A self-cleaning device and control method for an air conditioner outdoor unit

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of air conditioner outdoor unit self-cleaning device and control method, including first water tank, second water tank, first water pump, second water pump, first spraying device, second spraying device, control panel, first water tank and second water tank are fixed at the outside or inside of air conditioner outdoor unit respectively, first water tank is connected with first water pump by water pipe, first water pump is connected with first spraying device by water pipe, second water tank is connected with second water pump by water pipe, second water pump is connected with second spraying device by water pipe, first spraying device and second spraying device are fixed on the top of air conditioner outdoor unit, control panel is connected with first water pump, second water pump by wire.It can manually forced control long time spraying, play the role of cleaning air conditioner outdoor unit heat exchanger, the water of spraying can evaporate in outdoor unit heat exchanger, can sufficiently improve air conditioner outdoor unit heat exchange capacity, can also fully save water resources.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of air conditioning technology, specifically relating to a self-cleaning device and control method for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioner outdoor units left outdoors for extended periods accumulate dust on their heat exchangers. This dust directly affects the heat exchanger's coefficient and airflow, leading to lower overall heat exchange performance and ultimately reduced air conditioning capacity. Current technologies involve spraying air conditioner heat exchanger cleaners onto the outdoor unit's heat exchanger, then defrosting the condensed material to clean the heat exchanger again, or directly spraying water to clean it. However, these methods suffer from high cleaning costs, and delayed or untimely cleaning can result in increased power consumption and frequent air conditioner malfunctions. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the problems mentioned in the background section, this invention provides a self-cleaning device and control method for an outdoor air conditioning unit.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a self-cleaning device for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, 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 board. The first water tank and the second water tank are respectively fixed to the outside or inside of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. The first water tank is connected to the first water pump through a water pipe, and 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, and 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 outdoor unit of the air conditioner. The control board is connected to the first water pump and the second water pump through wires.

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

[0006] Preferably, the second water tank includes a second tank body, a second filter cotton, a second filter, and a liquid pipe. The second filter cotton is disposed inside the second water tank, and the second filter is disposed on the liquid pipe, which is connected to the second tank body.

[0007] Preferably, the first spraying device and the second spraying 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 distributor, a plurality of dispensing pipes connected to the distributor, and a plurality of nozzles connected to the dispensing pipes.

[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 respectively fixed to the outside or inside of the air conditioner outdoor unit through the first bracket and the second bracket. The first spray device and the second spray device are fixed to the air conditioner outdoor unit through the third bracket.

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

[0011] The present invention also provides a control method for a self-cleaning device for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. The method is as follows: when the air conditioner issues a cleaning command, the ambient temperature is detected. If the ambient temperature is less than zero degrees, the cleaning command is terminated. If the ambient temperature is greater than zero degrees, the unit's operating status is further detected. If the unit is in operation, the outdoor unit's heat exchanger temperature is detected. If the outdoor unit's heat exchanger temperature is lower than a℃ but higher than zero degrees, only the outdoor unit fan is turned off, and the cleaning process is initiated. If the outdoor unit temperature is higher than b℃, the air conditioner is turned off, and the cleaning procedure is initiated.

[0012] After the cleaning command is initiated, the second water pump is turned on first to spray the fin cleaning fluid from the second water tank onto the fins of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. The second water pump runs for c seconds, and after spraying is completed, the second water pump is turned off. Wait for d seconds to allow the cleaning fluid to fully react with the dust on the heat exchanger. Then, the first water pump is turned on for e seconds to spray clean water and wash away the cleaning fluid on the heat exchanger. After the above cleaning is completed, the first water pump is turned off, and the cleaning task is completed. After cleaning, the air conditioner is restored to its original operating state before cleaning, and the cleaning results are reported to the customer.

[0013] The present invention also provides another control method for the self-cleaning device of an air conditioner outdoor unit. The method is as follows: 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 terminated. 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's heat exchanger temperature is detected. When the outdoor unit's heat exchanger temperature is lower than a℃ but higher than zero degrees, only the outdoor unit fan is turned off, and the cleaning process is initiated. If the outdoor unit temperature is higher than b℃, the air conditioner is turned off, and the cleaning procedure is initiated.

