Air conditioner and method for controlling automatic cleaning thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides an air conditioner (1000) and a method for controlling its automatic cleaning. The air conditioner (1000) includes an indoor unit (100), an outdoor unit (200), an indoor temperature detection device (400), and a controller (300). The indoor unit (100) includes an indoor heat exchanger (101). The outdoor unit (200) includes an outdoor heat exchanger (202). The indoor temperature detection device (400) is configured to detect an indoor ambient temperature. In response to receiving an automatic cleaning command, the controller (300) is configured to transition the air conditioner (1000) to an automatic cleaning mode and operate a heat exchanger to be cleaned as an evaporator, thereby performing control to cause frost to form on the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned, and to adjust operating parameters of the air conditioner (1000) based on the indoor ambient temperature. The heat exchanger to be cleaned is the outdoor heat exchanger (202) or the indoor heat exchanger (101).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of air conditioning, and in particular to a method for controlling an air conditioner and its automatic cleaning.

[0002] This application claims priority from a PCT international patent application bearing application number PCT / CN2023 / 084828, filed on March 29, 2023, which in turn claims priority from a Chinese patent application bearing application number 202211520667.5, filed on November 30, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] Air conditioners are one of the commonly used electrical appliances in daily life. Typically, air conditioners use a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, etc. to perform the cooling or heating cycle of the air conditioner, thereby transferring heat from a low-temperature fluid to a high-temperature fluid, thereby achieving the cooling and heating functions of the air conditioner. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, an indoor temperature detection device, and a controller. The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger. The outdoor unit includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve. The indoor temperature detection device is configured to detect an indoor ambient temperature. In response to receiving an automatic cleaning command, the controller is configured to transition the air conditioner to an automatic cleaning mode and operate the heat exchanger to be cleaned as an evaporator, thereby controlling the heat exchanger to form frost on its surface, and adjust operating parameters of the air conditioner based on the indoor ambient temperature. The heat exchanger to be cleaned is either the outdoor heat exchanger or the indoor heat exchanger. The automatic cleaning command includes a first command and a second command. The first command is configured to instruct cleaning of the indoor heat exchanger, and the second command is configured to instruct cleaning of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0005] In another aspect, a method for controlling automatic cleaning of an air conditioner is provided. The method is applied to a controller of the air conditioner. The air conditioner includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and an indoor temperature detection device. The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger, and the outdoor unit includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve. The indoor temperature detection device is configured to detect an indoor ambient temperature. The method includes the steps of: in response to receiving an automatic cleaning command, transitioning the air conditioner to an automatic cleaning mode and operating a heat exchanger to be cleaned as an evaporator, thereby controlling the heat exchanger to be cleaned so that frost forms on the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned; and adjusting operating parameters of the air conditioner based on the indoor ambient temperature. The heat exchanger to be cleaned is either the outdoor heat exchanger or the indoor heat exchanger. The automatic cleaning command includes a first command and a second command. The first command is configured to instruct cleaning of the indoor heat exchanger, and the second command is configured to instruct cleaning of the outdoor heat exchanger. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is another structural diagram of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the direction of refrigerant flow in a cooling mode of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the direction of refrigerant flow in a heating mode of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart of steps performed by a controller of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an air conditioner communication system according to some embodiments. [Figure 8] 10 is another flowchart of steps performed by a controller of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. [Figure 9]10 is yet another flowchart of steps performed by a controller of an air conditioner in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 10] 10 is yet another flowchart of steps performed by a controller of an air conditioner in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 11] 10 is yet another flowchart of steps performed by a controller of an air conditioner in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 12] 10 is yet another flowchart of steps performed by a controller of an air conditioner in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 13] 10 is yet another flowchart of steps performed by a controller of an air conditioner in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 14] 10 is yet another flowchart of steps performed by a controller of an air conditioner in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 15] 10 is yet another flowchart of steps performed by a controller of an air conditioner in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 16] 1 is an operational flowchart of steps performed by a controller of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. [Figure 17] 10 is another operational flowchart of steps performed by a controller of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. [Figure 18] 10 is another operational flowchart of steps performed by a controller of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described herein are only some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not cover all embodiments. Based on the embodiments provided in the present disclosure, all other embodiments that can be obtained by a person skilled in the art with ordinary technical knowledge shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0008] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprise" and other forms thereof, such as the third-person singular form "comprises" and the present participle form "comprising," are to be construed in an open and inclusive sense, i.e., "including but not limited to." In the description of the specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. Schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic may be incorporated into any one or more embodiments or examples, as appropriate.

[0009] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are for descriptive purposes only and cannot be construed as indicating or implying the relative importance or number of technical features depicted. Thus, a feature qualified by "first" or "second" explicitly or implicitly encompasses the inclusion of one or more of that feature. In describing embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0010] In describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms "coupled" and "connected" and their derivatives may be used. The term "connected" should be interpreted broadly; for example, "connected" encompasses a fixedly retained connection, a detachable connection, or integral formation, and may mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. In describing some embodiments, the term "coupled" may be used to indicate that two or more components are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, the terms "coupled" or "communicatively coupled" may also mean that two or more components are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the contents of this specification.

[0011] "A and / or B" includes the three combinations of A only, B only, and a combination of A and B.

[0012] The use of "applied to" or "configured to" herein is intended to be open and inclusive language that does not exclude devices being adapted or configured to perform additional tasks or steps.

[0013] As used herein, the term "if" is interpreted to mean, depending on the context, optionally, "if," "when," "in response to determining," or "in response to detecting." Similarly, the phrase "upon determining that" or "if [a described condition or event] is detected" is interpreted to mean, depending on the context, optionally, "upon determining that," "in response to determining," "when [a described condition or event] is detected," or "in response to [a described condition or event] being detected."

[0014] Because dust is present in the air, dust easily accumulates on the heat exchanger (e.g., the indoor or outdoor heat exchanger) of the air conditioner during operation, affecting the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger. Furthermore, long-term accumulation of dust inside the air conditioner can facilitate bacterial growth and potentially affect air quality. Conventional technologies address the problem of dust accumulation on heat exchangers by causing frost and thawing on the heat exchanger to be cleaned. For example, operating the air conditioner in cooling or heating mode causes frost to form on the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned, and then the air conditioner defrosts the frost to water. The water flows downward to remove dust from the heat exchanger, thereby cleaning it. However, during the automatic cleaning process, the indoor heat exchanger, which was a condenser or evaporator before the automatic cleaning, may be changed to operate as an evaporator or condenser. This can easily change the indoor ambient temperature, thereby affecting the heating or cooling effect of the air conditioner.

[0015] To solve the above problems, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an air conditioner 1000. FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner (hereinafter also referred to as an air conditioner) 1000 includes an indoor unit 100 and an outdoor unit 200. The indoor unit 100 and the outdoor unit 200 are connected via piping to transport a refrigerant. The indoor unit 100 is configured to adjust the temperature and humidity of indoor air. The outdoor unit 200 is installed outdoors, and the indoor unit 100 is installed indoors. FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the air conditioner 1000 is a separate air conditioner (e.g., a wall-mounted air conditioner) and the indoor unit 100 is hung on a wall inside the room. Of course, the air conditioner 1000 in some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be an integrated air conditioner (e.g., a window air conditioner), and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, since the indoor unit 100 in FIG. 1 is located indoors and the outdoor unit 200 is located outdoors, the outdoor unit 200 is shown in broken lines in FIG.

