Air conditioner, air conditioner control method and control device

Abstract

This invention provides an air conditioner, its control method, and a control device. The air conditioner includes: a compressor, a four-way valve, an indoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor heat exchanger connected via refrigerant pipes; a heat storage device, a first heat transfer circuit, and a second heat transfer circuit. The heat storage device is connected to the computer board of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner via the first heat transfer circuit, and is also connected to the indoor heat exchanger via the second heat transfer circuit. A first valve is provided on the first heat transfer circuit, and a second valve is provided on the second heat transfer circuit. In the sterilization mode of the air conditioner, both the first and second valves are open. This invention eliminates the need for an additional electric heating device in the air conditioner; instead, it utilizes waste heat within the system for reuse, resulting in a simple structure and low power consumption. In sterilization mode, the indoor fan of the air conditioner can still operate normally, thereby achieving comprehensive sterilization of the indoor heat exchanger and the circulating indoor air.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, users increasingly prefer air conditioners with sterilization functions when choosing air conditioning features. Previous inventions often involved using electric heating to raise the evaporator to a high temperature, achieving a sterilization effect, while the indoor fan remained off. However, these technologies have the following drawbacks: a) a lack of fan operation prevents airflow and hinders comprehensive sterilization of the indoor air; b) electric heating consumes a lot of electricity, wasting energy. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides an air conditioner, an air conditioner control method, and a control device to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art and achieve the following technical effects: The air conditioner does not require an additional electric heating device; instead, it utilizes waste heat within the system for reuse, resulting in a simple structure and low power consumption. Furthermore, in sterilization mode, the indoor fan of the air conditioner can still operate normally, thereby enabling comprehensive sterilization of the indoor heat exchanger and the circulating indoor air.

[0004] An air conditioner according to a first aspect of the present invention includes:

[0005] The compressor, four-way valve, indoor heat exchanger, and outdoor heat exchanger are connected by refrigerant pipes.

[0006] The device includes a heat storage device, a first heat transfer circuit, and a second heat transfer circuit. The heat storage device is connected to the computer board of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner through the first heat transfer circuit, and the heat storage device is connected to the indoor heat exchanger through the second heat transfer circuit.

[0007] The first heat transfer circuit is equipped with a first valve, and the second heat transfer circuit is equipped with a second valve. In the sterilization mode of the air conditioner, both the first valve and the second valve are in the open state.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first valve is a solenoid valve and the second valve is an electronic expansion valve with adjustable opening.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first heat transfer circuit is heat-transfer connected to the power module on the computer board.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the heating mode of the air conditioner, the second heat transfer circuit is connected to the refrigerant pipe located at the inlet of the indoor heat exchanger.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner is further provided with an ultraviolet sterilization device, which is arranged opposite to the indoor evaporator.

[0012] According to a second aspect embodiment of the present invention, a control method for an air conditioner based on the first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0013] In the heating mode, a signal is received to control the air conditioner to enter the sterilization mode, and the heat storage temperature of the heat storage device and the heating temperature of the indoor heat exchanger are obtained.

[0014] The operating status of the first valve and / or the second valve is controlled according to the heat storage temperature and / or the heating temperature.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of controlling the operating state of the first valve and / or the second valve based on the heat storage temperature and / or the heating temperature specifically includes:

[0016] The first valve is opened when the heat storage temperature is lower than the heating temperature.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heating temperature includes the inlet temperature, coil temperature and outlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger;

[0018] The step of controlling the operating state of the first valve and / or the second valve according to the heat storage temperature and / or the heating temperature specifically includes:

[0019] When the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature are all lower than the heat storage temperature, the operating state of the second valve is controlled based on the comparison results between the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature and the preset sterilization temperature.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of controlling the operating state of the second valve based on a comparison between the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature and a preset sterilization temperature, when the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature are all lower than the heat storage temperature, specifically includes:

[0021] When the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature are all lower than the heat storage temperature;

[0022] If the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature are all determined to be lower than the preset sterilization temperature, the second valve is controlled to be in the open state and at the first opening degree.

[0023] If two of the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature are found to be lower than the preset sterilization temperature, the second valve is controlled to be in the open state and at the second opening degree.

[0024] If one of the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature is less than the preset sterilization temperature, the second valve is controlled to be in the open state and at the third opening degree.

[0025] If the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature are all greater than the preset sterilization temperature, the second valve is controlled to be in the closed state.

