A control method and device of an air conditioner, a storage medium and an air conditioner

Abstract

The application provides a control method and device of an air conditioner, a storage medium and the air conditioner. The method comprises: a sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage is arranged on an indoor unit of the air conditioner, and a flow meter is arranged on a connecting pipeline of the indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The control method comprises: detecting whether refrigerant leakage occurs through the flow meter; when it is detected through the flow meter that refrigerant leakage occurs, obtaining a refrigerant leakage response time of the sensor; determining a refrigerant leakage type according to the refrigerant leakage response time of the sensor and a change speed of refrigerant flow; and controlling the air conditioner according to the determined refrigerant leakage type. The scheme provided by the application can quickly detect refrigerant leakage and reduce the concentration of the refrigerant leakage to below the concentration of combustion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of control, and more particularly to a control method, apparatus, storage medium, and air conditioner for an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] R290 refrigerant is a natural refrigerant and is more environmentally friendly compared to the refrigerants used in existing air conditioners, with very low epoxy and ozone potential values. However, this refrigerant has a certain degree of flammability and explosiveness, and leaks pose a safety hazard, potentially endangering users' lives and property. To ensure the safety of R290 users during operation, improvements to the safety features of air conditioners are necessary. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the aforementioned related technologies and provide an air conditioning control method, device, storage medium, and air conditioner to solve the problem that refrigerants in the related technologies have certain flammability and explosiveness, and that there are certain safety hazards when refrigerant leaks.

[0004] This invention provides a control method for an air conditioner. The indoor unit of the air conditioner is equipped with a sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage, and a flow meter is installed on the connecting pipe between the indoor and outdoor units. The control method includes: detecting whether a refrigerant leak has occurred using the flow meter, wherein the flow meter detects the refrigerant flow rate through the connecting pipe between the indoor and outdoor units, and determines whether a refrigerant leak has occurred based on the detected refrigerant flow rate; when a refrigerant leak is detected by the flow meter, acquiring the refrigerant leak response time of the sensor; the refrigerant leak response time is the interval between the moment the sensor detects the refrigerant leak and responds and the moment the flow meter detects the refrigerant leak; determining the refrigerant leak type based on the sensor's refrigerant leak response time and the rate of change of the refrigerant flow rate, wherein the refrigerant leak type includes two or more speed types classified according to the speed of refrigerant leakage; and controlling the air conditioner according to the determined refrigerant leak type.

[0005] Optionally, detecting the refrigerant flow rate through the connecting pipe between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit using the flow meter, and determining whether a refrigerant leak has occurred based on the detected refrigerant flow rate, includes: detecting the refrigerant flow rate through the connecting pipe between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit using the flow meter at preset time intervals, and calculating the refrigerant flow rate change within the preset time interval; determining whether the refrigerant flow rate change within each of N consecutive preset time intervals has changed; and determining that a refrigerant leak has occurred when the refrigerant flow rate change is found to have changed within any of the N consecutive preset time intervals.

[0006] Optionally, determining the refrigerant leak type based on the refrigerant leak response time and the rate of change of refrigerant flow from the sensor includes: determining the refrigerant leak type based on the time range of the refrigerant leak time and the rate of change of refrigerant flow from the flow rate; wherein, when the refrigerant leak response time is within a first preset time range and the rate of change of refrigerant flow is within a first preset flow rate change range, the refrigerant leak type is determined to be a first speed type; when the refrigerant leak response time is within a second preset time range and the rate of change of refrigerant flow is within a second preset flow rate change range, the refrigerant leak type is determined to be a second speed type; wherein, the refrigerant leak speed of the first speed type is greater than the refrigerant leak speed of the second speed type.

[0007] Optionally, the air conditioner is controlled according to the determined refrigerant leakage type, including: if the refrigerant leakage type is a first speed type, when the sensor detects a refrigerant leak and responds, the air conditioner's display is controlled to show a corresponding prompt message, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is controlled to stop, the indoor fan of the air conditioner is controlled to run at a preset maximum fan speed, and the fresh air unit of the air conditioner is controlled to run at a preset maximum fan speed; when the sensor stops responding, the air conditioner's display stops showing the corresponding prompt message, and after a first preset time, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is controlled to enter standby mode; after the indoor unit of the air conditioner enters standby mode, the fresh air unit is controlled to run continuously for a first preset duration before stopping; and / or, if the The refrigerant leak type is the second speed type. When the sensor detects a refrigerant leak and responds, it controls the air conditioner's display to show a corresponding prompt message, controls the outdoor unit of the air conditioner to stop, controls the indoor fan of the air conditioner to run at the preset highest fan speed, and controls the fresh air unit of the air conditioner to run at the preset highest fan speed. When the sensor stops responding, it controls the air conditioner's display to stop showing the corresponding prompt message, and after a second preset time, controls the indoor unit of the air conditioner to enter standby mode. After the indoor unit of the air conditioner enters standby mode, it controls the fresh air unit to run continuously for a second preset duration before stopping. The first preset time is longer than the second preset time, and the first preset duration is longer than the second preset duration.

[0008] Optionally, a shut-off valve is also provided on the connecting pipe between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. The method further includes: when a refrigerant leak is detected by the flow meter, controlling the shut-off valve to close to prevent refrigerant from flowing into the indoor unit of the air conditioner; and controlling the shut-off valve to open when the sensor stops responding.

