An air conditioner and its control method

Abstract

This application discloses an air conditioner and its control method, relating to the field of air conditioner technology, for achieving differentiated control of the outlet temperature of different air outlets of the air conditioner. The air conditioner includes: an outdoor unit; at least one indoor unit; wherein each indoor unit includes a heat exchanger, an electronic expansion valve, at least one air outlet, and at least one temperature sensor; the temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature at the air outlet; a controller is configured to: for any indoor unit, acquire at least one set temperature and at least one actual temperature of at least one air outlet of the indoor unit; determine a target air outlet among the at least one air outlets based on the at least one set temperature; wherein the outlet temperature of the target air outlet does not meet the user's temperature adjustment requirements; and adjust the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the target air outlet and the air outlet direction of the target air outlet based on the set temperature and actual temperature of the target air outlet.

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, and people have increasingly higher requirements for the temperature control and airflow control of air conditioners.

[0003] Existing technology allows for independent control of air deflectors to change the airflow direction and meet the needs of different users. For example, an indoor unit with four airflow directions can promptly meet the needs of users who require direct airflow.

[0004] However, this method results in a single temperature setting for multi-outlet air conditioners, failing to differentiate between various temperature requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an air conditioner and its control method for achieving differentiated control of the air outlet temperature at different air outlets of the air conditioner.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an air conditioner, including: an outdoor unit; at least one indoor unit; wherein, the indoor unit includes a heat exchanger, an electronic expansion valve, at least one air outlet, and at least one temperature sensor; the temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature at the air outlet; a controller is configured to: for any indoor unit, acquire at least one set temperature and at least one actual temperature of at least one air outlet of the indoor unit; determine a target air outlet among the at least one air outlet based on the at least one set temperature; wherein the air outlet temperature of the target air outlet does not meet the user's temperature adjustment requirements; and adjust the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the target air outlet and the air outlet direction of the target air outlet based on the set temperature and actual temperature of the target air outlet.

[0008] This technical solution offers at least the following benefits: Based on at least one set temperature and at least one actual temperature at at least one air outlet of the indoor unit, this solution identifies a target air outlet among at least one outlet and specifies the outlet requiring temperature adjustment, making the adjustment target more accurate. Subsequently, based on the set temperature and actual temperature of the target air outlet, the electronic expansion valve and the airflow direction of the target air outlet are adjusted, thereby achieving different temperatures of air blown from different outlets, better meeting the actual needs of users. Simultaneously, the specific specifications for the electronic expansion valve ensure intelligent and controllable temperature control of the air blown from the outlet, avoiding problems such as user discomfort caused by excessive temperature differences between the actual and set temperatures.

[0009] In some embodiments, determining a target air outlet among at least one air outlets based on at least one set temperature includes: comparing at least one set temperature and determining one or more air outlets with the highest set temperature and one or more air outlets with the lowest set temperature among at least one air outlets as target air outlets.

[0010] In some embodiments, the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the target air outlet includes a first electronic expansion valve and a second electronic expansion valve. A first air guide plate and a second air guide plate are arranged at the target air outlet, and the heat exchanger is a split heat exchanger, including a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. The first electronic expansion valve is used to control the refrigerant flow rate through the first heat exchanger, and the air that has undergone heat exchange through the first heat exchanger is discharged through the first air guide plate. The second electronic expansion valve is used to control the refrigerant flow rate through the second heat exchanger, and the air that has undergone heat exchange through the second heat exchanger is discharged through the second air guide plate.

[0011] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to adjust the opening of the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the target air outlet and the air outlet direction of the target air outlet according to the set temperature and the actual temperature of the target air outlet. Specifically, it is configured to: adjust the opening of the first electronic expansion valve corresponding to the target air outlet according to the set temperature and the actual temperature of the target air outlet; close the second air guide plate at the target air outlet and keep the first air guide plate in the open state to adjust the air outlet direction of the target air outlet.

[0012] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to adjust the opening of the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the target air outlet and the air outlet direction of the target air outlet according to the set temperature and the actual temperature of the target air outlet. Specifically, it is configured to: adjust the opening of the first electronic expansion valve corresponding to the target air outlet according to the set temperature and the actual temperature of the target air outlet; adjust the air guiding direction of the second air guide plate, and mix the air out of the second air guide plate with the air out of the first air guide plate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to adjust the airflow direction of the second air guide plate, specifically configured to adjust the airflow direction of the second air guide plate according to a set temperature, the highest set temperature in at least one air outlet, and the lowest set temperature in at least one air outlet.

