Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

This application discloses an air conditioner and its control method, relating to the field of air conditioning technology, for controlling the outdoor heat exchanger to perform partial defrosting in a shortened defrosting time. The air conditioner includes: an outdoor unit; at least one indoor unit; a refrigerant circulation loop; an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger; a four-way valve; and a controller configured to: acquire the air conditioner's operating mode, continuous operating time, and the sub-rated capacity of each indoor unit in the at least one indoor unit; the operating mode includes a heating operating mode and a cooling operating mode; when the operating mode is heating and the continuous operating time reaches a first preset time, determine one or more target indoor units that require centralized defrosting; determine the target area where the outdoor heat exchanger needs centralized defrosting based on the total rated capacity of the one or more target indoor units and the rated capacity of the outdoor unit; and control the air conditioner to perform centralized defrosting on the target area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioner technology, and in particular to an air conditioner and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous improvement of living standards, air conditioners have become a common household appliance. Users use the cooling, heating, humidifying and dehumidifying functions of air conditioners to keep the indoor temperature and humidity within a comfortable range.

[0003] However, in winter, when the outdoor heat exchanger of an air conditioner frosts up, the outdoor unit's cooling capacity is greatly reduced, making it unable to meet the heating needs of the indoor unit. For the indoor unit to operate in heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger must first be defrosted. Defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger involves melting the frost, which is equivalent to the indoor unit cooling down. However, this lowers the perceived temperature for users indoors, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an air conditioner and its control method, which controls the outdoor heat exchanger to perform partial defrosting and shorten the defrosting time.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an air conditioner, comprising: an outdoor unit; at least one indoor unit; a refrigerant circulation loop, wherein the refrigerant circulates in a loop consisting of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, a four-way valve, and a pressure reducer; an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger, wherein one operates as a condenser and the other as an evaporator; a four-way valve for controlling the refrigerant flow direction in the refrigerant circulation loop; and a controller configured to: acquire the air conditioner's operating mode, continuous operating time, and sub-rated capacity of each indoor unit in the at least one indoor unit; the operating mode includes a heating operating mode and a cooling operating mode; when the operating mode is a heating operating mode and the continuous operating time reaches a first preset duration, determine one or more target indoor units that require centralized defrosting; determine the target area where the outdoor heat exchanger needs centralized defrosting based on the total rated capacity of the one or more target indoor units and the rated capacity of the outdoor unit; and control the air conditioner to perform centralized defrosting on the target area.

[0007] The technical solution provided in this application offers at least the following beneficial effects: It provides an intelligent defrosting method for an air conditioner operating in heating mode. Based on the ratio between the total rated capacity of one or more indoor units operating in heating mode and the rated capacity of the outdoor unit, the target area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger requiring defrosting is determined. Thus, the air conditioner only defrosts the target area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger, shortening the defrosting time. This also avoids the problem of excessively low perceived temperature for users due to the indoor units operating in cooling mode for too long during outdoor heat exchanger defrosting. It ensures that the indoor units operate according to user instructions, optimizing the user experience.

[0008] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes: a human body sensor for detecting human body detection results in the rooms corresponding to each of the multiple indoor units; and a controller configured to determine one or more target indoor units that need centralized defrosting when the operating mode is heating mode and the continuous operating time reaches a first preset time. Specifically, the controller is configured to: acquire human body detection results in the rooms corresponding to each of the multiple indoor units through the human body sensor; the human body detection results include whether a human body is present in the room or not; and determine one or more target indoor units that need centralized defrosting based on the human body detection results.

[0009] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine one or more target indoor units that require centralized defrosting based on human body detection results. Specifically, it is configured to: determine the indoor units in rooms where no human body is present as one or more target indoor units if the human body detection results indicate that no human body is present in at least one room; and determine that the outdoor heat exchanger does not require centralized defrosting if the human body detection results indicate that no human body is present in any of the rooms.

[0010] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine the target area where the outdoor heat exchanger needs centralized defrosting based on the total rated capacity of one or more target indoor units and the rated capacity of the outdoor unit. Specifically, the controller is configured to: calculate the ratio between the total rated capacity and the outdoor unit capacity; and determine the target area where the outdoor heat exchanger needs centralized defrosting based on the heat exchange area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger and the ratio.

[0011] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to control the air conditioner to perform centralized defrosting on the target area, specifically configured to: control one or more target indoor units to operate in cooling mode and the target area to operate in heating mode, so as to perform centralized defrosting on the target area; and end centralized defrosting after the continuous operation time of centralized defrosting reaches a second preset time.

[0012] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to control the air conditioner to perform centralized defrosting on the target area, specifically configured to: when it is determined that the target area needs to be centrally defrosted, control the target indoor unit that needs to be centrally defrosted to operate in cooling mode; and after the continuous running time of the target indoor unit operating in cooling mode reaches a second preset time, end the centralized defrosting.

