Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to the air conditioning technical field, particularly to an air conditioner and a control method thereof. The air conditioner comprises two air outlets, each of which comprises an air outlet and an indoor heat exchanger. The air conditioner further comprises a flow path control device configured to adjust the refrigerant flow rate through each indoor heat exchanger. The control method comprises: obtaining user information of multiple indoor areas; and controlling the refrigerant flow rate of the two indoor heat exchangers according to the user information. The present application solves the problem of homogenization of the air supply function of the two air outlets of the existing double-column air conditioner. The present application can meet the differentiated demand of the user for the cooling capacity or heating capacity of the two air outlets, thereby meeting the diversified air supply demand of the user and achieving the purpose of improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, dual-column air conditioners have two parallel air columns with their air outlets facing each other. Each column contains a cross-flow fan and an indoor heat exchanger. The two indoor heat exchangers are connected in parallel, and the refrigerant flow through them is equal and fixed. Therefore, the heat exchange capacity of the two indoor heat exchangers is the same and fixed, resulting in functional homogenization of the two air columns. They can only blow the same or similar types of air, failing to meet the diverse air supply needs of different users and thus reducing the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, the present invention is proposed to provide an air conditioner and its control method that overcome or at least partially solve the above problems, aiming to solve the problem of the homogeneity of the two air columns in existing dual-column air conditioners, so as to improve the user experience.

[0004] On one hand, the present invention provides a control method for an air conditioner, the air conditioner including two air outlets, each air outlet including an air outlet and an indoor heat exchanger; the air conditioner also includes a flow path control device configured to regulate the refrigerant flow rate through each of the indoor heat exchangers;

[0005] The control method includes:

[0006] Obtain user information from multiple indoor areas;

[0007] The refrigerant flow rate of the two indoor heat exchangers is controlled according to the user information.

[0008] Optionally, controlling the refrigerant flow rate of the two indoor heat exchangers based on the user information includes:

[0009] Compare the user information within each of the said regions;

[0010] The first target area is determined based on the user information;

[0011] Calculate the distance between the first target area and the two air outlets;

[0012] If the two distances are not equal, increase the refrigerant flow for the indoor heat exchanger of the air outlet near the first target area;

[0013] If the two distances are equal, the refrigerant flow rate of the two indoor heat exchangers is maintained.

[0014] Optionally, if the two distances are not equal, the refrigerant flow rate of the other indoor heat exchanger may be reduced.

[0015] Optionally, controlling the refrigerant flow rate of the two indoor heat exchangers based on the user information includes:

[0016] Compare the user information within each of the said regions;

[0017] Determine the second target area based on the user information;

[0018] Calculate the distance between the second target area and the two air outlets;

[0019] If the two distances are not equal, reduce the refrigerant flow for the indoor heat exchanger of the air outlet near the second target area;

[0020] If the two distances are equal, the refrigerant flow rate of the two indoor heat exchangers is maintained.

[0021] Optionally, when the user information is the number of users, determining the first target area based on the user information includes: determining the first target area based on the number of users; or

[0022] When the user information is the user's perceived temperature, determining the first target area based on the user information includes: determining the first target area based on the user's perceived temperature; or

[0023] When the user information includes the number of users and the user's perceived temperature, determining the target area based on the user information includes: determining whether the user's perceived temperature meets a preset condition; if yes, then determining a first target area based on the user's perceived temperature; if no, then determining a first target area based on the number of users.

[0024] Wherein, the user's perceived temperature is the average perceived temperature of all users in each area; or, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the user's perceived temperature is the maximum perceived temperature in each area; or, when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the user's perceived temperature is the minimum perceived temperature in each area.

[0025] Optionally, determining the first target area based on the number of users includes: determining the area with the largest number of users as the first target area;

[0026] The method of determining the first target area based on the user's perceived temperature includes:

[0027] When the air conditioner is running in cooling mode, the area where the user feels the highest temperature is determined as the first target area; or

[0028] When the air conditioner is in heating mode, the area where the user feels the lowest temperature is determined as the first target area; or

[0029] The area with the largest difference between the user's perceived temperature and the target temperature is defined as the first target area; or

[0030] The area where the user's perceived temperature is within a first preset range and where the difference between the user's perceived temperature and the target temperature is the largest is defined as the first target area.

