An air conditioning system and a method for cleaning the outdoor unit of an air conditioner.

Abstract

This invention provides an air conditioning system and a method for cleaning the outdoor unit of an air conditioner. The system includes a compressor, with its first end connected to the input ends of n branch circuits of an evaporator; the output ends of the n branch circuits are connected to the input end of a first solenoid valve, and the output end of the first solenoid valve is connected to the input end of the (n+1)th branch circuit; the output end of the (n+1)th branch circuit is connected to the input end of a condenser, and the output end of the condenser is connected to the second end of the compressor. The temperature of the (n+1)th branch circuit is lower than the lowest temperature of the n branch circuits, where n ≥ 1. By lowering the temperature of the refrigerant after heat exchange through the (n+1)th branch circuit, the evaporator's condensation effect on the refrigerant is improved. The refrigerant flowing out from the output end of the (n+1)th branch circuit is at a lower temperature. The refrigerant flows back to the compressor through the condenser, which lowers the condenser's pipe temperature, making it easier for the outdoor condenser to frost. This allows for comprehensive cleaning of the outdoor unit through frost formation and defrosting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioner defrosting technology, and more particularly to an air conditioner system and a method for cleaning the outdoor unit of an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Most modern air conditioners are split-type, consisting of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. Since the outdoor unit is installed on the outside, it accumulates more dust and debris. After prolonged operation, the condenser becomes caked with dust and debris, leading to reduced heat exchange and increased pressure. If the outdoor unit is not cleaned, the air conditioner's cooling and / or heating performance will deteriorate after extended use, affecting the comfort of indoor users.

[0003] Currently, there are two main methods for automatically cleaning outdoor units. The first method uses a reverse airflow from the outdoor fan to remove dust and debris from the condenser. The second method first causes condensation and frosting on the outdoor unit's condenser, then defrosts to remove dust and debris. The first method only removes dust and debris behind the condenser, while the second method, in harsh outdoor conditions, can easily overload the indoor unit, causing the compressor frequency to decrease and preventing the condenser from reaching the frosting temperature, resulting in only condensation cleaning and a poorer removal effect on dust and debris from the outdoor unit.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an air conditioning system that can lower the condenser temperature, making it easier for the outdoor unit to frost, thereby thoroughly cleaning the outdoor unit through frost and defrosting, as well as a method for cleaning the outdoor unit of an air conditioner. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, one of the objectives of this invention is to provide an air conditioning system that can reduce the condenser temperature, making it easier for the outdoor unit to frost, thereby thoroughly cleaning the outdoor unit through frost formation and defrosting.

[0006] An air conditioning system includes a compressor, a first end of which is connected to the input ends of n branches of an evaporator; the output ends of the n branches are connected to the input end of a first solenoid valve, the output end of the first solenoid valve is connected to the input end of the (n+1)th branch; the output end of the (n+1)th branch is connected to the input end of a condenser, the output end of the condenser is connected to a second end of the compressor, and the temperature of the (n+1)th branch is lower than the lowest temperature of the n branches, where n ≥ 1.

[0007] The temperature of the (n+1)th branch is lower than that of the nth branch, so the (n+1)th branch is designated as a subcooling section. The (n+1)th branch cools the refrigerant flowing out of the nth branch after heat exchange, increasing the subcooling degree of the refrigerant. The cooled refrigerant flowing out of the (n+1)th branch is at a lower temperature and flows into the condenser, lowering the condenser pipe temperature and making it easier for the outdoor unit to frost. This frost-and-defrost process removes dust and debris from the outdoor unit.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioning system further includes a four-way valve, wherein the first end of the compressor is connected to the a end of the four-way valve, and the b end of the four-way valve is connected to the input ends of the n branch circuits.

[0009] A four-way valve can connect the first end of the compressor to the input ends of the n branches of the evaporator, so that the refrigerant flowing out from the first end of the compressor flows into the first to the nth branches of the evaporator.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the c-end of the four-way valve is connected to the output end of the condenser, and the d-end of the four-way valve is connected to the second end of the compressor.

[0011] A four-way valve can be used to connect the output end of the condenser to the second end of the compressor, allowing the refrigerant flowing through the condenser to flow into the second end of the compressor.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second solenoid valve is provided between the output terminals of the n branch circuits and the output terminal of the (n+1)th branch circuit.

