Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of air conditioners, particularly provides an air conditioner and a control method thereof, and aims to solve the problem that a human body feels uncomfortable when an existing air conditioner is in a refrigeration mode. The air conditioner comprises a refrigerant circulation loop, a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a throttling device and an indoor heat exchanger, wherein the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the throttling device and the indoor heat exchanger are sequentially arranged on the refrigerant circulation loop. The air conditioner further comprises an auxiliary heat exchange branch and an auxiliary heat exchanger arranged on the auxiliary heat exchange branch, one end of the auxiliary heat exchange branch is connected to the compressor, and the other end of the auxiliary heat exchange branch is connected between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger. The throttling device is arranged to be capable of conducting throttling and pressure reduction on refrigerant media flowing through the auxiliary heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. One part of the heat exchange loop is located outdoors and exchanges heat with the auxiliary heat exchange branch through the auxiliary heat exchanger, and the other part of the heat exchange loop is located indoors and exchanges heat with indoor air. According to the heat exchange loop, indoor refrigeration is achieved, and the situation that supercooled air directly blows the human body is relieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and particularly provides an air conditioner and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] When a common air conditioner cools in summer, it mainly blows cold air through an indoor fan to lower the indoor temperature, which is a common cooling method. However, this method also has some problems. First, when the cold air blown out by the indoor unit directly contacts the human body, it may cause discomfort to the human body. This is because when the cold air blows directly on the skin, it will cause the temperature of the skin surface to drop rapidly, thus triggering an uncomfortable reaction of the human body. This discomfort may be manifested as cold skin, muscle stiffness, or even headache and other symptoms.

[0003] In addition, the cooling method of a common air conditioner may cause discomfort to people of different ages. Children and the elderly have weaker thermoregulatory abilities and are more sensitive to cold air, so they are more likely to feel uncomfortable. Although adults have stronger thermoregulatory abilities, they may also feel uncomfortable when exposed to cold air for a long time. This is because when the human body is exposed to a low-temperature environment for a long time, physiological stress reactions such as blood vessel constriction and muscle tension will occur, and these reactions may cause discomfort to the body.

[0004] In summary, the existing air conditioners will cause discomfort to the human body in the cooling mode.

[0005] Correspondingly, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above technical problems, that is, to solve the problem that the existing air conditioners will cause discomfort to the human body in the cooling mode.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an air conditioner, which includes a refrigerant circulation circuit, a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a throttling device, and an indoor heat exchanger that are sequentially arranged on the refrigerant circulation circuit; it also includes an auxiliary heat exchange branch and an auxiliary heat exchanger arranged on the auxiliary heat exchange branch. One end of the auxiliary heat exchange branch is connected to the compressor, and the other end of the auxiliary heat exchange branch is connected to the refrigerant circulation circuit between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger. The throttling device is configured to be able to throttle and depressurize the refrigerant medium flowing through the auxiliary heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger; it further includes a heat exchange circuit, a part of the heat exchange circuit is located outdoors and exchanges heat with the auxiliary heat exchange branch through the auxiliary heat exchanger, and the other part of the heat exchange circuit is located indoors and exchanges heat with indoor air.

[0008] In the preferred technical solution of the above air conditioner, a pump device is provided on the heat exchange circuit, and the pump device can drive the refrigerant medium to circulate in the heat exchange circuit.

[0009] In the preferred technical solution of the above air conditioner, the part of the heat exchange circuit located indoors forms a coiled structure.

[0010] In the preferred technical solution of the above air conditioner, the throttling device includes a first valve and a second valve. The first valve is provided on the auxiliary heat exchange branch, and the second valve is provided on the refrigerant circulation circuit between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0011] In a second aspect, a control method for an air conditioner, the air conditioner includes a refrigerant circulation circuit and a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a throttling device, and an indoor heat exchanger sequentially arranged on the refrigerant circulation circuit; it further includes an auxiliary heat exchange branch and an auxiliary heat exchanger provided on the auxiliary heat exchange branch. One end of the auxiliary heat exchange branch is connected to the compressor, and the other end of the auxiliary heat exchange branch is connected to the refrigerant circulation circuit between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger. The throttling device is configured to throttle and depressurize the refrigerant medium flowing through the auxiliary heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger; it further includes a heat exchange circuit, a part of the heat exchange circuit is located outdoors and exchanges heat with the auxiliary heat exchange branch through the auxiliary heat exchanger, and another part of the heat exchange circuit is located indoors and exchanges heat with indoor air; the first heat exchange unit includes the indoor heat exchanger, and the second heat exchange unit includes the heat exchange circuit; the control method includes: determining whether the air conditioner needs to enter the cooling mode; when the air conditioner needs to enter the cooling mode, controlling the first heat exchange unit to operate; obtaining the number of indoor people; determining whether the number of indoor people is greater than a first preset value; when the number of indoor people is greater than the first preset value, controlling the second heat exchange unit to operate.

[0012] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, the control method further includes: obtaining the category of indoor people; if the category of indoor people includes special personnel categories, controlling the first heat exchange unit to stop operating.

[0013] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, the control method further includes: if the category of indoor people does not include special personnel categories, controlling the first heat exchange unit to continue operating.

[0014] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, the control method further includes: obtaining the indoor temperature; determining whether the indoor temperature is greater than the target temperature; if the indoor temperature is greater than the target temperature and the category of indoor people does not include special personnel categories, controlling the first heat exchange unit to operate.

[0015] In a preferred technical solution of the above control method, the first heat exchange unit can operate with a first refrigeration capacity and a second refrigeration capacity, and the first refrigeration capacity is greater than the second refrigeration capacity. The step of "controlling the operation of the first heat exchange unit" specifically includes: if the number of indoor persons is greater than a second preset value, controlling the first heat exchange unit to operate with the first refrigeration capacity; and / or, if the number of indoor persons is less than or equal to the second preset value, controlling the first heat exchange unit to operate with the second refrigeration capacity.