[0009] In another aspect, the present invention provides a control device for an air conditioner. The indoor unit of the air conditioner is equipped with a sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage, and a flow meter is installed on the connecting pipe between the indoor and outdoor units. The control device includes: a detection unit for detecting whether a refrigerant leak has occurred via the flow meter, wherein the flow meter detects the refrigerant flow rate through the connecting pipe between the indoor and outdoor units, and determines whether a refrigerant leak has occurred based on the detected refrigerant flow rate; an acquisition unit for acquiring the refrigerant leak response time of the sensor when the detection unit detects a refrigerant leak via the flow meter; the refrigerant leak response time is the time interval between the moment the sensor detects the refrigerant leak and responds and the moment the flow meter detects the refrigerant leak; a determination unit for determining the type of refrigerant leak based on the refrigerant leak response time of the sensor and the rate of change of the refrigerant flow rate, wherein the type of refrigerant leak includes two or more speed types classified according to the speed of refrigerant leakage; and a first control unit for controlling the air conditioner based on the type of refrigerant leak determined by the determination unit.

[0010] Optionally, the detection unit detects the refrigerant flow rate through the connecting pipe between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit using the flow meter, and determines whether a refrigerant leak has occurred based on the detected refrigerant flow rate. This includes: detecting the refrigerant flow rate through the connecting pipe between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit at preset time intervals using the flow meter, and calculating the refrigerant flow rate change within the preset time interval; determining whether the refrigerant flow rate change within each of N consecutive preset time intervals has changed; and determining that a refrigerant leak has occurred when the refrigerant flow rate change is determined to have changed within any of the N consecutive preset time intervals.

[0011] Optionally, the determining unit determines the refrigerant leak type based on the refrigerant leak response time and the rate of change of refrigerant flow from the sensor, including: determining the refrigerant leak type based on the time range of the refrigerant leak time and the rate of change of refrigerant flow from the flow rate; wherein, when the refrigerant leak response time is within a first preset time range and the rate of change of refrigerant flow is within a first preset flow rate change range, the refrigerant leak type is determined to be a first speed type; when the refrigerant leak response time is within a second preset time range and the rate of change of refrigerant flow is within a second preset flow rate change range, the refrigerant leak type is determined to be a second speed type; wherein, the refrigerant leak speed of the first speed type is greater than the refrigerant leak speed of the second speed type.

[0012] Optionally, the first control unit controls the air conditioner according to the refrigerant leakage type determined by the determining unit, including: if the refrigerant leakage type is a first speed type, when the sensor detects a refrigerant leakage and responds, controlling the air conditioner's display to show corresponding prompt information, controlling the outdoor unit of the air conditioner to stop, controlling the indoor fan of the air conditioner to run at a preset indoor fan maximum speed, and controlling the fresh air unit of the air conditioner to run at a preset fresh air unit maximum speed; when the sensor stops responding, controlling the air conditioner's display to stop showing corresponding prompt information, and controlling the indoor unit of the air conditioner to enter standby mode after a first preset time; after controlling the indoor unit of the air conditioner to enter standby mode, controlling the fresh air unit to continue running for a first preset duration before stopping. And / or, if the refrigerant leak type is the second speed type, when the sensor detects a refrigerant leak and responds, it controls the air conditioner's display to show corresponding prompt information, controls the outdoor unit of the air conditioner to stop, controls the indoor fan of the air conditioner to run at the preset indoor fan's highest fan speed, and controls the air conditioner's fresh air unit to run at the preset fresh air unit's highest fan speed; when the sensor stops responding, it controls the air conditioner's display to stop showing corresponding prompt information, and after a second preset time, controls the indoor unit of the air conditioner to enter standby mode; after controlling the indoor unit of the air conditioner to enter standby mode, it controls the fresh air unit to run continuously for a second preset duration before stopping; the first preset time is greater than the second preset time, and the first preset duration is greater than the second preset duration.

[0013] Optionally, a shut-off valve is also provided on the connecting pipe between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. The control device further includes: a second control unit, used to control the shut-off valve to close when the flow meter detects a refrigerant leak, so as to prevent refrigerant from flowing into the indoor unit of the air conditioner; and to control the shut-off valve to open when the sensor stops responding.

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention provides a storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of any of the methods described above.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention provides an air conditioner, including a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory that can run on the processor, wherein the processor executes the program to implement the steps of any of the methods described above.

[0016] In another aspect, the present invention provides an air conditioner including any of the control devices described above.

[0017] According to the technical solution of this invention, a flow meter device is added to the connecting pipe between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. The rate of refrigerant leakage is determined by the change in flow rate and the response time of the sensor. When a refrigerant leak is detected in the system, corresponding actions are taken to reduce the refrigerant concentration below the flammable level, ensuring user safety. This method can detect refrigerant leaks immediately and reduce the leaked concentration below the flammable level, ensuring user safety.

[0018] According to the technical solution of the present invention, by adjusting the fresh air unit, rapid air exchange between the indoor and outdoor sides can be achieved, thereby improving user comfort.

[0019] According to the technical solution of the present invention, based on the existing air conditioner configuration, an environmentally friendly refrigerant can be switched and corresponding safety protection facilities can be added. Refrigerant leaks can be detected immediately and their concentration reduced to below flammable levels, ensuring user safety. Rapid air exchange between indoor and outdoor environments can be achieved, improving user comfort. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and form part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the air conditioner control method provided by the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of the air conditioner control method provided by the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram of an embodiment of the air conditioner control device provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0025] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0026] In related technologies, the air inside the air conditioner is circulated by the rotation of the cross-flow fan blades in the indoor unit, but it cannot be exchanged with fresh outside air. Staying in the room for a long time will reduce people's comfort.

[0027] This invention provides a method for controlling an air conditioner.

