Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of refrigeration and heating, and specifically provides an air conditioner and a control method thereof. The air conditioner comprises an air conditioner indoor unit and an air conditioner outdoor unit. The air conditioner indoor unit comprises an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor pressure reduction component. The air conditioner outdoor unit comprises a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger and an outdoor pressure reduction component. The outdoor pressure reduction component and the indoor pressure reduction component are connected in series between the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger and the inlet of the indoor heat exchanger. The control method comprises the following steps: obtaining a first temperature of an outdoor environment and a second temperature of refrigerant between the outdoor pressure reduction component and the indoor pressure reduction component; determining the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature; determining whether the difference is located outside a preset temperature interval; and if the difference is located outside the preset temperature interval, adjusting the opening degree of the outdoor pressure reduction component so that the difference is located within the preset temperature interval. The application not only overcomes the problem that the refrigeration capacity of the existing air conditioner is seriously attenuated, but also effectively reduces the noise generated by the indoor pressure reduction component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of refrigeration / heating technology, and specifically provides an air conditioner and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] An air conditioner generally consists of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor and indoor units are usually connected by a connecting pipe, which allows the refrigerant in the air conditioner to circulate between the outdoor and indoor units, enabling the indoor unit to cool or heat the indoor environment.

[0003] Current air conditioners generally use capillary tubes or electronic expansion valves as throttling devices to restrict the flow of refrigerant. When the throttling device is a capillary tube, it is typically used as a connecting pipe, with one end connected to the outlet of the outdoor unit and the other end connected to the inlet of the indoor unit. When the throttling device is an electronic expansion valve, it is usually located in the outdoor unit, and its outlet is connected to the inlet of the indoor unit via a refrigerant line.

[0004] During the cooling process of an air conditioner, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is transformed into a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant by the throttling device, and then enters the indoor unit to cool the indoor environment. When the outdoor ambient temperature is high (e.g., above 40°C), due to the large temperature difference between the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant and the outdoor environment, this portion of the refrigerant will absorb a significant amount of heat from the outdoor environment, resulting in a severe reduction in the air conditioner's cooling capacity (generally by 10%-20%).

[0005] Therefore, how to reduce the reduction in cooling capacity of air conditioners when cooling in high-temperature environments has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One objective of this invention is to solve the problem that the cooling capacity of existing air conditioners is severely reduced when cooling in high-temperature environments.

[0007] A further objective of this invention is to reduce the noise generated by the indoor pressure-reducing components while avoiding a significant decrease in the cooling capacity of the air conditioner.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a control method for an air conditioner in a first aspect, the air conditioner including an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, the indoor unit including an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor pressure reducing component, the outdoor unit including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger and an outdoor pressure reducing component, the outdoor pressure reducing component and the indoor pressure reducing component being connected in series between the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger and the inlet of the indoor heat exchanger;

[0009] The air conditioner also includes a first temperature sensor for detecting the outdoor ambient temperature and a second temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature between the outdoor pressure-reducing component and the indoor pressure-reducing component.

[0010] The control method includes:

[0011] Acquire the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor;

[0012] Determine the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature;

[0013] Determine whether the difference is located outside the preset temperature range;

[0014] If the difference is outside the preset temperature range, adjust the opening of the outdoor pressure reducing component so that the difference is within the preset temperature range.

[0015] Optionally, adjusting the opening of the outdoor pressure-reducing component if the difference is located outside the preset temperature range includes:

[0016] If the difference is greater than the maximum value of the preset temperature range, the outdoor pressure reducing component is controlled to increase its opening.

[0017] Optionally, if the difference is greater than the maximum value of the preset temperature range, controlling the outdoor pressure-reducing component to increase its opening includes:

[0018] If the difference is greater than the maximum value of the preset temperature range, it is determined that the difference exceeds a first value of the preset temperature range;

[0019] Based on the first value, determine the first opening value to be increased for the outdoor pressure reducing component;

[0020] The outdoor pressure reducing component is controlled to increase the opening degree of the first opening value.

[0021] Optionally, adjusting the opening of the outdoor pressure-reducing component if the difference is located outside the preset temperature range includes:

[0022] If the difference is less than the minimum value of the preset temperature range, the outdoor pressure reducing component is controlled to reduce its opening.