[0016] In a preferred technical solution of the above control method, the second heat exchange unit can operate with a third refrigeration capacity and a fourth refrigeration capacity, and the third refrigeration capacity is greater than the fourth refrigeration capacity; if the indoor temperature is greater than the target temperature, controlling the second heat exchange unit to operate with the third refrigeration capacity; and / or, if the indoor temperature is less than or equal to the target temperature, controlling the second heat exchange unit to operate with the fourth refrigeration capacity.

[0017] In a preferred technical solution of the above control method, the control method further includes: if the indoor temperature is less than or equal to the target temperature, controlling the first heat exchange unit to stop operating.

[0018] In a preferred technical solution of the above control method, the first heat exchange unit can operate with a first refrigeration capacity and a second refrigeration capacity, and the first refrigeration capacity is greater than the second refrigeration capacity. The second heat exchange unit can operate with a third refrigeration capacity and a fourth refrigeration capacity, and the third refrigeration capacity is greater than the fourth refrigeration capacity. The control method includes: if the indoor temperature is greater than the target temperature and the indoor personnel category includes special personnel categories, controlling the first heat exchange unit to stop operating, controlling the second heat exchange unit to operate with the third refrigeration capacity for a first preset duration; and / or, if the indoor temperature is greater than the target temperature and the indoor personnel category does not include special personnel categories, and if the number of indoor persons is less than or equal to the second preset value, controlling the first heat exchange unit to operate with the second refrigeration capacity, controlling the second heat exchange unit to operate with the third refrigeration capacity for a second preset duration; and / or, if the indoor temperature is greater than the target temperature and the indoor personnel category does not include special personnel categories, and if the number of indoor persons is greater than the second preset value, controlling the first heat exchange unit to operate with the first refrigeration capacity, controlling the second heat exchange unit to operate with the third refrigeration capacity for a third preset duration.

[0019] In a preferred technical solution of the above control method, the control method further includes, after the preset duration, controlling the first heat exchange unit to stop operating, controlling the second heat exchange unit to operate with the fourth refrigeration capacity.

[0020] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, the control method further includes: obtaining the indoor temperature; comparing the indoor temperature with a preset temperature; if the indoor temperature is greater than the preset temperature, then executing the steps "judging whether the number of indoor people is greater than a first preset value" and subsequent steps.

[0021] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, the control method further includes: if the indoor temperature is less than or equal to the preset temperature, controlling the first heat exchange unit to stop operating and controlling the second heat exchange unit to operate.

[0022] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, after executing the steps "controlling the first heat exchange unit to stop operating and controlling the second heat exchange unit to operate", return to execute the steps "comparing the indoor temperature with the preset temperature" and subsequent steps.

[0023] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, obtain the indoor personnel categories and the quantity of each category, and calculate the target temperature according to the indoor personnel categories and the quantity of each category:

[0024]

[0025] Wherein: the measured value of the number of the elderly indoors is K1, the measured value of the number of infants and toddlers indoors is K2, the measured value of the number of teenagers indoors is K3, and the measured value of the number of middle-aged people indoors is K4; the weight ratio of the elderly is W1 = 0.4, the weight ratio of infants and toddlers is W2 = 0.3, the weight ratio of teenagers is W3 = 0.2, and the weight ratio of middle-aged people is W4 = 0.1; the target comfortable temperature value of the elderly is T a1 , the target comfortable temperature value of infants and toddlers is T a2 , the target comfortable temperature value of teenagers is T a3 , the target comfortable temperature value of middle-aged people is T a4 .

[0026] In the case of adopting the above technical solution, the air conditioner of the present invention includes a refrigerant circulation circuit, a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a throttling device, and an indoor heat exchanger that are sequentially arranged on the refrigerant circulation circuit; it further includes an auxiliary heat exchange branch and an auxiliary heat exchanger arranged on the auxiliary heat exchange branch. One end of the auxiliary heat exchange branch is connected to the compressor, and the other end of the auxiliary heat exchange branch is connected to the refrigerant circulation circuit between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger. The throttling device is configured to throttle and depressurize the refrigerant medium flowing through the auxiliary heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger; it further includes a heat exchange circuit. Part of the heat exchange circuit is located outdoors and exchanges heat with the auxiliary heat exchange branch through the auxiliary heat exchanger, and the other part of the heat exchange circuit is located indoors and exchanges heat with the indoor air. When the heat exchange circuit of the present invention performs heat exchange work, a part of the refrigerant on the refrigerant circulation circuit will flow into the auxiliary heat exchange branch, that is, the refrigerant medium flowing into the indoor heat exchanger is reduced, the refrigeration capacity of the indoor heat exchanger is reduced, and the air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger is prevented from being too cold and then blown onto the human body, reducing or avoiding causing discomfort to the human body. Although the refrigeration capacity of the indoor heat exchanger is reduced, due to the mutual heat exchange between the auxiliary heat exchange branch and the heat exchange circuit, and the heat exchange between the heat exchange circuit and the indoor air, the cold quantity is replenished into the room, and the heat exchange circuit directly exchanges heat with the indoor air, which will not cause discomfort to the human body.

[0027] Further, the present invention also sets a pump device on the heat exchange circuit, so that the pump device adjusts the flow rate of the heat exchange circuit, and can change the refrigeration effect of the heat exchange circuit on the room.

[0028] Further, the present invention also sets the part of the heat exchange circuit located indoors into a coil structure, which can improve the refrigeration effect of the heat exchange circuit on the room.

[0029] Further, the control method of the present invention intelligently controls the operation of the second heat exchange unit based on the number of people in the room, avoiding that when there are too many people in the room, stronger cold air is needed to cool the room, thus causing the cold air to blow directly on the human body and causing discomfort.

