Air conditioners and their control methods

Abstract

This invention provides an air conditioner and its control method. The air conditioner includes a compressor, a four-way reversing valve, an indoor heat exchanger, an outdoor heat exchanger, a first control valve, a second control valve, and a first bypass branch. The compressor is connected to the indoor heat exchanger via the four-way reversing valve, and the indoor heat exchanger is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger is connected to the four-way reversing valve via a fourth flow path, and the four-way reversing valve is connected to the compressor via a fifth flow path. The two ends of the first bypass branch are respectively connected between the fourth and fifth flow paths. The first control valve is disposed on the first bypass branch, and the second control valve is disposed on a flow branch section of the fourth flow path, located between the third port of the four-way reversing valve and the first bypass branch. This invention's air conditioner can avoid heat exchange losses at the four-way reversing valve, thereby achieving rapid heating during the heating operation phase, improving heating efficiency, and ultimately enhancing the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] See Figure 1 In existing air conditioners, when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 15 through the four-way reversing valve 12, where it condenses and releases heat to the indoor environment. The condensed refrigerant then flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 13 after being throttled and depressurized by the electronic expansion valve 14. The lower-temperature, lower-pressure refrigerant evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger 13 to absorb heat from the outdoor environment. The evaporated refrigerant then flows back to the compressor 11 through the four-way reversing valve 12, thus completing the entire heating cycle.

[0003] However, in the heating cycle of existing air conditioners, the two refrigerant flow paths—from compressor 11 to indoor heat exchanger 15 and from outdoor heat exchanger 13 back to compressor 11—both require passing through a four-way reversing valve 12. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of compressor 11 are higher than those flowing into compressor 11. These two refrigerants in different thermodynamic states exchange heat through the valve core, outer shell, and other components of the four-way reversing valve 12. This heat exchange causes the temperature of the refrigerant flowing to indoor heat exchanger 15 through the four-way reversing valve 12 to decrease, thereby reducing the heating efficiency of the air conditioner. In particular, during the heating start-up phase, the heat exchange loss at the four-way reversing valve 12 results in a slower temperature rise in indoor heat exchanger 15, which is not conducive to achieving rapid heating when the air conditioner starts heating, thus affecting the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The primary objective of this invention is to provide an air conditioner that avoids heat exchange loss at the four-way reversing valve, thereby achieving rapid heating during the heating operation phase, improving heating efficiency, and ultimately enhancing the user experience.

[0005] A second objective of this invention is to provide a control method for the aforementioned air conditioner.

[0006] To achieve the first objective of this invention, an air conditioner is provided, comprising a compressor, a four-way reversing valve, an indoor heat exchanger, an outdoor heat exchanger, a first control valve, a second control valve, and a first bypass branch. The outlet end of the compressor is connected to the first port of the four-way reversing valve via a first flow path. The second port of the four-way reversing valve is connected to the first port of the indoor heat exchanger via a second flow path. The second port of the indoor heat exchanger is connected to the first port of the outdoor heat exchanger via a third flow path. The second port of the outdoor heat exchanger is connected to the third port of the four-way reversing valve via a fourth flow path. The fourth port of the four-way reversing valve is connected to the inlet end of the compressor via a fifth flow path. The two ends of the first bypass branch are respectively connected between the fourth flow path and the fifth flow path. The first control valve is disposed on the first bypass branch to open or close the first bypass branch. The second control valve is disposed on a flow branch section of the fourth flow path to open or close the flow branch section. The flow branch section is located between the third port of the four-way reversing valve and the first bypass branch.

[0007] A preferred embodiment is that the first control valve is a first solenoid valve; and / or, the second control valve is a second solenoid valve.

[0008] A further improvement is that the air conditioner also includes a first electronic expansion valve, which is located in the third flow path.