[0014] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a control method for an air conditioner, comprising: for any indoor unit, acquiring at least one set temperature and at least one actual temperature of at least one air outlet of the indoor unit; determining a target air outlet among the at least one air outlet based on the at least one set temperature; wherein the air outlet temperature of the target air outlet does not meet the user's temperature adjustment requirements; and adjusting the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the target air outlet and the air outlet direction of the target air outlet based on the set temperature and actual temperature of the target air outlet.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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 it may be packaged separately from the controller's processor; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0019] 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

[0020] 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.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat exchanger provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 This application provides a schematic diagram of the air conditioner's circulation principle.

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the air outlet of an indoor unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the air outlet of another indoor unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of the air outlet of an indoor unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the air guiding direction of an air guide plate provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air guide plate provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 9 A hardware configuration block diagram of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 10 A flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart of another air conditioner control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 12 This is a schematic flowchart of another air conditioner control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 13 This is a schematic flowchart of another air conditioner control method provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] As mentioned above, existing multi-outlet air conditioners have a single temperature setting, meaning they can only be set to a single temperature and cannot differentiate for multiple different temperature requirements.

[0040] Based on this, this application provides an air conditioner, including: an outdoor unit; at least one indoor unit; wherein, the indoor unit includes a heat exchanger, an electronic expansion valve, at least one air outlet, and at least one temperature sensor; the temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature at the air outlet; a controller is configured to: for any indoor unit, acquire at least one set temperature and at least one actual temperature of at least one air outlet of the indoor unit; determine a target air outlet among the at least one air outlet based on the at least one set temperature; wherein the air outlet temperature of the target air outlet does not meet the user's temperature adjustment requirements; and adjust the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the target air outlet and the air outlet direction of the target air outlet based on the set temperature and actual temperature of the target air outlet.

[0041] In this way, the temperature of the air blown out of the vent can be intelligently controlled, avoiding problems such as user discomfort caused by excessive temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set temperature.

[0042] The embodiments provided in this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] 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 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal components of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application. The following is in conjunction with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application introduces the air conditioner provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0044] The air conditioner 100 includes an outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 11, an indoor unit 12, 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.

[0045] Figure 1 The previous example only involved one outdoor unit connected to two indoor units. This application provides an air conditioner where one outdoor unit connects to multiple indoor units. Figure 1 The composition of the air conditioner does not constitute a limitation on this air conditioner.

[0046] Outdoor unit 10, typically installed outdoors, is used for heat exchange within the indoor environment. Additionally, in Figure 1 In the illustration, outdoor unit 10 is shown as a dashed line because it is located outdoors on the opposite side of indoor unit 11 or indoor unit 12, separated by a wall.

[0047] The outdoor unit 10 includes: compressor 1, four-way valve 2, solenoid valve 3, solenoid valve 4, gas-liquid separator 5, outdoor heat exchanger 6, liquid pipe shut-off valve 7, high and low pressure gas pipe shut-off valve 8, and low pressure gas pipe shut-off valve 9.

[0048] The outdoor unit of an air conditioner refers to the part of the refrigeration cycle that includes the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger. Each indoor unit of an air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve can be provided in either the indoor or outdoor unit.

[0049] In some embodiments, a compressor is a driven fluid machine that raises low-pressure gas to high-pressure gas.

[0050] In some embodiments, when the air conditioner 100 is operating in cooling mode, the compressor 1 is used to compress the refrigerant gas under high temperature and high pressure and discharge the compressed refrigerant gas.

[0051] In some embodiments, the refrigerant discharged from compressor 1 flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, and heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0052] In some embodiments, solenoid valves 3 and 4 consist of a valve body and a coil, and are used for throttling and pressure reduction and for regulating flow.

[0053] In some embodiments, the solenoid valve in the air conditioner can throttle medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant into low-temperature, low-pressure wet vapor, and then the refrigerant absorbs heat in the evaporator to achieve a cooling effect, and the valve flow rate is controlled by the change in superheat at the evaporator outlet.

[0054] Furthermore, when the air conditioner 100 is operating in cooling mode, solenoid valves 3 and 4 can expand the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The evaporator evaporates the refrigerant that has expanded in solenoid valves 3 and 4, and returns the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas to the compressor.

[0055] In some embodiments, the evaporator achieves a cooling effect by utilizing the latent heat of refrigerant evaporation to exchange heat with the material to be cooled. Throughout the cycle, the air conditioner can regulate the temperature of the indoor space.

[0056] In some embodiments, indoor unit 11 and indoor unit 12, taking indoor unit 11 as an example, indoor units are usually installed on indoor walls or the like.

[0057] For example, indoor cabinet air conditioners ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the figure) is also a type of indoor unit. This air conditioner may include an outdoor unit and two or more indoor units, as well as a controller (not shown in the figure) for controlling each indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

[0058] In some embodiments, the indoor unit 11 includes a heat exchanger 111, an electronic expansion valve 112, and an electronic expansion valve 113.

