Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The application provides an air conditioner and a control method thereof, wherein the air conditioner comprises an indoor unit, an outdoor unit and a valve assembly; the indoor unit comprises an indoor heat exchanger, a first throttling component and a second throttling component, and the pressure drop of the refrigerant flowing through the first throttling component is less than the pressure drop of the refrigerant flowing through the second throttling component; the outdoor unit comprises an outdoor heat exchanger and a compressor; the valve assembly is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, and the first throttling component and the second throttling component are connected in parallel between the valve assembly and the indoor heat exchanger; and the control method comprises the following steps: obtaining the ambient temperature of the outdoor space where the outdoor unit is located; determining whether the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to a preset temperature; if yes, controlling the air conditioner to run in a high-temperature refrigeration mode; and the air conditioner and the control method thereof can improve the refrigeration effect of the air conditioner.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] As appliances used for cooling off in summer and heating in winter, air conditioners are becoming increasingly diverse, especially split-type air conditioners. Split-type air conditioners are commonly used in homes, and users' demands for their comfort performance are becoming more and more prominent.

[0003] Currently, in existing split-type air conditioners, the outdoor unit is typically installed outdoors, while the throttling device is usually located inside the outdoor unit. Furthermore, a portion of the connecting pipe, which transports refrigerant between the outdoor and indoor units, is exposed to the outdoor environment. When the air conditioning system is operating in cooling mode, the low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, after being throttled by the throttling device, must first flow through the connecting pipe before entering the evaporator. Therefore, the low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant throttled by the throttling device always flows through the high-temperature outdoor environment first, resulting in a waste of cooling capacity. Especially when the outside temperature exceeds 40°C, the air conditioner's cooling capacity decreases by 40%, leading to a significant drop in cooling efficiency. Moreover, at this time, the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors is large, requiring either maintaining the current indoor temperature or rapid cooling, necessitating an increase in compressor frequency. However, split-type air conditioners with capillary tubes or short throttling pipes cannot change the throttling and pressure-reducing capacity of the refrigerant, thus failing to match the compressor frequency to improve cooling efficiency and reducing user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and its control method that can solve at least one of the defects in the prior art.

[0005] A further objective of this invention is to suppress the attenuation of refrigerant capacity in the connecting pipes under high-temperature conditions, thereby improving the cooling effect of the air conditioner.

[0006] Another further objective of this invention is to enable the air conditioner to change its refrigerant throttling and pressure reduction capabilities, and to match the refrigerant throttling and pressure reduction capabilities with the increased compressor frequency, so as to improve the cooling effect of the air conditioner.

[0007] Specifically, the present invention provides a control method for an air conditioner, the air conditioner including an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a valve assembly. The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger, a first throttling member, and a second throttling member, wherein the pressure drop of the first throttling member on the refrigerant flowing through it is less than the pressure drop of the second throttling member on the refrigerant flowing through it. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger and a compressor. The valve assembly is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, and the first and second throttling members are connected in parallel between the valve assembly and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0008] Control methods include:

[0009] Obtain the ambient temperature of the outdoor space where the outdoor unit is located;

[0010] Determine if the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the preset temperature;

[0011] If so, control the air conditioner to operate in high-temperature cooling mode; wherein, controlling the air conditioner to operate in high-temperature cooling mode means controlling the valve assembly to connect the first throttling component with the outdoor heat exchanger and controlling the compressor frequency to a value within a first preset frequency range matched by the first throttling component.

[0012] Furthermore, prior to the step of controlling the air conditioner to operate in high-temperature cooling mode, the control method also includes:

[0013] Send a message to users of air conditioners asking whether they want to run the high-temperature cooling mode;

[0014] In response to receiving a query message, determine whether the feedback message is yes;

[0015] If so, execute the steps to control the air conditioner to operate in high-temperature cooling mode;

[0016] If not, control the air conditioner to operate in energy-saving cooling mode; wherein, controlling the air conditioner to operate in energy-saving cooling mode is to control the valve assembly to connect the second throttling component with the outdoor heat exchanger and control the compressor frequency to a value in the second preset frequency range matched with the second throttling component, wherein the minimum threshold of the first preset frequency range is greater than the maximum threshold of the second preset frequency range.

[0017] Furthermore, the control methods also include:

[0018] When the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the air conditioner is controlled to operate in energy-saving cooling mode; wherein, controlling the air conditioner to operate in energy-saving cooling mode is to control the valve assembly to connect the second throttling component with the outdoor heat exchanger and control the compressor frequency to a value in the second preset frequency range matched with the second throttling component, wherein the minimum threshold of the first preset frequency range is greater than the maximum threshold of the second preset frequency range.

[0019] Furthermore, after controlling the air conditioner to operate in energy-saving cooling mode, the control method also includes:

[0020] Obtain the indoor noise level of the indoor space where the indoor unit is located;

[0021] Obtain the reduced noise level of the second throttling component;

[0022] Determine whether the pressure reduction noise of the second throttling component is greater than or equal to the indoor noise;

[0023] If so, the control valve assembly connects the first throttling member to the indoor heat exchanger.