[0009] As can be seen from the above scheme, when the air conditioner of the present invention starts its heating operation, in order to achieve rapid heating, the air conditioner can be controlled to operate in a rapid heating mode. This involves controlling the first control valve of the air conditioner to open and the second control valve to close, thereby connecting the second port of the outdoor heat exchanger to the inlet of the compressor via a first bypass branch. Simultaneously, the first port of the four-way reversing valve is connected to the second port, connecting the outlet of the compressor to the first port of the indoor heat exchanger via the four-way reversing valve. Therefore, during the rapid heating mode operation, the higher-temperature refrigerant, compressed by the compressor, flows to the indoor heat exchanger through the first and second ports of the four-way reversing valve, condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, and releases heat to the indoor environment. The condensed refrigerant then flows into the outdoor heat exchanger through a third flow path, where the lower-temperature, lower-pressure refrigerant evaporates to absorb heat from the outdoor environment. The evaporated refrigerant then flows back to the compressor via the first bypass branch, thus completing the heating cycle.

[0010] Compared to existing air conditioners where heat exchange losses occur at the four-way reversing valve during heating operation, the air conditioner of this invention, during rapid heating mode operation, has the higher-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor flow to the indoor heat exchanger through the four-way reversing valve, while the refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger flows back to the compressor through the first bypass branch. This separates the two refrigerants in different thermodynamic states into two non-intersecting flow paths for circulation, avoiding heat exchange losses at the four-way reversing valve. This shortens the time it takes for the indoor heat exchanger temperature to rise from the indoor ambient temperature to the preset temperature, achieving rapid heating during the heating operation phase, thus improving heating efficiency and enhancing the user experience.

[0011] When the air conditioner of the present invention operates in rapid heating mode and the indoor ambient temperature approaches the preset temperature, in order to improve the heating stability of the air conditioner of the present invention, the air conditioner of the present invention can switch to normal heating mode, that is, control the first control valve of the air conditioner of the present invention to close, control the second control valve of the air conditioner of the present invention to open, and control the third port of the four-way reversing valve of the air conditioner of the present invention to connect with the fourth port of the four-way reversing valve, so that the second port of the outdoor heat exchanger is connected to the inlet end of the compressor through the four-way reversing valve. Therefore, during the normal heating mode operation of the air conditioner of this invention, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor flows to the indoor heat exchanger through the first and second ports of the four-way reversing valve, condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, and releases heat to the indoor environment. The condensed refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger through the third flow path to evaporate and absorb heat from the outdoor environment. The evaporated refrigerant flows back to the compressor through the third and fourth ports of the four-way reversing valve. At this time, the first bypass branch is closed by the first control valve, thereby avoiding the impact of the added first bypass branch on the stable heating operation stage, thus ensuring the heating stability of the air conditioner.

[0012] To achieve the second objective of this invention, this invention provides a control method for an air conditioner, wherein the air conditioner is as described above. The control method includes: controlling the air conditioner to operate in a rapid heating mode; the rapid heating mode includes: controlling a first control valve to open and controlling a second control valve to close, such that the second port of the outdoor heat exchanger is connected to the inlet end of the compressor through a first bypass branch, and controlling the first port of the four-way reversing valve to connect to the second port of the four-way reversing valve, such that the outlet end of the compressor is connected to the first port of the indoor heat exchanger through the four-way reversing valve.

[0013] A further solution is that the control method also includes: after the air conditioner operates in rapid heating mode, determining whether the heating air temperature delivered to the room by the air conditioner is greater than the preset temperature; if so, controlling the air conditioner to operate in normal heating mode; normal heating mode includes: controlling the first control valve to close and controlling the second control valve to open, and controlling the third port of the four-way reversing valve to connect with the fourth port of the four-way reversing valve, so that the second port of the outdoor heat exchanger is connected to the inlet end of the compressor through the four-way reversing valve.

