Air conditioner

Abstract

The application discloses an air conditioner, comprising: a refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant circuit comprising a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, a pressure reducer, an outdoor heat exchanger and a four-way valve; wherein the air conditioner further comprises: an air duct assembly, the air duct assembly being fixed on the outdoor heat exchanger, the air duct assembly comprising: an air duct piece, the air duct piece being fixed on a refrigerant pipe, the air duct piece being provided with a first air inlet, a second air inlet and an air outlet, a first air duct being formed between the first air inlet and the air outlet, a second air duct being formed between the second air inlet and the air outlet, the second air duct being longer than the first air duct; a switching piece, the switching piece being rotatably arranged in the air duct piece; when the switching piece is located at a first position, the first air duct is conducted, so that when the outdoor heat exchanger is not frosted, outdoor air flows into the first air duct from the first air inlet after heat exchange with the outdoor heat exchanger; when the switching piece is located at a second position, the second air duct is conducted, so that when the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted, outdoor air flows into the second air duct from the second air inlet.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Air conditioners are common household appliances, and they generally have cooling and heating functions. When an air conditioner is operating in a cold environment for heating, it needs to be defrosted after the outdoor unit's condenser has frosted over.

[0003] In related technologies, the defrosting process involves first stopping the heating operation. If the frost still cannot be completely removed, the cooling mode is switched. In this mode, the high-temperature refrigerant condenses and releases heat in the condenser, which melts the frost in the condenser, thus achieving the purpose of defrosting.

[0004] However, the condition for an air conditioner to enter defrost mode is based on the detection of the external temperature. Defrosting is performed after the temperature reaches the set point. Problems include incomplete defrosting at low ambient temperatures, prolonged frost buildup before defrosting, defrost liquid slugging, false defrosting at different low ambient temperatures, or timed defrosting. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes an air conditioner that, by setting a switching component and an air duct component, when frost forms, the switching component seals the first air inlet, at which point only air from the second air inlet enters. The temperature of the second air inlet is close to the temperature of the air outlet, thereby controlling the air conditioner to enter the defrost judgment mode, thus achieving accurate judgment of the frost situation.

[0006] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant circuit including a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, a pressure reducer, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a four-way valve, the pressure reducer being connected to the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger respectively, the compressor inlet, the compressor outlet, the indoor heat exchanger, and the outdoor heat exchanger being connected to the four-way valve respectively; the air conditioner further includes: a duct assembly, the duct assembly being fixed on the outdoor heat exchanger, and the duct assembly having a first duct and a second duct, the first duct connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the interior of the air conditioner, and the second duct connecting the outdoor unit and the interior of the air conditioner; wherein, the duct assembly includes: a duct component, the duct component being fixed on the outdoor heat exchanger, the duct component having a first air inlet, a second air inlet, and an air outlet, the first air inlet and the second air outlet being connected to the air outlet; Both air inlets are connected to the air outlet. The first air inlet and the heat exchange fins are arranged opposite each other, the second air inlet is located to the outside, and the air outlet is arranged opposite to the outdoor fan. A first air duct is formed between the first air inlet and the air outlet, and a second air duct is formed between the second air inlet and the air outlet. The second air duct is longer than the first air duct. A switching element is rotatably disposed within the air duct element. The switching element has a first position and a second position. When the switching element is in the first position, the first air duct is open, so that when the outdoor heat exchanger is not frosted, the outdoor airflow exchanges heat with the outdoor heat exchanger and then enters the first air duct from the first air inlet. When the switching element is in the second position, the second air duct is open, so that when the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted, the outdoor airflow enters the second air duct from the second air inlet.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner is provided with a switching component and an air duct component, wherein the air duct component is provided with a first air duct and a second air duct, and the switching component can rotate. When frost forms, the switching component seals the first air inlet, and at this time only the air from the second air inlet enters. The temperature of the second air inlet is close to the temperature of the air outlet, thereby determining whether the air conditioner needs to defrost, thus achieving accurate judgment of the frost situation.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air duct assembly further includes: a first temperature sensor disposed at the air outlet and used to acquire the temperature of the air outlet; a second temperature sensor disposed on the outside of the outdoor heat exchanger and used to acquire the ambient temperature; wherein, when the absolute value of the difference between the temperature at the air outlet and the ambient temperature is less than a preset temperature, the air conditioner is controlled to enter a defrost judgment mode.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air duct component is provided with a first fixing part at the air outlet, and the first temperature sensor is fixed at the first fixing part; and a second fixing part is provided on the outer side of the outdoor heat exchanger, and the second temperature sensor is fixed at the second fixing part.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air duct component is provided with rotating holes on both sides in the vertical direction, and the switching component includes: a switching body disposed in the air duct component; and two rotating columns disposed on both sides of the switching body in the vertical direction and cooperating in the rotating holes.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first air duct extends in a front-rear direction; and the second air duct includes: a first part extending in a left-right direction; and a second part, the first part and the second part being interconnected and extending in a front-rear direction, wherein both the first part and the second part are longer than the first air duct.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outdoor heat exchanger includes: heat exchange fins; refrigerant piping, the refrigerant piping passing through the heat exchange fins; end plates, the end plates being disposed at both ends of the refrigerant piping and the refrigerant piping passing through the end plates, and an installation platform being provided on the side of the end plates away from the outdoor heat exchanger, the air duct component being fixed on the installation platform.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner further includes: an outdoor unit, the outdoor unit including: a housing; a partition plate, the partition plate being disposed within the housing, the outdoor heat exchanger, the partition plate, and a portion of the housing forming a chamber, a mounting slot being provided between the partition plate and the end plate, and an air duct component being disposed within the mounting slot and sandwiched between the end plate and the partition plate.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the housing is provided with an installation port, the installation port and the outdoor heat exchanger are spaced apart, a portion of the air duct component is fixed at the installation port, and the second air inlet and the installation port are arranged opposite to each other.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outdoor heat exchanger includes: heat exchange fins; refrigerant piping, the refrigerant piping passing through the heat exchange fins, the refrigerant flowing within the refrigerant piping and exchanging heat with the outdoor airflow through the heat exchange fins, and the air duct component being fixedly connected to the refrigerant piping.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of third fixing parts are provided on the side of the air duct component away from the air outlet, and the plurality of third fixing parts are disposed on the periphery of the first air inlet, and the third fixing parts are fixedly connected to the refrigerant piping.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Partial schematic diagram A;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 ;