[0013] When the second solenoid valve is opened, the refrigerant after heat exchange flowing from the n branch lines merges with the refrigerant after heat exchange flowing from the (n+1)th branch line and flows together into the input terminal of the condenser. When the second solenoid valve is closed, the refrigerant after heat exchange flowing from the n branch lines merges and flows together into the input terminal of the (n+1)th branch line.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a third solenoid valve is provided between the input terminals of the n branch circuits and the input terminal of the (n+1)th branch circuit.

[0015] When the third solenoid valve is opened, the input terminals of the n branches are connected to the input terminal of the (n+1)th branch. When the third solenoid valve is closed, the input terminals of the n branches are disconnected from the input terminal of the (n+1)th branch.

[0016] A second objective of this invention is to provide a method for cleaning the outdoor unit of an air conditioner, based on the air conditioner system described in any of the above claims, the method comprising:

[0017] Check if the air conditioner is in outdoor unit cleaning mode. If so, open the first solenoid valve.

[0018] Turn on the compressor and calculate the difference between the condenser temperature and the frosting temperature to obtain the first temperature difference;

[0019] Adjust the compressor frequency according to the first temperature difference, and detect whether the condenser temperature is lower than the frosting temperature. If it is lower, start timing.

[0020] The system detects whether the air conditioner is running a frosting timer. If the air conditioner is running a frosting timer, the compressor is turned off.

[0021] After the compressor starts, the condenser temperature begins to drop, and the initial temperature difference gradually decreases. The compressor frequency is adjusted according to this initial temperature difference. When the condenser temperature falls below the frosting temperature, the outdoor unit begins to frost, and a timer starts. After the air conditioner has run for the frosting period, dust and debris on the outdoor unit have condensed with the frost. The compressor is then turned off, and the condenser temperature begins to rise, causing the outdoor unit to defrost. During the melting process, dust and debris are removed from various parts of the outdoor unit, resulting in a thorough cleaning.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, after shutting down the compressor, the method further includes:

[0023] Switch the indoor fan to the low setting and the outdoor fan to the high setting;

[0024] Close the second solenoid valve, the third solenoid valve, and the four-way valve.

[0025] After turning off the compressor, switch the outdoor fan to the high setting to accelerate the defrosting of the outdoor unit.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, after detecting whether the air conditioner is in outdoor unit cleaning mode, the method further includes:

[0027] If the air conditioner is in temperature control mode, then the first solenoid valve is closed;

[0028] Open the second solenoid valve and the third solenoid valve to start the compressor.

[0029] When the air conditioner is in temperature control mode, the first to the (n+1)th branch circuits exchange heat with the refrigerant. The refrigerant after heat exchange from the first to the (n+1)th branch circuits is collected and flows into the second end of the compressor through the condenser and the four-way valve.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, after the compressor is turned on, the method further includes:

[0031] Turn on the internal fan and control it to run at the medium fan speed.

[0032] Keep the external fan off.

[0033] Operating the indoor fan at the medium speed setting can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator, while shutting down the outdoor fan can prevent the loss of refrigerant cooling capacity.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, after switching the indoor fan to a low speed setting and the outdoor fan to a high speed setting, the method further includes:

[0035] Obtain the air delivery time of the external fan at the high fan speed setting;

[0036] If the air supply time is greater than or equal to the defrosting time threshold, then exit the outdoor unit cleaning mode.

[0037] When the air supply time of the outdoor fan is greater than or equal to the defrosting time threshold, it indicates that the dust and debris on the outdoor unit have been washed away with the melted liquid, thus controlling the air conditioner to enter the temperature regulation mode or keeping the air conditioner in a closed state.

