Control method, control device, air conditioner and storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a control method, a control device, an air conditioner and a storage medium. The air conditioner comprises a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a control valve, an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan, the four-way valve communicates with the compressor, the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and the control valve is arranged on the refrigerant upstream of the indoor heat exchanger; the control method comprises the steps that under the condition that the air conditioner is started, the indoor fan is controlled to operate, and the control valve is controlled to be switched on; and under the condition that the air conditioner is shut down, the control valve is controlled to be switched off. According to the control method of the air conditioner, a refrigerant sensor can be omitted to reduce the cost, and meanwhile, the safety risk caused by too high concentration of indoor leaked refrigerant is avoided to a certain extent.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In related technologies, air conditioners use flammable refrigerant. An indoor refrigerant sensor is required to detect leaks promptly and activate the indoor fan, preventing refrigerant buildup from exceeding flammable concentrations. However, the installation of refrigerant sensors and corresponding hardware is expensive, significantly increasing system costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a control method, a control device, an air conditioner, and a computer storage medium to solve at least one of the aforementioned technical problems.

[0004] This invention provides a control method for an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a control valve, an indoor heat exchanger, and an indoor fan. The four-way valve connects the compressor, the indoor heat exchanger, and the outdoor heat exchanger. The control valve is located upstream of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger.

[0005] The control method includes:

[0006] When the air conditioner is turned on, control the operation of the indoor fan and the opening of the control valve;

[0007] When the air conditioner is turned off, the control valve is disconnected.

[0008] In the control method of the air conditioner described above, the control valve is located upstream of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger. When the air conditioner is turned on, the indoor fan is controlled to run and the control valve is opened, so that the refrigerant leaking indoors will not accumulate under the action of the indoor fan, which reduces the risk of flammability to a certain extent. When the air conditioner is turned off, the control valve is opened, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant that can leak indoors. Thus, while eliminating the need for a refrigerant sensor to reduce costs, it also avoids the safety risks caused by excessive concentration of leaked refrigerant indoors to a certain extent.

[0009] In some embodiments, the control valve is located between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger; when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the control valve is located upstream of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger.

[0010] When the air conditioner is off, controlling the control valve to disconnect includes:

[0011] Upon receiving a shutdown command, if the air conditioner's current mode is heating mode, the system controls the air conditioner to switch to cooling mode, and then controls the control valve to disconnect.

[0012] In some embodiments, the control valve is located between the indoor heat exchanger and the four-way valve; when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the control valve is located upstream of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger.

[0013] When the air conditioner is off, controlling the control valve to disconnect includes:

[0014] Upon receiving a shutdown command, if the current mode of the air conditioner is cooling mode, the air conditioner is switched to heating mode, and then the control valve is disconnected.

[0015] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes a one-way valve that controls the compressor, the one-way valve being configured to prevent refrigerant backflow to the compressor or the four-way valve.

[0016] In some embodiments, controlling the control valve to disconnect when the air conditioner is off includes:

[0017] After the air conditioner switches from being turned on to a preset standby time, the control valve is disconnected.

[0018] In some implementations, the preset duration is greater than or equal to the shortest pressure balance time and less than or equal to the safe duration, which is determined based on the maximum allowable leakage indoors, the total refrigerant amount, the maximum time for complete refrigerant leakage, the refrigerant leakage acceleration coefficient, the internal volume between the control valve and the check valve, and the internal volume of the air conditioner.

[0019] In some implementations, the preset duration is greater than or equal to 0 seconds and less than or equal to 120 seconds.

[0020] In some embodiments, the control valve is located on the side close to the indoor heat exchanger.

[0021] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes a low-pressure tank connected to the four-way valve and the compressor.

[0022] One embodiment of the control device of the present invention includes:

[0023] Processor, and;

[0024] A memory storing a computer program, which, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the control method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0025] In the aforementioned control device, the memory can store a computer program for implementing the aforementioned control method, so that the processor can execute the steps of the aforementioned control method according to the computer program. This can reduce costs by omitting the refrigerant sensor, while to a certain extent avoiding the safety risks caused by excessive concentration of leaked refrigerant indoors.

[0026] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the control device described in the above embodiment.

[0027] In the aforementioned air conditioner, the control device controls the operation of the air conditioner, enabling the air conditioner to implement the above control method. This allows for the elimination of the refrigerant sensor to reduce costs, while also mitigating the safety risks caused by excessively high concentrations of leaked refrigerant indoors to a certain extent.

[0028] The present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the control method of any of the above embodiments.