[0014] To achieve the first objective of this invention, an air conditioner is provided, comprising a compressor, a four-way reversing valve, an indoor heat exchanger, an outdoor heat exchanger, a third control valve, a fourth control valve, and a second bypass branch. The outlet end of the compressor is connected to the first port of the four-way reversing valve via a first flow path. The second port of the four-way reversing valve is connected to the first port of the indoor heat exchanger via a second flow path. The second port of the indoor heat exchanger is connected to the first port of the outdoor heat exchanger via a third flow path. The second port of the outdoor heat exchanger is connected to the third port of the four-way reversing valve via a fourth flow path. The fourth port of the four-way reversing valve is connected to the inlet end of the compressor via a fifth flow path. The two ends of the second bypass branch are respectively connected between the first flow path and the second flow path. The third control valve is disposed on the second bypass branch to open or close the second bypass branch. The fourth control valve is disposed on a flow branch section of the first flow path to open or close the flow branch section. The flow branch section is located between the first port of the four-way reversing valve and the second bypass branch.

[0015] A further alternative is that the third control valve is a third solenoid valve; and / or, the fourth control valve is a fourth solenoid valve.

[0016] A further improvement is that the air conditioner also includes a second electronic expansion valve, which is located in the third flow path.

[0017] As can be seen from the above scheme, when the air conditioner of the present invention starts its heating operation, in order to achieve rapid heating, the air conditioner can be controlled to operate in a rapid heating mode. This involves controlling the third control valve of the air conditioner to open and the fourth control valve to close, thereby connecting the compressor outlet to the first port of the indoor heat exchanger via the second bypass branch. Simultaneously, the third port and fourth port of the four-way reversing valve are connected, connecting the second port of the outdoor heat exchanger to the compressor inlet via the four-way reversing valve. Therefore, during the rapid heating mode operation, the higher-temperature refrigerant, after being compressed by the compressor, flows to the indoor heat exchanger via the second bypass branch, condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, and releases heat to the indoor environment. The condensed refrigerant then flows into the outdoor heat exchanger via the third flow path, where the lower-temperature, lower-pressure refrigerant evaporates to absorb heat from the outdoor environment. The evaporated refrigerant then flows back to the compressor via the third and fourth ports of the four-way reversing valve, thus completing the heating cycle.

[0018] Compared to existing air conditioners where heat exchange losses occur at the four-way reversing valve during heating operation, the air conditioner of this invention, during rapid heating mode operation, has the higher-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor flow to the indoor heat exchanger through a second bypass branch, while the refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger flows back to the compressor through the four-way reversing valve. This separates the two refrigerants in different thermodynamic states into two non-intersecting flow paths, avoiding heat exchange losses at the four-way reversing valve. This shortens the time it takes for the indoor heat exchanger temperature to rise from the indoor ambient temperature to the preset temperature, achieving rapid heating during the heating operation phase, thus improving heating efficiency and enhancing the user experience.

[0019] When the air conditioner of this invention operates in rapid heating mode and the indoor ambient temperature approaches the preset temperature, in order to improve the heating stability of the air conditioner, it can switch to normal heating mode. This involves controlling the third control valve of the air conditioner to close and the fourth control valve to open, and connecting the first and second ports of the four-way reversing valve so that the compressor outlet is connected to the first port of the indoor heat exchanger via the four-way reversing valve. Therefore, during normal heating mode operation, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor flows to the indoor heat exchanger through the first and second ports of the four-way reversing valve, condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, and releases heat to the indoor environment. The condensed refrigerant then flows through the third flow path to the outdoor heat exchanger to evaporate, absorbing heat from the outdoor environment. The evaporated refrigerant then flows back to the compressor through the third and fourth ports of the four-way reversing valve. At this time, the second bypass branch is closed by the third control valve, thus preventing the added second bypass branch from affecting the stable heating operation phase and ensuring the heating stability of the air conditioner.

[0020] To achieve the second objective of this invention, this invention provides a control method for an air conditioner, wherein the air conditioner is the aforementioned air conditioner. The control method includes: controlling the air conditioner to operate in a rapid heating mode; the rapid heating mode includes: controlling a third control valve to open and controlling a fourth control valve to close, such that the outlet end of the compressor is connected to the first port of the indoor heat exchanger through a second bypass branch, and controlling the third port of the four-way reversing valve to connect to the fourth port of the four-way reversing valve, such that the second port of the outdoor heat exchanger is connected to the inlet end of the compressor through the four-way reversing valve.

