving indoor air quality and helping to maintain the user's physiological health.

[0088] Simultaneously, at least a portion of the structure of the second damper 204 can selectively block the fresh air outlet 203. When the second damper 204 blocks the fresh air outlet 203, the second damper 204 can close the fresh air outlet 203, preventing air circulation between the indoor environment and the duct space 20. When the second damper 204 does not block the fresh air outlet 203, the second damper 204 can open the fresh air outlet 203, allowing air circulation between the indoor environment and the duct space 20.

[0089] In some embodiments of the present invention, a second pivot shaft may be provided on the second damper 204, and a second motor may be provided at the fresh air outlet 203. The second motor may be connected to the second pivot shaft, and the second motor may control the rotation of the second pivot shaft so that the second pivot shaft drives the second damper 204 to selectively block the fresh air outlet 203, thereby causing the second damper 204 to close or open the fresh air outlet 203. By providing a second damper 204 at the fresh air outlet 203, when the sub-unit 300 is operating in cold storage mode or heat storage mode, the second damper 204 can close the fresh air outlet 203. The second damper 204 can prevent the air generated after heat exchange by the sub-unit 300 from entering the indoor space through the fresh air outlet 203, thereby avoiding air pollution in the indoor space and improving the user experience of the air conditioner 100.

[0090] Furthermore, such as Figure 15As shown, the casing of the main unit 200 can be provided with a through hole 202, which can define both a fresh air inlet and a supply air outlet. This means that the through hole 202 can be used simultaneously as both a supply air outlet and a fresh air inlet, but can only be used as one of these at a time. Specifically, when the slave unit 300 is located inside the compartment 10 and operates in either cold storage or heat storage mode, the through hole 202 can be used as a supply air outlet. Air generated by heat exchange in the slave unit 300 enters the air duct space 20 and can then be exhausted to the outside through the through hole 202. When the main unit 200 operates in fresh air mode, the through hole 202 can be used as a fresh air inlet. Air from the outdoor environment can flow into the air duct space 20 through the through hole 202, and the air can then enter the indoor space from the fresh air outlet 203 to refresh the indoor air.

[0091] By using a through hole 202 to define the fresh air inlet and the air outlet, compared with setting multiple through holes 202 on the surface of the housing to define the fresh air inlet and the air outlet, the number of openings on the surface of the mother machine 200 can be reduced, thereby simplifying the structure of the mother machine 200 and improving the processing efficiency of the housing of the mother machine 200.

[0092] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 9 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 As shown, the air duct space 20 can also be equipped with a third air damper 206, a purification module 205, and a fourth air damper 207. A third air damper 206 can be installed between the fresh air inlet and the purification module 205, and a fourth air damper 207 can be installed between the air outlet and the air outlet of the first fan 201. The purification module 205 can be installed between the fresh air inlet and the first fan 201. When the main unit 200 is operating in fresh air mode, the purification module 205 can filter the air flowing from the fresh air inlet to the first fan 201. The purification module 205 can block dust and other impurities in the air, thereby preventing indoor air pollution caused by dust and other impurities. Preferably, the purification module 205 can be a filter screen. Dust and other impurities can be blocked by the mesh of the filter screen. Setting the purification module 205 as a filter screen makes it easy for users to clean the purification module 205, thereby preventing the purification module 205 from becoming clogged and malfunctioning.

[0093] Furthermore, by setting a third damper 206 between the fresh air inlet and the purification module 205, the third damper 206 can selectively block the air duct between the fresh air inlet and the purification module 205. When the third damper 206 is open, it does not block the air duct between the fresh air inlet and the purification module 205, and air from the outdoor environment can flow sequentially through the fresh air inlet and the purification module 205 to the first fan 201. When the third damper 206 is closed, it blocks the air duct between the fresh air inlet and the purification module 205, preventing airflow between them.

[0094] Similarly, by installing a fourth damper 207 between the air outlet and the air outlet of the first fan 201, the fourth damper 207 can selectively block the air duct between the air outlet and the air outlet of the first fan 201. When the fourth damper 207 is open, it does not block the air duct between the air outlet and the air outlet of the first fan 201, and the air discharged from the first fan 201 can flow towards the air outlet. When the fourth damper 207 is closed, it blocks the air duct between the air outlet and the air outlet of the first fan 201, preventing airflow between them.

[0095] Furthermore, a third pivot shaft can be installed on the fourth damper 207, and a third motor can be installed in the duct space 20. The third motor can be connected to the third pivot shaft, and the third motor can control the rotation of the third pivot shaft so that the third pivot shaft drives the fourth damper 207 to selectively block the duct between the air supply outlet and the air outlet of the first fan 201.

