Controller assembly and outdoor unit

Abstract

The utility model discloses a controller assembly and outdoor unit, and the controller assembly is used for outdoor unit, and the outdoor unit includes the fan, and the controller assembly includes: switch subassembly, and the power supply output end of switch subassembly is connected fan, control module, control module connects switch subassembly, and control module is configured as control switch subassembly conduction or disconnect, and the fan is configured as work under the condition that switch subassembly conduction, through setting switch subassembly, the conduction path between fan and control module is cut off in physical isolation, avoid the energy feedback to control module when fan reverse, prevent controller assembly under uncontrolled state live working, with avoid reverse current puncture electronic components on control module, prolong the life of electronic components, make control module can be separated from abnormal electromotive force environment, reduce abnormal work risk, improve the stability, reliability and safety of air conditioning system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a controller assembly and an outdoor unit. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, outdoor units of air conditioners often use external inverters to drive DC fans. The external inverter converts AC power from the grid into DC power with adjustable voltage and frequency, thereby driving the DC fan motor and achieving precise control of fan speed and airflow.

[0003] However, in the event of a power outage, the fan may reverse under the drive of external wind power. This reverse fan reversal may cause the controller to store energy, affecting the stability and reliability of the air conditioning system. Therefore, how to avoid the fan reversal causing the controller to store energy in the event of a power outage is a problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides a controller assembly and an outdoor unit to solve at least one of the aforementioned technical problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a controller assembly for an outdoor unit, the outdoor unit including a fan, the controller assembly comprising:

[0006] A switching assembly, wherein the power supply output terminal of the switching assembly is connected to the fan;

[0007] A control module is connected to the switch assembly and is configured to control the switch assembly to be turned on or off, and the fan is configured to operate when the switch assembly is turned on.

[0008] Furthermore, the switching assembly includes at least one of a relay, a thyristor, and an insulated gate bipolar transistor.

[0009] Furthermore, the power input terminal of the switching assembly is connected to an external power source, the control module includes a flyback converter and a control chip, the power input terminal of the flyback converter is connected to an external power source, the power output terminal of the flyback converter is connected to the control chip, and the control chip is connected to the relay.

[0010] Furthermore, the control chip includes a communication interface, and the control chip is configured to control the switching component to be turned on or off based on the communication signals received by the communication interface.

[0011] Furthermore, the control module includes a flyback converter, the power input terminal of which is connected to an external power source, and the power output terminal of which is connected to the switching assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, the controller assembly also includes an input circuit, the power supply output terminal of which is connected to the power supply input terminal of the control module, and the power supply input terminal of which is connected to an external power source.

[0013] Furthermore, the input circuit includes a rectifier circuit, the power supply input terminal of which is connected to an external power source, and the power supply output terminal of which is connected to the power supply input terminal of the flyback converter.

[0014] Furthermore, the rectifier circuit includes: a power factor correction circuit, which is connected to an external power supply; and a bus capacitor, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the power factor correction circuit and the power supply input terminal of the flyback converter.

[0015] Furthermore, the controller assembly also includes an inverter circuit, the power supply input terminal of which is connected to the rectifier circuit, and the power supply output terminal of which is connected to the switching assembly.

[0016] Furthermore, the outdoor unit includes a compressor, the power input terminal of which is connected to the inverter circuit of the controller assembly.

[0017] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an outdoor unit, including: a fan; and a controller assembly as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0018] The controller assembly and outdoor unit of this application include a switch assembly and a control module. The power output terminal of the switch assembly is connected to the fan, and the control module is connected to the switch assembly. The control module is configured to control the switch assembly to be turned on or off. The fan is configured to operate when the switch assembly is on. By setting the switch assembly, the conduction path between the fan and the control module is physically isolated and cut off, preventing energy feedback to the control module when the fan reverses, preventing the controller assembly from operating energized in an uncontrolled state, and preventing reverse current from breaking down the electronic components on the control module, thus extending the life of the electronic components. This allows the control module to escape from abnormal electromotive force environments, reduces the risk of abnormal operation, and improves the stability, reliability, and safety of the air conditioning system.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario where the controller assembly of this utility model is installed on the outdoor unit.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first circuit principle of the controller assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second circuit principle of the controller assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Explanation of key component reference numerals:

