Air conditioner

Abstract

The application provides an air conditioner, which comprises an indoor unit including an indoor fan, an outdoor unit including an outdoor fan and capable of transmitting only an on-off signal to the indoor unit, a refrigeration system having a refrigerant circuit, a first temperature sensor, a pressure sensor arranged in the outdoor unit, an indoor controller and an outdoor controller. The refrigerant circuit comprises an indoor heat exchanger arranged in the indoor unit. The outdoor controller can control the outdoor unit to enter a refrigeration mode forcibly in response to a self-cleaning mode of a user, control the rotating speed of the outdoor fan according to the outdoor environment temperature and the E pipe pressure to make the indoor heat exchanger frost, and turn off the outdoor fan when the E pipe temperature meets the exit frost condition. After the refrigeration mode is ended, the outdoor unit is controlled to enter a heating mode forcibly, the rotating speed of the outdoor fan is controlled according to the outdoor environment temperature and the E pipe pressure to make the indoor heat exchanger defrost, and the outdoor fan is turned off when the E pipe pressure meets the exit defrost condition. In the process, the indoor controller controls the indoor fan to stop running.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] As air conditioners are used for a longer period of time, a large amount of dust and dirt will enter the heat exchanger, causing dust accumulation and the growth of bacteria. This not only reduces the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger but also has a negative impact on the user's health. Therefore, the heat exchanger needs to be cleaned. Currently, air conditioners use self-cleaning mode to remove deposits from the fins to achieve this cleaning effect.

[0003] In the related technology, the air conditioner is controlled to run in cooling mode according to the target parameters to cause condensation in the heat exchanger. During the condensation process, the frequency of the compressor or the speed of the fan is adjusted according to the changes in the indoor coil temperature, and the changes in the current of the indoor fan are used to determine whether the condensation reaches the preset conditions. If the preset conditions are met, the frosting, defrosting and high-temperature sterilization functions are activated.

[0004] However, the above technical solution is not applicable to air conditioners with different performances. For example, in the American vertical duct air conditioners currently used in North America, the main control board of the air conditioner is only present in the outdoor unit, and there is no main control board in the indoor unit. The indoor and outdoor units are connected by a wired controller. Because the wired controller can only transmit and receive switching signals, the indoor and outdoor units of this type of air conditioner can only communicate with each other in a limited manner, and the indoor unit cannot obtain the specific operating parameters of the outdoor unit. As a result, the solutions in the related art cannot achieve the self-cleaning mode of the above-mentioned models. In view of this, the present application is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides an air conditioner, which adds a pressure sensor to the outdoor unit and uses the value detected by the pressure sensor to control the outdoor unit, thereby replacing the corresponding self-cleaning control logic that requires the outdoor unit to detect the internal disk temperature.

[0006] To this end, the present application provides an air conditioner comprising:

[0007] an indoor unit, comprising an indoor fan;

[0008] The outdoor unit includes an outdoor fan. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit can only transmit switching signals;

[0009] A refrigeration system comprising a refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant circuit comprising an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, a thermostatic expansion valve provided in the indoor unit and used for throttling in a cooling mode, a compressor provided in the outdoor unit, a four-way valve provided in the outdoor unit, an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, and an electronic expansion valve provided in the outdoor unit and used for throttling in a heating mode;

[0010] A first temperature sensor is provided in the outdoor unit and is used to detect the outdoor ambient temperature;

[0011] The pressure sensor is installed in the outdoor unit and is located on the pipeline between the four-way valve and the indoor heat exchanger to detect the E-tube pressure;

[0012] The outdoor controller is provided in the outdoor unit and is configured to control the outdoor unit to enter the cooling mode in response to the user's self-cleaning mode, control the speed of the outdoor fan according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the E-tube pressure to frost the indoor heat exchanger, and turn off the outdoor fan when the E-tube pressure meets the frosting exit condition;

[0013] During this process, the higher the outdoor ambient temperature, the higher the speed of the outdoor fan; the lower the E-tube pressure, the lower the speed of the outdoor fan;

[0014] After the cooling mode ends, the outdoor unit is forced to enter the heating mode. The outdoor fan speed is controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the E-tube pressure to defrost the indoor heat exchanger. When the E-tube pressure meets the defrost exit condition, the outdoor fan is turned off.

[0015] During this process, the lower the outdoor ambient temperature, the higher the speed of the outdoor fan; the higher the E-tube pressure, the lower the speed of the outdoor fan;

[0016] The indoor controller is provided in the indoor unit and is configured to control the indoor fan to stop operating in response to the user's self-cleaning mode.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present application, a second temperature sensor is further included, which is provided in the indoor heat exchanger and is used to detect the refrigerant temperature of the indoor unit;

[0018] When the outdoor unit is used in cooling mode to frost the indoor heat exchanger, the indoor controller is configured to control the opening of the thermal expansion valve according to the refrigerant temperature. The higher the refrigerant temperature, the larger the opening of the thermal expansion valve.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present application, a one-way valve is further included, with two ends of the one-way valve connected in parallel to two ends of the electronic expansion valve;

[0020] When the outdoor unit is used in cooling mode to frost the indoor heat exchanger, the outdoor controller is configured to fully open the electronic expansion valve and conduct the check valve in a forward direction to reduce the pressure loss of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit caused by the electronic expansion valve.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present application, the frosting exit condition includes: the E-tube pressure detected by the pressure sensor reaches a lower limit of a first preset pressure value and lasts for a first preset time;