[0038] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0039] This invention provides an air conditioning system including a compressor. The first end of the compressor is connected to the input ends of n branch circuits of an evaporator. Refrigerant flowing from the first end of the compressor flows into the input ends of the n branch circuits of the evaporator, where the n branch circuits exchange heat with the refrigerant. The output ends of the n branch circuits are connected to the input end of a first solenoid valve, and the output end of the first solenoid valve is connected to the input end of the (n+1)th branch circuit. When the first solenoid valve is opened, the refrigerant after heat exchange flows out from the output ends of the n branch circuits and flows into the input end of the (n+1)th branch circuit. The temperature of the (n+1)th branch circuit is lower than the lowest temperature of the n branch circuits, thus lowering the temperature of the refrigerant after heat exchange and improving the condensation effect of the evaporator on the refrigerant. The output end of the (n+1)th branch circuit is connected to the input end of a condenser, and the output end of the condenser is connected to the second end of the compressor. The refrigerant flowing out from the output terminal of the (n+1)th branch is at a lower temperature. The refrigerant flows back to the compressor through the condenser, which can reduce the pipe temperature of the condenser, making it easier for the outdoor condenser to frost. This allows the outdoor unit to be thoroughly cleaned through frost and defrosting. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning system provided by the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction of the evaporator in the outdoor unit cleaning mode provided by the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction in the evaporator under the temperature regulation mode provided by the present invention;

[0043] Figure 4This is a flowchart of the air conditioner outdoor unit cleaning method provided by the present invention;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the outdoor unit defrosting process provided by the present invention.

[0045] Reference numerals: 1. Compressor; 2. Evaporator; 21. First solenoid valve; 22. Second solenoid valve; 23. Third solenoid valve; 3. Condenser; 4. Four-way valve; 5. Throttling element. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0047] Example 1

[0048] like Figures 1-2 As shown, this embodiment provides an air conditioning system, including a compressor 1. The first end of the compressor 1 is connected to the input ends of n branches of an evaporator 2; the output ends of the n branches are connected to the input end of a first solenoid valve 21, and the output end of the first solenoid valve 21 is connected to the input end of the (n+1)th branch; the output end of the (n+1)th branch is connected to the input end of a condenser 3, and the output end of the condenser 3 is connected to the second end of the compressor 1. The temperature of the (n+1)th branch is lower than the lowest temperature of the n branches, where n ≥ 1.

[0049] In this embodiment, taking n=3 as an example, the first end of compressor 1 is connected to the input ends of the first, second, and third branches of evaporator 2. The output ends of the first, second, and third branches are connected to the input end of the first solenoid valve 21, and the output end of the first solenoid valve 21 is connected to the input end of the fourth branch. The output end of the fourth branch is connected to the input end of condenser 3, and the output end of condenser 3 is connected to the second end of compressor 1.

[0050] If the temperature of the first branch circuit is t1, the temperature of the second branch circuit is t2, the temperature of the third branch circuit is t3, and the temperature of the fourth branch circuit is t4, then t4 < t1. The temperatures of the first, second, and third branch circuits can be the same or different. In this embodiment, we take the case where the temperatures of the first, second, and third branch circuits are the same, i.e., t1 = t2 = t3.

[0051] The refrigerant flowing out from the first end of compressor 1 flows into the input ends of branches 1 to 1n, where heat exchange occurs. After heat exchange, the refrigerant flows out from the output ends of branches 1 to 1n, passes through the first solenoid valve 21, and flows into the input end of branch (n+1), which is located near the drip tray. Branch (n+1) is the subcooling section, where it cools the refrigerant after heat exchange, increasing its subcooling degree. The pressure drop is significant as the refrigerant flows through this subcooling section.

[0052] The cooled refrigerant flowing from the output of the (n+1)th branch flows into the input of condenser 3, and then from the output of condenser 3 into the second end of compressor 1. Because the cooled refrigerant is at a lower temperature, its flow through condenser 3 lowers the pipe temperature, making it easier for the outdoor unit to frost. During the frost-forming process, dust and debris condense with the frost. After a period of time, the outdoor unit's temperature is increased, causing it to defrost. During the defrosting process, dust and debris are thoroughly removed from the outdoor unit.