[0024] Furthermore, after the step of controlling the valve assembly to connect the first throttling member to the indoor heat exchanger, the control method further includes:

[0025] Calculate the difference between the reduced noise level of the second throttling component and the indoor noise level;

[0026] The flow rate of refrigerant to the first throttling component is adjusted based on the differential control valve assembly.

[0027] Furthermore, after controlling the air conditioner to operate in high-temperature cooling mode, the control method also includes:

[0028] Obtain the indoor noise level of the indoor unit's location;

[0029] Obtain the reduced noise level of the first throttling component;

[0030] Determine whether the pressure reduction noise of the first throttling component is greater than or equal to the indoor noise;

[0031] If so, the control valve assembly connects the second throttling member to the indoor heat exchanger.

[0032] Furthermore, after the step of controlling the valve assembly to connect the second throttling member to the indoor heat exchanger, the control method further includes:

[0033] Calculate the difference between the reduced noise level of the first throttling component and the indoor noise level;

[0034] The flow rate of refrigerant to the second throttling component is adjusted based on the differential control valve assembly.

[0035] Furthermore, before obtaining the ambient temperature of the outdoor space where the outdoor unit is located, the control method also includes:

[0036] Turn on the air conditioner;

[0037] High-temperature cooling mode that controls the preset duration of air conditioner operation.

[0038] In particular, the present invention also provides an air conditioner comprising:

[0039] The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger, a first throttling component, and a second throttling component, wherein the pressure drop of the first throttling component on the refrigerant flowing through it is less than the pressure drop of the second throttling component on the refrigerant flowing through it.

[0040] The outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger and a compressor;

[0041] A valve assembly is connected to an outdoor heat exchanger, and a first throttling member and a second throttling member are connected in parallel between the valve assembly and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0042] Temperature sensor is used to obtain the ambient temperature of the outdoor space where the outdoor unit is located;

[0043] The controller includes a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a machine-executable program that, when executed by the processor, implements the control method of the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

[0044] Furthermore, air conditioners also include:

[0045] The first noise sensor is used to acquire the indoor noise level of the indoor space where the indoor unit is located;

[0046] The second noise sensor is used to acquire the reduced noise of the first throttling component and the reduced noise of the second throttling component.

[0047] The air conditioner control method of the present invention allows for operation in a high-temperature cooling mode during hot weather. Specifically, the control valve assembly connects the first throttling component to the outdoor heat exchanger and controls the compressor frequency to a value within a first preset frequency range matched to the first throttling component. Furthermore, the pressure drop of the refrigerant flowing through the first throttling component is less than the pressure drop of the refrigerant flowing through the second throttling component, thereby increasing the flow rate of refrigerant into the indoor heat exchanger and enhancing its cooling capacity. Therefore, the air conditioner control method of the present invention can alter the throttling and pressure reduction capability of the refrigerant, matching this capability with the increased compressor frequency to improve the air conditioner's cooling effect.

[0048] Furthermore, the air conditioner control method of the present invention, when operating in high-temperature cooling mode or energy-saving cooling mode, connects one throttling component to the outdoor heat exchanger and can also connect the other throttling component to the outdoor heat exchanger. This can alleviate the need for refrigerant throttling and pressure reduction in one operating mode of the air conditioner, resulting in a smaller pressure drop of the refrigerant when flowing through one of the throttling components. For example, when the air conditioner is operating in high-temperature cooling mode, i.e., when the control valve assembly connects the first throttling component to the outdoor heat exchanger and controls the compressor frequency to a value matching a first preset frequency range of the first throttling component, the second throttling component can be connected to the outdoor heat exchanger. For example, when the air conditioner is operating in energy-saving cooling mode, i.e., when the control valve assembly connects the second throttling component to the outdoor heat exchanger and controls the compressor frequency to a value matching a second preset frequency range of the second throttling component, the first throttling component can be connected to the outdoor heat exchanger. Therefore, the air conditioner control method of the present invention can effectively suppress noise generation when the refrigerant is throttled and pressure reduced, improving the user experience.

[0049] The air conditioner of this invention, because its indoor unit includes a first throttling component and a second throttling component, that is, by incorporating components for throttling and reducing the pressure of the refrigerant into the indoor unit, allows the refrigerant to be throttled and depressurized after entering the indoor unit. The refrigerant remains at high temperature and high pressure when flowing outdoors, avoiding the waste of cooling capacity and pressure caused by the low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, after being throttled, first flowing through the high-temperature outdoor environment. Therefore, the air conditioner of this invention can suppress the attenuation of cooling capacity of the refrigerant in the high-temperature environment of the connecting pipe, thereby improving the cooling effect of the air conditioner.

[0050] Furthermore, since the air conditioner of the present invention can implement the control method of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the control method of the above-mentioned air conditioner has beneficial technical effects, and the air conditioner of the present invention also has these effects.