[0028] The air conditioner includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a fresh air unit. The operation of the fresh air unit is controlled by the control circuit of the indoor unit. The indoor unit is equipped with a sensor for detecting refrigerant leaks. This sensor can specifically be a gas sensor. For example, an R290 detection sensor can be installed on the panel inside the indoor unit. The sensor can be located above the evaporator of the indoor unit, maintaining a safe distance to ensure electrical safety. It can detect refrigerant leaks quickly and respond accordingly, such as displaying a fault code on the indoor unit's display panel. The sensor's control circuit is connected to the control circuit of the indoor unit.

[0029] Preferably, a shut-off valve is also provided on the connecting pipe between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and the control circuit of the shut-off valve is connected to the control circuit board of the indoor unit.

[0030] For example, a shut-off valve and flow meter can be installed at the condenser outlet or condenser exhaust pipe outlet of the outdoor unit. The control circuits of the shut-off valve and flow meter are connected to the main control circuit board of the outdoor unit. When the flow meter reading changes, it sends an abnormal flow signal to the shut-off valve control circuit, which then activates to prevent refrigerant from flowing into the indoor unit.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the air conditioner control method provided by the present invention.

[0032] like Figure 1As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner control method includes at least steps S110, S120, S130 and S140.

[0033] Step S110: Detect whether a refrigerant leak has occurred using the flow meter.

[0034] The flow meter detects the refrigerant flow through the pipe connecting the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and determines whether a refrigerant leak has occurred based on the detected refrigerant flow.

[0035] In one specific implementation, the flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the connecting pipe between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit is detected by the flow meter at preset time intervals, and the change in refrigerant flow rate within the preset time interval is calculated; it is determined whether the change in refrigerant flow rate within each of the N consecutive preset time intervals has changed; when it is determined that the change in refrigerant flow rate within any of the N consecutive preset time intervals has changed, it is determined that a refrigerant leak has occurred.

[0036] For example, let the flow meter reading at any given time be Qx, and take the flow meter reading every preset time interval Δt, where Δt ranges from 0s < Δt < 2s; the flow meter reading after Δt seconds is Q. X+△t The change in the flow meter reading (i.e., the change in refrigerant flow rate) during this time interval Δt is ΔQ, where ΔQ = Q. X -Q X+△t When the value of ΔQ changes, it indicates that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the system. Record this time as t, and record N consecutive Δt values. <N<30。

[0037] Step S120: When a refrigerant leak is detected by the flow meter, the refrigerant leak response time of the sensor is obtained.

[0038] When the sensor detects that the refrigerant gas concentration in the air reaches a first preset concentration, it determines that a refrigerant leak has occurred and responds. When the flow meter detects a refrigerant leak, it acquires the refrigerant leak response time of the sensor. The refrigerant leak response time is the interval between the moment the sensor detects the refrigerant leak and responds and the moment the flow meter detects the refrigerant leak. That is, the time from when the flow meter detects a change in flow rate to when the fault code is displayed is the sensor's response time.

[0039] Step S130: Determine the type of refrigerant leak based on the refrigerant leak response time of the sensor and the rate of change of refrigerant flow.

[0040] The refrigerant leakage type may specifically include two or more speed types classified according to the rate of refrigerant leakage. In one specific embodiment, determining the refrigerant leakage type based on the sensor's refrigerant leakage response time and the rate of change of refrigerant flow includes: determining the refrigerant leakage type based on the time range of the refrigerant leakage time and the rate of change of refrigerant flow within the range of flow rate changes.

[0041] The rate of change of refrigerant flow can be specifically defined as the rate of change of refrigerant flow within the preset time period when a change in the amount of refrigerant flow is detected within any preset time period, i.e., ΔQ / Δt.

[0042] Specifically, when the refrigerant leak response time is within a first preset time range and the refrigerant flow rate change rate is within a first preset flow rate change rate range, the refrigerant leak type is determined to be a first speed type (rapid leak); when the refrigerant leak response time is within a second preset time range and the refrigerant flow rate change rate is within a second preset flow rate change rate range, the refrigerant leak type is determined to be a second speed type (slow leak). The refrigerant leak rate of the first speed type is greater than that of the second speed type. For example, the first preset time range is 0s to 30s, and the second preset time range is 30s to 90s; the first preset flow rate change rate range is 0.1g / s to 1g / s, and the second preset flow rate change rate range is 0g / s to 0.1g / s.

[0043] For example, the sensor detects refrigerant leakage at time T, and the flow meter detects refrigerant leakage at time t. When t < T < t + 30s and the refrigerant leakage rate is in the range of 0.1 g / s to 1 g / s, it is determined to be a fast leakage, i.e., the first speed type; when t + 30s < T < t + 90s and the refrigerant leakage rate is in the range of 0 g / s to 0.1 g / s, it is determined to be a slow leakage, i.e., the second speed type.

[0044] Step S140: Control the air conditioner according to the determined type of refrigerant leakage.

[0045] In one specific implementation, if the refrigerant leak type is a first-speed type, when the sensor detects a refrigerant leak and responds, it controls the air conditioner's display to show corresponding prompt information, controls the outdoor unit of the air conditioner to stop (the compressor and outdoor fan stop running), controls the indoor fan of the air conditioner to operate at a preset maximum indoor fan speed, and controls the fresh air unit of the air conditioner to operate at a preset maximum fresh air fan speed. The preset maximum fresh air fan speed is, for example, the extra-strong speed setting.