[0031] Optionally, when the user information is the number of users, determining the second target area based on the user information includes: determining the second target area based on the number of users; or

[0032] When the user information is the user's perceived temperature, determining the second target area based on the user information includes: determining the second target area based on the user's perceived temperature; or

[0033] When the user information includes the number of users and the user's perceived temperature, determining the target area based on the user information includes: determining whether the user's perceived temperature meets a preset condition; if yes, then determining a second target area based on the user's perceived temperature; if no, then determining a second target area based on the number of users.

[0034] Wherein, the user's perceived temperature is the average perceived temperature of all users in each area; or, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the user's perceived temperature is the minimum perceived temperature in each area; or, when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the user's perceived temperature is the maximum perceived temperature in each area.

[0035] The method of determining the second target area based on the number of users includes: determining the area with the smallest number of users as the second target area;

[0036] The method of determining the second target area based on the user's perceived temperature includes:

[0037] When the air conditioner is running in cooling mode, the area where the user's perceived temperature is lowest is determined as the second target area; or

[0038] When the air conditioner is in heating mode, the area where the user feels the highest temperature is determined as the second target area; or

[0039] The region with the smallest difference between the user's perceived temperature and the target temperature is defined as the second target region; or

[0040] The area where the user's perceived temperature is within a second preset range and where the difference between the user's perceived temperature and the target temperature is the largest is defined as the second target area.

[0041] Optionally, the preset condition includes: the difference between the user's perceived temperature between any two areas exceeds a preset value;

[0042] The control method further includes: responding to the user's perceived temperature meeting a preset condition and determining a first target area based on the user's perceived temperature, determining whether the number of users in the first target area exceeds a preset number, or determining whether the number of users in the first target area is the largest among all the areas; if so, adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of each of the indoor heat exchangers according to a first adjustment amount; if not, adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of each of the indoor heat exchangers according to a second adjustment amount.

[0043] Wherein, the first adjustment amount is greater than the second adjustment amount.

[0044] Optionally, the preset condition includes: the difference between the user's perceived temperature between any two areas exceeds a preset value;

[0045] The control method further includes: responding to the user's perceived temperature meeting a preset condition and determining a second target area based on the user's perceived temperature, determining whether the number of users in the second target area is less than a preset number, or determining whether the number of users in the second target area is the least among all the areas; if so, adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of each indoor heat exchanger according to a first adjustment amount; if not, adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of each indoor heat exchanger according to a second adjustment amount.

[0046] Wherein, the first adjustment amount is greater than the second adjustment amount.

[0047] On the other hand, the present invention provides an air conditioner including a control device, the control device including a memory and a processor, the memory storing a control program, the control program being executed by the processor to implement the control method of the air conditioner as described in any of the above claims.

[0048] In the air conditioner control method of the present invention, based on user information from multiple indoor areas, the refrigerant flow rate of each indoor heat exchanger can be adjusted via a flow path control device, thereby adjusting the heat exchange capacity of each indoor heat exchanger. This allows the cooling or heating capacity of the two air outlets to be the same or different. Therefore, the present invention solves the problem of homogeneous air supply function of the two air outlets in existing dual-column air conditioners. The present invention can meet users' differentiated needs for the cooling or heating capacity of the two air outlets, thus satisfying diverse air supply requirements and improving user experience.

[0049] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0050] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of an air conditioner in cooling mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The following reference Figures 1 to 8This invention describes a control method for an air conditioner and an air conditioner according to embodiments of the present invention. In this description, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature, that is, include one or more of that feature. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it encompasses, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0060] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "control method," "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," and "coupling," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0061] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "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. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0062] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and in conjunction with... Figure 2-8 This invention provides a control method for an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes an indoor unit 10, which includes two air outlets, each of which includes an air outlet and an indoor heat exchanger 11. The air conditioner also includes a flow path control device configured to regulate the refrigerant flow rate through each of the indoor heat exchangers.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, the control method of the air conditioner includes the following steps: Step S1, acquiring user information for multiple indoor areas; Step S2, controlling the refrigerant flow of the two indoor heat exchangers according to the user information.

[0064] Specifically, the indoor area can be divided into 2, 3, 4, or 5 zones. Two indoor heat exchangers are connected in parallel.