[0059] In some embodiments, the indoor unit 12 includes a heat exchanger 121, an electronic expansion valve 122, and an electronic expansion valve 123.

[0060] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a heat exchanger provided in an embodiment of this application. Taking heat exchanger 111 as an example, as shown... Figure 2 As shown, the heat exchanger 111 is a split heat exchanger, including heat exchanger 111A and heat exchanger 111B.

[0061] In some embodiments, taking indoor unit 11 as an example, the air conditioner can achieve four modes through outdoor unit and indoor unit respectively: simultaneous heating of heat exchanger 111A and heat exchanger 111B, simultaneous cooling of heat exchanger 111A and heat exchanger 111B, cooling of heat exchanger 111A and heating of heat exchanger 111B, or heating of heat exchanger 111A and cooling of heat exchanger 111B.

[0062] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the air circulation principle of an air conditioner, provided as an embodiment of this application. Figure 3As shown, taking indoor unit 11 as an example, when heat exchanger 111A and heat exchanger 111B are heating at the same time, the heat exchange path of air when heat exchanger 111A is heating is: compressor 1 → four-way valve 2 → high and low pressure gas pipe shut-off valve 8 → heat exchanger 111A → electronic expansion valve 113 → liquid pipe shut-off valve 7 → outdoor heat exchanger 6 → four-way valve 2 → gas-liquid separator 5 → compressor 1.

[0063] Furthermore, the heat exchange path of air during heating by heat exchanger 111B is as follows: compressor 1 → solenoid valve 3 → low-pressure gas pipe shut-off valve 9 → heat exchanger 111B → electronic expansion valve 112 → liquid pipe shut-off valve 7 → outdoor heat exchanger 6 → four-way valve 2 → gas-liquid separator 5 → compressor 1.

[0064] In some embodiments, when heat exchangers 111A and 111B are cooling simultaneously, the heat exchange path of the air when heat exchanger 111A is heating is as follows: compressor 1 → four-way valve 2 → outdoor heat exchanger 6 → electronic expansion valve 113 → heat exchanger 111A → high and low pressure gas pipe shut-off valve 8 → four-way valve 2 → gas-liquid separator 5 → compressor 1.

[0065] Furthermore, the heat exchange path of the air during the heating process of heat exchanger 111B is as follows: compressor 1 → four-way valve 2 → outdoor heat exchanger 6 → electronic expansion valve 112 → heat exchanger 111B → low-pressure gas pipe shut-off valve 9 → solenoid valve 4 → gas-liquid separator 5 → compressor 1.

[0066] In some embodiments, when heat exchanger 111A is heating and heat exchanger 111B is cooling, the heat exchange path of air when heat exchanger 111A is cooling is: compressor 1 → four-way valve 2 → outdoor heat exchanger 6 → electronic expansion valve 113 → heat exchanger 111A → high and low pressure gas pipe shut-off valve 8 → four-way valve 2 → gas-liquid separator 5 → compressor 1.

[0067] Furthermore, the heat exchange path of air during the heating process of heat exchanger 111B is as follows: compressor 1 → solenoid valve 3 → low-pressure gas pipe shut-off valve 9 → heat exchanger 111B → electronic expansion valve 113 → electronic expansion valve 114 → heat exchanger 111A → high and low pressure gas pipe shut-off valve 8 → four-way valve 2 → gas-liquid separator 5 → compressor 1.

[0068] In some embodiments, when heat exchanger 111A is heating and heat exchanger 111B is cooling, the heat exchange path of air when heat exchanger 111A is heating is as follows: compressor 1 → four-way valve 2 → high and low pressure gas pipe shut-off valve 8 → heat exchanger 111A → electronic expansion valve 114 → electronic expansion valve 113 → heat exchanger 111B → low pressure gas pipe shut-off valve 9 → solenoid valve 4 → gas-liquid separator 5 → compressor 1.

[0069] Furthermore, the heat exchange path of the air during the cooling process of heat exchanger 111B is as follows: compressor 1 → four-way valve 2 → outdoor heat exchanger 6 → electronic expansion valve 112 → heat exchanger 111B → low-pressure gas pipe shut-off valve 9 → solenoid valve 4 → gas-liquid separator 5 → compressor 1.

[0070] In some embodiments, taking indoor unit 11 as an example, indoor unit 11 includes at least one air outlet, and a temperature sensor 103 is provided at each air outlet.

[0071] In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 103 is used to detect the actual temperature of the air outlet.

[0072] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the air outlet of an indoor unit provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 As shown, taking the indoor unit 11 with four air outlets as an example, the four air outlets are air outlet A, air outlet B, air outlet C and air outlet D.