[0051] 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

[0052] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in a detailed manner by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art will understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0053] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 2This is a second structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 3 This is the third structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of an indoor unit in an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the process of controlling the air conditioner to operate in high-temperature cooling mode or energy-saving cooling mode according to the user's wishes in an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 8 This is one of the schematic flowcharts for reducing pressure drop noise in the control method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 9 This is a second schematic diagram of the process for reducing pressure drop noise in the control method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] In the attached image:

[0063] 100. Indoor unit; 110. Housing; 120. Indoor heat exchanger; 130. Air inlet connection pipe; 141. First throttling component; 142. Second throttling component; 150. Wall;

[0064] 200. Outdoor unit; 210. Unit casing; 220. Outdoor heat exchanger; 230. Compressor;

[0065] 300, Connecting pipe; 310, Connecting intake pipe; 311, First connecting intake pipe; 312, Second connecting intake pipe; 320, Connecting exhaust pipe;

[0066] 400. Valve assembly;

[0067] 510. Controller; 511. Processor; 512. Memory; 5121. Machine-executable program; 520. Temperature sensor; 531. First noise sensor; 532. Second noise sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0068] In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the terms "length", "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0069] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature, that is, include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it encompasses, unless otherwise specifically stated, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0070] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "connected," "linked," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0071] Unless otherwise specified, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the description of these embodiments have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0072] In the description of this embodiment, the reference to terms such as "embodiment," "embodiment mode," etc., means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0073] The following is combined Figures 1 to 5 The air conditioner of this embodiment will be described below. Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a second structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3This is the third structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of an indoor unit in an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Reference Figure 2 or Figure 3 In this embodiment, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit 100, an outdoor unit 200, and a valve assembly 400. The indoor unit 100 includes an indoor heat exchanger 120, a first throttling member 141, and a second throttling member 142, wherein the pressure drop of the first throttling member 141 on the refrigerant flowing through it is less than the pressure drop of the second throttling member 142 on the refrigerant flowing through it. The outdoor unit 200 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 220 and a compressor 230. The valve assembly 400 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 220, and the first throttling member 141 and the second throttling member 142 are connected in parallel between the valve assembly 400 and the indoor heat exchanger 120. The valve assembly 400 is used to connect the first throttling member 141 and / or the second throttling member 142 to the outdoor heat exchanger 220.

[0075] Because the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner in this embodiment includes a first throttling component 141 and a second throttling component 142, that is, components for throttling and reducing the pressure of the refrigerant are installed in the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner, the refrigerant can be throttled and its pressure reduced after entering the indoor unit 100. The refrigerant remains at high temperature and high pressure when flowing outdoors, avoiding the waste of some cooling capacity and pressure caused by the low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant after being throttled by the throttling device flowing through the high-temperature outdoor environment first. Therefore, the air conditioner of this embodiment can suppress the attenuation of the cooling capacity of the refrigerant in the connecting pipe 300, which is in a high-temperature environment, thereby improving the cooling effect of the air conditioner.

[0076] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the indoor unit 100 further includes an air inlet connection pipe 130. The air inlet connection pipe 130 is connected to the port of the first throttling member 141 and the second throttling member 142, which are connected in parallel between the indoor heat exchanger 120 and the indoor heat exchanger 120.

[0077] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of this invention, the valve assembly 400 is disposed in the indoor unit 100; and the air conditioner further includes a connecting air inlet pipe 310, which connects the outdoor heat exchanger 220 and the valve assembly 400.

[0078] Understandably, the air conditioner also includes a connecting pipe 300 disposed between the indoor unit 100 and the outdoor unit 200 and used for transporting refrigerant. The connecting pipe 300 can be installed in the outdoor space and / or on the wall 150 of the outdoor space. The connecting pipe 300 includes a connecting inlet pipe 310 and a connecting outlet pipe 320. The connecting inlet pipe 310 connects the outdoor heat exchanger and the valve assembly 400. The connecting outlet pipe 320 connects the indoor heat exchanger 120, the compressor 230 and the outdoor heat exchanger 220 in sequence. Through the inlet connecting pipe 130, a refrigeration cycle system can be formed to allow the air conditioner to operate in either cooling or heating mode, and the valve assembly 400 can be installed in the housing 110 of the indoor unit 100.

[0079] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 In another embodiment of this invention, the valve assembly 400 is disposed in the outdoor unit 200; and the air conditioner further includes a first connecting air intake pipe 311 and a second connecting air intake pipe 312, the first connecting air intake pipe 311 being connected between the valve assembly 400 and the first throttling member 141; the second connecting air intake pipe 312 being connected between the valve assembly 400 and the second throttling member 142.