[0065] In this embodiment, based on user information from multiple indoor areas, the refrigerant flow rate of each indoor heat exchanger can be adjusted via a flow path control device, thereby adjusting the heat exchange capacity of each indoor heat exchanger. This allows the cooling or heating capacity of the two air outlets to be the same or different. Therefore, this invention solves the problem of homogeneous airflow function between the two air outlets in existing dual-column air conditioners. This invention enables users to meet their differentiated needs for cooling or heating capacity at the two air outlets, thus satisfying diverse airflow requirements and improving the user experience.

[0066] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the user information includes the number of users and the user's perceived temperature. In some alternative embodiments, the user information is the number of users; or, the user information is the user's perceived temperature.

[0067] Specifically, radar and thermopile sensors are used to detect the number of users and their perceived temperature: the indoor space is divided into multiple zones, and the number of users in each zone can be detected; the perceived temperature (the user's thermal state) in each zone is also detected. The perceived temperature is not the user's direct temperature, but rather the user's skin temperature, clothing temperature, or the surrounding air temperature. In this embodiment, using both the number of users and their perceived temperature as user information allows for more scientific and precise control of the refrigerant flow in the two indoor heat exchangers.

[0068] like Figure 8 As shown, in some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the flow path control device includes two electronic expansion valves 12, each of which is connected in series with an indoor heat exchanger 11; the electronic expansion valves 12 are configured to regulate the refrigerant flow through the indoor heat exchanger 11 by controlling the opening degree.

[0069] Specifically, the electronic expansion valve 12 controls the refrigerant flow to the indoor heat exchanger 11, and can operate from closed to fully open, with each step controlled by the coil. The two electronic expansion valves 12 can be controlled independently. When selecting an electronic expansion valve 12, the rated opening is set to half of the maximum opening. For example, the total opening steps of the electronic expansion valve 12 are 100 steps (maximum opening), the rated opening is 50 steps, and the opening is 0 steps when fully closed. The rated opening is for normal cooling and heating operation (normal airflow mode). When both openings are the same, the system can stably achieve its calibrated capacity.

[0070] like Figure 2As shown, in some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the step S2 of controlling the refrigerant flow rate of the two indoor heat exchangers according to the user information includes the following steps: step 211, comparing the user information in each region; step 212, determining a first target region based on the user information; step 213, calculating the distance between the first target region and the two air outlets; step 2141, if the two distances are not equal, increasing the refrigerant flow rate for the indoor heat exchanger near the air outlet of the first target region; step 2142, if the two distances are equal, maintaining the refrigerant flow rate of the two indoor heat exchangers.

[0071] Specifically, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the first target area is a hot zone; when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the first target area is a cold zone. In this embodiment, based on the first target area, the heat exchange capacity (cooling or heating capacity) of that area is enhanced.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, in some optional embodiments of the present invention, controlling the refrigerant flow rate of the two indoor heat exchangers according to the user information includes the following steps: Step 221, comparing the user information in each region; Step 222, determining a first target region based on the user information; Step 223, calculating the distance between the first target region and the two air outlets; Step 2241, if the two distances are not equal, increasing the refrigerant flow rate for the indoor heat exchanger near the air outlet of the first target region and decreasing the refrigerant flow rate for the other indoor heat exchanger; Step 2242, if the two distances are equal, maintaining the refrigerant flow rate of the two indoor heat exchangers.

[0073] Specifically, in step 2241, the refrigerant flow rates of the two indoor heat exchangers are adjusted by the same amount, but in opposite directions. For example, the opening of the electronic expansion valve of the air outlet near the first target area is increased by 5 steps, and correspondingly, the opening of the electronic expansion valve of the other air outlet is decreased by 5 steps.

[0074] Furthermore, in some optional embodiments of the present invention, when the user information is the number of users, determining the first target area based on the user information includes the following steps: determining the first target area based on the number of users.

[0075] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, when the user information is the user's perceived temperature, determining the first target area based on the user information includes the following steps: determining the first target area based on the user's perceived temperature.

[0076] like Figure 4As shown, in some alternative embodiments of the present invention, when the user information includes the number of users and the user's perceived temperature, determining the target area based on the user information includes: determining whether the user's perceived temperature meets a preset condition; if yes, then determining a first target area based on the user's perceived temperature; if no, then determining a first target area based on the number of users.