[0073] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the air outlet of another indoor unit provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the air outlet of an indoor unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0074] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, taking the air outlet D of the indoor unit 11 as an example, the air outlet D is provided with an air guide plate 115 and an air guide plate 116.

[0075] Schematic diagram of airflow direction. (See diagram below.) Figure 7 As shown, the air guided by the air guide plate 116 can be blown to the air guide plate 115 for mixing and then guided out by the air guide plate 115.

[0076] Optionally, the air guided by the air guide plate 115 can be blown to the air guide plate 116 for mixing before being guided by the air guide plate 116.

[0077] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a wind guide plate provided in an embodiment of this application. Taking wind guide plate 115 as an example, wind guide plate 115 includes a motor 115A.

[0078] In some embodiments, motor 115A is an independent control unit of air guide plate 115, used to control the air guiding direction of air guide plate 115.

[0079] In some embodiments, the rotatable angle of the air guide plate 115 is α°.

[0080] In the embodiments shown in this application, the controller 1000 refers to a device that can generate operation control signals according to the instruction operation code and timing signals, and instruct the air conditioner to execute control commands.

[0081] For example, the controller 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.

[0082] In some embodiments, the controller may also be other devices with processing functions, such as circuits, devices or software modules, and the embodiments of this application do not impose any limitations on this.

[0083] In addition, the controller 1000 can be used to control the operation of various components inside the air conditioner 100 so that the various components of the air conditioner 100 can operate to achieve the various predetermined functions of the air conditioner.

[0084] In some embodiments, the controller 1000 can be integrated into the outdoor unit 10, that is, the outdoor unit 10 can control the operation of various components in the air conditioner 100.

[0085] In some embodiments, the controller 1000 is configured to: for any indoor unit, acquire at least one set temperature and at least one actual temperature of at least one air outlet of the indoor unit; determine a target air outlet among the at least one air outlet based on the at least one set temperature; wherein the air outlet temperature of the target air outlet does not meet the user's temperature adjustment requirements; and adjust the opening of the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the target air outlet and the air guiding direction of the target air outlet based on the set temperature and actual temperature of the target air outlet.

[0086] In some embodiments, the controller 1000 is further configured to: adjust the opening of the first electronic expansion valve corresponding to the target air outlet according to the set temperature and the actual temperature of the target air outlet; close the second air guide plate at the target air outlet, and keep the first air guide plate in the open state to adjust the air outlet direction at the target air outlet.

[0087] In some embodiments, the controller 1000 is further configured to: adjust the opening of the first electronic expansion valve corresponding to the target air outlet according to the set temperature and the actual temperature of the target air outlet; adjust the air guiding direction of the second air guide plate, and mix the air directed from the second air guide plate with the air directed from the first air guide plate.

[0088] In some embodiments, the controller 1000 is further configured to adjust the airflow direction of the second air guide plate based on a set temperature, the highest set temperature in at least one air outlet, and the lowest set temperature in at least one air outlet.

[0089] In some embodiments, the air conditioner 100 is also 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 perform various controls on the air conditioner, realizing interaction between the user and the air conditioner 100.

[0090] Figure 9 This is a hardware configuration block diagram of an air conditioner provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the air conditioner 100 may also include the following two items: a memory 1002 and a communicator 1003.

[0091] In some embodiments, memory 1002 may be used to store software programs and data. Controller 1000 performs various functions of air conditioner 100 and data processing by running the software programs or data stored in memory 1002. Memory 1002 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.

[0092] In some embodiments, the memory 1002 stores an operating system that enables the air conditioner 100 to run. In this application, the memory 1002 may store the operating system and various applications, and may also store code that executes the control method of the air conditioner 100 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0093] In some embodiments, the communicator 1003 is used to establish communication connections with other network entities, such as establishing communication connections with terminal devices. The communicator 1003 may include a radio frequency (RF) module, a cellular module, a wireless fidelity (WIFI) module, and a GPS module, etc.

[0094] Taking an RF module as an example, an RF module can be used for signal reception and transmission. Specifically, it sends received information to the controller 1000 for processing; in addition, it sends out signals generated by the controller 1000. Typically, an 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.

[0095] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 9 The hardware structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0096] Figure 10This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 10 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0097] S101. For any indoor unit, the controller acquires at least one set temperature and at least one actual temperature from at least one air outlet of the indoor unit.

[0098] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes a heat exchanger, which is a split heat exchanger including a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, with the first heat exchanger located above the second heat exchanger.

[0099] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner further includes an electronic expansion valve, which includes a first electronic expansion valve and a second electronic expansion valve.

