air conditioner

Abstract

The present invention proposes an air conditioner, which includes: an indoor unit, which includes an air outlet refrigerant circulation loop connected to the indoor room; a pressure detection device, which detects the refrigerant pressure of the expansion valve; a temperature detection device, which detects the refrigerant temperature of the expansion valve; a noise collection device, which is arranged at the air outlet to collect sound data of the indoor unit in the operating state; and a controller, which is configured to: when the air conditioner is started, identify the refrigerant flow sound and convert it into a time-sharpness function curve; calculate the sharpness change value within a preset time period, and determine whether there is refrigerant flow noise based on the sharpness change value and a preset sharpness change threshold, thereby improving the accuracy of refrigerant flow noise detection, and at the same time determine the cause of the refrigerant flow noise in combination with the supercooling degree, and execute corresponding measures according to the cause of the refrigerant flow noise to reduce the refrigerant flow noise and avoid the refrigerant flow noise being too loud and affecting the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] An air conditioner generally refers to a device that manually adjusts and controls parameters such as temperature, humidity, and flow rate of the ambient air in a conditioned room. An air conditioner typically consists of an indoor unit installed in the conditioned room and an outdoor unit located outdoors. The indoor unit typically includes an air inlet, an air outlet, an indoor heat exchanger, and an indoor fan. The indoor fan draws air from the conditioned room into the indoor unit through the air inlet. After heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger, the air is delivered to the conditioned room through the air outlet, achieving temperature regulation.

[0003] Air conditioners generate various noises during operation, such as indoor fan noise, outdoor fan noise, and compressor noise. These noises reduce the user experience. Among the various noises generated by air conditioners during operation is the noise generated by the flow of refrigerant. Air conditioners achieve cooling or heating by circulating refrigerant within the pipes. The flow of refrigerant within the pipes is a rather complex process. Due to the presence of the indoor unit's throttling component, the expansion valve, refrigerant flow noise can occur during startup and operation if not properly controlled. This noise is particularly noticeable during nighttime operation, seriously affecting the user's sensory experience.

[0004] In the related art, refrigerant flow noise is usually manually judged, and after the refrigerant flow noise occurs, the problem of refrigerant flow noise is usually solved by adjusting the opening of the expansion valve. However, this noise reduction method has few applicable scenarios and has great limitations. It cannot fundamentally eliminate the impact of refrigerant flow noise on users. Moreover, the noise generated by the refrigerant flow under different electronic expansion valve openings will also vary. The opening of the electronic expansion valve will be affected by uncertain factors such as ambient temperature, system pressure and refrigerant status. Therefore, simply adjusting the opening of the electronic expansion valve cannot accurately and effectively improve the refrigerant flow noise of the air conditioner. At the same time, the causes of refrigerant flow noise are multifaceted, and the existing technology lacks a method for comprehensive and precise control of the causes of different refrigerant flow noise. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve one of the technical problems in the related art at least to a certain extent.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an air conditioner, comprising:

[0007] an indoor unit, comprising an air outlet communicating with the indoor room;

[0008] The refrigerant circulation loop circulates the refrigerant in the loop consisting of the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator;

[0009] a pressure detection device for detecting the refrigerant pressure at the inlet of the expansion valve;

[0010] a temperature detection device for detecting the refrigerant temperature at the inlet of the expansion valve;

[0011] A noise collecting device, provided at the air outlet to collect sound data when the indoor unit is in operation;

[0012] The controller is configured as:

[0013] determining whether there is refrigerant flow noise according to the sound data;

[0014] If the refrigerant flow noise exists, calculating the subcooling data according to the refrigerant temperature and the refrigerant pressure;

[0015] Calculating a supercooling change value in a first predetermined time period according to the supercooling data, and performing a noise reduction action according to the supercooling change value and a preset supercooling change threshold, including:

[0016] within a second predetermined time period, if the degree of subcooling is greater than a first preset subcooling threshold and reaches a preset condition of being below a second preset subcooling threshold, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve, the lower limit of the compressor operating speed, and / or the upper limit of the condensing pressure range according to the operating state of the air conditioner;

[0017] In the second predetermined time period, if the degree of supercooling does not meet the above-mentioned preset condition, the opening speed of the expansion valve is adjusted.

[0018] The air conditioner provided by this technical solution detects the sound of refrigerant flow by adding a noise collection device, and cooperates with the controller to determine whether the current refrigerant flow noise exists based on the sharpness, thereby improving the accuracy of refrigerant flow noise detection. At the same time, the cause of the refrigerant flow noise is determined in combination with the degree of supercooling, and corresponding measures are taken according to the cause of the refrigerant flow noise to reduce the refrigerant flow noise and avoid the refrigerant flow noise being too loud and affecting the user experience, thereby effectively solving the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present application, when the above preset conditions are met, the controller is configured to:

[0020] If the operating frequency of the compressor achieve If the value is below , the air conditioner is judged to be in a low-load operation state, and the upper limit of the condensing pressure range is increased and / or the lower limit of the operating speed of the compressor is increased; if not, the air conditioner is judged to be in a non-low-load operation state, and the opening of the expansion valve is controlled to be reduced; wherein, It is the upper limit of the operating frequency of the compressor when the air conditioner is in low-load operation state.