[0030] Further, the control method of the present invention also selectively controls the first heat exchange unit to stop working according to the category of the people in the room. When the category of the people in the room includes special categories, that is, includes the elderly or infants or children, the first heat exchange unit is controlled to stop working, and the room is only cooled by the second heat exchange unit, avoiding discomfort caused by the wind.

[0031] Further, the control method of the present invention also controls the refrigeration capacities of the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit based on the relationship between the number and category of the people in the room and the indoor temperature and the target temperature (optimal comfort temperature), making the air conditioner more intelligent and improving the user experience. Description of the Drawings

[0032] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the pipeline structure of the air conditioner of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the internal and external unit structures of the air conditioner of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram after the air conditioner of the present invention is installed;

[0036] Figure 4 is a main step flowchart of the control method of the air conditioner of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 is a detailed step flowchart of the first preferred embodiment of the control method of the air conditioner of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 is a detailed step flowchart of the second preferred embodiment of the control method of the air conditioner of the present invention;

[0039] Reference numerals:

[0040] 10, refrigerant circulation circuit; 11, compressor; 12, outdoor heat exchanger; 13, indoor heat exchanger; 14, auxiliary heat exchange branch; 15, auxiliary heat exchanger; 16, heat exchange circuit; 17, coil; 18, pump device; 19, first valve; 20, second valve; 21, third valve; 22, first fan; 23, second fan; 24, four-way valve; 25, first heat exchange unit; 26, second heat exchange unit; 27, outdoor unit; 28, identification module. Specific embodiments

[0041] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principle of the present invention and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention.

[0042] It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "fifth" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0043] In addition, it should also be noted that in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected", "connected to", "communicated with", "set" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and can also be the communication inside two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific situation.

[0044] First, refer to Figures 1 to 3 , the air conditioner of the present invention includes a refrigerant circulation circuit 10, a compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 12, a throttling device, and an indoor heat exchanger 13 that are sequentially arranged on the refrigerant circulation circuit 10; it further includes an auxiliary heat exchange branch 14 and an auxiliary heat exchanger 15 arranged on the auxiliary heat exchange branch 14. One end of the auxiliary heat exchange branch 14 is connected to the compressor 11, and the other end of the auxiliary heat exchange branch is connected to the refrigerant circulation circuit 10 between the indoor heat exchanger 13 and the outdoor heat exchanger 12. The throttling device is configured to throttle and depressurize the refrigerant medium flowing through the auxiliary heat exchanger 15 and the indoor heat exchanger 13; it further includes a heat exchange circuit 16. A part of the heat exchange circuit 16 is located outdoors and exchanges heat with the auxiliary heat exchange branch 14 through the auxiliary heat exchanger 15, and another part of the heat exchange circuit 16 is located indoors and exchanges heat with indoor air.

[0045] Furthermore, the air conditioner further includes a first blower 22. The first blower 22 is arranged near the indoor heat exchanger 13. The first blower 22 can blow air to pass through the indoor heat exchanger 13, so that the indoor heat exchanger 13 exchanges heat with the air, cools the air in the cooling mode, and then, under the action of the first blower 22, blows it into the room.

[0046] When the heat exchange circuit 16 of the present invention works for heat exchange, a part of the refrigerant on the refrigerant circulation circuit 10 will flow into the auxiliary heat exchange branch 14, that is, the refrigerant medium flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 13 is reduced, and the refrigeration capacity of the indoor heat exchanger 13 is reduced, avoiding the air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 13 from being too cold and then being blown to the human body, reducing or avoiding causing discomfort to the human body. Although the refrigeration capacity of the indoor heat exchanger 13 is reduced, due to the mutual heat exchange between the auxiliary heat exchange branch 14 and the heat exchange circuit 16, and the heat exchange circuit 16 exchanges heat with indoor air, the cold quantity is replenished into the room again, and the heat exchange circuit 16 directly exchanges heat with indoor air, which will not cause discomfort to the human body; it can not only ensure the cold quantity in the room but also avoid the first blower 22 from blowing the supercooled air directly to the human body, reducing the coldness of the air blown by the first blower 22 to the human body, and reducing or avoiding discomfort to the human body.

[0047] Furthermore, a pump device 18 is arranged on the heat exchange circuit 16. The pump device 18 can drive the refrigerant medium to circulate in the heat exchange circuit 16. The pump device 18 is used to adjust the flow rate of the heat exchange circuit 16, and can change the refrigeration effect of the heat exchange circuit 16 on the room. The pump device 18 can be a centrifugal pump, a reciprocating pump, a gear pump, a screw pump or a diaphragm pump, etc.

[0048] In addition, the part of the heat exchange circuit 16 located indoors forms a coiled structure, that is, a coil 17. By arranging the coil 17, the refrigeration effect of the heat exchange circuit 16 on the room can be improved.

[0049] Further, the air conditioner of the present invention further includes a four-way valve 24. The four-way valve 24 can directly connect the compressor 11 and the outdoor heat exchanger 12, and can also directly connect the compressor 11 and the indoor heat exchanger 13. In the refrigeration mode, the flow path of the refrigerant medium is: compressor 11, four-way valve 24, outdoor heat exchanger 12. Then the refrigerant medium is divided into two parts. One part flows into the auxiliary heat exchanger 15 and then into the compressor 11. The other part flows into the indoor heat exchanger 13, then flows through the four-way valve 24 and returns to the compressor 11. Of course, the four-way valve 24 can also be not provided, and the air conditioner only has a refrigeration mode, so that the compressor 11 and the outdoor heat exchanger 12 are directly connected, and the compressor 11 and the indoor heat exchanger 13 are directly connected and circulated.