[0022] The defrost exit condition includes: the E-tube pressure detected by the pressure sensor reaches the upper limit of the second preset pressure value and lasts for a second preset time;

[0023] The second preset pressure value is greater than the first preset pressure value, and the second preset time is less than the first preset time.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present application, the outdoor controller includes a dialer, which includes multiple code combinations, at least one code corresponds to the self-cleaning mode, and when the dialer displays the corresponding code, the self-cleaning mode is triggered.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present application, when the heating mode ends, the outdoor unit issues a prompt and the indoor unit operates in the air supply mode until the temperature of the air-conditioned air blown out by the indoor unit is consistent with the preset indoor ambient temperature, and then the air conditioner is powered off and reset.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present application, when the air conditioner executes the self-cleaning mode, the operating frequency of the compressor can be adjusted according to the E-tube pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present application, when the outdoor unit is used in a heating mode to defrost the indoor heat exchanger, the one-way valve is reversely cut off and the thermal expansion valve is reversely fully opened.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present application, before turning on the self-cleaning mode, the outdoor unit receives the preset indoor temperature and the preset indoor temperature by default to turn on the outdoor unit for cooling mode, and controls the operating frequency of the compressor in the cooling mode according to the preset indoor temperature and the preset indoor temperature.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present application, an anti-freeze protection program is further included to prevent the indoor heat exchanger from frosting. When the outdoor unit is used in cooling mode to cause the indoor heat exchanger to frost, the anti-freeze protection program is turned off.

[0030] In the above embodiment, the present application proposes an air conditioner, which includes an indoor unit including an indoor fan, an outdoor unit including an outdoor fan and which can only transmit switching signals with the indoor unit, a refrigeration system with a refrigerant circuit, a first temperature sensor, a pressure sensor provided at the outdoor unit, an indoor controller and an outdoor controller. The refrigerant circuit includes an indoor heat exchanger and a thermal expansion valve provided at the indoor unit, a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger and an electronic expansion valve provided at the outdoor unit. The outdoor controller can respond to the user's self-cleaning mode, control the outdoor unit to force it into a cooling mode, control the speed of the outdoor fan according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the E-tube pressure to frost the indoor heat exchanger, and turn off the outdoor fan when the E-tube temperature meets the conditions for exiting the defrosting. After the cooling mode ends, the outdoor unit is controlled to force it into a heating mode, control the speed of the outdoor fan according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the E-tube pressure to defrost the indoor heat exchanger, and turn off the outdoor fan when the E-tube pressure meets the conditions for exiting the defrosting. During this process, the indoor controller controls the indoor fan to stop running. By adding a pressure sensor to the outdoor unit and using the detected pressure value to perform corresponding outdoor unit control, the outdoor unit replaces the need to detect the internal coil temperature for self-cleaning control. This allows the outdoor unit to perform self-cleaning mode even when it cannot receive the internal coil temperature of the indoor unit, thereby improving the cleanliness of the indoor heat exchanger and the operating efficiency of the air conditioner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0032] Figure 1 is a refrigerant flow diagram of an air conditioner in a cooling state according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0033] Figure 2 A refrigerant flow diagram of an air conditioner in a heating state according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0034] Figure 3 A hardware configuration block diagram of an air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of installing a pressure sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 5 The control logic of the self-cleaning mode of the air conditioner provided by the present application according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0037] Figure 6Another control logic for the self-cleaning mode of the air conditioner provided by the present application according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0038] Figure 7 Another control logic for the self-cleaning mode of the air conditioner provided by the present application according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0039] Figure 8 Another control logic for the self-cleaning mode of the air conditioner provided by the present application according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0040] Figure 9 Another control logic for the self-cleaning mode of the air conditioner provided by the present application according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0041] Figure 10 Another control logic for the self-cleaning mode of the air conditioner provided by the present application according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0042] In the above figures:

[0043] Air conditioner 100; indoor unit 1; outdoor unit 2; indoor controller 11; outdoor controller 21;

[0044] Indoor heat exchanger 12; outdoor heat exchanger 22; electronic expansion valve 23; one-way valve 24;

[0045] Thermal expansion valve 13; four-way valve 25; compressor 26; indoor fan 14; outdoor fan 27;

[0046] A first temperature sensor 31 ; a second temperature sensor 32 ; and a pressure sensor 33 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The present invention is described in detail below by way of exemplary embodiments, but it should be understood that elements, structures, and features of one embodiment may be beneficially combined in other embodiments without further description.

[0048] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0049] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features.

[0050] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may refer to direct connections, indirect connections via an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0051] The embodiment of the present application provides an air conditioner 100, referring to Figure 1-4 The air conditioner 100 includes an indoor unit 1, an outdoor unit 2 and a refrigeration system. The indoor unit 1 is set indoors and is used to exchange heat with the indoor environment. The outdoor unit 2 is usually set outdoors and is used to bring indoor heat to the outdoors.

[0052] The indoor unit 1 includes an indoor fan 14, an indoor heat exchanger 12 and a thermal expansion valve 13, wherein the indoor heat exchanger 12 is used to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the indoor air; the thermal expansion valve 13 is used to throttle in the cooling mode to control the refrigerant flow in the pipeline between the indoor heat exchanger 12 and the outdoor heat exchanger 22 in the cooling mode.

