Self-cleaning control method and device for air conditioner, and air conditioner

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and discloses a self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner, which comprises the following steps: obtaining operation stage information of the air conditioner; determining a self-cleaning trigger condition corresponding to the operation stage information according to the operation stage information; obtaining current operation information of the air conditioner in a refrigeration mode; and executing a self-cleaning mode when the current operation information meets the self-cleaning trigger condition. According to the embodiment of the application, the self-cleaning of an indoor unit heat exchanger can be performed for the air conditioner in two different operation stages, i.e., a long-time static state and a running state, so that the range of the self-cleaning of the indoor unit heat exchanger is effectively expanded. The application further discloses a self-cleaning control device for an air conditioner and an air conditioner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioner technology, for example to a self-cleaning control method and device for an air conditioner, and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the rapid development of science and technology, air conditioners are favored by consumers for their functions of regulating indoor temperature and humidity and purifying the air. After prolonged use, dust and other pollutants accumulate on the surface of the indoor unit's heat exchanger, leading to blockages. If the blocked heat exchanger is not cleaned promptly, the overall cooling capacity of the air conditioner will decrease, affecting indoor air quality. Therefore, how to effectively clean the blocked indoor unit's heat exchanger has become a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved.

[0003] The related technology discloses a control method for self-cleaning an air conditioner, including obtaining the thickness of dust accumulation on the surface of a heat exchanger; selecting a self-cleaning mode based on the dust accumulation thickness; and controlling the air conditioner to operate according to the selected self-cleaning mode. The self-cleaning modes include frosting / defrosting self-cleaning and condensation / decondensation self-cleaning. When the heat exchanger to be cleaned is an indoor heat exchanger, the air conditioner's operating mode is switched to cooling mode. When the heat exchanger to be cleaned is an outdoor heat exchanger, the air conditioner's operating mode is switched to heating mode. When switching between cooling and heating modes, the air conditioner first reduces the compressor's operating frequency, then controls the four-way valve to quickly switch direction, and finally increases the compressor's operating frequency. The control method for self-cleaning an air conditioner using the related technology can flexibly select the corresponding self-cleaning mode according to different operating conditions of the heat exchanger.

[0004] However, the installation environment of air conditioners varies. Besides the ease with which the indoor unit's heat exchanger becomes clogged during use, prolonged periods of inactivity can also lead to dust and other contaminants accumulating on the heat exchanger's surface. Therefore, the aforementioned self-cleaning control methods for air conditioners must be selected based on the thickness of the dust accumulation on the heat exchanger surface. When an air conditioner is left idle for an extended period, it is in an open-circuit state, making it impossible to monitor the dust accumulation thickness on the heat exchanger surface in real time.

[0005] In the process of implementing the embodiments of this disclosure, at least the following problems were found in the related art:

[0006] The control method described above for air conditioner self-cleaning cannot detect the dirt and blockage of the indoor unit heat exchanger caused by the air conditioner being idle for a long time. Therefore, it cannot perform self-cleaning of the indoor unit heat exchanger of an air conditioner that has been idle for a long time, and the scope of self-cleaning operation is relatively limited. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a brief summary is given below. This summary is not intended as a general commentary, nor is it intended to identify key / important components or describe the scope of protection of these embodiments, but rather as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

[0008] This disclosure provides a self-cleaning control method, apparatus, and air conditioner for air conditioners, to perform self-cleaning of the indoor unit heat exchanger of air conditioners that have been idle for a long time or are in operation, thereby expanding the scope of self-cleaning operations.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method includes: acquiring operating phase information of the air conditioner; determining a self-cleaning trigger condition corresponding to the operating phase information based on the operating phase information; acquiring current operating information of the air conditioner in cooling mode; and executing the self-cleaning mode when the current operating information meets the self-cleaning trigger condition.

[0010] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a processor and a memory storing program instructions, the processor being configured to execute, when running the program instructions, the self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner as described above.