[0050] Preferably, as Figure 1 shown, the throttling device of this preferred embodiment includes a first valve 19 and a second valve 20. Both the first valve 19 and the second valve 20 are throttle valves. The first valve 19 is arranged on the auxiliary heat exchange branch 14. In the refrigerant flow direction of the refrigeration mode, the first valve 19 is located upstream of the auxiliary heat exchanger 15 and can throttle, cool down and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant medium flowing into the auxiliary heat exchanger 15. The second valve 20 is arranged on the refrigerant circulation loop 10 between the indoor heat exchanger 13 and the outdoor heat exchanger 12 and can throttle, cool down and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant medium flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 13.

[0051] Of course, the throttling device including the first valve 19 and the second valve 20 is only a preferred setting method. It can also be that the throttling device is only a throttle valve, which is arranged on the refrigerant circulation loop 10 before the auxiliary heat exchange branch 14. That is, in the refrigerant flow direction of the refrigeration mode, it is arranged downstream of the outdoor heat exchanger 12 and upstream of the auxiliary heat exchange branch 14, and can both throttle, cool down and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant medium flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 13 and throttle, cool down and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant medium flowing into the auxiliary heat exchanger 15. It can also be that the throttling device includes both the above-mentioned first valve 19 and second valve 20, and also includes a third valve 21. The third valve 21 is arranged between the second valve 20 and the indoor heat exchanger 13 and can further throttle, cool down and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant medium flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 13.

[0052] The air conditioner of the present invention further includes a second fan 23. The second fan 23 is arranged near the outdoor heat exchanger 12 and can improve the heat exchange efficiency between the air and the outdoor heat exchanger 12.

[0053] Further, as Figures 1 to 3As shown in the figure, the first heat exchange unit 25 of the present invention includes an indoor heat exchanger 13, a third valve 21, and a first fan 22. The second heat exchange unit 26 includes a heat exchange circuit 16, a coil 17, and a pump device 18. The outdoor unit 27 includes a first compressor 11, a four-way valve 24, an outdoor heat exchanger 12, a second fan 23, a first valve 19, a second valve 20, an auxiliary heat exchange branch 14, and an auxiliary heat exchanger 15. The first heat exchange unit 25 and the second heat exchange unit 26 are located indoors, and the outdoor unit 27 is located outdoors. The first heat exchange unit 25 can operate with a first refrigeration capacity and a second refrigeration capacity, and the first refrigeration capacity is greater than the second refrigeration capacity. The second heat exchange unit 26 can operate with a third refrigeration capacity and a fourth refrigeration capacity, and the third refrigeration capacity is greater than the fourth refrigeration capacity.

[0054] The first heat exchange unit 25 can operate with multiple refrigeration capacities. By adjusting the opening degrees of the second valve 20 and the third valve 21, the refrigeration capacity of the first heat exchange unit 25 can be adjusted. When the opening degrees of the second valve 20 and the third valve 21 become larger, the refrigeration capacity of the first heat exchange unit 25 becomes stronger. By adjusting the wind speed of the first fan 22, the refrigeration capacity of the first heat exchange unit 25 can be adjusted. When the wind speed of the first fan 22 becomes larger, the refrigeration capacity of the first heat exchange unit 25 becomes stronger. The second heat exchange unit 26 can also operate with multiple refrigeration capacities. By adjusting the opening degree of the first valve 19, the refrigeration capacity of the auxiliary heat exchanger 15 can be adjusted. When the refrigeration capacity of the auxiliary heat exchanger 15 changes, it will also cause the refrigeration capacity of the heat exchange circuit 16 indoors. When the opening degree of the first valve 19 becomes larger, the refrigeration capacity of the auxiliary heat exchanger 15 becomes stronger, and the heat exchange circuit 16 can absorb more cold air and release it indoors. Therefore, the refrigeration capacity of the second heat exchange unit 26 becomes stronger. By adjusting the power of the pump device 18, the refrigeration capacity of the second heat exchange unit 26 can also be changed. When the power of the pump device 18 becomes larger, the flow rate in the heat exchange circuit 16 becomes faster, and the refrigeration capacity of the second heat exchange unit 26 becomes stronger.

[0055] The first refrigeration capacity is the higher or highest refrigeration capacity among the multiple refrigeration capacities of the first heat exchange unit 25, the second refrigeration capacity is the lower or lowest refrigeration capacity among the multiple refrigeration capacities of the first heat exchange unit 25, the third refrigeration capacity is the higher or highest refrigeration capacity among the multiple refrigeration capacities of the second heat exchange unit 26, and the fourth refrigeration capacity is the lower or lowest refrigeration capacity among the multiple refrigeration capacities of the second heat exchange unit 26.

[0056] In another embodiment, the second heat exchange unit 26 only includes a coil 17 to avoid the noise generated by the operation of the pump device 18 from affecting users.

[0057] Further, as Figure 3As shown in the figure, the present invention further includes an identification module 28. The position height of the identification module 28 and the first heat exchange unit 25 is preferably the same, but of course, they can also be different. The identification module 28 can identify the number of people and the types of people in the room, as well as the number of each type of person by using image acquisition, image processing, and feature extraction, and transmit the identified information to the controller of the air conditioner. The controller of the air conditioner can control all the operations of the air conditioner.

[0058] It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the number of the first heat exchange unit 25 and the second heat exchange unit 26. It can be one or multiple. When there are multiple first heat exchange units 25, multiple indoor heat exchangers 13 connected in parallel can be set on the refrigerant flow path. When there are multiple second heat exchange units 26, multiple auxiliary heat exchange branches 14 and auxiliary heat exchangers 15 connected in parallel are set, and multiple heat exchange circuits 16 are set. Each heat exchange circuit 16 exchanges heat with an auxiliary heat exchange branch in the same auxiliary heat exchanger 15. At least part of each heat exchange circuit 16 is located indoors to cool the indoor environment. Adding or reducing the first heat exchange unit 25 or the second heat exchange unit 26 does not deviate from the basic principle of the present invention and will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0059] The liquid in the heat exchange circuit 16 can be water or other liquid media, as long as it can exchange heat and cool the indoor environment.