[0023] Optionally, if the difference is less than the minimum value of the preset temperature range, controlling the outdoor pressure-reducing component to decrease its opening includes:

[0024] If the difference is less than the minimum value of the preset temperature range, then the difference is determined to exceed a second value of the preset temperature range;

[0025] Based on the second value, determine the second opening value to be reduced for the outdoor pressure-reducing component;

[0026] The outdoor pressure reducing component is controlled to reduce the opening degree of the second opening degree value.

[0027] Optionally, obtaining the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor includes:

[0028] In response to receiving a low-noise mode command, the system acquires a first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and a second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor every first preset time interval.

[0029] Optionally, the control method further includes:

[0030] In response to the compressor stopping, the outdoor pressure-reducing component is controlled to adjust to its maximum opening degree;

[0031] In response to the outdoor pressure reducing component maintaining its maximum opening for a second preset time, the outdoor pressure reducing component is controlled to adjust to its minimum opening.

[0032] Optionally, the control method further includes: in response to the compressor stopping rotating, controlling the outdoor pressure reducing component to adjust to the maximum opening degree according to a set adjustment rate.

[0033] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an air conditioner comprising:

[0034] An indoor air conditioning unit, comprising an indoor pressure-reducing component and an indoor heat exchanger that are fluidly connected in sequence;

[0035] An outdoor unit for an air conditioner includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor pressure reducing component that are fluidly connected in sequence.

[0036] The connection pipe includes an intake connection pipe and a return connection pipe. The intake connection pipe is fluidly connected to the outdoor pressure reducing component through its outdoor end and to the indoor pressure reducing component through its indoor end. The return connection pipe is fluidly connected to the indoor heat exchanger through its indoor end and to the compressor through its outdoor end.

[0037] The first temperature sensor is used to detect the ambient temperature of the environment where the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is located;

[0038] The second temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the refrigerant between the outdoor pressure-reducing component and the indoor pressure-reducing component;

[0039] A controller, which is electrically connected to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor respectively;

[0040] A memory storing execution instructions configured to cause the air conditioner to perform the control method described in any one of the first aspects when executed by the controller.

[0041] Optionally, the indoor pressure-reducing component is a capillary tube, and the outdoor pressure-reducing component is an electronic expansion valve; and / or, the second temperature sensor is disposed on the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and the second temperature sensor abuts against the refrigerant pipe at the outlet of the outdoor pressure-reducing component.

[0042] Based on the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand that in the aforementioned technical solution of this invention, by setting an indoor pressure-reducing component in the indoor unit and an outdoor pressure-reducing component in the outdoor unit, the air conditioner can initially reduce the pressure of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant through the outdoor pressure-reducing component and then perform a secondary pressure reduction through the indoor pressure-reducing component. Compared to reducing the pressure of the liquid refrigerant only once through the outdoor pressure-reducing component, this effectively avoids the outdoor refrigerant temperature being too low, thereby preventing an excessively large temperature difference between the outdoor refrigerant and the external environment, and reducing the amount of heat exchange between the low-temperature, low-pressure outdoor refrigerant and the high-temperature external environment. Therefore, this invention overcomes the problem of severe reduction in cooling capacity when existing air conditioners cool in high-temperature environments.

[0043] Furthermore, by acquiring the first outdoor ambient temperature and the second temperature of the refrigerant after it has been depressurized by the outdoor pressure-reducing component, and determining the difference between the first and second temperatures, the system determines whether this difference is outside a preset temperature range. If the difference is outside the preset temperature range, the opening of the outdoor pressure-reducing component is adjusted so that the difference is within the preset temperature range. This allows the air conditioner to avoid excessive temperature differences between the outdoor refrigerant and the ambient environment, while also enabling the outdoor pressure-reducing component to share some of the pressure-reducing function of the indoor pressure-reducing component. Therefore, this invention also overcomes the problem of excessive noise from the indoor pressure-reducing component due to the refrigerant being depressurized entirely at the indoor pressure-reducing component.