[0046] Preferably, a stop valve is further arranged on the connecting pipeline between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. When refrigerant leakage is detected by the flow meter, the stop valve is controlled to close to prevent refrigerant from flowing into the indoor unit of the air conditioner. Further, when the sensor stops responding, the display of the air conditioner is controlled to stop displaying corresponding prompt information, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is controlled to enter a standby mode after a first preset time, and after the indoor unit of the air conditioner is controlled to enter the standby mode, the fresh air fan is controlled to continue operating for a first preset duration and then stop; the stop valve is controlled to open. Wherein, when the sensor detects that the concentration of refrigerant gas in the air drops below a second preset concentration, it stops responding.

[0047] For example, the response time of the sensor when detecting refrigerant leakage is time T, and the time when refrigerant leakage is detected by the flow meter is t. When t < T < t+30s and the refrigerant leakage rate is within the range of 0.1g / s to 1g / s, it is determined as rapid leakage. When the sensor responds, the display panel of the indoor unit of the air conditioner is controlled to display a U9 fault code, prompting that refrigerant leakage has occurred; the stop valve is controlled to act and be in a closed state, so that the refrigerant is confined within the pipe section of the indoor unit of the compressor, preventing the refrigerant from the compressor from leaking further to the indoor side. The outdoor unit is controlled to stop, that is, both the compressor and the fan (axial flow blade) of the outdoor unit are in a stopped state and do not operate. At this time, the air gear of the indoor unit is automatically adjusted to the highest gear, and the fresh air fan is also in the maximum air gear, for example, a super gear, continuously inputting fresh air from the outdoor side into the room and discharging the air on the indoor side to achieve air exchange, so that the concentration of the refrigerant is reduced below the flammable concentration (the second preset concentration) within a short time. When the sensor detects that the concentration of refrigerant gas in the air drops below the second preset concentration and stops responding (the response disappears), the display recovers to the normal display interface, and the indoor unit is controlled to be in the standby mode after the first preset time. The time for the air conditioner to recover to the standby mode is t1, the fresh air fan continues to operate for a time Y1 and then stops and enters the standby state, t1+30s < Y1 < t1+40s, and the stop valve recovers to the power-on state.

[0048] In a specific embodiment, if the refrigerant leakage type is a second speed type, when the sensor detects that refrigerant leakage occurs and responds, the display of the air conditioner is controlled to display corresponding prompt information, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is controlled to stop (the compressor and the outdoor fan stop operating), the indoor fan of the air conditioner is controlled to operate at the preset maximum air gear of the indoor fan, and the fresh air fan of the air conditioner is controlled to operate at the preset maximum air gear of the fresh air fan; preferably, a stop valve is further arranged on the connecting pipeline between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and when refrigerant leakage is detected by the flow meter, the stop valve is controlled to close to prevent refrigerant from flowing into the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0049] Further, when the sensor stops responding (wherein the sensor stops responding when it detects that the concentration of refrigerant gas in the air drops below a second preset concentration), controlling the display of the air conditioner to stop displaying corresponding prompt information, controlling the indoor unit of the air conditioner to enter a standby mode after a second preset time, after controlling the indoor unit of the air conditioner to enter the standby mode, controlling the fresh air fan to continue operating for a second preset duration and then stop operating, and controlling the stop valve to open. The first preset time is longer than the second preset time, and the first preset duration is longer than the second preset duration.

[0050] For example, the response time of the sensor when refrigerant leakage is detected is time T, and the time when refrigerant leakage is detected through the flowmeter is t. When t+30s<T<t+90s and the refrigerant leakage rate is within the range of 0g / s to 0.1g / s, it is determined as slow leakage. When the sensor responds, the display board of the indoor unit of the air conditioner is controlled to display an error code. The stop valve is automatically powered off and stays in a closed state, so that the refrigerant is confined within the pipe section of the indoor unit, preventing the refrigerant on the compressor side from leaking to the indoor side again. The compressor and axial flow fan (blower) of the outdoor unit are both in a stopped state and do not operate, and the air gear of the indoor unit is automatically adjusted to the highest gear. When the sensor responds, the fresh air fan directly switches from the current operating mode to the super-strong gear operating state. In the super-strong gear mode, the fresh air fan continuously inputs fresh air from the outdoor side into the room and pumps out the air on the indoor side to realize air exchange between the indoor and outdoor sides, so as to reduce the concentration of refrigerant below the flammable concentration in a short time. After the concentration drops below the flammable concentration, the display board restores the normal display interface, and the indoor unit is controlled to enter the standby mode after the second preset time. The time for the air conditioner to return to the standby mode is t2, the fresh air fan continues to operate for Y2 time and then stops and stays in the standby state, where t2+20s<Y2<t2+30s. The stop valve returns to its original state. When the air conditioner is turned on again, it only needs to press the switch on the remote controller.

[0051] To clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, the execution flow of the control method for an air conditioner provided by the present invention is described below with a specific embodiment.

[0052] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of the control method for an air conditioner provided by the present invention. As Figure 2 shown, after the indoor unit is powered on, when the switch on the air conditioner controller is pressed, the indoor unit is turned on, the air deflector of the indoor unit is opened, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is in an air supply state, and the fresh air fan is in a low air gear operating state. The compressor and axial flow fan of the outdoor unit do not operate, the stop valve near the connecting pipe is in a power-on state, the indicator light inside the R290 sensor flickers continuously, and the system is in an initialization state. After initialization, the outdoor unit starts to operate, and the entire air conditioning system and detection device are in a normal operating state.

[0053] Take the reading of the flow meter at any time as Qx, collect data once every Δt seconds, and the data after Δt seconds is Q X+△t , the variation of the flow meter during the Δt period is ΔQ, ΔQ=Qx-Q X+△t . When the value of ΔQ changes, it indicates that refrigerant leakage occurs in the system at this time.