[0096] When the first air damper 103 is open, the third air damper 206 is closed, the fourth air damper 207 is open, and the second air damper 204 is closed, the air in the compartment 10 can be discharged from the air outlet. Specifically, when the first air damper 103 is open, the third air damper 206 is closed, the fourth air damper 207 is open, and the second air damper 204 is closed, the slave unit 300 can be in cold storage mode or heat storage mode, the master unit 200 can turn off the fresh air mode, the exhaust vent 101 can be opened, air cannot flow between the fresh air inlet and the purification module 205, air can flow between the air outlet and the air outlet of the first fan 201, the fresh air outlet 203 can be closed, the air in the compartment 10 can flow into the air duct space 20, and the air entering the air duct space 20 from the compartment 10 can flow towards the first fan 201. After air flows out from the first fan 201, it can flow towards the air outlet. The second damper 204 can prevent air from flowing into the room from the fresh air outlet 203, thus preventing the air in the compartment 10 from interfering with the cooling or heating of the indoor air by the main unit 200. Furthermore, the third damper 206 can prevent the air flowing out from the first fan 201 from flowing towards the purification module 205, thus preventing the air in the compartment 10 from circulating in the air duct space 20. This allows the first fan 201 to effectively exhaust the air in the compartment 10, thereby further improving the cooling or heating efficiency of the sub-unit 300.

[0097] When the first air damper 103 is closed, the fourth air damper 207 is closed, the second air damper 204 is open, and the third air damper 206 is open, outdoor air is purified by the purification module 205 and discharged from the fresh air outlet 203. Specifically, when the first air damper 103 is closed, the fourth air damper 207 is closed, the second air damper 204 is open, and the third air damper 206 is open, the slave unit 300 can be moved outside the compartment 10, or the slave unit 300 can be put into hibernation inside the compartment 10, the master unit 200 can be in fresh air mode, the exhaust vent 101 can be closed, air can circulate between the fresh air inlet and the purification module 205, air cannot circulate between the air supply vent and the air outlet of the first fan 201, and the fresh air outlet 203 can be opened.

[0098] Air can flow from the fresh air inlet, be purified by the purification module 205, and then flow to the first fan 201. The first damper 103 can prevent air entering the duct space 20 from the fresh air inlet from flowing into the chamber 10. After the air flows out of the first fan 201, it can flow towards the fresh air outlet 203. The fourth damper 207 can prevent air from flowing out of the air outlet to the outside, thus preventing a reduction in the amount of fresh air discharged into the room by the air conditioner 100. It can also prevent outdoor fresh air from entering the room without being purified by the purification module 205. When the through hole 202 serves as both the air outlet and the fresh air inlet, the fourth damper 207 can also prevent the fresh air discharged by the first fan 201 from congesting with the fresh air at the fresh air inlet. Therefore, the fourth damper 207 can increase the fresh air exhaust volume of the main unit 200, prevent indoor air pollution, and reduce the energy consumption of the first fan 201 when the main unit 200 is operating in fresh air mode.

[0099] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, the energy release system 50 may also include an energy harvester 503. The energy harvester 503 can be installed inside the energy storage tank 60, and the energy storage medium can exchange heat with the energy harvester 503. The energy harvester 503, the circulation pump 501, and the energy releaser 502 form a circulating fluid loop. When the battery on the sub-unit 300 reaches a preset charge level, the sub-unit 300 can be moved outside the compartment 10 to operate. The sub-unit 300 can operate in energy release mode, and the circulation pump 501 can run.

[0100] The second fan 90 can draw air from the air inlet 302 into the sub-unit air duct 404. The air exchanges heat with the energy releaser 502 in the sub-unit air duct 404. The circulation pump 501 drives the energy release medium to flow in the energy release system 50. Since there is a temperature difference between the air temperature drawn into the sub-unit air duct 404 by the second fan 90 and the temperature in the energy storage tank 60, the energy storage medium exchanges heat with the energy harvester 503, and the air exchanges heat with the energy releaser 502. The energy release system 50 can transfer the heat or cold of the energy storage medium to the energy releaser 502 to heat or cool the air at the energy releaser 502. The heated or cooled air can be discharged into the indoor environment through the air outlet 301 to raise or lower the indoor temperature.

[0101] Furthermore, when the slave unit 300 is set to a heat storage mode but not a cold storage mode, the energy release medium can be an energy storage medium. The circulating pump 501 can pump the energy storage medium into the fluid circuit of the energy release system 50. After the energy release is completed by the energy releaser 502, the energy storage medium can return to the energy storage tank 60. This setting can reduce the number of components in the energy storage tank 60, and the energy storage tank 60 can store more energy storage medium, thereby increasing the energy storage capacity of the energy storage tank 60.

[0102] It should be understood that because the slave unit 300 discharges too much heat from the energy storage medium in the energy storage tank 60 during the cold storage mode, the temperature of the energy storage medium will drop below its freezing point, causing it to solidify. The solid state of the energy storage medium has poor fluidity. If the circulating pump 501 draws the energy storage medium into the fluid circuit of the energy release system 50 to release energy at the energy release device 502, it will cause the energy storage medium to clog the fluid circuit of the energy release system 50, leading to the failure of the energy release system 50. Therefore, when the slave unit 300 is set to the cold storage mode, the energy storage tank 60 needs to be equipped with an energy harvester 503, and the freezing point of the energy release medium in the energy release system 50 must be lower than the minimum temperature of the energy storage tank 60. This ensures that the energy release medium in the energy release system 50 flows normally when the slave unit 300 is in the energy release mode, thereby preventing the failure of the energy release system 50.

