Air conditioner

Abstract

This invention discloses an air conditioner, comprising: an indoor heat exchanger; an outdoor heat exchanger; a compressor; a first sensor for detecting the coil temperature of the indoor heat exchanger; a second sensor for detecting the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger; a third sensor for detecting the outdoor temperature; a fourth sensor for detecting the compressor's discharge temperature; and a controller configured to, in cooling mode, determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the compressor's continuous operating time, compressor frequency, and the detection values ​​of the first, second, third, and fourth sensors; and in heating mode, determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the compressor's continuous operating time, compressor frequency, compressor phase current, and the detection values ​​of the first, second, third, and fourth sensors. The air conditioner according to this invention can detect refrigerant circuit blockage in a timely and accurate manner, thereby effectively preventing compressor damage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, the refrigerant circuit of an air conditioner needs to form an indoor and outdoor circulation. If the refrigerant is blocked at any point in the flow path, the refrigerant will not circulate during the operation of the air conditioner. If the blockage of the refrigerant circuit cannot be detected in time, the compressor will run in a blocked state for a long time, which will not only lead to poor cooling and heating effects of the air conditioner, but also easily cause excessive pressure in the compressor, thereby damaging the compressor. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can promptly and accurately detect refrigerant circuit blockage, thereby effectively preventing compressor damage.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, an air conditioner is provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising: an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with indoor air; an outdoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with indoor air; a compressor for compressing refrigerant under high temperature and high pressure and discharging the compressed refrigerant, wherein the outdoor heat exchanger, the indoor heat exchanger, and the compressor are connected to form a refrigerant circuit; a first sensor for detecting the coil temperature of the indoor heat exchanger; a second sensor for detecting the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger; a third sensor for detecting the outdoor temperature; a fourth sensor for detecting the discharge temperature of the compressor; and a controller connected to the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, the fourth sensor, and the compressor, respectively; the controller is configured to, if the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the compressor has been running continuously for a period of time not less than a first preset time, then, based on the compressor frequency and the temperature detected by the first sensor, [the following information is missing from the original text]. The system uses the values ​​of the first, second, and third sensors to determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked. If the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the compressor's continuous running time is less than a first preset time, the system uses the values ​​of the first, second, third, and fourth sensors to determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked. If the air conditioner is in heating mode and the compressor's continuous running time is not less than a second preset time, the system uses the compressor frequency, the values ​​of the first, second, and third sensors to determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked. If the air conditioner is in heating mode and the compressor's continuous running time is less than a second preset time, the system uses the compressor phase current, compressor frequency, the values ​​of the first, second, third, and fourth sensors to determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked.