[0016] FIG. 2 is another structural diagram of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, an indoor unit 100 includes an indoor heat exchanger 101 and an indoor fan 102. An outdoor unit 200 includes a compressor 201, an outdoor heat exchanger 202, an outdoor fan 203, an expansion valve 204, and a four-way valve 205. The compressor 201, the outdoor heat exchanger 202, the expansion valve 204, and the indoor heat exchanger 101 are connected in sequence to form a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit and exchanges heat with ambient air via the outdoor heat exchanger 202 and the indoor heat exchanger 101, respectively, thereby realizing the cooling mode or the heating mode of the air conditioner 1000.

[0017] The indoor heat exchanger 101 is configured to perform heat exchange between the indoor air and the refrigerant transported by the indoor heat exchanger 101. For example, in the cooling mode of the air conditioner 1000, the indoor heat exchanger 101 operates as an evaporator, whereby the refrigerant that has dissipated heat via the outdoor heat exchanger 202 absorbs heat from the indoor air by the indoor heat exchanger 101 and evaporates. In the heating mode of the air conditioner 1000, the indoor heat exchanger 101 operates as a condenser, whereby the refrigerant that has absorbed heat via the outdoor heat exchanger 202 is condensed by releasing heat to the indoor air by the indoor heat exchanger 101.

[0018] The indoor fan 102 is configured to draw indoor air into the indoor unit 100 from the indoor air inlet of the indoor unit 100, and to send out the indoor air after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 101 from the indoor air outlet of the indoor unit 100. The indoor fan 102 supplies driving force to the flow of indoor air.

[0019] The compressor 201 is configured to compress a refrigerant, thereby compressing a low-pressure refrigerant into a high-pressure refrigerant.

[0020] The outdoor heat exchanger 202 is configured to perform heat exchange between the outdoor air and the refrigerant transported by the outdoor heat exchanger 202. For example, in the cooling mode of the air conditioner 1000, the outdoor heat exchanger 202 operates as a condenser, whereby the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 201 dissipates heat into the outdoor air by the outdoor heat exchanger 202 and is condensed. In the heating mode of the air conditioner 1000, the outdoor heat exchanger 202 operates as an evaporator, whereby the refrigerant after decompression absorbs heat from the outdoor air by the outdoor heat exchanger 202 and evaporates.

[0021] The outdoor fan 203 is configured to draw outdoor air into the outdoor unit 200 from an outdoor air inlet of the outdoor unit 200, and to send out the outdoor air from an outdoor air outlet of the outdoor unit 200 after heat exchange with the outdoor heat exchanger 202. The outdoor fan 203 provides power for the flow of the outdoor air, thereby causing the outdoor air to flow through the outdoor heat exchanger 202 and exchange heat with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 202.

[0022] The expansion valve 204 is connected between the outdoor heat exchanger 202 and the indoor heat exchanger 101. Depending on the opening degree of the expansion valve 204, the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 202 and the indoor heat exchanger 101 is adjusted, and the flow rate of the refrigerant circulating between the outdoor heat exchanger 202 and the indoor heat exchanger 101 is adjusted. The flow rate and pressure of the refrigerant circulating between the outdoor heat exchanger 202 and the indoor heat exchanger 101 affect the heat exchange performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 202 and the indoor heat exchanger 101. The opening degree of the expansion valve 204 is adjustable, thereby controlling the flow rate and pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the expansion valve 204. For example, the expansion valve 204 expands the liquid-phase refrigerant condensed in the condenser to produce low-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant. Note that in some embodiments of the present disclosure, a case where the expansion valve 204 is disposed in the outdoor unit 200 will be described as an example. Of course, in other embodiments, the expansion valve 204 may also be disposed in the indoor unit 100.

[0023] A four-way valve 205 is connected in the refrigerant circuit and is configured to operate the air conditioner 1000 in a cooling mode or a heating mode by switching the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit.

[0024] The cooling mode and heating mode of the air conditioner 1000 will be described in detail below using Figures 3 and 4 as examples. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction in the cooling mode of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction in the heating mode of an air conditioner according to some embodiments.

[0025] 3 and 4 , the exhaust port of the compressor 201 is connected to a first end A of a four-way valve 205, a second end B of the four-way valve 205 is connected to a first end of the outdoor heat exchanger 202, a second end of the outdoor heat exchanger 202 is connected to a first end of the expansion valve 204, a second end of the expansion valve 204 is connected to a first end of the indoor heat exchanger 101, a second end of the indoor heat exchanger 101 is connected to a third end C of the four-way valve 205, and a fourth end D of the four-way valve 205 is connected to an intake port of the compressor 201. In this way, by controlling the state of the four-way valve 205, the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit can be controlled, and further the operation mode of the air conditioner 1000 can be controlled.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, when the air conditioner 1000 operates in cooling mode, the first terminal A and the second terminal B of the four-way valve 205 communicate with each other, and the third terminal C and the fourth terminal D of the four-way valve 205 communicate with each other. The compressor 201 compresses gas refrigerant to produce high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant and discharges the refrigerant through the exhaust port. The discharged refrigerant flows into the first terminal A of the four-way valve 205 and then flows from the second terminal B of the four-way valve 205 to the first terminal of the outdoor heat exchanger 202. The outdoor heat exchanger 202 functions as a condenser and condenses the compressed refrigerant into liquid refrigerant. During this condensation process, the refrigerant releases heat to the surrounding environment (outdoors). The condensed refrigerant flows through the second terminal of the outdoor heat exchanger 202 and into the first terminal of the expansion valve 204, where it is expanded into low-pressure liquid refrigerant by the expansion valve 204. The expanded refrigerant flows through the second port of the expansion valve 204 to the indoor heat exchanger 101. The indoor heat exchanger 101 functions as an evaporator and evaporates the expanded refrigerant. During this evaporation process, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the ambient environment (indoor), thereby achieving cooling for the indoor environment. The evaporated refrigerant returns to the compressor 201 through the third port C and the fourth port D of the four-way valve 205.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, when the air conditioner 1000 operates in heating mode, the first terminal A and the third terminal C of the four-way valve 205 communicate with each other, and the second terminal B and the fourth terminal D of the four-way valve 205 communicate with each other. The compressor 201 compresses gas refrigerant to produce high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant and discharges the refrigerant through the exhaust port. The discharged refrigerant flows into the first terminal A of the four-way valve 205 and then flows from the third terminal C of the four-way valve 205 to the second terminal of the indoor heat exchanger 101. The indoor heat exchanger 101 functions as a condenser, condensing the compressed refrigerant into liquid refrigerant. During this condensation process, the refrigerant releases heat to the surrounding environment (room), thereby achieving heating for the indoor environment. The condensed refrigerant flows through the first terminal of the indoor heat exchanger 101 and into the second terminal of the expansion valve 204, where it is expanded into low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The expanded refrigerant flows through a first port of the expansion valve 204 to the outdoor heat exchanger 202. The outdoor heat exchanger 202 functions as an evaporator and evaporates the expanded refrigerant. During this evaporation process, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the surrounding environment (outdoors). The evaporated refrigerant returns to the compressor 201 through the second port B and the fourth port D of the four-way valve 205.

[0028] 5 is a block diagram of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the air conditioner 1000 further includes an indoor temperature detection device 400. The indoor temperature detection device 400 is installed in a room and configured to detect the indoor ambient temperature. The specific installation location of the indoor temperature detection device 400 in the room can be determined according to actual requirements.

[0029] For example, the indoor temperature detection device 400 is a temperature sensor. A temperature sensor refers to a sensor that can sense temperature and convert the temperature information into a usable output signal. Temperature sensors can be classified into contact temperature sensors and non-contact temperature sensors based on the measurement method. Alternatively, temperature sensors can be classified into resistance temperature detector (RTD) temperature sensors and thermocouple temperature sensors based on the characteristics of the sensor material and its internal electronic components. It should be noted that the temperature sensor in some embodiments of the present disclosure can be selected according to the actual application requirements.