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Partial schematic diagram A;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 ;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 ;

[0026] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Partial schematic diagram A;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the switching component of the air duct assembly in the first position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the switching component of the air duct assembly in the first position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the switching component of the air duct assembly in the second position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the switching component of the air duct assembly in the second position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air duct component according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0032] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air duct component according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0033] Figure label:

[0034] 100. Outdoor Unit Section;

[0035] 11. Housing; 12. Middle partition; 13. Mounting slot; 14. Outdoor fan; 15. Mounting platform; 16. Mounting port;

[0036] 20. Outdoor heat exchanger; 21. Refrigerant piping; 22. Heat exchange fins; 23. End plate; 24. Second fixing part;

[0037] 30. Air duct assembly; 31. Air duct component; 311. First air inlet; 312. Second air inlet; 313. Air outlet; 314. First air duct; 315. Second air duct; 3151. First part; 3152. Second part; 316. First fixing part; 317. Rotating hole; 318. Third fixing part; 32. Switching component; 321. Switching body; 322. Rotating column; 33. First temperature sensor; 34. Second temperature sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary. The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below.

[0039] The following is for reference. Figures 1-14 An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0040] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant circuit including a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, a pressure reducer, an outdoor heat exchanger 20 and a four-way valve, the pressure reducer being connected to the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger 20 respectively, and the compressor inlet, the compressor outlet, the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger 20 being connected to the four-way valve respectively.

[0041] In the refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant circulates sequentially through the compressor, four-way valve, outdoor heat exchanger 20, pressure reducer, and indoor heat exchanger.

[0042] The pressure reducer is connected between the outdoor heat exchanger 20 and the indoor heat exchanger. The opening degree of the pressure reducer adjusts the refrigerant pressure flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 20 and the indoor heat exchanger, thereby regulating the refrigerant flow rate between the outdoor heat exchanger 20 and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0043] The four-way valve has four ports, which connect to the outdoor heat exchanger 20, the indoor heat exchanger, the compressor outlet, and the compressor inlet, respectively. When the air conditioner is in heating mode, the compressor outlet is connected to the indoor heat exchanger, and the compressor inlet is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 20. That is, the refrigerant enters the indoor heat exchanger from the compressor outlet through the four-way valve, and finally returns to the compressor through the outdoor heat exchanger 20 and the compressor inlet. Similarly, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the compressor outlet is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 20, and the compressor inlet is connected to the indoor heat exchanger. That is, the refrigerant enters the outdoor heat exchanger 20 from the compressor outlet through the four-way valve, and finally returns to the compressor through the indoor heat exchanger and the compressor inlet.