[0021] A further solution is that the control method also includes: after the air conditioner operates in rapid heating mode, determining whether the temperature of the heating air delivered into the room by the air conditioner is greater than the preset temperature; if so, controlling the air conditioner to operate in normal heating mode; normal heating mode includes: controlling the third control valve to close and controlling the fourth control valve to open, and controlling the first port of the four-way reversing valve to connect with the second port of the four-way reversing valve, so that the outlet end of the compressor is connected to the first port of the indoor heat exchanger through the four-way reversing valve. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant circuit of an existing air conditioner.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant circuit in the first embodiment of the air conditioner of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the first embodiment of the control method for the air conditioner of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant circuit in the second embodiment of the air conditioner of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the second embodiment of the control method for the air conditioner of the present invention.

[0027] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0028] First embodiment of the air conditioner:

[0029] See Figure 2 This embodiment discloses an air conditioner, including a compressor 21, a four-way reversing valve 22, an indoor heat exchanger 25, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, a first control valve 27, a second control valve 26, and a first bypass branch 28. The outlet end of the compressor 21 is connected to the first port of the four-way reversing valve 22 through a first flow path. The second port of the four-way reversing valve 22 is connected to the first port of the indoor heat exchanger 25 through a second flow path. The second port of the indoor heat exchanger 25 is connected to the first port of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 through a third flow path. The second port of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is connected to the third port of the four-way reversing valve 22 through a fourth flow path. The fourth port of the four-way reversing valve 22 is connected to the inlet end of the compressor 21 through a fifth flow path. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the two ends of the first bypass branch 28 are respectively connected between the fourth flow path and the fifth flow path. The first control valve 27 is disposed on the first bypass branch 28 to open or close the first bypass branch 28. The second control valve 26 is disposed on the flow branch section of the fourth flow path to open or close the flow branch section. The flow branch section is located between the third port of the four-way reversing valve 22 and the first bypass branch 28.

[0030] In this embodiment, when the air conditioner is in heating mode, in order to achieve rapid heating, the air conditioner can be controlled to operate in rapid heating mode. That is, the first control valve 27 of the air conditioner is opened and the second control valve 26 is closed, so that the second port of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 21 through the first bypass branch 28. At the same time, the first port of the four-way reversing valve 22 of the air conditioner is connected to the second port of the four-way reversing valve 22, so that the outlet of the compressor 21 is connected to the first port of the indoor heat exchanger 25 through the four-way reversing valve 22. Therefore, during the operation of the rapid heating mode of the air conditioner in this embodiment, the high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 21 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 25 through the first and second ports of the four-way reversing valve 22, condenses in the indoor heat exchanger 25, and releases heat to the indoor environment. The condensed refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 23 through the third flow path, and the lower-temperature and lower-pressure refrigerant evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 to absorb heat from the outdoor environment. The evaporated refrigerant will flow back to the compressor 21 through the first bypass branch 28, thereby completing the heating cycle.

[0031] Compared to existing air conditioners where heat exchange loss occurs at the four-way reversing valve 22 during heating operation, in this embodiment, during rapid heating mode operation, the higher-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 21 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 25 through the four-way reversing valve 22, while the refrigerant evaporated by the outdoor heat exchanger 23 flows back to the compressor 21 through the first bypass branch 28. This separates the two refrigerants in different thermal states into two non-intersecting flow paths for circulation, avoiding heat exchange loss at the four-way reversing valve 22. This shortens the time it takes for the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 25 to rise from the indoor ambient temperature to the preset temperature, achieving rapid heating during the heating operation phase, thus improving heating efficiency and enhancing the user experience.