[0030] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2 , the air conditioner 1000 further includes a controller 300. The controller 300 is configured to realize each predetermined function of the air conditioner 1000 by controlling the operation of each component within the air conditioner 1000. For example, the controller 300 controls the operating frequency of the compressor 201, the opening degree of the expansion valve 204, and the rotation speed of the indoor fan 102. The controller 300 is connected to the compressor 201, the expansion valve 204, the outdoor fan 203, and the indoor fan 102 via data cables to transmit communication information. The controller 300 is also coupled to an indoor temperature detection device 400 and acquires the indoor ambient temperature detected by the indoor temperature detection device 400.

[0031] The controller 300 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and may be configured to perform corresponding operations described in the controller 300 when the processor executes a program stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium coupled to the controller 300.

[0032] In some embodiments, the air conditioner 1000 further includes a display panel. The display panel is configured to display status information of the air conditioner, including operating parameters (temperature, humidity, air speed, etc.), operating modes (cooling mode, heating mode, automatic cleaning mode, etc.), and fault conditions (such as a network connection failure). The display panel may be disposed on the housing of the air conditioner 1000 or may be disposed on a control device (e.g., wired controller 301, remote control 302, etc.).

[0033] The steps performed by the controller 300 in some embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of steps performed by a controller of an air conditioner according to some embodiments.

[0035] In some embodiments, the controller 300 is configured to perform the following steps.

[0036] In step 11, in response to receiving the automatic cleaning command, the air conditioner 1000 is controlled to transition to the automatic cleaning mode.

[0037] The operating process of the air conditioner 1000 in the automatic cleaning mode includes a freezing stage (also called a cooling stage or a refrigeration stage) and a defrosting stage. When the air conditioner 1000 transitions to the automatic cleaning mode, the air conditioner 1000 first enters the freezing stage, and then transitions to the defrosting stage after certain conditions are met. Here, the freezing stage refers to operating the heat exchanger to be cleaned as an evaporator, thereby forming frost on the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned.

[0038] In some embodiments, when the frost layer on the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned satisfies the cleaning requirements, the air conditioner 1000 enters the defrosting stage. For example, when the time that the heat exchanger to be cleaned is operated as an evaporator reaches a predetermined time, or when the coil temperature of the heat exchanger to be cleaned reaches a predetermined temperature, or when the coil temperature of the heat exchanger to be cleaned reaches a predetermined temperature and is maintained for a predetermined time, or when the indoor ambient temperature reaches a predetermined temperature and is maintained for a predetermined time, it is determined that the amount of frost on the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned satisfies the cleaning requirements, the controller 300 determines that the heat exchanger to be cleaned has completed frosting, and the air conditioner 1000 enters the defrosting stage.

[0039] The defrosting step refers to operating the heat exchanger to be cleaned as a condenser to melt the frost on the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned, thereby achieving cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned.

[0040] In some embodiments, when the frost layer on the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is completely melted, the air conditioner 1000 ends the defrosting stage. For example, when the defrosting time of the heat exchanger to be cleaned reaches a predetermined time, or when the temperature of the coil of the heat exchanger to be cleaned reaches a predetermined temperature, or when the temperature of the coil of the heat exchanger to be cleaned reaches a predetermined temperature and is maintained for a predetermined time, the controller 300 determines that the defrosting of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is complete, and the air conditioner 1000 ends the defrosting stage, thereby completing the cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned.

[0041] In some embodiments, when the controller 300 receives an automatic cleaning command, it stores the current operating conditions of the air conditioner 1000, such as the current temperature and humidity.

[0042] In some embodiments, the controller 300 transmits its operating status to a control device (e.g., a wired controller 301, a smartphone app, a remote control 302, etc.).

[0043] In some embodiments, the display panel or control device of the air conditioner 1000 displays operation mode information, operation status information, etc. of the air conditioner 1000. Among these, the operation mode information includes an "auto-cleaning indicator" configured to notify the user that the air conditioner 1000 has entered the self-cleaning mode.

[0044] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the blower (i.e., fan) stops operating for a predetermined period of time. This is understandable because the freezing stage is intended to allow frost to form on the surface of the heat exchanger being cleaned. Since the wind generated by the fan's operation can adversely affect frost formation efficiency, the blower is not operated during the freezing stage. Note that if the heat exchanger being cleaned during this stage is an indoor heat exchanger, the blower corresponds to the indoor fan, and if the heat exchanger being cleaned during this stage is an outdoor heat exchanger, the blower corresponds to the outdoor fan.

[0045] In some embodiments, during the freeze stage operation, the display panel or control device of the air conditioner 1000 displays "AUTO CLEAN MODE" and "FREEZE STAGE", etc.

[0046] In some embodiments, during the defrost phase operation, the compressor stops operating and remains in operation for a predetermined time.

[0047] In some embodiments, the blower operates at a reduced rotational speed during defrost phase operation, such as a reduced rotational speed during cooling operation or a reduced rotational speed during quiet cooling mode.

[0048] In some embodiments, the expansion valve is opened to a smaller extent during the defrost phase of operation.

[0049] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger to be cleaned is the outdoor heat exchanger 202 or the indoor heat exchanger 101. The automatic cleaning command includes a first command and a second command. The automatic cleaning mode includes a first automatic cleaning mode and a second automatic cleaning mode.

[0050] Fig. 7 is a block diagram of an air conditioner communication system according to some embodiments. As shown in Figs. 1 and 7, a button 103 is provided on the air conditioner 1000 (e.g., the indoor unit 100), and the user can input the automatic cleaning command through this button 103. Alternatively, the user can input the automatic cleaning command through a control device such as a wired controller 301, a smartphone app, or a remote control 302. Alternatively, a timer automatic cleaning function of the air conditioner 1000 can be realized by previously setting an automatic cleaning command in the air conditioner 1000 that can be triggered by a time drive.

[0051] When the controller 300 receives the first command, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to transition to the first automatic cleaning mode. In this case, the indoor heat exchanger 101 is the heat exchanger to be cleaned, and the controller 300 controls the refrigerant flow direction using the four-way valve 205 so that the refrigerant flow direction is the same as the refrigerant flow direction in the cooling mode. This causes the indoor heat exchanger 101 to operate as an evaporator, allowing frost to form on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 101. After the amount of frost meets the cleaning requirement, the controller 300 changes the refrigerant flow direction again using the four-way valve 205 to operate the indoor heat exchanger 101 as a condenser, thereby defrosting the indoor heat exchanger 101. Note that the following will be described in detail using a specific example in which the controller 300 transitions to the first automatic cleaning mode when it receives the first command, but a redundant description of the case in which the controller 300 transitions to the second automatic cleaning mode when it receives the second command will be omitted.

[0052] When the controller 300 receives the second command, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to transition to the second automatic cleaning mode. In this case, the outdoor heat exchanger 202 is the heat exchanger to be cleaned, and the controller 300 controls the refrigerant flow direction using the four-way valve 205 so that the refrigerant flow direction is the same as the refrigerant flow direction in the heating mode. This causes the outdoor heat exchanger 202 to operate as an evaporator, allowing frost to form on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 202. After the amount of frost meets the cleaning requirement, the controller 300 changes the refrigerant flow direction again using the four-way valve 205 to operate the outdoor heat exchanger 202 as a condenser, thereby causing the outdoor heat exchanger 202 to defrost.

[0053] In step 12, the indoor ambient temperature detected by the indoor temperature detection device is acquired, and the operating parameters of the air conditioner 1000 are adjusted based on the indoor ambient temperature.

[0054] In some embodiments, step 12 includes controlling operating parameters of the compressor and the expansion valve based on the indoor ambient temperature, specifically, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically obtains the indoor ambient temperature, and performs a first adjustment to the operating parameters of the compressor and / or the expansion valve if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, and performs a second adjustment to the operating parameters of the compressor and / or the expansion valve if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature.

