Air conditioner and control method, device, storage medium and computer program product thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses an air conditioner and its control method, device, storage medium, and computer program product. The air conditioner includes: an indoor unit having a main throttling device, a refrigerant distribution device, and an indoor heat exchanger arranged sequentially; the indoor heat exchanger has N parallel-connected coils, where N is a positive integer and N≥2; the refrigerant distribution device includes N branches corresponding to the N coils, and a shunt switch device is installed on each of the N branches; under different installation positions of the indoor unit, the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils is adjusted by regulating the opening degree of at least one of the shunt switch devices. This solution, by adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of multiple parallel refrigerant coils in the indoor heat exchanger, ensures uniform refrigerant distribution in the multiple parallel refrigerant coils in the indoor heat exchanger, thereby improving heat exchange performance. This air conditioner belongs to the category of energy-saving air conditioners.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of air conditioner technology, specifically relating to an air conditioner and its control method, device, storage medium, and computer program product, particularly to an air conditioner (such as a residential split air conditioner) and its multi-directionally installed indoor unit's control method, device, storage medium, and computer program product. This air conditioner is an energy-saving air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioner indoor units (such as residential split air conditioners) typically come in two installation methods: horizontal and vertical. Figure 7 As shown. Figure 7 These are structural diagrams illustrating the installation positions of indoor units in a residential split-type air conditioner. The left diagram shows the indoor unit mounted vertically, and the right diagram shows it mounted horizontally. When the same residential split-type air conditioner is mounted horizontally or vertically, the refrigerant flow path changes, leading to uneven refrigerant distribution and affecting heat exchange performance. This air conditioner is classified as an energy-saving unit.

[0003] The above content is only used to help understand the technical solution of the present invention and does not represent an admission that the above content is prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a control method, device, air conditioner, storage medium, and computer program product for an air conditioner to solve the problem that changes in the refrigerant flow path when the indoor unit of an air conditioner (such as a residential split air conditioner) is changed from horizontal to vertical mounting, leading to uneven refrigerant distribution and affecting heat exchange performance. The invention achieves the effect of improving heat exchange performance by adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of multiple parallel refrigerant coils within the indoor heat exchanger, thus ensuring uniform refrigerant distribution in the coils. This air conditioner is an energy-saving air conditioner.

[0005] This invention provides an air conditioner, comprising: an outdoor unit and an indoor unit; the outdoor unit has a compressor, the indoor unit has a main throttling device and an indoor heat exchanger, and a refrigerant diversion device disposed between the main throttling device and the indoor heat exchanger; the indoor heat exchanger has N coils arranged in parallel, where N is a positive integer and N≥2; wherein, the refrigerant diversion device includes: N branch circuits corresponding to the N coils, and a diversion switch device disposed on each of the N branch circuits; wherein, each of the N branch circuits is correspondingly disposed between the main throttling device and each coil of the N coils; under different installation postures of the indoor unit, the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil of the N coils can be adjusted by adjusting the opening degree of at least one diversion switch device of the N diversion switch devices.

[0006] In some embodiments, any one of the N-way shunt switch devices includes: a shunt electronic expansion valve; and / or, any one of the N-way shunt switch devices includes: at least two capillary branches with different opening degrees and arranged in parallel, and a switch arranged on each capillary branch for controlling each capillary branch.

[0007] In conjunction with the aforementioned air conditioner, another aspect of the present invention provides a control method for an air conditioner, comprising: after the air conditioner is started, controlling the compressor to start and controlling the shunt switch device to operate at the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device; the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device includes: the initial opening degree of each shunt switch device in the N-way shunt switch device; after a first set time, acquiring the temperature of each branch in the N-way branch circuit, thereby acquiring the temperature of the N-way branch circuit; and adjusting the opening degree of at least one shunt switch device in the N-way shunt switch device according to the temperature of the N-way branch circuit, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N-way coil circuit.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method further includes: after the air conditioner is powered on, acquiring the attitude signal of the indoor unit during installation; determining the installation attitude of the indoor unit based on the attitude signal; determining the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device based on the installation attitude of the indoor unit, and determining the opening degree adjustment method of the shunt switch device; the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device includes: the initial opening degree of each of the N shunt switch devices; the opening degree adjustment method of the shunt switch device includes: allowing adjustment of the opening degree of the shunt switch device, or disallowing adjustment of the opening degree of the shunt switch device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the attitude signal of the indoor unit includes: the gravitational acceleration component of the indoor unit detected by a preset attitude detection module during installation; the gravitational acceleration component of the indoor unit includes: the gravitational acceleration component Gx on the X-axis, the gravitational acceleration component Gy on the Y-axis, and the gravitational acceleration component Gz on the Z-axis; the installation attitude of the indoor unit includes any of the following attitudes: upright, horizontal, abnormal, and a preset attitude detection module malfunction; determining the installation attitude of the indoor unit based on the attitude signal includes: if the absolute value of the gravitational acceleration component Gz on the Z-axis is determined to be greater than or equal to a first preset component threshold and remains so for a first preset duration, then the installation attitude of the indoor unit is determined to be an upright attitude; if the absolute value of the gravitational acceleration component Gx on the X-axis or the absolute value of the gravitational acceleration component Gy on the Y-axis is determined to be greater than or equal to the first preset component threshold and remains so for a first preset duration, then the installation attitude of the indoor unit is determined to be an upright attitude; if the absolute value of the gravitational acceleration component Gx on the X-axis or the absolute value of the gravitational acceleration component Gy on the Y-axis is determined to be greater than or equal to the first preset component threshold and remains so for a first preset duration, then the installation attitude of the indoor unit is determined to be an upright attitude; If, after a preset duration, the indoor unit is determined to be installed in a horizontal position, then if the absolute value of the maximum value among the components of the indoor unit's gravitational acceleration on the X-axis (Gx), Y-axis (Gy), and Z-axis (Gz) is less than a second preset component threshold, or if the fluctuation of any component of these components exceeds a third preset component threshold within a first preset duration, then the indoor unit's installation posture is determined to be abnormal; the second preset component threshold is less than the first preset component threshold, and the third preset component threshold is less than the second preset component threshold. If at least one of the components of the indoor unit's gravitational acceleration on the X-axis (Gx), Y-axis (Gy), and Z-axis (Gz) exceeds a preset component range, then a preset posture detection module malfunction is determined.

[0010] In some embodiments, the installation posture of the indoor unit includes any of the following postures: upright, horizontal, abnormal, and a preset posture detection module malfunction; based on the installation posture of the indoor unit, the initial opening of the shunt switch device is determined, and the opening adjustment method of the shunt switch device is determined, including: if the installation posture of the indoor unit is determined to be upright, then the opening of the shunt switch device corresponding to the upright posture of the indoor unit is retrieved as the initial opening of the shunt switch device; and the opening adjustment method of the shunt switch device is determined to allow adjustment of the opening of the shunt switch device; if the installation posture of the indoor unit is determined to be horizontal, then the opening of the shunt switch device corresponding to the horizontal posture of the indoor unit is retrieved as the initial opening of the shunt switch device; and the initial opening of the shunt switch device is determined. The current switching device's opening adjustment mode is set to allow adjustment of the current switching device's opening. If the indoor unit's installation posture is determined to be abnormal, the initial opening of the current switching device is set to the preset default opening of the current switching device, the current switching device's opening adjustment mode is set to disallow adjustment of the current switching device's opening, and a reminder message indicating that the indoor unit's installation posture is abnormal is initiated. If the preset posture detection module is determined to be faulty, the setting parameters or the preset default posture are received, and the opening of the current switching device corresponding to the received setting parameters or the preset default posture is determined to be the initial opening of the current switching device. The current switching device's opening adjustment mode is set to disallow adjustment of the current switching device's opening, and a reminder message indicating that the preset posture detection module is faulty is initiated.

[0011] In some embodiments, the temperature of the N branches includes: the outlet temperature of the N branches; adjusting the opening degree of at least one shunt switch device in the N shunt switch devices according to the temperature of the N branches to adjust the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils includes: determining the average outlet temperature of the N branches to obtain the average temperature of the N branches; determining the difference between the outlet temperature of each branch in the N branches and the average temperature of the N branches to obtain the temperature deviation of each branch in the N branches; adjusting the opening degree of at least one shunt switch device in the N shunt switch devices according to the temperature deviation of each branch in the N branches to adjust the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils.

[0012] In some implementations, the refrigerant flow rate of a corresponding coil in the N-way coils is adjusted based on the temperature deviation of each of the N-way branches. This includes: determining whether the temperature deviation of any branch in the N-way branches is greater than or equal to a first preset temperature threshold and lasts for a second set time, and determining whether the temperature deviation of any branch in the N-way branches is less than or equal to a second preset temperature threshold and lasts for a second set time; the first preset temperature threshold is positive, and the second preset temperature threshold is negative; if it is determined that the temperature deviation of any branch in the N-way branches is less than the first preset temperature threshold and greater than the second preset temperature threshold, then the opening of the shunt switch of that branch is maintained at its current value; if it is determined that the temperature deviation of any branch in the N-way branches is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature threshold and lasts for a second set time, then the refrigerant flow rate of that branch is adjusted. The opening degree of the shunt switch device of the branch circuit is increased, and the increase in the opening degree of the shunt switch device of the branch circuit is less than or equal to the preset maximum correction step, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding circuit coil in the N circuit coils; if it is determined that the temperature deviation of any branch circuit in the N circuits is less than or equal to the second preset temperature threshold and continues for a second set time, then the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch circuit is decreased, and the increase in the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch circuit is less than or equal to the preset maximum correction step, and the decreased opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch circuit is greater than or equal to the preset minimum opening, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding circuit coil in the N circuit coils; after the second set time, the process returns to re-determine whether the temperature deviation of any branch circuit in the N circuits is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature threshold, and whether the temperature deviation of any branch circuit in the N circuits is less than or equal to the second preset temperature threshold; the second set time is less than the first set time.

[0013] In some embodiments, adjusting the opening degree of at least one shunt switch device in the N shunt switch devices according to the temperature deviation of each branch in the N branches to adjust the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils further includes: if it is determined that the temperature deviation of any branch in the N branches is less than or equal to a second preset temperature threshold and the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch has reached a preset minimum opening degree, then maintaining the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch at its current value, and increasing the opening degree of the shunt switch devices of the other branches in the N branches except for that branch, to adjust the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils;

[0014] And / or, if it is determined that the average opening degree of the shunt switch device of the N branches is less than the preset minimum average opening degree, then the opening degree of the shunt switch device of the N branches is maintained at the current value, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils.