[0103] Furthermore, the energy harvester 503 can be integrated with the first heat exchanger 402, and the heat exchange pipeline of the energy harvester 503 and the heat exchange pipeline of the first heat exchanger 402 are spaced apart. The energy release medium in the energy harvester 503 does not mix with the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 402. By integrating the energy harvester 503 with the first heat exchanger 402, the space occupied by the energy harvester 503 and the first heat exchanger 402 in the energy storage tank 60 can be reduced, thereby allowing the energy storage tank 60 to store more energy storage medium, and thus increasing the energy storage capacity of the energy storage tank 60.

[0104] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 17-19 As shown, an air guide assembly 303 can be provided at the air outlet 301. The air guide assembly 303 is rotatable and can control the air outlet direction and air volume of the air outlet 301. Specifically, the air guide assembly 303 may include at least one air guide plate and at least one fifth motor. The air blown out from the air outlet 301 can flow along the surface of the air guide plate, and the air guide plate can guide the airflow to achieve the technical effect of the air guide assembly 303 controlling the air outlet direction of the air outlet 301.

[0105] Furthermore, each air guide vane can be equipped with a fifth pivot shaft, and each fifth pivot shaft can be connected to a corresponding fifth motor. The fifth motor can control the rotation of the fifth pivot shaft, causing the fifth pivot shaft to drive the air guide vane to rotate, thereby adjusting the rotation angle of the air guide vane relative to the air outlet 301, and thus adjusting the air outlet direction of the air outlet 301. Further, by selectively blocking the air outlet 301 with the air guide vane, the air volume of the air outlet 301 can be adjusted. By using the air guide assembly 303 to control the air volume and air direction of the air outlet 301, the sub-unit 300 can supply air to the user according to the user's needs, thereby improving the user experience of the air conditioner 100.

[0106] Of course, in other embodiments of the present invention, there may be one fifth motor, and multiple fifth pivot shafts may be connected to one fifth motor. The fifth motor may simultaneously control the rotation of multiple fifth pivot shafts, and the fifth pivot shafts may drive multiple air guides to rotate, thereby reducing the number of fifth motors in the air conditioner 100 and thus reducing the production cost of the air conditioner 100.

[0107] like Figure 1 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control method for an air conditioner includes a main unit and a sub-unit. The main unit is provided with a compartment and a power supply module. The sub-unit includes a casing, an energy storage system, an energy release system, and an energy storage tank. The casing is provided with an air outlet and an air inlet. The energy storage system includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger. The energy release system includes a circulating pump and an energy release device. The energy release device is located adjacent to the air outlet. The first heat exchanger is located inside the energy storage tank, which contains an energy storage medium that exchanges heat with the first heat exchanger. The sub-unit has an energy release mode. In the energy release mode, the circulating pump operates, and the energy release system is configured to circulate the energy of the energy storage medium to the energy release device. The control method includes:

[0108] S1. Detect the temperature of the energy storage medium to determine whether cold storage is required.

[0109] S2. When the sub-unit needs energy storage, the sub-unit moves to the charging position inside the cabin, the power supply module supplies power to the sub-unit, the energy storage system operates, and the energy storage medium stores energy.

[0110] The air conditioner can be the same as the one described in the above embodiments, and the control method can control the operation of the air conditioner described in the above embodiments. That is, both the slave unit and the master unit can be the same as the slave unit and master unit described in the above embodiments. The slave unit can be equipped with a battery, and the master unit can charge the battery of the slave unit through a power supply module. The slave unit has a cold storage mode and an energy release mode. In the cold storage mode, the slave unit is located in the cabin and is powered by the power supply module. The energy storage system operates and the energy storage medium stores energy. The second fan can draw air from the air inlet into the air duct of the slave unit. The air exchanges heat with the second heat exchanger in the air duct of the slave unit. The compressor drives the refrigerant to flow in the energy storage system. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor is first discharged into the second heat exchanger for condensation and heat dissipation. Then, the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger is throttled and depressurized by the throttling element and discharged into the first heat exchanger. The refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger flows back into the compressor, completing the refrigeration cycle. The temperature of the second heat exchanger is higher than the temperature of the air drawn into the sub-unit duct from the air inlet. In other words, the second heat exchanger can heat the air in the sub-unit duct, while the first heat exchanger can cool the energy storage medium in the energy storage tank.