[0053] The outdoor unit 2 includes a compressor 26, a four-way valve 25, an outdoor heat exchanger 22 and an electronic expansion valve 23. The compressor 26 is used to provide high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas; the four-way valve 25 is used to switch the flow path of the refrigerant; the outdoor heat exchanger 22 is used to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air; the electronic expansion valve 23 is used to throttle in the heating mode to control the refrigerant flow in the pipeline between the indoor heat exchanger 12 and the outdoor heat exchanger 22 in the heating mode.

[0054] The refrigeration system includes a refrigerant circuit, and a refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit to perform an indoor cooling or heating cycle. A refrigerant circuit is formed by connecting an indoor unit 1 and an outdoor unit 2 using connecting pipes to form a refrigerant circuit.

[0055] The air conditioner 100 in this application performs a cooling / heating cycle of the air conditioner 100 by using a refrigerant circuit consisting of a compressor 26, a four-way valve 25, an outdoor heat exchanger 22, an electronic expansion valve 23, a thermal expansion valve 13, and an indoor heat exchanger 12. The cooling cycle includes a series of processes involving compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation, and supplies refrigerant to the conditioned and heat-exchanged air. The compressor 26 establishes the high and low pressure states required for the refrigerant to operate, and through heat exchange with the outdoor air, the heat of the indoor air is released to the outdoor air (cooling operation) or the heat absorbed from the outdoor air is replenished to the indoor air (heating operation).

[0056] Compression Process: Compressor 26 compresses high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas. Compressor 26 may be a variable-capacity inverter compressor 26 with inverter-controlled speed. The refrigerant gas discharged from compressor 26 flows into the condenser.

[0057] Condensation process: The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into liquid phase, and heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0058] Expansion process: refer to Figure 1 In the cooling mode, the thermal expansion valve 13 expands the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. Figure 2 In the heating condition, the electronic expansion valve 23 expands the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant.

[0059] Evaporation Process: The evaporator evaporates the refrigerant that has expanded in the throttling device and returns the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas to compressor 26. The evaporator achieves a cooling effect by utilizing the latent heat of evaporation to exchange heat with the material being cooled. Throughout this cycle, the air conditioner 100 can adjust the temperature of the indoor space.

[0060] In cooling mode, the indoor heat exchanger 12 is an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger 22 is a condenser. In heating mode, the indoor heat exchanger 12 is a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 22 is an evaporator.

[0061] In some embodiments of the embodiments of the present application, the refrigeration system also includes a one-way valve 24, and the two ends of the one-way valve 24 are connected in parallel to the two ends of the electronic expansion valve 23, so that when the electronic expansion valve 23 is not needed to throttle, the refrigerant passing through here passes through the one-way valve 24 instead of passing through the electronic expansion valve 23, thereby reducing the pressure loss of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit.

[0062] Specifically, when the outdoor unit 2 is in cooling mode to frost the indoor heat exchanger 12 , the electronic expansion valve 23 is fully opened and the one-way valve 24 is forwardly conducted to reduce the pressure loss of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit caused by the electronic expansion valve 23 .

[0063] Figure 3 This is a hardware configuration block diagram of the air conditioner 100 proposed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 The air conditioner 100 further includes one or more of the following: a first temperature sensor 31, a second temperature sensor 32, a pressure sensor 33, an indoor controller 11, and an outdoor controller 21. Furthermore, the first temperature sensor 31 and the pressure sensor 33 are in communication with the outdoor controller 21; the second temperature sensor 32 is in communication with the indoor controller 11. Only switching signals can be transmitted between the indoor controller 11 and the outdoor controller 21, making it impossible for the outdoor unit 2 to obtain the internal coil temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 12 of the indoor unit 1.

[0064] In some implementations of this embodiment, the first temperature sensor 31 is installed on the outdoor unit 2 , and is used to detect the outdoor ambient temperature and send the detected outdoor ambient temperature to the outdoor controller 21 .

[0065] In some implementations of this embodiment, the second temperature sensor 32 is installed on the coil of the indoor heat exchanger 12 to detect the condensing temperature of the indoor unit 1 and send the detected condensing temperature to the indoor controller 11 .

[0066] In some implementations of this embodiment, for the pressure sensor 33, refer to Figure 4 The pressure sensor 33 is installed on the outdoor unit 2 and is located on the pipeline between the four-way valve 25 and the indoor heat exchanger 12. It is used to detect the E-tube pressure and send the detected E-tube pressure to the outdoor controller 21. The reason for detecting the E-tube pressure is that this point is the position closest to the pressure of the indoor heat exchanger 12.

[0067] It should be noted that the detection accuracy of the pressure sensor 33 in the embodiment of the present application can be as accurate as 0.001Mpa, and the detection result will be relatively more accurate than the internal disk temperature detection. Therefore, the process of performing the self-cleaning mode by controlling the action of the outdoor unit 2 through pressure is accurate and reliable.

[0068] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 3 The hardware structure shown in the figure does not constitute a limitation on the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100100 may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently.

[0069] In this embodiment, the indoor controller 11 may include a wired controller. For example, the wired controller is a 24V universal wired controller. The air conditioner 100 of this embodiment can use the wired controller to turn on and off the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2 of the air conditioner 100. However, since the wired controller only has a 24V AC signal and there is no communication protocol in the air conditioner 100 for signal exchange between the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2, the wired controller cannot directly control the outdoor unit 2, for example, the outdoor unit 2 cannot directly query the operating status of the indoor unit 1 or directly control the operating status of the outdoor unit 2.