[0029] In the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium can store a computer program, thereby enabling the memory to store a computer program for implementing the aforementioned control method, so that the processor can execute the steps of the aforementioned control method according to the computer program. This can reduce costs by omitting the refrigerant sensor, while to a certain extent avoiding the safety risks caused by excessive concentration of leaked refrigerant indoors.

[0030] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:

[0032] Figures 1 to 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figures 5 to 9 This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Explanation of key component reference numerals:

[0035] Air conditioner 100, control device 2, memory 21, processor 22, compressor 101, four-way valve 102, indoor heat exchanger 103, control valve 104, outdoor heat exchanger 105, indoor fan 106, one-way valve 107, low-pressure tank 108, first throttling component 109, on / off valve 110, outdoor fan 111, second throttling component 112. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0038] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0039] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0041] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0042] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the embodiments of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] Please see Figure 1 This invention provides a control method for an air conditioner 100. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 The air conditioner 100 includes a compressor 101, a four-way valve 102, an outdoor heat exchanger 105, a control valve 104, an indoor heat exchanger 103, and an indoor fan 106. The four-way valve 102 connects the compressor 101, the indoor heat exchanger 103, and the outdoor heat exchanger 105. The control valve 104 is located upstream of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 103.

[0044] Control methods include:

[0045] Step S01: When the air conditioner 100 is turned on, control the indoor fan 106 to run and control valve 104 to open.

[0046] Step S03: When the air conditioner 100 is off, control valve 104 is disconnected.

[0047] Specifically, an air conditioner 100 is a device used to regulate indoor air temperature, humidity, and circulation, typically providing cooling, heating, and / or dehumidification functions. It achieves these functions through refrigerant circulation and heat exchange, making the indoor environment more comfortable. The air conditioner 100 may include a compressor 101, a four-way valve 102, an outdoor heat exchanger 105, a control valve 104, an indoor heat exchanger 103, and an indoor fan 106. Optionally, the air conditioner 100 can be a modular air conditioner or a split-type air conditioner. A split-type air conditioner consists of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, with the indoor unit installed indoors and the outdoor unit installed outdoors, connected by pipes and wires. A modular air conditioner integrates the indoor and outdoor units into one unit, with one part located indoors and the other outdoors.

[0048] Compressor 101 is a device for increasing gas pressure and temperature, capable of drawing in low-pressure, low-temperature gas and compressing it into high-pressure, high-temperature gas. Optionally, compressor 101 may include, but is not limited to, a positive displacement compressor or a dynamic compressor.

[0049] The four-way valve 102 is a reversing valve used to change the flow direction of refrigerant in the air conditioner 100. When the air conditioner 100 is in different modes, the four-way valve 102 will guide the refrigerant to different circulations to achieve the function of different modes.

[0050] A heat exchanger is a device used to exchange heat, transferring heat from one object (or fluid) to another. Optionally, a heat exchanger may include, but is not limited to, shell-and-tube heat exchangers, plate heat exchangers, spiral plate heat exchangers, tubular heat exchangers, or finned tube heat exchangers.

[0051] The indoor fan 106 can convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, and then drive the air flow through the fan blades, thereby sending the indoor airflow into the indoor heat exchanger 103, so that the airflow flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 103 becomes cold or hot air and is delivered to every corner of the room.

[0052] Control valve 104 is a valve used to control the flow rate of a fluid (gas, liquid, or mixture). In one embodiment, control valve 104 includes an on / off valve 110 for controlling the flow and cut-off of the fluid. Optionally, control valve 104 also includes a first throttling element 109 for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid.

[0053] The four-way valve 102 connects the compressor 101, the indoor heat exchanger 103, and the outdoor heat exchanger 105. When the air conditioner 100 is turned on, the compressor 101 converts the low-pressure, low-temperature gaseous refrigerant into a high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous refrigerant, and delivers it to the indoor heat exchanger 103 or the outdoor heat exchanger 105 through the four-way valve 102.

[0054] It should be noted that when the air conditioner 100 is turned on, the control valve 104 is open, and the compressor 101 and the indoor fan 106 operate normally. When the air conditioner is in standby mode, the control valve 104 is open, and the compressor 101 and the indoor fan 106 stop operating. When the air conditioner is turned off, the control valve 104 is closed, and the compressor 101 and the indoor fan 106 stop operating.