[0044] The outdoor unit 100 is located on the outdoor side and includes a first housing and an outdoor fan 14, a compressor, and an outdoor heat exchanger 20 disposed within the first housing. Specifically, the outdoor unit 100 of the air conditioner is mounted on a bracket outside the window sill for heat exchange with outdoor air. An outdoor air passage is formed inside the first housing, and the first housing has an outdoor air inlet and an outdoor air outlet 313, that is, the outdoor air inlet and outdoor air outlet 313 are disposed on the surface of the first housing. The outdoor air outlet 313 is located on the side of the outdoor unit 100 facing the outside, and the outdoor air inlet is located on the side of the first housing, so that outdoor air enters the first housing from the outdoor air inlets on both sides and then enters the outside from the outdoor air outlet 313.

[0045] The indoor unit is located on the indoor side and includes a second outer casing, an indoor air duct 31, an indoor fan, and an indoor heat exchanger, all housed within the second outer casing. Specifically, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is installed on the windowsill and inside the room, and an indoor air passage is formed within the second outer casing. Further, the second outer casing has an indoor air inlet and an indoor air outlet 313, both located on the side of the second outer casing facing the room, so that indoor air enters the second outer casing from the indoor air inlet and then enters the room from the indoor air outlet 313.

[0046] Understandably, the first outer casing is located outdoors, and it is equipped with an outdoor air inlet and an outdoor air outlet 313 for heat exchange with outdoor air. Outdoor air enters the first outer casing through the outdoor air inlet and then exits outdoors through the outdoor air outlet 313. The outdoor air passage is located inside the first outer casing, and the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger 20, and outdoor fan 14 are all located inside the first outer casing. Outdoor air enters the first outer casing through the outdoor air inlet, undergoes heat exchange inside the first outer casing, and is then discharged outdoors through the outdoor air outlet 313.

[0047] The second outer casing is located indoors and is used for heat exchange with indoor air. Specifically, the second outer casing is equipped with an indoor air inlet and an indoor air outlet 313. Indoor air enters the second outer casing through the indoor air inlet and then enters the room through the indoor air outlet 313. The indoor air duct 31, the indoor heat exchanger, and the indoor fan are located inside the second outer casing. The indoor fan is located inside the indoor air duct 31, and the indoor air passage is also located inside the second outer casing. Indoor air enters the second outer casing through the indoor air inlet, exchanges heat at the indoor heat exchanger, and then enters the room through the indoor air outlet 313 under the drive of the indoor fan.

[0048] The compressor is located in the outdoor air duct and has an outlet and an inlet. The compressor compresses the refrigerant, turning the low-pressure refrigerant into a high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The low-pressure refrigerant enters the compressor through the inlet, and after the compressor compresses the low-pressure refrigerant into high-pressure refrigerant, the high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from the outlet. The refrigerant releases heat at the outdoor heat exchanger 20, absorbs heat at the indoor heat exchanger after pressure reduction, and finally enters the compressor through the inlet.

[0049] The outdoor heat exchanger 20 is installed in the outdoor air duct to exchange heat between the outdoor air and the refrigerant transported in the outdoor heat exchanger 20. The outdoor air entering the interior of the first casing from the outdoor air inlet circulates in the outdoor air duct and exchanges heat with the refrigerant at the outdoor heat exchanger 20.

[0050] Outdoor air enters the first outer casing through the outdoor air inlet, circulates in the outdoor air channel, and flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 20. Refrigerant circulates in the outdoor heat exchanger 20. When the outdoor air passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 20, it exchanges heat with the refrigerant. The outdoor air after heat exchange then flows through the outdoor air channel to the outdoor air outlet and is discharged to the outside from the outdoor air outlet.