[0021] In this technical solution, if insufficient subcooling is determined, improvements are made in both low-load and non-low-load operating states. In low-load operation, this approach increases the condensing pressure during low-load operation by raising the lower limit of the compressor's minimum operating speed. In non-low-load operation, subcooling is increased by adjusting the opening of the expansion valve. This comprehensive solution effectively reduces refrigerant flow noise.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present application, the controller is further configured to:

[0023] identifying a refrigerant flow sound in the sound data, and converting the refrigerant flow sound into a time-sharpness function curve;

[0024] Calculating the sharpness change value within a preset time period according to the function curve;

[0025] Whether there is refrigerant flow noise is determined according to the sharpness change value and a preset sharpness change threshold.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present application, the controller is further configured to:

[0027] If the sharpness change value reaches or exceeds the preset sharpness change threshold, it is determined that the refrigerant flow noise exists in the preset time period; otherwise, it is determined that the refrigerant flow noise does not exist in the preset time period.

[0028] In this technical solution, by judging the size of the sharpness change value and the preset sharpness change threshold, it is determined whether there is an instantaneous change in the time-sharpness curve within the preset time period, thereby judging whether there is refrigerant flow noise, making the detection method of refrigerant flow noise simple and reliable.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present application, the controller is further configured to:

[0030] Performing spectrum analysis on the sound data to obtain characteristic spectrum values;

[0031] Comparing the characteristic spectrum value with a preset spectrum interval to identify the refrigerant flow sound;

[0032] The frequency range of the refrigerant flow sound is divided into 24 frequency bands, each of the frequency bands corresponds to a critical frequency bandwidth, and the sharpness of the refrigerant flow sound is obtained according to a first logical operation.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present application, the controller is further configured to:

[0034] When the supercooling change value reaches or exceeds a preset supercooling change threshold, it is determined that the supercooling degree decreases within the first predetermined time period. If the supercooling degree decreases, the noise reduction action is performed.

[0035] In this technical solution, whether the supercooling degree suddenly decreases is judged by the difference between the supercooling degree change value and the preset supercooling degree change threshold value, and the noise reduction action is performed after the supercooling degree decreases. This is simple, convenient and easy to implement.

[0036] In some embodiments of the present application, if the refrigerant flow noise does not exist, the controller is further configured to:

[0037] Control the noise collection device to shut down and keep the air conditioner running After a certain time, the noise collecting device is controlled to be turned on again to collect the sound data of the indoor unit in the operating state.

[0038] In this technical solution, the noise collection device is intermittently turned on to detect the refrigerant flow noise, effectively preventing the refrigerant flow noise from being too loud and affecting the user experience.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present application, the controller is configured to: if the supercooling degree does not meet the above preset conditions, control the opening speed of the expansion valve to decrease to a preset opening speed .

[0040] In this technical solution, by reducing the opening speed of the expansion valve, the refrigerant flow noise caused by the fast opening speed of the expansion valve is effectively improved.

[0041] In some embodiments of the present application, the controller is configured to: when the air conditioner is started, control the noise collection device to be turned on, and receive the sound data collected by the noise collection device.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present application, the temperature detection device includes two temperature sensors, which are respectively installed on the pipe walls of the two ports of the expansion valve; the pressure detection device includes two pressure sensors, which are respectively installed on the two ports of the expansion valve.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is also provided an air conditioner, comprising:

[0044] an indoor unit, comprising an air outlet communicating with the indoor room;

[0045] The refrigerant circulation loop circulates the refrigerant in the loop consisting of the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator;

[0046] A noise collecting device, provided at the air outlet to collect sound data when the indoor unit is in operation;

[0047] a pressure detection device for detecting the refrigerant pressure at the inlet of the expansion valve;

[0048] a temperature detection device for detecting the refrigerant temperature at the inlet of the expansion valve;

[0049] The controller is configured as:

[0050] Converting the sound data into a time-sharpness function curve;

[0051] Calculating a sharpness change value within a preset time period according to the function curve, and if the sharpness change value reaches or exceeds a preset sharpness change threshold, determining that the refrigerant flow noise exists within the preset time period;

[0052] If the refrigerant flow noise exists, calculating the subcooling data according to the refrigerant temperature and the refrigerant pressure;

[0053] Calculating a supercooling change value in a first predetermined time period based on the supercooling data, and executing a noise reduction action when the supercooling change value reaches or exceeds a preset supercooling change threshold, including:

[0054] within a second predetermined time period, if the degree of subcooling is greater than a first preset subcooling threshold and reaches a preset condition of being below a second preset subcooling threshold, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve, the lower limit of the compressor operating speed, and / or the upper limit of the condensing pressure range according to the operating state of the air conditioner;

[0055] In the second predetermined time period, if the degree of supercooling does not meet the above-mentioned preset condition, the opening speed of the expansion valve is adjusted.