[0005] The air conditioner according to the embodiments of the present invention can detect refrigerant circuit blockage in a timely and accurate manner, thereby effectively preventing compressor damage.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, if the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the compressor runs continuously for a period of time not less than a first preset time, determining whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the compressor frequency, the detection value of the first sensor, the detection value of the second sensor, and the detection value of the third sensor includes: when the following conditions are met simultaneously, a refrigerant circuit blockage signal is fed back; the compressor frequency is not less than a first preset frequency; the difference between the current temperature of the indoor heat exchanger coil and the initial temperature of the indoor heat exchanger coil is not greater than a first preset difference; the difference between the current temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger coil and the current outdoor temperature is not greater than a second preset difference.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, if the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the compressor's continuous operating time is less than a first preset time, determining whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the detection values ​​of the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor includes: when the following conditions are met simultaneously, a refrigerant circuit blockage signal is fed back; the exhaust temperature is higher than the exhaust overheat protection value; the difference between the current temperature of the indoor heat exchanger coil and the initial temperature of the indoor heat exchanger coil is not greater than a third preset difference, and the third preset difference is greater than the first preset difference; the difference between the current temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger coil and the current outdoor temperature is not greater than a fourth preset difference, and the fourth preset difference is greater than the second preset difference.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, if the air conditioner is in heating mode and the compressor runs continuously for no less than a second preset time, determining whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the compressor frequency, the detection value of the first sensor, the detection value of the second sensor, and the detection value of the third sensor includes: when the following conditions are met simultaneously, a refrigerant circuit blockage signal is fed back; the compressor frequency is greater than a second preset frequency, or the compressor frequency is greater than a third preset frequency and the current outdoor temperature is greater than a first preset temperature, wherein the second preset frequency is greater than the third preset frequency; the difference between the current temperature of the indoor heat exchanger coil and the initial temperature of the indoor heat exchanger coil is no greater than a fifth preset difference; the difference between the current temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger coil and the current outdoor temperature is no greater than a sixth preset difference.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, if the air conditioner is in heating mode and the compressor's continuous operating time is less than a second preset time, determining whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the compressor phase current, compressor frequency, the detection value of the first sensor, the detection value of the second sensor, the detection value of the third sensor, and the detection value of the fourth sensor includes: determining whether the exhaust temperature is higher than the exhaust overheat protection value, and whether the difference between the current temperature of the indoor heat exchanger coil and the initial temperature of the indoor heat exchanger coil is not greater than a seventh preset difference, and whether the difference between the current temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger coil and the current outdoor temperature is not greater than an eighth preset difference, wherein the seventh preset difference is greater than the fifth preset difference, and the eighth preset difference is greater than the sixth preset difference; if yes, a refrigerant circuit blockage signal is fed back; if no, it is determined whether the continuous operating time is not less than a third preset time; if yes, it is determined whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the compressor phase current, the compressor frequency, and the detection value of the first sensor; if no, it is determined whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the compressor phase current, the compressor frequency, the detection value of the first sensor, and the detection value of the third sensor.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, if so, determining whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the compressor phase current, the compressor frequency, and the detection value of the first sensor includes: feeding back a refrigerant circuit blockage signal when the following conditions are met simultaneously: obtaining a compressor drive fault signal; the compressor phase current is greater than a first preset current value; the compressor frequency is less than a fourth preset frequency; and the difference between the current temperature of the indoor heat exchanger coil and the initial temperature of the indoor heat exchanger coil is not greater than a ninth preset difference value.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, if not, determining whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the compressor phase current, the compressor frequency, the detection value of the first sensor, and the detection value of the third sensor includes: when the following conditions are met simultaneously, a refrigerant circuit blockage signal is fed back; the compressor phase current is greater than a second preset current value; the compressor frequency is not less than a fifth preset frequency; the difference between the current temperature of the indoor heat exchanger coil and the initial temperature of the indoor heat exchanger coil is not greater than a tenth preset difference value; and the current outdoor temperature is less than a second preset temperature.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, if the compressor operates continuously for a first preset time after its first start-up, it is determined whether the refrigerant circuit has ever been blocked; if not, the detection of whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked is stopped.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, if the compressor's continuous working time after the first start-up does not reach the first preset working time, and the compressor's cumulative working time after the first start-up reaches the second preset working time, then it is determined whether the number of times the refrigerant circuit is blocked is greater than 1; if not, then the detection of whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked is stopped; wherein, the second preset working time is greater than the first preset working time.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner further includes: a first shut-off valve connected to the liquid outlet of the compressor for controlling the liquid flow at the liquid outlet; and a second shut-off valve connected to the liquid inlet of the compressor for controlling the liquid flow at the liquid inlet.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner in cooling mode and a compressor running continuously for a period of not less than a first preset time, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner in cooling mode and the compressor running continuously for less than a first preset time, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner in heating mode and a compressor running continuously for a period of not less than a second preset time, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner in heating mode and the compressor running continuously for less than a second preset time, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner in heating mode and the compressor running continuously for a period of not less than a third preset time, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner in heating mode and the compressor running continuously for less than a third preset time, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating how an air conditioner can determine whether a refrigerant circuit blockage has occurred, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9 This is another flowchart illustrating how an air conditioner can determine whether a refrigerant circuit blockage has occurred, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure label:

[0028] Air conditioner 1

[0029] Compressor 100, indoor heat exchanger 200, outdoor heat exchanger 300, first shut-off valve 400, second shut-off valve 500. Detailed Implementation

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0032] In the description of this invention, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features.

[0033] In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, and "several" means one or more.

[0034] An air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] like Figures 1-10 As shown, the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an indoor heat exchanger 200, an outdoor heat exchanger 300, a compressor 100, a first sensor, a second sensor, a third sensor, a fourth sensor, and a controller.

[0036] Indoor heat exchanger 200 is used for heat exchange with indoor air, outdoor heat exchanger 300 is used for heat exchange with indoor air, compressor 100 is used for compressing refrigerant in a high temperature and high pressure state and discharging the compressed refrigerant, outdoor heat exchanger 300, indoor heat exchanger 200 and compressor 100 are connected to form a refrigerant circuit, first sensor is used to detect the coil temperature of indoor heat exchanger 200, second sensor is used to detect the coil temperature of outdoor heat exchanger 300, third sensor is used to detect the outdoor temperature, fourth sensor is used to detect the discharge temperature of compressor 100, controller is connected to the first sensor, second sensor, third sensor, fourth sensor and compressor 100 respectively.

[0037] The controller is configured such that when the air conditioner 1 is in cooling mode and the compressor runs continuously for a period of time not less than a first preset time, it determines whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the compressor frequency, the detection value of the first sensor, the detection value of the second sensor, and the detection value of the third sensor; if the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the compressor runs continuously for a period of time less than the first preset time, it determines whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the detection values ​​of the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor.