[0015] And / or, if it is determined that any branch in the N branches has reached a preset minimum opening or a preset maximum opening, and the temperature deviation of that branch is equal to or greater than a third preset temperature threshold and continues for a third set time, then the temperature of that branch is determined to be abnormal, the adjustment of the opening of the shunt switch device of that branch is stopped, and the opening of the shunt switch device of that branch is made to be the initial opening of the shunt switch device of that branch; and the adjustment of the opening of the shunt switch devices of the other branches in the N branches excluding that branch continues; the third preset temperature threshold is greater than the first preset temperature threshold, and the third set time is greater than the first set time;

[0016] And / or, if it is determined that the shunt switch device of any branch in the N branches is abnormal, the opening degree of the shunt switch devices of the other branches in the N branches is adjusted to the preset safe opening degree, and a reminder message is sent to indicate that the shunt switch devices of the N branches are abnormal, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow of the corresponding coil in the N coils.

[0017] In conjunction with the above method, another aspect of the present invention provides a control device for an air conditioner, comprising: a control unit configured to control the compressor to start after the air conditioner is started, and to control the shunt switch device to operate at the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device; the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device includes: the initial opening degree of each of the N shunt switch devices; an acquisition unit configured to acquire the temperature of each of the N branches after a first set time, thereby acquiring the temperature of the N branches; the control unit is further configured to adjust the opening degree of at least one of the N shunt switch devices according to the temperature of the N branches, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils.

[0018] In conjunction with the above-described device, the present invention further provides an air conditioner, comprising: the control device for the air conditioner described above.

[0019] In conjunction with the above method, the present invention further provides a storage medium comprising a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, the device on which the storage medium is located executes the steps of the control method for the air conditioner described above.

[0020] In conjunction with the above method, the present invention further provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the control method for the air conditioner described above.

[0021] The present invention addresses an air conditioner (such as a residential split-type air conditioner) by providing a refrigerant distribution device between the main throttling device and the indoor heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger has N parallel-connected coils, where N is a positive integer and N≥2. The refrigerant distribution device includes N branch lines corresponding to the N coils, and a shunt switch device on each of the N branch lines. Each branch line is correspondingly located between the main throttling device and each coil in the N coils. Under different installation orientations of the indoor unit, by adjusting the opening of at least one of the shunt switch devices, the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils is adjusted, thereby ensuring uniform refrigerant distribution in the indoor heat exchanger. Thus, by adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of multiple parallel refrigerant coils within the indoor heat exchanger, uniform refrigerant distribution is achieved, improving heat exchange performance. This air conditioner is an energy-saving air conditioner.

[0022] Specifically, in the solution of this invention, for an air conditioner (such as a residential split air conditioner), the indoor unit of the air conditioner (such as a residential split air conditioner) is installed in both a vertical and a horizontal position; the outdoor unit of the air conditioner (such as a residential split air conditioner) has a compressor (such as compressor 1), and the indoor unit of the air conditioner (such as a residential split air conditioner) has a main throttling device (such as a main throttling electronic expansion valve 4) and an indoor heat exchanger (such as an evaporator 3); the evaporator 3 has six parallel heat exchange branches (such as six parallel refrigerant coils), and six branch lines (i.e., corresponding one-to-one with the six parallel heat exchange branches in the evaporator 3) are provided in the main throttling electronic expansion valve 4 and the evaporator 3. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth branches, in the direction from the refrigerant inlet to the refrigerant outlet in cooling mode, each branch has a shunt switch at its inlet and a temperature sensor (such as the first to sixth temperature sensors 61 to 66) on the pipe surface at its outlet. The shunt switch is either a shunt electronic expansion valve (such as the first to sixth shunt electronic expansion valves 51 to 56) or two or more capillary tubes (such as at least two of long, medium, and short capillary tubes) controlled by a solenoid valve. An attitude detection device is installed on the indoor unit. Modules (such as accelerometer 7 or tilt sensor mounted on the indoor unit control board, indoor unit casing, or indoor heat exchanger bracket); when the air conditioner (such as a residential split air conditioner) is powered on, the controller collects the attitude signal of the indoor unit detected by the attitude detection module during indoor unit installation (such as the gravitational acceleration signal of the indoor unit detected by accelerometer 7), and determines whether the indoor unit is installed vertically or horizontally based on the attitude signal; the gravitational acceleration signal of the indoor unit detected by accelerometer 7 includes the gravitational acceleration components Gx in the X, Y, and Z directions of the indoor unit coordinate system. Gy and Gz: When |Gz|≥0.90g (i.e., gravitational acceleration g≈9.80m / s²) and this state is maintained continuously for 60s, the controller determines that the indoor unit is installed in a vertical position; when |Gx|≥0.90g or |Gy|≥0.90g and this state is maintained continuously for 60s, the controller determines that the indoor unit is installed in a horizontal position; when the maximum axial gravitational acceleration component (i.e., the maximum value among gravitational acceleration components Gx, Gy and Gz) is less than 0.80g, or the indoor unit's attitude signal (such as the gravitational acceleration signal of the indoor unit detected by acceleration sensor 7) fluctuates more than 0 within 60s.05g, the controller determines that the indoor unit's posture is unstable or that the indoor unit is installed at an abnormal tilt, and enters the default opening mode (i.e., the opening of each diversion valve remains at its initial opening) or prompts the user to check the indoor unit installation; according to the indoor unit's installation posture, it calls the pre-calibrated diversion switch device opening table for different indoor unit installation postures: if the indoor unit of the residential split air conditioner is determined to be installed horizontally, the horizontal installation base valve opening table is called; if the indoor unit of the residential split air conditioner is determined to be installed vertically, the vertical installation base valve opening table is called; when the air conditioner (such as a residential split air conditioner) is running in cooling mode, the controller first adjusts the opening values ​​of the first to sixth diversion switch devices according to the base valve opening table corresponding to the indoor unit's installation posture, corresponding to the base opening of the installation posture. After the compressor has been running for a set time, the controller adjusts the opening of the diversion switch devices of the six branches according to the outlet temperature of the six branches, so as to make the refrigerant distribution of the six parallel refrigerant coils in the indoor heat exchanger uniform. Therefore, by installing multi-channel throttling devices for the multiple parallel refrigerant coils in the indoor heat exchanger, and controlling the opening of these devices under different installation orientations of the indoor unit, a more uniform refrigerant flow distribution is achieved in both horizontal and vertical installations, improving the effective utilization rate of the indoor heat exchanger and enhancing its heat exchange performance. This air conditioner is classified as an energy-saving air conditioner.

[0023] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention.

[0024] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the air conditioner of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the control method for an air conditioner according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of determining the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device in the method of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the method of the present invention, which adjusts the opening degree of at least one of the N shunt switch devices according to the temperature of the N branches to adjust the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils.

[0029] Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method of the present invention for initially correcting the opening degree of the corresponding shunt switch devices in the N-way shunt switch device;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the control device for an air conditioner according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 The diagram shows the installation posture of the indoor unit of a residential split air conditioner. The left diagram shows the vertical installation posture of the indoor unit, and the right diagram shows the horizontal installation posture of the indoor unit.

[0032] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the splitter structure Figure 1 The first figure is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the splitter, the second figure is a front view of the splitter, the third figure is an axial sectional view of the splitter, and the fourth figure is a top view of the splitter.

[0033] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the splitter structure Figure 2 ;

[0034] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of a split-type air conditioning system for residential use;

[0035] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the system containing a residential split air conditioner.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a control method for a multi-directionally installed indoor unit of a household split air conditioner.

[0037] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the reference numerals in the embodiments of the present invention are as follows:

[0038] 1-Compressor; 2-Condenser; 21-Outdoor fan; 22-Condenser tube temperature sensor; 23-Outdoor ambient temperature sensor; 3-Evaporator; 4-Main throttling electronic expansion valve; 51-First branch electronic expansion valve; 52-Second branch electronic expansion valve; 53-Third branch electronic expansion valve; 54-Fourth branch electronic expansion valve; 55-Fifth branch electronic expansion valve; 56-Sixth electronic expansion valve; 61-First temperature sensor; 62-Second temperature sensor; 63-Third temperature sensor; 64-Fourth temperature sensor; 65-Fifth temperature sensor; 66-Sixth temperature sensor; 7-Acceleration sensor; 8-Branch cone; 9-Branch orifice; 102-Acquisition unit; 104-Control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0040] Considering that the refrigerant flow path changes when the indoor unit of an air conditioner (such as a residential split air conditioner) is changed from horizontal to vertical mounting, it can lead to uneven refrigerant distribution and affect heat exchange performance. Specifically, when the same indoor unit is changed from horizontal to vertical mounting, the positional relationship of the indoor heat exchanger, distributor, and each refrigerant branch relative to the direction of gravity changes, resulting in uneven refrigerant distribution and affecting heat exchange performance. For example, for an indoor heat exchanger with six parallel refrigerant branches, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is easily affected by gravity, pipe height differences, local resistance differences, and two-phase separation when entering the six parallel branches, leading to uneven refrigerant distribution and affecting heat exchange performance.

[0041] Devices that can separate or merge fluids (including liquid fluids, gaseous fluids, and two-phase fluids) are collectively referred to as flow dividers and can participate in... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The example shown. Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the splitter structure Figure 1 The first figure is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the splitter, the second figure is a front view of the splitter, the third figure is an axial sectional view of the splitter, and the fourth figure is a top view of the splitter. Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the splitter structure Figure 2 .like Figure 9 As shown, the distributor includes a splitter cone 8 and a splitter orifice 9.

