Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses an air conditioner and a control method thereof, and relates to the technical field of air conditioners. The air conditioner comprises an outdoor unit, an indoor unit and an electric control box. The indoor unit and the outdoor unit are integrally arranged, and the indoor unit is provided with an air duct. The electric control box is arranged at an air inlet of the air duct. The technical scheme of the application can solve the problems of limited installation space, heat dissipation, oil fume prevention and the like of the air conditioner by integrating the indoor unit and the outdoor unit and optimizing the position of the electric control box.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Integrated kitchen air conditioners utilize the limited space of the kitchen ceiling for installation, with both the indoor and outdoor units installed within the ceiling. This design places high demands on the miniaturization of the entire unit to ensure it can fit compactly into the confined space. To achieve overall miniaturization, the electronic control system also needs to be miniaturized. However, miniaturizing the electronic control system raises concerns about heat dissipation and oil fume protection, as well as the risk of sacrificing overall unit performance to meet the cooling requirements of the electronic control system. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the air conditioner design while simultaneously considering installation, electronic control system cooling, and oil fume protection performance, thereby improving the overall reliability of the machine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to propose an air conditioner and its control method, which aims to solve problems such as limited installation space, heat dissipation, and prevention of oil fumes in air conditioners.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an air conditioner comprising: Outdoor unit; The indoor unit and the outdoor unit are integrated into one unit, and the indoor unit is provided with an air duct; An electrical control box is located at the air inlet of the air duct.

[0005] In one embodiment, the indoor unit includes: An evaporator is disposed on the airflow path of the air duct, and the evaporator is disposed on the side of the electrical control box away from the air inlet.

[0006] In one embodiment, the evaporator is provided with an opening located near the air duct.

[0007] In one embodiment, the air duct includes: A first air duct is disposed near the opening; A second air duct is disposed away from the opening.

[0008] In one embodiment, the electrical control box includes: Box body; An air conditioner control panel is housed within the box and located in the first air duct; The heat sink is disposed outside the casing and located in the second air duct.

[0009] In one embodiment, the air conditioner further includes: An airflow regulating component is used to regulate the airflow in the first air duct in order to regulate the heat exchange airflow of the evaporator; And / or, the airflow regulating component is used to regulate the airflow of the second air duct to regulate the heat dissipation airflow of the radiator.

[0010] In one embodiment, the airflow regulating component includes: A valve is provided at the air inlet of the first air duct and / or the second air duct; An electric motor is connected to the valve drive and is used to adjust the opening of the valve to adjust the air volume of the first air duct and / or the second air duct.

[0011] In one embodiment, the air conditioner further includes: A detection component for detecting the temperature of the radiator and the temperature of the air conditioner control board; An electronic control component is electrically connected to the airflow regulating component and the detection component, respectively. The electronic control component is used to control the airflow regulating component to adjust the airflow of the first air duct and / or the second air duct according to the temperature of the radiator and the temperature of the air conditioner control board.

[0012] In one embodiment, the evaporator includes: First evaporation arm; The second evaporation arm is disposed opposite to the first evaporation arm; The third evaporating arm connects and encloses the first evaporating arm and the second evaporating arm to form the opening.

[0013] In one embodiment, the electrical control box is detachably installed at the air inlet of the air duct.

[0014] In one embodiment, the air conditioner further includes: The housing has a receiving cavity and an air inlet and an air outlet communicating with the receiving cavity. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit are disposed in the receiving cavity, and the air duct of the indoor unit connects the air inlet and the air outlet.

[0015] In one embodiment, the housing includes a bottom plate, a cover plate, and a plurality of side plates, a portion of which, together with the bottom plate and the cover plate, forms a first receiving cavity, and the inner unit is disposed in the first receiving cavity; Another portion of the plurality of side panels, together with the bottom plate and the cover plate, forms a second receiving cavity, and the outdoor unit is disposed in the second receiving cavity.

[0016] This invention also proposes a control method for an air conditioner, wherein the air conditioner is as described above, the air conditioner includes an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, an electrical control box, and an air volume regulating component, the indoor unit is provided with an air duct, and the air conditioner control method includes the following steps: Obtain the temperature of the electrical control box; The airflow in the duct is adjusted by controlling the airflow regulating component based on the temperature of the control box.

[0017] In one embodiment, the indoor unit includes an evaporator with an opening, and the air duct includes a first air duct and a second air duct, the first air duct being disposed close to the opening and the second air duct being disposed away from the opening; The electrical control box includes an air conditioner control board and a radiator. The air conditioner control board is disposed in the first air duct, and the radiator is disposed in the second air duct. The step of obtaining the temperature of the electronic control box specifically includes: Obtain the temperature of the radiator and the temperature of the air conditioner control board; The step of controlling the airflow of the duct by adjusting the airflow of the airflow regulating component according to the temperature of the electronic control box specifically includes: Based on the temperature of the radiator and the temperature of the air conditioner control board, the air volume regulating component adjusts the air volume of the first air duct and / or the second air duct.

[0018] In one embodiment, the step of controlling the airflow adjustment component to adjust the airflow of the first air duct and / or the second air duct based on the temperature of the radiator and the temperature of the air conditioner control board specifically includes: When the temperature of the radiator is not lower than the first preset temperature and the temperature of the air conditioner control board is not higher than the second preset temperature, the air volume of the first air duct is reduced and the air volume of the second air duct is increased. And / or, when the temperature of the radiator is not greater than the first preset temperature and the temperature of the air conditioner control board is not less than the second preset temperature, increase the air volume of the first air duct and decrease the air volume of the second air duct. And / or, when the temperature of the radiator is not greater than the first preset temperature and the temperature of the air conditioner control board is not greater than the second preset temperature, the air volume of the first air duct is adjusted to the maximum air volume. And / or, when the temperature of the radiator is not lower than the first preset temperature and the temperature of the air conditioner control board is not lower than the second preset temperature, control the air conditioner to operate at a reduced frequency; Wherein, the first preset temperature is less than the second preset temperature.

[0019] In one embodiment, the indoor unit further includes a first fan, and the outdoor unit includes a second fan; Prior to the step of obtaining the temperature of the radiator and the temperature of the air conditioner control board, the air conditioner control method further includes: Adjust the airflow of the first air duct to the maximum airflow and control the start of the first and second fans.

[0020] The technical solution of this invention integrates the outdoor and indoor units, significantly reducing the various pipes and lines required to connect the indoor and outdoor units of traditional split-type air conditioners. This makes the air conditioner easier to install, especially suitable for environments with high space requirements, such as kitchens or small rooms. For example, the air conditioner can be installed inside the kitchen ceiling, effectively utilizing the ceiling space and reducing the impact of kitchen fumes on the air conditioner to some extent. By placing the electrical control box at the air inlet of the indoor unit's air duct, the natural airflow during the intake process is cleverly utilized to help dissipate heat from the control box. This not only lowers the operating temperature of the control box and improves its heat dissipation performance but also avoids designing a complex heat dissipation structure separately for the control box, contributing to the miniaturization of the entire air conditioning system. Because the operating temperature of the control box is lowered, its stability and service life are improved, thereby enhancing the reliability of the entire air conditioning system. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the air conditioner provided by the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of a central air conditioner from another angle; Figure 3 for Figure 1 Front view of the central air conditioner; Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the electrical control box of a central air conditioner; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit functional modules of an embodiment of an air conditioner provided by the present invention; Figure 6 A flowchart of an embodiment of the control method for an air conditioner provided by the present invention; Figure 7 A flowchart of another embodiment of the air conditioner control method provided by the present invention; Figure 8A flowchart of yet another embodiment of the air conditioner control method provided by the present invention.

[0024] Explanation of icon numbers: 100. Air conditioner; 1. Outdoor unit; 11. Second fan; 12. Compressor; 13. Condenser; 2. Indoor unit; 201. Air duct; 2011. First air duct; 2012. Second air duct; 21. Evaporator; 2001. Opening; 211. First evaporating arm; 212. Second evaporating arm; 213. Third evaporating arm; 22. First fan; 3. Electrical control box; 31. Radiator; 32. Air conditioner control board; 33. Box body; 331. First side wall; 332. Second side wall; 4. Air volume regulating components; 41. Valves; 42. Motors; 5. Detection components; 51. First detection component; 52. Second detection component; 6. Electronic control components; 7. Housing; 701. Receiving cavity; 7011. First receiving cavity; 7012. Second receiving cavity; 702. Air inlet; 703. Air outlet; 704. Fitting part; 71. Cover plate; 711. First cover plate; 712. Second side plate; 72. Bottom plate; 73. Side plate; 731. First side plate; 732. Second cover plate; 733. Third side plate; 734. Fourth side plate; 735. Fifth side plate; 736. Sixth side plate; 737. Seventh side plate; 738. Eighth side plate; 74. Connecting plate; 200. Kitchen ceiling.

