An air conditioner indoor unit self-cleaning control method of an air conditioner range hood

Abstract

An air conditioner indoor unit self-cleaning control method of an air conditioner range hood, the air conditioner range hood comprising a compressor, a heat dissipation module and an indoor module, the heat dissipation module comprising a condenser and a heat dissipation fan, the indoor module comprising an evaporator and an indoor fan, a water box for receiving condensed water after defrosting of the evaporator, further comprising a first temperature sensor for detecting inlet temperature of the evaporator and a second temperature sensor for detecting outlet temperature of the evaporator, the air conditioner indoor unit self-cleaning control method of the air conditioner range hood first obtains an optimal frosting temperature interval of the evaporator by adjusting frequency of the indoor fan, realizes optimal frosting effect under current working condition, then realizes uniformity of frosting of the evaporator by continuously changing the frequency of the indoor fan, and by measuring liquid level difference before and after the compressor is stopped under the self-cleaning mode, the self-cleaning effect can be judged, and self-cleaning effect feedback is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to range hoods, and more particularly to a self-cleaning control method for the indoor unit of an air-conditioning type range hood. Background Technology

[0002] Most conventional household air conditioners have a self-cleaning mode for the indoor unit. This mode typically involves frosting followed by defrosting, which removes bacteria and dust from the evaporator. Models with a four-way valve for both cooling and heating often include an additional high-temperature sterilization step. Existing air-conditioning range hoods add an air conditioning component to the existing range hood platform, achieving both range hood and air conditioning functions. This air conditioning component includes an indoor unit module and an outdoor unit module. The indoor unit module includes an evaporator and an indoor fan, while the outdoor unit module includes a condenser and a cooling fan. A compressor is connected to the condenser and evaporator via refrigerant piping, and the four-way valve switches between cooling and heating functions. Currently available conventional self-cleaning modes are not suitable for air-conditioning range hoods and cannot be directly applied. Furthermore, applying traditional approaches to air-conditioning range hoods presents challenges, such as the selection of indoor and outdoor unit settings and feedback on self-cleaning effectiveness. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a self-cleaning control method for the indoor unit of an air-conditioned range hood that ensures uniform frost formation on the evaporator and good self-cleaning effect, in light of the above-mentioned existing technology.

[0004] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a self-cleaning control method for the indoor unit of an air-conditioning range hood that can achieve self-cleaning effect feedback, in view of the above-mentioned existing technology.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is as follows: a self-cleaning control method for the indoor unit of an air-conditioning range hood. The air-conditioning range hood includes a compressor, a heat dissipation module, and an indoor unit module. The heat dissipation module includes a condenser and a heat dissipation fan. The indoor unit module includes an evaporator and an indoor unit fan, and also includes a water box for collecting condensate after the evaporator defrosts. The method is characterized by including a first temperature sensor for detecting the inlet temperature of the evaporator and a second temperature sensor for detecting the outlet temperature of the evaporator. The control method first obtains the optimal frosting temperature range of the evaporator by increasing or decreasing the frequency of the indoor unit fan, and then achieves uniform frosting of the evaporator by continuously changing the frequency of the indoor unit fan.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is as follows: The self-cleaning control method of the indoor unit of the air-conditioning range hood also includes a liquid level sensor for detecting the water level height of the water box. In the self-cleaning mode, the liquid level sensor detects the liquid level difference before and after the compressor is turned off, judges the self-cleaning effect based on the liquid level difference, and feeds the self-cleaning effect back to the controller. The controller controls the cumulative time for starting the next self-cleaning.

[0007] Preferably, when the detected liquid level difference is greater than or equal to a set value, the self-cleaning mode is exited; when the liquid level difference is less than the set value, the cumulative time for starting the next self-cleaning is shortened.

[0008] Further optimization involves the indoor unit fan operating at its maximum frequency and the cooling fan operating at its minimum speed after the liquid level sensor outputs the first feedback value L1 and before it outputs the second feedback value L2.