[0070] That is to say, the outdoor unit 2 of the air conditioner 100 in this application cannot obtain the internal coil temperature of the indoor unit 1 and cannot use the self-cleaning technical solution in the related art.

[0071] The wired controller can generate an operation control signal according to the cooling operation code and the timing signal to instruct the air conditioner 100 to execute the control instruction.

[0072] In this embodiment, the outdoor controller 21 includes a dialer, which includes multiple dial switches. Each dial switch has two states: on and off. The different codes of the multiple dial switches form multiple gears. These different gears can correspond to different values. Each code corresponds to a control instruction, and at least one code corresponds to self-cleaning mode. When the dialer displays the corresponding code, self-cleaning mode is triggered.

[0073] Exemplarily, the dialer has three dial switches and two display screens, the three dial switches are S1, S2 and S3 respectively, one display screen is used to display letter combinations, and the other display screen is used to display number combinations.

[0074] S1 can be used to select the dial function. A display screen shows the letter combination. After selecting the function corresponding to the letter combination, it will enter the digital display mode after waiting for 3 seconds. For example, the letter combination can be set to ZL; S2 and S3 can adjust the size of the number up or down. After adjustment, the digital combination is adjusted to the corresponding combination and then enters the self-cleaning mode. For example, it can be set to 01.

[0075] It should be noted that after the function is selected, the indoor unit 1 is immediately turned on and enters the self-cleaning mode. After the self-cleaning mode ends, the air conditioner 100 returns to the standby state.

[0076] In some implementations of this embodiment, the outdoor controller 21 can be used to control the operation of the compressor 26, the electronic expansion valve 23, and the outdoor fan 27 to enable the air conditioner 100 to operate and implement various predetermined functions of the air conditioner 100. The outdoor controller 21 can obtain the E-tube pressure detected by the pressure sensor 33 and adjust the frequency of the compressor 26, the speed of the outdoor fan 27, and the opening of the electronic expansion valve 23 based on the E-tube pressure.

[0077] The indoor controller 11 can be used to control the operation of the indoor fan 14 to enable the air conditioner 100 to operate and realize various predetermined functions of the air conditioner 100.

[0078] In some implementations of this embodiment, the air conditioner 100 is further provided with a remote controller, which has the function of communicating with the indoor controller 11 using, for example, infrared or other communication methods. The remote controller is used to allow the user to perform various controls on the air conditioner 100 and to implement interaction between the user and the air conditioner 100.

[0079] Reference Figure 5 , illustrating the control logic of the air conditioner 100 for self-cleaning.

[0080] In response to the user's self-cleaning mode, the outdoor controller 21 controls the outdoor unit 2 to forcibly enter the cooling mode (step S401);

[0081] The speed of the outdoor fan 27 is controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the E-tube pressure (step S402) to frost the indoor heat exchanger 12; in step S402, the higher the outdoor ambient temperature, the higher the speed of the outdoor fan 27; the lower the E-tube pressure, the lower the speed of the outdoor fan 27.

[0082] Determine whether the pressure in tube E meets the frosting exit condition (step S403);

[0083] In step S403, if the pressure of pipe E meets the frosting exit condition, step S404 is executed to turn off the outdoor fan 27;

[0084] In step S403, if the pressure of tube E does not meet the frosting exit condition, step S402 is executed;

[0085] After executing step S404, execute step S405 to control the outdoor unit 2 to enter the heating mode after the cooling mode ends.

[0086] The speed of the outdoor fan 27 is controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the E-tube temperature (step S406) to defrost the indoor heat exchanger 12; in step S406, the lower the outdoor ambient temperature, the higher the speed of the outdoor fan 27; the higher the E-tube pressure, the lower the speed of the outdoor fan 27.

[0087] Determine whether the pressure of tube E meets the defrost exit condition (step S407);

[0088] In step S407, if the pressure of pipe E meets the defrost exit condition, step S408 is executed to turn off the outdoor fan 27;

[0089] In step S407, if the E-tube pressure does not meet the defrost exit condition, step S406 is executed;

[0090] At the same time, in response to the user's self-cleaning mode, the indoor controller 11 controls the indoor fan 14 to stop operating (step S409).

[0091] Through the above steps, by adding a pressure sensor 33 to the E-tube of the outdoor unit 2, the pressure at this position is detected and judged. Without the need for communication between the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2, the speed of the compressor 26 and the outdoor fan 27 and the opening parameters of the electronic expansion valve 23 can be controlled, so that the indoor heat exchanger 12 produces sufficient condensation water and frost and defrost are formed and defrosted as quickly and as widely as possible, thereby realizing self-cleaning of the indoor unit 1.

[0092] In some implementations of this embodiment, while the outdoor unit 2 is operating in cooling mode to cause frosting on the indoor heat exchanger 12, the indoor controller 11 is configured to control the opening of the thermal expansion valve 13 based on the refrigerant temperature. The higher the refrigerant temperature, the greater the opening of the thermal expansion valve 13. It is understood that the higher the refrigerant temperature, the greater the distance to frosting. Increasing the opening of the thermal expansion valve 13 increases the refrigerant flow rate in the refrigerant circuit, thereby increasing the cooling capacity and facilitating faster frosting.