[0042] Some proposed air conditioning distributors include a main body, a main flow channel, multiple branch channels, and an adjustment component. The adjustment component can change the flow rate of any one of the branch channels, thereby achieving uniform flow across the multiple branch channels. Other proposed air conditioning systems and their flow control methods, along with an electric flow distributor, are installed between the expansion valve and the indoor heat exchanger to distribute refrigerant flow among multiple indoor heat exchangers or multiple sets of heat exchangers. Some proposed air conditioners and their control methods include a branch system for a first evaporator and a second evaporator, pressure detection components at the outlet sides of different branch pipes, and flow regulating valves on the branch pipes. The opening of the flow regulating valves is selectively adjusted according to the branch pipe pressure to ensure uniform refrigerant flow into different evaporators. Some proposed solutions for air conditioning splitters, their control methods, and control devices include a main flow pipe, multiple branch flow pipes, a magnetic flow regulating component, a magnet, and a controller. By adjusting the area of ​​the liquid inlet end of the branch flow pipe by the magnetic flow regulating component, the refrigerant flow is adjusted, thereby improving the uniformity of the flow distribution. These solutions also address the issue of uneven flow distribution caused by the refrigerant's own gravity when the splitter is not vertically positioned. Other solutions propose flow regulation devices for heat exchanger branches, including a splitter, an inlet pipe, and a regulating component. The splitter contains multiple branch flow orifices, each connected to a branch of the heat exchanger. The regulating component adjusts the flow rate of each branch flow orifice, ensuring uniform flow across the multiple branches of the heat exchanger.

[0043] While the aforementioned solutions all involve refrigerant diversion or flow regulation, some problems still exist. For example, most solutions address uneven refrigerant distribution from the perspectives of splitter structure, branch pressure, or flow feedback, but fail to establish specific installation posture recognition and flow equalization control logic for the actual installation scenario where the same indoor unit of a residential split air conditioner can be installed both horizontally and vertically.

[0044] In related solutions, the distributor or heat exchanger is usually assumed to be in a fixed direction. For residential units (i.e., indoor units of residential split air conditioners), horizontal and vertical mounting will change the positional relationship of gravity relative to the inlet of the six parallel branches. Branches that were originally located at the bottom and easily obtained more liquid refrigerant in vertical mounting may become lateral branches in horizontal mounting; branches that had relatively balanced flow in horizontal mounting may experience vertical flow deviation in vertical mounting. Therefore, it is difficult to simultaneously accommodate both horizontal and vertical mounting by simply using fixed capillary tube lengths, fixed distributor structures, or fixed distributor orifice diameters.

[0045] While some adjustable distributors in the relevant solutions can change the flow rate of each branch, they do not provide automatic detection of horizontal or vertical installation or the ability to call up different six-way foundation opening tables based on the installation orientation. If the horizontal or vertical installation status is manually entered by the installer via dial switches, menu settings, or manual input of the horizontal or vertical installation status, problems such as omissions, incorrect settings, and parameter loss after the control board is replaced after sales can easily occur, leading to long-term uneven distribution of refrigerant.

[0046] In some related solutions, branch flow regulation schemes tend to use branch regulating valves as the main throttling elements. If a valve in a certain branch is closed too much, although the flow in that branch can be reduced, it will cause excessive additional pressure loss, resulting in an increase in the total system pressure drop, increased compressor power consumption, and a decrease in cooling capacity. Therefore, the existing solutions lack the concept of minimum opening limit and branch flow sharing control that prioritizes low pressure loss.

[0047] Therefore, the relevant solutions are still lacking a solution suitable for both horizontal and vertical installation of residential units: automatically determining the installation posture of the indoor unit and setting up low-pressure-loss adjustable flow components before the inlet of each of the six heat exchangers, so as to maintain a relatively uniform distribution of the six refrigerants when the installation changes from horizontal to vertical without significantly increasing the system pressure loss.

[0048] Therefore, the present invention proposes an air conditioner and its control method, specifically an indoor unit of an air conditioner (such as a residential split air conditioner) with multi-directional installation and its control method. According to the different installation directions of the indoor unit, the flow rate of each evaporator is automatically adjusted to ensure that the refrigerant is evenly distributed in each path, so that the heat exchanger can obtain a more uniform refrigerant flow distribution under different installation postures, thereby improving the heat exchange performance.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner is provided, such as... Figure 1 The diagram shows a structural schematic of an embodiment of the air conditioner of the present invention. The air conditioner may include: an outdoor unit and an indoor unit; the outdoor unit has a compressor 1, the indoor unit has a main throttling device and an indoor heat exchanger, and a refrigerant diversion device disposed between the main throttling device and the indoor heat exchanger; the main throttling device is, for example, a main throttling electronic expansion valve 4, and the refrigerant diversion device is, for example, a main throttling electronic expansion valve 4. Figure 8 The first to sixth branch shown are shunt electronic expansion valves, and the indoor heat exchanger is such as evaporator 3; the indoor heat exchanger has N coils arranged in parallel, where N is a positive integer and N≥2.

[0050] The refrigerant distribution device includes: N branches corresponding to the N coils, and a shunt switch device on each of the N branches.

[0051] Each of the N branch circuits is correspondingly located between the main throttling device and each of the N coil circuits; under different installation postures of the indoor unit, the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil circuit in the N coil circuits can be adjusted by adjusting the opening degree of at least one of the N shunt switch devices, so as to make the refrigerant distribution of the indoor heat exchanger uniform.

[0052] The present invention proposes a control scheme for multi-directionally installed indoor units of air conditioners (such as residential split air conditioners). Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of a split-type air conditioning system for residential use. Figure 10 As shown, the residential split air conditioner system includes a compressor 1, a condenser 2, an outdoor fan 21, a condenser tube temperature sensor 22, and an outdoor ambient temperature sensor 23 located on the outdoor side, and a main throttling electronic expansion valve 4 and an evaporator 3 located on the indoor side. The condenser tube temperature sensor 22 is located at the coil of the condenser 2, and the outdoor ambient temperature sensor 23 is located on the outdoor side of the condenser 2. The exhaust port of the compressor 1, after passing through the condenser 2, the main throttling electronic expansion valve 4, and the evaporator 3, returns to the suction port of the compressor 1.

[0053] like Figure 10 As shown, the indoor unit of an air conditioner (such as a residential split air conditioner) has an evaporator 3 and a main throttling electronic expansion valve 4. This indoor unit is suitable for residential split air conditioner systems and can be installed horizontally or vertically. The indoor unit includes a casing, an indoor heat exchanger (such as the evaporator 3), six parallel refrigerant branches, a main throttling device (such as the main throttling electronic expansion valve 4), branch inlet throttling components, branch outlet temperature detection components, a controller, and an attitude detection module. The indoor heat exchanger (such as the evaporator 3) includes six parallel refrigerant branches, which are respectively designated as branch 1, branch 2, branch 3, branch 4, branch 5, and branch 6.

[0054] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram of another embodiment of a split-type air conditioning system for residential use. Figure 11 As shown, six parallel refrigerant branches are installed on the pipeline between the main throttling electronic expansion valve 4 and the evaporator 3, namely the first branch, the second branch, the third branch, the fourth branch, the fifth branch, and the sixth branch.

[0055] In this invention, a refrigerant diversion device is provided between the main throttling device and the indoor heat exchanger; the indoor heat exchanger has N parallel coils, where N is a positive integer and N≥2; the refrigerant diversion device includes: N branches corresponding to the N coils, and a diversion switch device provided on each of the N branches; wherein each of the N branches is correspondingly located between the main throttling device and each coil in the N coils; under different installation postures of the indoor unit, by adjusting the opening degree of at least one diversion switch device in the N diversion switches, the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils is adjusted to ensure uniform refrigerant distribution in the indoor heat exchanger. Therefore, by adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of multiple parallel refrigerant coils in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant distribution of multiple parallel refrigerant coils in the indoor heat exchanger is made uniform, improving heat exchange performance.

[0056] In some embodiments, any one of the N-way shunt switch devices includes: a shunt electronic expansion valve; the N-way shunt switch devices include, for example, the first shunt electronic expansion valve 51 to the sixth shunt electronic expansion valve 56.

[0057] like Figure 11 As shown, there are also six parallel refrigerant coils in the evaporator 3, which are respectively connected to the first to sixth branches of the pipeline between the main throttling electronic expansion valve 4 and the evaporator 3. Along the direction from the main throttling electronic expansion valve 4 to the evaporator 3, a first diversion electronic expansion valve 51 is installed at the inlet of the first branch and a first temperature sensing bulb 61 is installed on the surface of the pipe at the outlet of the first branch; a second diversion electronic expansion valve 52 is installed at the inlet of the second branch and a second temperature sensing bulb 62 is installed on the surface of the pipe at the outlet of the second branch; a third diversion electronic expansion valve 53 is installed at the inlet of the third branch and a third temperature sensing bulb 63 is installed on the surface of the pipe at the outlet of the third branch; a fourth diversion electronic expansion valve 54 is installed at the inlet of the fourth branch and a fourth temperature sensing bulb 64 is installed on the surface of the pipe at the outlet of the fourth branch; a fifth diversion electronic expansion valve 55 is installed at the inlet of the fifth branch and a fifth temperature sensing bulb 65 is installed on the surface of the pipe at the outlet of the fifth branch; and a sixth diversion electronic expansion valve 56 is installed at the inlet of the sixth branch and a sixth temperature sensing bulb 66 is installed on the surface of the pipe at the outlet of the sixth branch.

[0058] The main throttling device in the system of a residential split air conditioner can be a thermostatic expansion valve, an electronic expansion valve (such as a main throttling electronic expansion valve), a throttling orifice plate, or other main throttling elements. The main throttling device undertakes the main throttling and pressure reduction function of the system. In the solution of the present invention, the six parallel branch inlet throttling components (such as the first branch electronic expansion valve 51, the second branch electronic expansion valve 52, the third branch electronic expansion valve 53, the fourth branch electronic expansion valve 54, the fifth branch electronic expansion valve 55, and the sixth branch electronic expansion valve 56) do not replace the main throttling device, but are only used to correct the relative flow distribution between the branches.

[0059] Each branch circuit is equipped with a branch electronic expansion valve or miniature electric needle valve at its inlet, designated as EEV1 to EEV6 (e.g., first branch electronic expansion valve 51, second branch electronic expansion valve 52, third branch electronic expansion valve 53, fourth branch electronic expansion valve 54, fifth branch electronic expansion valve 55, and sixth branch electronic expansion valve 56). All six branch valves are electrically connected to a controller, which can independently adjust the opening degree of each branch valve.

[0060] The present invention proposes a control scheme for multi-directional indoor units of air conditioners (such as residential split air conditioners) to solve the problem of uneven refrigerant distribution in multi-channel heat exchangers caused by changes in gravity direction when the indoor unit of a residential split air conditioner is installed in both horizontal and vertical configurations. This scheme ensures that the indoor heat exchangers achieve a more uniform refrigerant flow distribution regardless of whether the installation is horizontal or vertical, thereby improving the effective utilization rate of the indoor heat exchangers and reducing the risks of localized frosting, localized overheating, capacity reduction, and abnormal noise.