[0011] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes a self-cleaning control device for the air conditioner as described above.

[0012] The self-cleaning control method, apparatus, and air conditioner for air conditioners provided in this disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0013] The processor configures corresponding self-cleaning trigger conditions based on the operating stage of the air conditioner, so that air conditioners in different operating stages can trigger the self-cleaning mode when their current operating information meets the above-mentioned self-cleaning trigger conditions. Therefore, the embodiments of this disclosure can perform self-cleaning of the indoor unit heat exchanger for air conditioners that have been idle for a long time or are in operation, thereby effectively expanding the scope of indoor unit heat exchanger self-cleaning.

[0014] The above general description and the description below are exemplary and illustrative only and are not intended to limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0015] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations and drawings do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements having the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings are not to be scaled. And wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0020] Figure 5 This is an application illustration of an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a self-cleaning control device for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To provide a more detailed understanding of the features and technical content of the embodiments of this disclosure, the implementation of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. In the following technical description, for ease of explanation, several details are used to provide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments may still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices may be simplified in their depiction to simplify the drawings.

[0023] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this disclosure described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0024] Unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more.

[0025] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B.

[0026] The term "and / or" describes an association between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or A and B.

[0027] The term "correspondence" can refer to an association or binding relationship. The correspondence between A and B means that there is an association or binding relationship between A and B.

[0028] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the type of air conditioner is an inverter air conditioner.

[0029] Combination Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this disclosure provides a self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner, including:

[0030] S01, the processor obtains the operating stage information of the air conditioner.

[0031] S02, the processor determines the self-cleaning trigger condition corresponding to the running stage information based on the running stage information.

[0032] In this step, the operational phase information includes the pre-start phase and the operational phase. The pre-start phase represents the phase corresponding to the switch from shutdown to startup. Understandably, the phase corresponding to a prolonged period of inactivity for the air conditioner is the pre-start phase. The phase corresponding to the air conditioner during operation is the operational phase.

[0033] S03, the processor obtains the current operating information of the air conditioner in cooling mode.

[0034] It is understood that the processor acquiring the current operating information of the air conditioner in cooling mode and the processor acquiring the operating stage information of the air conditioner can be performed simultaneously, or they can be performed after the processor acquires the operating stage information of the air conditioner. This embodiment of the disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0035] S04, the processor executes self-cleaning mode if the current running information meets the self-cleaning trigger conditions.

[0036] The self-cleaning control method for air conditioners provided in this disclosure configures corresponding self-cleaning trigger conditions for the operating stage of the air conditioner. This allows air conditioners in different operating stages to trigger the self-cleaning mode when their current operating information meets the aforementioned self-cleaning trigger conditions. Therefore, this disclosure can perform self-cleaning of the indoor unit heat exchanger for air conditioners that have been idle for a long time or are in operation, effectively expanding the scope of indoor unit heat exchanger self-cleaning.

[0037] Furthermore, this embodiment of the present disclosure can automatically execute the self-cleaning mode for different operating stages, provided that the current operating information meets the self-cleaning trigger conditions corresponding to the operating stage information. This improves the reliability of the indoor unit heat exchanger's self-cleaning operation and enables the rational use of the air conditioner's self-cleaning function, thus enhancing the intelligence level of the self-cleaning mode's operation. It provides significant convenience, especially for users unfamiliar with the air conditioner's self-cleaning function or elderly people who are unfamiliar with new remote control functions.

[0038] It should be noted that the execution entity in this embodiment is a processor, which can be configured in an air conditioner or a server. The server and the air conditioner are communicatively connected. This embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this aspect.

[0039] Optionally, combined Figure 2 As shown, the processor determines the self-cleaning trigger conditions corresponding to the operating phase information based on the operating phase information, including:

[0040] S11, when the processor indicates that the air conditioner is in the pre-start stage during the operation phase, it determines the first trigger condition as the self-cleaning trigger condition.