[0025] 100. Outdoor unit; 10. Controller assembly; 11. Switch assembly; 12. Control module; 13. Flyback converter; 14. Control chip; 15. Rectifier circuit; 16. Power factor correction circuit; 17. Bus capacitor; 18. Inverter circuit; 20. Fan; 30. Compressor Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. They can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. They can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0030] This disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described herein. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention; however, those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0031] With the development of air conditioning technology, DC fans have become widely used due to their advantages, such as precise control of fan speed and airflow by adjusting DC voltage and frequency, higher drive efficiency, and the ability to reduce energy consumption and improve the overall efficiency of air conditioning systems while ensuring airflow. In related technologies, outdoor units of air conditioners often use DC fans driven by external inverters. The external inverter converts AC power from the grid into DC power with adjustable voltage and frequency to drive the DC fan motor, thereby achieving precise control of fan speed and airflow. The inverter enables the DC fan to operate stably under various operating conditions, achieving more refined regulation and higher energy efficiency.

[0032] However, under certain extreme conditions, such as power outages or strong winds, DC fans may reverse. When a DC fan is operating normally, its motor is powered by an external power source, which in turn drives the fan blades, propelling airflow. When the external wind force exceeds a certain threshold, the fan blades may rotate in the opposite direction due to the wind, causing the motor rotor to reverse. At this point, the direction of the rotor speed is opposite to the direction of the current, generating a back electromotive force that acts in the opposite direction on the motor. In other words, the motor acts like a generator, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0033] The back electromotive force (EMF) is fed back to the controller through the circuit between the motor and the controller. The controller's internal energy storage circuit (e.g., capacitors) begins to store this feedback energy. Under normal operating conditions, the controller rationally allocates and manages energy according to the input of the external power supply and the workload of the air conditioning system. However, when the fan reverses and generates a back EMF, the controller automatically stores this feedback energy. When the stored energy reaches a certain threshold, the controller's internal circuit may be activated, and this feedback energy may be used to drive the air conditioning system. Even when the main power supply is disconnected or cannot be restored in time, this feedback energy may be used to maintain the system's operation, potentially causing instability in the air conditioning system and even affecting its normal operation and reliability. Long-term reliance on feedback energy may also lead to controller overload, damage, or safety hazards.

[0034] Therefore, how to prevent the fan from reversing and causing the controller to store energy during a power outage, thereby affecting the normal operation and reliability of the air conditioning system, is an urgent problem to be solved in this field.

[0035] Please see Figure 1 This utility model provides a controller assembly 10 for use in an outdoor unit 100 of an air conditioning system. The outdoor unit 100 includes a fan 20, and the controller assembly 10 includes:

[0036] Switch assembly 11, the power supply output terminal of switch assembly 11 is connected to fan 20;

[0037] Control module 12 is connected to switch assembly 11 and is configured to control switch assembly 11 to be turned on or off. Fan 20 is configured to operate when switch assembly 11 is turned on.

[0038] The fan 20 can exhaust the high-pressure, high-temperature gas discharged from the indoor unit to the outside for cooling and heat dissipation. Furthermore, the condensed refrigerant liquid is sent through a capillary tube to the evaporator of the indoor unit to evaporate into gas and absorb indoor heat. In this way, through the convection heat exchange between the fan 20 and the outdoor environment, the efficient operation of the air conditioning system can be ensured.

[0039] The outdoor unit 100 is a core component of the air conditioning system, primarily responsible for the compression and condensation of the refrigerant, and achieving the cooling and heating functions of the air conditioning system through heat dissipation. The outdoor unit 100 is typically installed outdoors and may include components such as a compressor 30, condenser, and fan 20; its performance directly affects the overall efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0040] Optionally, the switching assembly 11 includes at least one of a relay, a thyristor, and an insulated gate bipolar transistor.