[0013] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a control method for an air conditioner, the method comprising: acquiring the operating mode, continuous operating time, and sub-rated capacity of each indoor unit in at least one indoor unit of the air conditioner; the operating mode includes a heating operating mode and a cooling operating mode; when the operating mode is a heating operating mode and the continuous operating time reaches a first preset time, determining one or more indoor units that are currently operating in the heating operating mode; determining a target area where the outdoor heat exchanger needs to be centrally defrosted based on the total rated capacity of the one or more indoor units operating in the heating operating mode and the rated capacity of the outdoor unit; and controlling the air conditioner to centrally defrost the target area.

[0014] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a controller, including: one or more processors; one or more memories; wherein the one or more memories are used to store computer program code, the computer program code including computer instructions, and when the one or more processors execute the computer instructions, the controller executes any of the air conditioner control methods provided in the second aspect.

[0015] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods provided in the second aspect and possible implementations.

[0016] Fifthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer program product that can be directly loaded into a memory and contains software code. After being loaded and executed by a computer, the computer program product can implement the methods provided in the second aspect and possible implementations.

[0017] It should be noted that the aforementioned computer instructions may be stored, in whole or in part, on a computer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable storage medium may be packaged together with the controller's processor or may be packaged separately from the controller's processor; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0018] The beneficial effects described in aspects two through five of this application can be referred to the analysis of the beneficial effects of aspect one, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings are provided to further understand the technical solutions of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this application to explain the technical solutions of the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a throttling device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another throttling device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 5 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of an indoor unit.

[0025] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the refrigerant flow direction in an air conditioner, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the installation location of a sensor according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 8 A hardware configuration block diagram of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the operation mode of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another operating mode of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a target area for defrosting provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another target area for defrosting provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another target area for defrosting provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 15This is a schematic flowchart of another air conditioner control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 16 This is a schematic flowchart of another air conditioner control method provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0037] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0038] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0039] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly, for example, as a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, when describing pipelines, the terms "connected" and "linked" as used in this application have the meaning of establishing electrical connection. The specific meaning needs to be understood in conjunction with the context.

[0040] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0041] As mentioned above, when an air conditioner operates in heating mode during winter, the outdoor heat exchanger may frost up. However, since the total rated capacity of the indoor unit operating in heating mode may be less than the rated capacity of the outdoor unit, the defrosting time of the outdoor heat exchanger will be longer, affecting the user's experience.

[0042] Based on this, this application provides an air conditioner, including: an outdoor unit; at least one indoor unit; a refrigerant circulation loop, in which refrigerant circulates in a loop consisting of a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, four-way valve, and pressure reducer; an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger, wherein one operates as a condenser and the other as an evaporator; a four-way valve for controlling the refrigerant flow direction in the refrigerant circulation loop; and a controller configured to: acquire the air conditioner's operating mode, continuous operating time, and sub-rated capacity of each indoor unit in the at least one indoor unit; the operating mode includes a heating operating mode and a cooling operating mode; when the operating mode is heating and the continuous operating time reaches a first preset duration, determine one or more target indoor units that require centralized defrosting; determine the target area where the outdoor heat exchanger needs centralized defrosting based on the total rated capacity of the one or more target indoor units and the rated capacity of the outdoor unit; and control the air conditioner to perform centralized defrosting on the target area.

[0043] This not only shortens the defrosting time of the outdoor heat exchanger but also ensures that the indoor unit can operate according to the user's instructions, thus optimizing the user experience.

[0044] The embodiments provided in this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the composition of an air conditioner, provided as an example of an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner 1 includes an outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 20, and a controller 1000. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). In this case, each indoor unit in at least one indoor unit is connected to the outdoor unit via refrigerant connection pipes.

[0046] Figure 1 The previous example only involved one outdoor unit connected to two indoor units. This application provides a multi-split air conditioner where one outdoor unit connects to multiple indoor units. Figure 1 The composition of a multi-split air conditioner does not constitute a limitation on this multi-split air conditioner.

[0047] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit 10, typically installed outdoors, is used for heat exchange with the indoor environment. Additionally, in Figure 1 In the diagram, outdoor unit 10 is shown as a dashed line because it is located outdoors on the opposite side of indoor unit 20, separated by a wall.

[0048] In some embodiments, the indoor unit 20, taking a wall-mounted unit as an example, is typically installed on an indoor wall or similar surface. Another example is a floor-standing unit (…). Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) is also a type of indoor unit. This multi-split air conditioner may include an outdoor unit and two or more indoor cabinet units.

[0049] In the embodiments shown in this application, controller 1000 refers to a device that can generate operation control signals according to instruction opcodes and timing signals, instructing air conditioner 1 to execute control commands. Exemplarily, controller 1000 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. Controller 1000 can also be other devices with processing functions, such as circuits, devices, or software modules; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0050] In addition, the controller 1000 can be used to control the various components inside the air conditioner 1 so that each component can operate to achieve the predetermined functions of the air conditioner 1.