[0080] Understandably, the air conditioner also includes a connecting pipe 300 disposed between the indoor unit 100 and the outdoor unit 200 and used for transporting refrigerant. The connecting pipe 300 includes a first connecting inlet pipe 311, a second connecting inlet pipe 312, and a connecting outlet pipe 320. The first connecting inlet pipe 311 and the second connecting inlet pipe 312 connect the valve body assembly and the corresponding first throttling member 141 and second throttling member 142. The connecting outlet pipe 320 connects the indoor heat exchanger 120, the compressor 230, and the outdoor heat exchanger 220 in sequence. Through the inlet connecting pipe 130, a refrigeration cycle system can be formed to allow the air conditioner to operate in either cooling or heating mode, and the valve assembly 400 can be disposed in the casing 210 of the outdoor unit 200.

[0081] In one embodiment of the valve assembly 400, the valve assembly 400 includes a three-way valve. The inlet of the three-way valve is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 220, one outlet of the three-way valve is connected to the first throttling member 141, and the other outlet of the three-way valve is connected to the second throttling member 142. This allows the valve assembly 400 to connect the first throttling member 141 and / or the second throttling member 142 to the outdoor heat exchanger 220.

[0082] In another embodiment of the valve assembly 400 in this example, the valve assembly 400 includes a three-way connector, a first valve body, and a second valve body. One port of the three-way connector is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 220, and the first valve body is connected between the other port of the three-way connector and the first throttling member 141. The second valve body is connected between the remaining port of the three-way connector and the second throttling member 142. This allows the valve assembly 400 to connect the first throttling member 141 and / or the second throttling member 142 to the outdoor heat exchanger 220.

[0083] In this embodiment, the first throttling component 141 includes a capillary tube, an expansion valve, or a throttling short tube; the second throttling component 142 includes a capillary tube, an expansion valve, or a throttling short tube.

[0084] In this embodiment, the first throttling component 141 includes a capillary tube, an expansion valve, or a throttling short tube; the second throttling component 142 includes a capillary tube, an expansion valve, or a throttling short tube.

[0085] It is understood that the first throttling component 141 or the second throttling component 142 in this embodiment can achieve throttling and pressure reduction of the refrigerant, whether it is a capillary tube, an expansion valve, or a throttling short tube.

[0086] In addition, both the first throttling member 141 and the second throttling member 142 are preferably set as capillary tubes, which can ensure that the air conditioner can complete the basic cooling or heating operation mode while ensuring that the air conditioner has a low manufacturing cost and guarantees the cost performance of the air conditioner.

[0087] Reference Figure 5 In this embodiment, the air conditioner also includes a temperature sensor 520, which is used to obtain the ambient temperature of the outdoor space where the outdoor unit 200 is located.

[0088] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 520 can be installed on the outside of the outdoor unit 200, specifically on the casing 210 of the outdoor unit 200.

[0089] In another embodiment of the temperature sensor 520, the temperature sensor 520 can be installed inside the housing 210 of the outdoor unit 200, specifically, it can be installed on each support component inside the outdoor unit 200.

[0090] Reference Figure 5In this embodiment, the air conditioner further includes a first noise sensor 531 and a second noise sensor 532. The first noise sensor 531 is used to acquire the indoor noise of the indoor space where the indoor unit 100 is located; the second noise sensor 532 is used to acquire the pressure reduction noise of the first throttling member 141 and the pressure reduction noise of the second throttling member 142.

[0091] Specifically, the first noise sensor 531 can be installed on the exterior of the outdoor unit 200, for example, on the housing 110 of the outdoor unit 200. The second noise sensor 532 can be installed on the first throttling member 141 and / or the second throttling member 142, with the acquisition end of the second noise sensor 532 positioned between the first throttling member 141 and the second throttling member 142; alternatively, the second noise sensor 532 can be installed on the housing 110 of the indoor unit 100, with the acquisition end of the second noise sensor 532 positioned between the first throttling member 141 and the second throttling member 142. This allows the second noise sensor 532 to acquire the reduced noise from the first throttling member 141 and the reduced noise from the second throttling member 142.

[0092] Reference Figure 5 In this embodiment, the air conditioner also includes a controller 510, which includes a memory 512 and a processor 511. The memory 512 stores a machine-executable program 5121. When the machine-executable program 5121 is executed by the processor 511, it implements the control method of the air conditioner according to the following embodiments. Therefore, the air conditioner in this embodiment also has the beneficial technical effects that the control method of the air conditioner in the following embodiments can achieve.

[0093] In addition, the valve assembly 400, temperature sensor 520, compressor 230, first noise sensor 531 and second noise sensor 532 are all electrically connected to the controller 510.

[0094] The following is combined Figures 6 to 9 The control method of the air conditioner in this embodiment will be described in detail below. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the process of controlling the air conditioner to operate in high-temperature cooling mode or energy-saving cooling mode according to the user's wishes in an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is one of the schematic flowcharts for reducing pressure drop noise in the control method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a second schematic diagram of the process for reducing pressure drop noise in the control method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Reference Figure 6In this embodiment, the control method for the air conditioner includes:

[0096] Step S602: Obtain the ambient temperature of the outdoor space where the outdoor unit 200 is located.