[0041] A relay is an electrical switch that operates based on electromagnetic principles. A relay mainly consists of an electromagnet, a moving contact, and a stationary contact. When current flows through the electromagnet, it generates a magnetic field that attracts the moving contact to the stationary contact, thus completing the switching action of the circuit. Relays are widely used because they have strong electrical isolation, are easy to operate, and can withstand large current loads.

[0042] Among them, the thyristor (Silicon Controlled Rectifier, SCR) can control the flow of current, exhibiting significant advantages in switching operations. A thyristor has four layers of semiconductor material and typically three electrodes: an anode, a cathode, and a gate. When the gate receives a trigger signal, the thyristor begins to conduct until the current is cut off. Thyristors can effectively rectify or switch current in AC power supplies. Due to their low on-voltage loss and fast switching time, which improves energy efficiency, thyristors are widely used.

[0043] Among them, the Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) combines high input impedance with the high current-carrying capacity of a bipolar transistor, thus enabling rapid switching at low voltages and maintaining low conduction losses at high currents. IGBTs are widely used due to their high efficiency in handling high-power loads, low heat generation during operation (enhancing the stability of air conditioning systems), and low control input voltage, allowing for direct control via microcontrollers.

[0044] It should be noted that the switch assembly 11 can be configured to turn on when a control signal is received and turn off when no control signal is received.

[0045] Specifically, the switch assembly 11 can be used to control whether the fan 20 is energized. When the switch assembly 11 is closed, the fan 20 is energized and operates under the control of the control module 12. When the switch assembly 11 is open, the connection between the fan 20 and the control module 12 is cut off, and a power circuit cannot be formed. The control module 12 can control whether the switch assembly 11 is turned on or off based on the working instructions or environmental conditions received by the outdoor unit 100. Optionally, the control module 12 can be a level control board, an embedded microcontroller, or a digital logic circuit. For example, when the control module 12 receives a control signal to control the operation of the fan 20, it can send a control signal to the switch assembly 11. The switch assembly 11 turns on in response to the control signal, and the fan 20 operates when the switch assembly 11 is turned on. When the fan 20 is not required to operate, the control module 12 no longer sends a control signal, the switch assembly 11 turns off when no control signal is received, and the fan 20 stops operating.

[0046] Thus, the controller assembly 10 is used in the outdoor unit 100, which includes a fan 20. The controller assembly 10 includes a switch assembly 11 and a control module 12. The power supply output terminal of the switch assembly 11 is connected to the fan 20, and the control module 12 is connected to the switch assembly 11. The control module 12 is configured to control the switch assembly 11 to be turned on or off. The fan 20 is configured to operate when the switch assembly 11 is turned on. By setting the switch assembly 11, the conduction path between the fan 20 and the control module 12 is physically isolated and cut off, preventing energy feedback from the fan 20 when it reverses and preventing the controller assembly 10 from operating under uncontrolled conditions. This also prevents reverse current from damaging the electronic components on the control module 12, extends the life of the electronic components, and allows the control module 12 to escape from abnormal electromotive force environments, reducing the risk of abnormal operation and improving the stability, reliability, and safety of the air conditioning system.

[0047] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the power input terminal of the switching assembly 11 is connected to an external power source, and the control module 12 includes a flyback converter 13 and a control chip 14. The power input terminal of the flyback converter 13 is connected to an external power source, and the power output terminal of the flyback converter 13 is connected to the control chip 14. The control chip 14 is connected to a relay.

[0048] Optionally, the control chip 14 includes a communication interface, and the control chip 14 is configured to control the switch assembly 11 to be turned on or off based on the communication signals received through the communication interface.

[0049] Among them, the flyback converter 13 can be a power converter that can convert the input voltage into a stable output voltage required by the control chip 14. The working principle of the flyback converter 13 is to store energy through magnetic components (such as transformers) and provide a stable DC voltage at the output terminal. The flyback converter 13 can improve the stability of the drive signal of the switching component 11 and avoid malfunction.