[0051] In some embodiments, each indoor unit in the indoor unit 20 may also be equipped with a remote control, which has the function of communicating with the controller 1000, for example, using infrared or other communication methods. The remote control is used by the user to control various indoor units in the indoor unit 20, realizing interaction between the user and the air conditioner 1.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a throttling device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the throttling device 21 includes an expansion valve 211. There is a pipe connection between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20, and an expansion valve 211 is installed on the pipe between the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10. The pipe, also known as the gas-liquid pipe, includes: a gas pipe for transporting gaseous refrigerant and a liquid pipe for transporting two-phase refrigerant.

[0053] In some embodiments, the throttling device 21 is used to regulate the fluid flow rate in the air conditioning gas-liquid pipe and to regulate the refrigerant flow rate. The expansion valve 211 is used to regulate the refrigerant supply in the pipe. The expansion valve 211 can be independent of the outdoor unit 10.

[0054] In some embodiments, the expansion valve 211 may also be part of the outdoor unit 10 (e.g., Figure 3 As shown), Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of another throttling device provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0055] In addition, the outdoor unit 10, the throttling device 21, and the indoor unit 20 are all connected to the controller 1000. Figure 1 (not shown in the image), and performs related operations according to the instructions of the controller 1000.

[0056] Taking expansion valve 211, which is part of outdoor unit 10, as an example, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 As shown, the air conditioner 1 also includes a refrigerant circulation loop 30.

[0057] In some embodiments, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle can be performed through refrigerant circulation in the refrigerant circulation loop 30. Connecting pipes are used to connect the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10 to form the refrigerant circulation loop 30 for refrigerant circulation.

[0058] In some embodiments, the refrigerant circulation loop 30 includes a compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 13, an expansion valve 211, a receiver 14, and an indoor heat exchanger assembly 15. The indoor heat exchanger assembly 15 and the outdoor heat exchanger 13 function as condensers or evaporators. The compressor 11 draws in refrigerant through its suction port and discharges the internally compressed refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger assembly 15 through its discharge port.

[0059] In some embodiments, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 has a first inlet / outlet for allowing refrigerant to flow through a receiver 14 between the receiver 14 and the suction inlet of the compressor 11, and a second inlet / outlet for allowing refrigerant to flow between the receiver 14 and the expansion valve 211. The outdoor heat exchanger 13 uses heat transfer tubes connected between the second inlet / outlet and the first inlet / outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 13. Figure 4 (Not shown) The refrigerant flowing in the container exchanges heat with the outdoor air.

[0060] In some embodiments, an expansion valve 211 is disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the indoor heat exchanger assembly 15. The expansion valve 211 functions to expand and depressurize the refrigerant flowing between the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the indoor heat exchanger assembly 15. The expansion valve 211 is configured to change its opening degree; by decreasing the opening degree, the flow resistance of the refrigerant flowing through the expansion valve 211 increases, and by increasing the opening degree, the flow resistance of the refrigerant flowing through the expansion valve 211 decreases. Such an expansion valve 211 expands and depressurizes the refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger assembly 15 toward the outdoor heat exchanger 13 during heating operation. Furthermore, even if the states of other components installed in the refrigerant circulation loop 30 remain unchanged, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circulation loop 30 will change when the opening degree of the expansion valve 211 changes.

[0061] In some embodiments, the indoor heat exchanger assembly 15 has a second inlet for allowing liquid refrigerant to flow between it and the expansion valve 211, and a first inlet for allowing gaseous refrigerant to flow between it and the outlet of the compressor 11. The indoor heat exchanger assembly 15 uses heat transfer tubes connected between the second inlet and the first inlet of the indoor heat exchanger assembly 15. Figure 4 (Not shown) The refrigerant flowing in the container exchanges heat with the indoor air.

[0062] In some embodiments, a receiver 14 is disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the suction inlet of the compressor 11. In the receiver 14, the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger 13 to the compressor 11 is separated into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. Furthermore, gaseous refrigerant is mainly supplied from the receiver 14 to the suction inlet of the compressor 11.

[0063] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit 10 further includes an outdoor fan 22 that generates an airflow of outdoor air through the outdoor heat exchanger 13 to promote the flow of air through the heat transfer tubes ( Figure 4 The refrigerant flowing in the fan (not shown) exchanges heat with the outdoor air. The outdoor fan 22 is driven by an outdoor fan motor 22A that can change its speed.

[0064] In some embodiments, taking a first indoor unit 20A of at least one indoor unit as an example, the first indoor unit 20A includes an indoor fan 31 that generates an airflow of indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger assembly 15 to promote the flow of air through the heat transfer tubes ( Figure 4 The refrigerant flowing in the fan (not shown) exchanges heat with the indoor air. The indoor fan 31 is driven by an indoor fan motor 31A that can change its speed.

