Air conditioner and control method of air conditioner

Abstract

The invention discloses an air conditioner and a control method of the air conditioner, the air conditioner comprises a heat exchange flow path, one end of the heat exchange flow path is connected with an outlet of a compressor, the other end of the heat exchange flow path is connected with a fourth port, and a living water tank is placed on the heat exchange flow path; the control valve group is arranged on the refrigerant circulating flow path; the controller is connected with the control valve set and the four-way valve, the controller is configured to obtain a target operation mode of the air conditioner, and the target operation mode at least comprises a first cooperation mode combining a heating mode and a water heating mode; determining the target operation mode of the air conditioner as a first cooperative mode; and the on-off state of the control valve group and the on-off state of the four-way valve are controlled according to the first cooperative mode. By the adoption of the air conditioner, the requirements for heating and water heating can be met at the same time, waste heat generated in the heating process is fully used for making hot water, and therefore environmental thermal pollution is reduced, and energy waste in the operation process of the air conditioner is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and in particular to an air conditioner and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] In the related technology, the existing air conditioner cannot meet the needs of heating and hot water production at the same time, and the air conditioner cannot use the waste heat generated during heating to produce hot water, but directly discharges the waste heat into the environment, thereby increasing environmental thermal pollution and causing energy waste during the operation of the air conditioner. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can meet the needs of heating and hot water production at the same time, and fully utilize the waste heat generated during heating to produce hot water, thereby reducing environmental thermal pollution and avoiding energy waste during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0004] A second object of the present invention is to provide a control method for an air conditioner.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the first embodiment of the present invention provides an air conditioner, comprising: a refrigerant circulation flow path, so that the refrigerant circulates in the flow path composed of a vapor-liquid separator, a compressor, a fin heat exchanger, a throttling device, a liquid storage device, a heat exchanger group and a four-way valve; the heat exchanger group includes a plurality of refrigerant branches arranged in parallel, and a heat exchanger is provided on each refrigerant branch; the four-way valve includes a first port, a second port, a third port and a fourth port, the first port is connected to the heat exchanger group, the second port is connected to the vapor-liquid separator, and the third port is connected to the fin heat exchanger; a domestic water tank for storing domestic water; a heat exchange flow path, one end of the heat exchange flow path is connected to the outlet of the compressor, and the other end of the heat exchange flow path is connected to the fourth port, the domestic water tank is placed on the heat exchange flow path, and the The heat exchange flow path is used to realize heat exchange between the domestic water tank and the refrigerant circulation flow path; a control valve group, the control valve group is arranged on the refrigerant circulation flow path, and is used to conduct or cut off the refrigerant circulation flow path; a controller, the controller is connected to the control valve group and the four-way valve, and the controller is configured to: obtain a target operating mode of the air conditioner, wherein the target operating mode at least includes a first coordinated mode combining a heating mode and a hot water mode; determine that the target operating mode of the air conditioner is the first coordinated mode; control the switching state of the control valve group and the switching state of the four-way valve according to the first coordinated mode, so as to control the heating state of the domestic water tank according to the tank temperature of the domestic water tank while adjusting the indoor temperature until the tank temperature reaches a preset temperature.

[0006] According to the air conditioner of the embodiment of the present invention, when the target operating mode is the first coordinated mode combining the heating mode and the hot water mode, the needs of heating and hot water making can be met at the same time by controlling the switching state of the control valve group and the switching state of the four-way valve, and in the hot water making mode, the water in the domestic water tank is heat exchanged with the refrigerant circulation flow path through the heat exchange flow path, so that the air conditioner can use the waste heat generated when the heating mode is running to produce hot water, which greatly improves the comprehensive energy efficiency and energy recovery of the air conditioner, thereby effectively reducing the energy waste of the air conditioner during operation, reducing environmental thermal pollution, and saving a lot of electricity bills for users.

[0007] In some embodiments, the control valve group includes: a first multi-way valve, wherein the first valve port of the first multi-way valve is connected to the third port, and the second valve port of the first multi-way valve is connected to one end of the fin heat exchanger; a second multi-way valve, wherein the first valve port of the second multi-way valve is connected to one end of the throttling device, and the second valve port of the fifth multi-way valve is connected to the other end of the fin heat exchanger; a third multi-way valve, wherein the first valve port of the third multi-way valve is connected to the first end of the heat exchanger group, and the second valve port of the third multi-way valve is connected to the other end of the throttling device and one end of the liquid reservoir; a fourth multi-way valve, wherein the first valve port of the fourth multi-way valve is connected to the second end of the heat exchanger group, and the second valve port of the first multi-way valve is connected to the other end of the liquid reservoir; a fifth multi-way valve, wherein the first valve port of the fifth multi-way valve is connected to the second end of the heat exchanger group, and the second valve port of the first multi-way valve is connected to the other end of the liquid reservoir; A first valve port of the multi-way valve is connected to the first port, and a second valve port of the fifth multi-way valve is connected to the third end of the heat exchanger group; a sixth multi-way valve, a first valve port of the sixth multi-way valve is connected to the third end of the heat exchanger group; a seventh multi-way valve, a first valve port of the seventh multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the sixth multi-way valve, and a second valve port of the seventh multi-way valve is connected to the fourth end of the heat exchanger group; an eighth multi-way valve, a first valve port of the eighth multi-way valve is connected to the outlet of the compressor, and a second valve port of the eighth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the sixth multi-way valve and the first valve port of the seventh multi-way valve; a ninth multi-way valve, a first valve port of the ninth multi-way valve is connected to the other end of the heat exchange flow path, and a second valve port of the ninth multi-way valve is connected to one end of the liquid reservoir.

[0008] In some embodiments, the refrigerant circulation flow circuit includes a heating flow circuit. For controlling the switching state of the control valve group and the switching state of the four-way valve according to the first collaborative mode, the controller is specifically configured to: obtain the operating priority order under the first collaborative mode; control the switching state of the control valve group according to the operating priority order, and control the first port to be connected with the fourth port to conduct the heating flow circuit and the heat exchange flow circuit, so that while adjusting the indoor temperature, heat exchange between the domestic water tank and the heat exchange flow circuit is controlled.

[0009] In some embodiments, the operation priority is that the hot water making mode takes precedence over the heating mode, and the controller is specifically configured to: control the switch state of the control valve group to be a first state according to the operation priority, and control the first port to be connected to the fourth port to enable heat exchange between the domestic water tank and the heat exchange flow path; obtain the water tank temperature of the domestic water tank; after determining that the water tank temperature reaches a preset temperature, control the switch state of the control valve group to be a second state to adjust the indoor temperature.

[0010] In some embodiments, the operation priority order is that the heating mode takes precedence over the hot water mode, and the controller is specifically configured to: control the switch state of the control valve group to the second state according to the operation priority order, and control the first port to be connected to the fourth port; obtain the indoor temperature; determine that the indoor temperature reaches the target set temperature, and control the switch state of the control valve group to the first state, so that heat exchange is performed between the domestic water tank and the heat exchange flow path until the water tank temperature reaches the preset temperature;

[0011] In some embodiments, in the first state, the first valve port of the first multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the first multi-way valve, the first valve port of the second multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the second multi-way valve, and the first valve port of the ninth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the ninth multi-way valve; in the second state, the first valve port of the first multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the first multi-way valve, the first valve port of the second multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the second multi-way valve, the first valve port of the third multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the third multi-way valve, the first valve port of the fourth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the fourth multi-way valve, the first valve port of the sixth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the sixth multi-way valve, the first valve port of the seventh multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the seventh multi-way valve, and the first valve port of the eighth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the eighth multi-way valve.

[0012] In some embodiments, the operation priority is that the heating mode and the hot water mode are executed simultaneously, and the controller is specifically configured to: control the switch state of the control valve group to be a third state according to the operation priority, and control the first port to be connected to the fourth port to conduct the heating flow path and the hot water flow path, so that while adjusting the indoor temperature, the heat exchange between the domestic water tank and the heat exchange flow path is controlled; wherein, in the third state, the first valve port of the first multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the first multi-way valve, the first valve port of the second multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the second multi-way valve, the first valve port of the third multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the third multi-way valve, the first valve port of the fourth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the fourth multi-way valve, the first valve port of the sixth multi-way valve is connected to the sixth multi-way valve The second valve port of the valve is connected, the first valve port of the seventh multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the seventh multi-way valve, the first valve port of the eighth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the eighth multi-way valve, and the first valve port of the ninth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the ninth multi-way valve; or, in the third state, the first valve port of the first multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the first multi-way valve, the first valve port of the second multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the second multi-way valve, the first valve port of the third multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the third multi-way valve, the first valve port of the fourth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the fourth multi-way valve, the first valve port of the fifth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the fifth multi-way valve, the first valve port of the seventh multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the seventh multi-way valve, and the first valve port of the eighth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the eighth multi-way valve.