[0054] The response time of the sensor on the indoor unit of the air conditioner is time T, and the time when the flow rate of the flow meter changes is t. When the response time T of the sensor of the indoor unit satisfies t<T<t+30s, and ΔQ / Δt is within the range of q1g / s to q2g / s, the system is determined to have large-aperture leakage with a relatively fast leakage rate, which is regarded as rapid leakage. U9 appears on the display panel of the indoor unit, and the stop valve acts to be in a closed state, so as to control the refrigerant within the pipe section of the indoor unit of the compressor, and prevent the refrigerant of the compressor from leaking to the indoor side again. Both the compressor and the axial flow fan blade of the outdoor unit are in a shutdown state and do not operate. At this time, the air gear of the indoor unit is automatically adjusted to the maximum gear, and the fresh air fan is also in the maximum gear, continuously inputting fresh air from the outdoor side into the room and discharging the air on the indoor side out to achieve air exchange, so that the concentration of refrigerant can be reduced below the flammable concentration within a relatively short time. After the concentration is reduced below the flammable concentration, the display panel recovers to the normal display interface, and the indoor unit enters the standby mode. The time for the air conditioner to recover to the standby mode is t1, it keeps operating for Y minutes and then shuts down to be in the standby state, where t1+30s<Y<t1+40s. The stop valve recovers to the power-on state.

[0055] When t+30s<T<t+90s, and ΔQ / Δt is within the range of q3g / s to q4g / s, the system is determined to have small-aperture leakage with a relatively slow leakage rate, which is regarded as slow leakage. When the sensor responds, an error code appears on the display panel of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. The stop valve is automatically powered off to be in a closed state, so as to control the refrigerant within the pipe section of the indoor unit, and prevent the refrigerant on the compressor side from leaking to the indoor side again. Both the compressor and the axial flow fan blade of the outdoor unit are in a shutdown state and do not operate, and the air gear of the indoor unit is automatically adjusted to the maximum gear. When the sensor responds, the fresh air fan directly jumps from the current operation mode to the super-strong gear operation state. In the super-strong gear mode, the fresh air fan continuously inputs fresh air from the outdoor side into the room and discharges the air on the indoor side out to achieve air exchange between the indoor side and the outdoor side, so that the concentration of refrigerant can be reduced below the flammable concentration in a short time. After the concentration is reduced below the flammable concentration, the display panel recovers to the normal display interface, and the indoor unit enters the standby mode. The time for the air conditioner to recover to the standby mode is t2, it keeps operating for Y minutes and then shuts down to be in the standby state, where t2+20<Y<t2+30. The stop valve recovers to the power-on state. When the air conditioner is turned on again, it only needs to press the switch on the remote controller.

[0056] The present invention also provides a control device for an air conditioner.

[0057] The air conditioner includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a fresh air unit. The operation of the fresh air unit is controlled by the control circuit of the indoor unit. The indoor unit is equipped with a sensor for detecting refrigerant leaks. For example, an R290 sensor is installed on the panel inside the indoor unit. The sensor can be located above the evaporator, with a safe distance between the sensor and the evaporator to ensure electrical safety. It can detect refrigerant leaks quickly and respond accordingly, such as displaying a fault code on the indoor unit's display panel. The sensor's control circuit is connected to the control circuit of the indoor unit.

[0058] Preferably, a shut-off valve is also provided on the connecting pipe between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and the control circuit of the shut-off valve is connected to the control circuit board of the indoor unit.

[0059] For example, a shut-off valve and flow meter can be installed at the condenser outlet or condenser exhaust pipe outlet of the outdoor unit. The control circuits of the shut-off valve and flow meter are connected to the main control circuit board of the outdoor unit. When the flow meter reading changes, it sends an abnormal flow signal to the shut-off valve control circuit, which then activates to prevent refrigerant from flowing into the indoor unit.

[0060] Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram of an embodiment of the air conditioner control device provided by the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the control device 100 includes: a detection unit 110, an acquisition unit 120, a determination unit 130, and a first control unit 140.

[0061] The detection unit 110 is used to detect whether a refrigerant leak has occurred using the flow meter. Specifically, the flow meter detects the refrigerant flow rate through the pipe connecting the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and determines whether a refrigerant leak has occurred based on the detected refrigerant flow rate.

[0062] In one specific implementation, the flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the connecting pipe between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit is detected by the flow meter at preset time intervals, and the change in refrigerant flow rate within the preset time interval is calculated; it is determined whether the change in refrigerant flow rate within each of the N consecutive preset time intervals has changed; when it is determined that the change in refrigerant flow rate within any of the N consecutive preset time intervals has changed, it is determined that a refrigerant leak has occurred.

[0063] For example, let the flow meter reading at any given time be Qx, and take the flow meter reading every preset time interval Δt, where Δt ranges from 0s < Δt < 2s; the flow meter reading after Δt seconds is Q. X+△t The change in the flow meter reading (i.e., the change in refrigerant flow rate) during this time interval Δt is ΔQ, where ΔQ = Q. X-Q X+△t When the value of ΔQ changes, it indicates that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the system. Record this time as t, and record N consecutive Δt values. <N<30。

[0064] The acquisition unit 120 acquires the refrigerant leak response time of the sensor when the detection unit 110 detects a refrigerant leak through the flow meter.