[0050] Specifically, an external power source (e.g., AC mains or DC power) can provide an input voltage to the flyback converter 13. The flyback converter 13 regulates the input voltage through internal high-frequency switching elements, converting it into an output voltage that matches the control chip 14, and supplies the output voltage to the control chip 14 to ensure its operation. The control chip 14 can communicate with the indoor unit, etc., through a communication interface to receive communication signals, thereby controlling the switching assembly 11 to turn on or off. For example, taking the switching assembly 11 as including a relay, when the control signal received by the control chip 14 indicates that the switching assembly 11 is to be turned on, the control chip 14 can send a level signal to control the relay contacts to close, connecting the fan 20 and the external power source.

[0051] For example, please see Figure 2 ,exist Figure 2 In this example, AC 220V is used as the external power source. The AC live wire (ACL) and AC neutral wire (ACN) of the controller assembly 10 are connected to the rectifier circuit 152 (rectifier bridge DB), and then connected to the power factor correction circuit 16 (including PFC inductor L1, PFC switch IGBT-1 and resistor R1) and the bus capacitor 17 (bus capacitor E1 in the figure), and connected to the inverter circuit 18 (including intelligent power module (IPM)). The IPM integrates multiple functions to invert DC power into three-phase AC power to drive the DC fan 20. The control module 12 includes a flyback converter 13 and a control chip 14. The flyback converter 13 is connected to the control chip 14, and the control chip 14 is connected to the switching assembly 11. The control chip 14 controls the on / off of the fan 20 and the external power source.

[0052] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the control module 12 includes a flyback converter 13, the power input terminal of which is connected to an external power source, and the power output terminal of which is connected to the switching assembly 11.

[0053] Specifically, the switch assembly 11 can also be directly connected to the flyback converter 13. When the flyback converter 13 receives power from an external power source, it can output a level signal, and the switch assembly 11 responds to the level signal and is turned on. When the controller assembly 10 is powered off during operation, the flyback converter 13 no longer outputs a level signal, the switch assembly 11 is turned off, thereby cutting off the connection between the fan 20 and the controller assembly 10.

[0054] For example, please see Figure 3 ,exist Figure 3In this example, AC 220V mains power is used as the external power source. The AC live wire (ACL) and AC neutral wire (ACN) of the controller assembly 10 are connected to the rectifier circuit 15 (rectifier bridge DB2), and then connected to the power factor correction circuit 16 (including PFC inductor L1, PFC switch IGBT-1 and resistor R1) and the bus capacitor 17 (bus capacitor E1 in the figure), and connected to the inverter circuit 18 (including intelligent power module (IPM)). The IPM integrates multiple functions to invert DC power into three-phase AC power to drive the DC fan 20. The control module 12 includes a flyback converter 13 and a control chip 14. The power input terminal of the flyback converter 13 is connected to the control chip 14 to connect to the mains power, and the power output terminal is connected to the switch assembly 11. The flyback converter 13 controls the on / off of the fan 20 and the external power source.

[0055] Please see Figure 1 In some embodiments, the controller component 10 further includes:

[0056] The input circuit has its power supply output terminal connected to the power supply input terminal of the control module 12, and its power supply input terminal connected to an external power source.

[0057] Optionally, the input circuit includes a rectifier circuit 15, the power supply input terminal of which is connected to an external power supply, and the power supply output terminal of the rectifier circuit 15 is connected to the power supply input terminal of the flyback converter 13.

[0058] The input circuit also includes:

[0059] Power factor correction circuit 16 (PFC circuit) is connected to an external power supply.

[0060] Bus capacitor 17, with its two ends connected to the power factor correction circuit 16 and the power input terminal of flyback converter 13, respectively.