[0041] S12, when the processor indicates that the air conditioner is in the running phase, it determines the second trigger condition as the self-cleaning trigger condition.

[0042] Thus, the embodiments of this disclosure can configure different self-cleaning trigger conditions for different stages of the air conditioner, thereby performing different self-cleaning trigger judgments for different operating stages, and effectively expanding the scope of self-cleaning of the indoor unit heat exchanger.

[0043] Optionally, the processor determines that the current running information meets the second trigger condition in the following manner:

[0044] The difference between the compressor's suction temperature and the temperature at the center of the indoor unit's heat exchanger is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature difference.

[0045] When the compressor frequency is stable, the change in the opening value of the electronic expansion valve is greater than or equal to the preset opening value.

[0046] The heat exchange capacity of the indoor unit is decreasing.

[0047] The change in the opening value of the electronic expansion valve represents the absolute value of the difference between the current opening value and the reference opening value. The target opening value represents the reference opening value set at the factory or the value set when the air conditioner is first used.

[0048] Thus, when the air conditioner is an inverter type, if the change in the opening value of the electronic expansion valve is greater than or equal to the preset opening value, and the difference between the compressor's suction temperature and the mid-temperature value of the indoor unit's heat exchanger is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature difference, then it is determined that the frequency of the electronic expansion valve and the compressor are consistent. Simultaneously, if the heat exchange capacity of the indoor unit decreases, it can be determined that the indoor unit's heat exchanger is clogged. Therefore, by comprehensively considering the compressor's suction temperature, the evaporator's mid-temperature value, and the indoor unit's heat exchange capacity, misjudgments regarding the triggering of the self-cleaning mode can be avoided, preventing frequent activation of the self-cleaning mode. This facilitates accurate identification of whether the indoor unit's heat exchanger is clogged, improves the accuracy of clog detection, and further enhances the accuracy of triggering the self-cleaning mode while expanding the scope of the indoor unit's heat exchanger self-cleaning mechanism.

[0049] Alternatively, the compressor frequency stability can be determined as follows:

[0050] The frequency change of the compressor is less than or equal to the preset frequency value.

[0051] The compressor frequency change refers to the change in the compressor frequency value within a preset period during the self-cleaning mode.

[0052] The first preset temperature difference, preset opening degree, and preset frequency value are determined according to the air conditioner model. As an example, the first preset temperature difference is greater than or equal to 1℃ and less than or equal to 4℃. Preferably, the first preset temperature difference is equal to 2℃. The preset opening degree can be greater than or equal to 10 steps and less than or equal to 20 steps. The preset frequency value is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 30Hz. Preferably, the preset frequency value is equal to 10Hz.

[0053] Optionally, the processor determines that the heat exchange capacity of the indoor unit is decreasing in the following manner:

[0054] The change in outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the preset outlet air temperature value, and the change in coil temperature of the indoor unit heat exchanger is continuously greater than or equal to the preset coil temperature value within a first preset time period.

[0055] The change in outlet air temperature represents the difference between the current outlet air temperature and the reference value. The change in coil temperature represents the difference between the current coil temperature and the reference value. The target outlet air temperature and target coil temperature represent the reference values ​​for outlet air temperature and coil temperature set at the factory, respectively, or the reference values ​​for outlet air temperature and coil temperature set when the air conditioner is first used.

[0056] Thus, when the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, the heat exchange capacity of the indoor unit can be reflected by the changes in the outlet air temperature and the coil temperature of the indoor evaporator. For example, the outlet air temperature decreases while the change in the indoor coil temperature increases. Therefore, this embodiment selects the changes in the outlet air temperature and the coil temperature of the indoor unit's heat exchanger to determine whether the heat exchange capacity of the indoor unit has decreased, thereby improving the accuracy of determining whether the indoor unit is clogged.