[0025] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] Integrated kitchen air conditioners utilize the limited space of the kitchen ceiling for installation, with both the indoor and outdoor units installed within the ceiling. This design places high demands on the miniaturization of the entire unit to ensure it can fit compactly into the confined space. To achieve overall miniaturization, the electronic control system also needs to be miniaturized. However, miniaturizing the electronic control system raises concerns about heat dissipation and oil fume protection, as well as the risk of sacrificing overall unit performance to meet the cooling requirements of the electronic control system. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the air conditioner design while simultaneously considering installation, electronic control system cooling, and oil fume protection performance, thereby improving the overall reliability of the machine.

[0028] Therefore, this invention proposes an air conditioner 100, which aims to solve problems such as limited installation space, heat dissipation, and prevention of oil fumes in air conditioners.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The air conditioner 100 includes an outdoor unit 1, an indoor unit 2, and an electrical control box 3. The indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 1 are integrated. The indoor unit 2 is provided with an air duct 201. The electrical control box 3 is located at the air inlet 702 of the air duct 201.

[0030] It is understandable that the air conditioner 100 mainly consists of two parts: the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2. Each part has its specific components and functions, working together to achieve cooling or heating effects. The outdoor unit 1 may include a compressor 12, a condenser 13, an expansion valve, and a second fan 11, etc. The outdoor unit 1 is mainly responsible for the compression and condensation processes in the refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 12 in the outdoor unit 1, becoming a high-temperature, high-pressure gas, and then enters the condenser 13, where it is cooled and converted into a liquid state. Afterwards, the liquid refrigerant passes through the expansion valve to reduce pressure and temperature, preparing to enter the indoor unit 2 for evaporation and heat absorption. During this process, the second fan 11 mainly assists the condenser 13 in dissipating heat, improving heat exchange efficiency. The indoor unit 2 may include an evaporator 21 and a first fan 22, etc. The indoor unit 2 mainly undertakes the evaporation process in the refrigeration cycle. The low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant from the outdoor unit 1 evaporates in the evaporator 21, absorbing a large amount of heat, thus lowering the surface temperature of the evaporator 21. The first fan 22 blows indoor air across the evaporator 21. The heat in the air is absorbed by the evaporator 21, thereby lowering the indoor temperature. During this process, moisture in the air may also condense on the evaporator 21, thus playing a dehumidifying role.

[0031] In this embodiment, to accommodate the limited space inside the kitchen ceiling 200, the air conditioner 100 is an integrated kitchen air conditioner, with the indoor unit 2 and outdoor unit 1 designed as a single unit, sharing a single electrical control box 3 to control the operation of the entire system. By sharing a single electrical control box 3 to control the operation of the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 1 respectively, this integrated design ensures that all parts of the air conditioner 100 work in coordination, improving the overall energy efficiency ratio.

[0032] The indoor unit 2 is equipped with an air duct 201, which guides airflow to achieve effective indoor air circulation and heat exchange. Depending on specific needs, the number of air ducts 201 can be one, two, or more, allowing for flexible configuration to achieve optimal air handling performance for different application scenarios. The electrical control box 3 is located at the air inlet 702 of the air duct 201. This can be understood as follows: when the indoor unit 2 has only one air duct 201, the electrical control box 3 can be located at the air inlet 702 of that air duct 201; or, when the indoor unit 2 has two air ducts 201, namely the first air duct 2011 and the second air duct 2012, the electrical control box 3 can be located at the air inlet 702 of the first air duct 2011 and / or the second air duct 2012, that is, it can be located at the air inlet 702 of at least one of the first air duct 2011 and the second air duct 2012. For example, the electrical control box 3 can be located at the air inlet 702 of the first air duct 2011, or at the air inlet 702 of the second air duct 2012, or simultaneously at the air inlets 702 of both the first air duct 2011 and the second air duct 2012. Other situations are similar and will not be listed here. By placing the electronic control box 3 at the air inlet 702 of the air duct 201, the airflow in the air duct 201 can be used to directly cool the electronic control box 3, which can effectively solve the heat dissipation problem after the miniaturization of the electronic control of the air conditioner 100, while avoiding the problem of sacrificing the overall performance due to the addition of additional heat dissipation equipment.

[0033] To enhance the heat dissipation of the control box 3, it can be positioned along the airflow path of the air duct 201. This positioning allows the airflow generated by the indoor unit 2 during heat dissipation to simultaneously cool the control box 3, thereby effectively extending its service life and improving its stability. Furthermore, this layout design of the control box 3 ensures effective cooling of the air conditioner 100 during operation, guaranteeing the stable operation of the internal electronic components and extending their lifespan.

[0034] The technical solution of this invention integrates the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2, significantly reducing the various pipes and lines required to connect the indoor and outdoor units 1 in traditional split-type air conditioners. This makes the air conditioner 100 easier to install, especially suitable for environments with high space requirements, such as kitchens or small rooms. For example, the air conditioner 100 can be installed inside the kitchen ceiling 200, effectively utilizing the space of the kitchen ceiling 200 and reducing the impact of kitchen fumes on the air conditioner 100 to a certain extent. The electrical control box 3 is located at the air inlet 702 of the air duct 201 of the indoor unit 2, cleverly utilizing the natural airflow during the air intake process to help dissipate heat from the electrical control box 3. This not only reduces the operating temperature of the electrical control box 3 and improves its heat dissipation performance, but also avoids designing a complex heat dissipation structure separately for the electrical control box 3, contributing to the miniaturization of the entire air conditioning system. Because the operating temperature of the electrical control box 3 is reduced, its stability and service life are improved, thereby enhancing the reliability of the entire air conditioning system.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 1 The indoor unit 2 includes: Evaporator 21 is disposed on the airflow path of the air duct 201.

[0036] In this embodiment, the evaporator 21 is one of the key components in the air conditioner 100 for achieving heat exchange. The refrigerant inside absorbs heat from the air passing over the surface of the evaporator 21, thereby cooling the air (in cooling mode) or heating it (in heat pump mode). During the operation of the air conditioner 100, the evaporator 21 typically causes changes in the temperature of the air passing through it to regulate the indoor temperature. Furthermore, when air passes through the evaporator 21, due to the low surface temperature of the evaporator 21, water vapor in the air condenses into water droplets, thus dehumidifying the air. This is particularly important for improving indoor comfort, as reducing air humidity can make people feel cooler in hot and humid summer environments.

[0037] While ensuring basic heat exchange and dehumidification functions, placing the evaporator 21 in the airflow path of the air duct 201 ensures that all air passing through the air duct 201 can fully contact the evaporator 21, maximizing the utilization of the evaporator 21 for heat exchange, improving the working efficiency of the air conditioner 100. Furthermore, the reasonable arrangement of the evaporator 21 in the air duct 201 helps to optimize airflow, reduce resistance, ensure that air can pass through the entire system evenly and smoothly, and improve overall performance.

[0038] In another embodiment of the invention, reference is made to Figure 1 The evaporator 21 is located on the side of the electrical control box 3 away from the air inlet 702.

[0039] In this embodiment, the evaporator 21 is positioned on the side of the control box 3 furthest from the air inlet 702. This positioning is designed to optimize the airflow path inside the air conditioner while also considering the heat dissipation requirements of the control box 3 and the operating efficiency of the evaporator 21. Air first enters the air duct 201 through the air inlet 702 and comes into contact with the control box 3 first. This allows the initially cooler air to directly cool the control box 3, as the control box 3 is temperature-sensitive and needs to maintain a low operating temperature to ensure stability and extend its service life. Although the air temperature rises slightly after passing through the control box 3, it is still cold enough for the evaporator 21 to effectively complete the heat exchange process between the refrigerant and the air, ensuring good heat dissipation for the control box 3 without affecting the operating efficiency of the evaporator 21.

[0040] Furthermore, considering the high levels of oil fumes in the kitchen environment, these tiny particles may enter the air conditioner 100 with the airflow. By allowing clean air to pass through the control box 3 first, the impact of oil fumes on the electronic control components can be reduced. Although the evaporator 21 is located after the control box 3, its primary function is to manage air temperature and humidity, rather than directly contacting the external environment. Therefore, even if a small amount of oil fume particles that are not completely filtered reach the evaporator 21, it will not cause fatal damage. However, regular maintenance and cleaning are still necessary. For example, installing a high-efficiency filter at the air inlet 702 to capture grease and particulate matter in the air can protect the subsequent control box 3 and evaporator 21 from contamination.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 2 The evaporator 21 is provided with an opening 2001, which is located near the air duct 201.