[0044] Furthermore, when the compressor stops rotating, by adjusting the outdoor pressure-reducing component to its maximum opening, the low-temperature refrigerant between the outdoor and indoor pressure-reducing components (relative to the refrigerant at the inlet of the outdoor pressure-reducing component) is forced to flow into the room under the action of the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant upstream of the outdoor pressure-reducing component, thus avoiding the loss of cooling capacity of the outdoor low-temperature refrigerant. By maintaining the outdoor pressure-reducing component at its maximum opening for a second preset time before adjusting it to its minimum opening, the flow of the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant upstream of the outdoor pressure-reducing component into the room is prevented, thus avoiding a temperature rise in the indoor environment.

[0045] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0046] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, some embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that the same reference numerals may indicate the same or similar parts or components in different drawings; the drawings of the present invention are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner structure in this invention;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the air conditioner in this invention;

[0049] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in this invention;

[0050] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the main steps of the air conditioner control method in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 5 This is a mapping table of first value and first opening value in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 6 This is a mapping table of the second value and the second opening value in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a partial functional module within the air conditioner of this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described below are merely a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments of the present invention. These partial embodiments are intended to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Based on the embodiments provided by the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should still fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0055] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the direction or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0056] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can also refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0057] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "coldness" and "heat" are two descriptions of the same physical state. That is, the higher the "coldness" of a target object (e.g., evaporator, air, condenser, etc.), the lower its "heat," and vice versa. A target object absorbs "coldness" while releasing "heat," and releases "coldness" while absorbing "heat." A target object retains "coldness" or "heat" to maintain its current temperature. "Refrigeration" and "heat absorption" are two descriptions of the same physical phenomenon; that is, a target object (e.g., an evaporator) absorbs heat while refrigerating.

[0058] Finally, it should be noted that in this invention, the indoor unit of the air conditioner can be a wall-mounted air conditioner or a floor-standing air conditioner.

[0059] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this invention, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit 100, an outdoor unit 200, and a connecting pipe 300. The indoor unit 100 is installed indoors, and the outdoor unit 200 is installed outdoors. The indoor unit 100 and the outdoor unit 200 are fluidly connected together via the connecting pipe 300, thereby allowing refrigerant to circulate between the indoor unit 100 and the outdoor unit 200 (e.g., Figure 2 The middle arrow indicates the flow pattern of the refrigerant during direct cooling in an air conditioner.

[0060] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this invention, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger 110, an indoor pressure reducing component 120, a return air pipe 130, an indoor fan 140, and a casing 150. The indoor pressure reducing component 120, the indoor heat exchanger 110, and the return air pipe 130 are sequentially fluidly connected. The indoor fan 140 is used to blow cold or hot air from around the indoor heat exchanger 110 into the room to cool or heat the room.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, in this invention, the indoor pressure reducing component 120 is preferably a capillary tube.

[0062] In addition, those skilled in the art can, as needed, set the indoor pressure reducing component 120 to any other feasible pressure reducing component, such as an electronic expansion valve, a throttle valve, etc.

[0063] In this invention, those skilled in the art can, as needed, arrange a refrigerant inlet pipe inside the air conditioner indoor unit 100, and make the refrigerant inlet pipe fluidly connected to the inlet of the indoor heat exchanger 110 and the connecting pipe 300, and connect the refrigerant inlet pipe in series with the indoor pressure reducing component 120. For example, the refrigerant inlet pipe can be connected in series between the indoor heat exchanger 110 and the indoor pressure reducing component 120, or the refrigerant inlet pipe can be connected in series on the side of the indoor pressure reducing component 120 away from the indoor heat exchanger 110.

[0064] Similarly, those skilled in the art can, as needed, arrange a refrigerant outlet pipe inside the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner, and make the refrigerant outlet pipe fluidly connected to the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 110 and the connecting pipe 300, and connect the refrigerant outlet pipe in series with the return pipe 130. For example, the refrigerant outlet pipe can be connected in series between the indoor heat exchanger 110 and the return pipe 130, or the refrigerant outlet pipe can be connected in series on the side of the return pipe 130 away from the indoor heat exchanger 110.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, in this invention, the outer casing 150 is provided with an air inlet 151, an air guide channel 152, and an air outlet 153. The air inlet 151 is located on the top side of the outer casing 150, the air guide channel 152 is located on the inner side of the outer casing 150, and the air outlet 153 is located on the front side of the bottom of the outer casing 150. Outside air enters the outer casing 150 through the air inlet 151, is cooled / heated by the indoor heat exchanger 110, and then blown out through the air guide channel 152 from the air outlet 153.