[0056] The air conditioner provided by this technical solution detects the sound of refrigerant flow by adding a noise collection device. The device, in conjunction with a controller, determines whether there is a momentary change in the time-sharpness curve within a preset time period by comparing the sharpness change value with a preset sharpness change threshold, thereby determining whether refrigerant flow noise exists. This makes the refrigerant flow noise detection method simple and reliable, improving the accuracy of refrigerant flow noise detection. Furthermore, the cause of the refrigerant flow noise is determined by combining the degree of supercooling with the noise level. Appropriate measures are then taken based on the cause to reduce the refrigerant flow noise and prevent excessive refrigerant flow noise from affecting the user experience, effectively resolving the aforementioned technical issues. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0058] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] Figure 2 is a system block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0060] Figure 3 is a structural block diagram of a refrigerant circulation circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] Figure 4 is a structural block diagram of another refrigerant circulation circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0064] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of another refrigerant circulation circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] Figure 9 is a control logic for identifying refrigerant flow noise according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] Figures 10 to 15is a control logic diagram of noise determination and noise reduction according to different embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0068] Figure 16 is a time-sharpness function curve of the refrigerant flow sound according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0069] Figure 17 is a supercooling curve diagram according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0070] Figure 18 is a graph of supercooling according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in which supercooling suddenly decreases and subsequently remains at a low level;

[0071] In the above figures: air conditioner 100; outdoor unit 1; indoor unit 2; refrigerant circulation loop 3; compressor 31; condenser 32; expansion valve 33; evaporator 34; four-way valve 35; controller 4; indoor fan 5; outdoor fan 6; noise collection device 7; temperature detection device 8; temperature sensor 81; pressure detection device 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] The present invention is described in detail below by way of exemplary embodiments, but it should be understood that elements, structures, and features of one embodiment may be beneficially combined in other embodiments without further description.

[0073] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0074] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the quantity of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features.

[0075] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may refer to direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediary, or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0076] refer to Figures 1 to 18 The present invention provides an air conditioner 100, which includes an indoor unit 2 and an outdoor unit 1. The indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 1 can be configured as an integrated unit or a split unit. The air conditioner can be configured as a wall-mounted unit, a cabinet-mounted unit, a ceiling-mounted unit, a ducted unit, or the like.

[0077] The indoor unit 2 is arranged indoors for exchanging heat with the indoor environment, while the outdoor unit 1 is usually arranged outdoors for bringing indoor heat to the outdoors.

[0078] In this embodiment, Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the indoor unit 2 can be an indoor wall mounted unit that is mounted on a wall or other structure. The indoor unit 2 can be mounted on a wall indoors, with the rear panel of the indoor unit 2 against the wall. For another example, an indoor cabinet unit (not shown) is also a form of an air conditioner indoor unit of the indoor unit 2. When the indoor unit 2 is an indoor cabinet unit, the indoor cabinet unit can be in a cylindrical, square, or irregular cylindrical shape.

[0079] Indoor unit 2 includes a housing, which forms its exterior. The housing is formed with an air inlet and an air outlet, and a heat exchange duct is formed within the housing. The heat exchange duct communicates with the air inlet, allowing indoor air to enter the duct through the inlet. The heat exchange duct also communicates with the air outlet, which in turn communicates with the interior of the room, allowing conditioned air in the duct to flow into the room through the housing's air outlet.

[0080] The indoor unit 2 also includes an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan 5. The indoor heat exchanger is located within the heat exchange duct and is used to exchange heat with the air entering the heat exchange duct. The indoor fan 5 is located within the heat exchange duct and is used to drive indoor air outside the casing into the heat exchange duct. The indoor fan 5 drives the air in the heat exchange duct from the air inlet to the air outlet.

[0081] The outdoor unit 1 includes a compressor 31, a four-way valve 35 and an outdoor heat exchanger, wherein the compressor 31 is used to compress the refrigerant gas in a low-temperature and low-pressure state into a refrigerant gas in a high-temperature and high-pressure state; the four-way valve is used to switch the flow path of the refrigerant; and the outdoor heat exchanger is used to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0082] The air conditioner 100 further includes an expansion valve 33 disposed in the indoor unit 2 or the outdoor unit 1. The expansion valve 33 is used for throttling in cooling or heating conditions. The expansion valve 33 is an electronic expansion valve.

[0083] The air conditioner 100 has a refrigerant circulation circuit 3, please refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 4The schematic diagram of the structure of the refrigerant circulation circuit 3 is shown. By circulating the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation circuit 3, an indoor cooling or heating cycle can be performed. Connecting pipes are used to connect the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 1 to form a refrigerant circulation circuit for circulating the refrigerant.

[0084] The refrigerant is a refrigerant, and one of the condenser 32 and the evaporator 34 is an indoor heat exchanger, and the other is an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0085] Reference Figure 5 The circuit structure of the air conditioner 100 is shown in FIG. In the present application, the air conditioner 100 performs the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner 100 by using a circuit consisting of a compressor 31, a condenser 32, an expansion valve 33, and an evaporator 34. The refrigeration cycle includes a series of processes involving compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation, and supplies refrigerant to the conditioned and heat-exchanged air. The high-pressure and low-pressure states required for the refrigerant to work are established by the compressor 31, and heat is exchanged with the outdoor air to release the heat of the indoor air to the outdoor air (cooling condition) or to absorb the heat of the outdoor air and replenish it to the indoor air (heating condition).

[0086] Compression process: The compressor 31 compresses the refrigerant gas in a low-temperature and low-pressure state into a refrigerant gas in a high-temperature and high-pressure state and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas. The compressor 31 can be a variable-capacity inverter compressor 31 that performs inverter-based speed control. The refrigerant gas discharged by the compressor 31 flows into the condenser 32.