[0111] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, the sub-unit may also have a heat storage mode. In the heat storage mode, the sub-unit is located inside the cabin and is powered by a power supply module. The heating system operates and the energy storage medium stores energy. A second fan draws air from the air inlet into the sub-unit's air duct. The air exchanges heat with a second heat exchanger in the sub-unit's air duct. The compressor drives the refrigerant to flow in the energy storage system. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor first enters the first heat exchanger. Then, the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger is throttled and depressurized by a throttling element before entering the second heat exchanger for evaporation and heat absorption. The refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger flows back into the compressor, completing the heating cycle. That is, the temperature of the second heat exchanger is lower than the temperature of the air drawn into the sub-unit's air duct from the air inlet. In other words, the second heat exchanger can cool the air in the sub-unit's air duct, and the first heat exchanger can heat the energy storage medium in the energy storage tank.

[0112] In energy release mode, the circulation pump operates, and the energy release system is configured to circulate the energy (cold or hot) of the energy storage medium to the energy release device. Preferably, the energy release device can be located inside the slave unit's air duct. Specifically, when the battery on the slave unit reaches a preset charge level, the slave unit can be moved outside the cabin to operate. In energy release mode, the slave unit is located outside the cabin. In energy release mode, the circulation pump operates, and the energy release system is also configured to circulate the cold or hot energy of the energy storage medium to the energy release device. A second fan can draw air from the air inlet into the slave unit's air duct. The air exchanges heat with the energy release device inside the slave unit's air duct. The circulation pump drives the energy release medium to flow in the energy release system. The energy release medium flowing into the energy release device can exchange heat or cold energy of the energy storage medium with the air to heat or cool the air at the energy release device. The heated or cooled air can be discharged into the indoor environment through the air outlet to raise or lower the indoor temperature.

[0113] Furthermore, a temperature sensor can be installed inside the energy storage tank. The slave unit can detect the temperature inside the energy storage tank based on the signal from the temperature sensor. After operating in energy release mode for a period of time, the slave unit 300 determines whether energy storage is required based on the detection results. It should be noted that the energy storage process of the energy storage medium can include both cold storage and heat storage. Specifically, when the set value of the first preset temperature is higher than the indoor temperature and the temperature inside the energy storage tank is lower than the set value of the first preset temperature, the slave unit can determine that the energy storage medium needs heat storage. When the set value of the first preset temperature is lower than the indoor temperature and the temperature inside the energy storage tank is higher than the set value of the first preset temperature, the slave unit can determine that the energy storage medium needs cold storage.

[0114] When the slave unit determines that the energy storage medium needs energy storage, it can control the drive device to move the slave unit into the cabin. When the slave unit is in the charging position, it can be electrically connected to the power supply module, which can supply power to the slave unit. The slave unit can operate in either cold storage mode or heat storage mode. The energy storage system is running and the energy storage medium is storing energy. Compared with related technologies, this control method controls the slave unit to return to the cabin for cold or heat storage when energy storage is needed. When the slave unit is operating in cold or heat storage mode, it can draw power from the power supply module. Therefore, the slave unit does not consume battery power when cooling or heating. This avoids the slave unit's battery power being consumed too quickly when storing energy in the energy storage medium outside the cabin, which can extend the working time of the slave unit after it is moved out of the cabin, thereby improving the efficiency of the air conditioner in regulating indoor air temperature.

[0115] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control method may further include the following steps:

[0116] S201. Before the slave unit moves to the charging position inside the compartment, the mother unit receives a signal from the slave unit to control the opening of the compartment door.

[0117] The slave unit can be equipped with at least one control box, such as a first control box and a second control box. These control boxes can control the drive device to control the movement path of the slave unit. A first communication device can be installed in both the first and second control boxes, and a corresponding second communication device can be installed in the master unit. The first and second communication devices can communicate with each other. Before the slave unit moves to the charging position inside the compartment, the master unit can receive a signal from the slave unit to control the opening of the compartment door, thus ensuring the slave unit can smoothly enter the compartment for charging. After the slave unit moves to the charging position inside the compartment, the master unit can receive a signal from the slave unit to control the closing of the compartment door, thus ensuring good insulation of the compartment.

[0118] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control method may further include the following steps:

[0119] S301. Before the power supply module supplies power to the slave unit, it determines whether the slave unit has moved to the charging position. If not, it adjusts the position of the slave unit until the slave unit is in the charging position.

[0120] The system can determine whether the slave unit has moved to the charging position using a positioning device or an infrared ranging device. When the positioning device determines whether the slave unit has moved to the charging position, the mother unit can determine this by whether the slave unit has aligned with its own positioning origin. Specifically, the positioning device on the mother unit can set the charging position inside the cabin as the positioning origin. By controlling the slave unit's positioning device to move it to align with the mother unit's positioning origin, the slave unit can move to the charging position. If the slave unit's positioning device determines that the slave unit is not aligned with the mother unit's positioning origin, it can control the slave unit to adjust its position multiple times until it reaches the charging position. Furthermore, the slave unit can also be equipped with an alarm device. If the slave unit still cannot move to the charging position after multiple attempts, it can trigger the alarm device, prompting the user to manually adjust the slave unit's position inside the cabin to ensure it is in the charging position. Preferably, the slave unit can trigger the alarm device if it still cannot move to the charging position after three attempts.