[0009] Further preferred, the self-cleaning control method for the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes the following steps:

[0010] S1. Activate self-cleaning mode;

[0011] S2. Determine whether the cumulative start time of the range hood's air conditioning function has reached the set time;

[0012] S3. If yes, proceed to step S4;

[0013] If not, return to step S2;

[0014] S4. Trigger the self-cleaning switch;

[0015] S5, Compressor is powered on;

[0016] S6. The indoor unit fan starts at the default frequency, the cooling fan starts at the default speed, and the smoke baffle of the range hood is closed.

[0017] S7. Determine whether the evaporator inlet temperature T1 is within the temperature range [-3, -1].

[0018] If so, proceed to step S8;

[0019] If not, then determine whether T1 > -1 is true. If true, then reduce the indoor unit fan frequency. If not true, then increase the indoor unit fan frequency. Then continue to determine whether T1 is within the temperature range [-3, -1].

[0020] S8. Determine whether the evaporator inlet temperature T1 no longer changes within the set time.

[0021] If so, proceed to step S9;

[0022] If not, return to step S7;

[0023] S9. Determine whether the difference between the evaporator outlet temperature T2 and the evaporator inlet temperature T1 is within the range of [1,3].

[0024] If so, proceed to step S10;

[0025] If not, then determine whether T2-T1>3 is true. If it is true, increase the throttle valve opening. If it is not true, decrease the throttle valve opening. Then continue to determine whether the difference between T2 and T1 is within the range of [1,3].

[0026] S10. Determine whether the evaporator inlet temperature T1 no longer changes within the set time.

[0027] If so, proceed to step S11;

[0028] If not, return to step S9;

[0029] S11. The indoor unit fan operates at a frequency according to a set sine curve for a set time;

[0030] S12, Compressor power failure;

[0031] S13. Record the first feedback value L1 of the liquid level sensor;

[0032] S14. Set the time for the indoor unit fan to run at maximum frequency and the cooling fan to run at minimum speed.

[0033] S15, Record the second feedback value L2 of the liquid level sensor;

[0034] S16. Determine whether the liquid level difference L2-L1 is greater than or equal to the set value;

[0035] If so, proceed to step S17;

[0036] If not, shorten the cumulative time for the next self-cleaning and proceed to step S17;

[0037] S17. Exit self-cleaning mode.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment, in step S6, the default frequency of the indoor unit fan is 125 Hz, and the default setting of the cooling fan is P10.

[0039] Further preferably, the set time in steps S8 and S10 is 1-2 minutes.

[0040] Further preferably, the sine curve in step S11 is f = (0.5fx + 12.5)sint, and the running time in step S11 is 12-18 minutes. Therefore, by periodically changing the indoor unit frequency, frost can be evenly applied to both the front and back of the evaporator.

[0041] Further preferably, the set time in S14 is 1-3 minutes.

[0042] Further preferably, the liquid level difference in step S16 is set to 20 mm.

[0043] More preferably, the set time in step S2 is 200 to 260 hours, and the shortened time in step S16 is half of the set time in step S2.

[0044] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: The self-cleaning control method of the indoor unit of the air-conditioning range hood detects the evaporator inlet temperature through a first temperature sensor and the evaporator outlet temperature through a second temperature sensor. First, the optimal frosting temperature range of the evaporator is obtained by adjusting the frequency of the indoor unit fan to achieve the best frosting effect under the current operating conditions. Then, the uniformity of evaporator frosting is achieved by continuously changing the frequency of the indoor unit fan. Furthermore, the self-cleaning effect can be judged by measuring the liquid level difference before and after the compressor is turned off in the self-cleaning mode, thus realizing feedback on the self-cleaning effect. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner indoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of the air conditioning component according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0048] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the self-cleaning control method of the indoor unit of the air-conditioning range hood includes a compressor 1, a heat dissipation module and an indoor unit module. The heat dissipation module includes a condenser 2 and a heat dissipation fan 3, and the indoor unit module includes an evaporator 4 and an indoor unit fan 5. The compressor 1, condenser 2 and evaporator 4 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 6. A throttling valve 7 is provided between the condenser 2 and the evaporator 4. The compressor 1, condenser 2 and evaporator 4 constitute an air conditioning component, and its working principle is the same as that of existing air conditioners, and will not be described in detail here.