[0097] It should be noted that this step can be achieved using the temperature sensor 520 in the air conditioner described in the above embodiment.

[0098] Step S604: Determine whether the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to a preset temperature.

[0099] It should be understood that the preset temperature can be set to 40℃ or higher. For example, the preset temperature can be 40℃, 45℃, 50℃, etc.

[0100] If so, in step S606, control the air conditioner to operate in high-temperature cooling mode; wherein, controlling the air conditioner to operate in high-temperature cooling mode means controlling the valve assembly 400 to connect the first throttling member 141 to the outdoor heat exchanger 220 and controlling the frequency of the compressor 230 to a value that matches the first preset frequency range of the first throttling member 141.

[0101] Because the control method of this embodiment can operate a high-temperature cooling mode in hot weather, that is, controlling the valve assembly 400 to connect the first throttling member 141 to the outdoor heat exchanger 220 and controlling the frequency of the compressor 230 to a value matching a first preset frequency range of the first throttling member 141, and the pressure drop of the first throttling member 141 on the refrigerant flowing through it is less than the pressure drop of the second throttling member 142 on the refrigerant flowing through it, thereby increasing the flow rate of refrigerant into the indoor heat exchanger 120 and improving the cooling capacity of the indoor heat exchanger 120. Therefore, the control method of this embodiment can change the throttling and pressure reduction capability of the refrigerant and match the throttling and pressure reduction capability of the refrigerant with the increased frequency of the compressor 230, thereby improving the cooling effect of the air conditioner.

[0102] Reference Figure 7 In this embodiment, before controlling the air conditioner to operate in high-temperature cooling mode in step S606, the control method further includes:

[0103] Step S702: Send an inquiry to the user of the air conditioner asking whether to run the high-temperature cooling mode.

[0104] Step S704: In response to receiving feedback information of the query information, determine whether the feedback information is yes.

[0105] It is understandable that sending an inquiry to the user of the air conditioner regarding whether to operate the high-temperature cooling mode, and receiving feedback on the inquiry, can be achieved by installing a voice system on the air conditioner. For example, the air conditioner could be equipped with a microphone and a playback device, allowing the air conditioner to convert sound information back and forth between sound and electrical signals to achieve the aforementioned sending and receiving steps. Alternatively, the inquiry can be sent to a mobile device with control over the air conditioner, allowing the user to operate the device, thus achieving the aforementioned sending and receiving steps.

[0106] If so, proceed to step S606, which controls the air conditioner to operate in high-temperature cooling mode.

[0107] If not, in step S706, control the air conditioner to operate in energy-saving cooling mode; wherein, controlling the air conditioner to operate in energy-saving cooling mode means controlling the valve assembly 400 to connect the second throttling member 142 to the outdoor heat exchanger 220 and controlling the frequency of the compressor 230 to a value in a second preset frequency range that matches the second throttling member 142, wherein the minimum threshold of the first preset frequency range is greater than the maximum threshold of the second preset frequency range.

[0108] Since the control method in this embodiment allows the air conditioner to choose between high-temperature cooling mode and energy-saving cooling mode according to the user's wishes before step S606 controls the air conditioner to operate in high-temperature cooling mode, the control method in this embodiment can make the air conditioner's operating mode more in line with the user's needs, thereby improving the user's experience of using the air conditioner. For example, in hot summer weather, when a user first enters an indoor space, the perceived temperature is still high. At this time, the user still needs the air conditioner to have a fast and strong cooling capacity to feel cool. Therefore, the user can choose the high-temperature cooling mode. As another example, in hot summer weather, if a user has been indoors for a long time, a strong cooling capacity is not necessary; otherwise, the user may feel cold. At this time, the user only needs to feel comfortable and not hot. Therefore, the user can choose the energy-saving cooling mode. Furthermore, by asking the user whether to run the high-temperature cooling mode and controlling the air conditioner to run in high-temperature cooling mode or energy-saving cooling mode based on the user's feedback, the air conditioner's operating mode can be more in line with the user's actual needs, improving the user experience of using the air conditioner.

[0109] Furthermore, it is understood that since this control method can be applied to the air conditioner of the above embodiment, and since the first throttling component 141 and the second throttling component 142 of the air conditioner are placed in the indoor unit 100, even if the frequency of the compressor 230 is low when the air conditioner is controlled to operate in energy-saving cooling mode, that is, the flow rate of refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger 220 to the indoor heat exchanger 120 is small, there will be no situation where the cooling capacity of the indoor heat exchanger 120 is reduced due to high temperature weather. Therefore, this control method can ensure the cooling performance of the air conditioner while operating in energy-saving cooling mode.

[0110] Reference Figure 7 In this embodiment, the control method further includes:

[0111] When the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature, in step S706, the air conditioner is controlled to operate in an energy-saving cooling mode; wherein, controlling the air conditioner to operate in an energy-saving cooling mode means controlling the valve assembly 400 to connect the second throttling member 142 to the outdoor heat exchanger 220 and controlling the frequency of the compressor 230 to a value matching the second preset frequency range of the second throttling member 142, wherein the minimum threshold of the first preset frequency range is greater than the maximum threshold of the second preset frequency range.