[0038] When the air conditioner 1 is in heating mode and the compressor runs continuously for a period of time not less than the second preset time, the refrigerant circuit is determined to be blocked based on the compressor frequency, the detection value of the first sensor, the detection value of the second sensor, and the detection value of the third sensor. If the air conditioner is in heating mode and the compressor runs continuously for a period of time less than the second preset time, the refrigerant circuit is determined to be blocked based on the compressor phase current, the compressor frequency, the detection value of the first sensor, the detection value of the second sensor, the detection value of the third sensor, and the detection value of the fourth sensor.

[0039] In this embodiment of the invention, the air conditioner 1 can be an inverter air conditioner.

[0040] For example, the first preset time can be 6 minutes, and the second preset time can be 6 minutes. If it is determined that the refrigerant circuit is blocked, the controller can shut down the compressor and display a fault code or similar text such as "Refrigerant circuit blockage fault" on the indoor unit's display screen to alert the user or after-sales personnel.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner 1 has an indoor heat exchanger 200 for exchanging heat with indoor air, an outdoor heat exchanger 300 for exchanging heat with indoor air, a compressor 100 for compressing refrigerant in a high-temperature and high-pressure state and discharging the compressed refrigerant, the outdoor heat exchanger 300, the indoor heat exchanger 200 and the compressor 100 connected to form a refrigerant circuit, a first sensor for detecting the coil temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 200, a second sensor for detecting the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 300, a third sensor for detecting the outdoor temperature, and a fourth sensor for detecting the discharge temperature of the compressor 100, and a controller connected to the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, the fourth sensor and the compressor 100 respectively.

[0042] In other words, when the refrigerant circuit is not blocked, in cooling mode, the refrigerant discharged from compressor 100 can first flow into outdoor heat exchanger 300, where it releases heat and its temperature decreases. The refrigerant then flows from outdoor heat exchanger 300 to indoor heat exchanger 200, where it absorbs heat from the indoor air, thus lowering the indoor temperature. Conversely, in cooling mode, the refrigerant discharged from compressor 100 can first flow into indoor heat exchanger 200, where it releases heat and its temperature decreases, raising the indoor temperature. The refrigerant then flows from indoor heat exchanger 200 to outdoor heat exchanger 300, where it absorbs heat from the outdoor air before flowing back to compressor 100, thus raising the indoor temperature. Therefore, when the refrigerant circuit is not blocked, the temperatures of the coils in both indoor heat exchanger 200 and outdoor heat exchanger 300 will change.

[0043] In addition, when the air conditioner 1 is in cooling mode, the controller first determines the continuous running time of the compressor 100. Before and after the compressor's continuous running time reaches the first preset time, the controller can determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on different parameters and methods. This can reduce the probability of misjudging whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked in cooling mode. Specifically, if the compressor 100's continuous running time in cooling mode is short, even if the refrigerant circuit is not blocked, the parameters of the air conditioner 1 will not change significantly. Therefore, by setting a reasonable preset time, the controller can determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on different parameters and different methods before and after the compressor's continuous running time reaches the first preset time, which helps to improve the accuracy of determining whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked in cooling mode.

[0044] Furthermore, when the continuous running time of the compressor 100 reaches the first preset time, the controller determines whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the compressor frequency, the detection value of the first sensor, the detection value of the second sensor, and the detection value of the third sensor. In other words, when the continuous running time of the compressor 100 is relatively long, the controller can determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the compressor frequency, the coil temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 200, the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 300, and the outdoor temperature. By combining multiple different parameters to comprehensively determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked, the controller can improve the accuracy of the judgment and avoid misjudgment.

[0045] When the continuous running time of compressor 100 does not reach the first preset time, the controller determines whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the detection values ​​of the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor. In other words, when the continuous running time of compressor 100 is short, the controller can determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the coil temperature of indoor heat exchanger 200, the coil temperature of outdoor heat exchanger 300, the outdoor temperature, and the discharge temperature of compressor 100. By combining multiple different parameters to comprehensively determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked, the controller can improve the accuracy of the judgment and avoid misjudgment.

[0046] In addition, when air conditioner 1 is in heating mode, the controller will first determine the continuous running time of compressor 100. Before and after the compressor's continuous running time reaches the second preset time, the controller can determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on different parameters and methods. This can reduce the probability of misjudging whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked in heating mode. Specifically, if the compressor 100's continuous running time in heating mode is short, even if the refrigerant circuit is not blocked, the parameters of air conditioner 1 will not change significantly. Therefore, by setting a reasonable preset time, the controller can determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on different parameters and different methods before and after the compressor's continuous running time reaches the second preset time, which helps to improve the accuracy of determining whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked in heating mode.

[0047] Furthermore, when the continuous running time of compressor 100 reaches the second preset time, the controller determines whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the compressor frequency, the detection value of the first sensor, the detection value of the second sensor, and the detection value of the third sensor. In other words, when the continuous running time of compressor 100 is short, the controller can determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the compressor frequency, the coil temperature of indoor heat exchanger 200, the coil temperature of outdoor heat exchanger 300, and the outdoor temperature. By combining multiple different parameters to comprehensively determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked, the controller can improve the accuracy of the judgment and avoid misjudgment.