[0057] The preset air outlet temperature and preset coil temperature are determined according to the air conditioner model. As an example, the preset air outlet temperature is greater than or equal to 3℃ and less than or equal to 7℃. Preferably, the preset air outlet temperature is equal to 5℃. The preset coil temperature is greater than or equal to 1℃ and less than or equal to 4℃. Preferably, the preset coil temperature is equal to 2℃. The first preset duration can be 1 minute, 2 minutes, or 30 seconds. The value range of the first preset duration can be greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 2 minutes.

[0058] In practical applications, the processor determines whether the current running information meets the second trigger condition in the following way:

[0059] Simultaneously satisfying the following formulas:

[0060]

[0061] in, These represent the reference value and the current value of the outlet air temperature, respectively. These represent the reference value for coil temperature and the current coil temperature, respectively. T c T s These represent the compressor's suction temperature and the temperature at the center of the indoor unit's heat exchanger, respectively. Lev0 and Lev1 represent the reference value for the operating degree and the current operating degree, respectively.

[0062] The processor executes the self-cleaning mode when it determines that the outlet air temperature, coil temperature, compressor suction temperature, and the temperature at the center of the indoor unit heat exchanger meet the above conditions.

[0063] Optionally, the processor determines that the current running information meets the second trigger condition in the following manner:

[0064] The processor receives a control command to initiate self-cleaning mode.

[0065] Thus, when the processor receives a control command to initiate self-cleaning mode, it indicates that the processor has received an input command to forcibly enter self-cleaning mode. At this point, the processor triggers the self-cleaning mode to start and executes the self-cleaning mode.

[0066] As an example, when a user inputs a function key to trigger the self-cleaning mode, it is determined that the control command to start the self-cleaning mode will be received.

[0067] Optionally, combined Figure 3 As shown, the processor executes a self-cleaning mode, including:

[0068] S21, the processor retrieves an information database containing multiple cold-mid temperature values, the corresponding compressor frequency values, and the corresponding electronic expansion valve opening values. In this step, the parameter values ​​stored in the database can be obtained through extensive experimentation. The cold-mid temperature values ​​can be point values ​​or numerical ranges. As an example, the cold-mid temperature values ​​include the following numerical ranges: (0, 15), [15, 29), [29, 48), and (48, +∞). For each of these cold-mid temperature values, the compressor frequency value and the electronic expansion valve opening value corresponding to each numerical range are obtained experimentally.

[0069] S22, the processor obtains the current cold-base temperature value.

[0070] S23, the processor matches the target frequency value and target opening value corresponding to the current cold temperature value from the information database.

[0071] S24, the processor controls the compressor to operate at the target frequency value and controls the electronic expansion valve to operate at the target opening value, so as to control the indoor unit to perform self-cleaning operation.

[0072] In this way, by retrieving the target frequency value and target opening value corresponding to the current cold-to-medium temperature value from the database, the self-cleaning efficiency of the self-cleaning mode can be improved.

[0073] Optionally, the processor performs a self-cleaning mode, including:

[0074] The processor performs a frosting and defrosting self-cleaning process, or the processor performs a condensation and decondensation self-cleaning process.

[0075] The self-cleaning process, including frosting and defrosting, comprises three stages: condensation, frosting, and defrosting. During the condensation stage, the airflow from the indoor unit's fan carries moisture near the heat exchanger to its surface, causing condensation. In the frosting stage, a frosting mode is first executed to remove accumulated dust from the heat exchanger surface, followed by a defrosting mode to melt the frost mixed with dust. The melted frost water then detaches from the heat exchanger surface, completing the self-cleaning process. This self-cleaning system is suitable for heat exchangers with severe blockages.

[0076] Condensation and decondensation self-cleaning consists of a condensation stage and a decondensation stage. During the condensation stage, the airflow from the indoor unit's fan carries moisture near the heat exchanger to its surface, causing condensation. During the decondensation stage, the indoor unit's fan blows the condensate off the heat exchanger surface, simultaneously carrying away accumulated dust, thus completing the self-cleaning process. Condensation and decondensation self-cleaning is suitable for heat exchangers with relatively minor clogging.