[0051] When the air conditioner is cooling, the compressor outlet is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 20. Outdoor air entering from the first air inlet 311 flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 20, where the refrigerant releases a large amount of heat; the outdoor air absorbs the heat from the refrigerant. When the air conditioner is heating, the compressor outlet is connected to the indoor heat exchanger. After releasing heat at the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 20. Outdoor air entering from the first air inlet 311 flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 20, where the refrigerant absorbs the heat from the outdoor air.

[0052] The outdoor fan 14 is installed in the outdoor air channel. When the outdoor fan 14 rotates, it drives the outdoor air to enter the outdoor air channel from the outdoor air inlet and exchange heat with the outdoor heat exchanger 20. After that, the air flows to the outside from the outdoor air outlet 313.

[0053] The outdoor fan 14 is located inside the first housing. Driven by the outdoor fan 14, outdoor air enters the first housing from the outdoor air inlet, flows through the outdoor air channel to the outdoor heat exchanger 20, and after the outdoor air exchanges heat with the refrigerant at the outdoor heat exchanger 20, the refrigerant is discharged to the outside from the outdoor air outlet 313 under the drive of the outdoor fan 14.

[0054] The indoor heat exchanger is located within the indoor air duct, where it exchanges heat between the indoor air and the refrigerant transported within it. Indoor air entering the second outer casing from the indoor air inlet circulates within the indoor air duct and exchanges heat with the refrigerant at the indoor heat exchanger.

[0055] Indoor air enters the second outer shell through the indoor air inlet, circulates in the indoor air channel, and flows to the indoor heat exchanger; refrigerant circulates in the indoor heat exchanger, and indoor air exchanges heat with the refrigerant as it passes through the indoor heat exchanger; the indoor air after heat exchange then flows through the indoor air channel to the indoor air outlet, and is discharged into the room from the indoor air outlet.

[0056] When the air conditioner is cooling, the compressor outlet is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 20. The refrigerant releases heat at the outdoor heat exchanger 20 and then flows to the indoor heat exchanger. Indoor air entering from the indoor air inlet flows to the indoor heat exchanger, where the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air, achieving the cooling effect. When the air conditioner is heating, the compressor outlet is connected to the indoor heat exchanger. Indoor air entering from the indoor air inlet flows to the indoor heat exchanger, where the refrigerant releases a large amount of heat; the indoor air absorbs this heat, achieving the heating effect.

[0057] An indoor fan is located inside the second housing. The indoor fan rotates, driving airflow from the indoor air inlet into the indoor air passage, where it exchanges heat with the indoor heat exchanger before flowing out of the indoor air outlet 313 into the room. Driven by the indoor fan, indoor air enters the second housing from the indoor air inlet, flows through the indoor air passage to the indoor heat exchanger, exchanges heat with the refrigerant at the heat exchanger, and then, driven by the indoor fan, is discharged into the room from the indoor air outlet 313.

[0058] Among them, reference Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the outdoor heat exchanger 20 includes heat exchange fins 22 and refrigerant piping 21. The heat exchange fins 22 pass through the refrigerant piping 21, and the refrigerant flows within the refrigerant piping 21. The refrigerant also exchanges heat with the outdoor airflow through the heat exchange fins 22. Thus, the contact area between the heat exchange fins 22 and the refrigerant piping 21 is large and tight, resulting in good and stable heat transfer performance and low airflow resistance. The refrigerant flows through the refrigerant piping 21 and exchanges heat with the outdoor airflow passing between the heat exchange fins 22 tightly wrapped around the refrigerant piping 21, thereby achieving the function of heat exchange with the outdoor airflow.

[0059] Furthermore, the refrigerant piping 21 can be made of different types of materials, such as steel pipes, stainless steel pipes, copper pipes, etc., while the heat exchange fins 22 can be made of materials such as steel strips, stainless steel strips, copper strips, or aluminum strips. In addition, the heat exchange fins 22 can be designed in various forms, including serrated, flat, and porous shapes, which helps to improve the heat transfer efficiency and service life of the outdoor heat exchanger 20.