[0048] When the continuous running time of compressor 100 does not reach the second preset time, the controller determines whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the compressor phase current, compressor frequency, and the detection values ​​of the first, second, third, and fourth sensors. In other words, when the continuous running time of compressor 100 is short, the controller can determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the compressor phase current, compressor frequency, coil temperature of indoor heat exchanger 200, coil temperature of outdoor heat exchanger 300, outdoor temperature, and discharge temperature of compressor 100. By combining multiple different parameters to comprehensively determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked, the controller can improve the accuracy of the judgment and avoid misjudgment.

[0049] Therefore, if the refrigerant circuit of air conditioner 1 is blocked, after air conditioner 1 is turned on, air conditioner 1 can perform a self-check during operation, and can quickly find out that the refrigerant circuit is blocked, thus preventing the pressure of compressor 100 from rising too high, thereby preventing damage to compressor 100, and making it convenient for users or after-sales personnel to find the problem of air conditioner 1 in a timely manner, so that air conditioner 1 can operate normally and provide a better user experience.

[0050] Thus, the air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention can detect refrigerant circuit blockage in a timely manner with accurate detection, thereby effectively preventing damage to the compressor 100.

[0051] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, if the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the compressor runs continuously for no less than the first preset time, the refrigerant circuit is determined to be blocked based on the compressor frequency, the detection value of the first sensor, the detection value of the second sensor and the detection value of the third sensor. The refrigerant circuit blockage signal is fed back when the following conditions are met simultaneously.

[0052] The compressor frequency is not less than the first preset frequency;

[0053] The difference between the current temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 and the initial temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 is not greater than the first preset difference.

[0054] The difference between the current temperature of the coil of the outdoor heat exchanger 300 and the current outdoor temperature is not greater than the second preset difference value.

[0055] For example, the first preset frequency can be 30Hz, the first preset difference can be 2℃, and the second preset difference can be 2℃.

[0056] In other words, in cooling mode, when the compressor 100 has been running continuously for the first preset time at its normal operating frequency, the temperature changes of the coils of the indoor heat exchanger 200 and the outdoor heat exchanger 300 are both small. This indicates that the refrigerant is not exchanging heat through the outdoor heat exchanger 300 and the indoor heat exchanger 200, or only a small amount of refrigerant is exchanging heat through the outdoor heat exchanger 300 and the indoor heat exchanger 200. At this time, it means that the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit cannot flow normally and the refrigerant circuit is blocked. By combining the first preset frequency, the first preset difference, and the second preset difference for judgment, the accuracy of judging whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked is further improved.

[0057] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, if the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the compressor's continuous running time is less than a first preset time, then the refrigerant circuit is determined to be blocked based on the detection values ​​of the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor, including:

[0058] A refrigerant circuit blockage signal will be fed back when the following conditions are met simultaneously;

[0059] The exhaust temperature is higher than the exhaust overheat protection value;

[0060] The difference between the current temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 and the initial temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 is not greater than the third preset difference value, and the third preset difference value is greater than the first preset difference value.

[0061] The difference between the current temperature of the coil of the outdoor heat exchanger 300 and the current outdoor temperature is not greater than the fourth preset difference value, which is greater than the second preset difference value.

[0062] For example, the exhaust overheat protection value can be 95℃, the third preset difference can be 3℃, and the fourth preset difference can be 3℃.

[0063] In other words, in cooling mode, although the compressor 100 has not reached the first preset time of continuous operation, the discharge temperature of the compressor 100 is already high, indicating that the compressor 100 is already working and under heavy load. Furthermore, the temperature changes of the coils of the indoor heat exchanger 200 and the outdoor heat exchanger 300 are still relatively small. This means that the refrigerant is not exchanging heat through the outdoor heat exchanger 300 and the indoor heat exchanger 200, or only a small amount of refrigerant is exchanging heat through the outdoor heat exchanger 300 and the indoor heat exchanger 200. At this time, it indicates that the compressor 100 is working, but the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit cannot flow normally, that is, the refrigerant circuit is blocked. By combining the discharge high protection value, the third preset difference value, and the fourth preset difference value for judgment, the accuracy of judging whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked is further improved.

[0064] Furthermore, the third preset difference is greater than the first preset difference, and the fourth preset difference is greater than the second preset difference. It can be understood that in cooling mode, when the compressor 100 is running continuously for the first preset time, the working time of the compressor 100 is still relatively short. At this time, if the refrigerant circuit is flowing normally, the discharge temperature of the compressor 100 should not be too high. However, if the discharge temperature of the compressor 100 has reached the discharge overheat protection value at this time, it indicates that the refrigerant circuit may be blocked. If the refrigerant circuit is not blocked at this time, it means that the compressor 100 is operating under a large load. Correspondingly, more refrigerant will also exchange heat with the outside through the indoor heat exchanger 200 and the outdoor heat exchanger 300, and the temperature changes of the coils of the indoor heat exchanger 200 and the outdoor heat exchanger 300 should also be large.

