Air conditioner outdoor unit self-cleaning device and control method

Abstract

The invention discloses an air conditioner outdoor unit self-cleaning device and a control method, the air conditioner outdoor unit self-cleaning device comprises a first water tank, a second water tank, a first water pump, a second water pump, a first spraying device, a second spraying device and a control panel, the first water tank and the second water tank are fixed outside or inside an air conditioner outdoor unit, and the first water tank communicates with the first water pump through a water pipe; the first water pump communicates with the first spraying device through a water pipe, the second water tank communicates with the second water pump through a water pipe, the second water pump communicates with the second spraying device through a water pipe, the first spraying device and the second spraying device are fixed above the air conditioner outdoor unit, and the control panel is connected with the first water pump and the second water pump through wires. Long-time spraying can be manually and forcibly controlled, the effect of cleaning the air conditioner outdoor unit heat exchanger is achieved, sprayed water can be evaporated in the outdoor unit heat exchanger, the heat exchange capacity of the air conditioner outdoor unit can be fully improved, and water resources can be fully saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of air conditioners, and in particular relates to a self-cleaning device and a control method for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] The heat exchanger of the air conditioner outdoor unit that is placed outdoors for a long time will be covered with a lot of dust, which will directly affect the heat exchange coefficient of the heat exchanger and the air volume of the outdoor unit, resulting in low overall heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger, and ultimately reducing the air conditioning capacity. In the prior art, there are methods of spraying the outdoor unit heat exchanger with air conditioner heat exchanger cleaning agent, using the air conditioner outdoor unit to condense frost and then defrost to clean the outdoor unit heat exchanger again, or directly spraying water to clean the outdoor unit heat exchanger again. The current method has the problems of high cleaning cost, high power consumption due to delayed cleaning or untimely cleaning, and easy failure of the air conditioner. Summary of the invention

[0003] In order to solve the problems raised in the above background technology, the present invention provides a self-cleaning device and a control method for an air conditioner outdoor unit.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: a self-cleaning device for an air-conditioning outdoor unit, comprising a first water tank, a second water tank, a first water pump, a second water pump, a first spray device, a second spray device, and a control panel, wherein the first water tank and the second water tank are respectively fixed to the outside or inside of the air-conditioning outdoor unit, the first water tank is connected to the first water pump through a water pipe, the first water pump is connected to the first spray device through a water pipe, the second water tank is connected to the second water pump through a water pipe, the second water pump is connected to the second spray device through a water pipe, the first spray device and the second spray device are fixed above the air-conditioning outdoor unit, and the control panel is connected to the first water pump and the second water pump through electric wires.

[0005] Preferably, the first water includes a box body, a first filter cotton, a water inlet pipe, a water inlet valve, a water outlet pipe, a drain valve, a first filter, a drain pipe, and a water level sensor. The first filter cotton is arranged inside the first water tank, the water inlet pipe is provided with a water inlet valve and connected to the box body, the water inlet pipe is located at the upper part of the box body, the water inlet pipe is connected to the tap water pipe or the condensation water pipe of the air conditioner, the water inlet valve is electrically connected to the control board, the water outlet pipe is connected to the box body, the first filter is installed on the water outlet pipe, the drain valve is arranged on the drain pipe, the drain pipe is connected to the lowest position of the box body, the drain valve is electrically connected to the control board, and a water level sensor is arranged inside the box body.

[0006] Preferably, the second water tank comprises a second box body, a second filter cotton, a second filter, and a liquid pipe. The second filter cotton is arranged inside the second water tank, the second filter is arranged on the liquid pipe, and the liquid pipe is connected to the second box body.

[0007] Preferably, the first spray device and the second spray device have the same structure, including a spray head and a spray pipe connected to the spray head.

[0008] Preferably, the first spray device and the second spray device have the same structure, including a liquid distributor, a plurality of liquid distributors connected to the liquid distributor, and a plurality of spray heads connected to the liquid distributors.

[0009] Preferably, it also includes a first bracket, a second bracket, and a third bracket. The first water tank and the second water tank are fixed to the outside or inside of the air conditioner outdoor unit through the first bracket and the second bracket respectively, and the first spray device and the second spray device are fixed on the air conditioner outdoor unit through the third bracket.

[0010] Preferably, the first water pump is replaced by a water inlet valve, and the first water tank is replaced by a water pipe directly connected to a tap water pipe or a condenser of an air conditioner.