[0032] When the air conditioner in this embodiment operates in rapid heating mode and the indoor ambient temperature approaches the preset temperature, in order to improve the heating stability of the air conditioner in this embodiment, the air conditioner can switch to normal heating mode. That is, the first control valve 27 of the air conditioner in this embodiment is closed, and the second control valve 26 of the air conditioner in this embodiment is opened. The third port of the four-way reversing valve 22 of the air conditioner in this embodiment is connected to the fourth port of the four-way reversing valve 22, so that the second port of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is connected to the inlet end of the compressor 21 through the four-way reversing valve 22. Therefore, during the normal heating mode operation of the air conditioner in this embodiment, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 21 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 25 through the first and second ports of the four-way reversing valve 22, where it condenses and releases heat to the indoor environment. The condensed refrigerant then flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 23 through the third flow path to evaporate and absorb heat from the outdoor environment. The evaporated refrigerant then flows back to the compressor 21 through the third and fourth ports of the four-way reversing valve 22. At this time, the first bypass branch 28 is closed by the first control valve 27, thereby preventing the added first bypass branch 28 from affecting the stable heating operation stage and ensuring the heating stability of the air conditioner.

[0033] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first control valve 27 is a first solenoid valve, and in this embodiment, the second control valve 26 is a second solenoid valve.

[0034] To improve the accuracy, stability, and reliability of the air conditioner's operation, this embodiment of the air conditioner also includes a first electronic expansion valve 24, which is disposed in the third flow path and is used to regulate and control the refrigerant flow rate in the third flow path to achieve precise control.

[0035] First embodiment of the control method for air conditioners:

[0036] The control method of the air conditioner in this embodiment is the same as the control method of the first embodiment of the air conditioner described above. See [link / reference] Figure 3 The specific steps of the air conditioner control method in this embodiment are as follows.

[0037] The control method of the air conditioner in this embodiment first executes step S11, in which the air conditioner executes the start-up command. That is, the user sends the start-up command to the air conditioner through the remote control, and the air conditioner executes the start-up command to start operation after receiving the start-up command.

[0038] Next, step S12 is executed to determine that the air conditioner is operating in rapid heating mode. This means the user sends a rapid heating mode command to the air conditioner via remote control, and the air conditioner enters rapid heating mode upon receiving the command. Then, step S13 is executed, controlling the first control valve 27 to open and the second control valve 26 to close. This connects the second port of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 to the inlet of the compressor 21 via the first bypass branch 28, and connects the first port of the four-way reversing valve 22 to the second port. This connects the outlet of the compressor 21 to the first port of the indoor heat exchanger 25 via the four-way reversing valve 22. In this embodiment, during rapid heating mode operation, the higher-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 21 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 25 through the first and second ports of the four-way reversing valve 22. The refrigerant condenses in the middle and releases heat to the indoor environment. After condensation, the refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 23 through the third flow path. The lower temperature and lower pressure refrigerant evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 to absorb heat from the outdoor environment. The evaporated refrigerant flows back to the compressor 21 through the first bypass branch 28, thus completing the heating cycle. Since the higher temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 21 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 25 through the four-way reversing valve 22, and the refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 flows back to the compressor 21 through the first bypass branch 28, the two refrigerants in different thermal states are separated into two non-intersecting flow paths for circulation. This avoids heat exchange loss at the four-way reversing valve 22, thereby shortening the time for the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 25 to rise from the indoor ambient temperature to the preset temperature. This achieves rapid heating during the heating operation phase, improving heating efficiency and enhancing the user experience.

[0039] After the air conditioner starts operating in rapid heating mode, step S14 is executed to determine whether the temperature of the heating air supplied to the room by the air conditioner is greater than the preset temperature. If yes, step S15 is executed; otherwise, step S13 is executed to continue operating in rapid heating mode.