[0121] When the main unit and the slave unit determine whether the slave unit has moved to the charging position using infrared ranging devices, multiple infrared ranging devices emit infrared rays in different directions, illuminating different positions on the slave unit. These devices measure the distance between themselves and their corresponding illuminated positions to determine if the slave unit is in the charging position. If the infrared ranging devices determine that the slave unit is not in the charging position, the main unit can control the slave unit to adjust its position multiple times until it moves to the charging position. By controlling the slave unit to be in the charging position, reliable power supply from the power supply module to the slave unit is ensured, preventing electrical sparks between the power supply module and the slave unit during charging, thus reducing the risk of accidents and preventing damage to the air conditioner.

[0122] In some embodiments of the present invention, the power supply module has a first contact port, the slave unit may be provided with a second contact port, and the control method may further include the following steps:

[0123] S401. Before the power supply module supplies power to the sub-unit, it checks whether the first contact port and the second contact port are in contact.

[0124] The power supply module can supply power to the slave unit by making contact with the first contact port through the second contact port. The second contact port and the first contact port can be electrically connected by means of plug-in connection, contact connection, etc. Detecting whether the first contact port and the second contact port are in contact can determine whether the circuit connection between the power supply module and the slave unit is reliable.

[0125] Furthermore, before the power supply module supplies power to the slave unit, the power supply module can determine whether the first contact port and the second contact port are in contact by detecting the voltage value between the first contact port and the second contact port. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the power supply module can determine whether the first contact port and the second contact port are in contact by detecting the current value between the first contact port and the second contact port. In some other embodiments of the present invention, the power supply module is also configured to determine whether the first contact port and the second contact port are in contact by detecting the resistance value between the first contact port and the second contact port.

[0126] When the first contact port and the second contact port have poor contact, the main unit can control the slave unit to adjust its position multiple times until the first contact port and the second contact port make good contact. By detecting whether the first contact port and the second contact port make good contact, it can be ensured that the power supply module reliably supplies power to the slave unit, and it can avoid electrical sparks between the power supply module and the slave unit during charging, thereby reducing the occurrence of dangerous accidents and preventing damage to the air conditioner.

[0127] However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the power supply module can also have a wireless charging module, and the slave unit can be equipped with a wireless receiving module. Both the wireless charging module and the wireless receiving module can be designed based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. The power supply module can wirelessly charge the slave unit through the wireless charging module. The wireless charging module and the wireless receiving module can work together to achieve the technical effect of contactless charging between the master unit and the slave unit. The power supply module and the slave unit do not require high positional accuracy when electrically connected, thereby saving the position calibration time between the power supply module and the slave unit.

[0128] In some embodiments of the present invention, a duct space may be provided within the mother machine, a first fan may be installed within the duct space, an exhaust vent located in the compartment may be provided within the duct space, and an air supply vent may be provided within the duct space. The control method further includes the following steps:

[0129] S501. When the energy storage system is running, the first fan is controlled to operate, and the air in the cabin is discharged through the exhaust vent and the supply vent.

[0130] In the cold storage mode, the second fan draws air from the inlet into the sub-unit's air duct. The air exchanges heat with the second heat exchanger within the duct, and the heated air is then discharged into the cabin through the outlet. Simultaneously, the first fan draws the heated air from the cabin into the air duct space and discharges it outdoors through the vents. By cooperating with the sub-unit in cold storage mode, the first fan rapidly discharges the air generated after heat exchange within the cabin, reducing the temperature difference between the cabin and the energy storage tank. This prevents a decrease in cooling efficiency after a period of cooling, thus improving the sub-unit's cooling efficiency and reducing the time required for the sub-unit to reach the preset temperature, thereby lowering the air conditioner's operating energy consumption.

[0131] In heat storage mode, air in the operating chamber of the first fan is discharged through the exhaust and supply vents. Specifically, in heat storage mode, the second fan draws air from the inlet into the sub-unit's air duct, where it exchanges heat with the second heat exchanger. The cooled air is then discharged into the chamber through the outlet. The first fan draws the cooled air from the chamber into the air duct space and discharges it outdoors through the vents. By cooperating with the sub-unit when it is in heat storage mode, the first fan can quickly discharge the air generated after heat exchange within the chamber, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the sub-unit. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the sub-unit can also be equipped with a heating device, such as a heating rod, which can be inserted into the energy storage tank to heat the energy storage medium, thus increasing the temperature and storing energy. By installing a heating device on the sub-unit, which can be powered by the power supply module, the operating time of the sub-unit after it is moved out of the cabin can be extended, thus avoiding the frequent return of the sub-unit to the cabin due to power supply problems.