[0065] When the sensor detects that the refrigerant gas concentration in the air reaches a first preset concentration, it determines that a refrigerant leak has occurred and responds. When the flow meter detects a refrigerant leak, it acquires the refrigerant leak response time of the sensor. The refrigerant leak response time is the interval between the moment the sensor detects the refrigerant leak and responds and the moment the flow meter detects the refrigerant leak. That is, the time from when the flow meter detects a change in flow rate to when the fault code is displayed is the sensor's response time.

[0066] The determining unit 130 is used to determine the type of refrigerant leak based on the refrigerant leak response time of the sensor and the rate of change of refrigerant flow.

[0067] The refrigerant leakage type includes two or more speed types classified according to the rate of refrigerant leakage. In one specific embodiment, the determining unit 130 determines the refrigerant leakage type based on the refrigerant leakage response time of the sensor and the rate of change of the refrigerant flow rate, including determining the refrigerant leakage type based on the time range of the refrigerant leakage time and the rate of change of the refrigerant flow rate.

[0068] The rate of change of refrigerant flow can be specifically defined as the rate of change of refrigerant flow within the preset time period when a change in the amount of refrigerant flow is detected within any preset time period, i.e., ΔQ / Δt.

[0069] Specifically, when the refrigerant leak response time is within a first preset time range and the refrigerant flow rate change rate is within a first preset flow rate change rate range, the refrigerant leak type is determined to be a first speed type (rapid leak); when the refrigerant leak response time is within a second preset time range and the refrigerant flow rate change rate is within a second preset flow rate change rate range, the refrigerant leak type is determined to be a second speed type (slow leak). The refrigerant leak rate of the first speed type is greater than that of the second speed type. For example, the first preset time range is 0s to 30s, and the second preset time range is 30s to 90s; the first preset flow rate change rate range is 0.1g / s to 1g / s, and the second preset flow rate change rate range is 0g / s to 0.1g / s.

[0070] For example, the sensor detects refrigerant leakage at time T, and the flow meter detects refrigerant leakage at time t. When t < T < t + 30s and the refrigerant leakage rate is in the range of 0.1 g / s to 1 g / s, it is determined to be a fast leakage, i.e., the first speed type; when t + 30s < T < t + 90s and the refrigerant leakage rate is in the range of 0 g / s to 0.1 g / s, it is determined to be a slow leakage, i.e., the second speed type.

[0071] The first control unit 140 is used to control the air conditioner according to the type of refrigerant leakage determined by the determining unit.

[0072] In one specific embodiment, the control unit 140 controls the air conditioner according to the refrigerant leak type determined by the determining unit, including: if the refrigerant leak type is a first speed type, when the sensor detects a refrigerant leak and responds, controlling the air conditioner's display to show corresponding prompt information, controlling the outdoor unit of the air conditioner to stop (compressor and outdoor fan to stop running), controlling the indoor fan of the air conditioner to operate at a preset maximum indoor fan speed, and controlling the fresh air unit of the air conditioner to operate at a preset maximum fresh air fan speed. The preset maximum fresh air fan speed is, for example, the ultra-high fan speed.

[0073] Preferably, a shut-off valve is also provided on the connecting pipe between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. The control device 100 further includes: a second control unit (not shown). The second control unit is used to control the shut-off valve to close when the flow meter detects a refrigerant leak, so as to prevent refrigerant from flowing into the indoor unit of the air conditioner. Further, the first control unit is also used to: control the display of the air conditioner to stop displaying the corresponding prompt information when the sensor stops responding, and control the indoor unit of the air conditioner to enter standby mode after a first preset time. After controlling the indoor unit of the air conditioner to enter standby mode, control the fresh air fan to continue running for a first preset duration and then stop. The second control unit is also used to: control the shut-off valve to open when the sensor stops responding. Wherein, the sensor stops responding when it detects that the refrigerant gas concentration in the air has dropped below a second preset concentration.

[0074] For example, the response moment when the refrigerant leakage is detected by said sensor is moment T, and the moment when the refrigerant leakage is detected by said flowmeter is t. When t < T < t+30s, and the refrigerant leakage rate is within the range of 0.1g / s ~ 1g / s, it is determined as rapid leakage. When the sensor responds, control the display panel of the indoor unit of the air conditioner to display the fault code U9, prompting that a refrigerant leakage has occurred; control the stop valve to act to a closed state, and confine the refrigerant within the pipe section of the indoor unit of the compressor, preventing the refrigerant from the compressor from leaking to the indoor side again. Control the outdoor unit to shut down, that is, both the compressor and the fan (axial flow fan blade) of the outdoor unit are in a shutdown state and do not work. At this time, the air gear of the indoor unit is automatically adjusted to the highest gear, and the fresh air fan is also in the maximum gear, for example, the super-strong gear, which continuously inputs fresh air from the outdoor side into the room and discharges the indoor air out to realize air exchange, reducing the concentration of refrigerant below the flammable concentration (second preset concentration) within a short time. When said sensor detects that the concentration of refrigerant gas in the air has decreased below the second preset concentration and stops responding (the response disappears), the display restores the normal display interface, and controls the indoor unit to enter the standby mode after a first preset time. The time for the air conditioner to restore to the standby mode is t1, the fresh air fan continues to operate for Y1 time and then shuts down to be in a standby state, where t1+30s < Y1 < t1+40s, and the stop valve restores to the power-on state.