[0013] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger group includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger arranged in parallel, and the operation priority is that the heating mode and the hot water mode are executed simultaneously, and the controller is specifically configured to: control the first heat exchanger to start, and control the second heat exchanger not to start; control the switch state of the control valve group to be a fourth state according to the operation priority, and control the first port to be connected with the fourth port to conduct the heating flow path and the hot water flow path, so that the first heat exchanger controls the heat exchange between the domestic water tank and the heat exchange flow path while adjusting the indoor temperature; wherein, in the fourth state, the first valve port of the first multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the first multi-way valve, and the second The first valve port of the multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the second multi-way valve, the first valve port of the fourth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the fourth multi-way valve, and the first valve port of the fifth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the fifth multi-way valve; or, in the fourth state, the first valve port of the first multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the first multi-way valve, the first valve port of the second multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the second multi-way valve, the first valve port of the fourth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the fourth multi-way valve, the first valve port of the sixth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the sixth multi-way valve, the first valve port of the eighth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the eighth multi-way valve, and the first valve port of the ninth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the ninth multi-way valve.

[0014] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger group includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger arranged in parallel, and the operation priority order is that the heating mode and the hot water mode are executed simultaneously, and the controller is specifically configured to: control the second heat exchanger to start, and control the first heat exchanger not to start; control the switch state of the control valve group to be the fifth state according to the operation priority order, and control the first port to be connected with the fourth port to conduct the heating flow path and the hot water flow path, so that the second heat exchanger controls the heat exchange between the domestic water tank and the heat exchange flow path while adjusting the indoor temperature; wherein, in the fifth state, the first valve port of the first multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the first multi-way valve, the first valve port of the second multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the second multi-way valve, the first valve port of the third multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the third multi-way valve, the first valve port of the seventh multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the seventh multi-way valve, the first valve port of the eighth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the eighth multi-way valve, and the first valve port of the ninth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the ninth multi-way valve.

[0015] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling an air conditioner, which is used for the air conditioner described in the above embodiment, and the control method comprises: obtaining a target operating mode of the air conditioner, wherein the target operating mode includes at least a first collaborative mode combining a heating mode and a hot water mode; determining that the target operating mode of the air conditioner is the first collaborative mode; and controlling the switching state of the control valve group and the switching state of the four-way valve according to the first collaborative mode, so as to control the heating state of the domestic water tank according to the tank temperature of the domestic water tank while adjusting the indoor temperature, until the tank temperature reaches a preset temperature.

[0016] According to the control method of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the target operation mode is the first coordinated mode combining the heating mode and the hot water mode, the switching state of the control valve group and the switching state of the four-way valve are controlled so as to meet the heating and hot water needs at the same time, and in the hot water mode, the water in the domestic water tank is heat exchanged with the refrigerant circulation flow path through the heat exchange flow path, so that the air conditioner can use the waste heat generated when the heating mode is running to produce hot water, which greatly improves the comprehensive energy efficiency and energy recovery of the air conditioner, thereby effectively reducing the energy waste of the air conditioner during operation, reducing environmental thermal pollution, and saving a lot of electricity bills for users.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and in part will be obvious from the following description, or will be learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of refrigerant circulation in a hot water production mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of refrigerant circulation in a hot water production mode according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of refrigerant circulation in a heating mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of refrigerant circulation in heating mode according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of refrigerant circulation in a first collaborative mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6is a schematic diagram of refrigerant circulation in a first collaborative mode according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of refrigerant circulation in a first collaborative mode according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of refrigerant circulation in a first collaborative mode according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of refrigerant circulation in a first collaborative mode according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Fig.10 is a flow chart of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Reference numerals:

[0030] Air conditioner 1000;

[0031] Gas-liquid separator 1; compressor 2; fin heat exchanger 3; throttling device 4; liquid storage tank 5; heat exchanger group 6; four-way valve 7; domestic water tank 8; control valve group 9;

[0032] The first heat exchanger 61 ; the second heat exchanger 62 ; the first multi-way valve 901 ; the second multi-way valve 902 ; the third multi-way valve 903 ; the fourth multi-way valve 904 ; the fifth multi-way valve 905 ; the sixth multi-way valve 906 ; the seventh multi-way valve 907 ; the eighth multi-way valve 908 ; and the ninth multi-way valve 909 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary. Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below.

[0034] In order to solve the above problems, a first embodiment of the present invention provides an air conditioner, which can meet the needs of heating and hot water production at the same time, and make full use of the waste heat generated during heating to produce hot water, thereby reducing environmental thermal pollution and avoiding energy waste during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0035] Reference below Figure 1 An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner includes: a refrigerant circulation flow path, a domestic water tank 8, a heat exchange flow path, a control valve group 9 and a controller.

[0036] Among them, the refrigerant circulation flow path allows the refrigerant to circulate in the flow path composed of the vapor-liquid separator 1, the compressor 2, the fin heat exchanger 3, the throttling device 4, the liquid storage device 5, the heat exchanger group 6 and the four-way valve 7; the heat exchanger group 6 includes a plurality of refrigerant branches arranged in parallel, and a heat exchanger is provided on each refrigerant branch; the four-way valve 7 includes a first port, a second port, a third port and a fourth port, the first port is connected to the heat exchanger group 6, the second port is connected to the vapor-liquid separator 1, and the third port is connected to the fin heat exchanger 3; the domestic water tank 8 is used to store domestic water; the heat exchange flow path, one end of the heat exchange flow path is connected to the outlet of the compressor 2, and the other end of the heat exchange flow path is connected to the fourth port, and a domestic water tank 8 is placed on the heat exchange flow path, and the heat exchange flow path is used to realize heat exchange between the domestic water tank 8 and the refrigerant circulation flow path; the control valve group 9, the control valve group 9 is arranged on the refrigerant circulation flow path, and is used to conduct or cut off the refrigerant circulation flow path; the controller, the controller is connected to the control valve group 9 and the four-way valve 7.

[0037] The controller is configured to perform the following steps:

[0038] First, a target operation mode of the air conditioner is acquired, wherein the target operation mode at least includes a first coordinated mode combining a heating mode and a hot water mode.

[0039] Specifically, the user can send control instructions about the operating mode to the air conditioner through the remote control, the air conditioning application in the mobile terminal or the control panel on the air conditioner body by language, gestures and other operating methods. The air conditioner receives the control instructions about the operating mode, and the controller obtains the target operating mode of the air conditioner. For example, the target operating mode of the air conditioner is a first collaborative mode combining the heating mode and the hot water mode, or a heating mode or a hot water mode, and there is no restriction on this.

[0040] Then, the target operation mode of the air conditioner is determined to be the first cooperative mode.

[0041] Exemplarily, if the air conditioner receives a control instruction of the first cooperative mode, the controller acquires that the target operating mode of the air conditioner is the first cooperative mode.

[0042] Finally, the switching state of the control valve group 9 and the switching state of the four-way valve 7 are controlled according to the first collaborative mode, so as to control the heating state of the domestic water tank 8 according to the water tank temperature of the domestic water tank 8 while adjusting the indoor temperature until the water tank temperature reaches the preset temperature.

[0043] Specifically, the existing air conditioner cannot meet the needs of heating and hot water making at the same time, and the air conditioner cannot use the waste heat generated during heating to make hot water, but directly discharges the waste heat to the environment, thereby increasing environmental thermal pollution and causing energy waste during the operation of the air conditioner. In order to solve the above problems, the air conditioner in the present application controls the switching state of the control valve group 9 and the switching state of the four-way valve 7 when operating in the first collaborative mode combining the heating mode and the hot water making mode, so as to meet the needs of heating and hot water making at the same time, and in the hot water making mode, the water in the domestic water tank 8 is heat exchanged with the refrigerant circulation flow path through the heat exchange flow path, so that the air conditioner can use the waste heat generated when operating the heating mode to make hot water, which greatly improves the comprehensive energy efficiency and energy recovery of the air conditioner, thereby effectively reducing the energy waste during the operation of the air conditioner, reducing environmental thermal pollution, and saving a lot of electricity bills for users.