[0060] Among them, reference Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner also includes: a duct assembly 30, which is fixed on the outdoor heat exchanger 20. The duct assembly 30 includes: a duct component 31, which is fixed on the refrigerant piping 21. The duct component 31 is provided with a first air inlet 311, a second air inlet 312, and an air outlet 313. The first air inlet 311 and the second air inlet 312 are both connected to the air outlet 313. The first air inlet 311 and the heat exchange fins 22 are arranged opposite each other. The second air inlet 312 is located to the outside. The air outlet 313 and the outdoor fan 14 are arranged opposite each other. In other words, the air duct component 31 is provided with two air inlets and one air outlet 313. The two air inlets are the first air inlet 311 and the second air inlet 312, respectively. The first air inlet 311 is arranged opposite to the outdoor heat exchanger 20, and the second air inlet 312 is located outdoors. This allows the outdoor airflow entering the air duct component 31 from the first air inlet 311 to undergo heat exchange through the outdoor heat exchanger 20, or the outdoor airflow entering the air duct component 31 from the second air inlet 312 to not undergo heat exchange through the outdoor heat exchanger 20.

[0061] Furthermore, combined Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, a first air duct 314 is formed between the first air inlet 311 and the air outlet 313, and a second air duct 315 is formed between the second air inlet 312 and the air outlet 313. The second air duct 315 is longer than the first air duct 314. That is, by setting the second air duct 315 to be longer than the first air duct 314, the resistance of the second air duct 315 is greater than the resistance of the first air duct 314. Thus, when the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is not frosted, the outdoor airflow passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 20 for heat exchange and is blown out through the first air duct 314; or, when the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is frosted, because the first air inlet 311 is blocked, the outdoor airflow can only be blown out through the second air inlet 312 and the second air duct 315.

[0062] In addition, such as Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the air duct assembly 30 further includes a switching element 32, which is rotatably disposed within the air duct component 31. The switching element 32 has a first position and a second position. When the switching element 32 is in the first position, the first air duct 314 is open; when the switching element 32 is in the second position, the second air duct 315 is open. That is, by providing the switching element 32 within the air duct component 31, the rotation of the switching element 32 allows for the selection of different air ducts. Furthermore, the rotation of the switching element 32 does not require electrical drive; instead, it is activated by the blowing of outdoor airflow to open different air ducts.

[0063] For example, such as Figure 10 As shown, when the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is not frosted, the outdoor airflow enters the first air inlet 311 after heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 20. At this time, the resistance of the first air duct 314 is less than the resistance of the second air duct 315. The switching element 32 is in the first position under the blowing of the outdoor airflow, that is, the switching element 32 opens the first air duct 314 and blocks the second air duct 315; or, for example, as Figure 12 As shown, when the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is frosted, the first air inlet 311 is blocked. At this time, the resistance of the first air duct 314 is greater than the resistance of the second air duct 315. The switching element 32 is in the second position under the blowing of the outdoor airflow, that is, the switching element 32 opens the second air duct 315 and blocks the first air duct 314.

[0064] With this setup, when the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is covered in frost, the heat exchange fins 22 are blocked by the frost layer, preventing the first air inlet 311 from drawing in air. Under the suction of the outdoor fan 14, the switching element 32 is drawn open and rotates towards the first air inlet 311, opening the second air duct 315. Since only the second air duct 315 can provide ventilation, the temperature at the air outlet 313 is similar to the outdoor ambient temperature.

[0065] That is, because the first air duct 314 is blocked, the second air duct 315 is opened, and the outdoor air intake 312 draws in the outdoor air without passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 20 and is directly blown out from the air outlet 313. When the temperature of the air outlet 313 is close to the outdoor ambient temperature, it indicates that the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is blocked by frost, and the controller controls the air conditioner to enter the defrost judgment mode. Further, in the defrost judgment mode, the controller determines whether the air conditioner needs to defrost.

[0066] The preset temperature can be 1℃.

[0067] Therefore, by setting up a switching element 32 and an air duct element 31, with the air duct element 31 containing a first air duct 314 and a second air duct 315, and the switching element 32 being rotatable, when frost forms, the switching element 32 seals the first air inlet 311, allowing only air from the second air inlet 312 to enter. The temperature of the second air inlet 312 is close to the temperature of the air outlet 313, thereby controlling the air conditioner to enter the defrost judgment mode, thus achieving accurate judgment of the frost situation.

[0068] In addition, combined Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the air duct assembly 30 further includes a first temperature sensor 33 and a second temperature sensor 34. The first temperature sensor 33 is disposed at the air outlet 313 and is used to acquire the temperature of the air outlet 313. The second temperature sensor 34 is disposed at the second air inlet 312 and is used to acquire the temperature of the second air inlet 312. That is, the first temperature sensor 33 and the second temperature sensor 34 can acquire the temperature of the air outlet 313 and the temperature of the second air inlet 312, respectively, wherein the temperature of the second air inlet 312 is the outdoor ambient temperature.