[0055] It should be noted that when the air conditioner 100 is on, a shutdown command can be sent to the air conditioner 100 as needed. After receiving the shutdown command, the air conditioner 100 can control the control valve 104 to either immediately disconnect or remain open for a period of time before disconnecting. When the control valve 104 immediately disconnects upon receiving the shutdown command, the air conditioner 100 switches from the on state to the off state. When the control valve 104 remains open for a period of time upon receiving the shutdown command, the air conditioner 100 switches from the on state to the standby state. The standby time is equal to the time the control valve 104 remains open. Afterward, the control valve 104 is disconnected, and the air conditioner 100 switches from the standby state to the off state.

[0056] It should be noted that the shutdown command is a command sent to the air conditioner 100 to instruct it to stop running. Optionally, the user can send a shutdown command to the air conditioner 100 by pressing the "on / off" button on the remote control, pressing the wall switch, using a mobile app, voice assistant, or by pre-setting a shutdown time.

[0057] In one implementation, please refer to Figures 5 to 7 A control valve 104 is located between the indoor heat exchanger 103 and the outdoor heat exchanger 105. The control valve 104 includes an on / off valve 110 and a first throttling component 109. When the air conditioner 100 is in cooling mode, the four-way valve 102 delivers the high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous refrigerant output from the compressor 101 to the outdoor heat exchanger 105 (condenser). Inside the condenser, the gaseous refrigerant exchanges heat with the outdoor air, releasing heat and condensing into high-pressure liquid refrigerant. Subsequently, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant is throttled through the first throttling component 109 of the control valve 104, causing a sudden drop in pressure, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant enters the indoor heat exchanger 103 (evaporator). Inside the evaporator, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air and vaporizes into low-pressure, low-temperature gaseous refrigerant. Simultaneously, the indoor fan 106 draws in indoor air and forces it through the surface of the evaporator. Air exchanges heat with the evaporator surface, lowering its temperature and forming cold air. This cold air is then delivered into the room through the outlet of the indoor fan 106, achieving the purpose of cooling. The low-pressure, low-temperature gaseous refrigerant is drawn back into the compressor 101, and the cycle repeats, completing the refrigeration cycle.

[0058] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 8A control valve 104 is located between the indoor heat exchanger 103 and the four-way valve 102, and the control valve 104 includes an on / off valve 110. Correspondingly, the air conditioner 100 includes a second throttling component 112, which is located between the indoor heat exchanger 103 and the outdoor heat exchanger 105. When the air conditioner 100 is in heating mode, the four-way valve 102 delivers the high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous refrigerant output from the compressor 101 to the indoor heat exchanger 103 (condenser). Inside the condenser, the gaseous refrigerant exchanges heat with the indoor air, releasing heat and condensing into high-pressure liquid refrigerant. At the same time, the indoor fan 106 draws in indoor air and forces it through the surface of the condenser. The air exchanges heat with the condenser surface, its temperature rises, and hot air is formed. The hot air is then delivered into the room through the outlet of the indoor fan 106 to achieve the purpose of heating. Subsequently, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant is throttled by the second throttling component 112, causing a sharp drop in pressure and transforming it into a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant. This low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant enters the outdoor heat exchanger 105 (evaporator). Inside the evaporator, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air and vaporizes into a low-pressure, low-temperature gaseous refrigerant. This low-pressure, low-temperature gaseous refrigerant is then drawn back into the compressor 101, and the cycle repeats, completing the heating cycle.

[0059] It should be noted that, in one example, when the control valve 104 includes a first throttling component 109 and an on / off valve 110, the control valve 104 is located between the indoor heat exchanger 103 and the outdoor heat exchanger 105. In another example, when the control valve 104 includes an on / off valve 110, the control valve 104 is located between the indoor heat exchanger 103 and the four-way valve 102. Correspondingly, the air conditioner 100 includes a second throttling component 112, which is located between the indoor heat exchanger 103 and the outdoor heat exchanger 105 to realize the functions of the air conditioner 100 in different modes.

[0060] In related technologies, refrigerant leakage can occur during the operation of air conditioners due to factors such as loose or aging pipe connections. To prevent refrigerant accumulation exceeding flammable concentrations, air conditioners typically require a refrigerant sensor installed on the indoor side. However, installing the refrigerant sensor and corresponding hardware results in high costs.

[0061] In this embodiment of the invention, the air conditioner 100 includes a control valve 104, which is located upstream of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 103. When the air conditioner 100 is turned on, it controls the operation of the indoor fan 106 and the opening of the control valve 104. That is, when the air conditioner 100 is turned on, it operates normally, and the refrigerant circulates within the air conditioner 100 according to the mode of the air conditioner 100 to achieve the functions of different modes. When the air conditioner 100 is turned off, it controls the opening of the control valve 104, preventing the refrigerant on the outdoor side from flowing to the indoor side. The fact that the control valve 104 is located upstream of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 103 means that when the air conditioner 100 is turned on, the refrigerant flows from the output port of the compressor 101 through the control valve 104 before flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 103.