[0044] Exemplarily, when the user has the need for both heating and hot water, the target operating mode of the air conditioner is the first coordinated mode, and then the switch state of the control valve group 9 and the switch state of the four-way valve 7 are controlled according to the first coordinated mode to open or close the refrigerant circulation flow path, so as to adjust the indoor temperature while realizing heat exchange between the domestic water tank 8 and the refrigerant circulation flow path through the heat exchange flow path to produce hot water, and the heating state of the domestic water tank 8 is controlled according to the water tank temperature of the domestic water tank 8, that is, the heating state of the domestic water tank 8 is controlled to start heating or stop heating according to the water tank temperature of the domestic water tank 8, and in the process of heating the water in the domestic water tank 8, it is judged in real time whether the water tank temperature of the domestic water tank 8 reaches the preset temperature. If When the water tank temperature reaches the preset temperature, the heating state of the domestic water tank 8 is controlled to stop heating, wherein the preset temperature can be set according to actual conditions and is not limited to this. Therefore, in the present application, the switching state of the control valve group 9 and the switching state of the four-way valve 7 are controlled to meet the needs of heating and hot water at the same time, and while running in the heating mode, the water in the domestic water tank 8 is heat exchanged with the refrigerant circulation flow path through the heat exchange flow path, so that the air conditioner can use the waste heat generated when running in the heating mode to produce hot water, which greatly improves the comprehensive energy efficiency and energy recovery of the air conditioner, thereby effectively reducing the energy waste of the air conditioner during operation, reducing environmental thermal pollution, and saving a lot of electricity bills for users.

[0045] According to the air conditioner of the embodiment of the present invention, when the target operation mode is the first coordinated mode combining the heating mode and the hot water mode, the switching state of the control valve group 9 and the switching state of the four-way valve 7 are controlled so as to meet the heating and hot water needs at the same time, and in the hot water mode, the water in the domestic water tank 8 is heat exchanged with the refrigerant circulation flow path through the heat exchange flow path, so that the air conditioner can use the waste heat generated when the heating mode is running to produce hot water, which greatly improves the comprehensive energy efficiency and energy recovery of the air conditioner, thereby effectively reducing the energy waste of the air conditioner during operation, reducing environmental thermal pollution, and saving a lot of electricity bills for users.

[0046] In some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the control valve group 9 includes: a first multi-way valve 901, a second multi-way valve 902, a third multi-way valve 903, a fourth multi-way valve 904, a fifth multi-way valve 905, a sixth multi-way valve 906, a seventh multi-way valve 907, an eighth multi-way valve 908 and a ninth multi-way valve 909.

[0047] Among them, Figure 1 As shown, the first valve port a of the first multi-way valve 901 is connected to the third port C of the four-way valve 7, and the second valve port b of the first multi-way valve 901 is connected to one end of the fin heat exchanger 3; the first valve port a of the second multi-way valve 902 is connected to one end of the throttling device 4, and the second valve port b of the fifth multi-way valve 905 is connected to the other end of the fin heat exchanger 3; the first valve port a of the third multi-way valve 903 is connected to the first end of the heat exchanger group 6, and the second valve port b of the third multi-way valve 903 is connected to the other end of the throttling device 4 and one end of the liquid reservoir 5; the first valve port a of the fourth multi-way valve 904 is connected to the second end of the heat exchanger group 6, and the second valve port b of the first multi-way valve 901 is connected to the other end of the liquid reservoir 5; the first valve port a of the fifth multi-way valve 905 is connected to the four The first port E of the multi-way valve 7 is connected, the second valve port b of the fifth multi-way valve 905 is connected to the third end of the heat exchanger group 6; the first valve port a of the sixth multi-way valve 906 is connected to the third end of the heat exchanger group 6; the first valve port a of the seventh multi-way valve 907 is connected to the second valve port b of the sixth multi-way valve 906, and the second valve port b of the seventh multi-way valve 907 is connected to the fourth end of the heat exchanger group 6; the first valve port of the eighth multi-way valve 908 is connected to the outlet of the compressor 2, the second valve port of the eighth multi-way valve 908 is connected to the second valve port of the sixth multi-way valve 906 and the first valve port of the seventh multi-way valve 907; the first valve port of the ninth multi-way valve 909 is connected to the other end of the heat exchange flow path, and the second valve port of the ninth multi-way valve 909 is connected to one end of the liquid reservoir 5.

[0048] In some embodiments, the refrigerant circulation flow path includes a heating flow path. For controlling the switching state of the control valve group 9 and the switching state of the four-way valve 7 according to the first cooperative mode, the controller is specifically configured to: obtain the operating priority in the first cooperative mode; control the switching state of the control valve group 9 according to the operating priority, and control the first port to be connected with the fourth port to conduct the heating flow path and the heat exchange flow path, so that while adjusting the indoor temperature, the heat exchange between the domestic water tank 8 and the heat exchange flow path is controlled.

[0049] Specifically, the user sends a control instruction corresponding to the operation priority of the heating mode and the hot water mode to the air conditioner through a remote control, an air conditioning application in a mobile terminal, or a control panel on the body of the air conditioner through language, gestures, and other operation methods. The controller of the air conditioner obtains the operation priority in the first collaborative mode, that is, the priority of the operation of the hot water mode and the heating mode, and then controls the switch state of the control valve group 9 according to the operation priority, and controls the first port to be connected with the fourth port, so as to control the air conditioner control according to the priority of the hot water mode and the heating mode. For example, when the hot water mode and the heating mode are running at the same time, the switch state of the control valve group 9 is controlled according to the operation priority, and the first port is controlled to be connected with the fourth port to conduct the heating flow path and the heat exchange flow path, so that while adjusting the indoor temperature, the heat exchange between the domestic water tank 8 and the heat exchange flow path is controlled. Therefore, in this application, the switch state of the control valve group 9 and the four-way valve 7 is controlled according to the operation priority, so that the air conditioner can control the operation order of the hot water mode and the heating mode according to the actual needs of the user.

[0050] In some embodiments, the operation priority is that the hot water making mode takes precedence over the heating mode, and the controller is specifically configured as follows: according to the operation priority, the switch state of the control valve group 9 is controlled to be in the first state, and the first port is controlled to be connected with the fourth port so that heat exchange is performed between the domestic water tank 8 and the heat exchange flow path; the water tank temperature of the domestic water tank 8 is obtained; after determining that the water tank temperature reaches the preset temperature, the switch state of the control valve group 9 is controlled to be in the second state so as to adjust the indoor temperature.

[0051] Specifically, when the user wants to make hot water first and then heat, the user sends corresponding control instructions to the air conditioner through the remote control, the air-conditioning application in the mobile terminal or the control panel on the air conditioner body by language, gestures and other operating methods. The air conditioner controller obtains the operation priority order in the first collaborative mode, that is, the operation priority order is that the hot water making mode takes precedence over the heating mode, and then controls the switch state of the control valve group 9 according to the operation priority order, and controls the first port to be connected with the fourth port, so as to control the operation of the air conditioner according to the priority order of the hot water making mode and the heating mode, that is, first Control the air conditioner to operate in the hot water mode, that is, control the switch state of the control valve group 9 to the first state, so that heat exchange is performed between the domestic water tank 8 and the heat exchange flow path to increase the water temperature of the domestic water tank 8, and in the process of heating the water in the domestic water tank 8, it is judged in real time whether the water tank temperature of the domestic water tank 8 reaches the preset temperature. If the water tank temperature reaches the preset temperature, the heating state of the domestic water tank 8 is controlled to stop heating, and then the switch state of the control valve group 9 is controlled to the second state, that is, the air conditioner is controlled to operate in the heating mode to adjust the indoor temperature. Therefore, in this application, the switch states of the control valve group 9 and the four-way valve 7 are controlled according to the operation priority order, so that the air conditioner can control the operation order of the hot water mode and the heating mode according to the actual needs of the user.

[0052] In some embodiments, the operation priority is that the heating mode takes precedence over the hot water mode, and the controller is specifically configured to: control the switch state of the control valve group 9 to the second state according to the operation priority, and control the first port to be connected to the fourth port; obtain the indoor temperature; determine that the indoor temperature reaches the target set temperature, and control the switch state of the control valve group 9 to the first state, so that heat exchange is performed between the domestic water tank 8 and the heat exchange flow path until the water tank temperature reaches the preset temperature.