[0077] Understandably, the processor can execute the self-cleaning mode in one of the two ways mentioned above, or in other ways. This disclosure does not specifically limit the specific self-cleaning method.

[0078] Optionally, combined Figure 4 As shown, when the current operating information meets the second trigger condition, the processor executes a self-cleaning mode, including:

[0079] S31, the processor obtains the information database, which stores multiple cold and medium temperature values, the preset frequency values ​​of the compressors corresponding to each of the multiple cold and medium temperature values, and the opening values ​​of the corresponding electronic expansion valves.

[0080] S32, the processor obtains the current cold-base temperature value.

[0081] S33, the processor matches the target frequency value and target opening value corresponding to the current cold-medium temperature value from the information database.

[0082] S34, the processor obtains the ambient temperature value corresponding to the execution of the self-cleaning operation.

[0083] S35, when the ambient temperature meets the ambient temperature limit, the processor controls the compressor to run at the target frequency value for a first duration, and controls the electronic expansion valve to run at the target opening value for a first duration.

[0084] In this step, the ambient temperature limit is used to characterize the fluctuation of the ambient temperature before and during the execution of the self-cleaning mode.

[0085] Thus, when the air conditioner is running, it indicates that there is a user in the space where the air conditioner is located. If only the self-cleaning mode is executed, it is difficult to guarantee that the indoor ambient temperature will not fluctuate within a small range, and may even fluctuate significantly. To avoid discomfort to users due to fluctuations in indoor ambient temperature, this embodiment of the present disclosure, after the air conditioner is running and the target frequency value and target opening value are matched, judges the obtained ambient temperature value against the ambient temperature limit conditions. When the ambient temperature value meets the ambient temperature limit conditions, this embodiment of the present disclosure controls the compressor to run at the target frequency value for a first time period and controls the electronic expansion valve to run at the target opening value for a first time period, thereby taking into account both the self-cleaning of the indoor unit heat exchanger and the impact of self-cleaning on the ambient temperature. This is beneficial to improving user comfort during the self-cleaning mode of operation.

[0086] Optionally, if the ambient temperature does not meet the ambient temperature limit, the processor controls the compressor to operate at the target frequency value for a second period of time, and controls the electronic expansion valve to operate at the target opening value for a second period of time. The second period of time is less than or equal to the first period of time. This avoids significant fluctuations in indoor ambient temperature caused by excessively long self-cleaning operation times.

[0087] The first duration can be 20 minutes, 30 minutes, or 1 hour. Other durations are also possible. The second duration can be 15 minutes, 20 minutes, or 40 minutes.

[0088] Optionally, the ambient temperature value includes the current ambient temperature value before executing the self-cleaning mode and the target ambient temperature value when executing the self-cleaning mode.

[0089] The processor determines whether the ambient temperature meets the ambient temperature limit conditions in the following manner:

[0090] The absolute value of the difference between the target ambient temperature and the current ambient temperature is less than or equal to the second preset temperature difference.

[0091] Thus, if the absolute value of the difference is less than or equal to the second preset temperature difference, it indicates that the fluctuation range of the ambient temperature value is small. Executing the self-cleaning mode will not cause significant discomfort to the user. This embodiment of the present disclosure improves the reliability of judging the fluctuation of the ambient temperature value.

[0092] The second preset temperature difference is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 3°C. Preferably, the second preset temperature difference is equal to 2°C.

[0093] Optionally, the current running information includes the downtime. The processor determines whether the current running information meets the first trigger condition in the following manner:

[0094] The air conditioner's off-time is greater than or equal to the preset off-time. Or,

[0095] The processor receives a control command to initiate self-cleaning mode.