[0065] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of an indoor unit provided as an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 As shown, taking the first indoor unit 20A in at least one indoor unit as an example, the first indoor unit 20A includes a housing 32, an air filter 33, a horizontal baffle 34, a horizontal baffle 35 and a vertical baffle 36.

[0066] In some embodiments, the housing 32 is a box shape that extends elongatedly in the longitudinal direction (hereinafter also referred to as the left-right direction) and has multiple openings. An intake 37 is provided on the top surface of the housing 32. Driven by the indoor fan 31, indoor air near the intake 37 is drawn into the interior of the housing 32 through the intake 37. The indoor air drawn in from the intake 37 passes through an air filter 33 provided on the top surface of the housing 32, and is then delivered to the indoor fan 31 through the first indoor heat exchanger 201 of the first indoor unit 20A.

[0067] In some embodiments, an outlet 38 is formed on the bottom surface of the housing 32. The outlet 38 is connected to the interior of the housing 32 via a continuous vortex flow path 38B from the indoor fan 31. Indoor air drawn in from the intake 37 undergoes heat exchange with the first indoor heat exchanger 201 of the first indoor unit 20A, and is then blown out through the outlet 38 to the indoor RS via the vortex flow path 38B. A lower flow path surface 38A is provided on the rear side of the vortex flow path 38B. The cross-sectional shape of the lower flow path surface 38A depicts a curve that moves away from the center of rotation of the indoor fan 31 as it rotates.

[0068] In some embodiments, a horizontal baffle 34 and a horizontal baffle 35 extending longitudinally in the left-right direction are provided on the outlet 38. The horizontal baffle 34 and the horizontal baffle 35 are rotatably mounted on the housing 32. The horizontal baffle 34 and the horizontal baffle 35 are configured such that they can be independently rotated about their respective rotation centers extending in the left and right directions using a horizontal baffle drive motor provided for each horizontal baffle. Furthermore, the horizontal baffle 34 and the horizontal baffle 35 can adjust the vertical direction of the air blown out of the outlet 38, individually or cooperatively.

[0069] In some embodiments, a plurality of vertical baffles 36 having planes intersecting the left-right direction are provided deep within the outlet 38. A vertical baffle drive motor can be used to rotate the vertical baffles 36 left and right about a rotation center extending in the vertical direction (intersecting the left-right direction). These vertical baffles 36 adjust the airflow direction from the outlet 38 left and right.

[0070] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the refrigerant flow direction in an air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 6 As shown.

[0071] In some embodiments, taking the first indoor unit 20A as an example, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the d and c ends of the four-way valve 114 are connected, and the e and s ends are connected. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 acts as the condenser, and the first indoor heat exchanger 201 of the first indoor unit 20A acts as the evaporator. The refrigerant in the compressor 11 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 13 through the d and c ends of the four-way valve 114, releases heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 13, and then flows out of the outdoor unit through the expansion valve 211 and into the indoor unit. The refrigerant flowing into the indoor unit passes through the first indoor heat exchanger 201 of the first indoor unit 20A, and the first indoor heat exchanger 201 acts as the evaporator. The refrigerant absorbs heat at the first indoor heat exchanger 201, reducing the water-side temperature. Subsequently, the refrigerant in the first indoor unit 20A flows into the gas-liquid separator 113 through the e and s ends of the four-way valve 114, and then flows back to the compressor 11, forming a refrigeration cycle.

[0072] In some embodiments, when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the d and e ends of the four-way valve 114 are connected, and the c and s ends are connected. In this case, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 acts as the evaporator, and the first indoor heat exchanger 201 acts as the condenser. Refrigerant in the compressor 11 flows into the first indoor unit 20A through the d and e ends of the four-way valve 114, passes through the first indoor heat exchanger 201 (which acts as the condenser), and releases heat in the first indoor heat exchanger 201. Water flowing from the water side passes through the first indoor heat exchanger 201. Because the refrigerant releases heat during this process, heat exchange occurs in the water at the first indoor heat exchanger 201, causing the water temperature to rise. After flowing out of the first indoor heat exchanger 201, the refrigerant enters the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and absorbs heat. Subsequently, the refrigerant flows into the gas-liquid separator 113 through the c and s ends of the four-way valve 114, and then flows back to the compressor 11, forming a heating cycle.

[0073] In some embodiments, each indoor unit in the indoor unit 20 may also be equipped with a human body sensor. Taking the first indoor unit 20A as an example, Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation location of a sensor according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 As shown, the first indoor unit 20A is equipped with a human body induction sensor 20B.

[0074] Among them, the human body sensor 20B is used to detect the human body detection results in the room corresponding to each of the multiple indoor units.

[0075] Figure 8 This is a hardware configuration block diagram of an air conditioner provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the air conditioner 1 may also include the following two items: a communicator 1002 and a memory 1003.