[0053] Specifically, when the user wants to heat first and then make hot water, the user sends corresponding control instructions to the air conditioner through the remote control, the air-conditioning application in the mobile terminal or the control panel on the body of the air conditioner by language, gestures and other operating methods. The controller of the air conditioner obtains the operating priority in the first collaborative mode, that is, the operating priority is that the heating mode takes precedence over the hot water making mode, and then controls the switching state of the control valve group 9 according to the operating priority, and controls the first port to be connected to the fourth port, so as to control the operation of the air conditioner according to the priority of the hot water making mode and the heating mode. That is to say, the air conditioner is first controlled to operate in the heating mode, that is, the switching state of the control valve group 9 is controlled to be the second state, so as to adjust the indoor temperature, and judge whether the indoor temperature reaches the target setting while adjusting the indoor temperature. Temperature, wherein the target set temperature can be a user-defined temperature or the default set temperature of the air conditioner. If it is determined that the indoor temperature reaches the target set temperature, the switch state of the control valve group 9 is controlled to be the first state, so that heat exchange is performed between the domestic water tank 8 and the heat exchange flow path, thereby increasing the water temperature of the domestic water tank 8, and in the process of heating the water in the domestic water tank 8, it is judged in real time whether the water tank temperature of the domestic water tank 8 reaches the preset temperature. If the water tank temperature reaches the preset temperature, the heating state of the domestic water tank 8 is controlled to stop heating. Therefore, in this application, the switch states of the control valve group 9 and the four-way valve 7 are controlled according to the operating priority order, so that the air conditioner can control the operating order of the hot water making mode and the heating mode according to the actual needs of the user.

[0054] In some embodiments, in a first state, a first valve port of the first multi-way valve 901 is connected to a second valve port of the first multi-way valve 901, a first valve port of the second multi-way valve 902 is connected to a second valve port of the second multi-way valve 902, and a first valve port of the ninth multi-way valve 909 is connected to a second valve port of the ninth multi-way valve 909; in a second state, a first valve port of the first multi-way valve 901 is connected to a second valve port of the first multi-way valve 901, a first valve port of the second multi-way valve 902 is connected to a second valve port of the second multi-way valve 902, a first valve port of the third multi-way valve 903 is connected to a second valve port of the third multi-way valve 903, a first valve port of the fourth multi-way valve 904 is connected to a second valve port of the fourth multi-way valve 904, a first valve port of the sixth multi-way valve 906 is connected to a second valve port of the sixth multi-way valve 906, a first valve port of the seventh multi-way valve 907 is connected to a second valve port of the seventh multi-way valve 907, and a first valve port of the eighth multi-way valve 908 is connected to a second valve port of the eighth multi-way valve 908.

[0055] For example, when the operation priority order is that the hot water mode takes precedence over the heating mode, the switch state of the control valve group 9 is first controlled to be the first state, and the first port E is controlled to be connected with the fourth port D to conduct the heat exchange flow path, so that the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged by the compressor 2 circulates in the heat exchange flow path, that is, according to Figure 2 The direction of the arrows shown circulates in the heat exchange path, where Figure 1 The bold black solid line is the heat exchange flow path, that is, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 flows into the domestic water tank 8 to exchange heat with the domestic water tank 8 to release heat to the domestic water tank 8, and the domestic water tank 8 uses the refrigerant to heat the water in the domestic water tank 8. Under the connection between the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the ninth multi-way valve 909, the refrigerant flows into the liquid reservoir 5 through the ninth multi-way valve 909 to be stored. After the refrigerant flow is adjusted by the throttling device 4, the refrigerant flows into the fin heat exchanger 3 through the second multi-way valve 902 under the connection between the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the second multi-way valve 902. The fin The heat exchanger 3 exchanges heat between the low-temperature refrigerant and the outdoor environment, that is, the heat of the low-temperature refrigerant absorbs the heat of the outdoor environment. The refrigerant after absorbing the heat flows into the second port S of the four-way valve 7 under the conduction of the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the first multi-way valve 901, and then flows into the gas-liquid separator 1 through the third port C of the four-way valve 7. The gas-liquid separator 1 then separates the gas and liquid of the refrigerant and then flows back to the compressor 2. Therefore, the hot water making mode is realized by controlling the switching state of the control valve group 9 to the first state, and controlling the first port E of the four-way valve 7 to be connected to the fourth port D, thereby meeting the user's hot water making needs.

[0056] Furthermore, when the air conditioner is in the process of executing the hot water mode, the controller obtains the water tank temperature of the domestic water tank 8 and determines whether the water tank temperature reaches the preset temperature. If it is determined that the water tank temperature reaches the preset temperature before the heating mode is operated, the switch state of the control valve group 9 is controlled to be the second state, that is, the switch state of the control valve group 9 is controlled to be the second state, and the first port E is controlled to be connected with the fourth port D to conduct the heating flow path, wherein Figure 3 The bold black solid line in the middle is the heat exchange flow path, so that the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is Figure 4The direction of the arrow shown circulates in the heating flow path, that is, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 passes through the eighth multi-way valve 908, and a part of the refrigerant flows into a heat exchanger arranged on a refrigerant branch through the seventh multi-way valve 907, and the high-temperature refrigerant in the heat exchanger exchanges heat with the indoor environment to release heat to the indoor environment, thereby increasing the indoor temperature, and the refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchanger after heat exchange flows into the throttling device 4 through the third multi-way valve 903, and the other part of the refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger arranged on another refrigerant branch through the sixth multi-way valve 906, and the high-temperature refrigerant in the heat exchanger exchanges heat with the indoor environment to release heat to the indoor environment, thereby increasing the indoor temperature, and the refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchanger after heat exchange flows into the liquid storage 5 to be stored, and the refrigerant discharged from the liquid storage 5 flows into the throttling device 4, and passes through the throttling device After the refrigerant flow of 4 is adjusted, since the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the second multi-way valve 902 are connected, it can flow into the fin heat exchanger 3 through the second multi-way valve 902. The fin heat exchanger 3 exchanges heat between the low-temperature refrigerant and the outdoor environment, that is, the heat of the low-temperature refrigerant absorbs the heat of the outdoor environment. The refrigerant after absorbing the heat flows into the third port C of the four-way valve 7 under the connection between the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the first multi-way valve 901, and then flows into the vapor-liquid separator 1 through the second port S of the four-way valve 7. The vapor-liquid separator 1 separates the vapor and liquid of the refrigerant and then flows back to the compressor 2. Therefore, the switching state of the control valve group 9 is controlled to be the second state, and the first port E of the four-way valve 7 is controlled to be connected with the fourth port D to adjust the indoor temperature, thereby meeting the heating needs of the user.

[0057] In an embodiment, the ports of the four-way valve can be switched to be connected or blocked by controlling the power on or off of the four-way valve.

[0058] In some embodiments, the operation priority is that the heating mode and the hot water mode are executed simultaneously, and the controller is specifically configured to: control the switch state of the control valve group 9 to the third state according to the operation priority, and control the first port to be connected with the fourth port to conduct the heating flow path and the hot water flow path, so that while adjusting the indoor temperature, the heat exchange between the domestic water tank 8 and the heat exchange flow path is controlled.

[0059] Among them, in the third state, the first valve port of the first multi-way valve 901 is connected to the second valve port of the first multi-way valve 901, the first valve port of the second multi-way valve 902 is connected to the second valve port of the second multi-way valve 902, the first valve port of the third multi-way valve 903 is connected to the second valve port of the third multi-way valve 903, the first valve port of the fourth multi-way valve 904 is connected to the second valve port of the fourth multi-way valve 904, the first valve port of the sixth multi-way valve 906 is connected to the second valve port of the sixth multi-way valve 906, the first valve port of the seventh multi-way valve 907 is connected to the second valve port of the seventh multi-way valve 907, the first valve port of the eighth multi-way valve 908 is connected to the second valve port of the eighth multi-way valve 908, and the first valve port of the ninth multi-way valve 909 is connected to the second valve port of the ninth multi-way valve 909.