[0087] Condensation process: The condenser 32 condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, and heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0088] Expansion process: The expansion valve 33 expands the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant condensed in the condenser 32 into a low-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant.

[0089] Evaporation Process: Evaporator 34 evaporates the refrigerant expanded in expansion valve 33 and returns the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas to compressor 31. Evaporator 34 achieves a cooling effect by utilizing the latent heat of evaporation to exchange heat with the material to be cooled. Throughout this cycle, air conditioner 100 can adjust the temperature of the indoor space.

[0090] The indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger function as either the condenser 32 or the evaporator 34. When the indoor heat exchanger functions as the condenser 32, the air conditioner 100 functions as a heater in heating mode. When the indoor heat exchanger functions as the evaporator 34, the air conditioner 100 functions as a cooler in cooling mode. That is, in cooling mode, the indoor heat exchanger functions as the evaporator 34, and the outdoor heat exchanger functions as the condenser 32. In heating mode, the indoor heat exchanger functions as the condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger functions as the evaporator 34.

[0091] The outdoor unit 1 further includes an outdoor fan 6 that generates an airflow of outdoor air through the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger and the outdoor air. The outdoor fan 6 is driven by a drive device capable of varying its rotational speed.

[0092] Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram of an air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 The air conditioner further includes one or more of the following: a temperature detection device 8, a pressure detection device 9, and a controller 4. The temperature detection device 8 and the pressure detection device 9 are both in communication connection with the controller 4.

[0093] Specifically, the controller 4 is electrically connected to the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 1 to control the operation of the various components therein, so that the various components of the air conditioner 100 operate to achieve the various predetermined functions of the air conditioner 100. The controller 4 is used to control at least the operation of the compressor 31, the expansion valve 33, the indoor fan 5, and the outdoor fan 6, so that the air conditioner 100 operates to achieve the various predetermined functions of the air conditioner 100.

[0094] In the embodiment shown in this application, controller 4 is a device that generates an operational control signal based on a command opcode and a timing signal, thereby instructing the air conditioner to execute the control command. For example, in response to a power-on or power-off command received from a user, controller 4 may execute an operation related to the object selected by the power-on or power-off command.

[0095] The embodiment of the present application also provides a hardware structure diagram of a controller 4, such as Figure 7 As shown, the controller 4 includes a processor 43 and, optionally, a memory 42 and a communication interface 44 connected to the processor 43. The processor 43, the memory 42 and the communication interface 44 are connected via a bus 41.

[0096] The processor 43 may be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a network processor, a digital signal processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device, or any combination thereof.

[0097] The processor 43 may also be any other device having processing functionality, such as a circuit, device, or software module. The processor 43 may also include multiple CPUs, and the processor 43 may be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. The processor 43 herein may refer to one or more devices, circuits, or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0098] The memory 42 can be a read-only memory or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, a read-only optical disc or other optical disc storage, an optical disc storage, a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer. The embodiments of the present application do not impose any restrictions on this.

[0099] The memory 42 may be independent or integrated with the processor 43. The memory 42 may contain computer program code. The processor 43 is configured to execute the computer program code stored in the memory 42, thereby implementing the control method of the air conditioner 100 system provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0100] The communication interface 44 may be used to communicate with other devices or a communication network, such as a wireless local area network. The communication interface 44 may be a module, a circuit, a transceiver, or any device capable of achieving communication.

[0101] The bus 41 may be a peripheral component interconnection standard bus or an extended industry standard architecture bus 41. The bus may be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 7 Only one thick line is used in the diagram, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0102] In some implementations of this embodiment, the temperature detection device 8 is used to detect the refrigerant temperature at the inlet of the expansion valve 33. A communication connection is established between the temperature detection device 8 and the controller 4, so that the temperature detection device 8 transmits data information to the controller 4. The temperature detection device 8 transmits the detected refrigerant temperature to the controller 4.

[0103] In this embodiment, reference Figure 8 The temperature detection device 8 includes two temperature sensors 81, which are respectively installed on the pipe walls of the two ports of the expansion valve 33; wherein the two ports of the expansion valve 33 are the inlet and the outlet, and the temperature sensor 81 at the inlet of the expansion valve 33 transmits the refrigerant temperature it detects to the controller 4 for subsequent control.

[0104] It should be noted that the temperature detection device 8 is installed on the outside of the expansion valve 33, and the refrigerant temperature at the inlet of the expansion valve 33 is generally replaced by the pipe wall temperature at the inlet, that is, two temperature sensors are respectively arranged on the outer pipe walls of the inlet and outlet of the expansion valve 33.

[0105] In some implementations of this embodiment, the pressure detection device 9 is used to detect the refrigerant pressure at the inlet of the expansion valve 33. A communication connection is established between the pressure detection device 9 and the controller 4, so that the pressure detection device 9 transmits data information to the controller 4. The pressure detection device 9 sends the detected refrigerant pressure to the controller 4.

[0106] In this embodiment, because the brake fluid in the expansion valve can flow in different directions, the pressure detection device 9 includes two pressure sensors, one mounted at each port of the expansion valve 33. Specifically, the pressure sensors are mounted on the pipelines connecting the inlet and outlet of the expansion valve 33 to detect the pressure at their respective locations. The pressure sensor at the inlet of the expansion valve 33 transmits the detected refrigerant pressure to the controller for subsequent control.