[0060] With the above structure, the present invention can solve the problems mentioned in the background art when the first heat exchange unit 25 and the second heat exchange unit 26 work simultaneously or only the second heat exchange unit 26 works. The present invention also provides a control method for the air conditioner to make the air conditioner more intelligent.

[0061] Next, refer to Figure 4 ,as Figure 4 shown, the main steps of the control method of the air conditioner of the present invention are as follows:

[0062] Step S1: Determine whether the air conditioner needs to enter the cooling mode;

[0063] Step S2: When the air conditioner needs to enter the cooling mode, control the first heat exchange unit to operate;

[0064] Step S3: Obtain the number of people in the room;

[0065] Step S4: Determine whether the number of people in the room is greater than the first preset value;

[0066] Step S5: When the number of people in the room is greater than the first preset value, control the second heat exchange unit to operate.

[0067] In step S1, if the controller of the air conditioner receives an instruction from the user to enter the cooling mode, it is determined that the air conditioner needs to enter the cooling mode, and the first heat exchange unit 25 is controlled to operate. When the first heat exchange unit 25 operates, both the indoor heat exchanger 13 and the first blower 22 enter the working state, capable of quickly cooling the indoor environment. If, in step S1, an instruction to enter the cooling mode is not received, it is determined that the air conditioner does not need to enter the cooling mode. If the controller of the air conditioner receives other instructions and these other instructions do not include a cooling instruction, and there is no requirement for the air conditioner to operate in combination with cooling, it is also determined that the air conditioner does not need to enter the cooling mode. When it is determined that there is no need to enter the cooling mode, the operations related to the other instructions can be executed.

[0068] After step S2, step S3 is entered. Through the identification module 28, the total number of people in the room can be obtained. Then, step S4 is entered. According to the number of people information obtained in step S3, it is determined whether the number of people in the room is greater than a first preset value. If it is greater than the first preset value, step S5 is entered, and the second heat exchange unit 26 is controlled to enter the working state, that is, the first valve 19 changes from the closed state to the open state, and the auxiliary heat exchange branch 14 and the heat exchange circuit 16 perform heat exchange in the auxiliary heat exchanger 15, so that the heat exchange circuit 16 can cool the indoor environment.

[0069] The first preset value is preferably 0, and the first preset value is a natural number. That is to say, as long as there are people detected in the room, both the first heat exchange unit 25 and the second heat exchange unit 26 are turned on. As long as the second heat exchange unit 26 operates, it can reduce the cooling capacity of the first heat exchange unit 25, thereby avoiding cold air blowing directly on the human body and causing discomfort. Of course, the first preset value can also be other values. For example, if the first preset value is a relatively large natural number, when the number of people in the room is greater than this value and stronger cooling capacity is required, simply increasing the cooling capacity of the first heat exchange unit 25 while keeping the wind speed unchanged will still cause cold air to blow on the human body and cause discomfort. Controlling the second heat exchange unit 26 to operate can solve this problem.

[0070] In step S4, if the number of people in the room is less than the first preset value, only the operation of the first heat exchange unit 25 is maintained.

[0071] Next, refer to Figure 5 , as Figure 5 shown, the detailed steps of the first preferred embodiment of the control method of the present invention are as follows:

[0072] Step S101: Determine whether the air conditioner needs to enter the cooling mode;

[0073] Step S102: Control the first heat exchange unit to operate;

[0074] Step S103: Obtain the indoor temperature;

[0075] Step S104: Determine whether the indoor temperature is greater than the preset temperature;

[0076] Step S105: Obtain the number of people indoors;

[0077] Step S106: Determine whether the number of people indoors is greater than the first preset value;

[0078] Step S107: Obtain the personnel category, and calculate the target temperature T according to the personnel category and the number of each category m ;

[0079] Step S108: Determine whether the indoor temperature is greater than the target temperature T m ;

[0080] Step S109: If a special personnel category is included, control the first heat exchange unit to stop operating, control the second heat exchange unit to operate with the third refrigeration capacity, and continue for the first preset duration;

[0081] Step S110: If a special personnel category is not included, determine whether the number of people indoors is greater than the second preset value;

[0082] Step S111: Control the first heat exchange unit to operate with the first refrigeration capacity, control the second heat exchange unit to operate with the third refrigeration capacity, and continue for the second preset duration;

[0083] Step S112: Control the first heat exchange unit to operate with the second refrigeration capacity, control the second heat exchange unit to operate with the third refrigeration capacity, and continue for the third preset duration;

[0084] Step S113: Control the first heat exchange unit to stop operating, and control the second heat exchange unit to operate;

[0085] Step S114: Shut down the air conditioner.

[0086] In step S101, if the controller of the air conditioner receives an instruction from the user to enter the cooling mode, it is determined that the air conditioner needs to enter the cooling mode, and step S102 is entered. When the first heat exchange unit 25 operates, both the indoor heat exchanger 13 and the first fan enter the working state, and the indoor temperature can be quickly reduced. If in step S101, no instruction to enter the cooling mode is received, it is determined that the air conditioner does not need to enter the cooling mode. If the controller of the air conditioner receives other instructions and the other instructions do not contain a cooling instruction and do not require the combined operation of the air conditioner for refrigeration, it is also determined that the air conditioner does not need to enter the cooling mode. When it is determined that there is no need to enter the cooling mode, perform operations related to other instructions.