[0011] The present invention also provides a control method for a self-cleaning device of an air conditioner outdoor unit, the method comprising: after the air conditioner issues a cleaning command, detecting the ambient temperature, when the ambient temperature is less than zero degrees, exiting the cleaning command, when the ambient temperature is greater than zero degrees, further detecting the running state of the unit, when the unit is in operation, detecting the heat exchange temperature of the outdoor unit, when the heat exchange temperature of the outdoor unit is lower than a°C and higher than zero degrees, only turning off the outdoor unit fan, and entering the cleaning process, if the outdoor unit temperature is higher than b°C, turning off the air conditioner, and entering the cleaning program;

[0012] After the cleaning command starts, first turn on the second water pump to spray the fin cleaning liquid in the second water tank onto the fins of the air conditioner outdoor unit. The second water pump runs for c seconds. After the spraying is completed, turn off the second water pump and wait for d seconds to allow the cleaning liquid to fully react with the dust on the heat exchanger. Then turn on the first water pump for e seconds to spray clean water to clean the cleaning liquid on the heat exchanger. After completing the above cleaning, turn off the first water pump to complete the cleaning task. After cleaning, restore the air conditioner to its operating state before cleaning and feedback the cleaning results to the customer.

[0013] The present invention also provides another control method for a self-cleaning device of an air conditioner outdoor unit, the method comprising: after the air conditioner issues a cleaning command, detecting the ambient temperature, when the ambient temperature is less than zero degrees, exiting the cleaning command, when the ambient temperature is greater than zero degrees, further detecting the running state of the unit, when the unit is in operation, detecting the heat exchange temperature of the outdoor unit, when the heat exchange temperature of the outdoor unit is lower than a°C and higher than zero degrees, only turning off the outdoor unit fan, and entering the cleaning process, if the outdoor unit temperature is higher than b°C, turning off the air conditioner, and entering the cleaning program;

[0014] After the cleaning command starts, first turn on the second water pump to spray the fin cleaning liquid in the second water tank onto the fins of the air conditioner outdoor unit. The second water pump runs for c seconds. After the spraying is completed, turn off the second water pump and wait for d seconds to allow the cleaning liquid to fully react with the dust on the heat exchanger. Then open the water inlet valve for e seconds to spray clean water to wash away the cleaning liquid on the heat exchanger. After completing the above cleaning, close the water inlet valve to complete the cleaning task. After cleaning, restore the air conditioner to its operating state before cleaning and feedback the cleaning results to the customer.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] The long-term spraying can be manually forced to be controlled to clean the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner; the present invention can automatically judge the operation status of the air conditioner and automatically control the opening and closing of the spraying. Water and cleaning liquid can be manually filled into the water tank, or a tap water pipe or a condenser pipe can be connected for water filling. A variety of spraying devices with different structures are optional, and the control is finely controlled. No water flows from the outdoor unit of the air conditioner to the outside, and the sprayed water will evaporate in the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit, which can fully improve the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner and fully save water resources. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the self-cleaning device of Example 1;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first water tank in Example 1;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second water tank in Example 1;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the spray device of Example 1;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the spray device of Example 2;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the self-cleaning device of Example 3.

[0023] In the figure: an air conditioner outdoor unit 1, a first water tank 2, a second water tank 3, a first water pump 4, a second water pump 5, a first spray device 6, a second spray device 7, a control panel 8, a first bracket 9, a second bracket 10, a third bracket 11, a spray head 12, a spray pipe 13, a liquid distributor 14, a plurality of liquid distributors 15, a water inlet valve 16, a box body 21, a first filter cotton 22, a water inlet pipe 23, a water inlet valve 24, a water outlet pipe 25, a drain valve 26, a first filter 27, a drain pipe 28, a water level sensor 29, a second box body 31, a second filter cotton 32, a second filter 33, and a liquid pipe 34. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] Example 1