[0076] In some embodiments, the communicator 1002 is used to establish communication connections with other network entities, such as establishing communication connections with terminal devices. The communicator 1002 may include a radio frequency (RF) module, a cellular module, a wireless fidelity (WIFI) module, and a GPS module, etc. Taking an RF module as an example, the RF module can be used for signal reception and transmission; specifically, it sends received information to the controller 1000 for processing; additionally, it transmits signals generated by the controller 1000. Typically, the RF circuit may include, but is not limited to, an antenna, at least one amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a low-noise amplifier (LNA), a duplexer, etc.

[0077] In some embodiments, the memory 1003 may be used to store software programs and data. The controller 1000 executes various functions of the air conditioner 1 and data processing by running the software programs or data stored in the memory 1003. The memory 1003 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage device. The memory 1003 stores an operating system that enables the air conditioner 1 to run. In this application, the memory 1003 may store the operating system and various application programs, and may also store code that executes the control method of the air conditioner 1 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 8 The hardware structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the air conditioner 1. The air conditioner 1 may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0079] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, taking the first indoor unit of at least one indoor unit as an example, when the first indoor unit is running in cooling mode, the first indoor heat exchanger of the first indoor unit works as an evaporator, and the outdoor heat exchanger of the outdoor unit works as a condenser.

[0080] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 As shown, taking the first indoor unit of at least one indoor unit as an example, when the first indoor unit is running in heating mode, the first indoor heat exchanger of the first indoor unit works as a condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger of the outdoor unit works as an evaporator.

[0081] In real-world usage scenarios, when users operate the heating mode in winter, the outdoor heat exchanger may frost over due to the low outdoor temperature and the evaporative cooling effect of the outdoor unit. When the outdoor unit is frosted over, its heat exchange capacity may decrease, potentially preventing it from meeting the heating needs of the indoor unit. In this case, defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger is necessary.

[0082] Furthermore, when the outdoor heat exchanger defrosts, the defrosting area is the entire heat exchanger. However, if the total rated capacity of the indoor units is less than the rated capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger, the heat exchange time will be prolonged. Simultaneously, when the outdoor heat exchanger is defrosting, meaning the outdoor unit is heating while the indoor unit is cooling, this can lead to a lower perceived temperature for indoor users, thus reducing user comfort.

[0083] Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 11 As shown, the method includes:

[0084] S101, The controller obtains the air conditioner's operating mode, continuous operating time, and the sub-rated capacity of each indoor unit in at least one indoor unit.

[0085] The operating modes of an air conditioner include heating mode and cooling mode.

[0086] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner and each indoor unit in at least one indoor unit have their own rated capacity. This rated capacity is used to identify the cooling or heating capacity of the air conditioner.

[0087] Rated capacity, also known as rated horsepower or input power. Due to differences in the specific systems and electrical control designs of different air conditioner manufacturers, the output cooling or heating capacity varies. Therefore, its cooling or heating capacity is calculated based on output power.

[0088] For example, consider an air conditioner consisting of one indoor unit and one outdoor unit, with the same rated capacity. A 1HP rated capacity (i.e., 1 horsepower) has an output power of 735W. For instance, if the energy efficiency ratio is 3, then the cooling capacity of a 1HP rated capacity air conditioner is 735W * 3 = 2205W.

[0089] In some embodiments, taking an air conditioner comprising one outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit as an example, the rated capacity of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is the sum of the sub-rated capacities of each indoor unit in the at least one indoor unit.

[0090] For example, if the air conditioner contains four indoor units with sub-rated capacities of 1HP, 1.5HP, 2HP and 1HP respectively, then the rated capacity of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is 5.5HP.

[0091] For example, if the air conditioner contains five indoor units, and the rated capacities of the four indoor units are 1HP, 1HP, 1HP, 1HP and 1HP respectively, then the rated capacity of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is 5HP.

[0092] In some embodiments, the controller can determine whether the outdoor heat exchanger needs to be defrosted based on the air conditioner's operating mode. The controller can also determine whether the air conditioner has reached the conditions for defrosting based on the air conditioner's continuous operating time. Furthermore, the controller can divide the outdoor heat exchanger into multiple zoned outdoor heat exchangers based on the sub-rated capacity of each indoor unit in at least one indoor unit, and defrost the corresponding heat exchange zones, thereby reducing the air conditioner's defrosting time.

[0093] S102. When the operating mode is heating mode and the continuous operating time reaches the first preset time, the controller determines one or more target indoor units that need to be centrally defrosted.

[0094] In some embodiments, when the air conditioner is operating in heating mode, after the air conditioner has been running continuously for a first preset time, the outdoor heat exchanger of the outdoor unit will be in a state of evaporative heat dissipation for an extended period, which may lead to frost buildup on the outdoor heat exchanger. In this case, defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger is required.

[0095] It should be noted that the first preset duration is preset by the air conditioner manufacturer and stored in the memory. The first preset duration may be different for different air conditioner manufacturers, and this application does not limit it.