[0061] And / or, any one of the N-way shunt switch devices includes: at least two capillary branches with different opening degrees and arranged in parallel, and a switch (such as a solenoid valve) disposed on each capillary branch and used to control each capillary branch. For example, any one of the N-way shunt switch devices includes: a first capillary with a first opening degree, a second capillary with a second opening degree, a third capillary with a third opening degree, and a first switch for controlling the branch where the first capillary is located, a second switch for controlling the branch where the second capillary is located, and a third switch for controlling the branch where the third capillary is located; the first capillary, the second capillary, and the third capillary are arranged in parallel.

[0062] In some alternative embodiments, the electronic expansion valve (i.e., branch valve) before each inlet can be replaced with a switchable capillary assembly. At least two parallel capillary tubes are installed before each inlet, and a solenoid valve selects between short capillary tubes, long capillary tubes, or a combination of capillary tubes. The first set of capillary tube combinations is used in horizontal installations, and the second set is used in vertical installations to change the resistance of each branch. This provides lower adjustment precision than electronic expansion valves but is less expensive, making it suitable for cost-sensitive fixed-frequency or single-stage residential unit platforms.

[0063] The technical solution of this embodiment involves setting a refrigerant diversion device between the main throttling device and the indoor heat exchanger in an air conditioner (such as a residential split air conditioner). The indoor heat exchanger has N parallel coils, where N is a positive integer and N≥2. The refrigerant diversion device includes N branch lines corresponding to the N coils, and a diversion switch device on each of the N branch lines. Each branch line is correspondingly located between the main throttling device and each coil in the N coils. Under different installation postures of the indoor unit, the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils is adjusted by regulating the opening degree of at least one diversion switch device, thereby ensuring uniform refrigerant distribution in the indoor heat exchanger. Thus, by adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of multiple parallel refrigerant coils in the indoor heat exchanger, uniform refrigerant distribution is achieved, improving heat exchange performance. This air conditioner is an energy-saving air conditioner.

[0064] According to embodiments of the present invention, a control method for an air conditioner corresponding to an air conditioner is also provided, such as... Figure 2 The diagram shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. The control method of the air conditioner may include steps S110 to S130.

[0065] In step S110, after the air conditioner is started, such as after the air conditioner is turned on and started in cooling mode, the compressor 1 is controlled to start, and the shunt switch device is controlled to operate at the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device; the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device includes: the initial opening degree of each shunt switch device in the N shunt switch devices.

[0066] In step S120, after a first set time, the temperature of each branch in the N branches is obtained, thereby obtaining the temperature of the N branches; preferably, after the first set time, the outlet temperature of each branch in the N branches is obtained according to a preset sampling period, thereby obtaining the outlet temperature of the N branches; the first set time is, for example, 5 minutes, and the preset sampling period is, for example, 10 seconds.

[0067] In step S130, based on the temperature of the N branches, the opening degree of at least one of the N branch shunt switch devices is adjusted to regulate the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils. Preferably, based on the outlet temperature of the N branches, the opening degree of at least one of the N branch shunt switch devices is adjusted to regulate the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils. This allows for uniform refrigerant distribution in the indoor heat exchanger by adjusting the opening degree of at least one of the N branch shunt switch devices under different installation orientations of the indoor unit.

[0068] In the present invention, a refrigerant diversion device is provided between the main throttling device and the indoor heat exchanger; the indoor heat exchanger has N coils connected in parallel, where N is a positive integer and N≥2; the refrigerant diversion device includes: N branches corresponding to the N coils, and a diversion switch device provided on each of the N branches; wherein each of the N branches is correspondingly located between the main throttling device and each of the N coils; after the air conditioner is started, the compressor 1 is controlled to start, and the diversion switch device is controlled to operate at its initial opening degree; the diversion switch... The initial opening of the device includes: the initial opening of each shunt switch in the N-way shunt switch device; after a first set time, acquiring the temperature of each branch in the N-way branches, thereby acquiring the temperature of the N-way branches; based on the temperature of the N-way branches, adjusting the opening of at least one shunt switch in the N-way shunt switch device to adjust the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N-way coils, so that under different installation postures of the indoor unit, by adjusting the opening of at least one shunt switch in the N-way shunt switch device, the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N-way coils can be adjusted to ensure uniform refrigerant distribution in the indoor heat exchanger. Therefore, by adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of multiple parallel refrigerant coils in the indoor heat exchanger, uniform refrigerant distribution in the multiple parallel refrigerant coils in the indoor heat exchanger is achieved, improving heat exchange performance.

[0069] In some embodiments, the air conditioner control method of the present invention further includes: a process of determining the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device.

[0070] The following is combined Figure 3 The flowchart shown is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the method of the present invention for determining the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device. The specific process of determining the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device is further explained, including steps S210 to S230.

[0071] Step S210: Before controlling the shunt switch device to operate at the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device, after the air conditioner is powered on, acquire the attitude signal of the indoor unit when the indoor unit of the air conditioner is installed.

[0072] Step S220: Determine the installation posture of the indoor unit based on the posture signal of the indoor unit.

[0073] Step S230: Determine the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device based on the installation posture of the indoor unit, and determine the opening degree adjustment method of the shunt switch device; for example, retrieve the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device corresponding to the installation posture of the indoor unit. The initial opening degree of the shunt switch device includes the initial opening degree of each of the N shunt switch devices; the opening degree adjustment method of the shunt switch device includes: allowing adjustment of the opening degree of the shunt switch device, or disallowing adjustment of the opening degree of the shunt switch device, that is, allowing adjustment of the opening degree of the shunt switch device based on its initial opening degree, or disallowing adjustment of the opening degree of the shunt switch device based on its initial opening degree.

[0074] Specifically, after the air conditioner is powered on, the attitude signal of the indoor unit during installation is acquired; the installation attitude of the indoor unit is determined based on the attitude signal; the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device corresponding to the installation attitude of the indoor unit is retrieved based on the installation attitude of the indoor unit; the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device includes the initial opening degree of each of the N shunt switch devices. Furthermore, after the air conditioner is started, such as after the air conditioner is turned on and started in cooling mode, the compressor 1 is controlled to start, and the shunt switch device is controlled to operate at the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device; after a set time, the outlet temperature of each branch in the N branches is obtained, thereby obtaining the outlet temperature of the N branches; according to the outlet temperature of the N branches, the opening degree of the corresponding shunt switch device in the N shunt switch device is adjusted, so that under different installation postures of the indoor unit, by adjusting the opening degree of at least one shunt switch device in the N shunt switch device, the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils can be adjusted, so as to make the refrigerant distribution of the indoor heat exchanger uniform.

[0075] The present invention proposes a control scheme for multi-directional indoor units of air conditioners (such as residential split air conditioners). According to the different installation directions of the indoor unit, the flow rate of each evaporator is automatically adjusted to ensure uniform refrigerant distribution in each path. This solves the problem that residential indoor units cannot maintain optimal refrigerant distribution in both horizontal and vertical installation methods. It also improves the utilization rate of indoor heat exchangers with minimal throttling and low pressure loss, and reduces the risks of capacity loss, localized frosting, localized overheating, abnormal noise, and decreased comfort.

[0076] In some embodiments, the attitude signal of the indoor unit includes: the gravitational acceleration component of the indoor unit detected by a preset attitude detection module during installation; the gravitational acceleration component of the indoor unit includes: the gravitational acceleration component Gx on the X-axis, the gravitational acceleration component Gy on the Y-axis, and the gravitational acceleration component Gz on the Z-axis; the installation attitude of the indoor unit includes any of the following attitudes: upright attitude, horizontal attitude, abnormal attitude, and preset attitude detection module failure; the abnormal attitude includes, for example, unstable indoor unit attitude or abnormal tilted installation of the indoor unit.

[0077] In step S220, the installation posture of the indoor unit is determined based on the posture signal of the indoor unit, including any of the following posture determination scenarios:

[0078] The first posture determination scenario: If the absolute value of the component Gz of the gravitational acceleration of the indoor unit on the Z-axis is greater than or equal to the first preset component threshold and lasts for the first preset duration, then the installation posture of the indoor unit is determined to be the upright posture; the first preset component threshold is such as 0.90g, the first preset duration is such as 60s, and g represents the gravitational acceleration g≈9.80m / s².

[0079] The second posture determination scenario: If the absolute value of the component Gx of the indoor unit's gravitational acceleration on the X-axis or the absolute value of the component Gy of the indoor unit's gravitational acceleration on the Y-axis is greater than or equal to a first preset component threshold and lasts for a first preset duration, then the indoor unit's installation posture is determined to be a horizontal posture; the first preset component threshold is, for example, 0.90g, and the first preset duration is, for example, 60s, where g represents gravitational acceleration g≈9.80m / s².

[0080] The third posture determination scenario: If the absolute value of the maximum value among the components of the indoor unit's gravitational acceleration on the X-axis (Gx), the Y-axis (Gy), and the Z-axis (Gz) is less than a second preset component threshold, or if the fluctuation of any component among these components exceeds a third preset component threshold within a first preset time period, then the indoor unit's installation posture is determined to be an abnormal posture; the second preset component threshold is less than the first preset component threshold, and the third preset component threshold is less than the second preset component threshold; the first preset component threshold is, for example, 0.90g, the second preset component threshold is, for example, 0.80g, the third preset component threshold is, for example, 0.05g, the first preset time period is, for example, 60s, where g represents gravitational acceleration g≈9.80m / s².

[0081] The fourth attitude determination scenario: If at least one of the components of the indoor unit's gravitational acceleration on the X-axis (Gx), the indoor unit's gravitational acceleration on the Y-axis (Gy), and the indoor unit's gravitational acceleration on the Z-axis (Gz) exceeds a preset component range, then the preset attitude detection module is determined to be faulty.

[0082] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a control method for a multi-directionally installed indoor unit of a residential split-type air conditioner. Figure 12 As shown, a control method for a multi-directionally installed indoor unit of a residential split air conditioner includes:

[0083] Step 1: After powering on the unit of the residential split air conditioner, proceed to Step 2.

[0084] Step 2: The controller of the residential split air conditioner determines the installation orientation of the indoor unit of the residential split air conditioner, and then proceeds to Step 3.