[0112] It is understandable that when the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the energy-saving mode can still meet the user's cooling needs for the air conditioner. Alternatively, since the outdoor temperature is not very high, the user does not need the air conditioner to cool quickly and powerfully. Therefore, controlling the air conditioner to operate in high-temperature cooling mode when the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature can ensure the energy-saving performance of the air conditioner and avoid excessive cooling performance that would lead to wasted energy.

[0113] Reference Figure 7 In this embodiment, before obtaining the ambient temperature of the outdoor space where the outdoor unit 200 is located, the control method further includes:

[0114] Step S708: Turn on the air conditioner.

[0115] Step S710: Control the air conditioner to run in a high-temperature cooling mode for a preset duration.

[0116] It is understood that the control method of this embodiment can control the air conditioner to run in high-temperature cooling mode before the ambient temperature of the outdoor space where the outdoor unit 200 is located is obtained and when the air conditioner is just turned on, so that the air conditioner can quickly reduce the indoor temperature to the temperature set by the user, ensuring that the user can quickly feel that they are in a comfortable space environment and ensuring the user's experience of using the air conditioner.

[0117] Because the air conditioner of this embodiment incorporates the first throttling component 141 and the second throttling component 142 within the indoor unit 100, compared to the prior art where the throttling device is located within the outdoor unit 200, users may be more sensitive to the noise generated by the throttling components, potentially disturbing them and negatively impacting their air conditioner usage experience. Therefore, referring to... Figure 8 In this embodiment, after controlling the air conditioner to operate in energy-saving cooling mode in step S706, the control method further includes:

[0118] Step S802: Obtain the indoor noise level of the indoor space where the indoor unit 100 is located.

[0119] Step S804: Obtain the reduced noise of the second throttling member 142.

[0120] It should be understood that the two processes of acquiring indoor noise and pressure reduction noise described above can be implemented by the first noise sensor 531 and the second noise sensor 532 in the air conditioner of the above embodiment. Furthermore, the order of step S802, acquiring the indoor noise of the indoor space where the indoor unit 100 is located, and step S804, acquiring the pressure reduction noise of the second throttling component 142, can be interchanged, and the interchanged control method should be considered within the protection scope of the control method of this embodiment.

[0121] Step S806: Determine whether the reduced noise of the second throttling component 142 is greater than or equal to the indoor noise.

[0122] If so, in step S808, control the valve assembly 400 to connect the first throttling member 141 to the indoor heat exchanger 120.

[0123] It is understandable that when the air conditioner is running in energy-saving cooling mode, the control method of this embodiment can connect the first throttling component 141 with the outdoor heat exchanger 220, so that the refrigerant flows through the first throttling component 141 and the second throttling component 142. The first throttling component 141 and the second throttling component 142 jointly throttle and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant. Thus, the first throttling component 141 can share the pressure drop of the refrigerant flowing through the second throttling component 142, avoiding the situation where the pressure of the refrigerant drops sharply when it is throttled and reduced by the second throttling component 142. This effectively suppresses the generation of noise when the refrigerant is throttled and reduced in pressure, and improves the user experience.

[0124] Reference Figure 8 In this embodiment, when the pressure reduction noise of the second throttling member 142 is less than the indoor noise, in step S808, the valve assembly 400 is controlled to keep the first throttling member 141 and the indoor heat exchanger 120 from being connected.

[0125] Reference Figure 8 In this embodiment, after controlling the valve assembly 400 to connect the first throttling member 141 to the indoor heat exchanger 120 in step S810, the control method further includes:

[0126] Step S812: Calculate the difference between the reduced noise of the second throttling member 142 and the indoor noise.

[0127] Step S814: Control the valve assembly 400 to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant to the first throttling member 141 according to the difference.

[0128] It is understood that the flow rate of refrigerant to the first throttling member 141 can be adjusted by controlling the opening degree of the path connecting the control valve assembly 400 and the first throttling member 141. Furthermore, there is a direct proportional relationship between the opening degree of the path connecting the valve assembly 400 and the first throttling member 141 and the flow rate through it; the larger the opening degree, the larger the flow rate. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the flow rate of refrigerant to the first throttling member 141 by controlling the opening degree of the path connecting the control valve assembly 400 and the first throttling member 141.

[0129] Furthermore, in step S814, controlling the valve assembly 400 to adjust the flow of refrigerant to the first throttling member 141 based on the difference ensures that during the operation of the air conditioner in energy-saving cooling mode, the throttling noise during the throttling and pressure reduction process of the refrigerant by the throttling member is at its minimum at any time, thus guaranteeing the user experience when the air conditioner is operating in energy-saving cooling mode.