[0053] This embodiment provides an air conditioning system including a compressor 1. The first end of the compressor 1 is connected to the input ends of n branch circuits of an evaporator 2. Refrigerant flowing from the first end of the compressor 1 flows into the input ends of the n branch circuits of the evaporator 2, where the n branch circuits exchange heat with the refrigerant. The output ends of the n branch circuits are connected to the input end of a first solenoid valve 21, and the output end of the first solenoid valve 21 is connected to the input end of the (n+1)th branch circuit. When the first solenoid valve 21 is opened, the refrigerant after heat exchange flows out from the output ends of the n branch circuits and flows into the input end of the (n+1)th branch circuit through the first solenoid valve 21. The temperature of the (n+1)th branch circuit is lower than the lowest temperature of the n branch circuits, thus lowering the temperature of the refrigerant after heat exchange and improving the condensation effect of the evaporator 2 on the refrigerant after heat exchange. The output end of the (n+1)th branch circuit is connected to the input end of a condenser 3, and the output end of the condenser 3 is connected to the second end of the compressor 1. The refrigerant flowing out from the output terminal of the (n+1)th branch is at a lower temperature. The refrigerant flows back to the compressor 1 through the condenser 3, which can reduce the pipe temperature of the condenser 3, making it easier for the outdoor condenser 3 to frost. Thus, the outdoor unit is thoroughly cleaned through frost and defrost.

[0054] Example 2

[0055] like Figures 1-3As shown, this embodiment provides an air conditioning system, including a compressor 1. The first end of the compressor 1 is connected to the input ends of n branches of an evaporator 2; the output ends of the n branches are connected to the input end of a first solenoid valve 21, and the output end of the first solenoid valve 21 is connected to the input end of the (n+1)th branch; the output end of the (n+1)th branch is connected to the input end of a condenser 3, and the output end of the condenser 3 is connected to the second end of the compressor 1. The temperature of the (n+1)th branch is lower than the lowest temperature of the n branches, where n ≥ 1.

[0056] The air conditioning system also includes a four-way valve 4, with the first end of the compressor 1 connected to the a end of the four-way valve 4, and the b end of the four-way valve 4 connected to the input ends of the n branch circuits.

[0057] Power is supplied to the four-way valve 4, connecting terminal a of the four-way valve 4 to the second terminal, and terminal c of the four-way valve 4 to the fourth terminal. Refrigerant flows from the first terminal of the compressor 1 into terminal a of the four-way valve 4, and then from terminal b of the four-way valve 4 into the input terminals of the first to nth branches.

[0058] The c-end of the four-way valve 4 is connected to the output end of the condenser 3, and the d-end of the four-way valve 4 is connected to the second end of the compressor 1.

[0059] Preferably, a throttling element 5 is provided between the output terminal of the (n+1)th branch and the input terminal of the condenser 3.

[0060] The refrigerant flowing from the first branch to the nth branch after heat exchange is collected. The collected refrigerant then flows through the first solenoid valve 21 into the (n+1)th branch. The (n+1)th branch cools the collected refrigerant to obtain cooled refrigerant. The cooled refrigerant flows out from the output of the (n+1)th branch, passes through the throttling element 5 into the input of the condenser 3, and then flows from the output of the condenser 3 through the c-end and the fourth end of the four-way valve 4 into the second end of the compressor 1.

[0061] A second solenoid valve 22 is provided between the output terminals of the n branch circuits and the output terminal of the (n+1)th branch circuit. A third solenoid valve 23 is provided between the input terminals of the n branch circuits and the input terminal of the (n+1)th branch circuit.

[0062] When the condenser 3 needs to be frosted, the first solenoid valve 21 is opened, and the second solenoid valve 22 and the third solenoid valve 23 are closed, so that the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 1 enters the first to the nth branch for heat exchange. The refrigerant temperature after heat exchange is higher. The refrigerant after heat exchange is then collected and flows into the (n+1)th branch for cooling.

[0063] When condenser 3 does not require frosting, the temperature of the (n+1)th branch is raised to the same level as the first branch, or the (n+1)th branch is switched to a branch with the same temperature as the first branch. The first solenoid valve 21 is closed, and the second solenoid valve 22 and the third solenoid valve 23 are opened. The refrigerant flowing from end b of the four-way valve 4 flows into the input terminals of the first branch and then the (n+1)th branch. Heat exchange occurs between the first and (n+1)th branches. The refrigerant from the first to the nth branches, after heat exchange, passes through the second solenoid valve 22 and is then combined with the refrigerant from the (n+1)th branch. The refrigerant from the (n+1)th branch flows into the input terminal of condenser 3 through the throttling element 5, and then from the output terminal of condenser 3 through end c and the fourth end of the four-way valve 4 into the second terminal of compressor 1.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, end a is end a of the four-way valve 4, end b is end b of the four-way valve 4, end c is end c of the four-way valve 4, and end d is end d of the four-way valve 4.