[0049] This embodiment of the air-conditioning range hood has a water box (not shown in the figure) installed inside. In cooling mode, condensate on the surface of the evaporator 4 flows into the water box. In self-cleaning mode, water from defrosting the evaporator 4 also flows into the water box. A level sensor is installed inside the water box to detect the water level. After the level sensor outputs the first feedback value L1 and before outputting the second feedback value L2, the indoor unit fan 5 operates at its maximum frequency, and the cooling fan 3 operates at its lowest setting. In self-cleaning mode, the level sensor detects the difference in water level before and after the compressor 1 is turned off. The self-cleaning effect is judged based on the water level difference, and the self-cleaning effect is fed back to the controller, which controls the cumulative time for starting the next self-cleaning cycle. If the detected water level difference is greater than or equal to a set value, the self-cleaning mode is exited; if the water level difference is less than the set value, the cumulative time for starting the next self-cleaning cycle is shortened.

[0050] The first temperature sensor (not shown in the diagram) is used to detect the evaporator inlet temperature T1, and the second temperature sensor (not shown in the diagram) is used to detect the evaporator outlet temperature T2. By adjusting the frequency of the indoor unit fan 5, the evaporator inlet temperature T1 is adjusted to a suitable frosting temperature. Experimental verification shows that the optimal frosting range for this product is -3 to -1℃. Furthermore, by adjusting the opening of the expansion valve 7, the refrigerant supply of the refrigeration system can be changed, thereby adjusting the superheat at the evaporator outlet, i.e., the temperature difference between the evaporator outlet temperature T2 and the evaporator inlet temperature T1, making the evaporator easier to frost. Experimental observation shows that controlling the superheat between 1 and 3℃ is optimal.

[0051] When the indoor unit fan 5 has a high airflow, the frost on the evaporator 4 will primarily be on the leeward side. When the indoor unit fan 5 has a low airflow, the frost on the evaporator 5 will be concentrated on the windward side. The indoor unit fan 5 operates at a frequency fx following a sine curve of f = (0.5fx + 12.5)sin Hz for 15 minutes to achieve frost formation on both the windward and leeward sides. In other words, the uniformity of frost formation on the evaporator 4 is achieved by continuously changing the frequency of the indoor unit fan 5.

[0052] The indoor unit self-cleaning control method in this embodiment can also provide feedback on the self-cleaning effect. The self-cleaning effect is judged by measuring the liquid level difference before and after the compressor stops in self-cleaning mode for 2 minutes. The amount of frost can characterize the self-cleaning effect. When the amount of frost is insufficient, the amount of dust and bacteria washed away by the frost is limited, so the self-cleaning effect can be judged by the liquid level difference. If the self-cleaning effect is not ideal, the cumulative time for the next self-cleaning is halved to make the next self-cleaning icon light up earlier.

[0053] The self-cleaning control method for the indoor unit of an air conditioner in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0054] S1. Activate self-cleaning mode;

[0055] S2. Determine whether the cumulative start time of the range hood's air conditioning function has reached the set time;

[0056] S3. If yes, proceed to step S4;

[0057] If not, return to step S2;

[0058] S4. Trigger the self-cleaning switch; if the self-cleaning icon button lights up, press and hold the self-cleaning button for 3 seconds.

[0059] S5, Compressor 1 is powered on;

[0060] S6, Indoor unit fan 5 starts at the default frequency, cooling fan 3 starts at the default speed, and the smoke baffle of the range hood is closed;

[0061] S7. Determine whether the evaporator inlet temperature T1 is within the temperature range [-3, -1].