[0096] In some embodiments, when the outdoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner needs to be defrosted, the controller can identify one or more indoor units in the heating operation mode as one or more target indoor units that need to be centrally defrosted, and perform centralized defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger in zones according to the relationship between the total rated capacity of the one or more target indoor units and the capacity of the outdoor unit.

[0097] It should be understood that after the outdoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner is frosted, if the total rated capacity of the indoor units operating in heating mode is less than the rated capacity of the outdoor unit, and if all indoor units are identified as the target indoor units that need to be centrally defrosted, then the air conditioner needs to centrally defrost the entire outdoor heat exchanger, resulting in a large defrosting area and a long defrosting time.

[0098] Furthermore, if one or more indoor units currently in heating mode are identified as target indoor units requiring centralized defrosting, the controller can control the air conditioner to perform centralized defrosting of the outdoor heat exchangers in designated zones based on the relationship between the total rated capacity of the target indoor units and the capacity of the outdoor units. This increases the defrosting area and shortens the defrosting time.

[0099] S103. The controller determines the target area where the outdoor heat exchanger needs centralized defrosting based on the total rated capacity of one or more target indoor units and the rated capacity of the outdoor unit.

[0100] The total rated capacity is the sum of the sub-rated capacities of one or more target indoor units that require centralized defrosting.

[0101] In some embodiments, when the outdoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner needs to be defrosted, the controller can obtain the total rated capacity of one or more target indoor units in the heating operation mode, and determine the target area where the outdoor heat exchanger needs to be centrally defrosted based on the ratio between the total rated capacity and the rated capacity of the outdoor unit.

[0102] In some embodiments, the controller can determine the target area where the outdoor heat exchanger needs centralized defrosting by calculating the ratio between the total rated capacity of one or more target indoor units and the capacity of the outdoor unit in the heating operation mode.

[0103] Optionally, the ratio between the heat exchange area of ​​the target area and the heat exchange area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger is determined based on the ratio between the total rated capacity of one or more target indoor units and the rated capacity of the outdoor unit.

[0104] In some embodiments, an air conditioner comprising one outdoor unit and four indoor units is used as an example. If the sub-rated capacity of the first indoor unit is 1HP, the sub-rated capacity of the second indoor unit is 2HP, the sub-rated capacity of the third indoor unit is 1HP, and the sub-rated capacity of the fourth indoor unit is 2HP, then the rated capacity of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is 6HP.

[0105] Furthermore, such as Figure 12 As shown, if the target indoor units currently operating in heating mode are the first and third indoor units, then the total rated capacity of one or more target indoor units operating in heating mode is 3HP, and the ratio between the total rated capacity and the rated capacity of the outdoor unit is 3. 1 That is, the heat exchange area of ​​the target area is 3 times the heat exchange area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger. 1 .

[0106] For example, such as Figure 12 As shown, the target area can be target area 1, target area 2, or target area 3.

[0107] It should be noted that, Figure 12 Only three types of outdoor heat exchangers with heat exchange areas of 3 are shown in the figure. 1 The target area, in specific implementation, is 3 times the heat exchange area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger. 1 It can also be other regions; this application does not limit this.

[0108] In some embodiments, such as Figure 13 As shown, if the target indoor units currently operating in heating mode are the second and fourth indoor units, then the total rated capacity of one or more indoor units operating in heating mode is 3HP, and the ratio between the total rated capacity and the rated capacity of the outdoor unit is 3. 2 That is, the heat exchange area of ​​the target area is 3 times the heat exchange area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger. 2 .

[0109] For example, such as Figure 13 As shown, the target area can be target area 1 or target area 2.

[0110] It should be noted that, Figure 13Only two types of outdoor heat exchangers with heat exchange areas of 3 are shown in the figure. 2 The target area, in specific implementation, is 3 times the heat exchange area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger. 2 It can also be other regions; this application does not limit this.

[0111] In some embodiments, such as Figure 14 As shown, if the indoor unit currently operating in heating mode is the first indoor unit, then the total rated capacity of one or more indoor units currently operating in heating mode is 1HP, and the ratio between the total rated capacity and the rated capacity of the outdoor unit is [value missing]. 1 6, meaning the heat exchange area of ​​the target area is equal to the heat exchange area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger. 1 6.

[0112] For example, such as Figure 14 As shown, the target area can be target area 1, target area 2, target area 3, target area 4, target area 5, or target area 6.

[0113] It should be noted that, Figure 14 Only two types of outdoor heat exchanger heat exchange areas are shown. 1 In the target area of ​​6, the heat exchange area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger is [missing information]. 1 6 can also be other areas, and this application does not limit this.

[0114] In some embodiments, the air conditioner may also include a human body sensor for detecting human body detection results in the room corresponding to each of the multiple indoor units. The controller may also use the human body detection results from the human body sensor to determine one or more target indoor units that need to be centrally defrosted.