[0065] The air conditioning system in this embodiment also includes a four-way valve 4. Terminal a of the four-way valve 4 is connected to the first end of the compressor 1, terminal b is connected to the input ends of the n branches of the evaporator 2, terminal c is connected to the output end of the condenser 3, and terminal d is connected to the second end of the compressor 1. The four-way valve 4 connects the first end of the compressor 1 to the input ends of the n branches of the evaporator 2, allowing refrigerant flowing from the first end of the compressor 1 to flow into the first to nth branches of the evaporator 2. The four-way valve 4 also connects the output end of the condenser 3 to the second end of the compressor 1, allowing refrigerant flowing through the condenser 3 to flow into the second end of the compressor 1. A second solenoid valve 22 is installed between the output ends of the n branches of the evaporator 2 and the output end of the (n+1)th branch of the evaporator 2, and a third solenoid valve 23 is installed between the input ends of the n branches of the evaporator 2 and the input end of the (n+1)th branch of the evaporator 2. Open the first solenoid valve 21 and close the second solenoid valve 22 and the third solenoid valve 23 to allow the condenser 3 to begin frosting. Close the first solenoid valve 21 and open the second solenoid valve 22 and the third solenoid valve 23 to stop the condenser 3 from frosting.

[0066] Example 3

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a method for cleaning the outdoor unit of an air conditioner, based on the air conditioner system in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. The method includes:

[0068] S1: Detect whether the air conditioner is in outdoor unit cleaning mode. If so, open the first solenoid valve.

[0069] Turn on the air conditioner to control it to enter the outdoor unit cleaning mode or switch from the temperature adjustment mode to the outdoor unit cleaning mode. If the air conditioner is in the outdoor unit cleaning mode, power is supplied to the first solenoid valve 21 to open it.

[0070] S2: Turn on the compressor, calculate the difference between the condenser temperature and the frosting temperature, and obtain the first temperature difference.

[0071] Preferably, the frosting temperature is set to -2 degrees Celsius. When compressor 1 is turned on, refrigerant flows out from the first end of compressor 1, passes through evaporator 2, and the (n+1)th branch of evaporator 2 is the subcooling section. The temperature of the subcooling section is low, which can cool the refrigerant and increase the subcooling degree of the refrigerant.

[0072] Refrigerant flows into condenser 3 from the (n+1)th branch output of evaporator 2, causing the condenser temperature to continuously decrease. The difference between the condenser temperature and the frosting temperature is calculated to obtain the first temperature difference. The frosting temperature is preset, and the condenser temperature is positively correlated with the first temperature difference; that is, the higher the condenser temperature, the larger the first temperature difference.

[0073] After the compressor is turned on, the following is also included:

[0074] S31': Turn on the internal fan and control the internal fan to run at the medium speed setting.

[0075] S32': Keep the external fan off.

[0076] When the air conditioner is in outdoor unit cleaning mode, control the indoor fan to run at the medium fan speed to improve the heat exchange efficiency of evaporator 2. Keep the outdoor fan off to prevent the refrigerant flowing through condenser 3 from losing cooling capacity.

[0077] S3: Adjust the compressor frequency according to the first temperature difference, and detect whether the condenser temperature is lower than the frosting temperature. If it is lower, start timing.

[0078] The larger the initial temperature difference, the greater the increase in compressor frequency. The compressor frequency must be less than or equal to the upper frequency limit; in this embodiment, the upper frequency limit is set to 76Hz. For example, when the initial temperature difference is 10 degrees Celsius (i.e., the condenser temperature is 10 degrees Celsius higher than the frosting temperature), the condenser temperature needs to be quickly reduced to below the frosting temperature. The compressor frequency is increased by 1Hz every second until the compressor frequency equals the upper frequency limit. When the initial temperature difference is 2 degrees Celsius (i.e., the condenser temperature is 2 degrees Celsius higher than the frosting temperature), the compressor frequency is increased by 1Hz every 5 seconds until the condenser temperature is lower than the frosting temperature. Because the difference between the condenser temperature and the frosting temperature is small before the compressor frequency is increased, the compressor frequency is less than the upper frequency limit when the condenser temperature drops below the frosting temperature.