[0096] The preset downtime is greater than or equal to 480 hours. As an example, the preset downtime is 720 hours, but it can also be 960 hours.

[0097] Thus, when the air conditioner's off-time is greater than or equal to the preset off-time, it indicates that the air conditioner's off-time before startup is greater than or equal to the preset off-time. When the processor receives a control command to start the self-cleaning mode, it indicates that the processor has received an input command to force entry into the self-cleaning mode. At this time, the processor triggers and executes the self-cleaning mode.

[0098] In practical applications, such as Figure 5 As shown, the self-cleaning control method for air conditioners specifically implements the following steps:

[0099] S41, the processor obtains information about the operating stage of the air conditioner.

[0100] S42, when the processor indicates that the air conditioner is in the pre-start stage according to the operation phase information, it determines the first trigger condition as the self-cleaning trigger condition.

[0101] S43, when the processor indicates that the air conditioner is in the running phase, it determines the second trigger condition as the self-cleaning trigger condition.

[0102] S44, the processor obtains the current operating information of the air conditioner in cooling mode.

[0103] S45, if the downtime is greater than or equal to the preset downtime, execute S47.

[0104] S46, if the difference between the compressor's suction temperature and the temperature at the middle of the indoor unit's heat exchanger is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature difference, and the change in the opening value of the electronic expansion valve is greater than or equal to the preset opening value while the compressor's frequency is stable, and the heat exchange capacity of the indoor unit is decreasing, then S47 is executed.

[0105] S47, the processor obtains the current cold-base temperature value.

[0106] S48, the processor matches the target frequency value and target opening value corresponding to the current cold-medium temperature value from the information database.

[0107] S49, The processor obtains the ambient temperature value corresponding to the self-cleaning operation.

[0108] S50, when the self-cleaning trigger condition is the first trigger condition, the processor controls the compressor to operate at the target frequency value and controls the electronic expansion valve to operate at the target opening value.

[0109] S51, when the self-cleaning trigger condition is the second trigger condition, the processor determines whether the ambient temperature value meets the ambient temperature limit condition. If so, it executes S52.

[0110] S52, the processor controls the compressor to operate at the target frequency value for a first duration, and controls the electronic expansion valve to operate at the target opening value for a first duration.

[0111] Combination Figure 6 As shown, this disclosure provides a self-cleaning control device for an air conditioner, including a processor 100 and a memory 101. Optionally, the device may further include a communication interface 102 and a bus 103. The processor 100, communication interface 102, and memory 101 can communicate with each other via the bus 103. The communication interface 102 can be used for information transmission. The processor 100 can call logical instructions in the memory 101 to execute the self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner described in the above embodiment.

[0112] Furthermore, the logic instructions in the aforementioned memory 101 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0113] The memory 101, as a computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store software programs and computer-executable programs, such as program instructions / modules corresponding to the methods in the embodiments of this disclosure. The processor 100 executes functional applications and data processing by running the program instructions / modules stored in the memory 101, thereby implementing the self-cleaning control method for air conditioners in the above embodiments.

[0114] The memory 101 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and applications required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the terminal device. Furthermore, the memory 101 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory.

[0115] This disclosure provides an air conditioner that includes the self-cleaning control device for an air conditioner described above.

[0116] This disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions configured to perform the above-described self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner.

[0117] This disclosure provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The computer program includes program instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the above-described self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner.

[0118] The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may be a transient computer-readable storage medium or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0119] The technical solutions of this disclosure can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes one or more instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in this disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, including: a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, and other media capable of storing program code; it can also be a transient storage medium.