[0062] Understandably, when the air conditioner 100 is on, that is, when the air conditioner 100 is operating normally, the indoor fan 106 runs, driving air circulation. Even if there is a refrigerant leak, it can disperse the refrigerant, thus preventing refrigerant accumulation. When the air conditioner 100 switches from on to off, that is, when the air conditioner 100 stops operating, the control valve 104 disconnects, cutting off the upstream refrigerant flow to the indoor heat exchanger 103, thus preventing most of the refrigerant from flowing to the indoor heat exchanger 103.

[0063] It is understood that, in the embodiments of the present invention, the control valve 104 can be any component or combination of components that can isolate the refrigerant passage.

[0064] In the control method of the air conditioner 100 described above, the control valve 104 is located upstream of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 103. When the air conditioner 100 is turned on, the indoor fan 106 is controlled to run and the control valve 104 is opened, so that the refrigerant leaking indoors will not accumulate under the action of the indoor fan 106, which reduces the risk of flammability to a certain extent. When the air conditioner 100 is turned off, the control valve 104 is controlled to disconnect, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant that can leak indoors. Thus, while eliminating the need for a refrigerant sensor to reduce costs, the safety risks caused by excessive concentration of leaked refrigerant indoors can be avoided to a certain extent.

[0065] In one implementation, controlling the control valve 104 to disconnect can mean controlling the on / off valve 110 to disconnect.

[0066] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 2 and Figures 5 to 7 The control valve 104 is located between the indoor heat exchanger 103 and the outdoor heat exchanger 105. When the air conditioner 100 is in cooling mode, the control valve 104 is located upstream of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 103.

[0067] Step S03 includes:

[0068] Step S03a: Upon receiving a shutdown command, when the current mode of the air conditioner 100 is heating mode, control the air conditioner 100 to switch to cooling mode, and then control the control valve to disconnect.

[0069] Specifically, in one implementation, please refer to... Figures 5 to 7 The control valve 104 is located between the indoor heat exchanger 103 and the outdoor heat exchanger 105. The control valve 104 includes an on / off valve 110 and a first throttling component 109. When the air conditioner 100 is in cooling mode, the refrigerant flows from the outdoor heat exchanger 105 to the indoor heat exchanger 103. The control valve 104 is located between the indoor heat exchanger 103 and the outdoor heat exchanger 105, that is, the control valve 104 is located upstream of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 103.

[0070] In one embodiment, the current mode of the air conditioner 100 is the cooling mode. When the air conditioner 100 is turned on, the indoor fan 106 is running. Under the action of the indoor fan 106, the refrigerant leaking indoors will not accumulate to a certain extent and cause a flammable problem. When the air conditioner 100 switches from being turned on to being turned off, the control valve 104 is disconnected to cut off the upstream refrigerant of the indoor heat exchanger 103.

[0071] In this embodiment of the invention, when the air conditioner 100 is turned on, the indoor fan 106 operates. Under the action of the indoor fan 106, leaked refrigerant will not accumulate to a certain extent, preventing flammability. Upon receiving a shutdown command, if the current mode of the air conditioner 100 is heating mode, the air conditioner 100 is first switched to cooling mode, that is, the four-way valve 102 is controlled to change the flow direction of the refrigerant, and then the control valve 104 is controlled to disconnect, cutting off the upstream refrigerant supply to the indoor heat exchanger 103.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the control valve 104 is located between the indoor heat exchanger 103 and the outdoor heat exchanger 105. When the current mode of the air conditioner 100 is the heating mode, the air conditioner 100 is switched to the cooling mode, and then the control valve 104 is disconnected, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant that can leak indoors. In this way, while omitting the refrigerant sensor to reduce costs, the safety risks caused by excessive concentration of leaked refrigerant indoors can be avoided to a certain extent.

[0073] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 8 The control valve 104 is located between the indoor heat exchanger 103 and the four-way valve 102. When the air conditioner 100 is in heating mode, the control valve 104 is located upstream of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 103.

[0074] Step S03 includes:

[0075] In step S03b, upon receiving a shutdown command, when the current mode of the air conditioner 100 is cooling mode, the air conditioner 100 is switched to heating mode, and then the control valve is disconnected.