[0085] In step 2, the controller first acquires signals from the attitude detection module. To avoid misjudgments caused by transportation vibrations, installation shaking, or momentary interference, the controller continuously acquires the indoor unit's attitude signal for 60 seconds and performs a moving average filter on the sampled values. Once the indoor unit's attitude signal stabilizes, the controller confirms the indoor unit's installation attitude. Then, if the indoor unit is determined to be horizontally mounted, the controller calls the horizontal mounting base valve opening table; if the indoor unit is determined to be vertically mounted, the controller calls the vertical mounting base valve opening table.

[0086] like Figure 11As shown, an acceleration sensor 7 is also provided, which is connected to the controller. The attitude detection module is preferably mounted on the indoor unit control board, but can also be fixed to the indoor unit casing or the indoor heat exchanger bracket. The attitude detection module uses a triaxial acceleration sensor (such as acceleration sensor 7) or a tilt sensor, and can output the gravitational acceleration components Gx, Gy, and Gz of the indoor unit in the X, Y, and Z directions of the indoor unit coordinate system during installation. That is, the gravitational acceleration component Gx in the X direction of the indoor unit coordinate system, the gravitational acceleration component Gy in the Y direction of the indoor unit coordinate system, and the gravitational acceleration component Gz in the Z direction of the indoor unit coordinate system. The vertical and horizontal coordinate relationships are predefined at the factory. For example, when |Gz| ≥ 0.90g, and this state is maintained continuously for 60s, the controller determines that the indoor unit is installed in an upright position; when |Gx| ≥ 0.90g or |Gy| ≥ 0.90g, and this state is maintained continuously for 60s, the controller determines that the indoor unit is installed in a horizontal position. The maximum value among the gravitational acceleration components Gx, Gy, and Gz is the maximum axial gravitational acceleration component; if the maximum axial gravitational acceleration component is less than 0.80g, or if the indoor unit's attitude signal (such as the gravitational acceleration signal detected by acceleration sensor 7) fluctuates by more than 0.05g within 60s, the controller determines that the indoor unit's attitude is unstable or that the indoor unit is abnormally tilted. Here, g represents gravitational acceleration g ≈ 9.80m / s².

[0087] In the solution of this invention, the posture detection module automatically identifies whether the indoor unit is currently in a horizontal or vertical mounting state; by calling the horizontal and vertical base valve opening tables, different combinations of six base valve openings are called according to the two different postures; through closed-loop flow equalization correction, the relative resistance of each branch inlet is adjusted by the controllable throttling component before each inlet; by adopting the flow equalization principle of prioritizing low pressure loss, the branch throttling valve is only used to change the relative resistance without significantly increasing the total pressure loss of the system, ensuring that the branch throttling valve is only used for flow distribution and does not undertake the main throttling function of the system where the household split air conditioner is located.

[0088] In some implementations, the installation posture of the indoor unit includes any of the following postures: upright posture, horizontal posture, abnormal posture, and a preset posture detection module malfunction; the abnormal posture includes, for example, an unstable indoor unit posture or an abnormally tilted indoor unit installation.

[0089] In step S230, based on the installation posture of the indoor unit, the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device is determined, and the opening degree adjustment method of the shunt switch device is determined, including any of the following opening degree determination methods:

[0090] The first method for determining the opening degree: If the indoor unit is determined to be installed in a vertical position, then the opening degree of the shunt switch device corresponding to the vertical position of the indoor unit is retrieved as the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device; and the opening degree adjustment method of the shunt switch device is determined to allow adjustment of the opening degree of the shunt switch device; wherein, allowing adjustment of the opening degree of the shunt switch device means that, according to the outlet temperature of the N branches, the opening degree of at least one of the N shunt switch devices can be adjusted to adjust the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils.

[0091] The second method for determining the opening degree: If the indoor unit is determined to be installed in a horizontal position, then the opening degree of the shunt switch device corresponding to the horizontal position of the indoor unit is retrieved as the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device; and the opening degree adjustment method of the shunt switch device is determined to allow adjustment of the opening degree of the shunt switch device; wherein, allowing adjustment of the opening degree of the shunt switch device means that, according to the outlet temperature of the N branches, the opening degree of at least one of the N shunt switch devices can be adjusted to adjust the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils.

[0092] The third method for determining the opening degree: If the indoor unit's installation posture is determined to be abnormal, then the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device is determined to be the preset default opening degree of the shunt switch device, the opening degree adjustment method of the shunt switch device is determined to be that adjustment of the shunt switch device's opening degree is not allowed, and a reminder message indicating that the indoor unit's installation posture is abnormal is initiated. Specifically, adjusting the opening degree of the shunt switch device is not allowed; that is, adjusting the opening degree of at least one of the N shunt switch devices based on the outlet temperature of the N branch circuits is not allowed to regulate the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coil circuits.

[0093] The fourth method for determining the opening degree: If a preset attitude detection module malfunction is determined, the controller receives setting parameters or a preset default attitude, and determines the opening degree of the shunt switch device corresponding to the received setting parameters or preset default attitude as the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device; the opening degree adjustment mode of the shunt switch device is determined to be that adjustment of the shunt switch device opening degree is not allowed, and a preset reminder message for attitude detection module malfunction is initiated. For example: If the attitude sensor (such as accelerometer 7) malfunctions, the controller can select a basic opening degree table according to the installer's DIP switch, user parameters, or default attitude; for example: if the output data of the attitude sensor (such as accelerometer 7) exceeds the preset normal data range, then the attitude sensor (such as accelerometer 7) is considered to be malfunctioning.

[0094] like Figure 12 As shown, a control method for a multi-directionally installed indoor unit of a residential split air conditioner further includes:

[0095] Step 3: If the indoor unit of the residential split air conditioner is determined to be installed horizontally, then call the horizontal base valve opening table and proceed to Step 4; if the indoor unit of the residential split air conditioner is determined to be installed vertically, then call the vertical base valve opening table and proceed to Step 4.

[0096] In step 3, the valve opening tables for both the horizontal and vertical installations are obtained through experimental calibration. During calibration, the same indoor unit is installed horizontally and vertically under standard operating conditions. The minimum outlet temperature deviation, minimum superheat, maximum system capacity, and most uniform heat exchanger surface temperature distribution for each branch are recorded. The initial openings of EEV1 to EEV6 are adjusted to minimize the temperature difference and superheat difference between the six outlets. Through factory testing, an optimal initial valve step for each branch valve can be pre-stored, reducing adjustment frequency. The minimum superheat, maximum system capacity, and heat exchanger surface temperature are only used during the calibration phase. After calibration, the corresponding six-way valve opening combinations for both horizontal and vertical installations are written into the controller memory.

[0097] For example, in vertical installation mode, if the first and second branches are located relatively below each other, making it easier to obtain more liquid refrigerant, the vertical installation base valve opening table can be set as follows: EEV1=340 steps, EEV2=360 steps, EEV3=390 steps, EEV4=420 steps, EEV5=450 steps, EEV6=470 steps. In this opening combination, the opening of the gravity-dominant branch is relatively small, but still higher than the minimum allowable opening of 320 steps; the opening of the upper branch, which is prone to refrigerant shortage, is relatively large to reduce its relative resistance.

[0098] In horizontal mounting mode, the direction of gravity changes relative to the inlet of the six parallel branches. The horizontal mounting base valve opening table can be set as follows: EEV1=420 steps, EEV2=400 steps, EEV3=360 steps, EEV4=360 steps, EEV5=400 steps, EEV6=420 steps. This combination is only an example; the actual setting should be determined based on the heat exchanger structure, branch piping layout, and experimental results.

[0099] If the indoor unit is found to be unstable or abnormally tilted, the system will enter the default opening mode (i.e., the opening of each diversion valve remains at the current opening) or prompt for installation inspection.

[0100] In the present invention, the minimum opening of the branch throttling valve is set by the factory verification experience value, so that the flow distribution is completed with minimal throttling and low pressure loss. The opening of each branch valve is further corrected in a closed loop according to the outlet temperature of the six coils, the superheat of the branch or the temperature deviation of the branch, so as to distribute the refrigerant flow and improve the effective utilization rate of the indoor heat exchanger.

[0101] In some embodiments, the temperature of the N branches includes: the outlet temperature of the N branches; the temperature of each branch in the N branches includes: the outlet temperature of each branch in the N branches. For example... Figure 11 As shown, a temperature sensor is installed near the outlet of each of the six branches to detect the outlet temperature of each branch, such as temperature T1, temperature T2, temperature T3, temperature T4, temperature T5 to temperature T6. The temperature sensors can be surface-mount NTC temperature sensors (such as the first temperature sensor 61, the second temperature sensor 62, the third temperature sensor 63, the fourth temperature sensor 64, the fifth temperature sensor 65 and the sixth temperature sensor 66), and are fixed to the surface of the corresponding branch outlet pipe by clips, thermally conductive adhesive or metal clips, and covered with insulation material to reduce interference from ambient air temperature.

[0102] In step S130, the specific process of adjusting the opening degree of at least one shunt switch device in the N shunt switch devices according to the temperature of the N branches to adjust the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils is described in the following exemplary description.

[0103] The following is combined Figure 4 The schematic diagram illustrates an embodiment of the method of the present invention, which adjusts the opening degree of at least one shunt switch device among the N shunt switch devices according to the temperature of the N branches to regulate the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils. Further explanation is provided regarding the specific process of adjusting the opening degree of at least one shunt switch device among the N shunt switch devices according to the temperature of the N branches in step S130, which includes steps S310 to S330.

[0104] Step S310: Under the condition that the opening degree of the shunt switch device can be adjusted, determine the average value of the outlet temperature of the N branches, and obtain the average temperature of the N branches; the average temperature of the N branches is, for example, the average temperature Tavg of the six outlet temperatures.

[0105] Step S320: Determine the difference between the outlet temperature of each branch in the N branches and the average temperature of the N branches to obtain the temperature deviation of each branch in the N branches; the temperature deviation of each branch in the N branches is, for example, the outlet temperature deviation of each branch ΔTi = Ti - Tavg.

[0106] Step S330: Based on the temperature deviation of each branch in the N branches, adjust the opening of at least one shunt switch device in the N shunt switch devices to adjust the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils.

[0107] like Figure 12As shown, a control method for a multi-directionally installed indoor unit of a residential split air conditioner further includes:

[0108] Step 4: Collect the temperatures of the six outlets, then proceed to Step 5.