[0066] Continue reading Figure 3 In this invention, an indoor heat exchanger 110 and a fan 140 are sequentially arranged between an air inlet 151 and an air outlet 153. The indoor heat exchanger 110 is configured such that all air flowing in from the air inlet 151 passes through it to adequately cool / heat the air. The fan 140 is a cross-flow fan used to draw outside air from the air inlet 151 to the indoor heat exchanger 110 and force the air cooled / heated by the indoor heat exchanger 110 to be blown out from the air outlet 153.

[0067] Continue reading Figure 2 In this invention, the air guide plate of the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner is installed on the outer casing 150 and located at the air outlet 153 to guide the blowing direction of cold / hot air at the air outlet 153.

[0068] like Figure 2As shown, in this invention, the outdoor unit 200 of the air conditioner includes a compressor 210, an outdoor heat exchanger 220, an outdoor pressure reducing component 230, an outdoor fan 240, and a housing (not shown in the figure). The compressor 210, outdoor heat exchanger 220, outdoor pressure reducing component 230, and outdoor fan 240 are all disposed within the housing, or at least a portion of each of the compressor 210, outdoor heat exchanger 220, outdoor pressure reducing component 230, and outdoor fan 240 is located within the housing. Furthermore, the compressor 210, outdoor heat exchanger 220, and outdoor pressure reducing component 230 are sequentially fluidly connected. The outdoor fan 240 drives outside air to blow towards the outdoor heat exchanger 220, dissipating heat from the outdoor heat exchanger 220.

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, in this invention, the connection pipe 300 includes an intake connection pipe 310 and a return connection pipe 320. The intake connection pipe 310 is fluidly connected to the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 via its outdoor end, and to the indoor pressure reducing component 120 via its indoor end. The return connection pipe 320 is fluidly connected to the return pipe 130 via its indoor end, and to the compressor 210 via its outdoor end.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, when the air conditioner cools the room, the refrigerant circulates along the following path: compressor 210 → outdoor heat exchanger 220 → outdoor pressure reducing component 230 → intake connection pipe 310 → indoor pressure reducing component 120 → indoor heat exchanger 110 → return pipe 130 → return connection pipe 320 → compressor 210.

[0071] In this invention, the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 is configured to have a pressure reducing capacity of 20% to 50% of the total pressure reducing capacity of the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 and the indoor pressure reducing component 120, for example, 20%, 30%, 40%, 45%, 50%, etc.

[0072] Preferably, the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 is an electronic expansion valve, which is used to adjust the opening degree of the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 so that the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 has a corresponding pressure reducing capacity.

[0073] Go back and continue reading Figure 2 In this invention, the air conditioner also includes a first temperature sensor 251 and a second temperature sensor 252 installed on the outdoor unit 200. The first temperature sensor 251 is used to detect the ambient temperature (i.e., outdoor temperature) of the environment where the outdoor unit 200 is located, and the second temperature sensor 252 is used to detect the temperature of the refrigerant between the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 and the indoor pressure reducing component 120.

[0074] Optionally, the first temperature sensor 251 is installed on the housing of the outdoor unit 200 of the air conditioner, so that the temperature sensing part of the first temperature sensor 251 is exposed to the outdoor environment. The second temperature sensor 252 is disposed inside the housing of the outdoor unit 200 of the air conditioner and abuts against the refrigerant pipe at the outlet of the outdoor pressure reducing component 230, so that the second temperature sensor 252 indirectly detects the temperature of the refrigerant at the outlet of the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 by detecting the temperature of the refrigerant pipe.

[0075] Furthermore, those skilled in the art can also place the first temperature sensor 251 and the second temperature sensor 252 in any other feasible location as needed. For example, the first temperature sensor 251 can be set as a separate unit and attached to the wall during use. The second temperature sensor 252 can be installed on the intake connection pipe 310; or installed inside the housing 150 of the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner and abut against the refrigerant pipe at the inlet of the indoor pressure reducing component 120.

[0076] The following reference Figures 1 to 3 The control method of the air conditioner of the present invention will be described in detail in conjunction with the cooling mode of the air conditioner.

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the control method for an air conditioner includes:

[0078] Step S100: Obtain the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 251 and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 252.