[0026] Wherein, the first opening degree is greater than the second opening degree, and the second opening degree is greater than the third opening degree.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, after receiving the signal controlling the air conditioner to enter the sterilization mode in the heating mode, and obtaining the heat storage temperature of the heat storage device and the heating temperature of the indoor heat exchanger, the method further includes:

[0028] When the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature are all lower than the preset sterilization temperature, the compressor is controlled to increase its frequency to the first frequency and the indoor fan is switched to low speed.

[0029] If two of the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature are lower than the preset sterilization temperature, the compressor is controlled to increase its frequency to the second frequency and the indoor fan is switched to low speed.

[0030] If any of the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature is less than the preset sterilization temperature, the compressor is controlled to increase its frequency to the third frequency and the indoor fan is switched to low speed.

[0031] When the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature are all greater than the preset sterilization temperature, the indoor fan is controlled to turn to low speed, while the compressor frequency remains unchanged.

[0032] Wherein, the first frequency is greater than the second frequency, and the second frequency is greater than the third frequency.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner control method further includes:

[0034] In the heating mode, upon receiving a signal to control the air conditioner to enter the sterilization mode, the ultraviolet sterilization device is activated.

[0035] Determine that the ultraviolet sterilization device is turned on, and adjust the operating parameters of the ultraviolet sterilization device according to the heating temperature.

[0036] A control device for an air conditioner based on the first aspect of the present invention, according to a third aspect embodiment of the present invention, includes:

[0037] The acquisition module is used to receive a signal controlling the air conditioner to enter the sterilization mode in the heating mode, and to acquire the heat storage temperature of the heat storage device and the heating temperature of the indoor heat exchanger.

[0038] The control module is used to control the operating status of the first valve and / or the second valve according to the heat storage temperature and / or the heating temperature.

[0039] This invention provides an air conditioner and its control method and apparatus. The air conditioner is equipped with a heat storage device for storing waste heat from a computer board. When the indoor heat exchanger temperature is below standard, the pre-stored heat in the heat storage device can be used to heat the indoor heat exchanger. This effectively utilizes the waste heat generated by the computer board, improving its heat dissipation efficiency and thus energy utilization and performance. Furthermore, the air conditioner eliminates the need for an additional electric heating device, reusing the waste heat within the system, resulting in a simple structure and low power consumption. In addition, during sterilization mode, the indoor fan of the air conditioner continues to operate normally, enabling comprehensive sterilization of the indoor heat exchanger and the circulating indoor air. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air conditioner provided by the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the air conditioner control method provided by the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air conditioner control device provided by the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device provided by the present invention.

[0045] Figure label:

[0046] 1. Compressor; 2. Four-way valve; 3. Indoor heat exchanger; 4. Outdoor heat exchanger; 5. Heat storage device; 6. First heat transfer circuit; 61. First valve; 7. Second heat transfer circuit; 71. Second valve; 8. Power module. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0048] The air conditioner, air conditioner control method, and air conditioner control device proposed in this invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the air conditioner control method described in the second aspect and the air conditioner control device described in the third aspect of this invention are both based on the air conditioner described in the first aspect of this invention.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, an air conditioner according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes a compressor 1, a four-way valve 2, an indoor heat exchanger 3, an outdoor heat exchanger 4, a heat storage device 5, a first heat transfer circuit 6, and a second heat transfer circuit 7.

[0050] Compressor 1, four-way valve 2, indoor heat exchanger 3 and outdoor heat exchanger 4 are connected by refrigerant pipes.

[0051] The heat storage device 5 is connected to the computer board of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner through the first heat transfer circuit 6, and the heat storage device 5 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 3 through the second heat transfer circuit 7.

[0052] The first heat transfer circuit 6 is equipped with a first valve 61, and the second heat transfer circuit 7 is equipped with a second valve 71. In the sterilization mode of the air conditioner, both the first valve 61 and the second valve 71 are in the open state.