[0014] After the cleaning command is initiated, the second water pump is turned on first to spray the fin cleaning fluid from the second water tank onto the fins of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. The second water pump runs for c seconds, and after spraying is complete, it is turned off. Wait d seconds to allow the cleaning fluid to fully react with the dust on the heat exchanger. Then, the inlet valve is opened for e seconds to spray clean water and wash away the cleaning fluid on the heat exchanger. After the above cleaning is completed, the inlet valve is closed to complete the cleaning task. After cleaning, the air conditioner is restored to its original operating state, and the cleaning results are reported to the customer.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0016] This invention allows for manual, forced-control long-term spraying, effectively cleaning the heat exchanger of the air conditioner's outdoor unit. It can automatically determine the air conditioner's operating status and automatically control the spraying on and off. Water and cleaning fluid can be manually added to the water tank, or water can be added by connecting to a tap water pipe or condenser pipe. Multiple spraying device structures are available, and precise control is achieved. No water flows out of the air conditioner's outdoor unit; the sprayed water evaporates within the outdoor unit's heat exchanger, significantly improving the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor unit and conserving water resources. Attached Figure Description

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

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

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

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Air conditioner outdoor unit; 2. First water tank; 3. Second water tank; 4. First water pump; 5. Second water pump; 6. First spray device; 7. Second spray device; 8. Control panel; 9. First bracket; 10. Second bracket; 11. Third bracket; 12. Spray head; 13. Spray pipe; 14. Liquid distributor; 15. Multiple liquid distributor pipes; 16. Inlet valve; 21. Housing; 22. First filter cotton; 23. Inlet pipe; 24. Inlet valve; 25. Outlet pipe; 26. Drain valve; 27. First filter; 28. Drain pipe; 29. ​​Water level sensor; 31. Second housing; 32. Second filter cotton; 33. Liquid pipe; 34. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] Example 1

[0026] Please see Figure 1-4 This embodiment provides the following technical solution: a self-cleaning device for an air conditioner outdoor unit, used for cleaning the air conditioner outdoor unit 1, including 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 board 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 respectively fixed to the outside or inside of the air conditioner outdoor unit 1 via the first bracket 9 and the second bracket 10. Figure 1 As shown, the system is fixed to the outside of the air conditioner outdoor unit and located on both sides of the unit. A first water tank 2 is connected to a first water pump 4 via a water pipe. The first water pump 4 is connected to a first spray device 6 via a water pipe. A second water tank 3 is connected to a second water pump 5 via a water pipe. The second water pump 5 is connected to a second spray device 7 via a water pipe. The first spray device 6 and the second spray device 7 are fixed above the air conditioner outdoor unit 1 by a third bracket 11. A control board 8 is connected to the first water pump 4 and the second water pump 5 via wires. The first water tank 2 stores water, and the second water tank 3 stores fin cleaning fluid. In this embodiment, the third bracket can be fixed or movable, for example, by using components such as a motor and pulleys to allow the bracket to move up and down outside the air conditioner outdoor unit 1.

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

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

[0029] Furthermore, 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 pipe, but it can also be a square pipe or other irregularly shaped pipe, and the material can be metal or plastic. The spray head 12 can be connected to the spray pipe 13 by threads, adhesive or other means.

[0030] When the air conditioner issues a cleaning command, it checks the ambient temperature. If the ambient temperature is below zero, the cleaning command is terminated. If the ambient temperature is above zero, the unit's operating status is further checked. If the unit is running, the outdoor unit's heat exchanger temperature is checked. If the outdoor unit's heat exchanger temperature is below a℃ but above zero, only the outdoor unit fan is turned off, and the cleaning process begins. If the outdoor unit temperature is above b℃, the air conditioner is turned off, and the cleaning procedure begins.

[0031] Air conditioner cleaning commands can be initiated either through the air conditioner's automatic dirt and blockage detection or by manual control by the customer.