[0079] Preferably, at a first preset time interval, the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 251 and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 252 are acquired once respectively.

[0080] The first preset time can be any feasible duration, such as 1 minute, 90 seconds, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.

[0081] Step S200: Determine the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature.

[0082] For ease of explanation, the difference will be denoted as p0.

[0083] Specifically, the difference p0 between the first temperature and the second temperature is calculated, that is, the difference p0 = first temperature - second temperature.

[0084] Step S300: Determine whether the difference p0 is outside the preset temperature range.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the difference p0 is within a preset temperature range, the temperature difference between the outdoor refrigerant and the outdoor environment is small, the amount of cold leakage of the outdoor refrigerant is small, and the cooling capacity of the air conditioner decreases slightly.

[0086] Optionally, the preset temperature range is [5℃, 15℃], and preferably, the preset temperature range is [9℃, 11℃].

[0087] In addition, those skilled in the art can set the preset temperature range to any other feasible range as needed, such as [5℃, 10℃), (5℃, 18℃), (5℃, 15℃), [10℃, 12℃], etc.

[0088] For ease of explanation, the preset temperature range is denoted as [a,b], or those skilled in the art may denote it as (a,b], [a,b) or (a,b) as needed. Wherein, 5℃≤a<15℃, and 5℃<b≤15℃.

[0089] In step S400, if the difference p0 is outside the preset temperature range [a,b], adjust the opening of the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 so that the difference p0 is within the preset temperature range [a,b].

[0090] Specifically, step S140 further includes:

[0091] In step S410, if the difference p0 is greater than the maximum value of the preset temperature range [a,b], the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 is controlled to increase its opening degree.

[0092] That is, if the difference p0 is greater than b, the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 is controlled to increase its opening.

[0093] As an example, step S410 further includes: if the difference p0 is greater than b, then control the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 to increase its total opening by m%. Where 5 < m < 30. For example, m is 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, etc.

[0094] As an example two, step S410 further includes:

[0095] Step S411: If the difference is greater than the maximum value b of the preset temperature range [a, b], determine the first value of the difference that exceeds the preset temperature range.

[0096] For ease of explanation, we will denote the first value as p1. Then the first value p1 = p0 - b.

[0097] Step S412: Determine the first opening value to be increased for the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 based on the first value p1.

[0098] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, from the mapping table of first value - first opening value, find the row where the first value p1 is located, and then determine the first opening value to be added to the outdoor pressure reducing component 230.

[0099] For example, if the first value p1 is 4℃, then the first opening value is 10% of the total opening.

[0100] Step S413: Control the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 to increase the opening degree by the first opening degree value.

[0101] In step S420, if the difference is less than the minimum value of the preset temperature range [a,b], the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 is controlled to reduce its opening.

[0102] That is, if the difference p0 is less than a, the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 is controlled to reduce its opening.

[0103] As an example, step S420 further includes: if the difference p0 is less than a, then control the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 to reduce its total opening by n%. Where 5 < n < 30. For example, n is 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, etc.

[0104] As an example two, step S420 further includes:

[0105] Step S421: If the difference is less than the minimum value a of the preset temperature range [a, b], determine the second value where the difference exceeds the preset temperature range.

[0106] For ease of explanation, the second value will be denoted as p2. Then the second value p2 = a - p0.

[0107] Step S422: Determine the second opening value to be reduced for the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 based on the second value p2.

[0108] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, from the mapping table of second value - second opening value, find the row where the second value is located, and then determine the second opening value to be reduced for the outdoor pressure reducing component 230.

[0109] For example, if the second value p2 is 5℃, then the second opening value is 15% of the total opening.

[0110] Step S413: Control the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 to reduce the opening degree of the second opening degree value.

[0111] Based on the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand that, in some embodiments of the present invention, by acquiring a first outdoor ambient temperature and a second temperature of the refrigerant after it has been depressurized by the outdoor pressure-reducing component 230, and determining the difference between the first and second temperatures, it is determined whether the difference is outside a preset temperature range. If the difference is outside the preset temperature range, the opening of the outdoor pressure-reducing component 230 is adjusted so that the difference is within the preset temperature range. This allows the air conditioner to avoid an excessive temperature difference between the outdoor refrigerant and the outside environment, while also enabling the outdoor pressure-reducing component 230 to share some of the pressure-reducing function of the indoor pressure-reducing component 120. Therefore, the present invention also overcomes the problem that the refrigerant is depressurized entirely at the indoor pressure-reducing component 120, resulting in excessive noise from the indoor pressure-reducing component 120.