[0132] In some embodiments of the present invention, a first damper for opening or closing the exhaust vent may be provided, the duct space may be provided with a fresh air outlet and a fresh air inlet, the fresh air outlet may be provided with a second damper for opening or closing, and the control method may further include the following steps:

[0133] S601. When the energy storage system is running, the first damper is opened and the second damper is closed.

[0134] When the sub-unit is located in the cabin and is operating in either cold storage or heat storage mode, the first damper can open the exhaust vent, which connects the cabin and the duct space. The air generated after heat exchange by the sub-unit can be discharged into the cabin, and the air discharged into the cabin can enter the duct space through the exhaust vent. The first fan can discharge the air from the exhaust vent into the duct space to reduce the temperature difference between the cabin and the energy storage tank, thereby improving the cooling or heating efficiency of the sub-unit.

[0135] Furthermore, when the submachine is moved outside the cabin, the first air door can close the exhaust vent, preventing the exhaust vent from connecting the cabin and the air duct space. Air in the air duct space cannot enter the cabin through the exhaust vent, thus preventing dust and other debris in the air duct space from entering the cabin and ensuring that the cabin is clean and tidy.

[0136] Meanwhile, the fresh air inlet can connect to the outdoor environment, and the fresh air outlet can connect to the indoor environment. The main unit can also have a fresh air mode. When the main unit is operating in fresh air mode, both the fresh air inlet and the fresh air outlet can be opened, while the exhaust vent can be closed. Outdoor air can enter the duct space through the fresh air inlet, and the first fan can pressurize the fresh air entering the duct space and exhaust it into the indoor environment through the fresh air outlet, thereby improving indoor air quality and helping to maintain the user's physiological health.

[0137] In addition, at least part of the structure of the second air damper can selectively block the fresh air outlet. When the second air damper blocks the fresh air outlet, it can close the fresh air outlet, preventing air circulation between the indoor environment and the duct space. When the second air damper does not block the fresh air outlet, it can open the fresh air outlet, allowing air circulation between the indoor environment and the duct space.

[0138] In some embodiments of the present invention, the housing of the main unit may be provided with a through hole to define an air supply outlet and a fresh air inlet. This can be understood as the through hole serving as both an air supply outlet and a fresh air inlet simultaneously, and only one of these functions can be used at a time. Specifically, when the sub-unit is located inside the cabin and operates in either cold storage or heat storage mode, the through hole can be used as an air supply outlet. Air generated by heat exchange in the sub-unit enters the duct space and can then be exhausted to the outside through the through hole. When the main unit operates in fresh air mode, the through hole can be used as a fresh air inlet. Air from the outdoor environment flows into the duct space through the through hole, and the air can then enter the indoor space from the fresh air outlet to refresh the indoor air.

[0139] By using a single through-hole to define the fresh air inlet and the air outlet, the number of openings on the surface of the machine can be reduced compared to setting multiple through-holes on the surface of the housing. This simplifies the structure of the machine and improves the machining efficiency of the housing.

[0140] In some embodiments of the present invention, a purification module, a third air damper, and a fourth air damper may also be provided within the air duct space. The third air damper is located between the purification module and the fresh air inlet, and the fourth air damper is located between the air outlet of the first fan and the air supply outlet. The control method may further include the following steps:

[0141] S801, when the energy storage system is running, it controls the first damper to open, the third damper to close, the fourth damper to open and the second damper to close.

[0142] S802. When the air conditioner is in fresh air mode, the first air door is closed, the fourth air door is closed, the second air door is opened, and the third air door is opened. Outdoor air is discharged from the fresh air outlet after being purified by the purification module.

[0143] When the main unit operates in fresh air mode, the purification module filters the air flowing from the fresh air inlet to the first fan, blocking dust and other impurities to prevent indoor air pollution. Furthermore, a third air damper is installed between the fresh air inlet and the purification module, selectively blocking the airflow between them. When the third damper is open, it does not obstruct the airflow, allowing outdoor air to flow sequentially through the fresh air inlet and purification module to the first fan. When the third damper is closed, it blocks the airflow between the fresh air inlet and purification module, preventing airflow between them.

[0144] Similarly, by installing a fourth damper between the air outlet and the air outlet of the first fan, the fourth damper can selectively block the airflow between the air outlet and the air outlet of the first fan. When the fourth damper is open, it does not block the airflow between the air outlet and the air outlet of the first fan, and the air discharged from the first fan can flow towards the air outlet. When the fourth damper is closed, it blocks the airflow between the air outlet and the air outlet of the first fan, preventing airflow between them.