[0062] If so, proceed to step S8;

[0063] If not, then determine whether T1 > -1 is true. If true, then reduce the frequency of indoor unit fan 5. If not true, then increase the frequency of indoor unit fan 5. Then continue to determine whether T1 is within the temperature range [-3, -1].

[0064] S8. Determine whether the evaporator inlet temperature T1 no longer changes within the set time.

[0065] If so, proceed to step S9;

[0066] If not, return to step S7;

[0067] S9. Determine whether the difference between the evaporator outlet temperature T2 and the evaporator inlet temperature T1 is within the range of [1,3].

[0068] If so, proceed to step S10;

[0069] If not, then determine whether T2-T1>3 is true. If it is true, increase the throttle valve opening. If it is not true, decrease the throttle valve opening. Then continue to determine whether the difference between T2 and T1 is within the range of [1,3].

[0070] S10. Determine whether the evaporator inlet temperature T1 no longer changes within the set time.

[0071] If so, proceed to step S11;

[0072] If not, return to step S9;

[0073] S11, The indoor unit fan 5 operates at a frequency according to a set sine curve for a set time;

[0074] S12, Compressor 1 is de-energized;

[0075] S13. Record the first feedback value L1 of the liquid level sensor;

[0076] S14. The indoor unit fan 5 runs at its maximum frequency, and the cooling fan 3 runs at its minimum speed for a set time; thus, the residual condensate on the condenser and evaporator can be dried and collected into the water box.

[0077] S15, Record the second feedback value L2 of the liquid level sensor;

[0078] S16. Determine whether the liquid level difference L2-L1 is greater than or equal to the set value; thereby, by observing the change in water level in the water tank, the amount of frost can be determined to assess the self-cleaning effect. A large amount of frost indicates a good self-cleaning effect, while a small amount of frost indicates a poor self-cleaning effect.

[0079] If so, proceed to step S17;

[0080] If not, shorten the cumulative time for the next self-cleaning and proceed to step S17;

[0081] S17. Exit self-cleaning mode.

[0082] If the self-cleaning effect is not ideal, you can turn on the self-cleaning button earlier next time.

[0083] In step S2, the set time is 200 to 260 hours, and in step S16, the shortened time is half of the set time in step S2.

[0084] The indoor unit fan 5 is typically set to three speeds, corresponding to frequencies of 200Hz, 300Hz, and 400Hz. The cooling fan has 20 speeds, from 1 to 20, with 125Hz corresponding to speed P1. For every 25Hz increase in frequency, the speed increases by one level. In step S6, the default frequency of indoor unit fan 5 is 125Hz, which is below speed 1. This is to allow the indoor unit to run a slightly weaker airflow, increasing the time the humid air stays on the evaporator surface, thus promoting frost formation on the leeward side of the evaporator. The default speed of cooling fan 3 is P10, which corresponds to a frequency of 125 + 9 * 25 = 350Hz.

[0085] The set time in steps S8 and S10 is 1-2 minutes. The sine curve in step S11 is f = (0.5fx + 12.5)sint, and the running time in step S11 is 12-18 minutes. The set time in S14 is 1-3 minutes. The liquid level difference set value in step S16 is 20mm.