[0087] After step S102, step S103 is entered to obtain the indoor temperature. The indoor temperature is obtained through a temperature sensor, and then step S104 is entered to determine whether the indoor temperature is greater than a preset temperature. The preset temperature is the temperature set by the user. If the indoor temperature is greater than the preset temperature, step S105 is entered to determine whether the number of indoor people is greater than a first preset value. The first preset value is preferably 0. If it is greater than the first preset value, step S107 is entered to obtain the personnel category and the number of each category, and the target temperature T is calculated according to the personnel category and the number of each category. m , the target temperature T m is the optimal comfort temperature calculated according to the current personnel information. After calculating the target temperature T m , step S108 is entered. In step S108, if the judgment result is that the indoor temperature is less than or equal to the target temperature T m , it proves that the indoor temperature is appropriate. Since the indoor temperature has dropped to the optimal comfort temperature, if the indoor is cooled according to the cooling capacity at the initial stage of the cooling mode, it will cause the indoor to be too cold. To avoid this situation, when the indoor temperature is less than the target temperature T m , step S113 is entered to control the first heat exchange unit 25 to stop working, control the second heat exchange unit 26 to operate, and in step S113, control the second heat exchange unit 26 to operate with a fourth cooling capacity, and only cool the indoor through the coil 17, and operate with a lower cooling capacity to maintain the indoor temperature.

[0088] In step S108, if the judgment result is that the indoor temperature is greater than the target temperature T m , it proves that cooling is required through the air conditioner. In step S107, if the obtained indoor personnel category includes a special personnel category, step S109 is entered to control the first heat exchange unit 25 to stop working to avoid the first heat exchange unit 25 blowing directly on the special category, and at the same time control the second heat exchange unit 26 to operate with a third cooling capacity for a first preset duration. The third cooling capacity is a relatively high cooling capacity. Therefore, step S109 can not only ensure that the indoor temperature is reduced, but also avoid the cold air blowing directly on the special personnel category. The special personnel category is the elderly or infants.

[0089] In step S108, if the judgment result is that the indoor temperature is greater than the target temperature T m , it proves that cooling is required through the air conditioner. If the personnel category obtained in step S107 does not include a special personnel category, step S110 is entered to determine whether the number of indoor people is greater than a second preset value. In this preferred embodiment, the second preset value is preferably 1. Of course, it can also be 2, or other values, as long as the second preset value is greater than the first preset value.

[0090] In step S110, if the total number of indoor occupants is greater than the second preset value, it proves that there are too many indoor occupants and a stronger cooling capacity is required to quickly cool the indoor environment. Then, step S111 is executed to control the first heat exchange unit 25 to operate with the first cooling capacity and control the second heat exchange unit 26 to operate with the third cooling capacity. Step S111 lasts for the second preset duration. In step S111, both the first heat exchange unit 25 and the second heat exchange unit 26 operate with a strong cooling capacity, enabling the indoor environment to be cooled quickly.

[0091] In step S110, if the total number of indoor occupants is less than or equal to the second preset value, step S112 is entered. Control the first heat exchange unit 25 to operate with the second cooling capacity, which is a lower cooling capacity to avoid cold air blowing directly on the human body. Control the second heat exchange unit 26 to operate with the third cooling capacity, which is a higher cooling capacity to quickly lower the indoor temperature. Step S110 lasts for the third preset duration.

[0092] The value ranges of the first preset duration, the second preset duration, and the third preset duration are from 15 min to 60 min; they can be the same or different, and the values can be 15 min, 16 min, 18 min, 20 min, 30 min, 40 min, 50 min, 60 min, etc., or other values, which can be set by those skilled in the art according to the actual situation.

[0093] After steps S109, S111, and S112 are executed, the indoor temperature will drop. If steps S109, S111, and S112 are continuously executed, the temperature will continue to be too low. Therefore, after steps S109, S111, and S112 are executed, step S113 is executed to control the first heat exchange unit 25 to stop working and control the second heat exchange unit 26 to operate. In step S113, the second heat exchange unit 26 operates with the fourth cooling capacity to maintain the indoor temperature with a lower cooling capacity.

[0094] After step S113 is executed for the fourth preset duration, return to execute step 103 and subsequent steps to adjust the indoor temperature in real time. The value range of the fourth preset duration is from 10 min to 60 min; the values can be 10 min, 11 min, 12 min, 13 min, 14 min, 15 min, 16 min, 18 min, 20 min, 30 min, 40 min, 50 min, 60 min, etc., or other values, which can be set by those skilled in the art according to the actual situation.

[0095] In step S104, if the judgment result is that the indoor temperature is less than or equal to the preset temperature, that is, the indoor temperature is less than or equal to the temperature set by the user according to their needs, it proves that the user does not need the air conditioner to adjust the cooling capacity to adjust the indoor temperature. Then, step S113 is executed to simply maintain the indoor temperature.

[0096] In step S104, the first preset value is 0. If the number of indoor people is equal to the first preset value, it proves that there is no one in the room. In the case of no one in the room, step S114, the air conditioner shutdown operation, is executed. In another embodiment, step S114 is that the air conditioner is in standby, that is, the air conditioner is in the startup state but does not enter the cooling mode. After executing step S114, return to execute step S106.

[0097] In another embodiment, after step S102 is executed, step S103 and subsequent steps are executed after a fifth preset duration. The value range of the fifth preset duration is 5 min - 30 min; the value can be 10 min, 11 min, 12 min, 13 min, 14 min, 15 min, 16 min, 18 min, 20 min, 30 min, etc., or other values. Those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation.

[0098] In another embodiment, in step S102, the first heat exchange unit 25 operates at the first cooling capacity for the fifth preset duration and then step S103 and subsequent steps are executed.