[0076] Specifically, in one implementation, please refer to... Figure 8 The control valve 104 includes an on / off valve 110, which is located between the indoor heat exchanger 103 and the four-way valve 102. In other words, the on / off valve 110 is located between the indoor heat exchanger 103 and the four-way valve 102. When the air conditioner 100 is in heating mode, refrigerant flows from the four-way valve 102 to the indoor heat exchanger 103. The control valve 104 is located between the indoor heat exchanger 103 and the four-way valve 102, meaning it is located upstream of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 103.

[0077] In one embodiment, the current mode of the air conditioner 100 is the heating mode. When the air conditioner 100 is turned on, the indoor fan 106 is running. Under the action of the indoor fan 106, the refrigerant leaking indoors will not accumulate to a certain extent and cause a flammable problem. When the air conditioner 100 switches from being turned on to being turned off, the control valve 104 is disconnected to cut off the upstream refrigerant of the indoor heat exchanger 103.

[0078] In this embodiment of the invention, when the air conditioner 100 is turned on, the indoor fan 106 operates. Under the action of the indoor fan 106, leaked refrigerant will not accumulate to a certain extent, preventing flammability. Upon receiving a shutdown command, if the current mode of the air conditioner 100 is cooling mode, the air conditioner 100 is first switched to heating mode, that is, the four-way valve 102 is controlled to change the flow direction of the refrigerant, and then the control valve 104 is controlled to disconnect, cutting off the upstream refrigerant supply to the indoor heat exchanger 103.

[0079] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the invention, the control valve 104 is located between the indoor heat exchanger 103 and the four-way valve 102. The control valve 104 includes an on / off valve 110. Upon receiving a shutdown command, the control valve 104 is opened to allow most of the refrigerant to be located on the outdoor side. Optionally, when the space on the outdoor side for storing the refrigerant is small, a container for storing the refrigerant is provided on the outdoor side.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the control valve 104 is located between the indoor heat exchanger 103 and the four-way valve 102. When the current mode of the air conditioner 100 is the cooling mode, the air conditioner 100 is switched to the heating mode, and then the control valve 104 is disconnected, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant that can leak indoors. In this way, while omitting the refrigerant sensor to reduce costs, the safety risks caused by excessive concentration of leaked refrigerant indoors can be avoided to a certain extent.

[0081] In some implementations, please refer to Figures 5 to 8 The air conditioner 100 includes a one-way valve 107 connected to the compressor 101. The one-way valve 107 is configured to prevent refrigerant from flowing back to the compressor 101 or the four-way valve 102.

[0082] Specifically, the one-way valve 107 refers to a valve that allows fluid to flow in one direction while preventing it from flowing in the opposite direction.

[0083] Understandably, the four-way valve 102 connects the output port of the compressor 101, the indoor heat exchanger 103, and the outdoor heat exchanger 105. Depending on the current mode of the air conditioner 100, refrigerant can flow from the output port of the compressor 101 through the four-way valve 102 to either the indoor heat exchanger 103 or the outdoor heat exchanger 105.

[0084] In one implementation, such as Figures 5 to 7 The control valve 104 is located between the indoor heat exchanger 103 and the outdoor heat exchanger 105. When the current mode of the air conditioner 100 is cooling mode, the refrigerant flows from the output port of the compressor 101 to the outdoor heat exchanger 105, then to the indoor heat exchanger 103, and finally to the input port of the compressor 101. When the current mode of the air conditioner 100 is heating mode, the refrigerant flows from the output port of the compressor 101 to the indoor heat exchanger 103, then to the outdoor heat exchanger 105, and finally to the input port of the compressor 101.

[0085] In one embodiment, a one-way valve 107 is provided between the four-way valve 102 and the inlet of the compressor 101, and the one-way valve 107 can prevent refrigerant from flowing back from the inlet of the compressor 101 to the four-way valve 102. In another embodiment, a one-way valve 107 is provided between the four-way valve 102 and the outlet of the compressor 101, and the one-way valve 107 can prevent refrigerant from flowing back from the four-way valve 102 to the outlet of the compressor 101.

[0086] When the air conditioner 100 is turned off, the control valve 104 can cut off the flow of refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger 105 to the indoor heat exchanger 103. On the other hand, the one-way valve 107 can prevent the refrigerant from flowing back to the compressor 101 or the four-way valve 102, that is, prevent the refrigerant from flowing back from the four-way valve 102 to the output port of the compressor 101, or prevent the refrigerant from flowing back from the input port of the compressor 101 to the four-way valve 102, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant on the indoor side to a certain extent. Figure 7 The one-way valve 107 is located outside the compressor 101. Figures 6 to 8 The one-way valve 107 is integrated into the compressor 101. Figure 5 The one-way valve 107 is located outside the compressor 101. Figures 6 to 7 The one-way valve 107 is integrated into the compressor 101.