[0100] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes at least one air outlet, and a temperature sensor is provided at each air outlet. The set temperature and the actual temperature of each air outlet may be different. The controller needs to adjust the actual temperature of the air outlet by controlling the set temperature of different air outlets so that the temperature of each air outlet meets the user's needs.

[0101] For example, taking the first indoor unit as an example, assume that the first indoor unit includes four air outlets, namely air outlet A, air outlet B, air outlet C, and air outlet D. The set temperature of air outlet A is S. A The set temperature of air outlet B is S. B The set temperature of air outlet C is S. C And the set temperature of air outlet D is S D .

[0102] For example, taking outlet air D as an example, an air guide plate is provided at outlet D, which includes a first air guide plate and a second air guide plate.

[0103] The first electronic expansion valve controls the flow rate of refrigerant through the first heat exchanger, and the air that exchanges heat in the first heat exchanger is discharged through the first air guide plate. The second electronic expansion valve controls the flow rate of refrigerant through the second heat exchanger and exchanges heat through the second heat exchanger.

[0104] In some embodiments, the first indoor unit further includes an electronic expansion valve, which includes a first electronic expansion valve and a second electronic expansion valve.

[0105] The first electronic expansion valve is connected to the first heat exchanger and is used to control the refrigerant flow rate through the first heat exchanger. The second electronic expansion valve is connected to the second heat exchanger and is used to control the refrigerant flow rate through the second heat exchanger.

[0106] like Figure 3 As shown, taking the first indoor unit as an example, the first heat exchanger can be either heat exchanger 111A or heat exchanger 111B.

[0107] Optionally, when the first heat exchanger can be heat exchanger 111A, the first electronic expansion valve connected to the first heat exchanger is electronic expansion valve 113, and the air that exchanges heat through the first heat exchanger is discharged through the first air guide plate 115.

[0108] Furthermore, the second heat exchanger is heat exchanger 111B, and the second electronic expansion valve connected to the second heat exchanger is electronic expansion valve 114. The air that has undergone heat exchange through the first heat exchanger is discharged through the second air guide plate 116.

[0109] Optionally, when the first heat exchanger can be heat exchanger 111B, the first electronic expansion valve connected to the first heat exchanger is electronic expansion valve 114, and the air that exchanges heat through the first heat exchanger is discharged through the first air guide plate 116.

[0110] Furthermore, the second heat exchanger is heat exchanger 111A, and the second electronic expansion valve connected to the second heat exchanger is electronic expansion valve 113. The air that has undergone heat exchange through the first heat exchanger is discharged through the second air guide plate 115.

[0111] In some embodiments, after the controller obtains at least one set temperature and at least one actual temperature of at least one air outlet, it can determine the target air outlet in at least one air outlet based on the at least one set temperature.

[0112] S102. The controller determines the target air outlet in at least one air outlet based on at least one set temperature and the actual temperature.

[0113] The air outlet temperature does not meet the user's temperature adjustment requirements.

[0114] In some embodiments, by comparing at least one set temperature, one or more air outlets with the highest set temperature and one or more air outlets with the lowest set temperature are identified as target air outlets.

[0115] S103. The controller adjusts the opening of the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the target air outlet and the air guiding direction of the target air outlet according to the set temperature and the actual temperature of the target air outlet.

[0116] In some embodiments, the controller can adjust the opening of the first electronic expansion valve corresponding to the target air outlet according to the set temperature of the target air outlet.

[0117] Figure 11This is a schematic flowchart of another air conditioner control method provided in an embodiment of this application, used to adjust the opening degree of the first electronic expansion valve. Figure 11 As shown, the method includes:

[0118] S11. When the set temperature of the target air outlet is the minimum or maximum value among at least one set temperature of at least one air outlet of the indoor unit, the controller adjusts the opening of the first electronic expansion valve to the first preset opening.

[0119] The first electronic expansion valve can be either electronic expansion valve 113 or electronic expansion valve 114.

[0120] Optionally, if the first electronic expansion valve is electronic expansion valve 113, taking the first indoor unit with four air outlets as an example, the minimum value of the four set temperatures is T. min The maximum value of the four set temperatures is T. max .

[0121] For example, the air outlet D of the first indoor unit is taken as the target air outlet, and the set temperature S at the target air outlet is... D For example, when S D =T min At this time, the controller can adjust the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve 113 to the first preset opening degree.

[0122] Furthermore, since the first electronic expansion valve is connected to the first heat exchanger, when the controller adjusts the opening of the first electronic expansion valve, the second air guide plate at the target air outlet is closed, and the air that is heat exchanged through the second heat exchanger is no longer blown out from the second air guide plate, that is, the second air guide plate is deactivated.