[0099] Furthermore, calculate the target temperature according to the indoor personnel category and the number of each category:

[0100]

[0101] Among them: the measured value of the number of indoor elderly people is K1, the measured value of the number of indoor infants is K2, the measured value of the number of indoor teenagers is K3, and the measured value of the number of indoor middle-aged people is K4; the weight ratio of the elderly is W1 = 0.4, the weight ratio of infants is W2 = 0.3, the weight ratio of teenagers is W3 = 0.2, and the weight ratio of middle-aged people is W4 = 0.1; the target comfortable temperature value T of the elderly a1 , the value range is 16°C - 30°C, the target comfortable temperature value T of infants a2 , the value range is 16°C - 30°C, the target comfortable temperature value T of teenagers a2 , the value range is 16°C - 30°C, the target comfortable temperature value T of middle-aged people a4 , the value range is 16°C - 30°C, T a1 、T a2 、T a3 、T a4 , can be set according to the actual situation.

[0102] The target temperature T can be calculated by the above method m , in another embodiment, the target temperature T m has a one-to-one correspondence table with the total number of people. Those skilled in the art can set the corresponding relationship of the table by themselves, or can also determine the target temperature T m through the one-to-one correspondence table between the target temperature T and the total number of people m .

[0103] The detailed steps of the second preferred embodiment of the control method of the present invention are as follows:

[0104] Step S201: Determine whether the air conditioner enters the cooling mode;

[0105] Step S202: Control the first heat exchange unit to operate;

[0106] Step S203: Obtain the number of indoor people;

[0107] Step S204: Determine whether the number of indoor people is greater than the first preset value;

[0108] Step S205: Control the second heat exchange unit to operate;

[0109] Step S206: Obtain the indoor temperature;

[0110] Step S207: Determine whether the indoor temperature is greater than the target temperature;

[0111] Step S208: Control the second heat exchange unit to operate with the third refrigeration capacity;

[0112] Step S209: Control the second heat exchange unit to operate with the fourth refrigeration capacity;

[0113] Step S210: Obtain the personnel category;

[0114] Step S211: If the indoor personnel category does not include special personnel categories, control the first heat exchange unit to continue operating;

[0115] Step S212: If the indoor personnel category includes special personnel categories, control the first heat exchange unit to stop operating;

[0116] Step S213: Obtain the indoor temperature;

[0117] Step S214: Determine whether the indoor temperature is greater than the target temperature;

[0118] Step S215: Control the first heat exchange unit to stop working;

[0119] Step S216: If the number of indoor occupants is less than or equal to the second preset value, control the first heat exchange unit to operate with the second refrigeration capacity;

[0120] Step S217: If the number of indoor occupants is greater than the second preset value, control the first heat exchange unit to operate with the first refrigeration capacity.

[0121] In step S201, if the judgment result is yes, go to step S202; if the judgment result is no, go to other operation steps, and the other operation steps are operation steps related to other instructions received by the air conditioner; after executing step S202, execute step S203, and after executing step S203, execute step S204. In step S204, if the judgment result is yes, execute step S205; if the judgment result is no, return to execute step S202; after executing step S205, execute step S206 and step S207 in sequence. In step S207, if the judgment result is yes, execute step S208; if the judgment result is no, execute step S209.

[0122] After executing step S203, step S210 is executed simultaneously. In step S210, if the obtained personnel category includes a special personnel category, execute step S212; if the obtained personnel category does not include a special personnel category, execute step S211, step S213, and step S214 in sequence. In step S214, if the judgment result is no, execute step 215; if the judgment result is yes, then when the number of indoor occupants is less than or equal to the second preset value, execute step S216; when the number of indoor occupants is greater than the preset value, execute step S217. The indoor temperature obtained in step S206 and step S213 is the same temperature.

[0123] The logical steps of the second preferred embodiment are mainly divided into two types. One is the control specifically for the first heat exchange unit 25, and the other is the control specifically for the second heat exchange unit 26. However, this does not mean that the control method of the present invention must control the first heat exchange unit 25 and the second heat exchange unit 26 separately. It can also be the control method in the first preferred embodiment. Regarding such changes in the specific control steps, it does not deviate from the basic principle of the present invention and will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0124] The first preset value, the second preset value, and the target temperature T of the first preferred embodiment and the second preferred embodiment m are the same and will not be elaborated here.

[0125] In some other embodiments, based on the first preferred embodiment, step S104 is omitted.

[0126] In some other embodiments, based on the first preferred embodiment, step S104 and step S113 are omitted.

[0127] In some other embodiments, based on the second preferred embodiment, steps S213 to S217 are omitted.

[0128] In some other embodiments, based on the second preferred embodiment, steps S206 to S209 are omitted.

[0129] In some other embodiments, based on the second preferred embodiment, steps S210 to S217 are omitted.

[0130] The control method of the present invention is based on the structure of the present invention and can intelligently adjust the first heat exchange unit 25 and the second heat exchange unit 26, solving the problem that the existing air conditioner can only refrigerate according to the currently set temperature and cannot achieve intelligent temperature adjustment. The intelligent adjustment of the present invention makes users more comfortable.

[0131] So far, the technical solution of the present invention has been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the drawings. However, it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the protection scope of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes a refrigerant circulation circuit, a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a throttling device, and an indoor heat exchanger that are sequentially arranged on the refrigerant circulation circuit; It further includes an auxiliary heat exchange branch and an auxiliary heat exchanger arranged on the auxiliary heat exchange branch. One end of the auxiliary heat exchange branch is connected to the compressor, and the other end of the auxiliary heat exchange branch is connected to the refrigerant circulation circuit between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger. The throttling device is configured to throttle and depressurize the refrigerant medium flowing through the auxiliary heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger; It further includes a heat exchange circuit. A part of the heat exchange circuit is located outdoors and exchanges heat with the auxiliary heat exchange branch through the auxiliary heat exchanger. Another part of the heat exchange circuit is located indoors and exchanges heat with indoor air.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, A pump device is arranged on the heat exchange circuit, and the pump device can drive the refrigerant medium to circulate in the heat exchange circuit.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The part of the heat exchange circuit located indoors forms a coiled structure.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The throttling device includes a first valve and a second valve. The first valve is arranged on the auxiliary heat exchange branch, and the second valve is arranged on the refrigerant circulation circuit between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger.