[0130] Additionally, step S814, which controls the valve assembly 400 to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant to the first throttling member 141 based on the difference, may specifically include:

[0131] Obtain the correspondence between the preset difference and the preset flow rate value.

[0132] The preset flow rate value corresponding to the difference is determined based on the correspondence.

[0133] The opening degree of the path connecting the control valve assembly 400 and the first throttling member 141 is the target opening degree corresponding to the preset flow rate value.

[0134] Understandably, the correspondence between the preset difference and the preset flow rate can be obtained through experiments. That is, under the premise of ensuring that the air conditioner can run in energy-saving cooling mode, the difference is set as a constant and the flow rate is a variable. The flow rate that can reduce the difference to the minimum or optimal difference is set as a correspondence with the difference. Through multiple sets of experiments, the correspondence between the preset difference and the preset flow rate can be obtained, and this correspondence can be stored in advance in the air conditioner's storage device.

[0135] Meanwhile, this correspondence can be such that the flow rate increases as the difference increases, provided that the air conditioner can operate in energy-saving cooling mode, or the flow rate increases as the range of the difference increases.

[0136] Reference Figure 9 In this embodiment, after controlling the air conditioner to operate in high-temperature cooling mode in step S606, the control method further includes:

[0137] Step S902: Obtain the indoor noise level of the indoor space where the indoor unit 100 is located.

[0138] Step S904: Obtain the reduced noise of the first throttling component 141.

[0139] It should be understood that the two processes of acquiring indoor noise and reduced noise can be implemented by the first noise sensor 531 and the second noise sensor 532 in the air conditioner of the above embodiment.

[0140] Step S906: Determine whether the pressure reduction noise of the first throttling component 141 is greater than or equal to the indoor noise.

[0141] If so, in step S908, control the valve assembly 400 to connect the second throttling member 142 to the indoor heat exchanger 120.

[0142] It is understandable that when the air conditioner is operating in high-temperature cooling mode, the control method of this embodiment can connect the second throttling component 142 with the outdoor heat exchanger 220, so that the refrigerant flows through the first throttling component 141 and the second throttling component 142. The first throttling component 141 and the second throttling component 142 jointly throttle and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant. In this way, the second throttling component 142 can share the pressure drop of the refrigerant flowing through the first throttling component 141, avoiding the situation where the pressure of the refrigerant drops sharply when it is throttled and reduced by the first throttling component 141. This effectively suppresses the generation of noise when the refrigerant is throttled and reduced in pressure, and improves the user experience.

[0143] Reference Figure 9 In this embodiment, when the pressure reduction noise of the first throttling member 141 is less than the indoor noise, in step S910, the valve assembly 400 is controlled to keep the second throttling member 142 from being connected to the indoor heat exchanger 120.

[0144] Reference Figure 9 In this embodiment, after step S908, when the valve assembly 400 connects the second throttling member 142 to the indoor heat exchanger 120, the control method further includes:

[0145] Step S912: Calculate the difference between the reduced noise of the first throttling component 141 and the indoor noise.

[0146] Step S914: Based on the difference, control the valve assembly 400 to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant to the second throttling member 142.

[0147] It is understood that the flow rate of refrigerant to the second throttling member 142 can be adjusted by controlling the opening degree of the path connecting the control valve assembly 400 and the second throttling member 142. Furthermore, there is a direct proportional relationship between the opening degree of the path connecting the valve assembly 400 and the second throttling member 142 and the flow rate through it; the larger the opening degree, the larger the flow rate. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the flow rate of refrigerant to the second throttling member 142 by controlling the opening degree of the path connecting the control valve assembly 400 and the second throttling member 142.

[0148] Furthermore, in step S914, controlling the valve assembly 400 to adjust the flow of refrigerant to the second throttling member 142 based on the difference ensures that during the operation of the air conditioner in high-temperature cooling mode, the throttling noise of the throttling member during the throttling and pressure reduction of the refrigerant is minimized at any time, thus guaranteeing the user experience when the air conditioner is operating in high-temperature cooling mode.

[0149] Additionally, step S914, controlling the valve assembly 400 to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant to the second throttling member 142 based on the difference, may specifically include:

[0150] Obtain the correspondence between the preset difference and the preset flow rate value.

[0151] The preset flow rate value corresponding to the difference is determined based on the correspondence.

[0152] The opening degree of the path connecting the control valve assembly 400 and the second throttling member 142 is the target opening degree corresponding to the preset flow rate value.

[0153] Understandably, the correspondence between the preset difference and the preset flow rate can be obtained through experiments. That is, under the premise that the air conditioner can run in high-temperature cooling mode, the difference is set as a constant and the flow rate is a variable. The flow rate that can reduce the difference to the minimum or optimal difference is set as a correspondence with the difference. Through multiple sets of experiments, the correspondence between the preset difference and the preset flow rate can be obtained, and this correspondence can be stored in advance in the air conditioner's storage device.

[0154] Meanwhile, this correspondence can be such that the flow rate increases as the difference increases, provided that the air conditioner can operate in high-temperature cooling mode, or the flow rate increases as the range of the difference increases.