[0060] Specifically, when the target operation mode of the air conditioner 1000 is the operation priority order in the first cooperative mode in which the heating mode and the hot water mode are executed simultaneously, the switch state of the control valve group 9 is controlled to be the third state, and the first port E of the four-way valve 7 is controlled to be connected to the fourth port D to conduct the heating flow path and the hot water flow path, that is, the refrigerant is controlled according to Figure 5 The direction of the arrows shown circulates in the heating flow path and the hot water flow path, where Figure 5The bold black solid line in the figure is the heating flow path and the hot water flow path after being connected, that is, a part of the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 flows into the domestic water tank 8. When the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flows to the domestic water tank 8, it exchanges heat with the domestic water tank 8 to release heat to the domestic water tank 8. The domestic water tank 8 uses the refrigerant to heat the water in the domestic water tank 8. The refrigerant after releasing the heat flows into the liquid storage tank 5 through the ninth multi-way valve 909 under the connection between the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the ninth multi-way valve 909 and is stored. Since the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the eighth multi-way valve 908 are connected, at the same time, another part of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flows into the heat exchangers arranged on the two parallel refrigerant branches respectively through the eighth multi-way valve 908, and because the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the sixth multi-way valve 906 are connected, the refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger on one refrigerant branch through the sixth multi-way valve 906, and the high-temperature refrigerant in the heat exchanger exchanges heat with the indoor environment to release heat to the indoor environment, thereby increasing the indoor temperature, and the refrigerant after heat exchange flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the throttling device 4 through the liquid storage device 5, and because the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the seventh multi-way valve 907 are connected, the refrigerant can flow into the other refrigerant branch through the seventh multi-way valve 907. After the heat exchanger on the road, the high-temperature refrigerant in the heat exchanger exchanges heat with the indoor environment to release heat to the indoor environment, thereby increasing the indoor temperature. Since the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the third multi-way valve 903 and the second multi-way valve 902 are connected, the refrigerant after heat exchange flowing out of the heat exchanger passes through the third multi-way valve 903 to the throttling device 4. The refrigerant flowing through the throttling device 4 is flow-regulated and then flows into the fin heat exchanger 3 through the second multi-way valve 902. The fin heat exchanger 3 exchanges heat between the low-temperature refrigerant and the outdoor environment, that is, the heat of the low-temperature refrigerant absorbs the heat of the outdoor environment, and the refrigerant after absorbing the heat is discharged from the first multi-way valve 901. The first valve port a and the second valve port b are connected, and the refrigerant flows into the second port S of the four-way valve 7, and then flows into the vapor-liquid separator 1 through the third port C of the four-way valve 7. The vapor-liquid separator 1 separates the vapor and liquid of the refrigerant and then flows back to the compressor 2. Therefore, by controlling the switch state of the control valve group 9 to be the third state, and controlling the first port E and the fourth port D of the four-way valve 7 to be connected, the heating mode and the hot water making mode are realized at the same time, and the air conditioner 1000 produces hot water by running the heating mode, which can effectively reduce the energy waste during the operation of the air conditioner 1000, reduce environmental thermal pollution, and save a lot of electricity bills for users.

[0061] Alternatively, in the third state, the first valve port of the first multi-way valve 901 is connected to the second valve port of the first multi-way valve 901, the first valve port of the second multi-way valve 902 is connected to the second valve port of the second multi-way valve 902, the first valve port of the third multi-way valve 903 is connected to the second valve port of the third multi-way valve 903, the first valve port of the fourth multi-way valve 904 is connected to the second valve port of the fourth multi-way valve 904, the first valve port of the fifth multi-way valve 905 is connected to the second valve port of the fifth multi-way valve 905, the first valve port of the seventh multi-way valve 907 is connected to the second valve port of the seventh multi-way valve 907, and the first valve port of the eighth multi-way valve 908 is connected to the second valve port of the eighth multi-way valve 908.

[0062] Specifically, when the target operation mode of the air conditioner 1000 after receiving the hot water and heating instructions is the operation priority order in the first cooperative mode that the heating mode and the hot water mode are executed simultaneously, the switch state of the control valve group 9 is controlled to be the third state, and the first port E of the four-way valve 7 is controlled to be connected with the fourth port D to conduct the heating flow path and the hot water flow path, that is, the refrigerant is connected according to Figure 6 The direction of the arrows shown circulates in the heating flow path and the hot water flow path, where Figure 6The bold black solid line in the middle is the heating flow path and the hot water flow path after conduction, that is, because the first port E of the four-way valve 7 is connected with the fourth port D, a part of the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged by the compressor 2 flows into the domestic water tank 8 to exchange heat with the domestic water tank 8 to release heat to the domestic water tank 8, and the domestic water tank 8 uses the refrigerant to heat the water in the domestic water tank 8. The refrigerant after releasing heat flows into the fourth port D of the four-way valve 7, and flows into the fifth multi-way valve 905 through the first port E of the four-way valve 7. Since the first valve port a of the fifth multi-way valve 905 The refrigerant can flow into a heat exchanger on a refrigerant branch through the fifth multi-way valve 905, and the refrigerant in the heat exchanger exchanges heat with the indoor environment. The refrigerant after heat exchange flows into the throttling device 4 through the liquid storage 5. Since the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the eighth multi-way valve 908 and the seventh multi-way valve 907 are connected, at the same time, another part of the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 flows into the heat exchanger arranged on another refrigerant branch through the eighth multi-way valve 908 and the seventh multi-way valve 907. The high-temperature refrigerant in the heat exchanger exchanges heat with the indoor environment. The heat exchange is performed with the environment to release heat to the indoor environment, thereby increasing the indoor temperature. The refrigerant after heat exchange flowing out of the heat exchanger flows to the throttling device 4 through the third multi-way valve 903. The refrigerant flowing through the throttling device 4 is adjusted in flow rate and flows into the fin heat exchanger 3 through the second multi-way valve 902. The fin heat exchanger 3 exchanges heat between the low-temperature refrigerant and the outdoor environment, that is, the heat of the low-temperature refrigerant absorbs the heat of the outdoor environment. The refrigerant after absorbing the heat flows into the second port of the four-way valve 7 under the conduction of the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the first multi-way valve 901. S, and then flows into the vapor-liquid separator 1 through the third port C of the four-way valve 7. The vapor-liquid separator 1 then separates the vapor and liquid of the refrigerant and then flows back to the compressor 2. The switching state of the control valve group 9 is controlled to be the third state, and the first port E of the four-way valve 7 is controlled to be connected with the fourth port D, so as to realize the heating mode and the hot water making mode at the same time. The air conditioner 1000 produces hot water by running the heating mode, which can effectively reduce the energy waste during the operation of the air conditioner 1000, reduce environmental thermal pollution, and save a lot of electricity bills for users.

[0063] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger group 6 includes a first heat exchanger 61 and a second heat exchanger 62 arranged in parallel, and the operation priority order is that the heating mode and the hot water mode are executed simultaneously. The controller is specifically configured to: control the first heat exchanger 61 to start, and control the second heat exchanger 62 not to start; according to the operation priority order, control the switch state of the control valve group 9 to the fourth state, and control the first port to be connected with the fourth port to conduct the heating flow path and the hot water flow path, so that the first heat exchanger 61 controls the heat exchange between the domestic water tank 8 and the heat exchange flow path while adjusting the indoor temperature. In the fourth state, the first valve port of the first multi-way valve 901 is connected to the second valve port of the first multi-way valve 901, the first valve port of the second multi-way valve 902 is connected to the second valve port of the second multi-way valve 902, the first valve port of the fourth multi-way valve 904 is connected to the second valve port of the fourth multi-way valve 904, and the first valve port of the fifth multi-way valve 905 is connected to the second valve port of the fifth multi-way valve 905.

[0064] In an embodiment, the first heat exchanger 61 and the second heat exchanger 62 are respectively arranged in different spaces. For example, the first heat exchanger 61 is arranged in the first space, and the second heat exchanger 62 is arranged in the second space. When a user needs to turn on the heating mode in the first space, and another user does not need to turn on the heating mode in the second space, the controller controls the first heat exchanger 61 to start, and controls the second heat exchanger 62 not to start.