[0026] See also Figure 1-4 The present embodiment provides the following technical solution: a self-cleaning device for an air conditioner outdoor unit, used for cleaning an air conditioner outdoor unit 1, comprising a first water tank 2, a second water tank 3, a first water pump 4, a second water pump 5, a first spray device 6, a second spray device 7, a control panel 8, a first bracket 9, a second bracket 10, and a third bracket 11. The first water tank 2 and the second water tank 3 are fixed to the outside or inside of the air conditioner outdoor unit 1 through the first bracket 9 and the second bracket 10, respectively. Figure 1 As shown, it is fixed to the outside of the air conditioner outdoor unit and is located on both sides of the air conditioner outdoor unit. The first water tank 2 is connected to the first water pump 4 through a water pipe, the first water pump 4 is connected to the first spray device 6 through a water pipe, the second water tank 3 is connected to the second water pump 5 through a water pipe, the second water pump 5 is connected to the second spray device 7 through a water pipe, the first spray device 6 and the second spray device 7 are fixed to the top of the air conditioner outdoor unit 1 through the third bracket 11, and the control panel 8 is connected to the first water pump 4 and the second water pump 5 through an electric wire. The first water tank 2 stores water, and the second water tank 3 stores fin cleaning liquid. The third bracket of this embodiment can be set to be fixed or movable, for example, the bracket can be moved up and down outside the air conditioner outdoor unit 1 through components such as motors and pulleys.

[0027] Furthermore, the first water tank 2 includes a first box body 21, a first filter cotton 22, a water inlet pipe 23, a water inlet valve 24, a water outlet pipe 25, a drain valve 26, a first filter 27, a drain pipe 28, and a water level sensor 29. The first filter cotton 22 is arranged inside the first water tank 2, and the water inlet valve 24 is arranged on the water inlet pipe 23 and connected to the box body 21. The water inlet pipe 23 is located at the upper part of the first box body 21. The water inlet pipe 23 is connected to the tap water pipe or the condensation water pipe of the air conditioner. The water inlet valve 24 is electrically connected to the control board 8. The water inlet pipe 2 3 enters the box body through the water inlet valve 24, is filtered by the filter cotton 22 in the first box body 21 and is discharged to the outside of the first box body 21 through the water outlet pipe 25. The water outlet pipe 25 is connected to the first box body 21. A first filter 27 is installed on the water outlet pipe 25. A drain valve 26 is arranged on the drain pipe 28. The drain pipe 28 is connected to the lowest position of the first box body 21 and is used to discharge the remaining residual water in the first box body 21. The drain valve 26 is electrically connected to the control board 8. A water level sensor 29 is arranged inside the first box body 21.

[0028] Furthermore, the second water tank 3 includes a second box body 31 , a second filter cotton 32 , a second filter 33 , and a liquid pipe 34 . The second filter cotton 32 is arranged inside the second water tank 31 , the second filter 33 is arranged on the liquid pipe 34 , and the liquid pipe 34 is connected to the second box body 31 .

[0029] Further, the first spray device 6 and the second spray device 7 have the same structure, including a spray head 12 and a spray pipe 13 connected to the spray head 12. The spray pipe 13 is preferably a round tube, but can also be a square tube or other special-shaped tube, and can be made of metal or plastic. The spray head 12 can be connected to the spray pipe 13 by thread, adhesive or other means.

[0030] When the air conditioner issues a cleaning command, it detects the ambient temperature. When the ambient temperature is less than zero degrees, the cleaning command is exited. When the ambient temperature is greater than zero degrees, the unit's operating status is further detected. When the unit is in operation, the outdoor unit heat exchange temperature is detected. When the outdoor unit heat exchange temperature is lower than a°C and higher than zero degrees, only the outdoor unit fan is turned off and the cleaning process is entered. If the outdoor unit temperature is higher than b°C, the air conditioner is turned off and the cleaning process is entered.

[0031] The air conditioner cleaning command can come from the air conditioner's autonomous dirt and blockage detection, or it can be manually controlled by the customer.

[0032] After the cleaning command starts, first turn on the second water pump 5 to spray the fin cleaning liquid in the second water tank 3 onto the fins of the air conditioner outdoor unit. The second water pump 5 runs for c seconds. After the spraying is completed, turn off the second water pump 5; wait for d seconds to allow the cleaning liquid to fully react with the heat exchange dust; then turn on the first water pump 4e seconds to spray clean water to wash away the cleaning liquid on the heat exchange; after completing the above cleaning, turn off the first water pump 4 to complete the cleaning task.

[0033] After cleaning, the air conditioner will be restored to its original operating state before cleaning and the cleaning results will be fed back to the customer.

[0034] After completing the cleaning mode, the cleaning mode verification phase begins. At this time, the fan is set to the highest gear and runs continuously for B minutes. If it is determined to be dirty and blocked, the user control panel prompts manual cleaning. If it is determined not to be dirty and blocked, the dirty blockage prompt is cleared.