[0065] Therefore, by setting a larger second and fourth preset values, when the difference between the current temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 and the initial temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 is between the first and third preset values, and when the difference between the current temperature of the coil of the outdoor heat exchanger and the current outdoor temperature is between the second and fourth preset values, it can also indicate that the refrigerant circuit is blocked. In this case, the probability of misjudging that the refrigerant circuit is blocked can be reduced.

[0066] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, if the air conditioner is in heating mode and the compressor runs continuously for no less than the second preset time, then the refrigerant circuit is determined to be blocked based on the compressor frequency, the detection value of the first sensor, the detection value of the second sensor, and the detection value of the third sensor, including:

[0067] A refrigerant circuit blockage signal will be fed back when the following conditions are met simultaneously;

[0068] The compressor frequency is greater than the second preset frequency, or the compressor frequency is greater than the third preset frequency and the current outdoor temperature is greater than the first preset temperature, and the second preset frequency is greater than the third preset frequency.

[0069] The difference between the current temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 and the initial temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 is not greater than the fifth preset difference.

[0070] The difference between the current temperature of the coil of the outdoor heat exchanger 300 and the current outdoor temperature is not greater than the sixth preset difference value.

[0071] For example, the second preset frequency can be 50Hz, the third preset frequency can be 30Hz, the first preset temperature can be 7℃, the fifth preset difference can be 2℃, and the sixth preset difference can be 2℃.

[0072] In other words, in heating mode, when the compressor 100 has been running continuously for the second preset time at its normal operating frequency, the temperature changes of the coils of the indoor heat exchanger 200 and the outdoor heat exchanger 300 are both small. This indicates that the refrigerant is not exchanging heat through the outdoor heat exchanger 300 and the indoor heat exchanger 200, or only a small amount of refrigerant is exchanging heat through the outdoor heat exchanger 300 and the indoor heat exchanger 200. At this time, it means that the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit cannot flow normally and the refrigerant circuit is blocked. By combining the second or third preset frequency with the first preset temperature, the fifth preset difference with the sixth preset difference, the accuracy of judging whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked is further improved.

[0073] In addition, the second preset frequency is greater than the third preset frequency. That is to say, when the current outdoor temperature reaches the first preset temperature, the current outdoor temperature is relatively high. At this time, the compressor 100 in the heating mode of the air conditioner 1 can have a lower power and the normal operating frequency of the compressor 100 can also be lower. Even if the refrigerant circuit is not blocked, the compressor frequency will not exceed the second preset frequency. Therefore, setting the third preset frequency to a lower value can improve the accuracy of judging whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked and reduce the chance of misjudgment.

[0074] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, if the air conditioner is in heating mode and the compressor's continuous running time is less than the second preset time, then the refrigerant circuit is determined to be blocked based on the compressor phase current, compressor frequency, and the detection values ​​of the first, second, third, and fourth sensors, including:

[0075] Determine whether the exhaust temperature is higher than the exhaust overheat protection value, and whether the difference between the current temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 and the initial temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 is not greater than the seventh preset difference value, and whether the difference between the current temperature of the coil of the outdoor heat exchanger 300 and the current outdoor temperature is not greater than the eighth preset difference value, wherein the seventh preset difference value is greater than the fifth preset difference value, and the eighth preset difference value is greater than the sixth preset difference value;

[0076] If so, a signal indicating that the refrigerant circuit is blocked will be sent.

[0077] If not, then determine whether the continuous running time is not less than the third preset time;

[0078] If so, determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the compressor phase current, compressor frequency, and the detection value of the first sensor;

[0079] If not, the refrigerant circuit is determined to be blocked based on the compressor phase current, compressor frequency, the detection value of the first sensor, and the detection value of the third sensor.

[0080] For example, the exhaust overheat protection value can be 95℃, the seventh preset difference can be 3℃, the eighth preset difference can be 3℃, and the third preset time can be 3 minutes.

[0081] In other words, in cooling mode, although the compressor 100 has not reached the second preset time during continuous operation, the discharge temperature of the compressor 100 is already high, indicating that the compressor 100 is already working and under heavy load. Furthermore, the temperature changes of the coils in the indoor heat exchanger 200 and the outdoor heat exchanger 300 are still relatively small. This means that the refrigerant is not exchanging heat through the outdoor heat exchanger 300 and the indoor heat exchanger 200, or only a small amount of refrigerant is exchanging heat through the outdoor heat exchanger 300 and the indoor heat exchanger 200. At this time, it indicates that the compressor 100 is working, but the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit cannot flow normally, that is, the refrigerant circuit is blocked. By combining the discharge high protection value, the seventh preset difference value, and the eighth preset difference value for judgment, the accuracy of judging whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked is further improved.