[0087] It is understood that, in the embodiments of the present invention, the one-way valve 107 can be any component or combination of components that can prevent refrigerant from flowing back to the compressor 101.

[0088] Understandably, in Figures 6 to 8 In the compressor 101, a one-way valve 107 is located inside the compressor 101 (not shown) and is used to prevent refrigerant from flowing from the output port of the compressor 101 to the input port of the compressor 101.

[0089] Optionally, the check valve 107 is located between the inlet of the compressor 101 and the four-way valve 102. The check valve 107 may be located between the inlet of the compressor 101 and the low-pressure tank 108 (not shown), or it may be located between the low-pressure tank 108 and the four-way valve 102 (not shown).

[0090] It is understood that the air conditioner 100 may include at least one one-way valve 107.

[0091] In the above embodiments, the one-way valve 107 can prevent the refrigerant from flowing back to the compressor 101 when the control valve 104 cuts off the refrigerant flow to the indoor heat exchanger 103, thereby ensuring to a certain extent that the refrigerant that can leak on the indoor side is less, thereby reducing the possibility of excessively high concentration of leaked refrigerant indoors and reducing the flammability risk of refrigerant leakage.

[0092] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 4 Step S03 includes:

[0093] In step S03c, after the air conditioner 100 switches from being turned on to a preset standby time, the control valve 104 is disconnected.

[0094] Specifically, in the actual use of the air conditioner 100, there is a need for delayed shutdown. Therefore, there is a standby time between the air conditioner 100 being turned on and off. When the air conditioner 100 is in standby mode, the indoor fan 106 stops running.

[0095] Understandably, the delayed shutdown of the air conditioner 100 is to protect the system and prevent problems such as liquid slugging and pipe rupture. During standby, the opening of the control valve 104 can balance system pressure and prevent condensation, but it also increases the risk of refrigerant leakage. To resolve this contradiction, this invention designs a maximum time that the control valve 104 can remain open, i.e., a preset duration. When the air conditioner 100 switches from the on state to the standby state, the control valve 104 will remain open until the preset duration ends.

[0096] In the above embodiments, after the air conditioner 100 switches from being turned on to a standby preset time, the control valve 104 is disconnected. This can take into account factors such as system protection, energy saving and user experience, and can also prevent excessive refrigerant leakage on the indoor side to a certain extent, thereby improving safety.

[0097] In some implementations, the preset duration is greater than or equal to the shortest pressure balance time and less than or equal to the safe duration, which is determined based on the maximum allowable leakage amount indoors, the total refrigerant amount, the maximum time for complete refrigerant leakage, the refrigerant leakage acceleration coefficient, the internal volume between control valve 104 and check valve 107, and the internal volume of air conditioner 100.

[0098] Specifically, the minimum pressure equalization time is the shortest time to ensure system pressure stability and prevent damage to components caused by sudden pressure changes. The safe duration is a safety upper limit based on the worst-case scenario of refrigerant leakage. If control valve 104 closes within the safe duration, even in the event of a maximum refrigerant leak, the concentration of the leaked refrigerant can be guaranteed to be below safety requirements to a certain extent.

[0099] The maximum permissible leakage rate indoors is related to environmental protection and safety regulations, specifying the maximum amount of refrigerant allowed in the indoor environment. The total refrigerant quantity is the sum of all refrigerant quantities in the air conditioner 100. The maximum time required for complete refrigerant leakage is the longest time required for all refrigerant in the air conditioner 100 to completely leak out. Refrigerant leakage acceleration factor: Considering factors such as ambient temperature and total refrigerant quantity, an acceleration factor is introduced to simulate the actual leakage process. The internal volume between control valve 104 and check valve 107 is the volume accommodated in the space used for refrigerant flow from control valve 104 to check valve 107 along the refrigerant flow direction. The internal volume of the air conditioner 100 is the volume accommodated in the entire air conditioner 100 for refrigerant flow.

[0100] In this embodiment of the invention, the relationship between the safe duration and the maximum allowable indoor leakage, the total refrigerant quantity, the longest time for complete refrigerant leakage, the refrigerant leakage acceleration coefficient, the internal volume between control valve 104 and check valve 107, and the internal volume of air conditioner 100 is as follows:

[0101]

[0102] Among them, t s Indicates the duration of safety; m max Indicates the maximum permissible leakage rate indoors; m unit Indicates the total refrigerant volume; t max_leak α represents the longest time for complete refrigerant leakage; α represents the refrigerant leakage acceleration coefficient; IRV_e represents the internal volume between control valve 104 and check valve 107; IRV_total represents the internal volume of air conditioner 100.