[0035] Example 2

[0036] Reference Figure 5 The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the structures of the first spray device 6 and the second spray device 7 are different. The spray device of this embodiment includes a liquid distributor 14, a plurality of liquid distributor tubes 15, and a plurality of nozzles 16 connected to the liquid distributor tubes 15. The liquid distributor tube 15 can be made of an ordinary hose or a metal bellows. When a metal bellows is used, the nozzle 16 can be made into one piece with the liquid distributor tube 15. When an ordinary hose is used, it can be supported and fixed by a fixed bracket.

[0037] Example 3

[0038] Reference Figure 6 The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the spray device of this embodiment omits the first water tank 2 and the first water pump 4, and is equipped with a water inlet valve 16, which is directly connected to the tap water pipe or the condenser of the air conditioner through a water pipe.

[0039] After the air conditioner issues a cleaning command, it detects the ambient temperature. When the ambient temperature is less than zero degrees, the cleaning command is exited. When the ambient temperature is greater than zero degrees, the unit's operating status is further detected. When the unit is in operation, the outdoor unit heat exchange temperature is detected. When the outdoor unit heat exchange temperature is lower than a°C and higher than zero degrees, only the outdoor unit fan is turned off and the cleaning process is entered. If the outdoor unit temperature is higher than b°C, the air conditioner is turned off and the cleaning process is entered.

[0040] After the cleaning command starts, first turn on the second water pump 5 to spray the fin cleaning liquid in the second water tank 3 onto the fins of the air conditioner outdoor unit; the second water pump 5 runs for c seconds, and after the spraying is completed, turn off the second water pump 5; wait for d seconds to allow the cleaning liquid to fully react with the dust on the heat exchanger; then open the water inlet valve 16 for e seconds, spray clean water, and wash away the cleaning liquid on the heat exchanger; after completing the above cleaning, close the water inlet valve 16 to complete the cleaning task.

[0041] After cleaning, the air conditioner will be restored to its original operating state before cleaning and the cleaning results will be fed back to the customer.

[0042] After completing the cleaning mode, the cleaning mode verification phase begins. At this time, the fan is set to the highest gear and runs continuously for B minutes. If it is determined to be dirty and blocked, the user control panel prompts manual cleaning. If it is determined not to be dirty and blocked, the dirty blockage prompt is cleared.

[0043] Example 4

[0044] The control method of this embodiment is different from that of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 3:

[0045] After the air conditioner issues a cleaning command, when the unit detects that the ambient temperature is less than M℃ and the ambient humidity is greater than N%, the next step is to check the ambient temperature. When the ambient temperature is less than zero degrees, the cleaning command is exited. When the ambient temperature is greater than zero degrees, the unit's operating status is further detected. When the unit is in operation, the outdoor unit heat exchange temperature is detected. When the temperature is less than a℃ and higher than zero degrees, only the outdoor unit fan is turned off and the cleaning process is entered. If the outdoor unit temperature is higher than b℃, the air conditioner is turned off and the cleaning process is entered.

[0046] First, turn on the second water pump 5 to spray the fin cleaning liquid in the second water tank 3 onto the fins of the air conditioner outdoor unit; the second water pump 5 runs for c seconds, and turns off the second water pump 5 after the spraying is completed; and turn on the unit to enter the frosting and defrosting mode.

[0047] After the unit enters the frosting and defrosting mode, the outdoor unit fan of the unit reverses for N minutes, the outdoor unit enters the heating and frosting mode, the outdoor unit fan runs at a low speed, and the compressor runs at the set frequency. After running for a certain period of time, the outdoor unit enters the cooling and defrosting mode, the outdoor unit fan stops, and the compressor runs for a certain period of time at the set frequency. The compressor stops, and the outdoor unit fan reverses for N minutes again.

[0048] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning device for an air conditioner outdoor unit, characterized in that: The invention comprises a first water tank, a second water tank, a first water pump, a second water pump, a first spray device, a second spray device and a control panel, wherein the first water tank and the second water tank are respectively fixed on the outside or inside of the air conditioner outdoor unit, the first water tank is connected to the first water pump through a water pipe, the first water pump is connected to the first spray device through a water pipe, the second water tank is connected to the second water pump through a water pipe, the second water pump is connected to the second spray device through a water pipe, the first spray device and the second spray device are fixed on the top of the air conditioner outdoor unit, and the control panel is connected to the first water pump and the second water pump through electric wires.