[0079] When the compressor frequency is high, using the (n+1)th branch of the evaporator 2 of the indoor unit as a subcooling section can increase the condensing effect of the condenser 3 of the outdoor unit, achieve frost formation on the condenser 3 more quickly, and prevent the indoor unit from being overloaded.

[0080] S4: Detect whether the air conditioner is running the frosting time. If the air conditioner is running the frosting time, then turn off the compressor.

[0081] Preferably, the frosting time is set to 10 minutes. When the condenser temperature is lower than the frosting temperature, the outdoor unit begins to cool down, and frost continuously forms on the outdoor unit during air conditioner operation. After the air conditioner has run for the frosting time, the dust, debris, and frost on the outdoor unit condense together, and compressor 1 is shut down.

[0082] After compressor 1 is turned off, the temperature of condenser 3 begins to rise. When the condenser temperature exceeds the frosting temperature, the frost on the outdoor unit begins to melt, carrying away the dust and debris from the outdoor unit, thus performing a thorough cleaning of the outdoor unit.

[0083] The air conditioner outdoor unit cleaning method provided in this embodiment includes detecting whether the air conditioner is in outdoor unit cleaning mode; if so, opening the first solenoid valve 21. The compressor 1 is turned on, and the difference between the condenser temperature and the frosting temperature is calculated to obtain a first temperature difference. After the compressor 1 is turned on, the condenser temperature begins to drop, and the first temperature difference continuously decreases. The compressor frequency is adjusted according to the first temperature difference. When the condenser temperature is lower than the frosting temperature, the outdoor unit begins to frost, and a timer begins. After the air conditioner has run for the frosting time, dust and debris on the outdoor unit have condensed with frost. The compressor 1 is turned off, and the condenser temperature begins to rise. When the condenser temperature is higher than the frosting temperature, the outdoor unit begins to defrost. During the melting process of the frost on the outdoor unit, dust and debris from multiple parts of the outdoor unit are removed, thus thoroughly cleaning the outdoor unit.

[0084] Example 4

[0085] like Figure 5 As shown, the air conditioner outdoor unit cleaning method provided in this embodiment, based on the air conditioner system in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, further includes the following after shutting down the compressor:

[0086] S51: Switch the indoor fan to low speed and the outdoor fan to high speed.

[0087] S52: Close the second solenoid valve, the third solenoid valve, and the four-way valve.

[0088] The outdoor fan operates at a high wind speed to accelerate the defrosting of the outdoor unit. The second solenoid valve 22, the third solenoid valve 23, and the four-way valve 4 are closed to prevent refrigerant from flowing from the compressor 1 to the evaporator 2, and from flowing from the condenser 3 back to the compressor 1.

[0089] After switching the internal fan to low speed and the external fan to high speed, the process also includes:

[0090] S53: Obtain the air supply time of the external fan at the high wind speed setting.

[0091] S54: Detect whether the air supply time is greater than or equal to the defrosting time threshold. If so, exit the outdoor unit cleaning mode.

[0092] At this point, compressor 1 has stopped, and the outdoor fan is controlled to operate at high speed to accelerate the melting of frost condensed on the outdoor unit. During the airflow process, the frost condensed on the outdoor unit continuously melts. If the airflow time is greater than or equal to the defrosting time threshold, it indicates that all the frost condensed on the outdoor unit has melted, and dust and debris from various locations on the outdoor unit flow away with the melted liquid, thus achieving a thorough cleaning of the outdoor unit.

[0093] The defrosting time threshold is related to the size of the outdoor unit and the air delivery speed of the outdoor fan. The defrosting time threshold can be 1 hour or 2 hours, and there is no limit here.

[0094] Exiting the outdoor unit cleaning mode can be done by turning on the air conditioner and controlling it to enter the temperature adjustment mode, or by keeping the air conditioner off.

[0095] After detecting whether the air conditioner is in outdoor unit cleaning mode, the method also includes:

[0096] S21': If the air conditioner is in temperature regulation mode, then close the first solenoid valve.

[0097] S22': Open the second solenoid valve and the third solenoid valve to start the compressor.