[0093] In some implementations of this embodiment, the frosting exit condition includes: the E-tube pressure detected by the pressure sensor 33 reaches the lower limit of a first preset pressure value and persists for a first preset time; the defrosting exit condition includes: the E-tube pressure detected by the pressure sensor 33 reaches the lower limit of a second preset pressure value and persists for a second preset time, wherein the second preset pressure value is greater than the first preset pressure value, and the second preset time is less than the first preset time. For example, the first preset pressure value is a preset adjustable parameter that can be set to approximately 0.38 MPa, and the first preset time can be set to 6 minutes. The second preset pressure value is a preset adjustable parameter that can be set to approximately 2.96 MPa, and the second preset time can be set to 30 seconds.

[0094] It can be seen that during the self-cleaning process, the frosting and defrosting processes can be adjusted by determining the maximum operating time of compressor 26. Specifically, during the frosting process in cooling mode, the maximum operating time of compressor 26 is set to 12 minutes, and during the defrosting process in heating mode, the maximum operating time of compressor 26 is set to 7 minutes. It should be noted that the above values ​​are for reference only and can be adjusted according to the performance of air conditioner 100.

[0095] Reference Figure 6 , illustrating the control logic of another self-cleaning mode of the air conditioner 100 in an embodiment of the present application.

[0096] In response to the user's self-cleaning mode, the outdoor controller 21 controls the outdoor unit 2 to forcibly enter the cooling mode (step S501);

[0097] The speed of the outdoor fan 27 is controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the E-tube pressure (step S502) to frost the indoor heat exchanger 12; in step S502, the higher the outdoor ambient temperature, the higher the speed of the outdoor fan 27; the lower the E-tube pressure, the lower the speed of the outdoor fan 27.

[0098] Determine whether the pressure of the E tube reaches the lower limit of the first preset pressure value; (step S503);

[0099] In step S503, if the E-tube pressure reaches the lower limit of the first preset pressure value, step S504 is executed to record the duration of the E-tube pressure reaching the lower limit of the first preset pressure value, and determine whether the duration of the E-tube pressure reaching the lower limit of the first preset pressure value reaches the first preset time (step S510);

[0100] In step S510, if the duration reaches the first preset time, step S511 is executed to exit the frosting stage;

[0101] In step S510, if the duration does not reach the first preset time, step S504 is executed;

[0102] In step S503, if the E-tube pressure does not reach the lower limit of the first preset pressure value, step S502 is executed;

[0103] After executing step S511, execute step S505 to control the outdoor unit 2 to enter the heating mode after the cooling mode ends.

[0104] The speed of the outdoor fan 27 is controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the E-tube temperature (step S506) to defrost the indoor heat exchanger 12; in step S506, the lower the outdoor ambient temperature, the higher the speed of the outdoor fan 27; the higher the E-tube pressure, the lower the speed of the outdoor fan 27.

[0105] Determine whether the pressure of the E tube reaches the upper limit of the second preset pressure value; (step S507);

[0106] In step S507, if the E-tube pressure reaches the upper limit of the second preset pressure value, step S512 is executed to record the duration of the E-tube pressure reaching the upper limit of the second preset pressure value, and determine whether the duration of the E-tube pressure reaching the upper limit of the second preset pressure value reaches the second preset time (step S513);

[0107] In step S513, if the duration reaches the second preset time, step S514 is executed to exit the defrosting stage;

[0108] In step S513, if the duration does not reach the second preset time, step S512 is executed;

[0109] In step S507, if the E-tube pressure does not reach the lower limit of the first preset pressure value, step S506 is executed;

[0110] At the same time, in response to the user's self-cleaning mode, the indoor controller 11 controls the indoor fan 14 to stop operating (step S509).

[0111] In some implementations of this embodiment, when the heating mode ends, the outdoor unit 2 will issue a prompt and the indoor unit 1 will operate in the air supply mode until the temperature of the air conditioned air 100 blown out by the indoor unit 1 is consistent with the preset indoor ambient temperature, and then the indoor unit 1 is powered off and reset.

[0112] For example, the display panel of the dialer of the outdoor unit 2 prompts flashing END.

[0113] In some implementations of this embodiment, during the self-cleaning mode of the air conditioner, the operating frequency of the compressor 26 can be adjusted according to the E-tube pressure detected by the pressure sensor 33. This ensures the smooth execution of the entire self-cleaning mode while improving the operational safety of the refrigerant circuit.

[0114] Reference Figure 7 , illustrating the control logic of another self-cleaning mode of the air conditioner 100 in an embodiment of the present application.

[0115] In response to the user's self-cleaning mode, the outdoor controller 21 controls the outdoor unit 2 to forcibly enter the cooling mode (step S601);

[0116] The speed of the outdoor fan 27 is controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the E-tube pressure (step S602) to frost the indoor heat exchanger 12; in step S602, the higher the outdoor ambient temperature, the higher the speed of the outdoor fan 27; the lower the E-tube pressure, the lower the speed of the outdoor fan 27.