[0145] When the first air damper is open, the third air damper is closed, the fourth air damper is open, and the second air damper is closed, air inside the cabin can be exhausted from the air supply vent. Specifically, when the first air damper is open, the third air damper is closed, the fourth air damper is open, and the second air damper is closed, the slave unit can be in cold storage mode or heat storage mode, the main unit can shut off the fresh air mode, the exhaust vent can be opened, air cannot flow between the fresh air inlet and the purification module, air can flow between the air supply vent and the air outlet of the first fan, the fresh air outlet can be closed, and air inside the cabin can flow into the air duct space. Air entering the air duct space from the cabin can flow towards the first fan. After the air flows out from the first fan, the air can flow towards the air supply vent. The second air damper can prevent air from flowing into the room from the fresh air outlet, thus preventing the air inside the cabin from interfering with the main unit's cooling or heating of the room air. Furthermore, the third damper can block the air flowing from the first fan from flowing toward the purification module, which can prevent the air in the cabin from circulating in the air duct space. This allows the first fan to effectively exhaust the air in the cabin, thereby further improving the cooling or heating efficiency of the sub-unit.

[0146] When the first and fourth air dampers are closed, and the second and third air dampers are open, outdoor air is purified by the purification module and then discharged from the fresh air outlet. Specifically, when the first and fourth air dampers are closed, the second and third air dampers are open, the sub-unit can be moved outside the cabin, or the sub-unit can be put into hibernation inside the cabin. The main unit can be in fresh air mode, the exhaust vent can be closed, air can circulate between the fresh air inlet and the purification module, air cannot circulate between the air supply vent and the outlet of the first fan, and the fresh air outlet can be opened.

[0147] Air can flow from the fresh air inlet, be purified by the purification module, and then flow to the first fan. The first damper prevents air entering the duct space from the fresh air inlet from flowing into the cabin. After the air flows out of the first fan, it can flow towards the fresh air outlet. The fourth damper prevents air from flowing out of the air supply outlet to the outside, thus preventing a reduction in the amount of fresh air discharged into the room by the air conditioner. It also prevents outdoor fresh air from entering the room without being purified by the purification module. When the through-hole serves as both an air supply outlet and a fresh air inlet, the fourth damper can also prevent congestion between the fresh air discharged from the first fan and the fresh air at the fresh air inlet. Therefore, the fourth damper can increase the fresh air exhaust volume of the main unit, prevent indoor air pollution, and reduce the energy consumption of the first fan when the main unit is operating in fresh air mode.

[0148] In some embodiments of the present invention, the energy release system may further include an energy harvester, which may be located inside the energy storage tank and exchange heat with the energy storage medium. The energy harvester, the circulation pump, and the energy releaser form a circulating fluid loop. When the battery on the sub-unit reaches a preset charge level, the sub-unit can be moved outside the cabin to operate. The sub-unit can operate in energy release mode, and the circulation pump can run.

[0149] The second fan draws air from the air inlet into the sub-unit's air duct. The air exchanges heat with the energy release device in the sub-unit's air duct. The circulating pump drives the energy release medium to flow in the energy release system. Because there is a temperature difference between the air temperature drawn into the sub-unit's air duct by the second fan and the temperature in the energy storage tank, the energy storage medium exchanges heat with the energy harvester, and the air exchanges heat with the energy release device. The energy release system can transfer the heat or cold of the energy storage medium to the energy release device to heat or cool the air at the energy release device. The heated or cooled air can be discharged into the indoor environment through the air outlet to raise or lower the indoor temperature.

[0150] Furthermore, when the slave unit is set to a heat storage mode but not a cold storage mode, the energy release medium can be an energy storage medium. The circulating pump can draw the energy storage medium into the fluid circuit of the energy release system. After the energy release device completes the energy release, the energy storage medium can return to the energy storage tank. This setting can reduce the number of components in the energy storage tank, and the energy storage tank can store more energy storage medium, thereby increasing the energy storage capacity of the energy storage tank.

[0151] It should be understood that because the slave unit discharges excessive heat from the energy storage medium in the energy storage tank during cold storage mode, the temperature of the energy storage medium may drop below its freezing point, causing it to solidify. In its solid state, the energy storage medium has poor fluidity. If the circulating pump draws the energy storage medium into the fluid circuit of the energy release system to release energy in the energy release device, it can clog the fluid circuit, leading to system failure. Therefore, when the slave unit is set to cold storage mode, the energy storage tank needs to be equipped with an energy harvester, and the freezing point of the energy release medium in the energy release system must be lower than the minimum temperature of the energy storage tank. This ensures the normal flow of the energy release medium within the system when the slave unit is in energy release mode, thus preventing system failure.

[0152] In some embodiments of the present invention, an air guide assembly may be provided at the air outlet. The air guide assembly is rotatable to control the air volume and air direction of the air outlet. Specifically, the air guide assembly may include at least one air guide plate and at least one fifth motor. The air blown out from the air outlet can flow along the surface of the air guide plate, and the air guide plate can guide the airflow to achieve the technical effect of controlling the air direction of the air outlet.

[0153] Furthermore, each air guide vane can be equipped with a fifth pivot shaft, which can be connected to a corresponding fifth motor. The fifth motor can control the rotation of the fifth pivot shaft, causing it to drive the air guide vane to rotate. This allows adjustment of the rotation angle of the air guide vane relative to the air outlet, thereby adjusting the air outlet's airflow direction. Moreover, by selectively blocking the air outlet with the air guide vane, the airflow volume can be adjusted. By controlling the airflow volume and direction of the air outlet using the air guide assembly, the unit can supply air to the user according to their needs, thus improving the user experience of the air conditioner.