[0077] Preferably, in some alternative embodiments of the invention, the user's perceived temperature is the average perceived temperature of all users within each area. In some alternative embodiments, when the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, the user's perceived temperature is the maximum perceived temperature within each area. In other alternative embodiments, when the air conditioner is operating in heating mode, the user's perceived temperature is the minimum perceived temperature within each area.

[0078] More preferably, in some optional embodiments, determining the first target area based on the user's perceived temperature includes: when the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, determining the area with the highest perceived temperature as the first target area. That is, when the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, the hottest area in each region is used as the first target area, increasing the cooling capacity for that region.

[0079] In some alternative embodiments, determining the first target area based on the user's perceived temperature includes: when the air conditioner is in heating mode, determining the area with the lowest perceived temperature as the first target area. That is, when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the coldest area among all areas is used as the first target area to increase the heating capacity for that area.

[0080] In some alternative embodiments, determining the first target area based on the user's perceived temperature includes: defining the area with the largest difference between the user's perceived temperature and the target temperature as the first target area. That is, during cooling, the cooling capacity of the area with the largest difference between the user's perceived temperature and the target temperature is enhanced; during heating, the heating capacity of the area with the largest difference between the user's perceived temperature and the target temperature is enhanced.

[0081] In some alternative embodiments, determining the first target area based on the user's perceived temperature includes: defining the area where the user's perceived temperature falls within a first preset range, and the difference between the user's perceived temperature and the target temperature is the largest, as the first target area. For example, during cooling, the target temperature is 25°C, and the first preset range is 27–32°C. Alternatively, during heating, the target temperature is 25°C, and the first preset range is 20–24°C.

[0082] In some alternative embodiments, determining the first target area based on the number of users includes: determining the area with the largest number of users as the first target area.

[0083] In some embodiments of the present invention, the preset condition includes: the difference between the user's perceived temperature between any two regions exceeds a preset value.

[0084] like Figure 5 As shown, further, in some embodiments of the present invention, the control method further includes: responding to the user's perceived temperature meeting a preset condition and determining a first target area based on the user's perceived temperature, determining whether the number of users in the first target area exceeds a preset number; if so, adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of each of the indoor heat exchangers according to a first adjustment amount; if not, adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of each of the indoor heat exchangers according to a second adjustment amount; wherein, the first adjustment amount is greater than the second adjustment amount. In this embodiment, through the above settings, the refrigerant flow rate of the first target area can be adjusted more accurately, thereby further improving the user experience.

[0085] For example, if the number of users in the first target area exceeds the preset number, the opening of the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the air outlet near the first target area is increased significantly; if the number of users in the first target area does not exceed the preset number, the opening of the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the air outlet near the first target area is increased gradually.

[0086] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the control method further includes: responding to the user's perceived temperature meeting a preset condition and determining a first target area based on the user's perceived temperature, determining whether the number of users in the first target area is the highest among all the areas; if so, adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of each indoor heat exchanger according to a first adjustment amount; if not, adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of each indoor heat exchanger according to a second adjustment amount. Wherein, the first adjustment amount is greater than the second adjustment amount. In this embodiment, through the above settings, the refrigerant flow rate in the first target area can be adjusted more precisely, thereby further improving the user experience.

[0087] For example, if the number of users in the first target area is the largest among all areas, the valve opening of the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the air outlet near the first target area is increased significantly; if the number of users in the first target area is not the largest among all areas, the valve opening of the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the air outlet near the first target area is increased gradually.

[0088] like Figure 6As shown, in some alternative embodiments of the invention, the step S2 of controlling the refrigerant flow rate of the two indoor heat exchangers based on the user information includes the following steps: step 231, comparing the user information in each area; step 232, determining a second target area based on the user information; step 233, calculating the distance between the second target area and the two air outlets; step 234, if the two distances are not equal, reducing the refrigerant flow rate for the indoor heat exchanger near the air outlet of the second target area; step 235, if the two distances are equal, maintaining the refrigerant flow rate of the two indoor heat exchangers.

[0089] Specifically, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the second target area is a cold zone; when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the second target area is a hot zone. In this embodiment, based on the second target area, the heat exchange capacity (cooling or heating capacity) of that area is reduced.