[0082] In addition, the seventh preset difference is greater than the fifth preset difference, and the eighth preset difference is greater than the sixth preset difference. It can be understood that in heating mode, when the compressor 100 is running continuously for the second preset time, the working time of the compressor 100 is still relatively short. At this time, if the refrigerant circuit is flowing normally, the discharge temperature of the compressor 100 will not be too high. However, if the discharge temperature of the compressor 100 has reached the discharge overheat protection value at this time, it indicates that the refrigerant circuit may be blocked. If the refrigerant circuit is not blocked at this time, it means that the compressor 100 is operating under a large load. Correspondingly, more refrigerant will also exchange heat with the outside through the indoor heat exchanger 200 and the outdoor heat exchanger 300 respectively. The temperature change of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 and the temperature change of the coil of the outdoor heat exchanger 300 should also be large.

[0083] Therefore, by setting a relatively large seventh and eighth preset values, when the difference between the current temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 200 coil and the initial temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 200 coil is between the fifth and seventh preset values, and when the difference between the current temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger coil and the current outdoor temperature is between the sixth and eighth preset values, it can also indicate that the refrigerant circuit is blocked. In this case, the probability of misjudging that the refrigerant circuit is blocked can be reduced.

[0084] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 As shown, if so, the refrigerant circuit blockage is determined based on the compressor phase current, compressor frequency, and the detection value of the first sensor, including:

[0085] A refrigerant circuit blockage signal will be fed back when the following conditions are met simultaneously;

[0086] The compressor 100 drive fault signal was obtained;

[0087] The compressor phase current is greater than the first preset current value;

[0088] The compressor frequency is less than the fourth preset frequency;

[0089] The difference between the current temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 and the initial temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 shall not be greater than the ninth preset difference value.

[0090] For example, the first preset current value can be 12A, the fourth preset frequency can be 60Hz, and the ninth preset difference can be 2℃. It should be noted that the condition of obtaining the compressor 100 drive fault signal only applies to heating mode. In cooling mode, it is not necessary to use the compressor 100 drive fault signal to determine if the refrigerant circuit is blocked because the internal pressure of the compressor 100 is higher in heating mode than in cooling mode. In cooling mode, the compressor 100 usually does not experience a drive fault due to excessive pressure; therefore, it is not necessary to obtain the compressor 100 drive fault signal in cooling mode to determine if the refrigerant circuit is blocked.

[0091] Specifically, in heating mode, although the continuous running time of compressor 100 does not reach the third preset time (where the third preset time is less than the second preset time, indicating that the continuous running time of the compressor is very small), compressor 100 exhibits a large phase current below the fourth preset frequency and a drive fault occurs. This indicates that air conditioner 1 is no longer within its normal operating range. Furthermore, the difference between the current temperature of the coil of indoor heat exchanger 200 and the initial temperature of the coil of indoor heat exchanger 200 is small, indicating that the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit cannot flow normally and the refrigerant circuit is blocked. By combining the compressor 100 drive fault signal, the first preset current value, the fourth preset frequency, and the ninth preset difference for judgment, the accuracy of judging whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked is further improved.

[0092] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 7 As shown, if not, then determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the compressor phase current, compressor frequency, the detection value of the first sensor, and the detection value of the third sensor, including:

[0093] A refrigerant circuit blockage signal will be fed back when the following conditions are met simultaneously;

[0094] The compressor phase current is greater than the second preset current value;

[0095] The compressor frequency is not less than the fifth preset frequency;

[0096] The difference between the current temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 and the initial temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 shall not exceed the tenth preset difference value.

[0097] The current outdoor temperature is lower than the second preset temperature.

[0098] For example, the second preset current value can be 12A, the fifth preset frequency can be 50Hz, and the tenth preset difference can be 2℃.

[0099] In other words, when the compressor runs continuously for the third preset time but not the second preset time, if the current outdoor temperature is low, the compressor frequency needs to be increased to improve the heating efficiency of the air conditioner 1. When the compressor frequency is greater than the fifth preset frequency and the phase current of the compressor 100 is greater than the second preset current value, the load on the compressor 100 is large. If the refrigerant circuit is not blocked, the difference between the current temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 and the initial temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 should be large. However, if the difference between the current temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 and the initial temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 is not greater than the tenth preset difference value, it means that the difference between the current temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 and the initial temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 200 is small, and the refrigerant does not exchange heat with the outside through the indoor heat exchanger 200 or the amount of refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 200 to exchange heat with the outside is small, indicating that the refrigerant circuit has been blocked.

[0100] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 10 As shown, the air conditioner 1 also includes a first shut-off valve 400 and a second shut-off valve 500.