[0109] The six outlet temperatures are as follows: outlet temperature T1 of the first branch, outlet temperature T2 of the second branch, outlet temperature T3 of the third branch, outlet temperature T4 of the fourth branch, outlet temperature T5 of the fifth branch, and outlet temperature T6 of the sixth branch.

[0110] Step 6: Calculate the average temperature Tavg of the six outlets, and then proceed to step 7.

[0111] Step 7: Calculate the temperature deviation ΔT1~ΔT6 for each of the six outlet temperatures, and then proceed to step 8.

[0112] The temperature deviations ΔT1~ΔT6 for each of the six outlet channels are as follows: ΔT1 = T1 - Tavg for the first branch, ΔT2 = T2 - Tavg for the second branch, ΔT3 = T3 - Tavg for the third branch, ΔT4 = T4 - Tavg for the fourth branch, ΔT5 = T5 - Tavg for the fifth branch, and ΔT6 = T6 - Tavg for the sixth branch.

[0113] Step 8: Determine whether the temperature deviation of each path ΔT1~ΔT6 exceeds the average flow temperature threshold ±1.5℃, and proceed to step 9 based on the determination result.

[0114] In step 8, after the split-type air conditioner enters cooling operation, the controller first adjusts EEV1 to EEV6 to the basic opening degree corresponding to the installation posture. After the compressor reaches a stable operating time, for example, 5 minutes, the controller begins to execute closed-loop flow equalization correction. The controller collects the six outlet temperatures T1 to T6 every 10 seconds and calculates the 60-second moving average using the most recent six sampled values. Then, the average outlet temperature Tavg is calculated, and the outlet temperature deviation ΔTi = Ti - Tavg for each outlet is calculated.

[0115] In the present invention, the opening degree of at least one of the N branch circuits is adjusted according to the temperature of the N branch circuits to regulate the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coil circuits, thereby ensuring uniform refrigerant distribution in the indoor heat exchanger and improving heat exchange performance.

[0116] In some implementations, step S330 involves adjusting the opening degree of at least one shunt switch device in the N shunt switch devices based on the temperature deviation of each branch in the N branches, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils. This includes a process of initially correcting the opening degree of the corresponding shunt switch devices in the N shunt switch devices.

[0117] The following is combined Figure 5 The schematic diagram shown is a flowchart of an embodiment of the method of the present invention for initially correcting the opening degree of the corresponding shunt switch device in the N-way shunt switch device. It further illustrates the specific process of initially correcting the opening degree of the corresponding shunt switch device in the N-way shunt switch device in step S330, including steps S410 to S450.

[0118] Step S410: For the temperature deviation of each of the N branches, determine whether the temperature deviation of any branch in the N branches is greater than or equal to a first preset temperature threshold and lasts for a second set time, and determine whether the temperature deviation of any branch in the N branches is less than or equal to a second preset temperature threshold and lasts for a second set time; the first preset temperature threshold is positive, and the second preset temperature threshold is negative; the first preset temperature threshold is, for example, +1.5℃, and the second preset temperature threshold is, for example, -1.5℃.

[0119] Step S420: If it is determined that the temperature deviation of any branch in the N branches is less than the first preset temperature threshold and greater than the second preset temperature threshold, then the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch is maintained at the current value; for example: if the temperature deviation of each branch is between 1.0℃ and 1.5℃, the controller maintains the previous state.

[0120] Step S430: If it is determined that the temperature deviation of any branch in the N branches is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature threshold and continues for a second set time, then the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch is increased, and the increase in the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch is less than or equal to the preset maximum correction step number, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils; wherein, the increase in the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch is, for example, by increasing by 10 steps each time; the preset maximum correction step number is, for example, 60 steps.

[0121] Step S440: If it is determined that the temperature deviation of any branch in the N branches is less than or equal to the second preset temperature threshold and continues for a second set time, then the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch is reduced. The increase in the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch is less than or equal to the preset maximum correction step number, and the reduced opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch is greater than or equal to the preset minimum opening degree, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils. The reduction in the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch can be achieved by decreasing it by 10 steps each time, and the preset minimum opening degree can be 320 steps.

[0122] Step S450: After adjusting the opening degree of the shunt switch device of the branch to increase and / or adjusting the opening degree of the shunt switch device of the branch to decrease for a second set time, return to re-determine whether the temperature deviation of any branch among the N branches is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature threshold, and determine whether the temperature deviation of any branch among the N branches is less than or equal to the second preset temperature threshold; the second set time is less than the first set time. The second set time is, for example, 90 seconds, and the first set time is, for example, 5 minutes.

[0123] like Figure 12 As shown, a control method for a multi-directionally installed indoor unit of a residential split air conditioner further includes:

[0124] Step 9: Prioritize opening the low-fluid branch, and if necessary, close the over-supply branch. Then proceed to step 10.

[0125] In step 9, for example, the total number of steps for a branch valve ranges from 0 to 480, where 0 steps represent fully closed and 480 steps represent fully open. The controller sets a minimum allowable opening Amin for each branch valve, for example, 320 steps. No branch valve may operate below 320 steps. The controller also sets a lower limit Aavg_min for the average opening of the six valves, for example, 380 steps. When the average opening of the six valves is below 380 steps, the controller restricts further valve closing actions and prioritizes opening the branch valves with insufficient liquid for flow equalization correction. Limiting the minimum valve steps for branch valves is to avoid situations where the flow rate in a single flow path is too low and to prevent over-adjustment of branch valve steps.

[0126] In step 9, under the cooling mode of the residential split air conditioner, if the outlet temperature of a certain branch is more than 1.5℃ higher than the average (ΔTi ≥ +1.5℃), it indicates that the refrigerant in that branch may be insufficient (i.e., low liquid level) and the superheat may be too high. The controller will prioritize increasing the valve opening of that branch, increasing it by 10 steps each time. If the outlet temperature of a certain branch is more than 1.5℃ lower than the average (ΔTi ≤ -1.5℃), it indicates that the refrigerant in that branch may be excessive (i.e., over-supply of liquid). The controller can decrease the valve opening of that branch by 10 steps, but the decreased opening must not be less than 320 steps. After each adjustment, the controller waits 90 seconds, collects the temperature again, and determines whether to continue the correction. During a single closed-loop correction process, the maximum correction amount for each branch relative to the base opening can be limited to ±60 steps to prevent excessive changes in valve opening from causing fluctuations in the system of the residential split air conditioner.

[0127] To avoid frequent oscillations in valve opening, the controller is set with a temperature dead zone and a minimum adjustment cycle. When the temperature deviation of each branch is less than ±1.0℃, the current opening remains unchanged; when the deviation exceeds ±1.5℃ and persists for 90 seconds, an opening correction is performed. If the temperature deviation of each branch is between 1.0℃ and 1.5℃, the controller maintains the previous state.

[0128] Step 10: Check the minimum opening and average opening limits again, and then proceed to step 11.

[0129] Step 11: Maintain refrigerant distribution.

[0130] In the present invention, based on the temperature deviation of each of the N branches, the opening degree of at least one of the N shunt switch devices is adjusted to regulate the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils. Specifically, this is a process of initially correcting the opening degree of the corresponding shunt switch devices in the N shunt switch devices to ensure uniform refrigerant distribution in the indoor heat exchanger and improve heat exchange performance.

[0131] In some implementations, step S130, adjusting the opening degree of at least one shunt switch device in the N shunt switch devices according to the temperature deviation of each branch in the N branches to adjust the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils, further includes: a process of further correcting the opening degree of the corresponding shunt switch devices in the N shunt switch devices, specifically including at least one of the following (i.e., at least one of the following correction processes):

[0132] The first correction process: If it is determined that the temperature deviation of any branch in the N branches is less than or equal to the second preset temperature threshold, and the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch has reached the preset minimum opening degree, then the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch is maintained at the current value, and the opening degree of the shunt switch devices of the other branches in the N branches is increased to adjust the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils; Figure 12 As shown, a control method for a multi-directional indoor unit of a residential split air conditioner further includes: in step 9, adopting a flow equalization principle that prioritizes low pressure loss. If a certain branch is judged to be over-supplying refrigerant, but the valve opening of that branch has already reached the minimum allowable opening of 320 steps, the controller will no longer continue to close the valve of that branch, but will instead increase the opening of other branches with insufficient refrigerant, so that more refrigerant flows to the branches with insufficient refrigerant.

[0133] And / or, a second correction process: If it is determined that the average opening degree of the shunt switch devices of the N branches is less than the preset minimum average opening degree, then the opening degree of the shunt switch devices of the N branches is maintained at the current value, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils; the preset minimum average opening degree is, for example, step 380. Figure 12 As shown, a control method for a multi-directionally installed indoor unit of a residential split air conditioner further includes: in step 9, if the average opening degree of the six-way valves is less than 380 steps, the controller also restricts further valve closing actions. In this way, the branch throttling valves are only used to change the relative resistance, without significantly increasing the total pressure loss of the system containing the residential split air conditioner.

[0134] And / or, a third correction process: If it is determined that any branch in the N branches has reached a preset minimum opening or a preset maximum opening, and the temperature deviation of that branch is equal to or greater than a third preset temperature threshold and continues for a third set time, then the temperature of that branch is determined to be abnormal, and the adjustment of the opening of the shunt switch device of that branch is stopped, so that the opening of the shunt switch device of that branch is the initial opening of the shunt switch device of that branch; and the adjustment of the opening of the shunt switch devices of the other branches in the N branches excluding that branch continues; the third preset temperature threshold is greater than the first preset temperature threshold, and the third set time is greater than the first set time; the first preset temperature threshold is, for example, 1.5℃, the third preset temperature threshold is, for example, 4℃, the third set time is, for example, 10min, and the first set time is, for example, 5min.

[0135] like Figure 12As shown, a control method for a multi-directional indoor unit of a residential split air conditioner further includes: In step 9, if the temperature deviation cannot be eliminated even after the valve opening of a certain branch reaches its maximum or minimum limit, for example, if the outlet temperature of a certain branch deviates from the average value by more than 4°C for 10 consecutive minutes, the controller determines that the branch may have a blockage, sensor (such as the branch temperature sensor) malfunction, weld blockage, valve jamming, or insufficient refrigerant, and outputs a fault prompt. If one of the six outlet temperature sensors malfunctions, the controller can stop the closed-loop correction (i.e., only stop the closed-loop correction of the faulty branch, and the other branches are corrected normally), and only operate using the basic opening table corresponding to the attitude.