[0042] In this embodiment, air enters the air duct 201 through the air inlet 702, is first cooled by the electrical control box 3, and then flows to the evaporator 21. The evaporator 21 is installed on the side of the electrical control box 3 away from the air inlet 702, and the end of the evaporator 21 is positioned close to the electrical control box 3. When the end of the evaporator 21 is relatively close to the electrical control box 3, it will cause a reduction in the airflow through the end of the evaporator 21 (i.e., the so-called "heat exchange airflow reduction"). This is because the part close to the electrical control box 3 may obstruct airflow, or space constraints may prevent the air from fully contacting the surface of the evaporator 21 for effective heat exchange. This layout directly affects the heat exchange performance of the air conditioner 100, thereby affecting the cooling or heating effect.

[0043] To overcome this problem, an additional opening 2001 is created at the end of the evaporator 21. The opening 2001 can be one or more small holes, or a long slit along the edge of the evaporator 21's end, depending on design requirements and space constraints. This design allows more cold air to directly enter the end portion of the evaporator 21, compensating for insufficient airflow due to its proximity to the electrical control box 3, ensuring that the entire evaporator 21 effectively participates in the heat exchange process. Furthermore, the opening 2001 helps to distribute airflow more evenly, avoiding insufficient heat exchange at the end of the evaporator 21 due to poor ventilation, improving overall heat exchange efficiency while ensuring the stability and reliability of machine operation.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 2 The air duct 201 includes: The first air duct 2011 is disposed near the opening 2001; The second air duct 2012 is located away from the opening 2001.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first air duct 2011 and the second air duct 2012 are respectively located at different positions of the opening 2001, that is, the first air duct 2011 is located close to the opening 2001, while the second air duct 2012 is located away from the opening 2001. This layout allows the air entering from the air inlet 702 to be divided into two airflows, each following a different path. That is, the air first enters from the air inlet 702 and is then distributed to the first air duct 2011 and the second air duct 2012. In both air ducts 201, the air flows through the electrical control box 3, using the airflow to help dissipate heat from the electrical control box 3, reducing its operating temperature and improving system reliability. Subsequently, the air cooled by the electrical control box 3 continues to flow to the evaporator 21 for heat exchange, which may be more beneficial to the working efficiency of the evaporator 21, because an appropriate temperature difference helps to improve heat transfer efficiency. In other words, by setting the first air duct 2011 and the second air duct 2012, effective management of the airflow path can be achieved. On the one hand, it can ensure that the evaporator 21 has enough cold air for efficient heat exchange; on the other hand, it can ensure that the electrical control box 3 is adequately cooled to avoid overheating.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The electrical control box 3 includes: Box 33; The air conditioner control board 32 is disposed inside the housing 33 and located in the first air duct 2011; The heat sink 31 is disposed outside the housing 33 and located in the second air duct 2012.

[0047] In this embodiment, the air conditioner control board 32 may include a substrate on which a fan drive circuit, a switching power supply circuit, a control circuit, a PFC circuit, a compressor drive circuit, and a power filter circuit may be disposed. These circuits work together to ensure that the air conditioner 100 can operate efficiently according to preset parameters. The air conditioner control board 32 is disposed inside the housing 33. This is because the air conditioner 100 is disposed inside the kitchen ceiling 200. Even with some protection, due to the special nature of the kitchen environment (such as oil fumes), encapsulating the air conditioner control board 32 inside the housing can effectively reduce the impact of oil fumes. In addition, the exterior of the housing 33 may be made of oil-resistant materials or coatings to further enhance the protective effect. The air conditioner control board 32 is located in the first air duct 2011. This layout allows the air passing through the first air duct 2011 to directly cool the air conditioner control board 32, which helps to improve its heat dissipation efficiency, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the control system. The radiator 31 is disposed outside the housing 33 and located in the second air duct 2012. By placing the radiator 31 in the second air duct 2012, this part of the airflow can be used to cool the radiator 31, thereby indirectly helping to cool the air conditioner control board 32.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 2 and Figure 5 The air conditioner 100 further includes: Air volume regulating component 4, which is used to regulate the air volume of the first air duct 2011 in order to regulate the heat exchange air volume of the evaporator 21; And / or, the airflow regulating component 4 is used to regulate the airflow of the second air duct 2012 in order to regulate the heat dissipation airflow of the radiator 31.

[0049] In this embodiment, the air volume adjustment component 4 allows for dynamic adjustment of the air volume entering the first air duct 2011 and / or the second air duct 2012 according to different operating conditions and user needs.

[0050] For the evaporator 21, the airflow in the first air duct 2011 can be increased when rapid cooling is needed, while the airflow in the first air duct 2011 can be appropriately reduced when maintaining a constant temperature. By precisely controlling the airflow entering the evaporator 21, it can be ensured that the evaporator 21 is always in an optimal working state, improving heat exchange efficiency. This not only helps improve the overall performance of the air conditioner but also saves energy. For the electrical control box 3, proper cooling is very important. By adjusting the airflow entering the second air duct 2012, it can be ensured that the electrical control box 3 is always within the optimal operating temperature range, extending its service life and improving system stability. Under different environmental conditions (such as changes in temperature and humidity), or when the air conditioner switches to different operating modes (cooling, heating, dehumidification, etc.), it may be necessary to adjust the ratio of airflow entering the first air duct 2011 and the second air duct 2012. For example, in a high-temperature environment, it may be necessary to increase the airflow in the second air duct 2012 to enhance the heat dissipation of the electrical control box 3, while under rapid cooling requirements, the airflow in the first air duct 2011 should be prioritized to enhance the heat exchange capacity of the evaporator 21.

[0051] It is important to note that when the end of the evaporator 21 is close to the electrical control box 3, the airflow through the end of the evaporator 21 will decrease (i.e., "heat exchange airflow reduction"). This is because the portion near the electrical control box 3 may obstruct airflow, or space constraints may prevent the air from fully contacting the surface of the evaporator 21 for effective heat exchange. This arrangement directly affects the heat exchange performance of the air conditioner 100, thereby affecting the cooling or heating effect.

[0052] To improve this situation, an opening 2001 can be added at the end of the evaporator 21 to directly introduce fresh air, thereby increasing the airflow in the area and enhancing the heat exchange effect.

[0053] While adding an opening 2001 at the end of the evaporator 21 can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 21, it may cause too much air to be directed to the evaporator 21, reducing the airflow to the radiator 31 (located in the second air duct 2012), thereby affecting the heat dissipation effect of the electrical control box 3, and potentially causing overheating and other problems.

[0054] To address the aforementioned contradiction, the airflow adjustment component 4 in this embodiment is only located at the air inlet 702 of the first air duct 2011. This prevents excessive air from being directed to the evaporator 21, thus reducing the airflow to the radiator 31 and affecting the heat dissipation effect of the control box 3. The airflow entering the first air duct 2011 can be automatically adjusted based on the temperature of the control box 3, ensuring sufficient cooling of the control box 3 while flexibly adjusting the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 21. For example, in high-temperature environments or when the temperature of the control box 3 rises, the airflow in the first air duct 2011 can be appropriately reduced to ensure sufficient cooling of the control box 3. Conversely, when rapid cooling is required, the airflow in the first air duct 2011 is increased to enhance the heat exchange capacity of the evaporator 21. This adjustment method not only effectively solves the problem of decreased heat exchange efficiency caused by the proximity of the evaporator 21's end to the control box 3, but also improves the stability and energy efficiency ratio of the entire system, providing users with a more comfortable and energy-saving experience.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 2 and Figure 5 The air volume regulating component 4 includes: Valve 41 is provided at the air inlet 702 of the first air duct 2011 and / or the second air duct 2012; Motor 42 is drivenly connected to valve 41. Motor 42 is used to adjust the opening degree of valve 41 to adjust the air volume of the first air duct 2011 and / or the second air duct 2012.

[0056] It is understandable that the airflow regulating component 4 can be implemented in various ways. Below are a few specific examples illustrating the implementation methods of the airflow regulating component 4: Firstly, an adjustable air deflector: an adjustable air deflector is installed at the air inlet 702, which can be manually or electrically adjusted to change the airflow direction and intensity as needed, thereby flexibly distributing it to different air ducts 201; Secondly, variable frequency fans: The fans with variable frequency technology can automatically adjust their speed according to real-time monitoring data, and the air volume entering each air duct 201 can be precisely controlled by adjusting the fan speed. Thirdly, a multi-stage valve control system: multiple independently controlled valves are set up, each corresponding to a different air duct 201, allowing users or the automatic control system to open or close specific valves according to specific needs to adjust their respective air volume.