[0101] The first shut-off valve 400 is connected to the liquid outlet of the compressor 100 and is used to control the liquid flow at the liquid outlet. The second shut-off valve 500 is connected to the liquid inlet of the compressor 100 and is used to control the liquid flow at the liquid inlet.

[0102] By setting a first shut-off valve 400 and a second shut-off valve 500, the first shut-off valve 400 can be used to close the liquid outlet of the compressor 100, and the second shut-off valve 500 can be used to close the liquid inlet of the compressor 100. In this way, during the transportation of the air conditioner 1, both the first shut-off valve 400 and the second shut-off valve 500 can be closed, which can prevent the refrigerant in the compressor 100 from flowing out from the liquid inlet or the liquid outlet.

[0103] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 8 As shown, if the compressor 100 operates continuously for a period of time after its first start-up, it will determine whether a refrigerant circuit blockage has occurred.

[0104] If not, stop testing for blockage in the refrigerant circuit.

[0105] For example, the first preset working time can be 9 minutes.

[0106] It should be noted that the first shut-off valve 400 and the second shut-off valve 500 are closed during the transportation of air conditioner 1, and there may be cases where the first shut-off valve 400 and the second shut-off valve 500 are forgotten to be opened after the air conditioner 1 is installed.

[0107] Therefore, when the air conditioner 1 is installed and the user uses it for the first time, if the compressor 100 has been running continuously for the first preset time and no refrigerant circuit blockage occurs during this period, it means that the refrigerant circuit is not blocked. This also means that the first shut-off valve 400 and the second shut-off valve 500 are in a connected state, and the compressor 100, indoor heat exchanger 200 and outdoor heat exchanger 300 can all work normally. The air conditioner 1 can cool and heat normally. When starting the air conditioner 1 in subsequent runs, it is not necessary to check whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked. This simplifies the controller's control logic, saves costs, and avoids unnecessary detection by the controller.

[0108] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 9 As shown, if the continuous working time of compressor 100 after the first start does not reach the first preset working time, and the cumulative working time of compressor 100 after the first start reaches the second preset working time, then it is determined whether the number of times the refrigerant circuit is blocked is greater than 1.

[0109] If not, stop testing for blockage in the refrigerant circuit;

[0110] The second preset working time is longer than the first preset working time.

[0111] For example, the second preset working time can be 20 minutes.

[0112] In other words, when air conditioner 1 is used for the first time, but the usage time does not reach the first preset working time, the cumulative working time of compressor 100 after the first start can be calculated. If the cumulative working time reaches the second preset working time, but no blockage is detected in the refrigerant circuit, it means that the refrigerant circuit is unobstructed and no further testing is needed. Alternatively, if the cumulative working time of compressor 100 reaches the second preset working time, but a blockage is detected in the refrigerant circuit once, and the user or after-sales personnel adjust the shut-off valve, the refrigerant circuit becomes unobstructed and there is no further blockage, it means that the problem of the blocked refrigerant circuit has been resolved. When air conditioner 1 is started subsequently, it is not necessary to test whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked. This simplifies the controller's control logic, saves costs, and avoids unnecessary testing by the controller.

[0113] In addition, the second preset working time is longer than the first preset working time. In this way, if the compressor 100 does not reach the first preset time for continuous operation during its first start-up, even if the continuous operating time of the compressor 100 is short in the future, after the cumulative operating time of the compressor 100 reaches the longer second preset working time, and the compressor 100 has not experienced any refrigerant circuit blockage faults during the cumulative second preset working time, it can be proven that the refrigerant circuit is not blocked. This helps to improve the accuracy of judging whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked and is more conducive to protecting the compressor 100 from damage.

[0114] Other configurations and operations of the air conditioner 1 according to embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0115] The air conditioner 1 in this application performs a refrigeration cycle by using a compressor 100, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. The refrigeration cycle includes a series of processes involving compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation, and supplies refrigerant to the conditioned and heat-exchanged air.

[0116] Compressor 100 compresses refrigerant gas under high temperature and high pressure and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, and the heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0117] The expansion valve expands the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The evaporator evaporates the expanded refrigerant in the expansion valve and returns the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas to the compressor 100. The evaporator achieves a cooling effect by utilizing the latent heat of refrigerant evaporation to exchange heat with the material being cooled. Throughout the cycle, the air conditioner 1 regulates the temperature and humidity of the indoor space.