[0107] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 5 The circuit structure shown in the figure does not constitute a limitation on the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently.

[0108] The air conditioner 100 generates various noises during operation, such as noise from the indoor fan, noise from the outdoor fan, and noise from the compressor. These noises degrade the user experience. The various noises generated during operation also include noise generated by the flow of refrigerant. The air conditioner achieves cooling or heating by circulating refrigerant within the refrigerant circulation pipeline. The flow of refrigerant within the pipeline is a complex process, particularly when it flows through the expansion valve 33. This process generates refrigerant flow noise.

[0109] Specifically, the main sources of refrigerant flow noise include: during the refrigerant flow process, friction reduces the liquid pressure, transforming the supercooled liquid into a saturated liquid. As the pressure further decreases, the liquid overheats and begins to form bubbles. The bubbles impact the expansion valve spool 33, and the bubbles burst, generating liquid flow noise. Furthermore, as the liquid flows through the pipeline, turbulence and friction induce pressure disturbances, generating eddy current noise. Refrigerant flow noise not only affects air conditioning quality but also the user experience, often leading to user complaints.

[0110] In order to solve the problem of refrigerant flow noise, refer to Figure 6The air conditioner 100 of the present application further includes a noise collecting device 7, which is located at the air outlet to collect sound data from the operation of the indoor unit 2. The noise collecting device 7 is in communication with the controller 4, and the collected sound data is sent to the controller 4. The controller 4 identifies the refrigerant flow noise of the air conditioner based on the sound data and automatically adjusts the opening degree, opening speed, and condensing pressure of the expansion valve 33, thereby effectively reducing the refrigerant flow noise and avoiding problems such as poor user hearing and user complaints caused by the refrigerant flow noise.

[0111] Specifically, the controller 4 is configured to:

[0112] determining whether there is refrigerant flow noise according to the sound data;

[0113] If the refrigerant flow noise exists, calculating the subcooling data according to the refrigerant temperature and the refrigerant pressure;

[0114] Calculating a supercooling change value in a first predetermined time period according to the supercooling data, and performing a noise reduction action according to the supercooling change value and a preset supercooling change threshold, including:

[0115] within a second predetermined time period, if the degree of subcooling is greater than a first preset subcooling threshold and reaches a preset condition of being below a second preset subcooling threshold, adjusting the opening of the expansion valve, the lower limit of the compressor operating speed, and / or the upper limit of the condensing pressure range according to the operating state of the air conditioner;

[0116] In the second predetermined time period, if the degree of supercooling does not meet the above-mentioned preset condition, the opening speed of the expansion valve is adjusted.

[0117] The noise collection device 7 is configured to activate after the air conditioner 100 is started (step S11) and collect sound data from the operating state of the indoor unit 2 (step S12). In this embodiment, the noise collection device 7 is activated synchronously with the startup of the air conditioner 100 and collects sound data from the operating state of the indoor unit 2. The noise collection device may be a noise sensor.

[0118] More specifically, refer to Figure 9 、 Figure 10 , the controller 4 is configured to: after the air conditioner 100 is started, convert the sound data collected by the noise collection device 7 into a time-sharpness function curve (step S2);

[0119] In step S2, the sharpness of the refrigerant flow sound is calculated based on the sound data. First, the sound data is spectrally analyzed to obtain characteristic spectrum values ​​(step S21). The characteristic spectrum values ​​are compared with preset spectrum intervals to identify the refrigerant flow sound (step S22). The frequency range of the refrigerant flow sound is obtained and divided into 24 frequency bands, each of which corresponds to a Bark, i.e., a critical bandwidth. The sharpness of the refrigerant flow sound is then calculated based on a first logical operation (step S23). The preset spectrum intervals may be pre-stored in the memory 42 of the controller 4.

[0120] After executing steps S21, S22, and S23, step S3 is executed: calculating the sharpness change value within the preset time period according to the function curve, and determining whether refrigerant flow noise exists based on the sharpness change value and a preset sharpness change threshold; wherein the preset sharpness change threshold may be pre-stored in the memory 42 of the controller 4;

[0121] After executing step S3, if there is refrigerant flow noise within the current preset time period, step S51 is executed to receive the refrigerant temperature and refrigerant pressure detected by the temperature detection device and the pressure detection device;

[0122] Then, step S52 is executed to calculate and generate subcooling data based on the refrigerant temperature and the refrigerant pressure of the expansion valve 33. In this embodiment, the subcooling data is a subcooling curve.

[0123] After executing steps S51 and S52, step S6 is executed to calculate the supercooling change value of the first predetermined time period according to the supercooling curve. When the supercooling change value reaches or exceeds the preset supercooling change threshold, it is determined that the supercooling has suddenly decreased within the first predetermined time period; wherein the preset supercooling change threshold can be pre-stored in the memory 42 of the controller 4; wherein the first predetermined time period is ;

[0124] After executing step S6, if the supercooling degree suddenly decreases within the first predetermined time period, step S7 is executed: determining whether the supercooling degree within the subsequent second predetermined time period meets the preset conditions; wherein the second predetermined time period is ;

[0125] After executing step S7, if the degree of supercooling in the subsequent second predetermined time period meets the preset condition, step S81 is executed to obtain the operating frequency of the compressor and determine the operating state of the air conditioner. In this embodiment, it is to determine whether the air conditioner is in a low-load operating state; wherein the second predetermined time period is ;

[0126] After executing step S81 , step S91 is executed to increase the upper limit of the condensing pressure according to the operating state of the air conditioner (step S91 ) or step S10 is executed to decrease the opening of the expansion valve 33 .