2. The self-cleaning device for an air conditioner outdoor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first water includes a box body, a first filter cotton, a water inlet pipe, a water inlet valve, a water outlet pipe, a drain valve, a first filter, a drain pipe, and a water level sensor. The first filter cotton is arranged inside the first water tank, the water inlet pipe is provided with a water inlet valve and connected to the box body, the water inlet pipe is located at the upper part of the box body, the water inlet pipe is connected to the tap water pipe or the condensation water pipe of the air conditioner, the water inlet valve is electrically connected to the control board, the water outlet pipe is connected to the box body, the first filter is installed on the water outlet pipe, the drain valve is arranged on the drain pipe, the drain pipe is connected to the lowest position of the box body, the drain valve is electrically connected to the control board, and a water level sensor is arranged inside the box body.

3. The self-cleaning device for an air conditioner outdoor unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second water tank comprises a second box body, a second filter cotton, a second filter, and a liquid pipe. The second filter cotton is arranged inside the second water tank, the second filter is arranged on the liquid pipe, and the liquid pipe is connected to the second box body.

4. The self-cleaning device for an air conditioner outdoor unit according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first spray device and the second spray device have the same structure, and include a spray head and a spray pipe connected to the spray head.

5. The method for determining and cleaning outdoor heat exchange dirtiness of a multi-split air conditioner according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The first spray device and the second spray device have the same structure, including a liquid distributor, a plurality of liquid distributors connected to the liquid distributor, and a plurality of spray heads 16 connected to the liquid distributors.

6. The self-cleaning device for an air conditioner outdoor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a first bracket, a second bracket, and a third bracket. The first water tank and the second water tank are fixed to the outside or inside of the air conditioner outdoor unit through the first bracket and the second bracket respectively, and the first spray device and the second spray device are fixed on the air conditioner outdoor unit through the third bracket.

7. The self-cleaning device for an air conditioner outdoor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first water pump is replaced by a water inlet valve, and the first water tank is replaced by a water pipe directly connected to a tap water pipe or a condenser of an air conditioner.

8. A control method for the self-cleaning device of an air conditioner outdoor unit according to claims 1-6, characterized in that: The method is as follows: after the air conditioner issues a cleaning command, the ambient temperature is detected. When the ambient temperature is less than zero degrees, the cleaning command is exited. When the ambient temperature is greater than zero degrees, the unit operation state is further detected. When the unit is in operation, the outdoor unit heat exchange temperature is detected. When the outdoor unit heat exchange temperature is lower than a°C and higher than zero degrees, only the outdoor unit fan is turned off and the cleaning process is entered. If the outdoor unit temperature is higher than b°C, the air conditioner is turned off and the cleaning process is entered. After the cleaning command starts, first turn on the second water pump to spray the fin cleaning liquid in the second water tank onto the fins of the air conditioner outdoor unit. The second water pump runs for c seconds. After the spraying is completed, turn off the second water pump and wait for d seconds to allow the cleaning liquid to fully react with the dust on the heat exchanger. Then turn on the first water pump for e seconds to spray clean water to clean the cleaning liquid on the heat exchanger. After completing the above cleaning, turn off the first water pump to complete the cleaning task. After cleaning, restore the air conditioner to its operating state before cleaning and feedback the cleaning results to the customer.

9. A control method for the self-cleaning device of an air conditioner outdoor unit according to claim 7, characterized in that: After the air conditioner issues a cleaning command, it detects the ambient temperature. When the ambient temperature is less than zero degrees, the cleaning command is exited. When the ambient temperature is greater than zero degrees, the unit operation status is further detected. When the unit is in operation, the outdoor unit heat exchange temperature is detected. When the outdoor unit heat exchange temperature is lower than a°C and higher than zero degrees, only the outdoor unit fan is turned off and the cleaning process is entered. If the outdoor unit temperature is higher than b°C, the air conditioner is turned off and the cleaning process is entered. After the cleaning command starts, first turn on the second water pump to spray the fin cleaning liquid in the second water tank onto the fins of the air conditioner outdoor unit. The second water pump runs for c seconds. After the spraying is completed, turn off the second water pump and wait for d seconds to allow the cleaning liquid to fully react with the dust on the heat exchanger. Then open the water inlet valve for e seconds to spray clean water to wash away the cleaning liquid on the heat exchanger. After completing the above cleaning, close the water inlet valve to complete the cleaning task. After cleaning, restore the air conditioner to its operating state before cleaning and feedback the cleaning results to the customer.

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