[0053] It should be noted that the above-mentioned "heat storage device 5 is connected to the computer board of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner through the first heat transfer circuit 6" means that the first heat transfer circuit 6 exchanges heat with the computer board of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner to absorb the heat of the computer board through the refrigerant, and further transfer the heat to the heat storage device 5 through heat exchange, thereby realizing the storage of heat of the computer board by the heat storage device 5; the above-mentioned "heat storage device 5 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 3 through the second heat transfer circuit 7" means that the second heat transfer circuit 7 exchanges heat with the heat storage device 5 to absorb the heat stored in the heat storage device 5 through the refrigerant, and further transfer the heat to the indoor heat exchanger 3 through heat exchange, thereby realizing the heating and sterilization of the indoor heat exchanger 3, and at the same time realizing the reuse of the waste heat of the computer board.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner operates on the following principle: During daily use, the computer board of the outdoor unit generates a significant amount of waste heat. At this time, the refrigerant in the first heat transfer circuit 6 exchanges heat with the computer board, absorbing the waste heat generated during operation and further exchanging heat with the heat storage device 5, thereby storing the waste heat in the heat storage device 5. In heating mode, if the air conditioner receives a user's command to enter sterilization mode, the controller will first obtain the current heating temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 3 and the preset sterilization temperature stored in the system. When the heating temperature cannot reach the preset sterilization temperature, in order to meet the sterilization requirements inside the air conditioner, the controller will open the second valve 71. At this time, the refrigerant in the second heat transfer circuit 7 absorbs the heat stored in the heat storage device 5 and transfers the heat to the indoor heat exchanger 3, thereby maintaining the indoor heat exchanger 3 at a high temperature and achieving sterilization inside the air conditioner.

[0055] Currently, users increasingly prefer air conditioners with sterilization functions when choosing air conditioning features. Previous inventions often involved using electric heating to raise the evaporator to a high temperature, achieving a sterilization effect, while the indoor fan remained off. However, these technologies have the following drawbacks: a) a lack of fan operation prevents airflow and hinders comprehensive sterilization of the indoor air; b) electric heating consumes a lot of electricity, wasting energy.

[0056] To address the technical deficiencies in the aforementioned related technologies, this invention provides an air conditioner equipped with a heat storage device 5 for storing waste heat from a computer board. When the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 3 is below standard, the pre-stored heat in the heat storage device 5 can be used to heat the indoor heat exchanger 3. This effectively utilizes the waste heat generated during the operation of the computer board, improving its heat dissipation efficiency and thus increasing energy utilization and enhancing its performance. Furthermore, the air conditioner eliminates the need for an additional electric heating device, instead reusing the waste heat within the system, resulting in a simple structure and low power consumption. In addition, during sterilization mode, the indoor fan of the air conditioner can still operate normally, thus achieving comprehensive sterilization of the indoor heat exchanger 3 and the circulating indoor air.

[0057] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the heat storage device 5 is a phase change heat storage device 5. Specifically, the phase change heat storage device 5 is a hollow cylinder with a heat-conducting material on its inner side and an insulation material wrapped around its outer side. The air conditioner of the present invention utilizes the phase change heat storage device 5 and the first heat transfer circuit 6, without consuming electrical energy. When the first valve 61 is open, it can absorb the heat generated when the computer board is working and recover and reuse this heat, without wasting electrical energy.

[0058] Of course, the above embodiment is only one of the many embodiments of the present invention and does not constitute a specific limitation on the heat storage device 5 of the present invention. The heat storage device 5 of the present invention can also adopt other heat storage structures, which are not specifically limited here.

[0059] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first valve 61 is a solenoid valve and the second valve 71 is an electronic expansion valve with adjustable opening.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first valve 61 has only two states, namely the open state and the closed state; the second valve 71 can adjust its opening degree according to different actual needs. For example, when the heating temperature range of the indoor heat exchanger 3 is different, the required heating heat is also different. At this time, the opening degree of the second valve 71 (i.e., the electronic expansion valve) can be adjusted according to the specific heating needs of the indoor heat exchanger 3, so that the current opening degree of the second valve 71 can match the current heating needs of the indoor heat exchanger 3.

[0061] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first heat transfer circuit 6 is heat-transfer connected to the power module 8 on the computer board.

[0062] It should be explained that the aforementioned power module 8 generally includes a motor power module 8 and a compressor 1 power module 8. The power module 8 is integrated into the computer board of the outdoor unit and is the main source of heat for the computer board. When the unit is working, the power module 8 can generate up to 75 degrees Celsius of heat. It can be seen that the power module 8 generates a significant amount of waste heat, which can meet the heat storage requirements of the heat storage device 5 and provide sufficient heating heat for the indoor heat exchanger 3.

[0063] For example, the first heat transfer circuit 6 is arranged opposite to the computer board to realize a heat exchanger, and the first heat transfer circuit 6 flows through the heat storage device 5 to provide heat to it.