[0075] In a specific embodiment, said control unit 140, controlling the air conditioner according to the refrigerant leakage type determined by said determining unit, comprises: if the refrigerant leakage type is a second speed type, when said sensor detects that a refrigerant leakage occurs and gives a response, control the display of the air conditioner to display corresponding prompt information, control the outdoor unit of the air conditioner to shut down (the compressor and the outdoor fan stop operating), control the indoor fan of the air conditioner to operate according to the preset highest gear of the indoor fan, and control the fresh air fan of the air conditioner to operate according to the preset highest gear of the fresh air fan. Preferably, a stop valve is further provided on the connecting pipeline between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and said control device 100 further comprises: a second control unit (not shown). Said second control unit is configured to, when a refrigerant leakage is detected through said flowmeter, control said stop valve to close, so as to prevent refrigerant from flowing into the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0076] Further, the first control unit is further configured to: when the sensor stops responding (wherein the sensor stops responding when it detects that the concentration of refrigerant gas in the air drops below a second preset concentration), control the display of the air conditioner to stop displaying corresponding prompt information, control the indoor unit of the air conditioner to enter a standby mode after a second preset time, and after controlling the indoor unit of the air conditioner to enter the standby mode, control the fresh air blower to continue operating for a preset time and then stop operating; the second control unit is further configured to: when the sensor stops responding, control the stop valve to open. The first preset time is longer than the second preset time, and the first preset duration is longer than the second preset duration.

[0077] For example, the response time of the sensor when refrigerant leakage is detected is time T, and the time when refrigerant leakage is detected through the flowmeter is t. When t+30s < T < t+90s and the refrigerant leakage rate is within the range of 0g / s to 0.1g / s, it is determined as slow leakage. When the sensor responds, the display board of the indoor unit of the air conditioner is controlled to display an error code. The stop valve is automatically powered off and is in a closed state, so as to confine the refrigerant within the pipe section of the indoor unit and prevent the refrigerant on the compressor side from leaking to the indoor side again. Both the compressor and the axial flow fan blade (blower) of the outdoor unit stop operating and do not work, and the air gear of the indoor unit is automatically adjusted to the highest gear. When the sensor responds, the fresh air blower directly jumps from the current operation mode to an ultra-strong gear working state; in the ultra-strong gear mode, the fresh air blower continuously inputs fresh air from the outdoor side into the room and pumps out the air on the indoor side to achieve air exchange between the indoor and outdoor sides, so that the concentration of refrigerant can be reduced below the flammable concentration in a short time. After the concentration drops below the flammable concentration, the display board restores the normal display interface, and the indoor unit is in a standby mode. The time for the air conditioner to restore to the standby mode is t2, and after the second preset time, the air conditioner is controlled to continue operating for Y2 time and then stop operating to enter a standby state, where t2+20s < Y2 < t2+30s. The stop valve restores to its original state. When the air conditioner is turned on again, it only needs to press the switch on the remote controller.

[0078] The present invention also provides a storage medium corresponding to the control method of the air conditioner, on which a computer program is stored, and the program implements the steps of any one of the foregoing methods when executed by a processor.

[0079] The present invention also provides an air conditioner corresponding to the control method of the air conditioner, comprising a processor, a memory and a computer program stored on the memory and operable on the processor, wherein the processor implements the steps of any one of the foregoing methods when executing the program.

[0080] The present invention also provides an air conditioner corresponding to the control device of the air conditioner, comprising any one of the foregoing control devices for the air conditioner.

[0081] Accordingly, the solution provided by this invention adds a flow meter device to the connection pipe between the indoor and outdoor units. The rate of refrigerant leakage is determined by the flow meter readings and the sensor's response time. When a refrigerant leak is detected in the system, appropriate actions are taken to reduce the refrigerant concentration below flammable levels, ensuring user safety. This allows for immediate detection of refrigerant leaks and reduces the leaked concentration below flammable levels, ensuring user safety.

[0082] The solution provided by this invention enables rapid air exchange between the indoor and outdoor sides through the adjustment of the fresh air unit, thereby improving user comfort.

[0083] The solution provided by this invention can switch to an environmentally friendly refrigerant and add corresponding safety protection facilities to the existing air conditioner configuration. It can detect refrigerant leaks immediately and reduce their concentration to below flammable levels, ensuring user safety. It can also achieve rapid air exchange between indoor and outdoor environments, improving user comfort.

[0084] The functions described herein can be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions can be stored as one or more instructions or codes on or transmitted via a computer-readable medium. Other examples and embodiments are within the scope and spirit of this invention and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described above can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwired, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the functional units can be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into a single unit.

[0085] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed technical content can be implemented in other ways. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for example, the division of units can be a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For instance, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the displayed or discussed mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between units or modules may be electrical or other forms.

[0086] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. Similarly, the components of the control device may or may not be physical units; they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment, depending on actual needs.

[0087] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, in essence, or the part that contributes to related technologies, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), portable hard drives, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0088] The above description is merely an 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 the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an air conditioner, characterized in that, The indoor unit of the air conditioner is equipped with a sensor to detect refrigerant leaks, and a flow meter is installed on the connecting pipe between the indoor and outdoor units. The control method includes: The flow meter is used to detect whether a refrigerant leak has occurred. Specifically, the flow meter is used to detect the refrigerant flow rate through the pipe connecting the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and the refrigerant leak is determined based on the detected refrigerant flow rate. When a refrigerant leak is detected by the flow meter, the refrigerant leak response time of the sensor is obtained; the refrigerant leak response time is the time interval between the moment when the sensor detects the refrigerant leak and responds and the moment when the refrigerant leak is detected by the flow meter. The refrigerant leak type is determined based on the refrigerant leak response time of the sensor and the rate of change of refrigerant flow. The refrigerant leak type includes two or more speed types classified according to the speed of refrigerant leak. The air conditioner is controlled according to the determined type of refrigerant leakage.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the pipe connecting the indoor unit and the outdoor unit is detected by the flow meter, and a determination of whether a refrigerant leak has occurred is made based on the detected refrigerant flow rate, including: The flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the pipe connecting the indoor unit and the outdoor unit is detected by the flow meter at preset intervals, and the change in refrigerant flow rate within the preset time period is calculated. Determine whether the refrigerant flow rate changes within each of the N consecutive preset time periods; A refrigerant leak is determined to have occurred when the refrigerant flow rate changes within any of the N consecutive preset time periods.