[0115] It should be noted that the human body sensor is a component of smart homes, and its basic functions include sensing human movement, changes in body temperature, and respiratory rate. Different types of human body sensors can perform different functions. For example, radar human body sensors can detect the vital signs of moving, stationary, or sleeping individuals. This application uses a human body sensor to detect the presence of a human in a room. Developers can choose different types of human body sensors according to their needs, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0116] For example, in the case where the air conditioner is equipped with a human body sensing sensor, such as Figure 15 As shown, the process by which the controller determines the target indoor unit can be specifically implemented as follows: S11-S12:

[0117] S11. The controller acquires the human body detection results in the room corresponding to each of the multiple indoor units.

[0118] The results of the human body detection include whether a human body is present in the room or not.

[0119] Optionally, the controller can acquire human detection results in the room corresponding to each of the multiple indoor units through human body sensing sensors.

[0120] In some embodiments, if the human body sensor detects that there is a human body in the room corresponding to one or more of the multiple indoor units, and if the outdoor heat exchanger is defrosted at this time, the one or more indoor units will start to run in cooling mode, causing the room temperature to drop, which in turn lowers the perceived temperature for the user and affects the user experience.

[0121] Furthermore, when the human body sensor detects a human being in the room corresponding to one or more of the multiple indoor units, the controller can instruct the air conditioner to designate one or more target indoor units in the room where no human being is present. Thus, even if the indoor unit in that room is operating in cooling mode, it will not affect the user's perceived temperature.

[0122] S12. Based on the human body detection results, the controller determines one or more target indoor units that require centralized defrosting.

[0123] In some embodiments, such as Figure 16 As shown, the process by which the controller determines the target indoor unit can be specifically implemented as follows: S121-S122:

[0124] S121. If the human body detection result indicates that there is a human body in at least one room, the indoor unit in the room where there is no human body shall be identified as one or more target indoor units.

[0125] In some embodiments, when the human detection result indicates that there is a person in at least one room, the outdoor heat exchanger may frost up if the air conditioner is operating in heating mode. In this case, the controller determines that centralized defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger is necessary. To avoid lower indoor temperatures caused by defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger, the controller can select indoor units in rooms where no one is present as the target indoor units for centralized defrosting.

[0126] Furthermore, the controller can obtain the total rated capacity of at least one indoor unit in a room where no human is present, and determine the target area where the outdoor heat exchanger needs to be centrally defrosted based on the ratio between this total rated capacity and the rated capacity of the outdoor unit.

[0127] S122. If the human body detection result indicates that there are no human bodies in any room, the controller determines that the outdoor heat exchanger does not require centralized defrosting. In some embodiments, if the human body sensor detects that there are no human bodies in any room, the indoor unit may be in a turned-off state, and the possibility of frost forming on the outdoor heat exchanger is relatively small. In this case, the controller determines that the outdoor heat exchanger does not require centralized defrosting.

[0128] In some embodiments, if the air conditioner operates in cooling mode, the indoor unit absorbs heat from the room and releases it to the outside, and the outdoor unit's outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser. In this case, the likelihood of the outdoor heat exchanger frosting is relatively low. Therefore, the controller determines that the outdoor heat exchanger does not require centralized defrosting.

[0129] In some embodiments, where the air conditioner is not equipped with a human body sensor, the controller determines that the target indoor unit requiring centralized defrosting is the indoor unit that is currently in operation.

[0130] For example, when the air conditioner is not equipped with a human body sensor, the controller cannot obtain the status of the users in the room. In this case, the controller can use the indoor unit that is running as the target indoor unit that needs to be centrally defrosted.

[0131] Furthermore, the controller can determine the target area where the outdoor heat exchanger needs centralized defrosting based on the total rated capacity of the indoor units currently in operation and the ratio between this total rated capacity and the rated capacity of the outdoor units.

[0132] S104. The controller controls the air conditioner to perform centralized defrosting on the target area.

[0133] In some embodiments, when the controller determines the target area where the outdoor heat exchanger needs centralized defrosting, the controller controls the air conditioner to perform centralized defrosting on the target area.

[0134] For example, if the controller determines that the target area requiring centralized defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger is 3 outdoor heat exchangers... 1 At that time, the controller controls the air conditioner to supply power to the outdoor heat exchanger. 1 Centralized defrosting is performed on the heat exchange area.

[0135] For example, if the controller determines that the target area requiring centralized defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger is the outdoor heat exchanger... 1 At time 2, the controller controls the air conditioner's power to the outdoor heat exchanger. 1 2. Centralized defrosting of the heat exchange area.

[0136] In some embodiments, when the controller controls the air conditioner to perform centralized defrosting on the target area, the controller controls one or more target indoor units to operate in cooling mode and the target area to operate in heating mode, so as to perform centralized defrosting on the target area.

[0137] Furthermore, the centralized defrosting process ends after the continuous operation time reaches the second preset duration.

[0138] It should be noted that the second preset duration is preset by the air conditioner manufacturer and stored in the memory. The second preset duration may be different for different air conditioner manufacturers, and this application does not limit it.