[0055] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically acquires the indoor ambient temperature, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, it controls the compressor to increase the frequency and the expansion valve to increase the opening, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, it controls the compressor to decrease the frequency and the expansion valve to decrease the opening.

[0056] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically acquires the indoor ambient temperature, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, it controls the compressor frequency to increase or the expansion valve opening to increase; if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, it controls the compressor frequency to decrease and the expansion valve opening to decrease.

[0057] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically acquires the indoor ambient temperature, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, controls the compressor to increase the frequency and the expansion valve to increase the opening degree, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, controls the compressor to decrease the frequency or the expansion valve to decrease the opening degree.

[0058] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically acquires the indoor ambient temperature, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, it controls the compressor frequency to increase or the expansion valve opening to increase; if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, it controls the compressor frequency to decrease or the expansion valve opening to decrease.

[0059] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically acquires the indoor ambient temperature, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, it controls the compressor to increase the frequency and the expansion valve to increase the opening degree, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, it controls the compressor to increase the frequency and the expansion valve to increase the opening degree.

[0060] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically acquires the indoor ambient temperature, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, it controls to increase the compressor frequency or increase the opening of the expansion valve, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, it controls to increase the compressor frequency and increase the opening of the expansion valve.

[0061] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically acquires the indoor ambient temperature, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, it controls the compressor to increase its frequency and the expansion valve to increase its opening, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, it controls the compressor to increase its frequency or the expansion valve to increase its opening.

[0062] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically acquires the indoor ambient temperature, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, it controls the compressor to increase the frequency or the expansion valve to increase the opening degree, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, it controls the compressor to increase the frequency or the expansion valve to increase the opening degree.

[0063] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically acquires the indoor ambient temperature, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, it controls the compressor frequency to be reduced and the expansion valve opening to be reduced; if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, it controls the compressor frequency to be reduced and the expansion valve opening to be reduced.

[0064] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically acquires the indoor ambient temperature, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, it controls to reduce the compressor frequency or reduce the opening of the expansion valve, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, it controls to reduce the compressor frequency and reduce the opening of the expansion valve.

[0065] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically acquires the indoor ambient temperature, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, performs control to reduce the compressor frequency and reduce the opening of the expansion valve; if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, performs control to reduce the compressor frequency or reduce the opening of the expansion valve.

[0066] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically acquires the indoor ambient temperature, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, it controls to reduce the compressor frequency or reduce the opening of the expansion valve, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, it controls to reduce the compressor frequency or reduce the opening of the expansion valve.

[0067] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically acquires the indoor ambient temperature, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, it controls the compressor frequency to be reduced and the expansion valve opening to be reduced, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, it controls the compressor frequency to be increased and the expansion valve opening to be increased.

[0068] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically acquires the indoor ambient temperature, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, it controls to reduce the compressor frequency or reduce the opening of the expansion valve, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, it controls to increase the compressor frequency and increase the opening of the expansion valve.

[0069] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically acquires the indoor ambient temperature, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, it controls to reduce the compressor frequency and reduce the opening of the expansion valve, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, it controls to increase the compressor frequency or increase the opening of the expansion valve.

[0070] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically acquires the indoor ambient temperature, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, it controls the compressor frequency to be reduced or the expansion valve opening to be reduced, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, it controls the compressor frequency to be increased or the expansion valve opening to be increased.

[0071] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically acquires the indoor ambient temperature, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, controls to reduce the compressor frequency and reduce the opening of the expansion valve, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, controls to maintain the compressor frequency and the opening of the expansion valve.

[0072] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically obtains the indoor ambient temperature, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, it controls to reduce the compressor frequency or reduce the opening of the expansion valve, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, it controls to maintain the compressor frequency and the opening of the expansion valve.

[0073] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically acquires the indoor ambient temperature, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, controls to reduce the compressor frequency and reduce the opening of the expansion valve, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, controls to maintain the compressor frequency or the expansion valve opening.

[0074] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically obtains the indoor ambient temperature, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, it controls to reduce the compressor frequency or reduce the opening of the expansion valve, and if it determines that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, it controls to maintain the compressor frequency or the expansion valve opening.

[0075] In some embodiments, the critical temperature is preset as needed, for example, 0 degrees.

[0076] The above-mentioned range of adjustment of the compressor frequency and the range of increase or decrease of the opening of the expansion valve may be the same or different.

[0077] In the same embodiment, when the compressor frequency or the expansion valve opening is adjusted in the same direction (for example, when both are increased) before and after the indoor ambient temperature meets the critical temperature, the increase or decrease amount may be the same or different. Also, in the above embodiment, the compressor frequency and the expansion valve opening are described as examples, but the present invention is not limited to controlling only these two components, nor is it limited to controlling two parameters, the compressor frequency or the expansion valve opening.

[0078] In some embodiments, step 12 includes controlling the air conditioner 1000 to switch modes based on the indoor ambient temperature, and specifically includes the following processing.

[0079] In some embodiments, during the freezing stage, the controller 300 can periodically obtain the indoor ambient temperature. The controller 300 adjusts the operating mode of the air conditioner 1000 based on the indoor ambient temperature, thereby changing the operating parameters of the air conditioner 1000 to prevent excessive changes in the indoor ambient temperature from affecting the cooling or heating effect of the air conditioner 1000. Different heat exchangers to be cleaned have different refrigerant flow directions during the freezing stage, which can result in a drop or rise in the indoor ambient temperature during the freezing stage, making the indoor ambient temperature prone to being too low or too high. Therefore, a first, second, and third setting ranges for the indoor ambient temperature are preset. The first setting range corresponds to a situation where the indoor ambient temperature is too low, the third setting range corresponds to a situation where the indoor ambient temperature is relatively appropriate, and the second setting range corresponds to a situation where the indoor ambient temperature is too high.

[0080] If the indoor ambient temperature is within the first set range, the indoor ambient temperature is too low and needs to be increased quickly. If the target heat exchanger is continuously operated as an evaporator, frost may form on the surface of the target heat exchanger, causing the indoor ambient temperature to continue to drop, further adversely affecting the user experience. Therefore, the air conditioner 1000 needs to be controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to a first mode (e.g., heating mode) or a first sub-mode (e.g., heating sub-mode).

[0081] If the indoor ambient temperature is within the second set range, the indoor ambient temperature is too high and a rapid decrease in the indoor ambient temperature is required. In the automatic cleaning mode, the heat exchanger to be cleaned operates as an evaporator and is capable of cooling, but since the blower is stopped in the automatic cleaning mode, the cool air generated by the air conditioner 1000 cannot be quickly released into the room. Therefore, it is necessary to control the air conditioner 1000 to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to a second mode (e.g., cooling mode) or a second sub-mode (e.g., cooling sub-mode).

[0082] When the indoor ambient temperature is within a third set range, the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to a third mode (for example, a heating mode) or a third sub-mode (for example, a heating sub-mode).

[0083] Here, the first submode, second submode, and third submode refer to the heating submode, cooling submode, state hold submode, and air blowing submode in the automatic cleaning mode, or other submodes in which the air conditioner can operate in the automatic cleaning mode (including, but not limited to, "Freezing Mode 1," "Freezing Mode 2," and fresh air introduction submode).

[0084] Here, the first, second and third modes may be a heating mode, a cooling mode, a state holding mode, a ventilation mode, or any other mode in which the air conditioner can operate (including, but not limited to, a fresh air introduction mode).

[0085] 8 is another flowchart of steps performed by a controller of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, step 12 performed by controller 300 includes steps 121 to 125.

[0086] In step 121, it is determined that the indoor ambient temperature is within a first set range, and control is performed so that the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode or the first sub-mode. The following describes the case where the air conditioner 1000 switches to the first mode as an example.