3. The control method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Based on the refrigerant leak response time of the sensor and the rate of change of refrigerant flow, the type of refrigerant leak is determined, including: The type of refrigerant leak is determined based on the time range of the refrigerant leak response time and the flow rate change range of the refrigerant flow rate. Wherein, when the refrigerant leak response time is within a first preset time range and the rate of change of the refrigerant flow rate is within a first preset flow rate change range, the refrigerant leak type is determined to be a first speed type; When the refrigerant leak response time is within a second preset time range and the rate of change of the refrigerant flow rate is within a second preset flow rate change range, the refrigerant leak type is determined to be the second speed type. The refrigerant leakage rate of the first speed type is greater than that of the refrigerant leakage rate of the second speed type.

4. The control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Based on the determined type of refrigerant leakage, the air conditioner is controlled, including: If the refrigerant leak type is the first speed type, when the sensor detects a refrigerant leak and responds, it controls the air conditioner's display to show the corresponding prompt information, controls the outdoor unit of the air conditioner to stop, controls the indoor fan of the air conditioner to run at the preset indoor fan's highest fan speed, and controls the air conditioner's fresh air unit to run at the preset fresh air unit's highest fan speed. When the sensor stops responding, the display of the air conditioner is controlled to stop displaying the corresponding prompt information, and after a first preset time, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is controlled to enter standby mode. After the indoor unit of the air conditioner enters standby mode, the fresh air unit is controlled to continue running for a first preset duration and then stop. And / or, If the refrigerant leak type is the second speed type, when the sensor detects a refrigerant leak and responds, it controls the air conditioner's display to show the corresponding prompt information, controls the outdoor unit of the air conditioner to stop, controls the indoor fan of the air conditioner to run at the preset indoor fan's highest fan speed, and controls the air conditioner's fresh air unit to run at the preset fresh air unit's highest fan speed. When the sensor stops responding, the display of the air conditioner is controlled to stop displaying the corresponding prompt information, and after a second preset time, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is controlled to enter standby mode. After the indoor unit of the air conditioner enters standby mode, the fresh air unit is controlled to continue running for a second preset duration before stopping. The first preset time is greater than the second preset time, and the first preset duration is greater than the second preset duration.

5. The control method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A shut-off valve is also installed on the connecting pipe between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. The method further includes: When a refrigerant leak is detected by the flow meter, the shut-off valve is closed to prevent refrigerant from flowing into the indoor unit of the air conditioner. When the sensor stops responding, the shut-off valve is opened.

6. A control device for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The indoor unit of the air conditioner is equipped with a sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage, and a flow meter is installed on the connecting pipe between the indoor and outdoor units of the air conditioner. The control device includes: The detection unit is used to detect whether a refrigerant leak has occurred by means of the flow meter, wherein the flow meter detects the refrigerant flow through the pipe connecting the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and determines whether a refrigerant leak has occurred based on the detected refrigerant flow. The acquisition unit acquires the refrigerant leak response time of the sensor when the detection unit detects a refrigerant leak through the flow meter; the refrigerant leak response time is the time interval between the moment when the sensor detects the refrigerant leak and responds and the moment when the flow meter detects the refrigerant leak. The determining unit is used to determine the refrigerant leak type based on the refrigerant leak response time of the sensor and the rate of change of refrigerant flow. The refrigerant leak type includes two or more speed types classified according to the speed of refrigerant leak. The first control unit is used to control the air conditioner according to the type of refrigerant leakage determined by the determining unit.

7. The control device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The detection unit detects the refrigerant flow through the pipe connecting the indoor unit and the outdoor unit using the flow meter, and determines whether a refrigerant leak has occurred based on the detected refrigerant flow, including: The flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the pipe connecting the indoor unit and the outdoor unit is detected by the flow meter at preset intervals, and the change in refrigerant flow rate within the preset time period is calculated. Determine whether the refrigerant flow rate changes within each of the N consecutive preset time periods; A refrigerant leak is determined to have occurred when the refrigerant flow rate changes within any of the N consecutive preset time periods.

8. The control device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The first control unit controls the air conditioner according to the refrigerant leak type determined by the determining unit. The determination of the refrigerant leak type based on the refrigerant leak response time of the sensor and the rate of change of refrigerant flow includes: The type of refrigerant leak is determined based on the time range of the refrigerant leak response time and the flow rate change range of the refrigerant flow rate. Wherein, when the refrigerant leak response time is within a first preset time range and the rate of change of the refrigerant flow rate is within a first preset flow rate change range, the refrigerant leak type is determined to be a first speed type; When the refrigerant leak response time is within a second preset time range and the rate of change of the refrigerant flow rate is within a second preset flow rate change range, the refrigerant leak type is determined to be the second speed type. The refrigerant leakage rate of the first speed type is greater than that of the refrigerant leakage rate of the second speed type.

9. A storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1-5.

10. An air conditioner, characterized in that, It includes a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory that can run on the processor, wherein the processor executes the program to implement the steps of the method of any one of claims 1-5, or includes a control device as described in any one of claims 6-8.

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