[0069] The air conditioner also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the first temperature sensor 33 and the second temperature sensor 34. The controller is configured to control the air conditioner to enter a defrost judgment mode when the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the air outlet 313 and the temperature of the second air inlet 312 is less than a preset temperature. In the defrost judgment mode, the controller determines whether the air conditioner needs to defrost.

[0070] With this setup, when the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is covered in frost, the heat exchange fins 22 are blocked by the frost layer, preventing the first air inlet 311 from drawing in air. Under the suction of the outdoor fan 14, the switching element 32 is drawn open and rotates towards the first air inlet 311, opening the second air duct 315. Since only the second air duct 315 can provide ventilation, air from the outdoor side near the second temperature sensor 34 is drawn in through the second air inlet 312 and blown out through the air outlet 313. At this time, the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 33 is close to the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 34.

[0071] That is, because the first air duct 314 is blocked, the second air duct 315 is opened, and the outdoor air intake 312 is directly blown out from the air outlet 313 without passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 20. When the absolute value of the temperature difference between the air outlet 313 and the second air intake 312 is less than the preset temperature, it indicates that the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is blocked by frost, and the controller controls the air conditioner to enter the defrost judgment mode. Further, in the defrost judgment mode, the controller determines whether the air conditioner needs to defrost.

[0072] The preset temperature can be 1℃.

[0073] Among them, reference Figure 3 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the air duct component 31 has a first fixing part 316 at the air outlet 313, and the first temperature sensor 33 is fixed at the first fixing part 316. That is, the air duct component 31 has a first fixing part 316, which can be used to fix the first temperature sensor 33. Furthermore, the first fixing part 316 can be located at the air outlet 313, so that the first temperature sensor 33 can be used to obtain the temperature of the air outlet 313.

[0074] Furthermore, referring to Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the first fixing part 316 can be a fixing clip, that is, the first temperature sensor 33 can be clipped onto the fixing clip. In addition, since the elastic arms on both sides of the fixing clip have a certain elastic force and open outward, when the first temperature sensor 33 is clipped in, the elastic arms restore their deformation and wrap around the first temperature sensor 33.

[0075] And, such as Figure 8 As shown, a second fixing part 24 is provided on the outer side of the outdoor heat exchanger 20, and the second temperature sensor 34 is fixed at the second fixing part 24. That is, the second fixing part 24 is provided on the outdoor heat exchanger 20, and the second fixing part 24 can be used to fix the second temperature sensor 34, so that the second temperature sensor 34 can be opposite to the air inlet side of the outdoor heat exchanger 20, thereby being used to obtain the temperature of the outdoor environment.

[0076] Furthermore, the second fixing part 24 can be a slot, that is, the second temperature sensor 34 can be snapped into the slot.

[0077] In addition, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the air duct component 31 has rotating holes 317 on both sides in the vertical direction, and, referring to... Figure 9 and Figure 11As shown, the switching component 32 includes a switching body 321 and two rotating columns 322. The switching body 321 is disposed within the air duct component 31, and the two rotating columns 322 are disposed on both sides of the switching body 321 in the vertical direction and engage with rotating holes 317. Thus, the two rotating columns 322 can engage with the two rotating holes 317 respectively, and the rotating columns 322 can drive the switching body 321 to rotate within the rotating holes 317. Therefore, when the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is not frosted, the outdoor airflow enters the first air inlet 311 after heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 20. At this time, the resistance of the first air duct 314 is less than the resistance of the second air duct 315, and the switching body 321 is positioned in the first position under the influence of the outdoor airflow. Alternatively, when the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is frosted, the first air inlet 311 is blocked, and the resistance of the first air duct 314 is greater than the resistance of the second air duct 315. The switching body 321 is positioned in the second position under the influence of the outdoor airflow.

[0078] Reference Figures 1-7 As shown, the air conditioner also includes an outdoor unit 100, which includes a housing 11. The housing 11 has a mounting port 16, a portion of the ductwork component 31 is fixed to the mounting port 16, and a second air inlet 312 is positioned opposite to the mounting port 16. Thus, by providing the mounting port 16 on the housing 11 and fixing a portion of the ductwork component 31 to the mounting port 16, the second air inlet 312 can be positioned opposite to the mounting port 16, allowing outdoor airflow to directly enter the ductwork component 31 through the mounting port 16 and the second air inlet 312.