[0123] Or, when S D =T min At this time, the controller can adjust the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve 114 to the first preset opening degree.

[0124] Furthermore, since the second electronic expansion valve is connected to the second heat exchanger, when the controller adjusts the opening of the second electronic expansion valve, the first air guide plate at the target air outlet is closed, and the air that has been heat exchanged through the first heat exchanger is no longer blown out from the first air guide plate, that is, the first air guide plate is deactivated.

[0125] Or, when S D =T max At this time, the controller can adjust the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve 113 to the first preset opening degree.

[0126] Furthermore, since the first electronic expansion valve is connected to the first heat exchanger, when the controller adjusts the opening of the first electronic expansion valve, the second air guide plate at the target air outlet is closed, and the air that is heat exchanged through the second heat exchanger is no longer blown out from the second air guide plate, that is, the second air guide plate is deactivated.

[0127] Or, when S D =T max At this time, the controller can adjust the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve 114 to the first preset opening degree.

[0128] Furthermore, since the second electronic expansion valve is connected to the second heat exchanger, when the controller adjusts the opening of the second electronic expansion valve, the first air guide plate at the target air outlet is closed, and the air that has been heat exchanged through the first heat exchanger is no longer blown out from the first air guide plate, that is, the first air guide plate is deactivated.

[0129] In some embodiments, the controller can determine the opening value of the electronic expansion valve based on the superheat or subcooling of the outdoor unit.

[0130] Table 1 shows a correspondence table. As shown in Table 1, the correspondence can include multiple superheat values ​​and multiple opening values, and the multiple superheat values ​​and multiple opening values ​​have a one-to-one correspondence.

[0131] Table 1

[0132] <![CDATA[a1℃-b1℃]]> <![CDATA[X1%]]> <![CDATA[b1℃-c1℃]]> <![CDATA[Y1%]]> <![CDATA[c1℃-d1℃]]> <![CDATA[Z1%]]> ... ...

[0133] For example, when S D =T min or S D =T max If the superheat of the outdoor unit is a1℃-b1℃, determine the opening value of the first electronic expansion valve or the second electronic expansion valve as X1%; if the superheat is b1℃-c1℃, determine the opening value of the first electronic expansion valve or the second electronic expansion valve as Y1%; if the superheat is c1℃-d1℃, determine the opening value of the first electronic expansion valve or the second electronic expansion valve as Z1%.

[0134] Table 2 shows a correspondence table. As shown in Table 2, the correspondence can include multiple subcoolings and multiple, and the multiple subcoolings and multiple have a one-to-one correspondence.

[0135] Table 2

[0136]

[0137]

[0138] For example, when S D =T min or S D=T max If the superheat of the outdoor unit is a2℃-b2℃, determine the opening value of the first electronic expansion valve or the second electronic expansion valve as X2%; if the superheat is b2℃-c2℃, determine the opening value of the first electronic expansion valve or the second electronic expansion valve as Y2%; if the superheat is c2℃-d2℃, determine the opening value of the first electronic expansion valve or the second electronic expansion valve as Z2%.

[0139] In some embodiments, after the controller adjusts the opening value of the electronic expansion valve, the controller can adjust the airflow direction of the target air outlet according to the set temperature of the target air outlet, the highest set temperature of at least one air outlet, and the lowest set temperature of at least one air outlet.

[0140] Figure 12 This is a schematic flowchart of another air conditioner control method provided in an embodiment of this application, used to adjust the airflow direction of the target air outlet. Figure 12 As shown, when the controller adjusts the electronic expansion valve, the method includes:

[0141] S21. The controller adjusts the opening of the first electronic expansion valve.

[0142] In some embodiments, after the controller adjusts the opening of the first electronic expansion valve, the controller can adjust the air guiding direction of the second air guide plate of the target air outlet according to the set temperature of the target air outlet, the highest set temperature of at least one air outlet, and the lowest set temperature of at least one air outlet.

[0143] S22. If the set temperature of the target air outlet, the highest set temperature of at least one air outlet, and the lowest set temperature of at least one air outlet satisfy the first preset relationship, the controller adjusts the air guiding direction of the second air guide plate of the target air outlet.

[0144] Optionally, the first preset relation can be |S D -T min |≤|S D -T max |

[0145] In some embodiments, when the electronic expansion valve with adjusted opening is a first electronic expansion valve, the air outlet D of the first indoor unit is taken as the target air outlet, and the set temperature S at the target air outlet is... D For example, when S D Satisfy |S D -T min |≤|S D -T max When |, adjust the airflow direction of the second air guide plate at the target air outlet to the first preset airflow direction.