[0139] The technical solution provided in this application offers at least the following beneficial effects: It provides an intelligent defrosting method for an air conditioner operating in heating mode. Based on the ratio between the total rated capacity of one or more indoor units operating in heating mode and the rated capacity of the outdoor unit, the target area requiring defrosting in the outdoor heat exchanger is determined, shortening the defrosting time of the outdoor heat exchanger. It also avoids the problem of excessively low perceived temperature for users due to the indoor units operating in cooling mode for too long during outdoor heat exchanger defrosting. This ensures that the indoor units can operate according to user instructions, optimizing the user experience.

[0140] This invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium including computer-executable instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method provided in the above embodiments.

[0141] This invention also provides a computer program product that can be directly loaded into a memory and contains software code. After being loaded and executed by a computer, the computer program product can implement the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0142] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in one or more of the examples above, the functions described in this invention can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0143] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0144] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely exemplary; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed between each other may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. Units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; components shown as units may be one physical unit or multiple physical units, i.e., they may be located in one place or distributed in multiple different places. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0145] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this invention can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a device (which may be a microcontroller, chip, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods in the various embodiments of this invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0146] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: Outdoor unit; At least one indoor unit; The refrigerant circulation loop allows the refrigerant to circulate within a circuit consisting of the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, four-way valve, and pressure reducer. An outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger, one of which functions as a condenser and the other as an evaporator; A four-way valve is used to control the refrigerant flow direction in the refrigerant circulation loop; The controller is configured as follows: The operating mode, continuous operating time, and sub-rated capacity of each indoor unit in the at least one indoor unit of the air conditioner are obtained; the operating mode includes heating operating mode and cooling operating mode; When the operating mode is heating mode and the continuous operating time reaches a first preset time, one or more target indoor units that need to be centrally defrosted are identified. Calculate the ratio between the total rated capacity and the outdoor unit capacity based on the total rated capacity of the one or more target indoor units and the rated capacity of the outdoor unit; the total rated capacity is the sum of the sub-rated capacities of the one or more target indoor units that require centralized defrosting; Based on the heat exchange area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger and the ratio, determine the target area where the outdoor heat exchanger needs centralized defrosting; Control the one or more target indoor units to operate in the cooling operation mode and the target area to operate in the heating operation mode, so as to perform centralized defrosting of the target area; The centralized defrosting process ends after the continuous running time reaches the second preset duration.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes: Human body sensing sensors are used to detect the human body detection results in the rooms corresponding to each of the multiple indoor units; The controller is configured to, when the operating mode is heating mode and the continuous operating time reaches a first preset duration, determine one or more target indoor units that require centralized defrosting, specifically configured as follows: The human body detection sensor acquires the human body detection results in the room corresponding to each of the multiple indoor units; the human body detection results include whether a human body is present in the room or not. Based on the human body detection results, one or more target indoor units that require centralized defrosting are identified.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller is configured to determine, based on the human body detection results, one or more target indoor units that require centralized defrosting, specifically configured as follows: If the human detection result indicates that there is a human in at least one room, the indoor unit in the room where there is no human will be identified as the one or more target indoor units; If the human body detection results show that there are no human bodies in any of the rooms, it is determined that the outdoor heat exchanger does not require centralized defrosting.

4. A control method for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The method includes: The operating mode, continuous operating time, and sub-rated capacity of each indoor unit in at least one indoor unit of the air conditioner are obtained; the operating mode includes heating operating mode and cooling operating mode; When the operating mode is heating mode and the continuous operating time reaches a first preset time, one or more target indoor units that need to be centrally defrosted are identified. Calculate the ratio between the total rated capacity and the outdoor unit capacity based on the total rated capacity of the one or more target indoor units and the rated capacity of the outdoor unit; the total rated capacity is the sum of the sub-rated capacities of the one or more target indoor units that require centralized defrosting; Based on the heat exchange area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger and the ratio, determine the target area where the outdoor heat exchanger needs centralized defrosting; Control the one or more target indoor units to operate in the cooling operation mode and the target area to operate in the heating operation mode, so as to perform centralized defrosting of the target area; The centralized defrosting process ends after the continuous running time reaches the second preset duration.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the operating mode is heating mode and the continuous operating time reaches a first preset time, the method for determining one or more target indoor units that require centralized defrosting includes: Obtain the human body detection results in the room corresponding to each of the multiple indoor units; the human body detection results include whether a human body is present in the room or not. Based on the human body detection results and the air conditioner's operating mode, one or more target indoor units that require centralized defrosting are identified.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of determining one or more target indoor units requiring centralized defrosting based on the human body detection results and the air conditioner's operating mode includes: When the air conditioner is in heating mode and the human body detection result indicates that there is a human body in at least one room, the indoor unit in the room where there is no human body is identified as the one or more target indoor units. If the human body detection results show that there are no human bodies in any of the rooms, it is determined that the outdoor heat exchanger does not require centralized defrosting.

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