[0103] The relationship between the preset duration and the minimum pressure balance time and the safe duration is shown below:

[0104] t min_balance ≤t≤t s

[0105] Among them, t min_balance The minimum time for pressure equilibrium is represented by t, and the preset duration is represented by t. s Indicates the duration of safety.

[0106] Preferably, the preset duration is greater than or equal to the maximum pressure balance time and less than or equal to the safe duration. The safe duration is determined based on the maximum allowable leakage amount indoors, the total refrigerant amount, the shortest time for complete refrigerant leakage, the refrigerant leakage acceleration coefficient, the internal volume between the control valve 104 and the one-way valve 107, and the internal volume of the air conditioner 100.

[0107] The relationship between the safe duration and the maximum allowable indoor leakage, total refrigerant volume, minimum time for complete refrigerant leakage, refrigerant leakage acceleration coefficient, internal volume between control valve 104 and check valve 107, and internal volume of air conditioner 100 is as follows:

[0108]

[0109] Among them, t s Indicates the duration of safety; m max Indicates the maximum permissible leakage rate indoors; m unit Indicates the total refrigerant volume; t min_leak α represents the longest time for complete refrigerant leakage; α represents the refrigerant leakage acceleration coefficient; IRV_e represents the internal volume between control valve 104 and check valve 107; IRV_total represents the internal volume of air conditioner 100.

[0110] The relationship between the preset duration and the maximum pressure equilibrium time and the safe duration is shown below:

[0111] t max_balance ≤t≤t s

[0112] Among them, t max_balanceThe maximum time for pressure equilibrium is indicated by t, where t represents the preset duration. s Indicates the duration of safety.

[0113] In the above embodiments, the preset duration is designed based on the pressure balance and refrigerant leakage safety issues, which can effectively improve the safety and reliability of the air conditioner 100 to a certain extent.

[0114] In some implementations, the preset duration is greater than or equal to 0 seconds and less than or equal to 120 seconds.

[0115] Specifically, when there is no need for delayed shutdown of the air conditioner 100, the preset duration is 0 seconds. After receiving the shutdown command, the air conditioner 100 is controlled to switch from being turned on to being turned off, and the control valve 104 is simultaneously disconnected.

[0116] When the air conditioner 100 needs to be turned off for a delayed period of more than 0 seconds, after receiving the shutdown command, the air conditioner 100 is controlled to switch from being turned on to being in standby mode. During the standby process, the air conditioner 100 can perform operations such as pressure balancing. After the preset standby time, the air conditioner 100 is controlled to switch from standby mode to being turned off, and the control valve 104 is simultaneously disconnected.

[0117] In some examples, t = 0s, 10s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 100s, 110s, 120s, or other values ​​greater than or equal to 0s and less than or equal to 120s.

[0118] In the above embodiments, the preset time range is 0 to 120 seconds, which can meet the requirement of 100% delayed shutdown of the air conditioner while reducing the amount of refrigerant that can be leaked indoors. In this way, while omitting the refrigerant sensor to reduce costs, it can also avoid the safety risks caused by excessive concentration of leaked refrigerant indoors to a certain extent.

[0119] In some embodiments, the control valve 104 is located on the side close to the indoor heat exchanger 103.

[0120] Specifically, the control valve 104 is located upstream of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 103 and close to the indoor heat exchanger 103. Since the refrigerant can still flow to the indoor heat exchanger 103 after the refrigerant flow to the indoor heat exchanger 103 is cut off by the control valve 104, placing the control valve 104 close to the indoor heat exchanger 103 can further reduce the amount of refrigerant that can flow to the indoor heat exchanger 103.

[0121] In one implementation, please refer to Figures 5 to 7The control valve 104 is located between the indoor heat exchanger 103 and the outdoor heat exchanger 105. The control valve 104 is positioned on the side of the indoor heat exchanger 103 facing the outdoor heat exchanger 105 and is located close to the indoor heat exchanger 103. In one embodiment, please refer to... Figure 8 The control valve 104 is located between the four-way valve 102 and the indoor heat exchanger 103, and is positioned close to the indoor heat exchanger 103.

[0122] In the above embodiments, the control valve 104 is located on the side close to the indoor heat exchanger 103, which can further reduce the amount of refrigerant that can leak indoors. This can reduce costs by omitting the refrigerant sensor and further avoid the safety risks caused by excessive concentration of leaked refrigerant indoors to a certain extent.

[0123] In some implementations, please refer to Figures 5 to 8 The air conditioner 100 includes a low-pressure tank 108, which is connected to a four-way valve 102 and a compressor 101.