[0146] For example, in the case where the electronic expansion valve with its opening adjusted is the first electronic expansion valve, when |S D -T min |≤|S D -T max When |, keep the airflow direction of the first air guide plate unchanged, and adjust the airflow direction of the second air guide plate of the target air outlet to the first preset airflow direction.

[0147] It should be noted that the first preset airflow direction is set by the air conditioner manufacturer and stored in the memory. Different air conditioner manufacturers set different first preset airflow directions, and this application does not limit this.

[0148] In some embodiments, the controller keeps the airflow direction of the first air guide plate unchanged, that is, keeps the airflow direction of the first air guide plate as set by the user to meet the user's requirements for the air delivery direction, and adjusts the airflow direction of the second air guide plate at the target air outlet to control the air delivered from the second air guide plate to blow towards the first air guide plate.

[0149] Furthermore, the controller directs the air from the second air guide plate to the air from the first air guide plate to mix the air, and then directs it through the first air guide plate so that the actual temperature at the target air outlet reaches the set temperature.

[0150] Figure 13 This is a schematic flowchart of another air conditioner control method provided in an embodiment of this application, used to adjust the airflow direction of the target air outlet. Figure 13 As shown, after the controller adjusts the second electronic expansion valve, the method further includes:

[0151] S31. The controller adjusts the opening of the second electronic expansion valve.

[0152] In some embodiments, after the controller adjusts the opening of the second electronic expansion valve, the controller can adjust the air guiding direction of the first air guide plate of the target air outlet according to the set temperature of the target air outlet, the highest set temperature of at least one air outlet, and the lowest set temperature of at least one air outlet.

[0153] S32. If the set temperature of the target air outlet, the highest set temperature of at least one air outlet, and the lowest set temperature of at least one air outlet satisfy the second preset relationship, the controller adjusts the air guiding direction of the first air guide plate of the target air outlet.

[0154] In some embodiments, when the electronic expansion valve with adjusted opening is a second electronic expansion valve, the air outlet D of the first indoor unit is taken as the target air outlet, and the set temperature S at the target air outlet is... D For example, when S DWhen the first preset relationship or the second preset relationship is met, the air guiding direction of the first air guide plate of the target air outlet is adjusted to the second preset air guiding direction.

[0155] Optionally, the second preset relationship can be |S D --T min |>|S D --T max |

[0156] For example, when or |S D --T min |>|S D --T max When the electronic expansion valve with its opening already adjusted is the second electronic expansion valve, the air guiding direction of the second air guide plate remains unchanged, and the air guiding direction of the first air guide plate at the target air outlet is adjusted to the second preset air guiding direction.

[0157] It should be noted that the second preset airflow direction is set by the air conditioner manufacturer and stored in the memory. Different air conditioner manufacturers set different second preset airflow directions, and this application does not limit this.

[0158] In some embodiments, the controller directs the air from the first air guide plate to the air from the second air guide plate to mix the air, and then directs it through the second air guide plate.

[0159] In some embodiments, the controller keeps the airflow direction of the second air guide plate unchanged, that is, keeps the airflow direction of the second air guide plate as set by the user, in order to meet the user's requirements for the air delivery direction, and adjusts the airflow direction of the first air guide plate at the target air outlet, in order to control the air delivered from the first air guide plate to blow towards the second air guide plate.

[0160] Furthermore, the controller directs the air from the first air guide plate to the air from the second air guide plate to mix the air, and then directs it through the second air guide plate so that the actual temperature at the target air outlet reaches the set temperature.

[0161] It should be noted that this application only describes the air outlet D as the target air outlet. In the specific implementation, the control methods for other air outlets that meet the target air outlet conditions are the same as those for the control method of air outlet D, and this application will not repeat them here.

[0162] This technical solution offers at least the following benefits: Based on at least one set temperature and at least one actual temperature at at least one air outlet of the indoor unit, this solution identifies a target air outlet among at least one outlet and specifies the outlet requiring temperature adjustment, making the adjustment target more accurate. Subsequently, based on the set temperature and actual temperature of the target air outlet, the electronic expansion valve and the airflow direction of the target air outlet are adjusted, thereby achieving different temperatures of air blown from different outlets, better meeting the actual needs of users. Simultaneously, the specific specifications for the electronic expansion valve ensure intelligent and controllable temperature control of the air blown from the outlet, avoiding problems such as user discomfort caused by excessive temperature differences between the actual and set temperatures.

[0163] 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.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] When implemented in software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium.

[0167] In some embodiments, a computer-readable medium includes a computer storage medium and a communication medium, wherein the communication medium includes any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. The storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0168] 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.

[0169] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways.

[0170] For example, the device 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.

[0171] Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0172] In some embodiments, the units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may be one or more physical units, that is, 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 the solution in this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0173] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present 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.