[0127] After executing step S91, step S92 may be executed to control and increase the lower limit value of the operating speed of the compressor.

[0128] In some other embodiments of this application, refer to Figure 11 After executing step S92 or step S10, execute step S2 to again determine whether refrigerant flow noise exists.

[0129] In some other embodiments, reference Figure 12 , after executing step S81, only step S91 may be executed to increase the upper limit of the condensing pressure according to the operating state of the compressor 31. Or refer to Figure 13 After executing step S81, only step S92 can be executed to control and increase the lower limit value of the operating speed of the compressor 31.

[0130] In some other embodiments of this application, continue to refer to Figure 13 After executing steps S21, S22, and S23, step S4 can be executed: according to the function curve, the sharpness change value within the preset time period is calculated. If the sharpness change value reaches above the preset sharpness change threshold, it is determined that the refrigerant flow noise exists within the preset time period; after executing step S4, step S51 is executed.

[0131] Specifically, in the above embodiment, the sharpness of the refrigerant flow sound is obtained according to the first logical operation, that is, formula (1):

[0132] (1)

[0133] in, For sharpness, The proportional factor can be a constant. is the loudness. In this embodiment, The value is 0.11, is the characteristic frequency band loudness, and z is the characteristic frequency band.

[0134] According to the second logical operation, formula (2), we can get:

[0135] (2)

[0136] refer to Figure 16When refrigerant flow noise occurs, the time-sharpness curve suddenly increases. When the refrigerant flow noise disappears, the time-sharpness curve slows down. In other words, the presence of refrigerant flow noise can be determined by whether there are instantaneous changes, or sudden changes, in the time-sharpness curve within a certain period of time. Whether the time-sharpness curve has instantaneous changes can be determined by comparing the sharpness change value within a certain period of time with a preset sharpness change threshold.

[0137] Therefore, reference Figure 13 In step S4, the sharpness change value within a preset time period is first calculated based on the function curve (step S41). If the sharpness change value exceeds a preset sharpness change threshold, it is determined that refrigerant flow noise exists within the preset time period. Otherwise, that is, if the sharpness change value is less than the preset sharpness change threshold, it is determined that refrigerant flow noise does not exist within the preset time period.

[0138] Specifically, continue to refer to Figure 13 In step S4, by determining the sharpness change value within a preset time period and preset sharpness change threshold The size of is used to judge whether there is an instantaneous change in the time-sharpness curve within the current time period. In this embodiment, As a judgment condition (step S42), if , which means that the time-sharpness curve does not have a sudden change in the current time period, and thus it is determined that there is no refrigerant flow noise in the current time period. , which means that the time-sharpness curve has a sudden change in the current time period, then it is determined that there is refrigerant flow noise, and then step S51 is executed.

[0139] In this embodiment, As a condition for judging whether there is refrigerant flow noise. As a variable implementation method, the sharpness change value within the preset time period equal " can also be used as an execution condition for judging the existence of refrigerant flow noise.

[0140] refer to Figure 14 After executing step S3, if there is no refrigerant flow noise in the current time period, step S53 is executed, the controller 4 controls the noise collection device 7 to be closed, and the air conditioner continues to run. After a certain time, the noise collecting device 7 is controlled to be turned on again (step S54) to collect the sound data of the indoor unit 2 in the operating state (step S12). After executing step S12, step 2 is continued to be executed to realize the detection of the refrigerant flow noise in the air conditioner 100. At the same time, the cause of the refrigerant flow noise is determined in combination with the supercooling degree, and corresponding measures are taken to reduce the refrigerant flow noise, thereby achieving the purpose of noise reduction and preventing the refrigerant flow noise from being too loud and affecting the user experience.

[0141] Furthermore, after executing step S3, if there is refrigerant flow noise within the current preset time period, step S51 is executed. In step S51, the controller 4 obtains the refrigerant temperature and refrigerant pressure by receiving the detection data information sent by the temperature detection device 8 and the detection data information sent by the pressure detection device 9.

[0142] In step S52 , a subcooling curve is generated based on the refrigerant temperature and the refrigerant pressure of the expansion valve 33 . First, the subcooling degree needs to be calculated.

[0143] It should be noted that subcooling is the difference between the high-pressure pipe refrigerant temperature and the refrigerant saturation temperature. The greater the subcooling, the less likely refrigerant bubbles are to form, and the more stable and quiet the flow. The smaller the subcooling, the more likely refrigerant flow noise is to be generated. The subcooling is calculated through the third logical operation, formula (3):

[0144] (3)

[0145] in, is the supercooling degree, is the refrigerant temperature of the expansion valve 33, Condensation pressure The corresponding refrigerant saturation temperature at the time is obtained by looking up the refrigerant thermodynamic property table, the data of which is pre-stored in the storage module of the controller 4.

[0146] In this embodiment, after executing step S3, if there is refrigerant flow noise within the current preset time period, steps S51 and S52 are executed to detect the supercooling degree. By detecting the supercooling degree, the cause of the refrigerant flow noise is further studied, and corresponding measures are taken to improve the refrigerant flow noise.