[0057] In this embodiment, the airflow regulating component 4 can be implemented using a multi-stage valve control system. The airflow regulating component 4 may include a valve 41 and a motor 42. The valve 41 can be located at the air inlet 702 of the first air duct 2011 and / or the second air duct 2012. By adjusting the opening degree of the valve 41, the airflow entering the corresponding air duct 201 can be precisely controlled. The motor 42 is connected to the valve 41 and is responsible for driving the valve 41 to open and close. By controlling the working state of the motor (such as rotation angle, speed, etc.), the opening degree of the valve 41 can be precisely adjusted, thereby achieving fine control of the airflow. Furthermore, since the requirements for cooling, heating, and heat dissipation vary under different operating conditions, this design enables the air conditioner 100 to quickly respond to environmental changes and automatically adjust to the optimal operating state. That is, by setting valves at the air inlets 702 of the first air duct 2011 and / or the second air duct 2012 and adjusting their opening by the motor 42, precise control of air volume can be achieved, which can not only improve the heat exchange efficiency and heat dissipation performance of the air conditioner 100, but also enhance its adaptability to changes in external conditions.

[0058] In conjunction with the above embodiments, the airflow regulating component 4 in this embodiment is only installed at the air inlet 702 of the first air duct 2011. That is, the valve 41 is installed at the air inlet 702 of the first air duct 2011, and the motor 42 is connected to the valve 41 for driving. To clearly understand how the airflow regulating component 4 solves the problem of reduced heat exchange efficiency caused by the proximity of the end of the evaporator 21 to the electrical control box 3, the following is a specific example: Imagine a hot summer day when a user needs to quickly lower the indoor temperature. In this case, the air conditioner 100 needs to operate efficiently to meet the user's cooling needs. Initially, after the air conditioner 100 starts, its detection component 5 detects a high indoor temperature, while the temperature of the control box 3 is within the normal range. According to preset logic, valve 41 initially opens wide, allowing a large amount of air to flow into the first air duct 2011, directly serving the evaporator 21 to enhance the cooling effect. When the temperature of the control box 3 begins to rise and exceeds the set safety threshold, the airflow in the first air duct 2011 can be reduced (by decreasing the opening of valve 41) to ensure more air can flow to the second air duct 2012, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation of the control box 3 and avoiding the risk of overheating. Conversely, when the user needs to quickly lower the indoor temperature, if the temperature of the control box 3 is within the safe range, the airflow in the first air duct 2011 can be increased first (by increasing the opening of valve 41) to enhance the heat exchange capacity of the evaporator 21 and quickly achieve the cooling goal. As can be seen, by combining real-time monitoring technology, the airflow regulating component 4 can dynamically adjust the airflow entering the first air duct 2011 according to actual environmental conditions and equipment operating status. This design not only solves the problem of reduced heat exchange efficiency caused by the proximity of the evaporator 21 end to the electrical control box 3, but also improves the stability and energy efficiency ratio of the entire system, ensuring optimal performance under different operating modes.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 2 and Figure 5 The air conditioner 100 further includes: Detection component 5 is used to detect the temperature T1 of the radiator 31 and the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32; The electronic control component 6 is electrically connected to the air volume regulating component 4 and the detection component 5 respectively. The electronic control component 6 is used to control the air volume regulating component 4 to adjust the air volume of the first air duct 2011 and / or the second air duct 2012 according to the temperature T1 of the radiator 31 and the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32.

[0060] In this embodiment, the detection component 5 is mainly used to monitor the temperature inside or on the surface of the electrical control box 3 in real time. It can be a thermistor, temperature sensor, or other similar device. To accurately reflect the working status of the electrical control box 3, the detection component 5 is usually installed in a critical location of the electrical control box 3, such as near the main heat-generating components. When the detection component 5 detects that the temperature of the electrical control box 3 exceeds the set safe range, the airflow regulating component 4 automatically adjusts the airflow entering the second air duct 2012, increasing the airflow through the radiator 31, thereby more effectively removing heat and reducing the temperature of the electrical control box 3. For example, under extreme high-temperature conditions, if the electrical control box 3 requires more cooling airflow, the airflow in the first air duct 2011 can be appropriately reduced to prioritize the heat dissipation needs of the electrical control box 3. At the same time, the airflow regulating component 4 can also adjust the airflow entering the first air duct 2011 as needed to ensure that the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 21 is not affected.

[0061] The detection component 5 may include a first detection element 51 and a second detection element 52. The first detection element 51 is used to monitor the temperature T1 of the heat sink 31 in real time to ensure that it is kept within a reasonable range and to prevent overheating from affecting the heat dissipation efficiency. The second detection element 52 is used to monitor the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32 to protect key electronic components from high temperature damage and maintain the normal operation of the system. The airflow adjustment component 4 can intelligently adjust the airflow entering the first air duct 2011 and / or the second air duct 2012 based on the temperature data provided by the first detection element 51 and the second detection element 52, in order to optimize the cooling effect of the entire system. For example, if the temperature T1 of the radiator 31 is too high, it indicates that the existing airflow is insufficient for effective heat dissipation, so the airflow entering the second air duct 2012 is increased to enhance the cooling effect on the radiator 31; or, if the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32 exceeds the safe range, the airflow in the second air duct 2012 will also be increased, while the airflow in the first air duct 2011 may be appropriately reduced to prioritize the safety of the electrical control box 3; or, under normal operating conditions, the airflow distribution of the two can be balanced according to actual needs to ensure both effective heat exchange of the evaporator 21 and good heat dissipation of the electrical control box 3. By independently monitoring the temperature T1 of the radiator 31 and the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32, the overall status of the electrical control box 3 can be more accurately grasped, and timely responses can be made to avoid malfunctions caused by local overheating. This dual-layer monitoring mechanism can improve system security and extend the service life of the electrical control box 3 and the air conditioner 100.

[0062] As the core brain of the entire air conditioning system, the electronic control component 6 can be connected to the air volume adjustment component 4 and the detection component 5 via wires or wireless communication technologies (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) to form a complete feedback control system. The electronic control component 6 is responsible for receiving data from the detection component 5 and making decisions based on the data to adjust the operation of the air volume adjustment component 4. Specifically, the first detection member 51 and the second detection member 52 in the detection component 5 continuously monitor the temperature T1 of the heat sink 31 and the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32, and transmit the above information to the electronic control component 6. After receiving the temperature data, the electronic control component 6 determines whether the current operating condition of the air conditioning system needs adjustment according to a preset algorithm or program. If the detected temperature exceeds the set safety range, the electronic control component 6 will calculate an appropriate air volume adjustment strategy. Based on the above analysis result, the electronic control component 6 sends an instruction to the air volume adjustment component 4 to adjust the air volume entering the first air duct 2011 and / or the second air duct 2012, so as to achieve the purpose of optimizing the heat dissipation effect. By introducing the electronic control component 6, centralized management and intelligent regulation of each part of the air conditioning system can be realized, thereby improving the response speed and accuracy of the system. Users can enjoy a comfortable indoor environment without manual intervention, which simplifies the operation process and improves the convenience of use.

[0063] Combined with the above embodiments, in order to clearly understand how the problem of reduced heat exchange efficiency caused by the proximity of the end of the evaporator 21 and the electric control box 3 is solved through the air volume adjustment component 4, the detection component 5 and the electronic control component 6, the following specific examples are provided for illustration: When the air conditioner 100 is powered on, the valve 41 of the first air duct 2011 is fully open by default. After the second fan 11 of the outdoor unit 1 and the first fan 22 of the indoor unit 2 are started, air can flow through the first air duct 2011 and the second air duct 2012, and flow out from the air outlet 703 after passing through the evaporator 21. At the same time, the first detection member 51 and the second detection member 52 continuously monitor the temperature T1 of the heat sink 31 and the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32, and transmit the information to the electronic control component 6.

[0064] When the temperature T1 of the heat sink 31 > Ta=68°C and the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32 < Tb=88°C, the electronic control component 6 controls the motor 42 to reduce the opening degree of the valve 41 of the first air duct 2011, so as to reduce the air volume of the first air duct 2011 and thereby increase the air volume of the second air duct 2012, so as to reduce the temperature of the heat sink 31, reduce the heat exchange amount of the evaporator 21, save energy and prevent the heat sink 31 from overheating; When the temperature T1 of the radiator 31 satisfies T1 < Ta = 68°C and the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32 satisfies T2 > Tb = 88°C, the electric control component 6 controls the motor 42 to increase the opening degree of the valve 41 of the first air duct 2011, so as to increase the air volume of the first air duct 2011 and reduce the air volume of the second air duct 2012, thereby reducing the temperature of the air conditioner control board 32, ensuring the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 21 and guaranteeing indoor comfort; When the temperature T1 of the radiator 31 satisfies T1 < Ta = 68°C and the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32 satisfies T2 < Tb = 88°C, the electric control component 6 controls the motor 42 to fully open the valve 41, so as to increase the air volume at the end of the evaporator 21 and improve the heat exchange performance of the evaporator 21, which ensures the normal operation of the electric control box 3 and provides the best cooling or heating effect, thereby improving the performance of the entire system; When the temperature T1 of the radiator 31 satisfies T1 > Ta = 68°C and the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32 satisfies T2 > Tb = 88°C, the air conditioner 100 will operate at reduced frequency. Frequency reduction can reduce heat generation and protect the system from high temperature damage.