[0040] When it is determined that the heating air outlet temperature delivered into the room by the air conditioner is greater than the preset temperature, it indicates that the actual heating effect of the air conditioner has basically reached the preset heating effect. Then, step S15 is executed to control the air conditioner to operate in normal heating mode. Subsequently, step S16 is executed to control the first control valve 27 to close and the second control valve 26 to open, and to connect the third port and the fourth port of the four-way reversing valve 22, so that the second port of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is connected to the inlet end of the compressor 21 through the four-way reversing valve 22. That is, in this embodiment, the air conditioner operates in normal heating mode. During operation, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 21 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 25 through the first and second ports of the four-way reversing valve 22, where it condenses and releases heat to the indoor environment. The condensed refrigerant then flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 23 through the third flow path to evaporate and absorb heat from the outdoor environment. The evaporated refrigerant then flows back to the compressor 21 through the third and fourth ports of the four-way reversing valve 22. At this time, the first bypass branch 28 is closed by the first control valve 27, thereby preventing the added first bypass branch 28 from affecting the stable heating operation stage and ensuring the heating stability of the air conditioner.

[0041] Second embodiment of the air conditioner:

[0042] See Figure 4 The air conditioner in this embodiment includes a compressor 31, a four-way reversing valve 32, an indoor heat exchanger 35, an outdoor heat exchanger 33, a third control valve 37, a fourth control valve 36, and a second bypass branch 38. The outlet end of the compressor 31 is connected to the first port of the four-way reversing valve 32 through a first flow path. The second port of the four-way reversing valve 32 is connected to the first port of the indoor heat exchanger 35 through a second flow path. The second port of the indoor heat exchanger 35 is connected to the first port of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 through a third flow path. The second port of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 is connected to the third port of the four-way reversing valve 32 through a fourth flow path. The fourth port of the four-way reversing valve 32 is connected to the inlet end of the compressor 31 through a fifth flow path. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the two ends of the second bypass branch 38 are respectively connected between the first flow path and the second flow path. The third control valve 37 is disposed on the second bypass branch 38 to open or close the second bypass branch 38. The fourth control valve 36 is disposed on the flow branch section of the first flow path to open or close the flow branch section. The flow branch section is located between the first port of the four-way reversing valve 32 and the second bypass branch 38.

[0043] In this embodiment, when the air conditioner is in heating mode, in order to achieve rapid heating, the air conditioner can be controlled to operate in rapid heating mode. That is, the third control valve 37 of the air conditioner is opened and the fourth control valve 36 is closed, so that the outlet end of the compressor 31 is connected to the first port of the indoor heat exchanger 35 through the second bypass branch 38. At the same time, the third port of the four-way reversing valve 32 of the air conditioner is connected to the fourth port of the four-way reversing valve 32, so that the second port of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 is connected to the inlet end of the compressor 31 through the four-way reversing valve 32. Therefore, during the operation of the rapid heating mode of the air conditioner in this embodiment, the higher-temperature refrigerant after being compressed by the compressor 31 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 35 through the second bypass branch 38, condenses in the indoor heat exchanger 35, and releases heat to the indoor environment. The condensed refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 33 through the third flow path, and the lower-temperature and lower-pressure refrigerant evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger 33 to absorb heat from the outdoor environment. The evaporated refrigerant flows back to the compressor 31 through the third and fourth ports of the four-way reversing valve 32, thereby completing the heating cycle.

[0044] Compared to existing air conditioners where heat exchange loss occurs at the four-way reversing valve 32 during the heating cycle, in this embodiment, during the rapid heating mode, the higher-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 31 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 35 through the second bypass branch 38, while the refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 33 flows back to the compressor 31 through the four-way reversing valve 32. This separates the two refrigerants in different thermal states into two non-intersecting flow paths, avoiding heat exchange loss at the four-way reversing valve 32. This shortens the time it takes for the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 35 to rise from the indoor ambient temperature to the preset temperature, achieving rapid heating during the heating operation phase, thus improving heating efficiency and enhancing the user experience.