[0136] And / or, a fourth correction process: If it is determined that the shunt switch device of any of the N branches is malfunctioning, then the opening degree of the shunt switches of the other branches in the N branches (excluding the malfunctioning branch) is adjusted to a preset safe opening degree, and a reminder message indicating that the shunt switch device of the N branches is malfunctioning is initiated, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils. The preset safe opening degree is as shown in step 420. Figure 12 As shown, a control method for a multi-directional indoor unit of a household split air conditioner further includes: in step 9, if the branch valve drive is abnormal (e.g., the branch valve has been activated but the corresponding temperature has not changed, then the branch valve drive is determined to be abnormal), the controller can adjust the remaining branch valves to a safe opening degree, for example, adjust them all to step 420, and prompt for maintenance.

[0137] In the present invention, based on the temperature deviation of each of the N branches, the opening degree of at least one of the N shunt switch devices is adjusted to regulate the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils. Specifically, the opening degree of the corresponding shunt switch device in the N shunt switch devices is further modified, which can complete the refrigerant distribution correction with minimal throttling and low pressure loss, so that the heat exchanger can obtain a more uniform refrigerant flow distribution under different installation postures, thereby improving the heat exchange performance.

[0138] In the solution of this invention, through the above-described structure and control method, the solution can automatically identify whether the indoor unit is horizontally or vertically mounted, and actively adjust the relative resistance of the six parallel branch inlets according to the installation posture, so that the heat exchanger can obtain a more uniform refrigerant flow distribution under different installation postures. At the same time, by setting minimum opening and average opening limits, the solution of this invention can complete the refrigerant distribution correction with minimal throttling and low pressure loss.

[0139] In this invention, the indoor unit is designed for residential use and can be installed horizontally or vertically; installation posture: automatically identifies horizontal or vertical installation; posture determination method: a triaxial accelerometer / tilt sensor determines the direction of gravity; number of heat exchanger branches: taking six parallel branches as an example; position of adjustment components: before the inlet of each heat exchanger; type of adjustment components: electronic expansion valve / miniature electric needle valve for each branch; optional switchable capillary tube; branch valve function positioning: only used for relative flow distribution, not for main throttling and pressure reduction; minimum opening limit: each branch valve is set with a minimum allowable opening, for example, 320 steps or 480 steps; low pressure loss control: prioritizes opening branches with insufficient liquid and restricts excessive closing of branches with excessive liquid supply; setting an average lower limit for opening; control basis: horizontal or vertical installation posture + branch outlet temperature deviation + minimum opening constraint; basic opening table: horizontal and vertical installations correspond to different six-branch opening tables; closed-loop correction: corrects valve opening based on the deviation of the six-branch outlet temperature or superheat. Therefore, by installing attitude recognition + six independent inlet branch valves + horizontal or vertical opening gauges + minimum opening low pressure loss control + branch temperature closed-loop flow equalization, the indoor heat exchanger can obtain a more uniform refrigerant flow distribution when changing between horizontal and vertical installation, thereby improving the effective utilization rate of the indoor heat exchanger and reducing the risks of local frost, local overheating, capacity reduction and abnormal noise.

[0140] The technical solution of this embodiment addresses the installation posture of an air conditioner (such as a residential split air conditioner), including both vertical and horizontal installation postures for the indoor unit; the outdoor unit of the air conditioner has a compressor (such as compressor 1), and the indoor unit has a main throttling device (such as main throttling electronic expansion valve 4) and an indoor heat exchanger (such as evaporator 3); the evaporator 3 has six parallel heat exchange branches (such as six parallel refrigerant coils), and six branch lines corresponding one-to-one with the six parallel heat exchange branches in the evaporator 3 are provided in the main throttling electronic expansion valve 4 and the evaporator 3. That is, the first branch, the second branch, the third branch, the fourth branch, the fifth branch, and the sixth branch), in the direction from the refrigerant inlet to the refrigerant outlet in cooling mode, a shunt switch device is installed at the inlet of each branch, and a temperature sensor (such as the first temperature sensor 61 to the sixth temperature sensor 66) is installed on the surface of the pipe at the outlet of each branch. The shunt switch device is such as a shunt electronic expansion valve (such as the first shunt electronic expansion valve 51 to the sixth shunt electronic expansion valve 56) or two or more capillary tubes (such as at least two of the long capillary tube, medium capillary tube, and short capillary tube) controlled by a solenoid valve; an attitude detection device is installed on the indoor unit. Modules (such as accelerometer 7 or tilt sensor mounted on the indoor unit control board, indoor unit casing, or indoor heat exchanger bracket); when the air conditioner (such as a residential split air conditioner) is powered on, the controller collects the attitude signal of the indoor unit detected by the attitude detection module during indoor unit installation (such as the gravitational acceleration signal of the indoor unit detected by accelerometer 7), and determines whether the indoor unit is installed vertically or horizontally based on the attitude signal; the gravitational acceleration signal of the indoor unit detected by accelerometer 7 includes the gravitational acceleration components Gx in the X, Y, and Z directions of the indoor unit coordinate system. Gy and Gz: When |Gz|≥0.90g (i.e., gravitational acceleration g≈9.80m / s²) and this state is maintained continuously for 60s, the controller determines that the indoor unit is installed in a vertical position; when |Gx|≥0.90g or |Gy|≥0.90g and this state is maintained continuously for 60s, the controller determines that the indoor unit is installed in a horizontal position; when the maximum axial gravitational acceleration component (i.e., the maximum value among gravitational acceleration components Gx, Gy and Gz) is less than 0.80g, or the indoor unit's attitude signal (such as the gravitational acceleration signal of the indoor unit detected by acceleration sensor 7) fluctuates more than 0 within 60s.05g, the controller determines that the indoor unit's posture is unstable or that the indoor unit is installed at an abnormal tilt, and enters the default opening mode (i.e., the opening of each diversion valve remains at its initial opening) or prompts the user to check the indoor unit installation; according to the indoor unit's installation posture, it calls the pre-calibrated diversion switch device opening table for different indoor unit installation postures: if the indoor unit of the residential split air conditioner is determined to be installed horizontally, the horizontal installation base valve opening table is called; if the indoor unit of the residential split air conditioner is determined to be installed vertically, the vertical installation base valve opening table is called; when the air conditioner (such as a residential split air conditioner) is running in cooling mode, the controller first adjusts the opening values ​​of the first to sixth diversion switch devices according to the base valve opening table corresponding to the indoor unit's installation posture, corresponding to the base opening of the installation posture. After the compressor has been running for a set time, the controller adjusts the opening of the diversion switch devices of the six branches according to the outlet temperature of the six branches, so as to make the refrigerant distribution of the six parallel refrigerant coils in the indoor heat exchanger uniform. Therefore, by installing multi-channel throttling devices for the multiple parallel refrigerant coils in the indoor heat exchanger, and controlling the opening of these devices under different installation orientations of the indoor unit, a more uniform refrigerant flow distribution is achieved in both horizontal and vertical installations, improving the effective utilization rate of the indoor heat exchanger and enhancing its heat exchange performance. This air conditioner is classified as an energy-saving air conditioner.

[0141] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a control device for an air conditioner corresponding to the control method for an air conditioner is also provided. See also Figure 6 The diagram shows a structural schematic of an embodiment of the device of the present invention. This air conditioner is an energy-saving air conditioner. The control device of this air conditioner may include: an acquisition unit 102 and a control unit 104.

[0142] The control unit 104 is configured to, after the air conditioner is started, such as after the air conditioner is turned on and started in cooling mode, control the compressor 1 to start and control the shunt switch device to operate at its initial opening degree; the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device includes the initial opening degree of each of the N shunt switch devices. The specific functions and processing of the control unit 104 are described in step S110.

[0143] The acquisition unit 102 is configured to acquire the temperature of each of the N branches after a first set time, thereby acquiring the temperature of the N branches; preferably, after the first set time, it acquires the outlet temperature of each of the N branches according to a preset sampling period, thereby acquiring the outlet temperature of the N branches; the first set time is, for example, 5 minutes, and the preset sampling period is, for example, 10 seconds. The specific functions and processing of the acquisition unit 102 are described in step S120.

[0144] The control unit 104 is further configured to adjust the opening degree of at least one of the N shunt switch devices according to the temperature of the N branches, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils; preferably, it adjusts the opening degree of at least one of the N shunt switch devices according to the outlet temperature of the N branches, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils, so that under different installation postures of the indoor unit, the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils can be adjusted by adjusting the opening degree of at least one of the N shunt switch devices, so as to make the refrigerant distribution of the indoor heat exchanger uniform. The specific functions and processing of this control unit 104 are also described in step S130.

[0145] In the present invention, a refrigerant diversion device is provided between the main throttling device and the indoor heat exchanger; the indoor heat exchanger has N coils connected in parallel, where N is a positive integer and N≥2; the refrigerant diversion device includes: N branches corresponding to the N coils, and a diversion switch device provided on each of the N branches; wherein each of the N branches is correspondingly located between the main throttling device and each coil of the N coils; the control unit 104, after the air conditioner is started, controls the compressor 1 to start and controls the diversion switch device to operate at its initial opening degree; the initial opening degree of the diversion switch device... The temperature includes: the initial opening degree of each shunt switch device in the N-way shunt switch device; the acquisition unit 102, after a first set time, acquires the temperature of each branch in the N-way branches, thereby acquiring the temperature of the N-way branches; the control unit 104, based on the temperature of the N-way branches, adjusts the opening degree of at least one shunt switch device in the N-way shunt switch device to adjust the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N-way coils, so that under different installation postures of the indoor unit, by adjusting the opening degree of at least one shunt switch device in the N-way shunt switch device, the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N-way coils can be adjusted to ensure uniform refrigerant distribution in the indoor heat exchanger. Therefore, by adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of multiple parallel refrigerant coils in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant distribution of multiple parallel refrigerant coils in the indoor heat exchanger is made uniform, improving heat exchange performance.

[0146] Since the processing and functions implemented by the device in this embodiment are basically the same as the embodiments, principles and examples of the aforementioned methods, any details not covered in the description of this embodiment can be found in the relevant descriptions in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0147] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner corresponding to a control device for an air conditioner is also provided. This air conditioner may include the control device for an air conditioner described above. This air conditioner is an energy-saving air conditioner.