[0065] Specifically, when the target operation mode of the air conditioner 1000 after receiving the hot water and heating instructions is the operation priority order in the first cooperative mode that the heating mode and the hot water mode are executed simultaneously, and the first heat exchanger 61 is controlled to start, and the second heat exchanger 62 is controlled not to start, then the switch state of the control valve group 9 is controlled to be the fourth state, and the first port E of the four-way valve 7 is controlled to be connected with the fourth port D to conduct the heating flow path and the hot water flow path, that is, the refrigerant is controlled according to Figure 7 The direction of the arrows shown circulates in the heating flow path and the hot water flow path, where Figure 7The bold black solid line in the middle is the heating flow path and the hot water flow path, that is, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 flows into the domestic water tank 8 to perform heat exchange with the domestic water tank 8 to release heat to the domestic water tank 8, and the domestic water tank 8 uses the refrigerant to heat the water in the domestic water tank 8. The refrigerant after releasing the heat flows into the fourth port D of the four-way valve 7, and flows into the fifth multi-way valve 905 through the first port E of the four-way valve 7. Under the connection between the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the fifth multi-way valve 905, it flows into the heat exchanger. The high-temperature refrigerant in the heat exchanger performs heat exchange with the indoor environment to release heat to the indoor environment, thereby increasing the indoor temperature. The refrigerant after the heat exchange flowing out of the heat exchanger passes through the fourth multi-way valve 904 and the liquid storage tank 5 and flows into the throttling device 4. After the refrigerant flowing through the throttling device 4 is flow-regulated, it is connected to the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the second multi-way valve 902. The refrigerant flows into the fin heat exchanger 3 through the second multi-way valve 902, and the fin heat exchanger 3 then exchanges heat between the low-temperature refrigerant and the outdoor environment, that is, the heat of the low-temperature refrigerant absorbs the heat of the outdoor environment, and the refrigerant after absorbing the heat flows into the second port S of the four-way valve 7 under the conduction of the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the first multi-way valve 901, and then flows into the vapor-liquid separator 1 through the third port C of the four-way valve 7. The vapor-liquid separator 1 then separates the vapor and liquid of the refrigerant and then flows back to the compressor 2. Therefore, by controlling the switch state of the control valve group 9 to the fourth state, and controlling the first port E of the four-way valve 7 to be connected to the fourth port D, the heating mode and the hot water heating mode are realized at the same time, and the air conditioner 1000 produces hot water by running the heating mode, which can effectively reduce the energy waste during the operation of the air conditioner 1000, reduce environmental thermal pollution, and save a lot of electricity bills for users.

[0066] Alternatively, in the fourth state, the first valve port of the first multi-way valve 901 is connected to the second valve port of the first multi-way valve 901, the first valve port of the second multi-way valve 902 is connected to the second valve port of the second multi-way valve 902, the first valve port of the fourth multi-way valve 904 is connected to the second valve port of the fourth multi-way valve 904, the first valve port of the sixth multi-way valve 906 is connected to the second valve port of the sixth multi-way valve 906, the first valve port of the eighth multi-way valve 908 is connected to the second valve port of the eighth multi-way valve 908, and the first valve port of the ninth multi-way valve 909 is connected to the second valve port of the ninth multi-way valve 909.

[0067] Specifically, after the air conditioner 1000 receives the hot water and heating instructions, the target operation mode is the operation priority in the first cooperative mode, and the heating mode and the hot water mode are executed simultaneously. Then, the first heat exchanger 61 is controlled to start, and the second heat exchanger 62 is controlled not to start, the switch state of the control valve group 9 is controlled to be the fourth state, and the first port E of the four-way valve 7 is controlled to be connected with the fourth port D to conduct the heating flow path and the hot water flow path, that is, the refrigerant is controlled according to Figure 8 The direction of the arrows shown circulates in the heating flow path and the hot water flow path, where Figure 8The bold black solid line in the figure is the heating flow path and the hot water flow path after being connected, that is, a part of the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged by the compressor 2 flows into the domestic water tank 8. When the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flows to the domestic water tank 8, it exchanges heat with the domestic water tank 8 to release heat to the domestic water tank 8. The domestic water tank 8 uses the refrigerant to heat the water in the domestic water tank 8. The refrigerant after releasing the heat flows into the liquid reservoir 5 through the ninth multi-way valve 909 under the connection between the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the ninth multi-way valve 909 to be stored. The refrigerant discharged from the liquid reservoir 5 flows to the throttling device 4. Since the eighth multi-way valve 908 and the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the sixth multi-way valve 906 are connected, at the same time, another part of the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged by the compressor 2 flows into the eighth multi-way valve 908, and then flows from the eighth multi-way valve 908 into the sixth multi-way valve 906, and flows into the first heat exchanger 61 through the sixth multi-way valve 906. The high-temperature refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 61 exchanges heat with the indoor environment to release heat to the indoor environment, thereby providing When the indoor temperature is high, the refrigerant after heat exchange flows into the liquid storage tank 5 to be stored, and the refrigerant discharged from the liquid storage tank 5 flows into the throttling device 4. After the refrigerant flows through the throttling device 4, the flow rate is adjusted and then the refrigerant flows into the fin heat exchanger 3 through the second multi-way valve 902 under the connection of the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the second multi-way valve 902. The fin heat exchanger 3 exchanges heat between the low-temperature refrigerant and the outdoor environment, that is, the low-temperature refrigerant absorbs the heat of the outdoor environment. After absorbing the heat, the refrigerant flows into the second port S of the four-way valve 7 under the connection of the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the first multi-way valve 901, and then flows into the vapor-liquid separator 1 through the third port C of the four-way valve 7. The vapor-liquid separator 1 separates the vapor and liquid of the refrigerant and then flows back to the compressor 2, thereby achieving hot water production while adjusting the indoor temperature by the first heat exchanger 61, and the air conditioner 1000 produces hot water by running the heating mode, which can effectively reduce the energy waste during the operation of the air conditioner 1000, reduce environmental thermal pollution, and save a lot of electricity bills for users.

[0068] In an embodiment, refrigerant flows inside the first heat exchanger 61 and the second heat exchanger 62 and has a fan for blowing air, and can meet the user's cooling or heating needs through heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air, and either of the first heat exchanger 61 and the second heat exchanger 62 can be set in the outdoor unit, for example, the first heat exchanger 61 is set in the indoor unit, and the second heat exchanger 62 is set in the outdoor unit. At this time, if the air conditioner operates in heating mode, the first heat exchanger 61 is a condenser and the second heat exchanger 62 is an evaporator.

[0069] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger group 6 includes a first heat exchanger 61 and a second heat exchanger 62 arranged in parallel, and the operation priority order is that the heating mode and the hot water mode are executed simultaneously. The controller is specifically configured to: control the second heat exchanger 62 to start, and control the first heat exchanger 61 not to start; control the switch state of the control valve group 9 to the fifth state according to the operation priority order, and control the first port to be connected with the fourth port to conduct the heating flow path and the hot water flow path, so that the second heat exchanger 62 controls the heat exchange between the domestic water tank 8 and the heat exchange flow path while adjusting the indoor temperature; Among them, in the fifth state, the first valve port of the first multi-way valve 901 is connected to the second valve port of the first multi-way valve 901, the first valve port of the second multi-way valve 902 is connected to the second valve port of the second multi-way valve 902, the first valve port of the third multi-way valve 903 is connected to the second valve port of the third multi-way valve 903, the first valve port of the seventh multi-way valve 907 is connected to the second valve port of the seventh multi-way valve 907, the first valve port of the eighth multi-way valve 908 is connected to the second valve port of the eighth multi-way valve 908, and the first valve port of the ninth multi-way valve 909 is connected to the second valve port of the ninth multi-way valve 909.

[0070] In an embodiment, the first heat exchanger 61 and the second heat exchanger 62 are respectively arranged in different spaces. For example, the first heat exchanger 61 is arranged in the first space, and the second heat exchanger 62 is arranged in the second space. When a user needs to turn on the heating mode in the second space, and another user does not need to turn on the heating mode in the first space, the controller controls the second heat exchanger 62 to start, and controls the first heat exchanger 61 not to start.