[0065] In an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Figure 2 , said evaporator 21 comprises: a first evaporation arm 211; a second evaporation arm 212, said second evaporation arm 212 being arranged opposite to said first evaporation arm 211; a third evaporation arm 213, said third evaporation arm 213 connecting said first evaporation arm 211 and said second evaporation arm 212 and enclosing to form said opening 2001.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first evaporating arm 211 is located on the side of the air duct 201 near the air inlet 702, responsible for initial heat exchange with the air passing through the air duct 201. The second evaporating arm 212 is located on the side of the air duct 201 away from the air inlet 702, facing the first evaporator 21. This arrangement increases the contact time and area between the air and the evaporator 21, improving heat exchange efficiency. The third evaporating arm 213 connects the first evaporating arm 211 and the second evaporating arm 212, forming a semi-enclosed heat dissipation space. This design not only helps guide the airflow direction but also concentrates the air entering the heat dissipation space, further enhancing the heat exchange effect. The first evaporating arm 211, the second evaporating arm 212, and the third evaporating arm 213 together form an opening 2001, which is located near the first air duct 201. This allows the air cooled by the electrical control box 3 to flow smoothly into the heat dissipation space through the opening 2001 and complete efficient heat exchange within the heat dissipation space. As mentioned earlier, airflow reduction may occur at the end of a U-shaped or other shaped evaporator 21. By strategically positioning the opening 2001 at the end of the evaporator 21 (near the third evaporation arm 213), more fresh air can be directly introduced to the end of the evaporator 21, thus overcoming this problem and ensuring efficient operation of the entire evaporator 21. Furthermore, the design of the opening 2001 increases the flexibility of airflow, ensuring that air is evenly distributed across the entire surface of the evaporator 21, reducing the problem of low heat exchange efficiency caused by uneven airflow.

[0067] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 2 The electrical control box 3 is detachably installed at the air inlet 702 of the air duct 201.

[0068] In this embodiment, when the control box 3 can be independently disassembled, technicians do not need to disassemble the entire air conditioner 100 when inspection, maintenance, or component replacement of the control box 3 is required. They only need to remove the control box 3 to access the internal electronic components, which greatly simplifies the maintenance process and saves time and labor costs. Designing the control box 3 to be detachably installed at the air inlet 702 of the air duct 201 is primarily to improve the convenience and efficiency of maintenance work on the control box 3, while minimizing the impact on the normal operation of the air conditioner 100. This design is suitable for environments with limited space and complex conditions (such as kitchens), as it not only improves the maintainability of the equipment but also provides a better user experience.

[0069] It is understandable that the electrical control box 3 can be designed to be detachably installed at the air inlet 702 of the air duct 201, which can be achieved in different ways. Two specific examples are provided below to illustrate this installation method: First, snap-on quick installation: A snap-on or slot-like mechanism is provided on the edge of the air inlet 702 of the air duct 201, and the electrical control box 3 is equipped with corresponding protrusions or hooks. When installing the electrical control box 3, simply align it with the air inlet 702 and press gently; the snap-on mechanism will secure it in place. For disassembly, simply press the release button manually to release the snap connection, and the electrical control box 3 can be easily removed. This installation method is simple and quick, requiring no additional tools; Second... Screw-fixed type: Screw holes are pre-drilled around the electrical control box 3 and the air inlet 702 of the air duct 201. When installing the electrical control box 3, use a screwdriver to pass the screws through the holes on the electrical control box 3 and screw them into the pre-set positions on the air duct 201 to complete the fixation. To disassemble, simply reverse the process, that is, loosen all the screws with a screwdriver and then remove the electrical control box 3. This method provides a more secure fixation and is suitable for occasions requiring high stability, such as environments with significant vibration. However, compared to the snap-on installation, this method is more time-consuming and requires tools. Regardless of the installation method used, it is essential to ensure that the electrical control box 3 is securely installed during normal operation to guarantee the safety of the electrical connection and prevent loosening or damage caused by vibration or other mechanical stress, ensuring that the air conditioning system can operate stably for a long time under various conditions.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 1 to 3 The air conditioner 100 further includes: The housing 7 is provided with a receiving cavity 701 and an air inlet 702 and an air outlet 703 communicating with the receiving cavity 701. The outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 are disposed in the receiving cavity 701. The air duct 201 of the indoor unit 2 connects the air inlet 702 and the air outlet 703.

[0071] In this embodiment, the housing 7 is the external protective structure of the air conditioner 100, and its interior is provided with a receiving cavity 701. The receiving cavity 701 is used to house all the key components of the air conditioner 100, including the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2. By integrating the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 into a single housing 7, the installation process can be simplified, reducing the pipe and wiring connections required by traditional split-type air conditioners, making the installation of the air conditioner 100 more flexible and convenient. The housing 7 is provided with an air inlet 702 and an air outlet 703 to ensure that air can smoothly enter and pass through the air conditioning system. The air duct 201 of the indoor unit 2 connects the air inlet 702 and the air outlet 703, forming a complete airflow path, ensuring that air can smoothly flow in from the air inlet 702, undergo heat exchange through the evaporator 21, and then be discharged from the air outlet 703. The number of air inlets 702 and air outlets 703 is generally not limited; there can be one, two, or more. This allows for flexible configuration based on the number of air ducts 201 or different application scenarios to achieve the best air handling effect.

[0072] It should be noted that when the air conditioner 100 is a modular kitchen air conditioner, considering the special characteristics of the kitchen environment (such as oil fumes and humidity), the air conditioner 100 is designed to be installed within the kitchen ceiling 200. This saves space and reduces the impact of oil fumes on the equipment. For ease of use, a movable panel can be installed in the kitchen ceiling 200 corresponding to the position of the air conditioner 100. This panel can open or close the air outlet 703, providing a simple way to adjust the airflow or perform equipment maintenance. Furthermore, the panel enhances the overall aesthetics, allowing the air conditioner 100 to better integrate into the kitchen's decor without disrupting the overall visual effect.

[0073] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 1 to 3 The housing 7 includes a cover plate 71, a bottom plate 72 and a plurality of side plates 73. A portion of the plurality of side plates 73, together with the bottom plate 72 and the cover plate 71, forms a first accommodating cavity 7011. The inner unit 2 is disposed in the first accommodating cavity 7011. Another portion of the plurality of side plates 73, together with the bottom plate 72 and the cover plate 71, forms a second accommodating cavity 7012, and the outdoor unit 1 is disposed in the second accommodating cavity 7012.

[0074] In this embodiment, the base plate 72 serves as the foundation of the entire housing 7, supporting and fixing multiple side plates 73. The multiple side plates 73 include first to eighth side plates 738, which together form the side structure of the housing 7. The cover plate 71 includes a first cover plate 711 and a second cover plate 712, which are located on top of the multiple side plates 73, serving to enclose and protect the internal components. The base plate 72, the first cover plate 711, the first side plate 731, the second side plate 732, the third side plate 733, and the fourth side plate 734 enclose a first accommodating cavity 7011. The first accommodating cavity 7011 is used to house the indoor unit 2, including key components such as the evaporator 21 and the air duct 201. This is also the main area for air handling, where air after heat exchange will be discharged into the indoor environment. The base plate 72, the second side plate 732, the fifth side plate 735, the sixth side plate 736, the seventh side plate 737, and the eighth side plate 738 enclose a second accommodating cavity 7012. This second accommodating cavity 7012 houses the outdoor unit 1, including key components such as the compressor and condenser. It is responsible for refrigerant circulation and heat dissipation, preventing high temperatures from affecting the external environment. By integrating the indoor and outdoor units 1 into a single housing 7, but separating them through different accommodating cavities 701, the functions of each part are more clearly defined, reducing mutual interference and significantly improving the overall operating efficiency and stability of the air conditioning system.

[0075] Reference Figure 4 It should be noted that when the air duct 202 includes the first air duct 2011 and the second air duct 2012, the box body 33 of the electrical control box 3 may include the first side wall 331 and the second side wall 332 arranged opposite to each other. The heat sink 31 of the electrical control box 3 is disposed on the outer surface of the second side wall 332 and located in the second air duct 2012. By guiding the air through the second air duct 2012, the heat generated inside the electrical control box 3 can be directly and effectively removed. Furthermore, the base plate 72, the fourth side plate 734, the first cover plate 711, and the first side wall 331 enclose and form the first air duct 2011, while the base plate 72, the second side plate 732, the first cover plate 711, and the second side wall 332 enclose and form the second air duct 2012. That is, the electrical control box 3 not only serves as a container for electronic components but also participates in the formation of the first air duct 2011 and the second air duct 2012. This integrated design can make full use of the limited space and reduce the overall volume of the air conditioner 100, making it particularly suitable for use in space-constrained environments (such as integrated air conditioners within the kitchen ceiling 200).