[0064] Furthermore, the heat storage device 5 can also store and reuse the waste heat of other heat-generating modules through other heat transfer circuits. For example, the heat storage device 5 is connected to the compressor 1 through a third heat transfer circuit. At this time, the third heat transfer circuit absorbs the waste heat generated by the compressor 1 during operation and transfers it to the heat storage device 5, thereby realizing the storage and reuse of the waste heat of the compressor 1, and improving the working efficiency of the compressor 1 and avoiding high temperature failure of the compressor 1.

[0065] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in the heating mode of the air conditioner, the second heat transfer circuit 7 is connected to the refrigerant pipe located at the inlet of the indoor heat exchanger 3.

[0066] In this embodiment, a portion of the refrigerant pipe upstream of the inlet of the indoor heat exchanger 3 constitutes part of the second heat transfer circuit 7. When the second valve 71 is open, the heat storage device 5 transfers heat to the refrigerant. The refrigerant flows into the portion of the refrigerant pipe upstream of the inlet of the indoor heat exchanger 3 and mixes with the refrigerant in the system, thereby increasing the temperature of the refrigerant entering the indoor heat exchanger 3, thus ensuring that the indoor heat exchanger 3 is in a high-temperature state and realizing the sterilization process inside the air conditioner.

[0067] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner is further provided with an ultraviolet sterilization device, which is arranged opposite to the indoor evaporator.

[0068] Among them, the ultraviolet sterilization device can further sterilize and disinfect the air inside the air conditioner and the airflow flowing out of the air conditioner. Taking the ultraviolet sterilization device as an example, when the air conditioner enters the sterilization mode, the ultraviolet sterilization lamp is also turned on. During the operation of the ultraviolet sterilization lamp, its light intensity and other operating parameters can be adjusted according to the sterilization needs of the air conditioner, thereby bringing a better sterilization effect to the air conditioner, ensuring the purity of indoor air and improving the user experience.

[0069] The air conditioner control method and control device proposed in this invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before providing a detailed description of the embodiments of this invention, the overall application scenario is first described. The air conditioner control method, control device, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium of this invention can be applied locally to the air conditioner, to cloud platforms in the Internet field, or to other types of cloud platforms in the Internet field, or to third-party devices. These third-party devices may include various types such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, in-vehicle computers, and other smart terminals.

[0070] The following description uses only the control method applicable to air conditioners as an example. It should be understood that the control method of this embodiment can also be applied to cloud platforms and third-party devices.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, an air conditioning control method according to a second aspect embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0072] Step S1: In heating mode, a signal is received to control the air conditioner to enter sterilization mode, and the heat storage temperature of the heat storage device 5 and the heating temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 3 are obtained.

[0073] Step S2: Control the working state of the first valve 61 and / or the second valve 71 according to the heat storage temperature and / or heating temperature.

[0074] The air conditioner control method according to the embodiments of the present invention has the same working principle as the air conditioner principle described in the first aspect of the present invention, and will not be described again here.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the air conditioner control method of the present invention, the specific working process is as follows: First, the controller determines that the air conditioner is currently in heating mode. When the user issues an instruction to enter the disinfection mode at the bottom of the air conditioner, the controller does not interrupt the heating mode of the air conditioner, but executes the sterilization mode setting program based on the heating mode of the air conditioner. Specifically, the controller first obtains the heat storage temperature of the heat storage device 5 and the heating temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 3, and compares the heat storage temperature and the heating temperature. When the heat storage temperature is lower than the heating temperature, the first valve 61 is opened. At this time, the waste heat generated by the computer board is transferred to the heat storage device 5 through the first heat transfer circuit 6. After a certain period of time, the heat storage temperature of the heat storage device 5 is higher than the heating temperature. At this time, the controller continues to obtain the preset sterilization temperature stored in the air conditioner. When the heating temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 3 is lower than the preset sterilization temperature, the controller further controls the second valve 71 to open. At this time, the heat stored in the heat storage device 5 is transferred to the indoor heat exchanger 3 through the second heat transfer circuit 7, thereby keeping the indoor heat exchanger 3 at a high temperature, and thus realizing the sterilization process inside the air conditioner.