[0045] When the air conditioner in this embodiment operates in rapid heating mode and the indoor ambient temperature approaches the preset temperature, in order to improve the heating stability of the air conditioner in this embodiment, the air conditioner can switch to normal heating mode. That is, the third control valve 37 of the air conditioner in this embodiment is closed, and the fourth control valve 36 of the air conditioner in this embodiment is opened. The first port of the four-way reversing valve 32 of the air conditioner in this embodiment is connected to the second port of the four-way reversing valve 32, so that the outlet end of the compressor 31 is connected to the first port of the indoor heat exchanger 35 through the four-way reversing valve 32. Therefore, during the normal heating mode operation of the air conditioner in this embodiment, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 31 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 35 through the first and second ports of the four-way reversing valve 32, condenses in the indoor heat exchanger 35, and releases heat to the indoor environment. The condensed refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 33 through the third flow path to evaporate and absorb heat from the outdoor environment. The evaporated refrigerant flows back to the compressor 31 through the third and fourth ports of the four-way reversing valve 32. At this time, the second bypass branch 38 is closed by the third control valve 37, thereby avoiding the impact of the added second bypass branch 38 on the stable heating operation stage, thus ensuring the heating stability of the air conditioner.

[0046] Specifically, in this embodiment, the third control valve 37 is a third solenoid valve, and in this embodiment, the fourth control valve 36 is a fourth solenoid valve.

[0047] To improve the accuracy, stability, and reliability of the air conditioner's operation, this embodiment of the air conditioner also includes a second electronic expansion valve 34. The second electronic expansion valve 34 is disposed in the third flow path and is used to regulate and control the refrigerant flow rate in the third flow path to achieve precise control.

[0048] Second embodiment of the control method for air conditioners:

[0049] The control method of the air conditioner in this embodiment is the same as the control method of the second embodiment of the air conditioner described above. See [link / reference] Figure 5 The specific steps of the air conditioner control method in this embodiment are as follows.

[0050] The control method of the air conditioner in this embodiment first executes step S21, in which the air conditioner executes the start-up command, that is, the user sends the start-up command to the air conditioner through the remote control, and the air conditioner executes the start-up command to start operation after receiving the start-up command.

[0051] Next, step S22 is executed to determine that the air conditioner is operating in rapid heating mode. This means the user sends a rapid heating mode command to the air conditioner via remote control, and the air conditioner enters rapid heating mode upon receiving the command. Then, step S23 is executed, controlling the third control valve 37 to open and the fourth control valve 36 to close. This connects the outlet of the compressor 31 to the first port of the indoor heat exchanger 35 via the second bypass branch 38, and connects the third port and fourth port of the four-way reversing valve 32. This connects the second port of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 to the inlet of the compressor 31 via the four-way reversing valve 32. In this embodiment, during rapid heating mode operation, the higher-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 31 flows through the second bypass branch 38 to the indoor heat exchanger 35, condenses in the indoor heat exchanger 35, and is released into the indoor environment. After releasing heat and condensing, the refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 33 through the third flow path. The lower temperature and lower pressure refrigerant evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger 33 to absorb heat from the outdoor environment. The evaporated refrigerant flows back to the compressor 31 through the third and fourth ports of the four-way reversing valve 32, thus completing the heating cycle. Since the higher temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 31 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 35 through the second bypass branch 38, and the refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 33 flows back to the compressor 31 through the four-way reversing valve 32, the two refrigerants in different thermal states are separated into two non-intersecting flow paths for circulation. This avoids heat exchange loss at the four-way reversing valve 32, thereby shortening the time for the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 35 to rise from the indoor ambient temperature to the preset temperature. This achieves rapid heating during the heating operation phase, improving heating efficiency and enhancing the user experience.

[0052] After the air conditioner starts operating in rapid heating mode, step S24 is executed to determine whether the temperature of the heating air supplied to the room by the air conditioner is greater than the preset temperature. If yes, step S25 is executed; otherwise, step S23 is executed to continue operating in rapid heating mode.