[0154] In some embodiments of the present invention, after the power supply module supplies power to the sub-unit, it first controls the air guide assembly to open the air outlet, and then controls the energy storage system to operate. By opening the air guide assembly before the energy storage system operates, it ensures that the air that has exchanged heat with the second heat exchanger can be promptly discharged outdoors. This prevents the air from accumulating in the sub-unit's air duct, which could lead to an excessive temperature difference between the second heat exchanger and the energy storage tank. This also prevents a decrease in cooling or heating efficiency after the sub-unit has been cooling or heating for a period of time, thereby improving the sub-unit's cooling and heating efficiency. Furthermore, it reduces the time required for the sub-unit to cool or heat to the preset temperature, thus lowering the air conditioner's operating energy consumption.

[0155] In some embodiments of the present invention, after the air outlet is opened, the second fan is controlled to run first, and then the compressor is controlled to start so that the energy storage system can operate. By running the second fan before the energy storage system operates, the second fan can promptly discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the second heat exchanger during the operation of the energy storage system to the outside. This avoids the accumulation of heat-exchanged air in the unit's air duct, which could lead to an excessive temperature difference between the second heat exchanger and the energy storage tank. This also prevents a decrease in cooling or heating efficiency of the unit after a period of cooling or heating, thereby improving the unit's cooling and heating efficiency and reducing the time required for the unit to reach the preset temperature, thus reducing the air conditioner's operating energy consumption.

[0156] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0157] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A control method for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes a main unit and a sub-unit. The main unit has a compartment and a power supply module. The sub-unit includes a casing, an energy storage system, an energy release system, and an energy storage tank. The casing has an air outlet and an air inlet. The energy storage system includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger. The energy release system includes a circulation pump and an energy release device. The energy release device is located adjacent to the air outlet. The first heat exchanger is located inside the energy storage tank, which contains an energy storage medium that exchanges heat with the first heat exchanger. The sub-unit has an energy release mode. In the energy release mode, the circulation pump operates, and the energy release system is configured to circulate the energy of the energy storage medium to the energy release device. The control method includes: The temperature of the energy storage medium is detected to determine whether energy storage is required; When the submachine needs to store energy, the submachine moves to the charging position inside the cabin, the power supply module supplies power to the submachine, the energy storage system operates, and the energy storage medium stores energy. The mother machine is provided with an air duct space, a first fan is provided in the air duct space, an exhaust vent is provided in the compartment, and an air supply vent is provided in the air duct space; When the energy storage system is running, it controls the first fan to operate, and the air in the cabin is discharged through the exhaust port and the air supply port; The exhaust vent is equipped with a first damper for opening or closing it; The air duct space is provided with a fresh air outlet and a fresh air inlet, and the fresh air outlet is provided with a second air damper for opening or closing it; The housing of the mother machine is provided with a through hole to define the fresh air inlet and the air outlet, and the through hole can only be used as one of the air outlet and the fresh air inlet at the same time; The air duct space is also equipped with a purification module, a third air door and a fourth air door. The third air door is located between the purification module and the fresh air inlet. The fourth air door is located between the air outlet of the first fan and the air supply outlet. The exhaust outlet is located between the purification module and the air inlet of the first fan. The control method further includes: when the energy storage system is running, controlling the first damper to open, the third damper to close, the fourth damper to open, and the second damper to close; When the air conditioner is in fresh air mode, it controls the first air damper to close, the fourth air damper to close, the second air damper to open, and the third air damper to open, so that outdoor air is discharged from the fresh air outlet after being purified by the purification module.

2. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the slave unit moves to the charging position inside the cabin, the mother unit receives a signal from the slave unit to control the cabin door to open.

3. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the power supply module supplies power to the slave unit, it determines whether the slave unit has moved to the charging position. If not, it adjusts the position of the slave unit until the slave unit is located at the charging position.

4. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply module has a first contact port, and the slave unit is provided with a second contact port. Before the power supply module supplies power to the slave unit, it detects whether the first contact port and the second contact port are in contact.

5. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy release system also includes an energy harvester, which is located inside the energy storage tank and exchanges heat with the energy storage medium. The energy harvester, the circulating pump, and the energy releaser form a circulating fluid loop.

6. The control method for an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, An air guide component is provided at the air outlet, and the air guide component can be rotated to control the air volume and air direction of the air outlet.

7. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that, After the power supply module supplies power to the sub-unit, it first controls the air guide assembly to open the air outlet, and then controls the energy storage system to operate.

8. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sub-unit is equipped with a second fan. After the air outlet is opened, the second fan is controlled to run first, and then the compressor is controlled to start so that the energy storage system can run.

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