[0076] In summary, according to the air conditioning control method of the present invention, when the heat storage temperature of the heat storage device 5 is higher than the heating temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 3, the heat storage device 5 heats the indoor heat exchanger 3, which can achieve sterilization and disinfection of the air conditioner interior without the need for an additional electric heating device. Moreover, it has a simple structure, low power consumption, and high energy utilization rate.

[0077] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the step of controlling the operating state of the first valve 61 and / or the second valve 71 based on the heat storage temperature and / or heating temperature specifically includes:

[0078] The first valve 61 is opened when the heat storage temperature is lower than the heating temperature.

[0079] It is understandable that when the heat storage temperature is lower than the heating temperature, it means that the heat in the heat storage device 5 is insufficient to provide the heat required for sterilization in the indoor heat exchanger 3. Therefore, the first valve 61 needs to be opened, and the heat generated by the computer board is used to charge the heat storage device 5. After charging for a period of time, if the heat storage temperature is higher than the heating temperature, it means that the heat in the heat storage device 5 can provide the heat required for sterilization in the indoor heat exchanger 3. Therefore, the first valve 61 can be closed, or the first valve 61 can be kept open so that the computer board can continuously charge the heat storage device 5.

[0080] In related technologies, the factors for determining whether an air conditioner should activate the sterilization mode are relatively simple, namely, the temperature of the inner coil. However, this coil temperature only represents the temperature in the middle of the evaporator. The above method of judgment is not comprehensive and the judgment is not accurate. If the temperature of the upper or lower part of the evaporator does not meet the requirements, the sterilization will not achieve the expected effect.

[0081] Therefore, in order to overcome the technical defects existing in the above-mentioned related technologies, the heating temperature in the control method of the present invention includes the inlet temperature, coil temperature and outlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 3, and the step of controlling the working state of the first valve 61 and / or the second valve 71 according to the heat storage temperature and / or heating temperature specifically includes:

[0082] When the inlet temperature, coil temperature, and outlet temperature are all lower than the heat storage temperature, the working state of the second valve 71 is controlled based on the comparison results between the inlet temperature, coil temperature, and outlet temperature and the preset sterilization temperature.

[0083] In this way, compared with the single determination method in related technologies, the control method of the present invention uses multiple factors such as the inlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 3, the outlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 3, and the coil temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 3 as determination conditions. The determination action and determination structure of the determination conditions are more accurate, which can ensure that the entire temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 3 reaches the temperature required for sterilization.

[0084] Specifically, when the inlet temperature, coil temperature, and outlet temperature are all lower than the heat storage temperature, the steps for controlling the operating state of the second valve 71 based on the comparison results between the inlet temperature, coil temperature, and outlet temperature and the preset sterilization temperature include:

[0085] When the inlet temperature, coil temperature, and outlet temperature are all lower than the heat storage temperature;

[0086] Once the inlet temperature, coil temperature, and outlet temperature are all determined to be lower than the preset sterilization temperature, the second valve 71 is controlled to be in the open state and at the first opening degree.

[0087] If two of the inlet temperature, coil temperature and outlet temperature are lower than the preset sterilization temperature, control the second valve 71 to be in the open state and at the second opening degree.

[0088] If one of the inlet temperature, coil temperature, and outlet temperature is less than the preset sterilization temperature, control the second valve 71 to be in the open state and at the third opening degree.

[0089] Once the inlet temperature, coil temperature, and outlet temperature are all greater than the preset sterilization temperature, control the second valve 71 to be in the closed state.

[0090] Among them, the first opening is greater than the second opening, and the second opening is greater than the third opening.

[0091] Furthermore, in heating mode, after receiving the signal to control the air conditioner to enter sterilization mode and obtaining the heat storage temperature of the heat storage device 5 and the heating temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 3, the process further includes:

[0092] When the inlet temperature, coil temperature and outlet temperature are all lower than the preset sterilization temperature, the compressor 1 is controlled to increase the frequency to the first frequency and the indoor fan is turned to low speed.

[0093] If two of the inlet temperature, coil temperature and outlet temperature are lower than the preset sterilization temperature, the compressor 1 is controlled to increase the frequency to the second frequency and the indoor fan is turned to low speed.

[0094] If any of the inlet temperature, coil temperature and outlet temperature is lower than the preset sterilization temperature, the compressor 1 is controlled to increase to the third frequency and the indoor fan is turned to low speed.

[0095] When the inlet temperature, coil temperature and outlet temperature are all higher than the preset sterilization temperature, the indoor fan is controlled to turn to low speed, while the compressor 1 frequency remains unchanged.