[0148] Since the processing and functions implemented by the air conditioner in this embodiment are basically the same as the embodiments, principles and examples of the aforementioned devices, any details not covered in the description of this embodiment can be found in the relevant descriptions in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0149] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a computer program product corresponding to the control method for an air conditioner is also provided, comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the control method for an air conditioner described above.

[0150] Since the processing and functions implemented by the product in this embodiment are basically the same as the embodiments, principles and examples of the aforementioned methods, any details not covered in the description of this embodiment can be found in the relevant descriptions in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0151] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a storage medium corresponding to a control method for an air conditioner is also provided, the storage medium including a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, the device where the storage medium is located executes the steps of the control method for the air conditioner described above.

[0152] Since the processing and functions implemented by the storage medium in this embodiment are basically the same as the embodiments, principles and examples of the aforementioned methods, any details not covered in this embodiment can be found in the relevant descriptions in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0153] In summary, it is readily understood by those skilled in the art that, without conflict, the aforementioned advantageous methods can be freely combined and superimposed.

[0154] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the invention should be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: Outdoor unit and indoor unit; The outdoor unit has a compressor (1), the indoor unit has a main throttling device and an indoor heat exchanger, and a refrigerant diversion device disposed between the main throttling device and the indoor heat exchanger; The indoor heat exchanger has N coils connected in parallel, where N is a positive integer and N≥2; where... The refrigerant distribution device includes: N branches corresponding to the N coils, and a shunt switch device disposed on each of the N branches; Each of the N branch circuits is correspondingly located between the main throttling device and each of the N coil circuits; under different installation postures of the indoor unit, the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil circuit in the N coil circuits can be adjusted by adjusting the opening degree of at least one of the N shunt switch devices.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, Any one of the N-way shunt switching devices includes: a shunt electronic expansion valve; And / or, Any one of the N-way shunt switch devices includes: at least two capillary branches with different opening degrees and arranged in parallel, and a switch arranged on each capillary branch for controlling each capillary branch.

3. A control method for an air conditioner as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, include: After the air conditioner is started, the compressor (1) is controlled to start, and the shunt switch device is controlled to operate at the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device; The initial opening degree of the shunt switch device includes: the initial opening degree of each shunt switch device in the N-way shunt switch devices; After a first set time, the temperature of each of the N branches is obtained, thereby obtaining the temperature of the N branches; Based on the temperature of the N branches, adjust the opening degree of at least one of the N shunt switch devices to regulate the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils.

4. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: After the air conditioner is powered on, the attitude signal of the indoor unit during installation is acquired; The installation posture of the indoor unit is determined based on the posture signal of the indoor unit; Based on the installation posture of the indoor unit, determine the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device, and determine the opening degree adjustment method of the shunt switch device; The initial opening degree of the shunt switch device includes: the initial opening degree of each shunt switch device in the N-way shunt switch devices; the opening degree adjustment method of the shunt switch device includes: allowing adjustment of the opening degree of the shunt switch device, or disallowing adjustment of the opening degree of the shunt switch device.

5. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The attitude signal of the indoor unit includes: the gravitational acceleration component of the indoor unit detected by a preset attitude detection module during installation; the gravitational acceleration component of the indoor unit includes: the gravitational acceleration component Gx on the X-axis, the gravitational acceleration component Gy on the Y-axis, and the gravitational acceleration component Gz on the Z-axis; the installation attitude of the indoor unit includes any of the following attitudes: upright attitude, horizontal attitude, abnormal attitude, and preset attitude detection module failure. Determining the installation orientation of the indoor unit based on its attitude signal includes: If it is determined that the absolute value of the component Gz of the gravitational acceleration of the indoor unit on the Z-axis is greater than or equal to the first preset component threshold and continues for the first preset duration, then the installation posture of the indoor unit is determined to be the upright posture. If the absolute value of the component Gx of the indoor unit's gravitational acceleration on the X-axis or the absolute value of the component Gy of the indoor unit's gravitational acceleration on the Y-axis is determined to be greater than or equal to a first preset component threshold and continues for a first preset duration, then the installation posture of the indoor unit is determined to be a horizontal posture. If the absolute value of the maximum value among the components of the indoor unit's gravitational acceleration on the X-axis (Gx), the Y-axis (Gy), and the Z-axis (Gz) is less than a second preset component threshold, or if the fluctuation of any component among these components exceeds a third preset component threshold within a first preset time period, then the installation posture of the indoor unit is determined to be abnormal; the second preset component threshold is less than the first preset component threshold, and the third preset component threshold is less than the second preset component threshold. If at least one of the following components of the indoor unit's gravitational acceleration on the X-axis (Gx), the indoor unit's gravitational acceleration on the Y-axis (Gy), and the indoor unit's gravitational acceleration on the Z-axis (Gz) exceeds a preset range, then a preset attitude detection module malfunction is determined.

6. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The installation posture of the indoor unit includes any of the following postures: upright posture, horizontal posture, abnormal posture, and preset posture detection module failure; Based on the installation posture of the indoor unit, determine the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device, and determine the opening degree adjustment method of the shunt switch device, including: If the installation posture of the indoor unit is determined to be vertical, then the opening degree of the shunt switch device corresponding to the vertical installation posture of the indoor unit is retrieved as the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device; and the opening degree adjustment mode of the shunt switch device is determined to allow adjustment of the opening degree of the shunt switch device. If the indoor unit is determined to be installed in a horizontal position, the opening degree of the shunt switch device corresponding to the horizontal position of the indoor unit is retrieved as the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device; and the opening degree adjustment mode of the shunt switch device is determined to allow adjustment of the opening degree of the shunt switch device. If it is determined that the installation posture of the indoor unit is abnormal, then the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device is determined to be the preset default opening degree of the shunt switch device, the opening degree adjustment mode of the shunt switch device is determined to not allow adjustment of the opening degree of the shunt switch device, and a reminder message that the installation posture of the indoor unit is abnormal is initiated. If a preset attitude detection module malfunction is determined, the system receives setting parameters or a preset default attitude, determines the opening degree of the shunt switch device corresponding to the received setting parameters or preset default attitude as the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device, determines that the opening degree adjustment mode of the shunt switch device is not allowed to be adjusted, and initiates a preset attitude detection module malfunction reminder message.

7. The control method for an air conditioner according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The temperature of the N branches includes: the outlet temperature of the N branches; Based on the temperature of the N branches, adjust the opening degree of at least one of the N shunt switch devices to regulate the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils, including: Determine the average value of the outlet temperatures of the N branches to obtain the average temperature of the N branches; The temperature deviation of each branch in the N branches is obtained by determining the difference between the outlet temperature of each branch and the average temperature of the N branches. Based on the temperature deviation of each of the N branches, the opening degree of at least one of the N shunt switch devices is adjusted to regulate the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils.

8. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, Based on the temperature deviation of each of the N branches, the opening degree of at least one shunt switch in the N shunt switch devices is adjusted to regulate the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils, including: For the temperature deviation of each of the N branches, determine whether the temperature deviation of any branch in the N branches is greater than or equal to a first preset temperature threshold and lasts for a second set time, and determine whether the temperature deviation of any branch in the N branches is less than or equal to a second preset temperature threshold and lasts for a second set time; the first preset temperature threshold is positive and the second preset temperature threshold is negative; If it is determined that the temperature deviation of any branch in the N branches is less than the first preset temperature threshold and greater than the second preset temperature threshold, then the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch is maintained at the current value. If it is determined that the temperature deviation of any branch in the N branches is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature threshold and continues for a second set time, the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch is increased, and the increase in the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch is less than or equal to the preset maximum correction step, so as to adjust the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils. If it is determined that the temperature deviation of any branch in the N branches is less than or equal to the second preset temperature threshold and continues for a second set time, then the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch is reduced. The increase in the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch is less than or equal to the preset maximum correction step, and the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch after reduction is greater than or equal to the preset minimum opening degree, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils. After the second set time, return to re-determine whether the temperature deviation of any branch in the N branches is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature threshold, and determine whether the temperature deviation of any branch in the N branches is less than or equal to the second preset temperature threshold; the second set time is less than the first set time.

9. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that, Based on the temperature deviation of each of the N branches, the opening degree of at least one of the N shunt switch devices is adjusted to regulate the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils, and the method further includes: If it is determined that the temperature deviation of any branch in the N branches is less than or equal to the second preset temperature threshold, and the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch has reached the preset minimum opening degree, then the opening degree of the shunt switch device of that branch is maintained at the current value, and the opening degree of the shunt switch devices of the other branches in the N branches is increased to achieve the adjustment of the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils; And / or, If it is determined that the average opening degree of the shunt switch device of the N branches is less than the preset minimum average opening degree, then the opening degree of the shunt switch device of the N branches is maintained at the current value, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils. And / or, If it is determined that any branch in the N branches has reached a preset minimum opening or a preset maximum opening, and the temperature deviation of that branch is equal to or greater than a third preset temperature threshold and persists for a third set time, then the temperature of that branch is determined to be abnormal. Adjustment of the opening of the shunt switch device of that branch is stopped, and the opening of the shunt switch device of that branch is set to its initial opening. The opening of the shunt switches of the other branches in the N branches, excluding that branch, is then adjusted. The third preset temperature threshold is greater than the first preset temperature threshold, and the third set time is greater than the first set time. And / or, If it is determined that the shunt switch device of any branch in the N branches is abnormal, the opening degree of the shunt switch devices of the other branches in the N branches is adjusted to the preset safe opening degree, and a reminder message is sent to indicate that the shunt switch device of the N branches is abnormal, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow of the corresponding coil in the N coils.

10. A control device for an air conditioner as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, include: The control unit is configured to control the compressor (1) to start after the air conditioner is started, and to control the shunt switch device to operate at the initial opening degree of the shunt switch device; The initial opening degree of the shunt switch device includes: the initial opening degree of each shunt switch device in the N-way shunt switch devices; The acquisition unit is configured to acquire the temperature of each of the N branches after a first set time, thereby acquiring the temperature of the N branches; The control unit is further configured to adjust the opening degree of at least one of the N shunt switch devices according to the temperature of the N branches, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow rate of the corresponding coil in the N coils.

11. A storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium includes a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, the device containing the storage medium is controlled to perform the control method of the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the control method for the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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