[0090] Furthermore, in some optional embodiments of the present invention, when the user information is the number of users, determining the second target area based on the user information (step 232) includes: determining the second target area based on the number of users.

[0091] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, when the user information is the user's perceived temperature, determining the second target area based on the user information (step 232) includes: determining the second target area based on the user's perceived temperature.

[0092] like Figure 7 As shown, in some optional embodiments of the present invention, when the user information includes the number of users and the user's perceived temperature, determining the target area based on the user information (step 232) includes: determining whether the user's perceived temperature meets a preset condition; if yes, then determining a second target area based on the user's perceived temperature; if no, then determining a second target area based on the number of users.

[0093] Preferably, in some alternative embodiments, the user's perceived temperature is the average perceived temperature of all users within each area. In some alternative embodiments, when the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, the user's perceived temperature is the minimum perceived temperature within each area. In some alternative embodiments, when the air conditioner is operating in heating mode, the user's perceived temperature is the maximum perceived temperature within each area.

[0094] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, determining the second target area based on the number of users includes: determining the area with the smallest number of users as the second target area.

[0095] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, determining the second target area based on the user's perceived temperature includes: when the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, determining the area with the lowest perceived temperature as the second target area. That is, when the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, the coldest area among the various zones is used as the second target area, thus reducing the cooling capacity of that area.

[0096] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, determining the second target area based on the user's perceived temperature includes: when the air conditioner is in heating mode, determining the area with the highest perceived temperature as the second target area. That is, when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the hottest area in each region is used as the second target area, and the heating capacity for that area is reduced.

[0097] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, determining the second target area based on the user's perceived temperature includes: determining the area with the smallest difference between the user's perceived temperature and the target temperature as the second target area. That is, during cooling, the cooling capacity of the area with the smallest difference between the user's perceived temperature and the target temperature is reduced; during heating, the heating capacity of the area with the largest difference between the user's perceived temperature and the target temperature is reduced.

[0098] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, determining the second target area based on the user's perceived temperature includes: defining the area where the user's perceived temperature falls within a second preset range, and where the difference between the user's perceived temperature and the target temperature is the largest, as the second target area. For example, during cooling, the target temperature is 25°C, and the second preset range is 20–24°C. Alternatively, during heating, the target temperature is 25°C, and the second preset range is 26–30°C.

[0099] Furthermore, the preset condition includes: the difference between the user's perceived temperature between any two regions exceeds a preset value.

[0100] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the control method further includes: responding to the user's perceived temperature meeting a preset condition and determining a second target area based on the user's perceived temperature, determining whether the number of users in the second target area is less than a preset number; if so, adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of each of the indoor heat exchangers according to a first adjustment amount; if not, adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of each of the indoor heat exchangers according to a second adjustment amount. Wherein, the first adjustment amount is greater than the second adjustment amount. In this embodiment, through the above settings, the refrigerant flow rate in the second target area can be adjusted more precisely, thereby further improving the user experience.

[0101] For example, when the number of users in the second target area is less than the preset number, the opening of the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the air outlet near the second target area is reduced significantly; when the number of users in the second target area is not less than the preset number, the opening of the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the air outlet near the second target area is reduced gradually.

[0102] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the control method further includes: responding to the user's perceived temperature meeting a preset condition and determining a second target area based on the user's perceived temperature, determining whether the number of users in the second target area is the minimum among all the areas; if so, adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of each indoor heat exchanger according to a first adjustment amount; if not, adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of each indoor heat exchanger according to a second adjustment amount. Wherein, the first adjustment amount is greater than the second adjustment amount. In this embodiment, through the above settings, the refrigerant flow rate in the second target area can be adjusted more precisely, thereby further improving the user experience.

[0103] For example, if the number of users in the second target area is the lowest among all areas, the valve opening of the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the air outlet near the second target area is significantly reduced; if the number of users in the second target area is not the lowest among all areas, the valve opening of the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the air outlet near the second target area is gradually reduced.

[0104] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the two air outlets are separate structures. In some alternative embodiments, the two air outlets are an integral structure.

[0105] The present invention also provides an air conditioner, the air conditioner including a control device, the control device including a memory and a processor, the memory storing a control program, the control program being executed by the processor to implement the control method of the air conditioner described in any of the above embodiments.