[0087] When the indoor ambient temperature is within the first set range, i.e., when the indoor ambient temperature is low, the controller 300 needs to control the air conditioner 1000 to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode in order to raise the indoor ambient temperature and restore it to the appropriate temperature range. In the first mode, at least one of the operating frequency of the compressor 201 of the air conditioner 1000 or the opening degree of the expansion valve 204 is changed, and the indoor ambient temperature is adjusted (e.g., raised) accordingly.

[0088] In some embodiments, the indoor fan operates at an automatic fan speed.

[0089] In step 122, it is determined that the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the first mode is within a first predetermined time and that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a first predetermined temperature, and control is performed to switch the air conditioner 1000 from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode again, where the first predetermined temperature is greater than the upper limit value of the first setting range.

[0090] When the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode, if the indoor ambient temperature rises to the first predetermined temperature within the first predetermined time, the heating effect of the air conditioner 1000 is good and the indoor ambient temperature can meet the user's requirements. In this case, the controller 300 can execute control to switch the air conditioner 1000 from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode again.

[0091] In some embodiments, even after the air conditioner 1000 returns from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode, the controller 300 continues to monitor the indoor ambient temperature via the corresponding indoor temperature detection device, and if it detects that the indoor ambient temperature is low, it controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back to the first mode.

[0092] In step 123, it is determined that the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the first mode is within a first predetermined time and that the indoor ambient temperature has not reached the first predetermined temperature, and the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to maintain the first mode.

[0093] When the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode, if the indoor ambient temperature does not rise to the first predetermined temperature within the first predetermined time, the indoor ambient temperature does not yet meet the user's requirements, and in this case, the air conditioner 1000 needs to maintain the first mode.

[0094] In step 124, the air conditioner 1000 determines that the operating time in the first mode has exceeded the first predetermined time and that the indoor ambient temperature is lower than the first predetermined temperature, and controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode, so that the air conditioner 1000 continues to clean the heat exchanger to be cleaned until cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is completed.

[0095] In step 125, the air conditioner 1000 determines that the operating time in the first mode has exceeded the first predetermined time and that the indoor ambient temperature has reached the first predetermined temperature, and controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode, so that the air conditioner 1000 continues to clean the heat exchanger to be cleaned until cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is completed.

[0096] The first predetermined time is set in advance to improve automatic cleaning efficiency while satisfying user requests. When the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode, if the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the first mode exceeds the first predetermined time, the heating effect of the air conditioner 1000 becomes insignificant. In this case, if the air conditioner 1000 continues to operate in the first mode, the rate of increase in the indoor ambient temperature decreases, resulting in an extension of the time required for automatic cleaning. Therefore, in such a case, in order to improve automatic cleaning efficiency, the controller 300 can execute control to switch the air conditioner 1000 back from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode when the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the first mode exceeds the first predetermined time.

[0097] In some embodiments, after the air conditioner 1000 returns from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode, the controller 300 does not switch the operating mode based on the indoor ambient temperature, but immediately continues to perform the automatic cleaning operation until cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is completed.

[0098] In this way, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch between the first mode and the automatic cleaning mode based on the indoor ambient temperature, i.e., when either the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the first mode reaches a first predetermined time or the indoor ambient temperature reaches the first predetermined temperature is satisfied, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode. This makes it possible to realize the processing of step 12.

[0099] To further improve the efficiency of automatic cleaning, the first set range, the first predetermined temperature, and the first predetermined time are limited.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first setting range includes a first sub-setting range and a second sub-setting range, and the upper limit of the first sub-setting range is lower than the lower limit of the second sub-setting range. The first predetermined temperature includes a first sub-setting temperature and a second sub-setting temperature. The first predetermined time includes a first heating operation time slot and a second heating operation time slot. The first sub-setting temperature and the first heating operation time slot correspond to the first sub-setting range, and the second sub-setting temperature and the second heating operation time slot correspond to the second sub-setting range. In this way, by dividing the first setting range into the first sub-setting range and the second sub-setting range, it is possible to further improve automatic cleaning efficiency while satisfying user requirements.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first sub-predetermined temperature and the second sub-predetermined temperature are equal.

[0102] In some embodiments, the first sub-predetermined temperature and the second sub-predetermined temperature are different.

[0103] In some embodiments, the first heating operating time slot and the second heating operating time slot may be equal.

[0104] In some embodiments, the first and second heating operating periods may be different.

[0105] In some embodiments, when the air conditioner 1000 is operating in the automatic cleaning mode, if the indoor ambient temperature is within the first sub-setting range, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to transition to the first mode because the current indoor ambient temperature is low.

[0106] In this case, the first sub-predetermined temperature and the first heating operation time period are set to shorten the automatic cleaning time as much as possible and increase the automatic cleaning efficiency while satisfying the user's requirements, thereby controlling the operation time and heating effect of the air conditioner 1000 in the first mode.

[0107] When the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode, if the indoor ambient temperature rises to (or exceeds) the first sub-predetermined temperature during the first heating operation period, the heating effect of the air conditioner 1000 is good and the indoor ambient temperature can meet the user's requirements. In this case, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode.

[0108] Furthermore, even after the air conditioner 1000 returns from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode, the controller 300 continues to monitor the indoor ambient temperature via the indoor temperature detection device 400, and controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back to the first mode at an appropriate time when the indoor ambient temperature becomes relatively low.

[0109] When the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode, if the indoor ambient temperature does not reach the first sub-predetermined temperature within the first heating operation period, it indicates that the indoor ambient temperature does not meet the user's requirements, and the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to maintain the first mode.

[0110] When the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode, if the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the first mode exceeds the first heating operation time period and the indoor ambient temperature is still lower than the first sub-predetermined temperature, the heating effect of the air conditioner 1000 will be insufficient. In this case, if the air conditioner 1000 remains in the first mode, the indoor ambient temperature will rise relatively slowly, resulting in an extended time required for automatic cleaning. Therefore, in order to improve the efficiency of automatic cleaning in this case, when the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the first mode exceeds the first heating operation time period, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode, and the controller 300 does not switch the operating mode based on the indoor ambient temperature, but instead immediately continues the automatic cleaning operation until cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is completed.

[0111] When the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode, if the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the first mode exceeds the first heating operation time period and the indoor ambient temperature reaches the first sub-predetermined temperature, the air conditioner 1000 is controlled to switch back from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode, so that the air conditioner 1000 continues to clean the heat exchanger to be cleaned until cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is completed.

[0112] Similar to the control process when the indoor ambient temperature is within the first sub-setting range, if the indoor ambient temperature is within the second sub-setting range during the process in which the air conditioner 1000 is operating in the automatic cleaning mode, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to transition to the first mode because the current indoor ambient temperature is low.

[0113] When the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode, if the indoor ambient temperature rises to (or exceeds) the second sub-predetermined temperature during the second heating operation period, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode. Even after the air conditioner 1000 switches back from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode, the controller 300 continues to monitor the indoor ambient temperature via the indoor temperature detection device 400, and controls the air conditioner 1000 to immediately switch back to the first mode if the indoor ambient temperature drops.

[0114] When the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode, if the indoor ambient temperature does not reach the second sub-predetermined temperature within the second heating operation period, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to maintain the first mode.

[0115] When the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode, if the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the first mode exceeds the second heating operation time period and the indoor ambient temperature remains lower than the second sub-predetermined temperature, the controller 300 can control the air conditioner 1000 to switch back from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode, and the controller 300 does not switch the operation mode based on the indoor ambient temperature, but immediately continues to perform the automatic cleaning operation until cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is completed.