[0061] Specifically, the input circuit converts AC or DC power supplied by an external power source into voltage and current matching the control module 12. The input circuit includes a rectifier circuit 15. For example, taking the conversion of AC to DC as an example, since the internal circuitry of the control module 12 typically requires a stable DC power supply to ensure normal operation, the rectifier circuit 15 converts the input DC power into a stable output voltage, thereby powering the flyback converter 13. The rectifier circuit 15 includes a PFC circuit and a bus capacitor 17. The PFC circuit improves power efficiency and reduces harmonic interference in the control module 12. The PFC circuit adjusts the AC current waveform to a near-sinusoidal waveform, thereby bringing the power factor of the power supply close to 1. The power factor is an indicator of power transmission efficiency; a higher power factor indicates more efficient energy transfer between the power source and the load. By setting up a PFC circuit, the impact of high-frequency noise and harmonics on the power supply module inside the control module 12 can be reduced. After the external power supply passes through the PFC circuit, the current waveform is modulated, and the power factor is improved. The current after power factor correction is transmitted to the bus capacitor 17, which stores and filters the current to provide a stable DC voltage. The DC voltage is transmitted to the flyback converter 13 through the bus capacitor 17, and further converted into the required output voltage. In this way, the power utilization efficiency can be improved, harmonic interference can be reduced, voltage stability can be improved, and the reliability and durability of the system can be enhanced.

[0062] Please see Figure 1 In some embodiments, the controller component 10 further includes:

[0063] Inverter circuit 18, the power input terminal of inverter circuit 18 is connected to rectifier circuit 15, and the power output terminal of inverter circuit 18 is connected to switch assembly 11.

[0064] The outdoor unit 100 includes:

[0065] The compressor 30 has its power input terminal connected to the inverter circuit 18 of the controller assembly 10.

[0066] Specifically, the power input terminal of the inverter circuit 18 is connected to the rectifier circuit 15, and the power output terminal (output pin) of the inverter circuit 18 is connected to the switching assembly 11. That is, the switching assembly 11 is located between the output pin of the inverter and the fan 20. The control terminal of the switching assembly 11 can be connected to the main control chip or directly connected to the flyback converter 13 to achieve power-on self-locking (i.e., the switching assembly 11 is on when powered on and off when powered off). The compressor 30 compresses the refrigerant, causing it to flow in the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioning system and produce a cooling or heating effect. The inverter can output AC power to drive the compressor 30. The inverter can also control the speed of the compressor 30 by adjusting the voltage and frequency, thereby affecting the cooling or heating effect of the air conditioning system and ensuring the stable operation of the air conditioning system.

[0067] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0068] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A controller component, characterized in that, For use in an outdoor unit, the outdoor unit including a fan, the controller assembly including: A switching assembly, wherein the power supply output terminal of the switching assembly is connected to the fan; A control module is connected to the switch assembly and is configured to control the switch assembly to be turned on or off, and the fan is configured to operate when the switch assembly is turned on.

2. The controller assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching assembly includes at least one of a relay, a thyristor, and an insulated gate bipolar transistor.

3. The controller assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The power input terminal of the switching assembly is connected to an external power source. The control module includes a flyback converter and a control chip. The power input terminal of the flyback converter is connected to an external power source, and the power output terminal of the flyback converter is connected to the control chip. The control chip is connected to the switching assembly.

4. The controller assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control chip includes a communication interface and is configured to control the switching component to be turned on or off based on the communication signals received through the communication interface.

5. The controller assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control module includes a flyback converter, the power input terminal of which is connected to an external power source, and the power output terminal of which is connected to the switching assembly.

6. The controller assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The controller component also includes: The input circuit has its power supply output terminal connected to the power supply input terminal of the control module, and its power supply input terminal connected to an external power source.

7. The controller assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The input circuit includes: A rectifier circuit, wherein the power supply input terminal of the rectifier circuit is connected to an external power source, and the power supply output terminal of the rectifier circuit is connected to the power supply input terminal of the flyback converter.

8. The controller assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The input circuit also includes: A power factor correction circuit, wherein the power factor correction circuit is connected to an external power supply; The bus capacitor has its two ends connected to the power factor correction circuit and the power input terminal of the flyback converter, respectively.

9. The controller assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The controller component also includes: An inverter circuit, wherein the power supply input terminal of the inverter circuit is connected to the rectifier circuit, and the power supply output terminal of the inverter circuit is connected to the switching assembly.

10. The controller assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The outdoor unit includes: The compressor has its power input terminal connected to the inverter circuit of the controller assembly.

11. An outdoor unit, characterized in that, include: Fan; and The controller component according to any one of claims 1-10.

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