[0117] Determine whether the pressure of the E tube reaches the lower limit of the first preset pressure value; (step S603);

[0118] In step S603, if the E-tube pressure reaches the lower limit of the first preset pressure value, step S604 is executed to record the duration of the E-tube pressure reaching the lower limit of the first preset pressure value, and determine whether the duration of the E-tube pressure reaching the lower limit of the first preset pressure value reaches the first preset time (step S610);

[0119] In step S610, if the duration reaches the first preset time, step S611 is executed to exit the frosting stage;

[0120] In step S610, if the duration does not reach the first preset time, step S604 is executed;

[0121] In step S603, if the E-tube pressure does not reach the lower limit of the first preset pressure value, step S602 is executed;

[0122] After executing step S611, execute step S605 to control the outdoor unit 2 to enter the heating mode after the cooling mode ends.

[0123] The speed of the outdoor fan 27 is controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the E-tube temperature (step S606) to defrost the indoor heat exchanger 12; in step S606, the lower the outdoor ambient temperature, the higher the speed of the outdoor fan 27; the higher the E-tube pressure, the lower the speed of the outdoor fan 27.

[0124] Determine whether the pressure of the E tube reaches the upper limit of the second preset pressure value; (step S607);

[0125] In step S607, if the E-tube pressure reaches the upper limit of the second preset pressure value, step S612 is executed to record the duration of the E-tube pressure reaching the upper limit of the second preset pressure value, and determine whether the duration of the E-tube pressure reaching the upper limit of the second preset pressure value reaches the second preset time (step S613);

[0126] In step S613, if the duration reaches the second preset time, step S614 is executed to exit the defrost stage; then, an end signal is displayed on the display panel of the outdoor controller 21 of the outdoor unit 2 (step S615); a predetermined switch signal is sent to the indoor unit 1 manually or through the outdoor unit 2, causing the indoor unit 1 to operate in the air supply mode (step S616);

[0127] Determine whether the temperature of the air from the air outlet of the indoor unit 1 reaches the indoor ambient temperature (step S617);

[0128] In step S617, if the temperature of the air from the air outlet of the indoor unit 1 reaches the preset indoor ambient temperature, step S618 is executed to power off and reset the air conditioner 100;

[0129] In step S617, if the temperature of the air from the air outlet of the indoor unit 1 does not reach the preset indoor ambient temperature, step S616 is executed;

[0130] In step S613, if the duration does not reach the second preset time, step S612 is executed;

[0131] In step S607, if the E-tube pressure does not reach the lower limit of the first preset pressure value, step S606 is executed;

[0132] At the same time, in response to the user's self-cleaning mode, the indoor controller 11 controls the indoor fan 14 to stop operating (step S609).

[0133] In some implementations of this embodiment, when the outdoor unit 2 is in heating mode to defrost the indoor heat exchanger 12, the one-way valve 24 is closed in the reverse direction. At this time, the electronic expansion valve 23 acts as a throttling valve, and the thermal expansion valve 13 is fully open in the reverse direction. This allows the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit to flow from the compressor 26 through the outdoor heat exchanger 22, the electronic expansion valve 23, the thermal expansion valve 13, the indoor heat exchanger 12, and finally back to the intake port of the compressor 26.

[0134] In some implementations of this embodiment, before the self-cleaning mode is performed, it is necessary to first determine whether the current outdoor ambient temperature meets a preset temperature range. Only when the preset temperature range is met will the self-cleaning process be performed. For example, the preset temperature range is set to 10°C-30°C.

[0135] Reference Figure 8 , illustrating the control logic of another self-cleaning mode of the air conditioner 100 in an embodiment of the present application.

[0136] The air conditioner 100 enters the standby mode and determines whether the current outdoor ambient temperature meets the preset temperature range (step S719);

[0137] In step S719 , if the current outdoor ambient temperature meets the preset temperature range, step S701 is executed, and the outdoor controller 21 controls the outdoor unit 2 to forcibly enter the cooling mode in response to the user's self-cleaning mode;

[0138] The speed of the outdoor fan 27 is controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the E-tube pressure (step S702) to frost the indoor heat exchanger 12; in step S702, the higher the outdoor ambient temperature, the higher the speed of the outdoor fan 27; the lower the E-tube pressure, the lower the speed of the outdoor fan 27.

[0139] Determine whether the pressure of the E tube reaches the lower limit of the first preset pressure value; (step S703);

[0140] In step S703, if the E-tube pressure reaches the lower limit of the first preset pressure value, step S704 is executed to record the duration of the E-tube pressure reaching the lower limit of the first preset pressure value, and determine whether the duration of the E-tube pressure reaching the lower limit of the first preset pressure value reaches the first preset time (step S710);

[0141] In step S710, if the duration reaches the first preset time, step S711 is executed to exit the frosting stage;

[0142] In step S710, if the duration does not reach the first preset time, step S704 is executed;

[0143] In step S703, if the E-tube pressure does not reach the lower limit of the first preset pressure value, step S702 is executed;

[0144] After executing step S511, execute step S705 to control the outdoor unit 2 to enter the heating mode after the cooling mode ends.

[0145] In step S705, the outdoor unit 2 may be set to receive an indoor ambient temperature of 18°C ​​by default, and the indoor temperature may be preset to 24°C, so as to forcibly start the heating mode by utilizing the temperature difference.

[0146] The speed of the outdoor fan 27 is controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the E-tube temperature (step S706) to defrost the indoor heat exchanger 12; in step S706, the lower the outdoor ambient temperature, the higher the speed of the outdoor fan 27; the higher the E-tube pressure, the lower the speed of the outdoor fan 27.