[0155] Therefore, the control method of this embodiment can connect one throttling component to the outdoor heat exchanger 220 when operating in high-temperature cooling mode or energy-saving cooling mode, and can also connect the other throttling component to the outdoor heat exchanger 220. This can alleviate the demand for refrigerant throttling and pressure reduction in one operating mode of the air conditioner, resulting in a smaller pressure drop of the refrigerant when flowing through one of the throttling components. Therefore, the air conditioner control method of this invention can effectively suppress noise generation when the refrigerant is throttled and pressure reduced, thus improving the user experience.

[0156] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A control method for an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a valve assembly, the indoor unit comprising an indoor heat exchanger, a first throttling component, and a second throttling component, wherein the pressure drop of the first throttling component on the refrigerant flowing through it is less than the pressure drop of the second throttling component on the refrigerant flowing through it; the outdoor unit comprising an outdoor heat exchanger and a compressor; the valve assembly being connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, the first throttling component and the second throttling component being connected in parallel between the valve assembly and the indoor heat exchanger; and, The control method includes: Obtain the ambient temperature of the outdoor space where the outdoor unit is located; Determine whether the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to a preset temperature; If so, control the air conditioner to operate in a high-temperature cooling mode; wherein, controlling the air conditioner to operate in a high-temperature cooling mode means controlling the valve assembly to connect the first throttling member to the outdoor heat exchanger and controlling the frequency of the compressor to a value that matches a first preset frequency range of the first throttling member; After the step of controlling the air conditioner to operate in high-temperature cooling mode, the control method further includes: The indoor noise level of the indoor space where the indoor unit is located is obtained; Obtain the reduced noise of the first throttling component; Determine whether the pressure reduction noise of the first throttling component is greater than or equal to the indoor noise; If so, the valve assembly is controlled to connect the second throttling member to the indoor heat exchanger.

2. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, Prior to the step of controlling the air conditioner to operate in high-temperature cooling mode, the control method further includes: Send a message to the user of the air conditioner asking whether to run the high-temperature cooling mode; In response to receiving feedback information for the query information, determine whether the feedback information is yes; If so, execute the step of controlling the air conditioner to operate in high-temperature cooling mode; If not, control the air conditioner to operate in energy-saving cooling mode; wherein, controlling the air conditioner to operate in energy-saving cooling mode means controlling the valve assembly to connect the second throttling component to the outdoor heat exchanger and controlling the frequency of the compressor to a value in a second preset frequency range that matches the second throttling component, wherein the minimum threshold of the first preset frequency range is greater than the maximum threshold of the second preset frequency range.

3. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The control method further includes: When the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the air conditioner is controlled to operate in an energy-saving cooling mode; wherein, controlling the air conditioner to operate in an energy-saving cooling mode involves controlling the valve assembly to connect the second throttling component to the outdoor heat exchanger and controlling the frequency of the compressor to a value within a second preset frequency range that matches the second throttling component, wherein the minimum threshold of the first preset frequency range is greater than the maximum threshold of the second preset frequency range.

4. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, After the step of controlling the air conditioner to operate in energy-saving cooling mode, the control method further includes: The indoor noise level of the indoor space where the indoor unit is located is obtained; Obtain the reduced noise level of the second throttling component; Determine whether the pressure reduction noise of the second throttling component is greater than or equal to the indoor noise; If so, control the valve assembly to connect the first throttling member to the indoor heat exchanger.

5. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein, After the step of controlling the valve assembly to connect the first throttling member to the indoor heat exchanger, the control method further includes: Calculate the difference between the reduced noise of the second throttling component and the indoor noise; The valve assembly is controlled based on the difference to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant to the first throttling member.

6. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, After the step of controlling the valve assembly to connect the second throttling member to the indoor heat exchanger, the control method further includes: Calculate the difference between the reduced noise of the first throttling component and the indoor noise; The valve assembly is controlled according to the difference to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant to the second throttling member.

7. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, Before obtaining the ambient temperature of the outdoor space where the outdoor unit is located, the control method further includes: Turn on the air conditioner; The air conditioner is controlled to operate in a high-temperature cooling mode for a preset duration.

8. An air conditioner, comprising: The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger, a first throttling component, and a second throttling component, wherein the pressure drop of the first throttling component on the refrigerant flowing through it is less than the pressure drop of the second throttling component on the refrigerant flowing through it. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger and a compressor; A valve assembly connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, wherein the first throttling member and the second throttling member are connected in parallel between the valve assembly and the indoor heat exchanger; A temperature sensor is used to obtain the ambient temperature of the outdoor space where the outdoor unit is located; A controller, comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a machine-executable program that, when executed by the processor, implements the control method of the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 8, further comprising: The first noise sensor is used to acquire the indoor noise of the indoor space where the indoor unit is located; The second noise sensor is used to acquire the reduced noise of the first throttling component and the reduced noise of the second throttling component.

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