[0071] Specifically, when the target operation mode of the air conditioner 1000 after receiving the hot water and heating instructions is the operation priority order in the first cooperative mode that the heating mode and the hot water mode are executed simultaneously, and the second heat exchanger 62 is controlled to start, and the first heat exchanger 61 is controlled not to start, the switch state of the control valve group 9 is controlled to be the fifth state, and the first port E of the four-way valve 7 is controlled to be connected with the fourth port D to conduct the heating flow path and the hot water flow path, that is, the refrigerant is connected according to Fig. 9 The direction of the arrows shown circulates in the heating flow path and the hot water flow path, where Fig. 9The bold black solid line in the middle is the heating flow path and the hot water flow path after the connection, that is, a part of the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 flows into the domestic water tank 8. When the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flows to the domestic water tank 8, it exchanges heat with the domestic water tank 8 to release heat to the domestic water tank 8. The domestic water tank 8 uses the refrigerant to heat the water in the domestic water tank 8. The refrigerant after releasing the heat is connected with the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the ninth multi-way valve 909, and flows into the liquid storage tank 5 through the tenth multi-way valve to be stored and discharged. The refrigerant flows to the water heater. The flow device 4, since the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the eighth multi-way valve 908 and the seventh multi-way valve 907 are connected, at the same time, another part of the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 flows into the ninth multi-way valve 909, and then flows from the ninth multi-way valve 909 into the seventh multi-way valve 907, and flows into the second heat exchanger 62 through the seventh multi-way valve 907. The high-temperature refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 62 exchanges heat with the indoor environment to release heat to the indoor environment, thereby increasing the indoor temperature. Since the third multi-way valve 903 and the second multi-way valve The first valve port a and the second valve port b of 902 are connected, and the refrigerant after heat exchange flows to the throttling device 4 through the third multi-way valve 903. The refrigerant flowing through the throttling device 4 is adjusted in flow rate and then flows into the fin heat exchanger 3 through the second multi-way valve 902. The fin heat exchanger 3 exchanges heat between the low-temperature refrigerant and the outdoor environment, that is, the heat of the low-temperature refrigerant absorbs the heat of the outdoor environment. The refrigerant after absorbing the heat flows into the second port S of the four-way valve 7 under the conduction of the first valve port a and the second valve port b of the first multi-way valve 901, and then flows into the vapor-liquid separator 1 through the third port C of the four-way valve 7. The vapor-liquid separator 1 then separates the vapor and liquid of the refrigerant and then flows back to the compressor 2. Therefore, by controlling the switch state of the control valve group 9 to be the fifth state, and controlling the first port E of the four-way valve 7 to be connected to the fourth port D, the heating mode and the hot water mode are realized at the same time, and the air conditioner 1000 produces hot water by running the heating mode, which can effectively reduce the energy waste during the operation of the air conditioner 1000, reduce environmental thermal pollution, and save a lot of electricity bills for users.

[0072] In the embodiment, the multi-way valve may be a multi-directional valve body such as a four-way valve, a three-way valve, etc., which is not limited thereto.

[0073] In the embodiment, the heat exchange tube of the domestic water tank is in the shape of a coil, which is wound around the outside of the metal inner liner of the domestic water tank. There is thermal grease between the heat exchange tube and the metal inner liner, and the thermal grease can enhance heat transfer.

[0074] In the embodiment, except for the compressor, domestic water tank, four-way valve, and vapor-liquid separator, the multi-way valve and heat exchanger have no directionality and can be connected in any direction.

[0075] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling an air conditioner, which is used in the air conditioner of the above embodiment. Fig.10As shown, the control method includes: step S1 to step S3.

[0076] Step S1, obtaining a target operation mode of the air conditioner, wherein the target operation mode at least includes a first coordinated mode combining a heating mode and a hot water mode.

[0077] Specifically, the user can send control instructions about the operating mode to the air conditioner through the remote control, the air conditioning application in the mobile terminal or the control panel on the air conditioner body by language, gestures and other operating methods. The air conditioner receives the control instructions about the operating mode, and the controller obtains the target operating mode of the air conditioner. For example, the target operating mode of the air conditioner is a first collaborative mode combining the heating mode and the hot water mode, or a heating mode or a hot water mode, and there is no restriction on this.

[0078] Step S2, determining that the target operation mode of the air conditioner is the first cooperative mode.

[0079] Exemplarily, if the air conditioner receives a control instruction of the first cooperative mode, the controller acquires that the target operating mode of the air conditioner is the first cooperative mode.

[0080] Step S3, controlling the switching state of the control valve group 9 and the switching state of the four-way valve 7 according to the first collaborative mode, so as to control the heating state of the domestic water tank 8 according to the water tank temperature of the domestic water tank 8 while adjusting the indoor temperature until the water tank temperature reaches the preset temperature.

[0081] Specifically, the existing air conditioner cannot meet the needs of heating and hot water making at the same time, and the air conditioner cannot use the waste heat generated during heating to make hot water, but directly discharges the waste heat to the environment, thereby increasing environmental thermal pollution and causing energy waste during the operation of the air conditioner. In order to solve the above problems, the air conditioner in the present application controls the switching state of the control valve group 9 and the switching state of the four-way valve 7 when operating in the first collaborative mode combining the heating mode and the hot water making mode, so as to meet the needs of heating and hot water making at the same time, and in the hot water making mode, the water in the domestic water tank 8 is heat exchanged with the refrigerant circulation flow path through the heat exchange flow path, so that the air conditioner can use the waste heat generated when operating the heating mode to make hot water, which greatly improves the comprehensive energy efficiency and energy recovery of the air conditioner, thereby effectively reducing the energy waste during the operation of the air conditioner, reducing environmental thermal pollution, and saving a lot of electricity bills for users.

[0082] Exemplarily, when the user has the needs of cooling and hot water at the same time, the target operation mode of the air conditioner is the first coordinated mode, and then the switch state of the control valve group 9 and the switch state of the four-way valve 7 are controlled according to the first coordinated mode to open or close the refrigerant circulation flow path, so as to adjust the indoor temperature while realizing heat exchange between the domestic water tank 8 and the refrigerant circulation flow path through the heat exchange flow path to produce hot water, and the heating state of the domestic water tank 8 is controlled according to the water tank temperature of the domestic water tank 8, that is, the heating state of the domestic water tank 8 is controlled to start heating or stop heating according to the water tank temperature of the domestic water tank 8, and in the process of heating the water in the domestic water tank 8, it is judged in real time whether the water tank temperature of the domestic water tank 8 reaches the preset temperature. If When the water tank temperature reaches the preset temperature, the heating state of the domestic water tank 8 is controlled to stop heating, wherein the preset temperature can be set according to actual conditions and is not limited to this. Therefore, in the present application, the switching state of the control valve group 9 and the switching state of the four-way valve 7 are controlled to meet the needs of heating and hot water at the same time, and while running in the heating mode, the water in the domestic water tank 8 is heat exchanged with the refrigerant circulation flow path through the heat exchange flow path, so that the air conditioner can use the waste heat generated when running in the heating mode to produce hot water, which greatly improves the comprehensive energy efficiency and energy recovery of the air conditioner, thereby effectively reducing the energy waste of the air conditioner during operation, reducing environmental thermal pollution, and saving a lot of electricity bills for users.

[0083] According to the control method of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the target operation mode is the first coordinated mode combining the heating mode and the hot water mode, the switching state of the control valve group 9 and the switching state of the four-way valve 7 are controlled so as to meet the heating and hot water needs at the same time, and in the hot water mode, the water in the domestic water tank 8 is heat exchanged with the refrigerant circulation flow path through the heat exchange flow path, so that the air conditioner can use the waste heat generated when the heating mode is running to produce hot water, which greatly improves the comprehensive energy efficiency and energy recovery of the air conditioner, thereby effectively reducing the energy waste of the air conditioner during operation, reducing environmental thermal pollution, and saving a lot of electricity bills for users.