[0147] After executing steps S51 and S52, step S6 is executed. In step S6, the supercooling change value of the first predetermined time period is calculated according to the supercooling curve. When the supercooling change value reaches above the preset supercooling change threshold, it is determined that the supercooling degree suddenly decreases in the current time period.

[0148] In this embodiment, reference Figure 15 , Figure 17 , controller 4 calculates Subcooling change over time ,like Subcooling change over time , it means that the supercooling degree suddenly decreases during the current time (step S61). As a variable implementation method " Subcooling change over time equal " can also be used as an execution condition for judging a sudden decrease in supercooling.

[0149] Continue to refer Figure 15 After executing step S6, if the supercooling degree suddenly decreases in the current time period, step S7 is executed: determining whether the supercooling degree in the subsequent second predetermined time period meets the preset conditions. Specifically, in this embodiment, if Subcooling change over time , and subsequent Time, supercooling (Step S71), it means that the current supercooling degree is insufficient. Figure 18 As a convertible embodiment, Within time, ” can also be used as an execution condition when the preset conditions are met.

[0150] Therefore, when the current supercooling degree is continuously insufficient, the refrigerant continues to vaporize during the flow process, causing bubbles to impact the valve core of the expansion valve 33, emitting a continuous refrigerant flow sound.

[0151] After executing step S7, if the preset conditions are met, step S81 is executed to obtain the operating frequency of the compressor and determine the operating status of the air conditioner. Specifically, in step S81, the determination of the operating status of the air conditioner includes:

[0152] If the operating frequency Reaching the upper limit of operating frequency When the load is below 0.05, the air conditioner 100 is judged to be in a low-load operation state. At this time, the upper limit of the condensing pressure and the lower limit of the operating speed of the compressor are controlled to be increased. If the load is below 0.05, the operating frequency is judged to be in a low-load operation state. Greater than , it is determined that the air conditioner 100 is in a non-low-load operation state, and at this time, the current opening of the expansion valve 33 is controlled to be reduced. The upper limit of the operating frequency of the compressor 31 of the air conditioner 100 under low load operation is It may be pre-stored in the memory 42 of the controller 4 .

[0153] More specifically, in this embodiment, As a condition for determining the operating state of the air conditioner (step S811). As a variable implementation method " " can also be used as an execution condition for determining whether the air conditioner is in a low-load state.

[0154] like , it means that the air conditioner 100 is currently in a low-load operating state. The main reason for the continued lack of supercooling is that under low-load conditions, the operating speed of the compressor 31 is too low to form high pressure, resulting in the refrigerant temperature of the high-pressure pipe being too low, and the liquefied refrigerant is difficult to continue to dissipate heat and form supercooling.

[0155] At this time, the controller 4 increases the upper limit of the condensing pressure to the preset condensing pressure limit That is, by increasing the upper limit of the condensing pressure range, the lower limit of the operating speed of the compressor 31 can be increased to the preset speed limit. , increasing the condensing pressure of the air conditioner 100 when it is in a low-load operating state, thereby increasing the supercooling degree, effectively improving the refrigerant flow noise in this state, and improving the quality of the air conditioner.

[0156] like If the condition is not true, it indicates that the air conditioner 100 is currently operating in a non-low-load state. The current opening of the expansion valve 33 can be controlled to reduce, thereby reducing the refrigerant flow noise. In this embodiment, when the air conditioner is in a non-low-load operating state, refrigerant flow noise is present, and the subcooling degree is insufficient, the opening of the expansion valve 33 is reduced and temperature compensation is added to reduce the refrigerant flow rate and increase the subcooling degree, effectively improving the refrigerant flow noise in this state and enhancing the quality of the air conditioner.

[0157] In some other embodiments of the present application, after executing step S7, if the supercooling degree in the subsequent second predetermined time period does not meet the preset condition, then when the air conditioner is restarted, step S82 is executed to control the opening speed of the expansion valve 33 to be reduced to .

[0158] That is, if the supercooling , indicating that the subcooling has suddenly decreased during the current period and will not remain at a low level. At this time, the opening speed of expansion valve 33 increases too quickly, resulting in a balance between high and low pressures. This causes partial vaporization of the high-pressure refrigerant, and bubbles impacting the valve core of expansion valve 33, generating refrigerant flow noise.

[0159] Therefore, the controller 4 controls the opening speed of the expansion valve 33 to be reduced to , which is used to improve the refrigerant flow noise caused by the fast opening speed of the expansion valve 33, thereby achieving the purpose of reducing the refrigerant flow noise.

[0160] The air conditioner provided by the present invention incorporates a noise collection device 7 to detect the sound of refrigerant flow. The noise collection device, in conjunction with the controller 4, determines the presence of refrigerant flow noise based on its sharpness, thereby improving the accuracy of refrigerant flow noise detection. Furthermore, the device combines the degree of subcooling to determine the cause of the refrigerant flow noise. Based on the cause, appropriate measures are implemented to reduce the refrigerant flow noise and prevent excessive refrigerant flow noise from affecting the user experience. Specifically, different measures are implemented to address the following two aspects: the excessive actuation speed of the expansion valve 33, which causes refrigerant flow noise due to bubbles impacting the valve core of the expansion valve 33, and the persistently insufficient degree of subcooling. This reduces refrigerant flow noise and lowers the probability of subsequent rectification. This improves the user experience, reduces user complaints, and contributes to improving the market competitiveness of the air conditioner.