[0032] After the cleaning command is initiated, the second water pump 5 is turned on first to spray the fin cleaning fluid 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 spraying is completed, the second water pump 5 is turned off. Wait for d seconds to allow the cleaning fluid to fully react with the dust on the heat exchanger. Then, the first water pump 4 is turned on for e seconds to spray clean water and wash away the cleaning fluid on the heat exchanger. After the above cleaning is completed, the first water pump 4 is turned off to complete the cleaning task.

[0033] After cleaning, restore the air conditioner to its original operating state and provide feedback on the cleaning results to the customer.

[0034] After completing the cleaning mode, the system enters the cleaning mode verification stage. At this time, the fan is set to the highest level and runs continuously for B minutes. If it is determined to be clogged, the user control panel will prompt for manual cleaning. If it is determined not to be clogged, the clogged prompt will prompt for removal.

[0035] Example 2

[0036] Reference Figure 5 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in the structure of the first spraying device 6 and the second spraying device 7. The spraying device in this embodiment includes a distributor 14, multiple distributor pipes 15, and multiple nozzles 16 connected to the distributor pipes 15. The distributor pipes 15 can be made of ordinary flexible tubing or corrugated metal tubing. When corrugated metal tubing is used, the nozzles 16 can be integrated with the distributor pipes 15. When ordinary flexible tubing is used, it can be supported and fixed using a bracket.

[0037] Example 3

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

[0039] After the air conditioner issues a cleaning command, it checks the ambient temperature. If the ambient temperature is below zero degrees Celsius, the cleaning command is terminated. If the ambient temperature is above zero degrees Celsius, the unit's operating status is further checked. If the unit is running, the outdoor unit's heat exchanger temperature is checked. If the outdoor unit's heat exchanger temperature is below a℃ but above zero degrees Celsius, only the outdoor unit fan is turned off, and the cleaning process begins. If the outdoor unit temperature is above b℃, the air conditioner is turned off, and the cleaning procedure begins.

[0040] After the cleaning command is initiated, the second water pump 5 is turned on first to spray the fin cleaning fluid 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 spraying is completed, the second water pump 5 is turned off; wait for d seconds to allow the cleaning fluid to fully react with the dust on the heat exchanger; then open the water inlet valve 16e seconds to spray clean water and wash away the cleaning fluid on the heat exchanger; after the above cleaning is completed, close the water inlet valve 16 to complete the cleaning task.

[0041] After cleaning, restore the air conditioner to its original operating state and provide feedback on the cleaning results to the customer.

[0042] After completing the cleaning mode, the system enters the cleaning mode verification stage. At this time, the fan is set to the highest level and runs continuously for B minutes. If it is determined to be clogged, the user control panel will prompt for manual cleaning. If it is determined not to be clogged, the clogged prompt will prompt for removal.

[0043] Example 4

[0044] The control method in this embodiment differs from that in Embodiments 1 and 3:

[0045] After the air conditioner issues a cleaning command, if the unit detects an ambient temperature < M℃ and an ambient humidity > N%, it proceeds to the next step of the check, detecting the ambient temperature. If the ambient temperature is below zero degrees Celsius, the cleaning command is terminated. If the ambient temperature is above zero degrees Celsius, the unit's operating status is further checked. If the unit is running, the outdoor unit's heat exchanger temperature is detected. If the temperature is below a℃ but above zero degrees Celsius, only the outdoor unit fan is turned off, and the cleaning process begins. If the outdoor unit temperature is above b℃, the air conditioner is turned off, and the cleaning procedure begins.