[0098] When the air conditioner is in cooling or heating mode, the second solenoid valve 22 and the third solenoid valve 23 are opened, the first solenoid valve 21 is closed, and the compressor 1 is started. The refrigerant flowing from the first end of the compressor 1 flows through the four-way valve 4 into the input ends of the first to (n+1)th branch circuits, where heat exchange occurs. The refrigerant from the first to (n+1)th branch circuits, after heat exchange, flows through the second solenoid valve 22 and then combines with the refrigerant from the (n+1)th branch circuit. The combined refrigerant from the first to (n+1)th branch circuits then flows through the throttling element 5 into the input end of the condenser 3, and from the output end of the condenser 3, flows through the four-way valve 4 into the second end of the compressor 1.

[0099] This embodiment, after shutting down the compressor 1, further includes switching the indoor fan to a low speed and the outdoor fan to a high speed. The outdoor fan operates at a higher wind speed to accelerate the defrosting of the outdoor unit. The second solenoid valve 22, the third solenoid valve 23, and the four-way valve 4 are closed to prevent refrigerant from flowing from the compressor 1 to the evaporator 2, and from flowing back from the condenser 3 to the compressor 1. After detecting whether the air conditioner is in the outdoor unit cleaning mode, the embodiment further includes: if the air conditioner is in the temperature adjustment mode, then the first solenoid valve 21 is closed, the second solenoid valve 22 and the third solenoid valve 23 are opened, and the compressor 1 is turned on. The first to the (n+1)th branch circuits exchange heat with the refrigerant respectively, and the refrigerant after heat exchange from the first to the (n+1)th branch circuits is collected and flows into the second end of the compressor 1 through the condenser 3 and the four-way valve 4.

[0100] Example 5

[0101] This embodiment provides an electronic device, which includes a memory and a processor.

[0102] The processor can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0103] Memory can include various types of storage units, such as system memory, read-only memory (ROM), and permanent storage devices.

[0104] The memory stores executable code, which, when processed by the processor, can cause the processor to execute some or all of the methods described above.

[0105] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. Any specific values ​​in all examples shown and discussed herein should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0106] It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of a device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation described in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures will subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below". The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0107] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0108] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for cleaning the outdoor unit of an air conditioner, characterized in that, Based on an air conditioning system, the air conditioning system includes a compressor, the first end of which is connected to the input ends of n branches of an evaporator; the output ends of the n branches are connected to the input end of a first solenoid valve, the output end of the first solenoid valve is connected to the input end of the (n+1)th branch; the output end of the (n+1)th branch is connected to the input end of a condenser, the output end of the condenser is connected to the second end of the compressor, and the temperature of the (n+1)th branch is lower than the lowest temperature of the n branches, where n≥1; The method includes: Check if the air conditioner is in outdoor unit cleaning mode. If so, open the first solenoid valve. Turn on the compressor and calculate the difference between the condenser temperature and the frosting temperature to obtain the first temperature difference; Adjust the compressor frequency according to the first temperature difference, and detect whether the condenser temperature is lower than the frosting temperature. If it is lower, start timing. The system detects whether the air conditioner is running a frosting timer. If the air conditioner is running a frosting timer, the compressor is turned off.

2. The method for cleaning the outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioning system also includes a four-way valve, with the first end of the compressor connected to end a of the four-way valve and end b of the four-way valve connected to the input ends of the n branch circuits; The c-end of the four-way valve is connected to the output end of the condenser, and the d-end of the four-way valve is connected to the second end of the compressor. A second solenoid valve is provided between the output terminals of the nth branch and the output terminal of the (n+1)th branch; A third solenoid valve is provided between the input terminals of the n branches and the input terminal of the (n+1)th branch; After shutting down the compressor, the following is also included: Switch the indoor fan to the low setting and the outdoor fan to the high setting; Close the second solenoid valve, the third solenoid valve, and the four-way valve.

3. The method for cleaning the outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, After detecting whether the air conditioner is in outdoor unit cleaning mode, the method also includes: If the air conditioner is in temperature control mode, then the first solenoid valve is closed; Open the second solenoid valve and the third solenoid valve to start the compressor.

4. The method for cleaning the outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, After the compressor is turned on, the following steps are also included: Turn on the internal fan and control it to run at the medium fan speed. Keep the external fan off.

5. The method for cleaning the outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, After switching the internal fan to the low fan speed and the external fan to the high fan speed, the process also includes: Obtain the air delivery time of the external fan at the high fan speed setting; If the air supply time is greater than or equal to the defrosting time threshold, then exit the outdoor unit cleaning mode.

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