[0096] Among them, the first frequency is greater than the second frequency, and the second frequency is greater than the third frequency.

[0097] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioning control method further includes:

[0098] In heating mode, upon receiving a signal to control the air conditioner to enter sterilization mode, the ultraviolet sterilization device is activated.

[0099] Confirm that the ultraviolet sterilization device is turned on, and adjust the operating parameters of the ultraviolet sterilization device according to the heating temperature.

[0100] In this way, by turning on the ultraviolet sterilization device, the air inside the air conditioner and the airflow flowing out to the air outlet can be sterilized a second time, thereby further improving the sterilization effect of the air conditioner and enhancing the user experience.

[0101] For example, if the ultraviolet sterilization device is an ultraviolet germicidal lamp, then the steps described above for determining that the ultraviolet sterilization device is turned on and adjusting the operating parameters of the ultraviolet sterilization device according to the heating temperature specifically include:

[0102] When the inlet temperature, coil temperature and outlet temperature are all lower than the preset sterilization temperature, the ultraviolet germicidal lamp is turned on at the first light intensity.

[0103] If two of the inlet temperature, coil temperature and outlet temperature are lower than the preset sterilization temperature, the ultraviolet germicidal lamp is turned on at the second light intensity.

[0104] If any of the inlet temperature, coil temperature, and outlet temperature is lower than the preset sterilization temperature, the ultraviolet germicidal lamp is controlled to turn on at the third light intensity.

[0105] When the inlet temperature, coil temperature and outlet temperature are all higher than the preset sterilization temperature, the ultraviolet germicidal lamp is kept off.

[0106] The first light intensity is greater than the second light intensity, and the second light intensity is greater than the third light intensity.

[0107] A specific embodiment of the air conditioner and its control method of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0108] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the first heat transfer circuit 6 can be composed of a pipe filled with refrigerant and a first valve 61. The pipe passes through the heat storage device 5. The refrigerant in the first heat transfer circuit 6 can absorb the heat generated by the power module 8 and store it in the heat storage device 5. The first valve 61 can be used to open and close the first heat transfer circuit 6. When the first valve 61 is open, the first heat transfer circuit 6 is open, and the heat storage device 5 begins to store heat.

[0109] The second heat transfer circuit 7 can be composed of a pipe carrying refrigerant and a second valve 71. The pipe passes through the heat storage device 5, and the refrigerant in the second heat transfer circuit 7 can transfer the heat stored in the power module 8 to the indoor heat exchanger 3. The second valve 71 can be used to open and close the second heat transfer circuit 7 and can regulate the temperature of the refrigerant entering the indoor heat exchanger 3. When the second valve 71 is open, the second heat transfer circuit 7 is open. When the second valve 71 is at different opening degrees, the amount of heat absorbed from the heat storage device 5 will be different. Specifically, the larger the opening degree of the second valve 71, the more heat is absorbed from the heat storage device 5, and vice versa.

[0110] Assume the inlet temperature of indoor heat exchanger 3 is Tin (representing the upper part of the heat exchanger), the outlet temperature of indoor heat exchanger 3 is Tou (representing the lower part of the heat exchanger), and the coil temperature of indoor heat exchanger 3 is Te (representing the middle part of the heat exchanger). Set the preset sterilization temperature to T, where T can be 56 degrees Celsius, at which temperature sterilization is highly efficient. T can also be set according to specific requirements. Set the compressor 1 frequency to f, with preset f1 < f2 < f3. The opening range of electronic expansion valve SV2 (i.e., the second valve 71) is 0–300, with preset pls0 < pls1 < pls2 < pls3, such as pls0 = 0, pls1 = 100, pls2 = 200, pls3 = 300. Solenoid valve SV1 (i.e., the first valve 61) only has on / off signals, i.e., open and closed. Solenoid valve SV1 is open when SV1 = ON, and closed when SV1 = OFF.

[0111] The specific control logic is as follows:

[0112] The air conditioner receives a sterilization signal via remote control or wired controller. The first valve 61 opens, i.e., SV1 = ON, the first heat transfer circuit 6 is activated, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the power module 8 and stores it in the heat storage device 5, and at this time the second valve 71 closes, i.e., SV2 = pls0.

[0113] Furthermore, the air conditioner switches from the current mode to the heating mode.