[0079] Among them, housing 11 is the first outer shell mentioned above.

[0080] Furthermore, in the front-to-back direction, the first plane where the second air inlet 312 is located is farther away from the second plane where the first air inlet 311 is located relative to the air inlet. That is, the second air inlet 312 protrudes relative to the first air inlet 311, thereby facilitating the relative arrangement of the second air inlet 312 and the mounting port 16.

[0081] The first air duct 314 extends in the front-to-back direction. That is, the first air duct 314 is set in the front-to-back direction so that the outdoor airflow entering the outdoor unit 100 from the back can enter the air duct component 31 from the first air inlet 311 along the extension direction of the first air duct 314 and flow out from the air outlet 313. This makes the resistance of the outdoor airflow flowing in the first air duct 314 small, and when the first air inlet 311 is not blocked by frost, the outdoor airflow preferentially passes through the first air duct 314.

[0082] Furthermore, the second air duct 315 includes a first part 3151 and a second part 3152. The first part 3151 extends in the left-right direction and is interconnected with the second part 3152. The second part 3152 extends in the front-back direction, and both the first part 3151 and the second part 3152 are longer than the first air duct 314. That is, the second air duct 315 is composed of two mutually perpendicular first parts 3151 and second parts 3152. The first part 3151 extends in the left-right direction. Since the extension direction of the first part 3151 is different from the air intake direction of the outdoor airflow into the outdoor unit 100, the resistance of the outdoor airflow in the second air duct 315 is greater than the resistance in the first air duct 314.

[0083] Thus, when the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is not frosted, the outdoor airflow preferentially enters the first airflow 314 because the resistance of the second airflow 315 is greater than the resistance of the first airflow 314; and when the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is frosted, the first air inlet 311 of the first airflow 314 is blocked, thereby making the resistance of the first airflow 314 greater than the resistance of the second airflow 315, so that the outdoor airflow enters the outdoor unit 100 through the second airflow 315.

[0084] The outdoor heat exchanger 20 includes heat exchange fins 22, refrigerant piping 21, and end plates 23. The refrigerant piping 21 passes through the heat exchange fins 22. End plates 23 are located at both ends of the refrigerant piping 21, with the refrigerant piping 21 passing through the end plates. An installation platform 15 is provided on the side of the end plate 23 facing away from the outdoor heat exchanger 20, and the air duct component 31 is fixed to the installation platform 15. In other words, the installation platform 15 is provided on the end plate 23, which facilitates the assembly of the air duct component 31. Furthermore, the lower end of the air duct component 31 fits into the installation platform 15, thus the installation platform 15 provides support for the air duct component 31.

[0085] The refrigerant flows within the refrigerant piping 21 and exchanges heat with the outdoor airflow through the heat exchange fins 22.

[0086] In addition, combined Figures 2-7 As shown, the outdoor unit 100 also includes a middle partition 12 and an outdoor fan 14. The middle partition 12 is disposed inside the housing 11. The outdoor heat exchanger 20, the middle partition 12, and a portion of the housing 11 form a chamber. A mounting slot 13 is provided between the middle partition 12 and the end plate 23. The air duct component 31 is disposed in the mounting slot 13 and is clamped between the end plate 23 and the middle partition 12. This arrangement, with the mounting slot 13 between the middle partition 12 and the end plate 23, allows the air duct component 31 to be clamped between the middle partition 12 and the end plate 23, thus facilitating the fixation of the air duct component 31.

[0087] Thus, an installation platform 15 is provided at the lower end of the air duct component 31, and a middle partition 12 and an end plate 23 are provided at the front and rear ends of the air duct component 31, which can achieve the limiting and fixing of the air duct component 31.

[0088] In addition, the outdoor unit 100 also includes an outdoor fan 14. The air outlet 313 and the outdoor fan 14 are located inside the cavity, and the outdoor fan 14 and the air outlet 313 are arranged opposite to each other. This arrangement allows the outdoor fan 14 to generate negative pressure inside the cavity during operation, thereby allowing outdoor airflow to enter the cavity through the first air inlet 311 or the second air inlet 312.