[0147] Determine whether the pressure of the E tube reaches the upper limit of the second preset pressure value; (step S707);

[0148] In step S707, if the E-tube pressure reaches the upper limit of the second preset pressure value, step S712 is executed to record the duration of the E-tube pressure reaching the upper limit of the second preset pressure value, and determine whether the duration of the E-tube pressure reaching the upper limit of the second preset pressure value reaches the second preset time (step S713);

[0149] In step S713, if the duration reaches the second preset time, step S714 is executed to exit the defrost stage; then, an end signal is displayed on the display panel of the outdoor controller 21 of the outdoor unit 2 (step S715); a predetermined switch signal is sent to the indoor unit 1 manually or through the outdoor unit 2, causing the indoor unit 1 to operate in the air supply mode (step S716);

[0150] Determine whether the temperature of the air from the air outlet of the indoor unit 1 reaches the indoor ambient temperature (step S717);

[0151] In step S717, if the temperature of the air from the air outlet of the indoor unit 1 reaches the preset indoor ambient temperature, step S718 is executed to power off and reset the air conditioner 100;

[0152] In step S717, if the temperature of the air from the air outlet of the indoor unit 1 does not reach the preset indoor ambient temperature, step S716 is executed;

[0153] In step S713, if the duration does not reach the second preset time, step S712 is executed;

[0154] In step S707, if the E-tube pressure does not reach the lower limit of the first preset pressure value, step S706 is executed;

[0155] At the same time, the indoor controller 11 responds to the user's self-cleaning mode and controls the indoor fan 14 to stop running (step S709);

[0156] In step S719 , if the current outdoor ambient temperature does not meet the preset temperature range, step S720 is executed and the air conditioner 100 cannot enter the self-cleaning mode.

[0157] In some implementations of this embodiment, before the self-cleaning mode is activated, the outdoor unit 2 receives the preset indoor temperature and the preset achieved indoor temperature by default, which activates the outdoor unit 2 into cooling mode. The operating frequency of the compressor 26 in cooling mode is controlled based on the preset indoor temperature and the preset achieved indoor temperature. For example, the preset indoor temperature is 30°C and the preset achieved indoor temperature is 24°C. Of course, the operating frequency of the compressor 26 can also be adjusted based on the E-tube pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 33.

[0158] It can be understood that during the operation of the compressor 26 , the maximum operating frequency of the compressor 26 can be set.

[0159] Reference Figure 9 , illustrating the control logic of another self-cleaning mode of the air conditioner 100 in an embodiment of the present application.

[0160] The air conditioner 100 enters the standby mode and determines whether the current outdoor ambient temperature meets the preset temperature range (step S801);

[0161] In step S801, if the current outdoor ambient temperature meets the preset temperature range, step S802 is executed, and the outdoor controller 21 responds to the user's self-cleaning mode. The outdoor unit 2 receives the indoor ambient temperature of 32°C and the preset indoor ambient temperature of 24°C by default to control the outdoor unit 2 to force it into the cooling mode.

[0162] In step S801 , if the current outdoor ambient temperature does not meet the preset temperature range, step S803 is executed and the air conditioner 100 cannot enter the self-cleaning mode.

[0163] In some implementations of this embodiment, the air conditioner 100 further includes an anti-freeze protection program to prevent frost on the indoor heat exchanger 12. When the outdoor unit 2 is in heating mode and frost forms on the indoor heat exchanger 12, the anti-freeze protection program is disabled. After the frost formation process is complete, the anti-freeze protection program is enabled again.

[0164] The anti-freeze protection program is to prevent frost from forming on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 12 during daily use, thereby affecting the cooling performance of the air conditioner 100 .

[0165] Reference Figure 10 , illustrating the control logic of another self-cleaning mode of the air conditioner 100 in an embodiment of the present application.

[0166] The air conditioner 100 enters the standby mode and determines whether the current outdoor ambient temperature meets the preset temperature range (step S901);

[0167] In step S901, if the current outdoor ambient temperature meets the preset temperature range, step S902 is executed, and the outdoor controller 21 responds to the user's self-cleaning mode and turns off the anti-freeze protection program (step S904);

[0168] The outdoor unit 2 receives the indoor ambient temperature of 32°C and the preset indoor ambient temperature of 24°C by default, so as to control the outdoor unit 2 to forcibly enter the cooling mode (step S905); and start the anti-freezing protection program (step S906);

[0169] The outdoor unit 2 is forced to enter the heating mode, and when the defrost exit condition is met, the outdoor unit 2 exits the heating mode (step S907);

[0170] In step S901 , if the current outdoor ambient temperature does not meet the preset temperature range, step S903 is executed and the air conditioner 100 cannot enter the self-cleaning mode.

[0171] In the above steps, the anti-freeze protection program is turned off because it conflicts with the frosting process in cooling mode. To ensure smooth frosting, this program must be turned off. Turning on the anti-freeze protection program promptly prevents the air conditioner from freezing after self-cleaning.