[0106] In the air conditioner of this invention, the refrigerant flow rate of each indoor heat exchanger can be adjusted via a flow path control device, thereby adjusting the heat exchange capacity of each indoor heat exchanger. This allows the cooling or heating capacity of the two air outlets to be the same or different. Therefore, this invention solves the problem of homogeneous air delivery function of the two air outlets in existing dual-column air conditioners. This invention enables users to meet their differentiated needs for the cooling or heating capacity of the two air outlets, thus satisfying diverse air delivery requirements and improving the user experience.

[0107] like Figure 8As shown, in some optional embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit 10 and an outdoor unit 20. The indoor unit 10 includes two air outlets, each including an air outlet, an indoor fan 13, and an indoor heat exchanger 11. The outdoor unit includes a compressor 23, an outdoor heat exchanger 21, and a four-way valve 22. The two indoor heat exchangers 11 are connected in parallel, and are respectively designated as a first indoor heat exchanger and a second indoor heat exchanger. The flow path control device includes two electronic expansion valves 12, each connected in series with its corresponding indoor heat exchanger 11. The electronic expansion valves 12, connected in series with the indoor heat exchangers 11, control the refrigerant flow rate in the indoor heat exchangers, ensuring stable and reliable operation.

[0108] In some alternative embodiments of the invention, the indoor unit includes two air outlets. The two air outlets are distributed laterally; correspondingly, two air vents and two indoor heat exchangers 11 are also distributed laterally. In some alternative embodiments, the two air outlets are distributed vertically; correspondingly, two air vents and two indoor heat exchangers 11 are also distributed vertically. The distribution of the air outlets can be designed according to the indoor unit's shape or primary function.

[0109] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the indoor unit includes two air outlets. When the two air outlets are vertically arranged, they are symmetrically arranged about a vertically extending reference plane. When the two air outlets are horizontally arranged, they are symmetrically arranged about a horizontally extending reference plane. The symmetrical arrangement of the air outlets makes the air conditioner's design stable and conforms to the aesthetic preferences of Chinese people.

[0110] The flow path control device includes two electronic expansion valves 12, and each indoor heat exchanger 11 is connected in series with one of the electronic expansion valves 12; the electronic expansion valves 12 are configured to regulate the flow rate of refrigerant through the indoor heat exchanger 11 by controlling the opening degree.

[0111] Specifically, the electronic expansion valve 12 controls the refrigerant flow to the indoor heat exchanger 11, and can operate from closed to fully open, with each step controlled by the coil. The two electronic expansion valves 12 can be controlled independently. When selecting an electronic expansion valve 12, the rated opening is set to half of the maximum opening. For example, the total opening steps of the electronic expansion valve 12 are 100 steps (maximum opening), the rated opening is 50 steps, and the opening is 0 steps when fully closed. The rated opening is for normal cooling and heating operation (normal airflow mode). When both openings are the same, the system can stably achieve its calibrated capacity.

[0112] More preferably, the two air outlets are spaced apart to form an air-drawing gap between them. When the two air outlets blow air forward, the negative pressure drives the air in the air-drawing gap to flow forward, thereby mixing this air with the air blown out by the two air outlets. During cooling, this lowers the air temperature and prevents the air from being too "hard," producing a "soft" air effect.

[0113] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner includes a radar and a thermopile sensor. Furthermore, the radar and thermopile sensor are disposed at the center of the front side of the air conditioner.

[0114] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A control method of an air conditioner, characterized by: The air conditioner comprises two air outlets, each air outlet comprising an air outlet and an indoor heat exchanger; the air conditioner further comprises a flow path control device configured to adjust the refrigerant flow rate through each indoor heat exchanger; The control method comprises: obtaining user information of multiple areas indoors; controlling the refrigerant flow rate of the two indoor heat exchangers according to the user information; The control method comprises: comparing the user information in each area; determining a first target area according to the user information; calculating the distance between the first target area and the two air outlets; if the two distances are not equal, increasing the refrigerant flow rate of the indoor heat exchanger of the air outlet close to the first target area; if the two distances are equal, maintaining the refrigerant flow rate of the two indoor heat exchangers; When the user information is the number of users, determining a first target area according to the user information comprises determining a first target area according to the number of users.