[0116] When the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode, if the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the first mode exceeds the second heating operation time period and the indoor ambient temperature reaches the second sub-predetermined temperature, the controller 300 can control the air conditioner 1000 to switch back from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode, and the controller 300 does not switch the operation mode based on the indoor ambient temperature, but immediately continues to perform the automatic cleaning operation until cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is completed.

[0117] In addition, when the temperature within the second sub-setting range is higher than the temperature within the first sub-setting range and the first sub-predetermined temperature is equal to the second sub-predetermined temperature, the control of raising the temperature within the second sub-setting range to the second sub-predetermined temperature is easier to control and requires less control time than the control of raising the temperature within the first sub-setting range to the first sub-predetermined temperature. Therefore, in this case, the second heating operation period is shorter than the first heating operation period. Furthermore, for details of the control process when the temperature is within the second sub-setting range, please refer to the control process when the temperature is within the first sub-setting range, and therefore a detailed description will not be repeated here.

[0118] Since different indoor ambient temperatures require different cooling times to recover to the user-requested temperature, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first setting range is divided into the first sub-setting range and the second sub-setting range, and different sub-predetermined temperatures and cooling time periods are set corresponding to each sub-setting range, thereby shortening the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the first mode and further improving the automatic cleaning efficiency.

[0119] 9 is yet another flowchart of steps executed by a controller of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. The above steps will now be described by way of example with reference to FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, the controller 300 is configured as follows.

[0120] In step 13, when the air conditioner 1000 is operating in the automatic cleaning mode, the indoor ambient temperature E is acquired.

[0121] In step 14, it is determined whether the indoor ambient temperature E is within the first sub-setting range. If it is, step 15 is executed; if it is not, step 20 is executed.

[0122] In step 15, the air conditioner 1000 is controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode.

[0123] In step 16, it is determined whether the indoor ambient temperature E reaches the first sub-predetermined temperature. If so, step 17 is executed, and if not, step 18 is executed.

[0124] In step 17, the air conditioner 1000 is controlled to switch from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode.

[0125] In step 18, it is determined whether the operation time of the air conditioner 1000 in the first mode exceeds the first heating operation time slot. If yes, step 19 is executed; if no, step 16 is executed again.

[0126] In step 19, the air conditioner 1000 is switched from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode, and the air conditioner 1000 is controlled to perform the automatic cleaning operation until cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is completed.

[0127] In step 20, it is determined whether the indoor ambient temperature E is within the second sub-setting range. If it is, step 21 is executed, and if it is not, other control logic, such as the subsequent steps 26 to 38, is executed.

[0128] In step 21, the air conditioner 1000 is controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode.

[0129] In step 22, it is determined whether the indoor ambient temperature E reaches the second sub-predetermined temperature. If so, step 23 is executed; if not, step 24 is executed.

[0130] In step 23, the air conditioner 1000 is controlled to switch from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode.

[0131] In step 24, it is determined whether the operation time of the air conditioner 1000 in the first mode exceeds the second heating operation time period. If yes, step 25 is executed; if no, step 22 is executed again.

[0132] In step 25, the air conditioner 1000 is controlled to switch from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode, and is controlled so that the air conditioner 1000 performs the automatic cleaning operation until cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is completed.

[0133] Since the appropriate indoor ambient temperature required by different users varies, the second sub-predetermined temperature may be determined according to the requirements of most users, and this application is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the first sub-predetermined temperature may be preset according to actual needs. The first heating operation time slot and the second heating operation time slot may be the same or different, and both may be preset according to actual needs, and this application is not limited thereto.

[0134] The first setting range has been described above as an example of a case where the indoor ambient temperature is too low, whereas the second setting range will be described below as an example of a case where the indoor ambient temperature is too high.

[0135] 10 is yet another flowchart of steps performed by a controller of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the controller 300 performs the following:

[0136] In step 126, it is determined that the indoor ambient temperature is within the second set range, and control is performed so that the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode or the second sub-mode. The following describes in detail the case where the air conditioner 1000 switches to the second mode as an example.

[0137] Specifically, when the indoor ambient temperature is within the second set range, the indoor ambient temperature is relatively high, and therefore the controller 300 must control the air conditioner 1000 to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode in order to lower the indoor ambient temperature and bring the indoor ambient temperature into an appropriate temperature range. Furthermore, the second predetermined time is set in advance to improve automatic cleaning efficiency while satisfying user requests. In the second mode, at least one of the operating frequency of the compressor 201 of the air conditioner 1000 or the opening degree of the expansion valve 204 is changed to adjust (e.g., lower) the indoor ambient temperature.

[0138] In some embodiments, the indoor fan operates at an automatic fan speed.

[0139] In step 127, it is determined that the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the second mode is within a second predetermined time and the indoor ambient temperature is lower than a second predetermined temperature, and control is performed so that the air conditioner 1000 switches from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode again. Here, the second predetermined temperature is lower than the lower limit value of the second setting range.

[0140] Specifically, when the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode, if the indoor ambient temperature drops to (e.g., is less than) the second predetermined temperature within the second predetermined time, the cooling effect of the air conditioner 1000 is good and the indoor ambient temperature can meet the user's demand. In this case, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode. Even after the air conditioner 1000 switches back from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode, the controller 300 continues to monitor the indoor ambient temperature via the indoor temperature detection device 400, and controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back to the second mode in a timely manner when the indoor ambient temperature becomes relatively high.

[0141] In step 128, it is determined that the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the second mode is within a second predetermined time and that the indoor ambient temperature has not reached the second predetermined temperature, and the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to maintain the second mode.

[0142] In step 129, it is determined that the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the second mode exceeds the second predetermined time and the indoor ambient temperature has not reached the second predetermined temperature, and the air conditioner 1000 is controlled to switch back from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode, thereby continuing to clean the heat exchanger to be cleaned until the air conditioner 1000 completes cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned.

[0143] In step 130, it is determined that the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the second mode exceeds the second predetermined time and the indoor ambient temperature is lower than the second predetermined temperature, and the air conditioner 1000 is controlled to switch back from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode, thereby continuing to clean the heat exchanger to be cleaned until the air conditioner 1000 completes cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned.

[0144] When the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode, if the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the second mode exceeds the second predetermined time and the indoor ambient temperature is still higher than the second predetermined temperature, the cooling effect of the air conditioner 1000 will be insufficient. In this case, if the air conditioner 1000 continues to operate in the second mode, the indoor ambient temperature will decrease relatively slowly, resulting in an extended time for automatic cleaning. Therefore, in order to improve the efficiency of automatic cleaning in this case, when the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the second mode exceeds the second predetermined time, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode. Furthermore, after the air conditioner 1000 returns from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode, the controller 300 does not switch the operating mode based on the indoor ambient temperature, but instead immediately continues the automatic cleaning operation until cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is completed.

[0145] In this way, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch between the second mode and the automatic cleaning mode based on the indoor ambient temperature, i.e., when either the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the second mode exceeds a second predetermined time or the indoor ambient temperature is lower than the second predetermined temperature, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode. This makes it possible to realize the processing of step 12 above.

[0146] To further improve the efficiency of automatic cleaning, the second set range, the second predetermined temperature, and the second predetermined time are limited.

[0147] In some embodiments, the second setting range includes a third sub-setting range and a fourth sub-setting range, and the upper limit of the third sub-setting range is lower than the lower limit of the fourth sub-setting range. The second predetermined temperature includes a third sub-setting temperature and a fourth sub-setting temperature. The second predetermined time includes a first cooling operation time slot and a second cooling operation time slot. The third sub-setting temperature and the first cooling operation time slot correspond to the third sub-setting range, and the fourth sub-setting temperature and the second cooling operation time slot correspond to the fourth sub-setting range. In this way, by dividing the second setting range into the third sub-setting range and the fourth sub-setting range, automatic cleaning can be further improved while satisfying user requirements.