[0124] Specifically, the low-pressure tank 108 refers to a gas storage container with a low internal pressure, which can be used to store excess low-pressure gaseous refrigerant to prevent excessive pressure from occurring in the air conditioner 100 to a certain extent.

[0125] In this embodiment of the invention, the low-pressure tank 108 is connected to the four-way valve 102 and the inlet of the compressor 101. Refrigerant can flow from the four-way valve 102 into the low-pressure tank 108 and then into the inlet of the compressor 101. The main function of the low-pressure tank 108 is to stabilize the pressure of the air conditioner 100, preventing it from becoming too high or too low. When the air conditioner 100 pressure is too high, excess refrigerant can flow into the low-pressure tank 108, thereby reducing the air conditioner 100 pressure. When the air conditioner 100 pressure is too low, the refrigerant in the low-pressure tank 108 can be added to the air conditioner 100 to maintain its normal operation.

[0126] In the above embodiments, the low-pressure tank 108 can be used to stabilize the pressure of the air conditioner 100 and improve the stability of the air conditioner 100.

[0127] Optionally, such as Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the air conditioner 100 may include an outdoor fan 111, which is used to accelerate the flow of outdoor air and improve the heat exchange efficiency between the outdoor air and the outdoor heat exchanger 105, thereby speeding up the cooling or heating speed.

[0128] Please refer to Figure 9One embodiment of the present invention provides a control device 2, which includes a processor 22 and a memory 21. The memory 21 stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed by the processor 22, it implements the steps of the control method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0129] Please refer to Figure 9 An air conditioner 100 provided in an embodiment of the present invention includes the control device 2 described in the above embodiment.

[0130] Specifically, the control device 2 can be electrically connected to components such as the indoor fan 106, the outdoor fan 111, the compressor 101, the control valve 104, and the four-way valve 102. The control device 2 can be used to control the operation of the air conditioner 100.

[0131] The present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor 22, implements the steps of the control method of any of the above embodiments.

[0132] In some implementations, when the computer program is executed by the processor 22, the control method includes:

[0133] Step S01: When the air conditioner 100 is turned on, control the indoor fan 106 to run and control valve 104 to open.

[0134] Step S03: When the air conditioner 100 is off, control valve 104 is disconnected.

[0135] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0136] Any process or method description in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more steps for implementing a particular logical function or process, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of the invention includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as will be understood by those skilled in the art to which embodiments of the invention pertain.

[0137] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, combinations, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a control valve, an indoor heat exchanger, and an indoor fan. The four-way valve connects the compressor, the indoor heat exchanger, and the outdoor heat exchanger. The control valve is located upstream of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger. The control method includes: When the air conditioner is turned on, control the operation of the indoor fan and the opening of the control valve; When the air conditioner is turned off, the control valve is disconnected.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control valve is located between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger. When the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the control valve is located upstream of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger. When the air conditioner is off, controlling the control valve to disconnect includes: Upon receiving a shutdown command, if the air conditioner's current mode is heating mode, the system controls the air conditioner to switch to cooling mode, and then controls the control valve to disconnect.

3. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control valve is located between the indoor heat exchanger and the four-way valve. When the air conditioner is in heating mode, the control valve is located upstream of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger. When the air conditioner is off, controlling the control valve to disconnect includes: Upon receiving a shutdown command, if the current mode of the air conditioner is cooling mode, the air conditioner is switched to heating mode, and then the control valve is disconnected.

4. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes a one-way valve connected to the compressor, the one-way valve being configured to prevent refrigerant from flowing back to the compressor or the four-way valve.

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the air conditioner is off, controlling the control valve to disconnect includes: After the air conditioner switches from being turned on to a preset standby time, the control valve is disconnected.

6. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The preset duration is greater than or equal to the shortest pressure balance time and less than or equal to the safe duration. The safe duration is determined based on the maximum allowable leakage amount indoors, the total refrigerant amount, the longest time for complete refrigerant leakage, the refrigerant leakage acceleration coefficient, the internal volume between the control valve and the check valve, and the internal volume of the air conditioner.

7. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The preset duration is greater than or equal to 0 seconds and less than or equal to 120 seconds.

8. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control valve is located on the side close to the indoor heat exchanger.

9. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes a low-pressure tank, which is connected to the four-way valve and the compressor.

10. A control device, characterized in that, include: Processor, and; A memory storing a computer program, which, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the control method according to any one of claims 1-9.

11. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the control device as described in claim 10.

12. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the control method according to any one of claims 1-9.

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