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

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

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

Claims

1. A control method for a self-cleaning device of an air conditioner outdoor unit, characterized in that, The self-cleaning device of the air conditioner outdoor unit 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 to the outside or the inside of the air conditioner outdoor unit respectively, the first water tank is connected with the first water pump through a water pipe, the first water pump is connected with the first spraying device through a water pipe, the second water tank is connected with the second water pump through a water pipe, the second water pump is connected with the second spraying device through a water pipe, the first spraying device and the second spraying device are fixed to the top of the air conditioner outdoor unit, and the control panel is connected with the first water pump and the second water pump through wires; The method is: when 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 operating state of the unit is further detected, when the unit is in operation, the heat exchange temperature of the outdoor unit is detected, when the heat exchange temperature of the outdoor unit is lower than a degrees Celsius 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 degrees Celsius, the air conditioner is turned off, and the cleaning program is entered; After the cleaning command starts, the second water pump is turned on, the fin cleaning liquid in the second water tank is sprayed onto the fins of the air conditioner outdoor unit, the second water pump runs for c seconds, the second water pump is turned off after the spraying is completed, and a waiting time of d seconds is waited for the cleaning liquid to fully react with the heat exchange dust, then the first water pump is turned on for e seconds, clean water is sprayed to clean the cleaning liquid on the heat exchange, after the above cleaning is completed, the first water pump is turned off, the cleaning task is completed, and after the cleaning is completed, the running state of the air conditioner before the cleaning is restored, and the cleaning result is fed back to the customer; After the cleaning mode is completed, the cleaning mode verification stage is entered, at this time, the fan is set to the highest gear and runs continuously for B minutes, if it is determined that it is dirty and blocked, the user control panel prompts manual cleaning, if it is determined that it is not dirty and blocked, the dirty and blocked prompt is removed. 2.A control method of a self-cleaning device of an air conditioner outdoor unit, characterized by: The self-cleaning device of the air conditioner outdoor unit 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 to the outside or the inside of the air conditioner outdoor unit respectively, the first water tank is connected with the first water pump through a water pipe, the first water pump is connected with the first spraying device through a water pipe, the second water tank is connected with the second water pump through a water pipe, the second water pump is connected with the second spraying device through a water pipe, the first spraying device and the second spraying device are fixed to the top of the air conditioner outdoor unit, and the control panel is connected with the first water pump and the second water pump through wires; 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 pipe of the air conditioner; The method is: 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 operating state of the unit is further detected, when the unit is in operation, the heat exchange temperature of the outdoor unit is detected, when the heat exchange temperature of the outdoor unit is lower than a degrees Celsius 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 degrees Celsius, the air conditioner is turned off, and the cleaning program is entered; After the cleaning command starts, the second water pump is first turned on to spray the fin cleaning liquid in the second water tank to the fins of the air conditioner outdoor unit, the second water pump runs for c seconds, the second water pump is turned off after the spraying is completed, and d seconds of time is waited for the cleaning liquid to fully react with the heat exchange dust; then the water inlet valve is opened for e seconds to spray clean water to clean the cleaning liquid on the heat exchange, after the above cleaning is completed, the water inlet valve is closed to complete the cleaning task; after the cleaning is completed, the running state of the air conditioner before cleaning is restored, and the cleaning result is fed back to the customer; After the cleaning mode is completed, the cleaning mode verification stage is entered, 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 that it is not dirty and blocked, the dirty and blocked prompt is removed. 3.The control method of the air conditioner outdoor unit self-cleaning device of claim 1, wherein: The first water tank comprises a tank body, 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 valve is arranged on the water inlet pipe and communicates with the tank body. The water inlet pipe is located at the upper part of the tank body. The water inlet pipe is connected with a tap water pipe or a condensate water pipe of the air conditioner. The water inlet valve is electrically connected with the control panel. The water outlet pipe communicates with the tank body. The first filter is arranged on the water outlet pipe. The drain valve is arranged on the drain pipe. The drain pipe communicates with the lowest position of the tank body. The drain valve is electrically connected with the control panel. The tank body is internally provided with the water level sensor. 4.The control method of the air conditioner outdoor unit self-cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second water tank comprises a second tank body, 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. The liquid pipe communicates with the second tank body. 5.The control method of the air conditioner outdoor unit self-cleaning device of claim 4, wherein: The first spraying device and the second spraying device have the same structure and comprise a spraying head and a spraying pipe connected with the spraying head. 6.The control method of the air conditioner outdoor unit self-cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first spraying device and the second spraying device have the same structure and comprise a distributor, a plurality of distribution pipes communicating with the distributor and a plurality of spraying heads connected with the distribution pipes. 7.The control method of the air conditioner outdoor unit self-cleaning device of claim 1, wherein: The first water tank and the second water tank are respectively fixed to the outside or the inside of the air conditioner outdoor unit through the first support and the second support. The first spraying device and the second spraying device are fixed to the air conditioner outdoor unit through the third support.

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