[0076] In another embodiment of the invention, reference is made to Figures 1 to 3 The fourth side plate 734 and the eighth side plate 738 are disposed opposite to each other, and the fourth side plate 734 and the eighth side plate 738 are suspended on the bottom plate 72. The housing 7 also includes a connecting plate 74, which connects the fourth side plate 734 and the eighth side plate 738 to communicate the first accommodating cavity 7011 and the second accommodating cavity 7012. And / or, the fourth side plate 734, the connecting plate 74, and the eighth side plate 738 are sequentially connected to form a mating part 704 for installation of the external mounting part.

[0077] In this embodiment, the fourth side plate 734 and the eighth side plate 738 are located at the adjacent boundaries of the first accommodating cavity 7011 and the second accommodating cavity 7012, respectively. They are not directly fixed to the base plate 72, but are suspended, which provides more space and flexibility inside the housing 7. The connecting plate 74 is used to connect the fourth side plate 734 and the eighth side plate 738, forming a physical bridge, while ensuring the communication between the first accommodating cavity 7011 and the second accommodating cavity 7012. That is, the connecting plate 74 can realize the communication of air or refrigerant between the first accommodating cavity 7011 and the second accommodating cavity 7012, ensuring the necessary interaction between the indoor and outdoor units 1, such as the connection of refrigerant pipes, wiring, etc. In addition, the fourth side plate 734, the connecting plate 74, and the eighth side plate 738 are connected in sequence to form a mating part 704 for the installation of the external mounting part. When the air conditioner 100 is a kitchen air conditioner, the external mounting part can be a mounting part inside the kitchen ceiling 200, such as a support frame. In this case, the mating part 704 can be in the form of a groove, such as a snap-fit ​​groove. The support frame can snap into the snap-fit ​​groove to securely install the entire air conditioner 100 inside the kitchen ceiling 200, thereby improving the installation efficiency of the air conditioner 100.

[0078] The present invention also proposes a control method for an air conditioner 100, wherein the air conditioner 100 is as described above, and the specific structure of the air conditioner 100 is as described in the above embodiments. Since the control method of the air conditioner 100 adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0079] The air conditioner 100 can be a central air conditioner, a floor-standing air conditioner, a wall-mounted air conditioner, or a modular kitchen air conditioner. In this embodiment, the air conditioner 100 is specifically a modular kitchen air conditioner, including an outdoor unit 1, an indoor unit 2, an electrical control box 3, and an airflow regulating component 4. The indoor unit 2 is equipped with an air duct 201; the electrical control box 3 is located near the air inlet 702, and air enters the air duct 201 through the air inlet 702, undergoes initial cooling of the electrical control box 3, and then passes through the evaporator 21 of the indoor unit 2 for heat exchange before being discharged from the air outlet 703; the airflow regulating component 4 allows for dynamic adjustment of the airflow entering the air duct 201 according to different operating conditions and user needs, improving the heat dissipation effect on the electrical control box 3 and the heat exchange effect of the evaporator 21.

[0080] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 6 The air conditioner 100 control method includes the following steps: S100, Obtain the temperature of the electrical control box; S200: Based on the temperature of the electrical control box, the air volume regulating component is used to adjust the air volume of the air duct.

[0081] The temperature inside or on the surface of the control box 3 can be monitored in real time via the detection component 5. This component can be a thermistor, temperature sensor, or similar device. To accurately reflect the operating status of the control box 3, the detection component 5 is typically installed in a critical location within the control box 3, such as near the main heat-generating elements, to ensure accurate capture of temperature changes. The detection component 5 can transmit the detected temperature data to the control system, which can be the control component 6 integrated into the air conditioner 100, or an external terminal such as a mobile phone, laptop, or desktop computer.

[0082] In this embodiment, the control system is the electronic control component 6 integrated into the air conditioner 100. Based on data obtained from the detection component 5, the electronic control component 6 determines how to adjust the state of the airflow regulating component 4 to optimize the airflow path and cooling effect. The airflow regulating component 4 may include components such as valves 41 and motors 42, which can change the airflow distribution within the duct 201 according to the instructions of the electronic control component 6. Specifically, the electronic control component 6 can determine whether the current operating state of the electronic control box 3 requires airflow adjustment based on received temperature data. If the temperature of the electronic control box 3 is within the normal range, the current airflow remains unchanged. If the temperature of the electronic control box 3 is detected to be too high (e.g., exceeding a preset safety threshold), the electronic control component 6 can control the airflow regulating component 4 to increase the airflow entering the duct 201 to enhance the cooling effect on the electronic control box 3. If the temperature is too low (although this situation is relatively rare), the electronic control component 6 can control the airflow regulating component 4 to appropriately reduce the airflow in the duct 201 to save energy.

[0083] In practical applications, if the air conditioner 100 is a kitchen air conditioner, the electronic control component 6 can control the air volume regulating component 4 to adjust the air volume of the air duct 201 according to the temperature changes inside the kitchen in different seasons and time periods to ensure that the electronic control box 3 operates within a safe temperature range, while optimizing energy consumption.

[0084] The following examples illustrate this: In one example, during a hot summer, the kitchen interior temperature is high, or a large amount of cooking activity is taking place in the kitchen, causing the temperature to rise and the concentration of cooking fumes to be high. In this situation, the temperature of the electrical control box 3 may exceed a preset safety threshold due to prolonged operation. After receiving data from the detection component 5, the electrical control component 6 controls the airflow regulating component 4 to increase the airflow entering the air duct 201. This can be achieved by increasing the opening of the valve 41, as detailed in the above embodiment regarding the airflow regulating component 4. As more cool air flows through the electrical control box 3, its temperature gradually decreases and stabilizes within a safe range. This not only prevents the electrical control box 3 from being damaged by overheating but also ensures the continuous and efficient operation of the entire air conditioning system.

[0085] In another example, during the mild spring and / or autumn seasons, the kitchen interior temperature is moderate, or there is less cooking activity and lower oil fume concentration. In these conditions, the temperature of the control box 3 can be below a preset safety threshold. Based on data from the detection component 5, the control component 6 confirms that no additional airflow adjustment is needed, and therefore the existing airflow in the duct 201 can be maintained constant via the airflow adjustment component 4. In this scenario, the system can maintain normal operation, satisfying the heat dissipation requirements of the control box 3 while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption and improving energy efficiency.

[0086] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 2 and Figure 7 The indoor unit 2 includes an evaporator 21, the evaporator 21 is provided with an opening 2001, and the air duct 201 includes a first air duct 2011 and a second air duct 2012. The first air duct 2011 is located close to the opening 2001, and the second air duct 2012 is located away from the opening 2001.

[0087] The first air duct 2011 and the second air duct 2012 are respectively located at different positions of the opening 2001, with the first air duct 2011 positioned closer to the opening 2001 and the second air duct 2012 positioned further away. This layout allows air entering from the air inlet 702 to be split into two airflows, each following a different path. In other words, the air first enters from the air inlet 702 and is then distributed to the first air duct 2011 and the second air duct 2012. In both air ducts 201, the air flows through the electrical control box 3, utilizing the airflow to help dissipate heat from the electrical control box 3, reducing its operating temperature and improving system reliability. Subsequently, the air cooled by the electrical control box 3 continues to flow to the evaporator 21 for heat exchange, which may be more beneficial to the evaporator 21's operating efficiency, as a suitable temperature difference helps improve heat transfer efficiency. In other words, by setting the first air duct 2011 and the second air duct 2012, effective management of the airflow path can be achieved. On the one hand, it can ensure that the evaporator 21 has enough cold air for efficient heat exchange; on the other hand, it can ensure that the electrical control box 3 is adequately cooled to avoid overheating.

[0088] The electrical control box 3 includes an air conditioner control board 32 and a radiator 31. The air conditioner control board 32 is disposed in the first air duct 2011, and the radiator 31 is disposed in the second air duct 2012.