[0161] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any modifications or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that: include: an indoor unit, comprising an air outlet communicating with the indoor room; The refrigerant circulation loop circulates the refrigerant in the loop consisting of the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator; a pressure detection device for detecting the refrigerant pressure at the inlet of the expansion valve; a temperature detection device for detecting the refrigerant temperature at the inlet of the expansion valve; A noise collecting device, provided at the air outlet to collect sound data when the indoor unit is in operation; The controller is configured as: determining whether there is refrigerant flow noise according to the sound data; If the refrigerant flow noise exists, calculating the subcooling data according to the refrigerant temperature and the refrigerant pressure; Calculating a subcooling change value within a first predetermined time period based on the subcooling data; determining that the subcooling has decreased within the first predetermined time period when the subcooling change value reaches or exceeds a preset subcooling change threshold; and performing a noise reduction action if the subcooling has decreased, including: In the second predetermined time period, if the degree of supercooling satisfies the preset condition that the degree of supercooling is greater than the first preset supercooling threshold and is less than the second preset supercooling threshold, the opening of the expansion valve, the lower limit of the operating speed of the compressor and / or the upper limit of the condensing pressure range are adjusted according to the operating state of the air conditioner; wherein, if the operating frequency of the compressor achieve If the value is less than 0.05, the air conditioner is judged to be in a low-load operation state, and the upper limit of the condensing pressure range and / or the lower limit of the operating speed of the compressor are controlled to be increased; if the value is less than 0.05, the air conditioner is judged to be in a non-low-load operation state, and the opening of the expansion valve is controlled to be reduced; The upper limit of the operating frequency of the compressor of the air conditioner under low load operation; In the second predetermined time period, if the degree of supercooling does not meet the above-mentioned preset condition, the opening speed of the expansion valve is adjusted.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that The controller is further configured to: identifying a refrigerant flow sound in the sound data, and converting the refrigerant flow sound into a time-sharpness function curve; Calculating the sharpness change value within a preset time period according to the function curve; Whether there is refrigerant flow noise is determined according to the sharpness change value and a preset sharpness change threshold.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that The controller is further configured to: If the sharpness change value reaches or exceeds the preset sharpness change threshold, it is determined that the refrigerant flow noise exists in the preset time period; otherwise, it is determined that the refrigerant flow noise does not exist in the preset time period.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that The controller is further configured to: Performing spectrum analysis on the sound data to obtain characteristic spectrum values; Comparing the characteristic spectrum value with a preset spectrum interval to identify the refrigerant flow sound; The frequency range of the refrigerant flow sound is divided into 24 frequency bands, each of which corresponds to a critical frequency band width, and the sharpness of the refrigerant flow sound is calculated.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that The controller is configured to: If the degree of supercooling does not meet the above preset conditions, the opening speed of the expansion valve is controlled to decrease to the preset opening speed. .

6. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: If the refrigerant flow noise does not exist, the controller is further configured to: Control the noise collection device to shut down and keep the air conditioner running After a certain time, the noise collecting device is controlled to be turned on again to collect the sound data of the indoor unit in the operating state.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein: The temperature detection device includes two temperature sensors, which are respectively installed on the pipe walls of the two ports of the expansion valve; The pressure detection device includes two pressure sensors, which are respectively installed at two ports of the expansion valve.

8. An air conditioner, characterized in that: include: an indoor unit, comprising an air outlet communicating with the indoor room; The refrigerant circulation loop circulates the refrigerant in the loop consisting of the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator; A noise collecting device, provided at the air outlet to collect sound data when the indoor unit is in operation; a pressure detection device for detecting the refrigerant pressure at the inlet of the expansion valve; a temperature detection device for detecting the refrigerant temperature at the inlet of the expansion valve; The controller is configured as: Converting the sound data into a time-sharpness function curve; Calculating a sharpness change value within a preset time period according to the function curve, and determining that refrigerant flow noise exists within the preset time period if the sharpness change value reaches or exceeds a preset sharpness change threshold; If the refrigerant flow noise exists, calculating the subcooling data according to the refrigerant temperature and the refrigerant pressure; Calculating a supercooling change value in a first predetermined time period based on the supercooling data, and executing a noise reduction action when the supercooling change value reaches or exceeds a preset supercooling change threshold, including: In the second predetermined time period, if the degree of supercooling satisfies the preset condition that the degree of supercooling is greater than the first preset supercooling threshold and is less than the second preset supercooling threshold, the opening of the expansion valve, the lower limit of the operating speed of the compressor and / or the upper limit of the condensing pressure range are adjusted according to the operating state of the air conditioner; wherein, if the operating frequency of the compressor achieve If the value is less than 0.05, the air conditioner is judged to be in a low-load operation state, and the upper limit of the condensing pressure range and / or the lower limit of the operating speed of the compressor are controlled to be increased; if the value is less than 0.05, the air conditioner is judged to be in a non-low-load operation state, and the opening of the expansion valve is controlled to be reduced; The upper limit of the operating frequency of the compressor of the air conditioner under low load operation; In the second predetermined time period, if the degree of supercooling does not meet the above-mentioned preset condition, the opening speed of the expansion valve is adjusted.

Images