[0172] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 100 includes an indoor unit 1 including an indoor fan 14, an outdoor unit 2 including an outdoor fan 27 and capable of transmitting only switching signals to the indoor unit 1, a refrigeration system having a refrigerant circuit, a first temperature sensor 31, a pressure sensor 33 provided at the outdoor unit 2, an indoor controller 11, and an outdoor controller 21. The refrigerant circuit includes an indoor heat exchanger 12 and a thermal expansion valve 13 provided at the indoor unit 1, a compressor 26, a four-way valve 25, an outdoor heat exchanger 22, and an electronic expansion valve 23 provided at the outdoor unit 2, and the outdoor controller 21 can respond to user In the self-cleaning mode, the outdoor unit 2 is forced into cooling mode. The speed of the outdoor fan 27 is controlled based on the outdoor ambient temperature and the E-tube pressure to frost the indoor heat exchanger 12. When the E-tube temperature meets the defrosting condition, the outdoor fan 27 is turned off. After the cooling mode ends, the outdoor unit 2 is forced into heating mode. The speed of the outdoor fan 27 is controlled based on the outdoor ambient temperature and the E-tube pressure to defrost the indoor heat exchanger 12. When the E-tube pressure meets the defrosting condition, the outdoor fan 27 is turned off. During this process, the indoor controller 11 controls the indoor fan 14 to stop. By adding a pressure sensor 33 to the outdoor unit 2 and using the detected pressure value to control the outdoor unit 2 accordingly, the outdoor unit 2's self-cleaning control, which requires detecting the internal coil temperature, is replaced. This allows the outdoor unit 2 to still operate in self-cleaning mode even when it cannot receive the internal coil temperature of the indoor unit 1. This improves the cleanliness of the indoor heat exchanger 12 and the operating efficiency of the air conditioner 100.

[0173] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any modifications or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that: include: an indoor unit, comprising an indoor fan; The outdoor unit includes an outdoor fan, and the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can only transmit switching signals; A refrigeration system comprising a refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant circuit comprising an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, a thermostatic expansion valve provided in the indoor unit and used for throttling in a cooling mode, a compressor provided in the outdoor unit, a four-way valve provided in the outdoor unit, an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, and an electronic expansion valve provided in the outdoor unit and used for throttling in a heating mode; a first temperature sensor, which is provided in the outdoor unit and is used to detect the outdoor ambient temperature; A pressure sensor is provided in the outdoor unit and is located on the pipeline of the four-way valve close to the indoor heat exchanger, for detecting the pressure of the E tube; an outdoor controller, provided in the outdoor unit, configured to, in response to a user's self-cleaning mode, control the outdoor unit to forcibly enter a cooling mode, control the speed of the outdoor fan according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the E-tube pressure to frost the indoor heat exchanger, and turn off the outdoor fan when the E-tube pressure meets a frosting exit condition; During this process, the higher the outdoor ambient temperature, the higher the speed of the outdoor fan; the lower the E-tube pressure, the lower the speed of the outdoor fan; After the cooling mode ends, the outdoor unit is controlled to forcibly enter the heating mode, and the speed of the outdoor fan is controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the E-tube pressure to defrost the indoor heat exchanger. When the E-tube pressure meets the defrost exit condition, the outdoor fan is turned off; During this process, the lower the outdoor ambient temperature, the higher the speed of the outdoor fan; the higher the E-tube pressure, the lower the speed of the outdoor fan; The indoor controller is provided in the indoor unit and is configured to control the indoor fan to stop operating in response to a user's self-cleaning mode.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included is a second temperature sensor, which is provided on the indoor heat exchanger and is used to detect the refrigerant temperature of the indoor unit; During the process of frosting the indoor heat exchanger using the outdoor unit in cooling mode, the indoor controller is configured to control the opening of the thermal expansion valve according to the refrigerant temperature. The higher the refrigerant temperature, the larger the opening of the thermal expansion valve.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that It also includes a one-way valve, with two ends of the one-way valve connected in parallel to two ends of the electronic expansion valve; During the process of utilizing the outdoor unit in cooling mode to frost the indoor heat exchanger, the outdoor controller is configured to fully open the electronic expansion valve and forwardly conduct the one-way valve to reduce the pressure loss of the electronic expansion valve on the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that The frosting exit condition includes: the E-tube pressure detected by the pressure sensor reaches the lower limit of the first preset pressure value and lasts for a first preset time; The defrost exit condition includes: the E-tube pressure detected by the pressure sensor reaches an upper limit of a second preset pressure value and lasts for a second preset time; The second preset pressure value is greater than the first preset pressure value, and the second preset time is less than the first preset time.

5. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The outdoor controller includes a dial, which includes multiple code combinations. At least one code corresponds to a self-cleaning mode. When the dial displays the corresponding code, the self-cleaning mode is triggered.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that After the heating mode is ended, the outdoor unit issues a prompt and the indoor unit operates in the air supply mode until the temperature of the air-conditioned air blown out by the indoor unit is consistent with the preset indoor ambient temperature, and then the air conditioner is powered off and reset.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that When the air conditioner is in a self-cleaning mode, the operating frequency of the compressor may be adjusted according to the E-tube pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that In the process of using the outdoor unit in a heating mode to defrost the indoor heat exchanger, the one-way valve is reversely blocked, and the thermal expansion valve is reversely fully opened.

9. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-4, 6-8, characterized in that: Before starting the self-cleaning mode, the outdoor unit receives the preset indoor temperature and the preset reached indoor temperature by default to start the outdoor unit for cooling mode, and controls the operating frequency of the compressor in cooling mode according to the preset indoor temperature and the preset reached indoor temperature.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein The method further includes an anti-freezing protection program for preventing the indoor heat exchanger from frosting. When the outdoor unit is used in a cooling mode to cause the indoor heat exchanger to frost, the anti-freezing protection program is turned off.

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