[0112] Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, in some embodiments of the present invention, the control method for the air conditioner further includes:

[0113] In step A1, in response to the compressor 210 stopping, the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 is adjusted to its maximum opening.

[0114] Those skilled in the art will understand that by adjusting the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 to its maximum opening, the low-temperature refrigerant between the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 and the indoor pressure reducing component 120 (relative to the refrigerant at the inlet of the outdoor pressure reducing component 230) is forced to flow into the indoor space under the action of the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant upstream of the outdoor pressure reducing component 230, thereby avoiding the loss of cooling capacity of the outdoor low-temperature refrigerant.

[0115] Step A2: In response to the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 maintaining its maximum opening for a second preset time, the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 is controlled to adjust to its minimum opening.

[0116] Those skilled in the art will understand that by maintaining the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 at its maximum opening for a second preset time before adjusting it to its minimum opening, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant upstream of the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 is prevented from flowing into the room, thus avoiding a temperature rise in the indoor environment.

[0117] The second preset time can be any feasible duration such as 30S, 45S, 1min, or 70S.

[0118] Furthermore, since different users have different noise tolerance levels, the air conditioner can be operated in either a low-noise mode or an energy-saving mode according to user needs. When the air conditioner is operating in low-noise mode, the control method is as described above. When the air conditioner is operating in energy-saving mode, the control method includes adjusting the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 to its maximum opening. After adjusting the opening of the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 to its maximum opening, no further adjustment to the opening of the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 is made.

[0119] Specifically, in some embodiments of the present invention, step S100 further includes: in response to receiving a low-noise mode command, acquiring a first temperature detected by a first temperature sensor 251 and a second temperature detected by a second temperature sensor 252 at first preset time intervals. That is, step S100 described above is executed after the air conditioner receives the low-noise mode command.

[0120] Furthermore, in some other embodiments of the present invention, the control method of the air conditioner further includes the step of: in response to receiving an energy-saving mode command, controlling the outdoor pressure-reducing component 230 to adjust to the maximum opening degree.

[0121] In other words, in some other embodiments of the present invention, after receiving the energy-saving mode command, the air conditioner no longer executes steps S100 to S400, but instead controls the outdoor pressure-reducing component 230 to be directly adjusted to the maximum opening, so that the refrigerant entering the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner is only throttled through the indoor pressure-reducing component 120, thereby preventing the outdoor refrigerant from releasing cold energy into the environment.

[0122] In other embodiments of the present invention, the low-noise mode command and energy-saving mode command can be issued by the air conditioner's remote control. Correspondingly, the remote control is provided with a low-noise mode command button and an energy-saving mode command button. Alternatively, the remote control is provided with a switch button for low-noise mode and energy-saving mode, so that the low-noise mode command and energy-saving mode command can be issued to the air conditioner through this switch button. For example, each press of the switch button switches the air conditioner from low-noise mode to energy-saving mode, or vice versa, and this cycle repeats to achieve the switching between low-noise mode and energy-saving mode.

[0123] like Figure 7 As shown, in this invention, the air conditioner also includes a controller 400 and a memory 500. The controller 400 is electrically connected to a first temperature sensor 251 and a second temperature sensor 252, respectively, so that the controller 400 can obtain the ambient temperature of the environment where the outdoor unit 200 of the air conditioner is located through the first temperature sensor 251, and obtain the temperature of the refrigerant between the outdoor pressure reducing component 230 and the indoor pressure reducing component 120 through the second temperature sensor 252.

[0124] In this invention, the controller 400 is an integrated circuit chip with the ability to process signals. The controller 400 can be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), network processor (NP), digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, microprocessor, and any other conventional processor.

[0125] In this invention, the memory 500 is used to store execution instructions, which are specifically executable computer programs. Furthermore, the execution instructions stored in the memory are configured to enable the air conditioner to perform the control method described in any of the preceding embodiments when executed by the controller 400.