[0086] The various set values ​​mentioned in the control method of this embodiment are not limited to the numerical range given in this embodiment. As long as the frost is uniform, the self-cleaning effect is good, and the self-cleaning effect feedback is achieved, the range of each set value can be expanded or reduced.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning control method for the indoor unit of an air-conditioning type range hood, the air-conditioning type range hood comprising a compressor (1), a heat dissipation module and an indoor unit module, the heat dissipation module comprising a condenser (2) and a heat dissipation fan (3), the indoor unit module comprising an evaporator (4) and an indoor unit fan (5), and further comprising a water box for receiving condensate water after defrosting of the evaporator (4), characterized in that: The control method includes a first temperature sensor for detecting the inlet temperature of the evaporator and a second temperature sensor for detecting the outlet temperature of the evaporator (4). The control method first obtains the optimal frosting temperature range of the evaporator by increasing or decreasing the frequency of the indoor unit fan (5), and then achieves the uniformity of evaporator frosting by continuously changing the frequency of the indoor unit fan (5). The frequency of the indoor unit fan (5) runs according to a sine curve to achieve frosting on the windward and leeward sides of the evaporator.

2. The self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a liquid level sensor for detecting the water level in the water tank. In self-cleaning mode, the liquid level sensor detects the liquid level difference before and after the compressor (1) is turned off. The self-cleaning effect is judged based on the liquid level difference, and the self-cleaning effect is fed back to the controller. The controller controls the cumulative time for starting the next self-cleaning.

3. The self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: If the detected liquid level difference is greater than or equal to the set value, the self-cleaning mode is exited; if the liquid level difference is less than the set value, the cumulative time for starting the next self-cleaning is shortened.

4. The self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 3, characterized in that: After the liquid level sensor outputs the first feedback value L1 and before it outputs the second feedback value L2, the indoor unit fan (5) runs at the maximum frequency and the cooling fan (3) runs at the minimum speed.

5. The self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control method includes the following steps: S1. Activate self-cleaning mode; S2. Determine whether the cumulative start time of the range hood's air conditioning function has reached the set time; S3. If yes, proceed to step S4; If not, return to step S2; S4. Trigger the self-cleaning switch; S5. The compressor (1) is powered on; S6, the indoor unit fan (5) starts at the default frequency, the cooling fan (3) starts at the default gear, and the smoke baffle of the range hood is closed; S7. Determine whether the evaporator inlet temperature T1 is within the temperature range [-3, -1]. If so, proceed to step S8; If not, determine whether T1 > -1 is true. If true, reduce the frequency of the indoor unit fan (5). If not true, increase the frequency of the indoor unit fan (5). Then continue to determine whether T1 is within the temperature range [-3, -1]. S8. Determine whether the evaporator inlet temperature T1 no longer changes within the set time. If so, proceed to step S9; If not, return to step S7; S9. Determine whether the difference between the evaporator outlet temperature T2 and the evaporator inlet temperature T1 is within the range of [1,3]. If so, proceed to step S10; If not, then determine whether T2 - T1 > 3 is true. If it is true, increase the throttle valve opening. If it is not true, decrease the throttle valve opening. Then continue to determine whether the difference between T2 and T1 is within the range of [1, 3]. S10. Determine whether the evaporator inlet temperature T1 no longer changes within the set time. If so, proceed to step S11; If not, return to step S9; S11. The frequency of the indoor unit fan (5) runs for a set time according to the set sine curve. S12, Compressor (1) is de-energized; S13. Record the first feedback value L1 of the liquid level sensor; S14. The indoor unit fan (5) runs at the maximum frequency and the cooling fan (3) runs at the minimum speed for a set time. S15, Record the second feedback value L2 of the liquid level sensor; S16. Determine whether the liquid level difference L2-L1 is greater than or equal to the set value; If so, proceed to step S17; If not, shorten the cumulative time for the next self-cleaning and proceed to step S17; S17. Exit self-cleaning mode.

6. The self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: In step S6, the default frequency of the indoor unit fan (5) is 125 Hz, and the default setting of the cooling fan (3) is P10.

7. The self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The set time in steps S8 and S10 is 1-2 minutes.

8. The self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The running time in step S11 is 12-18 minutes.

9. The self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The set time in S14 is 1-3 minutes.

10. The self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The liquid level difference in step S16 is set to 20 mm.

11. The self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The set time in step S2 is 200-260 hours, and the shortened time in step S16 is half of the set time in step S2.

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