[0174] In some embodiments, the integrated unit described above can be implemented either in hardware or as a software functional unit. If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as a standalone product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium.

[0175] Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solutions, 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 of the various embodiments of the present 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.

[0176] 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; wherein, one indoor unit includes a heat exchanger, an electronic expansion valve, at least one air outlet and at least one temperature sensor; The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature at the air outlet; The controller is configured as follows: For any indoor unit, obtain at least one set temperature and at least one actual temperature of at least one air outlet of the indoor unit; Based on the at least one set temperature, a target air outlet is determined among the at least one air outlet; wherein the air outlet temperature of the target air outlet does not meet the user's temperature adjustment requirements; the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the target air outlet includes a first electronic expansion valve and a second electronic expansion valve, a first air guide plate and a second air guide plate are arranged at the target air outlet, and the heat exchanger is a split heat exchanger, including a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. The first electronic expansion valve is used to control the refrigerant flow rate through the first heat exchanger, and the air that exchanges heat through the first heat exchanger is discharged through the first air guide plate; the second electronic expansion valve is used to control the refrigerant flow rate through the second heat exchanger, and the air that exchanges heat through the second heat exchanger is discharged through the second air guide plate. When the set temperature of the target air outlet is the minimum or maximum value among at least one set temperature of at least one air outlet of the indoor unit, the opening of the first electronic expansion valve or the second electronic expansion valve is adjusted to the first preset opening. When the electronic expansion valve with its opening already adjusted is the first electronic expansion valve, when |S D -T min |≤|S D -T max When |, keep the air guiding direction of the first air guide plate unchanged, and adjust the air guiding direction of the second air guide plate of the target air outlet to the first preset air guiding direction; When the electronic expansion valve with its opening already adjusted is the second electronic expansion valve, when |S D -T min |>|S D -T max When |, keep the air guiding direction of the second air guide plate unchanged, and adjust the air guiding direction of the first air guide plate of the target air outlet to the second preset air guiding direction; Among them, S D The set temperature at the target air outlet; T min The minimum value among at least one set temperature of at least one air outlet of the indoor unit; T max The maximum value among at least one set temperature of at least one air outlet of the indoor unit.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the target air outlet among the at least one air outlet based on the at least one set temperature includes: By comparing the at least one set temperature, one or more air outlets with the highest set temperature and one or more air outlets with the lowest set temperature are determined as the target air outlets.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is configured to adjust the airflow direction of the second air guide plate, specifically configured as follows: The airflow direction of the second air guide plate is adjusted according to the set temperature, the highest set temperature among the at least one air outlet, and the lowest set temperature among the at least one air outlet.

4. A control method for an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: For any indoor unit, at least one set temperature and at least one actual temperature of at least one air outlet of the indoor unit are obtained; the actual temperature is obtained by a temperature sensor at the air outlet. Based on the at least one set temperature, a target air outlet is determined among the at least one air outlet; wherein the air outlet temperature of the target air outlet does not meet the user's temperature adjustment requirements; the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the target air outlet includes a first electronic expansion valve and a second electronic expansion valve, a first air guide plate and a second air guide plate are arranged at the target air outlet, and the heat exchanger is a split heat exchanger, including a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. The first electronic expansion valve is used to control the refrigerant flow rate through the first heat exchanger, and the air that exchanges heat through the first heat exchanger is discharged through the first air guide plate; the second electronic expansion valve is used to control the refrigerant flow rate through the second heat exchanger, and the air that exchanges heat through the second heat exchanger is discharged through the second air guide plate. When the set temperature of the target air outlet is the minimum or maximum value among at least one set temperature of at least one air outlet of the indoor unit, adjust the opening of the first electronic expansion valve or the second electronic expansion valve. When the electronic expansion valve with its opening already adjusted is the first electronic expansion valve, when |S D -T min |≤|S D -T max When |, keep the air guiding direction of the first air guide plate unchanged, and adjust the air guiding direction of the second air guide plate of the target air outlet to the first preset air guiding direction; When the electronic expansion valve with its opening already adjusted is the second electronic expansion valve, when |S D -T min |>|S D -T max When |, keep the air guiding direction of the second air guide plate unchanged, and adjust the air guiding direction of the first air guide plate of the target air outlet to the second preset air guiding direction; Among them, S D The set temperature at the target air outlet; T min The minimum value among at least one set temperature of at least one air outlet of the indoor unit; T max The maximum value among at least one set temperature of at least one air outlet of the indoor unit.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of determining the target air outlet among the at least one air outlet based on the at least one set temperature includes: By comparing the at least one set temperature, one or more air outlets with the highest set temperature and one or more air outlets with the lowest set temperature are determined as the target air outlets.

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