[0114] When Tin < T, Tou < T, and Te < T, SV2 = pls3, the second heat transfer circuit 7 is opened, and the electronic expansion opening degree is the maximum, which is 300; the compressor 1 increases the frequency to f3; the indoor fan turns to low speed.

[0115] When any two of Tin, Tou, and Te are less than T, SV2 = pls2, the second heat transfer circuit 7 is opened, and the electronic expansion opening degree is 200; the compressor 1 is frequency-upgraded to f2; the indoor fan is switched to low speed.

[0116] When any one of Tin, Tou, and Te is less than T, SV2 = pls1, the second heat transfer circuit 7 is opened, and the electronic expansion opening degree is 100; the compressor 1 is frequency-upgraded to f1; the indoor fan turns to low speed.

[0117] When T < Tin, T < Tou, and T < Te, SV2 = pls0, the electronic expansion valve opening is 0, the second heat transfer circuit 7 is closed, the compressor 1 frequency remains unchanged, and the indoor fan turns to low speed. That is, when the set sterilization temperature is low, the heat storage device 5 can be used for sterilization without using it.

[0118] In summary, this invention can maintain a high temperature in the evaporator by controlling the operation of the indoor unit fan, the heat storage device 5, the fan speed, and the compressor frequency 1, thereby achieving a continuous sterilization effect. Its advantages are as follows:

[0119] (1) Ensure the fan is running during sterilization to thoroughly sterilize the indoor heat exchanger 3 and the indoor air.

[0120] (2) The phase change heat storage device 5 is a hollow cylinder with a heat-conducting material on the inside and an insulation material on the outside. Utilizing the phase change heat storage device 5 and the heat exchange circuit, it does not consume electrical energy and can absorb and reuse the heat generated by the power module 8 (which generally includes a motor power module 8 and a compressor power module 8, integrated into the computer board of the outdoor unit, and is the main source of heat for the computer board; the power module 8 can generate up to 75 degrees Celsius when the unit is working). This heat is recycled and reused, thus avoiding waste of electrical energy.

[0121] (3) More judgment factors: The inlet temperature of indoor heat exchanger 3, the outlet temperature of indoor heat exchanger 3, and the coil temperature of indoor heat exchanger 3 are used as judgment conditions, making the judgment more accurate and ensuring that the entire temperature of the evaporator reaches the sterilization temperature.

[0122] The control device for an air conditioner provided by the present invention will be described below. The control device for an air conditioner described below can be referred to in correspondence with the control method for an air conditioner described above.

[0123] like Figure 3 As shown, the air conditioner control device according to a third aspect embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0124] The acquisition module 110 is used to receive a signal controlling the air conditioner to enter the sterilization mode in the heating mode, and to acquire the heat storage temperature of the heat storage device 5 and the heating temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 3.

[0125] The control module 120 is used to control the working state of the first valve 61 and / or the second valve 71 according to the heat storage temperature and / or heating temperature.

[0126] The air conditioner control device according to the embodiment of the present invention has similar effects to the air conditioner control method of the second aspect of the present invention, and will not be described again here.

[0127] Figure 4 An example is a schematic diagram of the physical structure of an electronic device, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the electronic device may include a processor 810, a communication interface 820, a memory 830, and a communication bus 840, wherein the processor 810, the communication interface 820, and the memory 830 communicate with each other via the communication bus 840. The processor 810 can call logic instructions in the memory 830 to execute the air conditioner control method, including: in heating mode, receiving a signal to control the air conditioner to enter sterilization mode, acquiring the heat storage temperature of the heat storage device 5 and the heating temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 3; and controlling the working state of the first valve 61 and / or the second valve 71 according to the heat storage temperature and / or the heating temperature.

[0128] Furthermore, the logical instructions in the aforementioned memory 830 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0129] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the computer can execute an air conditioner control method, including: in heating mode, receiving a signal to control the air conditioner to enter sterilization mode, acquiring the heat storage temperature of the heat storage device 5 and the heating temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 3; and controlling the working state of the first valve 61 and / or the second valve 71 according to the heat storage temperature and / or the heating temperature.

[0130] In another aspect, the present invention also provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements an air conditioner control method, including: in heating mode, receiving a signal to control the air conditioner to enter sterilization mode, acquiring the heat storage temperature of the heat storage device 5 and the heating temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 3; and controlling the working state of the first valve 61 and / or the second valve 71 according to the heat storage temperature and / or the heating temperature.

[0131] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without any creative effort.