[0053] When it is determined that the heating air outlet temperature delivered to the room by the air conditioner is greater than the preset temperature, it indicates that the actual heating effect of the air conditioner has basically reached the preset heating effect. Then, step S25 is executed to control the air conditioner to operate in normal heating mode. Subsequently, step S26 is executed to control the third control valve 37 to close and the fourth control valve 36 to open, and to connect the first port and the second port of the four-way reversing valve 32, so that the outlet end of the compressor 31 is connected to the first port of the indoor heat exchanger 35 through the four-way reversing valve 32. That is, in this embodiment, the air conditioner operates in normal heating mode. During operation, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 31 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 35 through the first and second ports of the four-way reversing valve 32, where it condenses and releases heat to the indoor environment. The condensed refrigerant then flows through the third flow path into the outdoor heat exchanger 33 to evaporate and absorb heat from the outdoor environment. The evaporated refrigerant then flows back to the compressor 31 through the third and fourth ports of the four-way reversing valve 32. At this time, the second bypass branch 38 is closed by the third control valve 37, thereby preventing the added second bypass branch 38 from affecting the stable heating operation phase and ensuring the heating stability of the air conditioner.

[0054] The above embodiments are merely preferred examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes or modifications made to the structure, features and principles of the present invention in accordance with the claims of the present invention should be included within the scope of the present invention patent application.

Claims

1. A control method of an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising a compressor, a four-way reversing valve, an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger, an outlet end of the compressor being connected to a first port of the four-way reversing valve through a first flow path, a second port of the four-way reversing valve being connected to a first port of the indoor heat exchanger through a second flow path, a second port of the indoor heat exchanger being connected to a first port of the outdoor heat exchanger through a third flow path, a second port of the outdoor heat exchanger being connected to a third port of the four-way reversing valve through a fourth flow path, and a fourth port of the four-way reversing valve being connected to an inlet end of the compressor through a fifth flow path, the control method comprising: controlling the air conditioner to perform a fast heating mode operation; wherein the fast heating mode comprises: controlling a first control valve to be open and a second control valve to be closed, so that the second port of the outdoor heat exchanger is connected to the inlet end of the compressor through a first bypass branch, and the first port of the four-way reversing valve is connected to the second port of the four-way reversing valve, so that the outlet end of the compressor is connected to the first port of the indoor heat exchanger through the four-way reversing valve; and controlling the air conditioner to perform a normal heating mode operation when a heating air outlet temperature of the air conditioner is greater than a preset temperature. 2.The control method of the air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the first control valve is a first electromagnetic valve; and / or the second control valve is a second electromagnetic valve. 3.The control method of the air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioner further comprises a first electronic expansion valve, and the first electronic expansion valve is arranged on the third flow path. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 4. A control method of an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising a compressor, a four-way reversing valve, an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger, an outlet end of the compressor being connected to a first port of the four-way reversing valve through a first flow path, a second port of the four-way reversing valve being connected to a first port of the indoor heat exchanger through a second flow path, a second port of the indoor heat exchanger being connected to a first port of the outdoor heat exchanger through a third flow path, a second port of the outdoor heat exchanger being connected to a third port of the four-way reversing valve through a fourth flow path, and a fourth port of the four-way reversing valve being connected to an inlet end of the compressor through a fifth flow path, the control method comprising: controlling the air conditioner to perform a fast heating mode operation; wherein the fast heating mode comprises: controlling a third control valve to be opened and a fourth control valve to be closed, so that the outlet end of the compressor is connected to the first port of the indoor heat exchanger through the second bypass branch, and the third port of the four-way reversing valve is connected to the fourth port of the four-way reversing valve, so that the second port of the outdoor heat exchanger is connected to the inlet end of the compressor through the four-way reversing valve; and controlling the air conditioner to perform a normal heating mode operation after the air conditioner performs the fast heating mode operation, if a heating air outlet temperature sent into a room by the air conditioner is greater than a preset temperature.

5. The control method of the air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein the third control valve is a third electromagnetic valve; and / or the fourth control valve is a fourth electromagnetic valve.

6. The control method of the air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein the air conditioner further comprises a second electronic expansion valve, and the second electronic expansion valve is arranged on the third flow path. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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