[0148] In some embodiments, the third sub-predetermined temperature and the fourth sub-predetermined temperature are equal.

[0149] In some embodiments, the first sub-predetermined temperature, the second sub-predetermined temperature, the third sub-predetermined temperature, and the fourth sub-predetermined temperature may all be equal.

[0150] When the air conditioner 1000 is operating in the automatic cleaning mode, if the indoor ambient temperature is within the third sub-set range, the current indoor ambient temperature is relatively high, and the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to transition to the second mode. In some embodiments, when the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode, if the indoor ambient temperature drops to (below) the third sub-predetermined temperature within the first cooling operation time slot, the cooling effect of the air conditioner 1000 is good, and the indoor ambient temperature can meet the user's requirements. In this case, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode.

[0151] Furthermore, even after the air conditioner 1000 returns from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode, the controller 300 continues to monitor the indoor ambient temperature via the indoor temperature detection device 400, and controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch to the second mode at an appropriate time when the indoor ambient temperature becomes relatively high.

[0152] In some embodiments, when the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode, if the indoor ambient temperature does not reach the third sub-predetermined temperature within the first cooling operation time period, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to maintain the second mode.

[0153] In some embodiments, when the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode, if the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the second mode exceeds the first cooling operation time slot and the indoor ambient temperature has not reached the third sub-predetermined temperature, the cooling effect of the air conditioner 1000 will be insufficient. In this case, if the air conditioner 1000 continues to operate in the second mode, the indoor ambient temperature will decrease relatively slowly, resulting in an extended period of time required for automatic cleaning. Therefore, in order to improve the efficiency of automatic cleaning in this case, when the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the second mode exceeds the first cooling operation time slot, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode, and the controller 300 does not switch the operating mode based on the indoor ambient temperature, but instead controls the automatic cleaning operation to be performed until cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is completed.

[0154] In some embodiments, when the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode, if the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the second mode exceeds the first cooling operation time period and the indoor ambient temperature is lower than the third sub-predetermined temperature, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode, and the controller 300 does not switch the operating mode based on the indoor ambient temperature, but instead controls the air conditioner 1000 to perform the automatic cleaning operation until cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is completed.

[0155] Similar to the control process when the indoor ambient temperature is within the third sub-setting range, if the air conditioner 1000 is operating in the automatic cleaning mode, if the indoor ambient temperature is within the fourth sub-setting range, the current indoor ambient temperature is relatively high, and the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to transition to the second mode.

[0156] In this case, the fourth sub-predetermined temperature and the second cooling operation time period are set to meet user requirements while shortening the automatic cleaning time as much as possible and increasing the automatic cleaning efficiency, thereby controlling the operating time and cooling effect of the air conditioner 1000 in the second mode.

[0157] In some embodiments, when the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode, if the indoor ambient temperature drops to (below) the fourth sub-predetermined temperature during the second cooling operation period, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode.

[0158] In some embodiments, when the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode, if the indoor ambient temperature does not reach the fourth sub-predetermined temperature within the second cooling operation time period, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to maintain the second mode.

[0159] In some embodiments, when the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode, if the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the second mode exceeds the second cooling operation time period and the indoor ambient temperature has not reached the fourth sub-predetermined temperature, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode, and the controller 300 does not switch the operating mode based on the indoor ambient temperature, but instead controls the air conditioner 1000 to perform the automatic cleaning operation until cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is completed.

[0160] In some embodiments, when the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode, if the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the second mode exceeds the second cooling operation time period and the indoor ambient temperature is lower than the fourth sub-predetermined temperature, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode, and the controller 300 does not switch the operating mode based on the indoor ambient temperature, but directly performs the automatic cleaning operation until cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is completed.

[0161] If the temperature within the fourth sub-setting range is higher than the temperature within the third sub-setting range and the third sub-predetermined temperature is equal to the fourth sub-predetermined temperature, the control of lowering the temperature within the third sub-setting range to the third sub-predetermined temperature is easier to control and requires less control time than the control of lowering the temperature within the fourth sub-setting range to the fourth sub-predetermined temperature. Therefore, in this case, the third heating control period is shorter than the fourth heating control period. Furthermore, for details of the control process when the temperature is within the fourth sub-setting range, reference can be made to the control process when the temperature is within the third sub-setting range, and therefore a detailed description will not be repeated here.

[0162] Since the cooling time required to return to the user-requested temperature varies depending on the indoor ambient temperature, therefore, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second setting range is divided into the third sub-setting range and the fourth sub-setting range, and different sub-predetermined temperatures and cooling time periods corresponding to each sub-setting range are set, thereby shortening the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the second mode and further improving automatic cleaning.

[0163] 11 is yet another flowchart of steps executed by a controller of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. The above steps will now be described by way of example with reference to FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 11, the controller 300 is further configured as follows.

[0164] In step 26, when the air conditioner 1000 is operating in the automatic cleaning mode, the indoor ambient temperature E is acquired.

[0165] In step 27, it is determined whether the indoor ambient temperature E is within the third sub-setting range. If it is, step 28 is executed; if it is not, step 33 is executed.

[0166] In step 28, the air conditioner 1000 is controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode.

[0167] In step 29, it is determined whether the indoor ambient temperature E is lower than the third sub-predetermined temperature. If it is, step 30 is executed; if it is not, step 31 is executed.

[0168] In step 30, the air conditioner 1000 is controlled to switch from the second mode back to the automatic cleaning mode.

[0169] In step 31, it is determined whether the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the second mode has exceeded the first cooling operation time slot. If so, step 32 is executed; if not, the process returns to step 29.

[0170] In step 32, the air conditioner 1000 is controlled to switch back from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode, and is controlled to perform the automatic cleaning operation until cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is completed.

[0171] In step 33, it is determined whether the indoor ambient temperature E is within the fourth sub-setting range. If it is, step 34 is executed, and if it is not, other control logic, for example, steps 13 to 25 above, is executed.

[0172] In step 34, the air conditioner 1000 is controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode.

[0173] In step 35, it is determined whether the indoor ambient temperature E is lower than the fourth sub-predetermined temperature. If it is, step 36 is executed, and if it is not, step 37 is executed.

[0174] In step 36, the air conditioner 1000 is controlled to switch from the second mode back to the automatic cleaning mode.

[0175] In step 37, it is determined whether the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the second mode has exceeded the second cooling operation time period. If so, step 38 is executed; if not, the process returns to step 35.

[0176] In step 38, the air conditioner 1000 is controlled so as to switch back from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode, and is controlled so as to perform the automatic cleaning operation until cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is completed.

[0177] The second sub-predetermined temperature may be determined in advance according to actual needs. The first cooling operation time slot and the second cooling operation time slot may be the same or different, and both may be set according to actual needs, and the present application does not limit this.

[0178] FIG. 12 is yet another flowchart of steps performed by a controller of an air conditioner according to some embodiments.

[0179] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12, the controller 300 is further configured to perform steps 401 to 403.

[0180] In step 401, it is determined that the heat exchanger to be cleaned is the indoor heat exchanger 101.

[0181] In step 402, if the indoor fan 102 is in the on state immediately before the air conditioner 1000 switches back to the automatic cleaning mode, the controller 300 controls the indoor fan 102 to continue operating for a first target time. After the indoor fan 102 has operated for the first target time, the controller 300 controls the indoor fan 102 to be turned off.

[0182] In step 403, if the air conditioner 1000 is in the off state immediately before switching the air conditioner 1000 back to the automatic cleaning mode, the air conditioner 1000 is controlled to maintain the off state for a second target time. When the time the air conditioner 1000 has spent in the off state reaches the second target time, the air conditioner 1000 is controlled to operate the indoor heat exchanger 101 as an evaporator for a third target time, and the indoor fan 102 is started and controlled to operate for the third target time.