[0132] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that each embodiment can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms, and of course, it can also be implemented by hardware. Based on this understanding, the above technical solutions, in essence or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc., including several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods of various embodiments or some parts of embodiments.

[0133] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes: The compressor, four-way valve, indoor heat exchanger, and outdoor heat exchanger are connected by refrigerant pipes. The device includes a heat storage device, a first heat transfer circuit, and a second heat transfer circuit. The heat storage device is connected to the computer board of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner through the first heat transfer circuit, and the heat storage device is connected to the indoor heat exchanger through the second heat transfer circuit. The first heat transfer circuit is equipped with a first valve, and the second heat transfer circuit is equipped with a second valve. In the sterilization mode of the air conditioner, both the first valve and the second valve are in the open state. The control method includes: In heating mode, a signal is received to control the air conditioner to enter sterilization mode, and the heat storage temperature of the heat storage device and the heating temperature of the indoor heat exchanger are obtained. The operating state of the first valve and / or the second valve is controlled according to the heat storage temperature and the heating temperature. The heating temperature includes the inlet temperature, coil temperature, and outlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger; The step of controlling the operating state of the first valve and / or the second valve based on the heat storage temperature and the heating temperature specifically includes: When the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature are all lower than the heat storage temperature, the operating state of the second valve is controlled based on the comparison results between the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature and the preset sterilization temperature.

2. The air conditioning control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first valve is a solenoid valve and the second valve is an electronic expansion valve with adjustable opening.

3. The air conditioning control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first heat transfer circuit is heat-transfer connected to the power module on the computer board.

4. The air conditioning control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the heating mode of the air conditioner, the second heat transfer circuit is connected to the refrigerant pipe located at the inlet of the indoor heat exchanger.

5. The air conditioning control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The air conditioner is also equipped with an ultraviolet sterilization device, which is positioned opposite to the indoor evaporator.

6. The air conditioning control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of controlling the operating state of the first valve and / or the second valve according to the heat storage temperature and the heating temperature specifically includes: The first valve is opened when the heat storage temperature is lower than the heating temperature.

7. The air conditioning control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of controlling the operating state of the second valve based on the comparison results between the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature and the preset sterilization temperature when the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature are all lower than the heat storage temperature specifically includes: When the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature are all lower than the heat storage temperature; If the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature are all determined to be lower than the preset sterilization temperature, the second valve is controlled to be in the open state and at the first opening degree. If two of the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature are found to be lower than the preset sterilization temperature, the second valve is controlled to be in the open state and at the second opening degree. If one of the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature is less than the preset sterilization temperature, the second valve is controlled to be in the open state and at the third opening degree. If the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature are all greater than the preset sterilization temperature, the second valve is controlled to be in the closed state. Wherein, the first opening degree is greater than the second opening degree, and the second opening degree is greater than the third opening degree.

8. The air conditioning control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After receiving the signal to control the air conditioner to enter the sterilization mode in the heating mode, and obtaining the heat storage temperature of the heat storage device and the heating temperature of the indoor heat exchanger, the method further includes: When the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature are all lower than the preset sterilization temperature, the compressor is controlled to increase its frequency to the first frequency and the indoor fan is switched to low speed. If two of the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature are lower than the preset sterilization temperature, the compressor is controlled to increase its frequency to the second frequency and the indoor fan is switched to low speed. If any of the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature is less than the preset sterilization temperature, the compressor is controlled to increase its frequency to the third frequency and the indoor fan is switched to low speed. When the inlet temperature, the coil temperature, and the outlet temperature are all greater than the preset sterilization temperature, the indoor fan is controlled to turn to low speed, while the compressor frequency remains unchanged. Wherein, the first frequency is greater than the second frequency, and the second frequency is greater than the third frequency.

9. The air conditioning control method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, Also includes: In the heating mode, upon receiving a signal to control the air conditioner to enter the sterilization mode, the ultraviolet sterilization device is activated. Determine that the ultraviolet sterilization device is turned on, and adjust the operating parameters of the ultraviolet sterilization device according to the heating temperature.

10. A control device for use in the control method of an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, include: The acquisition module is used to receive a signal controlling the air conditioner to enter the sterilization mode in the heating mode, and to acquire the heat storage temperature of the heat storage device and the heating temperature of the indoor heat exchanger. The control module is used to control the operating status of the first valve and / or the second valve according to the heat storage temperature and the heating temperature.

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