[0084] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0085] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that: include: The refrigerant circulation flow path allows the refrigerant to circulate in the flow path composed of the vapor-liquid separator, the compressor, the fin heat exchanger, the throttling device, the liquid receiver, the heat exchanger group and the four-way valve; The heat exchanger group includes a plurality of refrigerant branches arranged in parallel, and each refrigerant branch is provided with a heat exchanger; The four-way valve comprises a first port, a second port, a third port and a fourth port, the first port is connected to the heat exchanger group, the second port is connected to the vapor-liquid separator, and the third port is connected to the fin heat exchanger; Domestic water tank, used to store domestic water; a heat exchange flow path, one end of which is connected to the outlet of the compressor, and the other end of which is connected to the fourth port, the domestic water tank being placed on the heat exchange flow path, and the heat exchange flow path being used to realize heat exchange between the domestic water tank and the refrigerant circulation flow path; A control valve group, the control valve group is arranged on the refrigerant circulation flow path, and is used to open or close the refrigerant circulation flow path; A controller, wherein the controller is connected to the control valve group and the four-way valve, and the controller is configured as follows: Acquire a target operation mode of the air conditioner, wherein the target operation mode at least includes a first coordinated mode combining a heating mode and a hot water mode; determining that the target operation mode of the air conditioner is the first cooperative mode; The switching state of the control valve group and the switching state of the four-way valve are controlled according to the first collaborative mode to control the heating state of the domestic water tank according to the tank temperature of the domestic water tank while adjusting the indoor temperature until the tank temperature reaches a preset temperature.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control valve group comprises: a first multi-way valve, wherein a first valve port of the first multi-way valve is connected to the third port, and a second valve port of the first multi-way valve is connected to one end of the fin heat exchanger; a second multi-way valve, wherein a first valve port of the second multi-way valve is connected to one end of the throttling device, and a second valve port of the fifth multi-way valve is connected to the other end of the fin heat exchanger; a third multi-way valve, wherein a first valve port of the third multi-way valve is connected to a first end of the heat exchanger group, and a second valve port of the third multi-way valve is connected to the other end of the throttling device and one end of the liquid reservoir; a fourth multi-way valve, wherein a first valve port of the fourth multi-way valve is connected to the second end of the heat exchanger group, and a second valve port of the first multi-way valve is connected to the other end of the liquid reservoir; a fifth multi-way valve, wherein a first valve port of the fifth multi-way valve is connected to the first port, and a second valve port of the fifth multi-way valve is connected to the third end of the heat exchanger group; a sixth multi-way valve, wherein a first valve port of the sixth multi-way valve is connected to the third end of the heat exchanger group; a seventh multi-way valve, wherein a first valve port of the seventh multi-way valve is connected to a second valve port of the sixth multi-way valve, and a second valve port of the seventh multi-way valve is connected to a fourth end of the heat exchanger group; an eighth multi-way valve, wherein a first valve port of the eighth multi-way valve is connected to the outlet of the compressor, and a second valve port of the eighth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the sixth multi-way valve and the first valve port of the seventh multi-way valve; A ninth multi-way valve, wherein a first valve port of the ninth multi-way valve is connected to the other end of the heat exchange flow path, and a second valve port of the ninth multi-way valve is connected to one end of the liquid reservoir.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigerant circulation flow path includes a heating flow path. For controlling the switch state of the control valve group and the switch state of the four-way valve according to the first cooperative mode, the controller is specifically configured as follows: Obtaining the operation priority order in the first collaborative mode; The switch state of the control valve group is controlled according to the operation priority, and the first port is controlled to be connected with the fourth port to conduct the heating flow path and the heat exchange flow path, so that while adjusting the indoor temperature, the heat exchange between the domestic water tank and the heat exchange flow path is controlled.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that: The operation priority order is that the hot water making mode takes precedence over the heating mode, and the controller is specifically configured as follows: Controlling the switch state of the control valve group to be a first state according to the operation priority order, and controlling the first port to be connected to the fourth port, so that heat exchange is performed between the domestic water tank and the heat exchange flow path; Obtaining the water tank temperature of the domestic water tank; After determining that the water tank temperature reaches a preset temperature, the switch state of the control valve group is controlled to be a second state to adjust the indoor temperature.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that: The operation priority order is that the heating mode takes precedence over the hot water mode, and the controller is specifically configured as follows: Controlling the switch state of the control valve group to a second state according to the operation priority sequence, and controlling the first port to be connected to the fourth port; Acquiring the indoor temperature; Determine that the indoor temperature reaches the target set temperature, control the switch state of the control valve group to a first state, so that heat exchange is performed between the domestic water tank and the heat exchange flow path until the water tank temperature reaches a preset temperature.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: In the first state, the first valve port of the first multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the first multi-way valve, the first valve port of the second multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the second multi-way valve, and the first valve port of the ninth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the ninth multi-way valve; In the second state, the first valve port of the first multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the first multi-way valve, the first valve port of the second multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the second multi-way valve, the first valve port of the third multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the third multi-way valve, the first valve port of the fourth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the fourth multi-way valve, the first valve port of the sixth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the sixth multi-way valve, the first valve port of the seventh multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the seventh multi-way valve, and the first valve port of the eighth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the eighth multi-way valve.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that: The operation priority order is that the heating mode and the hot water mode are executed simultaneously, and the controller is specifically configured as follows: According to the operation priority sequence, the switch state of the control valve group is controlled to be the third state, and the first port is controlled to be connected with the fourth port to conduct the heating flow path and the hot water flow path, so that heat exchange is controlled between the domestic water tank and the heat exchange flow path while adjusting the indoor temperature; Wherein, in the third state, the first valve port of the first multi-way valve is communicated with the second valve port of the first multi-way valve, the first valve port of the second multi-way valve is communicated with the second valve port of the second multi-way valve, the first valve port of the third multi-way valve is communicated with the second valve port of the third multi-way valve, the first valve port of the fourth multi-way valve is communicated with the second valve port of the fourth multi-way valve, the first valve port of the sixth multi-way valve is communicated with the second valve port of the sixth multi-way valve, the first valve port of the seventh multi-way valve is communicated with the second valve port of the seventh multi-way valve, the first valve port of the eighth multi-way valve is communicated with the second valve port of the eighth multi-way valve, and the first valve port of the ninth multi-way valve is communicated with the second valve port of the ninth multi-way valve; Alternatively, in the third state, the first valve port of the first multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the first multi-way valve, the first valve port of the second multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the second multi-way valve, the first valve port of the third multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the third multi-way valve, the first valve port of the fourth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the fourth multi-way valve, the first valve port of the fifth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the fifth multi-way valve, the first valve port of the seventh multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the seventh multi-way valve, and the first valve port of the eighth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the eighth multi-way valve.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that: The heat exchanger group includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger arranged in parallel, the operation priority order is that the heating mode and the hot water mode are executed simultaneously, and the controller is specifically configured as follows: Controlling the first heat exchanger to start, and controlling the second heat exchanger not to start; According to the operation priority sequence, the switch state of the control valve group is controlled to be a fourth state, and the first port is controlled to be connected with the fourth port to conduct the heating flow path and the hot water flow path, so that the first heat exchanger controls the heat exchange between the domestic water tank and the heat exchange flow path while adjusting the indoor temperature; Wherein, in the fourth state, the first valve port of the first multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the first multi-way valve, the first valve port of the second multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the second multi-way valve, the first valve port of the fourth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the fourth multi-way valve, and the first valve port of the fifth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the fifth multi-way valve; Alternatively, in the fourth state, the first valve port of the first multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the first multi-way valve, the first valve port of the second multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the second multi-way valve, the first valve port of the fourth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the fourth multi-way valve, the first valve port of the sixth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the sixth multi-way valve, the first valve port of the eighth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the eighth multi-way valve, and the first valve port of the ninth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the ninth multi-way valve.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that: The heat exchanger group includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger arranged in parallel, the operation priority order is that the heating mode and the hot water mode are executed simultaneously, and the controller is specifically configured as follows: Controlling the second heat exchanger to start, and controlling the first heat exchanger not to start; According to the operation priority sequence, the switch state of the control valve group is controlled to be the fifth state, and the first port is controlled to be connected with the fourth port to conduct the heating flow path and the hot water flow path, so that the second heat exchanger controls the heat exchange between the domestic water tank and the heat exchange flow path while adjusting the indoor temperature; Among them, in the fifth state, the first valve port of the first multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the first multi-way valve, the first valve port of the second multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the second multi-way valve, the first valve port of the third multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the third multi-way valve, the first valve port of the seventh multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the seventh multi-way valve, the first valve port of the eighth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the eighth multi-way valve, and the first valve port of the ninth multi-way valve is connected to the second valve port of the ninth multi-way valve.

10. A method for controlling an air conditioner, characterized in that: For the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the control method comprises: Acquire a target operation mode of the air conditioner, wherein the target operation mode at least includes a first coordinated mode combining a heating mode and a hot water mode; determining that the target operation mode of the air conditioner is the first cooperative mode; According to the first collaborative mode, the switching state of the control valve group and the switching state of the four-way valve are controlled to control the heating state of the domestic water tank according to the tank temperature of the domestic water tank while adjusting the indoor temperature until the tank temperature reaches a preset temperature.

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