2. The control method of claim 1, wherein: if the two distances are not equal, and reducing the refrigerant flow rate of the other indoor heat exchanger.

3. The control method according to claim 1, characterized by: The control method comprises: comparing the user information in each area; determining a second target area according to the user information; calculating the distance between the second target area and the two air outlets; if the two distances are not equal, reducing the refrigerant flow rate of the indoor heat exchanger of the air outlet close to the second target area; if the two distances are equal, maintaining the refrigerant flow rate of the two indoor heat exchangers.

4. The control method of claim 1, wherein: When the user information is the user's thermal sensation temperature, determining a first target area according to the user information comprises determining a first target area according to the user's thermal sensation temperature; or When the user information comprises the number of users and the user's thermal sensation temperature, determining a target area according to the user information comprises determining a first target area according to the number of users if the user's thermal sensation temperature does not meet a preset condition; or determining a first target area according to the user's thermal sensation temperature if the user's thermal sensation temperature meets the preset condition. The user's thermal sensation temperature is the average of the thermal sensation temperatures of each user in each area; or, when the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, the user's thermal sensation temperature is the maximum thermal sensation temperature in each area; or, when the air conditioner is operating in heating mode, the user's thermal sensation temperature is the minimum thermal sensation temperature in each area.

5. The control method of claim 4, wherein: Determining a first target area according to the number of users comprises determining the area with the most users as the first target area. Determining a first target area according to the user's thermal sensation temperature comprises: When the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, determining the area with the maximum user's thermal sensation temperature as the first target area; or determining a region with the minimum user body temperature as the first target region when the air conditioner is in heating operation; or determining a region with the maximum difference between the user body temperature and the target temperature as the first target region; or determining a region with the user body temperature within a first preset range and the maximum difference between the user body temperature and the target temperature as the first target region.

6. The control method of claim 3, wherein: when the user information is the number of users, determining the second target region according to the user information comprises: determining the second target region according to the number of users; or when the user information is the user body temperature, determining the second target region according to the user information comprises: determining the second target region according to the user body temperature; or when the user information comprises the number of users and the user body temperature, determining the target region according to the user information comprises: determining whether the user body temperature meets a preset condition; if yes, determining the second target region according to the user body temperature; if no, determining the second target region according to the number of users; wherein the user body temperature is an average value of the user body temperature in each region; or, when the air conditioner is in cooling operation, the user body temperature is the minimum user body temperature in each region; or, when the air conditioner is in heating operation, the user body temperature is the maximum user body temperature in each region; determining the second target region according to the number of users comprises: determining the region with the minimum number of users as the second target region; determining the second target region according to the user body temperature comprises: determining the region with the minimum user body temperature as the second target region when the air conditioner is in cooling operation; or determining the region with the maximum user body temperature as the second target region when the air conditioner is in heating operation; or determining the region with the minimum difference between the user body temperature and the target temperature as the second target region; or determining the region with the user body temperature within a second preset range and the maximum difference between the user body temperature and the target temperature as the second target region.

7. The control method of claim 4, wherein: the preset condition comprises: a difference between the user body temperatures of any two regions exceeding a preset value; the control method further comprises: in response to the user body temperature meeting the preset condition and the first target region being determined according to the user body temperature, determining whether the number of users in the first target region exceeds a preset number of people, or determining whether the number of users in the first target region is the largest among all the regions; if yes, adjusting the refrigerant flow of each indoor heat exchanger by a first adjustment amount; if no, adjusting the refrigerant flow of each indoor heat exchanger by a second adjustment amount; wherein the first adjustment amount is greater than the second adjustment amount.

8. The control method of claim 6, wherein: the preset condition comprises: a difference between the user body temperatures of any two regions exceeding a preset value; The control method further comprises: in response to the user body temperature satisfying a preset condition and a second target region being determined according to the user body temperature, determining whether the number of users in the second target region is less than a preset number or whether the number of users in the second target region is the least among all the regions; if yes, adjusting the refrigerant flow of each indoor heat exchanger by a first adjustment amount; and if no, adjusting the refrigerant flow of each indoor heat exchanger by a second adjustment amount. The first adjustment amount is greater than the second adjustment amount.

9. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: The control device comprises a memory and a processor, and the memory stores a control program. When the control program is executed by the processor, the control method of the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is implemented.

Images