[0118] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "specific embodiment" or "specific example" refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0119] 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. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: include: Indoor heat exchanger, used for exchanging heat with indoor air; Outdoor heat exchanger, used for exchanging heat with outdoor air; The compressor is used to compress the refrigerant and discharge the compressed refrigerant. The outdoor heat exchanger, the indoor heat exchanger and the compressor are connected to form a refrigerant circuit. The first sensor is used to detect the coil temperature of the indoor heat exchanger; The second sensor is used to detect the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger. The third sensor is used to detect the outdoor temperature; The fourth sensor is used to detect the exhaust temperature of the compressor; The controller is connected to the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, the fourth sensor, and the compressor, respectively. The controller is configured to determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the compressor frequency, the detection value of the first sensor, the detection value of the second sensor, and the detection value of the third sensor if the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the compressor runs continuously for a time not less than a first preset time. If the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the compressor runs continuously for less than a first preset time, then the refrigerant circuit is determined to be blocked based on the detection values ​​of the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor. If the air conditioner is in heating mode and the compressor has been running continuously for no less than the second preset time, a refrigerant circuit blockage signal will be fed back if the following conditions are met simultaneously: The compressor frequency is greater than the second preset frequency, or the compressor frequency is greater than the third preset frequency and the current outdoor temperature is greater than the first preset temperature, wherein the second preset frequency is greater than the third preset frequency; The difference between the current temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger and the initial temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger is not greater than the fifth preset difference value. The difference between the current temperature of the coil of the outdoor heat exchanger and the current outdoor temperature is not greater than the sixth preset difference value; If the air conditioner is in heating mode and the compressor runs continuously for less than the second preset time, then it is determined whether the exhaust temperature is higher than the exhaust overheat protection value, and whether the difference between the current temperature of the indoor heat exchanger coil and the initial temperature of the indoor heat exchanger coil is not greater than the seventh preset difference value, and whether the difference between the current temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger coil and the current outdoor temperature is not greater than the eighth preset difference value, wherein the seventh preset difference value is greater than the fifth preset difference value, and the eighth preset difference value is greater than the sixth preset difference value; If so, a signal indicating that the refrigerant circuit is blocked will be sent. If not, then determine whether the continuous running time is less than the third preset time; If so, then determine whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the compressor phase current, the compressor frequency, and the detection value of the first sensor; If not, then the blockage of the refrigerant circuit is determined based on the compressor phase current, the compressor frequency, the detection value of the first sensor, and the detection value of the third sensor.

2. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein If the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the compressor runs continuously for no less than a first preset time, then the determination of whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked is based on the compressor frequency, the detection value of the first sensor, the detection value of the second sensor, and the detection value of the third sensor, including: A refrigerant circuit blockage signal will be fed back when the following conditions are met simultaneously; The compressor frequency is not less than a first preset frequency; The difference between the current temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger and the initial temperature of the coil of the indoor heat exchanger is not greater than a first preset difference value. The difference between the current temperature of the coil of the outdoor heat exchanger and the current outdoor temperature is not greater than a second preset difference value.

3. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein If the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the compressor's continuous operating time is less than a first preset time, then determining whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked based on the detection values ​​of the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor includes: A refrigerant circuit blockage signal will be fed back when the following conditions are met simultaneously; The exhaust temperature is higher than the exhaust overheat protection value; The difference between the current temperature of the indoor heat exchanger coil and the initial temperature of the indoor heat exchanger coil is not greater than a third preset difference value, and the third preset difference value is greater than the first preset difference value. The difference between the current temperature of the coil of the outdoor heat exchanger and the current outdoor temperature is not greater than a fourth preset difference value, which is greater than the second preset difference value.

4. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein If so, then the determination of whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked is based on the compressor phase current, the compressor frequency, and the detection value of the first sensor, including: A refrigerant circuit blockage signal will be fed back when the following conditions are met simultaneously; A compressor drive fault signal was obtained; The compressor phase current is greater than a first preset current value; The compressor frequency is less than the fourth preset frequency; The difference between the current temperature of the indoor heat exchanger coil and the initial temperature of the indoor heat exchanger coil shall not be greater than the ninth preset difference value.

5. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein If not, then the blockage of the refrigerant circuit is determined based on the compressor phase current, the compressor frequency, the detection value of the first sensor, and the detection value of the third sensor, including: A refrigerant circuit blockage signal will be fed back when the following conditions are met simultaneously; The compressor phase current is greater than the second preset current value; The compressor frequency is not less than the fifth preset frequency; The difference between the current temperature of the indoor heat exchanger coil and the initial temperature of the indoor heat exchanger coil is not greater than the tenth preset difference value. The current outdoor temperature is lower than the second preset temperature.

6. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein If the compressor operates continuously for a period of time after its first start-up, the system will determine whether the refrigerant circuit has ever been blocked. If not, then stop detecting whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked.

7. The air conditioner of claim 6, wherein If the compressor's continuous working time after the first start does not reach the first preset working time, and the compressor's cumulative working time after the first start reaches the second preset working time, then determine whether the number of times the refrigerant circuit is blocked is greater than 1. If not, then stop testing whether the refrigerant circuit is blocked; The second preset working time is longer than the first preset working time.

8. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by Also includes: A first shut-off valve is connected to the liquid outlet of the compressor and is used to control the liquid flow at the liquid outlet. The second shut-off valve is connected to the liquid inlet of the compressor and is used to control the liquid flow at the liquid inlet.

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