[0089] The air conditioner control board 32 may include a base plate on which a fan drive circuit, a switching power supply circuit, a control circuit, a PFC circuit, a compressor drive circuit, and a power filter circuit may be installed. These circuits work together to ensure that the air conditioner 100 can operate efficiently according to preset parameters. The air conditioner control board 32 is housed inside the casing 33. This is because the air conditioner 100 is installed inside the kitchen ceiling 200. Even with some protection, the special nature of the kitchen environment (such as oil fumes) means that encapsulating the air conditioner control board 32 inside the casing can effectively reduce the impact of oil fumes. In addition, the exterior of the casing 33 may be made of oil-resistant materials or coatings to further enhance the protective effect. The air conditioner control board 32 is located in the first air duct 2011. This layout allows the air passing through the first air duct 2011 to directly cool the air conditioner control board 32, which helps to improve its heat dissipation efficiency and thus ensures the stability and reliability of the control system. The radiator 31 is located outside the casing 33 and in the second air duct 2012. By placing the radiator 31 in the second air duct 2012, this part of the airflow can be used to cool the radiator 31, thereby indirectly helping to cool the air conditioner control board 32.

[0090] Specifically, step S100 includes: S110, Obtain the temperature of the radiator and the temperature of the air conditioner control board; Step S200 specifically includes: S210. Based on the temperature of the radiator and the temperature of the air conditioner control board, control the air volume regulating component to adjust the air volume of the first air duct and / or the second air duct.

[0091] In this embodiment, the detection component 5 may include a first detection element 51 and a second detection element 52. The first detection element 51 is used to monitor the temperature T1 of the heat sink 31 in real time to ensure that it is kept within a reasonable range and to prevent overheating from affecting the heat dissipation efficiency. The second detection element 52 is used to monitor the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32 to protect key electronic components from high temperature damage and maintain the normal operation of the system. Based on the temperature data provided by the first and second detection elements 51 and 52, the electronic control component 6 can control the airflow regulation component 4 to intelligently adjust the airflow entering the first air duct 2011 and / or the second air duct 2012 to optimize the cooling effect of the entire system. For example, if the temperature T1 of the radiator 31 is too high, it indicates that the existing airflow is insufficient for effective heat dissipation, so the airflow entering the second air duct 2012 is increased to enhance the cooling effect on the radiator 31. Alternatively, if the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32 exceeds the safe range, the airflow in the second air duct 2012 will also be increased, while the airflow in the first air duct 2011 may be appropriately reduced to prioritize the safety of the electronic control box 3. Or, under normal operating conditions, the airflow distribution of the two can be balanced according to actual needs to ensure both effective heat exchange of the evaporator 21 and good heat dissipation of the electronic control box 3. By independently monitoring the temperature T1 of the radiator 31 and the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32, the overall status of the electronic control box 3 can be more accurately grasped, and timely responses can be made to avoid malfunctions caused by local overheating. This dual-layer monitoring mechanism can improve system security and extend the service life of the electrical control box 3 and the air conditioner 100.

[0092] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 2 and Figure 8 Step S210 specifically includes: S211. When the temperature of the radiator is not lower than the first preset temperature and the temperature of the air conditioner control board is not higher than the second preset temperature, reduce the air volume of the first air duct and increase the air volume of the second air duct. And / or, S212, when the temperature of the radiator is not greater than the first preset temperature and the temperature of the air conditioner control board is not less than the second preset temperature, increase the air volume of the first air duct and decrease the air volume of the second air duct. And / or, S213, when the temperature of the radiator is not greater than the first preset temperature and the temperature of the air conditioner control board is not greater than the second preset temperature, the air volume of the first air duct is adjusted to the maximum air volume. And / or, S214, when the temperature of the radiator is not less than the first preset temperature and the temperature of the air conditioner control board is not less than the second preset temperature, control the air conditioner to operate at a reduced frequency. Wherein, the first preset temperature is less than the second preset temperature.

[0093] It is important to note that when the end of the evaporator 21 is close to the electrical control box 3, the airflow through the end of the evaporator 21 will decrease (i.e., "heat exchange airflow reduction"). This is because the portion near the electrical control box 3 may obstruct airflow, or space constraints may prevent the air from fully contacting the surface of the evaporator 21 for effective heat exchange. This arrangement directly affects the heat exchange performance of the air conditioner 100, thereby affecting the cooling or heating effect.

[0094] To improve this situation, an opening 2001 can be added at the end of the evaporator 21 to directly introduce fresh air, thereby increasing the airflow in the area and enhancing the heat exchange effect.

[0095] While adding an opening 2001 at the end of the evaporator 21 can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 21, it may cause too much air to be directed to the evaporator 21, reducing the airflow to the radiator 31 (located in the second air duct 2012), thereby affecting the heat dissipation effect of the electrical control box 3, and potentially causing overheating and other problems.

[0096] To resolve the aforementioned contradiction, the airflow regulating component 4 in this embodiment is only located at the air inlet 702 of the first air duct 2011. That is, the valve 41 is located at the air inlet 702 of the first air duct 2011, and the motor 42 is connected to the valve 41 for driving. To clearly understand how the airflow regulating component 4 solves the problem of decreased heat exchange efficiency caused by the proximity of the evaporator 21 end to the electrical control box 3, a specific example is provided below: Assuming that on a hot summer day, a user needs to quickly lower the indoor temperature, the air conditioner 100 needs to operate efficiently to meet the user's cooling requirement. In the initial state, after the air conditioner 100 is started, the detection component 5 of the air conditioner 100 detects that the indoor temperature is relatively high, and meanwhile the temperature of the electric control box 3 is within the normal range. According to the preset logic, the opening degree of the valve 41 is large initially, allowing a large amount of air to flow into the first air duct 2011 to directly serve the evaporator 21, so as to enhance the refrigeration effect. When the temperature of the electric control box 3 starts to rise and exceeds the set safety threshold, the air volume of the first air duct 2011 can be reduced (by decreasing the opening degree of the valve 41), so as to ensure that more air can flow to the second air duct 2012, strengthen the heat dissipation effect of the electric control box 3 and avoid the risk of overheating. Conversely, when the user needs to quickly lower the indoor temperature, if the temperature of the electric control box 3 is within the safe range, the air volume of the first air duct 2011 can be preferentially increased (by increasing the opening degree of the valve 41), so as to enhance the heat exchange capacity of the evaporator 21 and achieve the purpose of rapid cooling. It can be seen that by combining real-time monitoring technology, the air volume adjustment assembly 4 can dynamically adjust the air volume entering the first air duct 2011 according to actual environmental conditions and equipment operating status. This design can not only solve the problem of reduced heat exchange efficiency caused by the proximity of the end of the evaporator 21 to the electric control box 3, but also improve the stability and energy efficiency ratio of the entire system, ensuring optimal performance under different operating modes.

[0097] In order to clearly understand how the air volume adjusting component 4, the detecting component 5 and the electric control component 6 solve the problem of reduced heat exchange efficiency caused by the proximity of the end of the evaporator 21 to the electric control box 3, several specific examples are described below: When the air conditioner 100 is powered on, the valve 41 of the first air duct 2011 is fully opened by default. After the second fan 11 of the outdoor unit 1 and the first fan 22 of the indoor unit 2 are started, air can flow through the first air duct 2011 and the second air duct 2012, pass through the evaporator 21 and flow out from the air outlet 703. At the same time, the first detecting member 51 and the second detecting member 52 continuously monitor the temperature T1 of the heat sink 31 and the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32, and transmit this information to the electric control component 6.

[0098] When the temperature T1 of the heat sink 31 > Ta = 68°C and the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32 < Tb = 88°C, the electric control component 6 controls the motor 42 to decrease the opening degree of the valve 41 of the first air duct 2011, reduces the air volume of the first air duct 2011, thereby increasing the air volume of the second air duct 2012, so as to reduce the temperature of the heat sink 31, and meanwhile reduce the heat exchange amount of the evaporator 21, save energy and prevent the heat sink 31 from overheating; When the temperature T1 of the heat sink 31 < Ta = 68°C and the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32 > Tb = 88°C, the electric control component 6 controls the motor 42 to increase the opening degree of the valve 41 of the first air duct 2011, increase the air volume of the first air duct 2011, and reduce the air volume of the second air duct 2012, so as to reduce the temperature of the air conditioner control board 32, ensure the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 21, and ensure indoor comfort; When the temperature T1 of the heat sink 31 < Ta = 68°C and the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32 < Tb = 88°C, the electric control component 6 controls the motor 42 to fully open the valve 41, increase the air volume at the end of the evaporator 21, improve the heat exchange performance of the evaporator 21, ensure the normal operation of the electric control box 3, and provide the best cooling or heating effect, thereby improving the performance of the entire system; When the temperature T1 of the heat sink 31 > Ta = 68°C and the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32 > Tb = 88°C, the air conditioner 100 will operate at reduced frequency. Frequency reduction can reduce heat generation and protect the system from high temperature damage.