[0126] In this invention, the memory 500 may include main memory and non-volatile memory, and provides execution instructions and data to the controller 400. Exemplarily, the main memory may be high-speed random-access memory (RAM), and the non-volatile memory may be at least one disk storage device.

[0127] The technical solutions of the present invention have been described in conjunction with several embodiments above. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can disassemble and combine the technical solutions in the above embodiments, and can also make equivalent changes or substitutions to related technical features. Any changes, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the technical concept and / or technical principles of the present invention will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, the indoor unit comprising an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor pressure reducing component, the outdoor unit comprising a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger and an outdoor pressure reducing component, the outdoor pressure reducing component and the indoor pressure reducing component being connected in series between the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger and the inlet of the indoor heat exchanger; The air conditioner also includes a first temperature sensor for detecting the outdoor ambient temperature and a second temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature between the outdoor pressure reducing component and the indoor pressure reducing component, wherein the second temperature sensor is disposed on the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. The control method includes: Acquire the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor; Determine the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature; Determine whether the difference is located outside the preset temperature range; If the difference is outside the preset temperature range, adjust the opening of the outdoor pressure reducing component so that the difference is within the preset temperature range.

2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein, If the difference is located outside the preset temperature range, adjusting the opening of the outdoor pressure-reducing component includes: If the difference is greater than the maximum value of the preset temperature range, the outdoor pressure reducing component is controlled to increase its opening.

3. The control method according to claim 2, wherein, If the difference is greater than the maximum value of the preset temperature range, controlling the outdoor pressure-reducing component to increase its opening includes: If the difference is greater than the maximum value of the preset temperature range, it is determined that the difference exceeds a first value of the preset temperature range; Based on the first value, determine the first opening value to be increased for the outdoor pressure reducing component; The outdoor pressure reducing component is controlled to increase the opening degree of the first opening value.

4. The control method according to claim 2, wherein, If the difference is located outside the preset temperature range, adjusting the opening of the outdoor pressure-reducing component includes: If the difference is less than the minimum value of the preset temperature range, the outdoor pressure reducing component is controlled to reduce its opening.

5. The control method according to claim 4, wherein, If the difference is less than the minimum value of the preset temperature range, controlling the outdoor pressure-reducing component to decrease its opening includes: If the difference is less than the minimum value of the preset temperature range, then the difference is determined to exceed a second value of the preset temperature range; Based on the second value, determine the second opening value to be reduced for the outdoor pressure-reducing component; The outdoor pressure reducing component is controlled to reduce the opening degree of the second opening degree value.

6. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The step of obtaining the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor includes: In response to receiving a low-noise mode command, the system acquires a first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and a second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor every first preset time interval.

7. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The control method further includes: In response to receiving an energy-saving mode command, the outdoor pressure-reducing component is controlled to adjust to its maximum opening.

8. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The control method further includes: In response to the compressor stopping, the outdoor pressure-reducing component is controlled to adjust to its maximum opening degree; In response to the outdoor pressure reducing component maintaining its maximum opening for a second preset time, the outdoor pressure reducing component is controlled to adjust to its minimum opening.

9. An air conditioner, comprising: An indoor air conditioning unit, comprising an indoor pressure-reducing component and an indoor heat exchanger that are fluidly connected in sequence; An outdoor unit for an air conditioner includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor pressure reducing component that are fluidly connected in sequence. The connection pipe includes an intake connection pipe and a return connection pipe. The intake connection pipe is fluidly connected to the outdoor pressure reducing component through its outdoor end and to the indoor pressure reducing component through its indoor end. The return connection pipe is fluidly connected to the indoor heat exchanger through its indoor end and to the compressor through its outdoor end. The first temperature sensor is used to detect the ambient temperature of the environment where the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is located; A second temperature sensor is installed on the outdoor unit of the air conditioner and is used to detect the temperature of the refrigerant between the outdoor pressure reducing component and the indoor pressure reducing component. A controller, which is electrically connected to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor respectively; A memory storing execution instructions configured to cause the air conditioner to perform the control method of any one of claims 1 to 8 when executed by the controller.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein, The indoor pressure-reducing component is a capillary tube, and the outdoor pressure-reducing component is an electronic expansion valve; and / or, The second temperature sensor is connected to the refrigerant pipe at the outlet of the outdoor pressure reducing component.

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