5. A control method for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes a refrigerant circulation circuit, a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a throttling device, and an indoor heat exchanger that are sequentially arranged on the refrigerant circulation circuit; it further includes an auxiliary heat exchange branch and an auxiliary heat exchanger arranged on the auxiliary heat exchange branch. One end of the auxiliary heat exchange branch is connected to the compressor, and the other end of the auxiliary heat exchange branch is connected to the refrigerant circulation circuit between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger. The throttling device is configured to throttle and depressurize the refrigerant medium flowing through the auxiliary heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger; it further includes a heat exchange circuit. A part of the heat exchange circuit is located outdoors and exchanges heat with the auxiliary heat exchange branch through the auxiliary heat exchanger. Another part of the heat exchange circuit is located indoors and exchanges heat with indoor air; the first heat exchange unit includes the indoor heat exchanger, and the second heat exchange unit includes the heat exchange circuit; The control method includes: Judging whether the air conditioner needs to enter the cooling mode; When the air conditioner needs to enter the cooling mode, controlling the first heat exchange unit to operate; Obtaining the number of indoor occupants; Judging whether the number of indoor occupants is greater than a first preset value; When the number of indoor occupants is greater than the first preset value, controlling the second heat exchange unit to operate.

6. The control method according to claim 5, wherein The control method further includes: Obtaining the category of indoor occupants; If the category of indoor occupants includes special personnel categories, controlling the first heat exchange unit to stop operating.

7. The control method according to claim 6, wherein The control method further includes: If the category of indoor occupants does not include special personnel categories, then controlling the first heat exchange unit to continue operating.

8. The control method according to claim 7, wherein The control method further includes: Obtaining the indoor temperature; Judging whether the indoor temperature is greater than the target temperature; If the indoor temperature is greater than the target temperature and the category of indoor occupants does not include special personnel categories, controlling the first heat exchange unit to operate.

9. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that The first heat exchange unit can operate with a first cooling capacity and a second cooling capacity, and the first cooling capacity is greater than the second cooling capacity. The step of "controlling the operation of the first heat exchange unit" specifically includes: If the number of indoor personnel is greater than a second preset value, control the first heat exchange unit to operate with a first refrigeration capacity; and / or, If the number of indoor personnel is less than or equal to the second preset value, control the first heat exchange unit to operate with a second refrigeration capacity.

10. The control method according to claim 8, wherein The second heat exchange unit can operate with a third refrigeration capacity and a fourth refrigeration capacity, and the third refrigeration capacity is greater than the fourth refrigeration capacity; If the indoor temperature is greater than the target temperature, control the second heat exchange unit to operate with the third refrigeration capacity; and / or, If the indoor temperature is less than or equal to the target temperature, control the second heat exchange unit to operate with the fourth refrigeration capacity.

11. The control method according to claim 8, wherein, The control method further includes: If the indoor temperature is less than or equal to the target temperature, control the first heat exchange unit to stop operating.

12. The control method according to claim 8, wherein, The first heat exchange unit can operate with a first refrigeration capacity and a second refrigeration capacity, the first refrigeration capacity is greater than the second refrigeration capacity, the second heat exchange unit can operate with a third refrigeration capacity and a fourth refrigeration capacity, and the third refrigeration capacity is greater than the fourth refrigeration capacity; The control method includes: If the indoor temperature is greater than the target temperature and the indoor personnel category includes special personnel categories, control the first heat exchange unit to stop operating, control the second heat exchange unit to operate with the third refrigeration capacity, and continue for a first preset duration; and / or, If the indoor temperature is greater than the target temperature and the indoor personnel category does not include special personnel categories, and if the number of indoor personnel is less than or equal to the second preset value, control the first heat exchange unit to operate with the second refrigeration capacity, control the second heat exchange unit to operate with the third refrigeration capacity, and continue for a second preset duration; and / or, If the indoor temperature is greater than the target temperature and the indoor personnel category does not include special personnel categories, and if the number of indoor personnel is greater than the second preset value, control the first heat exchange unit to operate with the first refrigeration capacity, control the second heat exchange unit to operate with the third refrigeration capacity, and continue for a third preset duration.

13. The control method according to claim 12, wherein The control method further includes, After the preset duration, control the first heat exchange unit to stop operating, and control the second heat exchange unit to operate with the fourth refrigeration capacity.

14. The control method according to any one of claims 5 to 13, characterized in that, The control method further includes: Obtain the indoor temperature; Compare the indoor temperature with a preset temperature; If the indoor temperature is greater than the preset temperature, then execute the step of "judging whether the number of indoor personnel is greater than a first preset value" and subsequent steps.

15. The control method according to claim 14, wherein The control method further includes: If the indoor temperature is less than or equal to the preset temperature, control the first heat exchange unit to stop operating, and control the second heat exchange unit to operate.

16. The control method according to claim 15, wherein After executing the step of "controlling the first heat exchange unit to stop operating and controlling the second heat exchange unit to operate", return to execute the step of "comparing the indoor temperature with the preset temperature" and subsequent steps.

17. According to the control method described in claim 8, characterized in that, Obtain the indoor personnel category and the number of each category, and calculate the target temperature according to the indoor personnel category and the number of each category: Wherein: Measured value K1 of the number of the elderly indoors, measured value K2 of the number of infants and toddlers indoors, measured value K3 of the number of teenagers indoors, measured value K4 of the number of middle-aged people indoors; Weight ratio W1 of the elderly = 0.4, weight ratio W2 of infants and toddlers = 0.3, weight ratio W3 of teenagers = 0.2, weight ratio W4 of middle-aged people = 0.1; Target comfortable temperature value T for the elderly a1 , target comfortable temperature value T for infants and toddlers a2 , target comfortable temperature value T for teenagers a3 , target comfortable temperature value T for middle-aged people a4 .

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