[0089] In addition, combined Figure 9 , Figure 11 and Figure 14 As shown, a third fixing part 318 is provided on the side of the duct component 31 facing away from the air outlet 313, and the third fixing part 318 is fixedly connected to the refrigerant piping 21. That is, the third fixing part 318 is provided on the side of the duct component 31 facing away from the air outlet 313, and the third fixing part 318 can be fixedly connected to the refrigerant piping 21, thereby fixing the duct component 31 to the outdoor heat exchanger 20.

[0090] Furthermore, the third fixing part 318 can be a fixing clip, that is, the third temperature sensor 35 can be clipped onto the fixing clip. In addition, since the elastic arms on both sides of the fixing clip have a certain elastic force and open outward, when the refrigerant pipe 21 is inserted, the elastic arms restore their deformation and wrap around the refrigerant pipe 21.

[0091] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this 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 limitations on this invention.

[0092] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are 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.

[0093] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, comprising: The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, a pressure reducer, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a four-way valve. The pressure reducer is connected to both the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers. The compressor inlet, compressor outlet, indoor and outdoor heat exchangers are all connected to the four-way valve. The outdoor heat exchanger includes heat exchange fins, end plates, and refrigerant piping. The refrigerant piping passes through the heat exchange fins, and the end plates are located at both ends of the refrigerant piping, with the refrigerant piping passing through the end plates. Its features are, The air conditioner further includes: an air duct assembly, the air duct assembly being fixed on the outdoor heat exchanger, and the air duct assembly having a first air duct and a second air duct, the first air duct connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the interior of the air conditioner, and the second air duct connecting the outdoor unit and the interior of the air conditioner. The outdoor unit includes: a middle partition plate, and an installation slot is provided between the middle partition plate and the end plate; The air duct assembly includes: A duct component is disposed within the mounting slot and sandwiched between the end plate and the middle partition plate. The duct component is provided with a first air inlet, a second air inlet, and an air outlet. The first air inlet and the second air inlet are both connected to the air outlet. The first air inlet and the heat exchange fins are arranged opposite to each other. The second air inlet is located to the outside. The air outlet and the outdoor fan are arranged opposite to each other. A first air duct is formed between the first air inlet and the air outlet, and the first air duct extends in the front-to-back direction. A second air duct is formed between the second air inlet and the air outlet, and the second air duct is longer than the first air duct. The second air duct includes a first part and a second part. The first part extends in the left-to-right direction, and the first part and the second part are interconnected. The second part extends in the front-to-back direction. Both the first part and the second part are longer than the first air duct. The second part and the second air inlet are arranged opposite to each other. A switching element is rotatably disposed within the air duct component, and the switching element has a first position and a second position. A first temperature sensor is disposed at the air outlet and is used to obtain the temperature of the air outlet. A second temperature sensor, located on the outside of the outdoor heat exchanger and used to acquire the ambient temperature, controls the air conditioner to enter defrost mode when the absolute value of the difference between the air outlet temperature and the ambient temperature is less than a preset temperature. When the switching element is in the first position, the first air duct is opened so that when the outdoor heat exchanger is not frosted, the outdoor airflow exchanges heat with the outdoor heat exchanger and then enters the first air duct from the first air inlet. When the switching element is in the second position, the second air duct is opened so that when the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted, outdoor airflow enters the second air duct from the second air inlet.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air duct component has a first fixing part at the air outlet, and the first temperature sensor is fixed at the first fixing part; and... A second fixing part is provided on the outer side of the outdoor heat exchanger, and the second temperature sensor is fixed at the second fixing part.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air duct component has rotating holes on both sides in the vertical direction, and the switching component includes: A switching body is disposed within the air duct component; Two rotating columns are disposed on both sides of the switching body in the vertical direction and fit into the rotating holes.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, An installation platform is provided on the side of the end plate away from the outdoor heat exchanger, and the air duct component is fixed on the installation platform.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outdoor unit also includes a housing, with the partition plate disposed inside the housing, and the outdoor heat exchanger, the partition plate, and a portion of the housing forming a chamber.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The housing is provided with an installation port, which is spaced apart from the outdoor heat exchanger. Part of the air duct component is fixed at the installation port, and the second air inlet is positioned opposite to the installation port.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air duct and the refrigerant piping are fixedly connected.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The air duct component has multiple third fixing parts on the side opposite to the air outlet. The multiple third fixing parts are arranged around the first air inlet, and the third fixing parts are fixedly connected to the refrigerant piping.

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