[0099] Of course, in order to show how the electric control component 6 accurately manages the heat management and air flow of the air conditioner 100 by adjusting the air volume of the first air duct 2011 and the second air duct 2012 according to the temperature T1 of the heat sink 31 and the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32, so as to ensure that both the electric control box 3 and the evaporator 21 can operate under optimal conditions. The following are some specific application scenario examples: In one example, in hot summer, the internal temperature of the kitchen is high, or a large amount of cooking activities are being carried out in the kitchen, the temperature in the kitchen rises, and the oil fume concentration is high. At this time, the temperature T1 of the heat sink 31 reaches 70°C (≥ Ta = 68°C), and the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32 is 74°C (≤Tb=88°C). The electric control component 6 recognizes that the temperature T1 of the heat sink 31 is too high, but the temperature of the air conditioner control board 32 is normal, and decides to reduce the air volume entering the first air duct 2011 and increase the air volume entering the second air duct 2012. The heat sink 31 is effectively cooled, and the temperature gradually decreases; the heat exchange capacity of the evaporator 21 is appropriately reduced, but it can still maintain the basic indoor comfort.

[0100] In another example, during the mild spring and / or autumn seasons, the kitchen interior temperature is moderate, or there is little cooking activity and low smoke concentration. In this case, the temperature T1 of radiator 31 is 60°C (≤ Ta = 68°C), and the temperature T2 of air conditioner control board 32 reaches 90°C (≥ Tb = 88°C). The electronic control component 6 detects that the temperature of air conditioner control board 32 is too high, but the temperature T1 of radiator 31 is normal, and decides to increase the airflow entering the first air duct 2011 and decrease the airflow entering the second air duct 2012. Air conditioner control board 32 is effectively cooled, and its temperature drops to a safe range; the heat exchange efficiency of evaporator 21 is improved, ensuring indoor comfort.

[0101] In another example, during cold winter months, especially at night, kitchen usage decreases and indoor temperatures are lower. At this time, the temperature T1 of radiator 31 is 60°C (≤ Ta = 68°C), and the temperature T2 of air conditioner control board 32 is 74°C (≤ Tb = 88°C). The electronic control component 6 confirms that both radiator 31 and air conditioner control board 32 are at normal temperatures and decides to maximize the airflow into the first air duct 2011. This allows the evaporator 21 to achieve its maximum heat exchange efficiency, ensuring optimal indoor comfort.

[0102] In another example, under extreme high-temperature conditions, the temperature T1 of radiator 31 reaches 70°C (≥ Ta = 68°C), and the temperature T2 of air conditioner control board 32 reaches 90°C (≥ Tb = 88°C). The electronic control component 6 detects that both radiator 31 and air conditioner control board 32 are too hot and decides to control air conditioner 100 to operate at a reduced frequency. The overall system load decreases, the power output of the heat source decreases, the heat dissipation pressure is relieved, and the equipment temperature gradually returns to normal, thus avoiding the risk of overheating damage.

[0103] This embodiment employs a refined airflow adjustment strategy based on the temperature T1 of the radiator 31 and the temperature T2 of the air conditioner control board 32, which significantly enhances the intelligence and adaptability of the air conditioning system. It not only effectively protects the electrical control box 3 from overheating damage but also enables rational energy utilization and improves the overall operating efficiency of the air conditioner 100. It is particularly suitable for special environments such as kitchens, which often exhibit high temperature fluctuations and complex air quality requirements.

[0104] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 8 The indoor unit 2 further includes a first fan 22, and the outdoor unit 1 includes a second fan 11; Prior to step S110, the control method for the air conditioner 100 further includes: S000, Adjust the air volume of the first air duct to the maximum air volume, and control the start of the first fan and the second fan.

[0105] It is understandable that the air conditioner 100 has just been turned on, the ambient temperature is high, and there may be a lot of oil fumes and moisture inside the kitchen. After the air conditioner 100 in this embodiment is powered on, it first adjusts the air volume of the first air duct 2011 entering the indoor unit 2 to the maximum, and starts the first fan 22 and the second fan 11. The purpose of doing this is to quickly establish an effective air flow path, ensure that the evaporator 21 and the electrical control box 3 can receive sufficient air supply, and initially reduce the system temperature.

[0106] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: Outdoor unit; The indoor unit and the outdoor unit are integrated into one unit, and the indoor unit is provided with an air duct; An electrical control box is located at the air inlet of the air duct.

2. The air conditioner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The indoor unit includes: An evaporator is disposed on the airflow path of the air duct, and the evaporator is disposed on the side of the electrical control box away from the air inlet.

3. The air conditioner as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The evaporator is provided with an opening, which is located near the air duct.

4. The air conditioner as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The air duct includes: A first air duct is disposed near the opening; A second air duct is disposed away from the opening.

5. The air conditioner as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The electrical control box includes: Box body; An air conditioner control panel is housed within the box and located in the first air duct; The heat sink is disposed outside the casing and located in the second air duct.

6. The air conditioner as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes: An airflow regulating component is used to regulate the airflow in the first air duct in order to regulate the heat exchange airflow of the evaporator; And / or, the airflow regulating component is used to regulate the airflow of the second air duct to regulate the heat dissipation airflow of the radiator.

7. The air conditioner as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The air volume regulating component includes: A valve is provided at the air inlet of the first air duct and / or the second air duct; An electric motor is connected to the valve drive and is used to adjust the opening of the valve to adjust the air volume of the first air duct and / or the second air duct.

8. The air conditioner as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes: A detection component for detecting the temperature of the radiator and the temperature of the air conditioner control board; An electronic control component is electrically connected to the airflow regulating component and the detection component, respectively. The electronic control component is used to control the airflow regulating component to adjust the airflow of the first air duct and / or the second air duct according to the temperature of the radiator and the temperature of the air conditioner control board.

9. The air conditioner as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The evaporator includes: First evaporation arm; The second evaporation arm is disposed opposite to the first evaporation arm; The third evaporating arm connects and encloses the first evaporating arm and the second evaporating arm to form the opening.

10. The air conditioner as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The electrical control box is detachably installed at the air inlet of the air duct.

11. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes: The housing has a receiving cavity and an air inlet and an air outlet communicating with the receiving cavity. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit are disposed in the receiving cavity, and the air duct of the indoor unit connects the air inlet and the air outlet.

12. The air conditioner as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The housing includes a bottom plate, a cover plate, and multiple side plates. A portion of the multiple side plates, together with the bottom plate and the cover plate, forms a first receiving cavity, and the inner unit is disposed in the first receiving cavity. Another portion of the plurality of side panels, together with the bottom plate and the cover plate, forms a second receiving cavity, and the outdoor unit is disposed in the second receiving cavity.

13. A control method for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner is an air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, the air conditioner includes an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, an electrical control box, and an air volume regulating component, the indoor unit is provided with an air duct, and the air conditioner control method includes the following steps: Obtain the temperature of the electrical control box; The airflow in the duct is adjusted by controlling the airflow regulating component based on the temperature of the control box.

14. The control method for an air conditioner as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The indoor unit includes an evaporator with an opening, and the air duct includes a first air duct and a second air duct. The first air duct is located close to the opening, and the second air duct is located away from the opening. The electrical control box includes an air conditioner control board and a radiator. The air conditioner control board is disposed in the first air duct, and the radiator is disposed in the second air duct. The step of obtaining the temperature of the electronic control box specifically includes: Obtain the temperature of the radiator and the temperature of the air conditioner control board; The step of controlling the airflow of the duct by adjusting the airflow of the airflow regulating component according to the temperature of the electronic control box specifically includes: Based on the temperature of the radiator and the temperature of the air conditioner control board, the air volume regulating component adjusts the air volume of the first air duct and / or the second air duct.

15. The control method for an air conditioner as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The step of controlling the airflow adjustment component to adjust the airflow of the first air duct and / or the second air duct based on the temperature of the radiator and the temperature of the air conditioner control board specifically includes: When the temperature of the radiator is not lower than the first preset temperature and the temperature of the air conditioner control board is not higher than the second preset temperature, the air volume of the first air duct is reduced and the air volume of the second air duct is increased. And / or, when the temperature of the radiator is not greater than the first preset temperature and the temperature of the air conditioner control board is not less than the second preset temperature, increase the air volume of the first air duct and decrease the air volume of the second air duct. And / or, when the temperature of the radiator is not greater than the first preset temperature and the temperature of the air conditioner control board is not greater than the second preset temperature, the air volume of the first air duct is adjusted to the maximum air volume. And / or, when the temperature of the radiator is not less than the first preset temperature and the temperature of the air conditioner control board is not less than the second preset temperature, control the air conditioner to operate at a reduced frequency; Wherein, the first preset temperature is less than the second preset temperature.

16. The control method for an air conditioner as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The indoor unit also includes a first fan, and the outdoor unit includes a second fan; Prior to the step of obtaining the temperature of the radiator and the temperature of the air conditioner control board, the air conditioner control method further includes: Adjust the airflow of the first air duct to the maximum airflow and control the start of the first and second fans.

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