[0120] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings fully illustrate embodiments of this disclosure to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may include structural, logical, electrical, procedural, and other changes. The embodiments represent only possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly required, and the order of operation may vary. Parts and features of some embodiments may be included in or replace parts and features of other embodiments. Moreover, the terminology used in this application is for describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit the claims. As used in the description of embodiments and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to equally include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the term “and / or” as used in this application means including one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations thereof. Additionally, when used in this application, the term "comprise" and its variations "comprises" and / or "comprising" refer to the presence of stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, or apparatus that includes said element. In this document, each embodiment may focus on the differences from other embodiments, and similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. For methods, products, etc., disclosed in the embodiments, if they correspond to the method section disclosed in the embodiments, the relevant parts can be referred to the description of the method section.

[0121] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0122] The methods and products (including but not limited to devices and equipment) disclosed in the embodiments herein can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units may be merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the shown or discussed units may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected to implement this embodiment according to actual needs. Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments of this disclosure may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0123] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than that shown in the drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. In the descriptions corresponding to the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings, the operations or steps corresponding to different blocks may also occur in a different order than disclosed in the description, and sometimes there is no specific order between different operations or steps. For example, two consecutive operations or steps may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. Each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in a block diagram and / or flowchart, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: Obtain information about the operating stage of the air conditioner; When the operation phase information indicates that the air conditioner is in the pre-start phase, a first trigger condition is determined as the self-cleaning trigger condition. When the operation phase information indicates that the air conditioner is in the operation phase, a second trigger condition is determined as the self-cleaning trigger condition; Obtain the current operating information of the air conditioner in cooling mode; If the current operating information meets the self-cleaning trigger conditions, execute the self-cleaning mode; The second triggering condition is determined as follows: The difference between the compressor's suction temperature and the temperature at the center of the indoor unit's heat exchanger is greater than or equal to a first preset temperature difference, and the compressor's frequency change is greater than or equal to a preset frequency value; and, When the compressor frequency is stable, the change in the opening value of the electronic expansion valve is greater than or equal to a preset opening value; and, The heat exchange capacity of the indoor unit is decreasing; The change in the opening value of the electronic expansion valve represents the absolute value of the difference between the current opening value and the target opening value. The target opening value represents the opening reference value set at the factory stage of the air conditioner, or the opening reference value set when the air conditioner is used for the first time.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The following methods can be used to determine if the heat exchange capacity of the indoor unit is declining: The change in outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the preset outlet air temperature value; and, The change in the coil temperature of the indoor unit heat exchanger is continuously greater than or equal to the preset coil temperature value within a first preset time period.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The self-cleaning mode includes: Obtain an information database, which stores multiple cold and medium temperature values, preset frequency values ​​of the compressor corresponding to each of the multiple cold and medium temperature values, and opening values ​​of the electronic expansion valves corresponding to each of the multiple cold and medium temperature values; Get the current cold-to-medium temperature value; Match the target frequency value and target opening value corresponding to the current cold-temperature value from the information database; The compressor is controlled to operate at the target frequency value, and the electronic expansion valve is controlled to operate at the target opening value, so as to control the indoor unit to perform a self-cleaning operation.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the current operating information satisfies the second triggering condition, controlling the compressor to operate at the target frequency value and controlling the electronic expansion valve to operate at the target opening value includes: Obtain the ambient temperature value corresponding to the self-cleaning operation; When the ambient temperature meets the ambient temperature limit, the compressor is controlled to operate at the target frequency value for a first duration, and the electronic expansion valve is controlled to operate at the target opening value for the first duration.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ambient temperature value includes the current ambient temperature value before executing the self-cleaning mode and the target ambient temperature value when executing the self-cleaning mode; The ambient temperature value is determined to meet the ambient temperature limit conditions in the following manner: The absolute value of the difference between the target ambient temperature value and the current ambient temperature value is less than or equal to the second preset temperature difference value.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The following method is used to determine if the current running information meets the first trigger condition: The downtime of the air conditioner is greater than or equal to the preset downtime.

7. A self-cleaning control device for an air conditioner, comprising a processor and a memory storing program instructions, characterized in that, The processor is configured to execute, when running the program instructions, the self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the self-cleaning control device for air conditioners as described in claim 7.

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