[0183] During the process of frosting on the heat exchanger to be cleaned (e.g., indoor heat exchanger 102), operating the indoor fan 102 for a short period of time can increase the air circulation effect and increase the flow rate of moisture in the air passing through the heat exchanger to be cleaned. This increases the amount of frost that forms on the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned, effectively accelerating the heat exchanger cleaning process.

[0184] The motor of the indoor fan 102 may be a PG motor having a Hall element, and has a rotation speed feedback circuit for feeding back the rotation speed of the indoor fan 102. The controller 300 obtains the rotation speed of the indoor fan 102 through the rotation speed feedback circuit, and determines the operating state of the indoor fan 102 based on this. Of course, the controller 300 can also detect the operating state of the indoor fan 102 using other detection methods.

[0185] 13 is yet another flowchart of steps executed by a controller of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. The above steps will be exemplarily described below with reference to FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 13, the controller 300 is further configured to execute steps 39 to 45.

[0186] In step 39, the operation mode of the air conditioner 1000 is acquired.

[0187] In step 40, it is determined whether the operation mode of the air conditioner 1000 is the first automatic cleaning mode. If so, step 41 is executed; if not, the process returns to step 39.

[0188] In response to receiving an automatic cleaning command, the controller 300 determines the operating mode of the air conditioner 1000, thereby determining whether the heat exchanger to be cleaned is the indoor heat exchanger 101 or the outdoor heat exchanger 202.

[0189] In step 41, the operating state of the indoor fan 102 immediately before the air conditioner 1000 switches back to the automatic cleaning mode is acquired.

[0190] In step 42, it is determined whether the indoor fan 102 is on immediately before the air conditioner 1000 switches back to the automatic cleaning mode. If so, step 43 is executed, and if not, step 44 is executed.

[0191] In step 43, the indoor fan 102 is controlled to continue operating for a first target time.

[0192] In step 44, it is determined whether the air conditioner 1000 is in the off state immediately before the air conditioner 1000 switches back to the automatic cleaning mode. If this is the case, step 45 is executed, and if this is not the case, other control logic, for example, steps 13 to 25, is executed.

[0193] In step 45, the air conditioner 1000 is controlled to remain off for a second target time, and when the off time of the air conditioner 1000 reaches the second target time, the indoor heat exchanger 101 is controlled to operate as an evaporator for a third target time, and the indoor fan 102 is controlled to be turned on and operate for the third target time.

[0194] In some embodiments, after the temperature falls within a first set range and the air conditioner switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode, or after the temperature falls within a second set range and the air conditioner switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode, the controller 300 is further configured to:

[0195] The operating parameters of the compressor and the expansion valve are controlled based on the indoor ambient temperature. Specifically, in the freezing stage, the controller 300 periodically acquires the indoor ambient temperature, and when it is determined that the indoor ambient temperature has reached a critical temperature, performs control to make a first adjustment to the operating parameters of the compressor and / or the expansion valve, and when it is determined that the indoor ambient temperature is below the critical temperature, performs control to make a second adjustment to the operating parameters of the compressor and / or the expansion valve. Note that various control means in various cases can be referred to the relevant descriptions above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0196] In some embodiments, step 12 includes controlling the air conditioner 1000 to adopt different cooling and refrigeration methods based on the indoor ambient temperature, which includes:

[0197] When the indoor ambient temperature is within a fourth set range, the air conditioner 1000 is controlled to adopt a cooling and freezing mode 1 (also called a freezing mode 1);

[0198] When the indoor ambient temperature is within a fifth set range, the air conditioner 1000 is controlled to adopt the cooling and freezing mode 2 (also called the freezing mode 2).

[0199] In some embodiments, the fourth setting range includes the first sub-setting range or the third sub-setting range.

[0200] In some embodiments, the fifth setting range includes the second sub-setting range or the fourth sub-setting range.

[0201] In some embodiments, the third setting range is divided into a fifth sub-setting range and a sixth sub-setting range, and the upper limit value of the fifth sub-setting range is smaller than the lower limit value of the sixth sub-setting range, in which case the fourth setting range includes the fifth sub-setting range and the fifth setting range includes the sixth sub-setting range.

[0202] In some embodiments, in the cooling and refrigeration system 1, the controller 300

[0203] Controlling the compressor frequency to a first frequency, the blower wind speed to a first wind speed, or the expansion valve opening to a first opening so as to operate for a predetermined time,

[0204] acquire an indoor ambient temperature, and if the indoor ambient temperature is equal to or higher than a critical temperature, perform control to make a third adjustment to the operating parameters of the compressor and expansion valve of the air conditioner, and if the indoor ambient temperature is lower than the critical temperature, perform control to make a fourth adjustment to the operating parameters of the compressor and expansion valve of the air conditioner;

[0205] When the freeze termination condition is satisfied, the rotation speed and wind speed of the blower are controlled to be the second wind speed (also called the cooling low wind speed).

[0206] In some embodiments, in cooling and refrigeration method 2, the controller 300

[0207] Controlling the compressor frequency to a first frequency, the blower wind speed to a first wind speed, or the expansion valve opening to a first opening so as to operate for a predetermined time;

[0208] acquire an indoor ambient temperature, and if the indoor ambient temperature is equal to or higher than a critical temperature, perform control to make a third adjustment to the operating parameters of the compressor and expansion valve of the air conditioner, and if the indoor ambient temperature is lower than the critical temperature, perform control to make a fourth adjustment to the operating parameters of the compressor and expansion valve of the air conditioner;

[0209] When the freeze termination condition is satisfied, the rotation speed and wind speed of the blower are controlled to be a third wind speed (also called a quiet cooling rotation speed).

[0210] In some embodiments, freeze termination conditions include:

[0211] The indoor coil temperature is lower than a first predetermined temperature and the duration reaches a first time; or

[0212] The indoor ambient temperature is lower than a second predetermined temperature and the duration reaches a second time; or

[0213] This includes the duration of time after entering automatic cleaning mode reaching the third hour.

[0214] 14 is yet another flowchart of steps performed by a controller of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the controller 300 is further configured to perform step 46.

[0215] In step 46, after the heat exchanger to be cleaned has completed frosting, the air conditioner 1000 controls the heat exchanger to be cleaned to operate as a condenser, thereby defrosting the heat exchanger to be cleaned. Here, the opening degree of the expansion valve 204 during defrosting by the heat exchanger to be cleaned is equal to or less than the opening degree during frosting by the heat exchanger to be cleaned. In this way, during the thawing process by the heat exchanger to be cleaned, the refrigerant can have a relatively high temperature, which helps to melt the frost on the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned.

[0216] 15 is yet another flowchart of steps performed by a controller of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG.

[0217] In step 1210, control is performed so that the air conditioner 1000 is stopped for a fourth target time before the air conditioner 1000 switches between the first mode and the first automatic cleaning mode, or before the air conditioner 1000 switches between the second mode and the second automatic cleaning mode.

[0218] When the air conditioner 1000 is in the frosting stage of the first automatic cleaning mode, the refrigerant flow direction is the same as the refrigerant flow direction in the cooling mode. When the air conditioner 1000 is in the frosting stage of the second automatic cleaning mode, the refrigerant flow direction is the same as the refrigerant flow direction in the heating mode. When the air conditioner 1000 switches between the first mode and the first automatic cleaning mode, or between the second mode and the second automatic cleaning mode, the refrigerant flow direction may change. Therefore, in order to protect the air conditioner 1000, the controller 300 must stop the air conditioner 1000 when switching modes.

[0219] In the air conditioner 1000 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an indoor temperature detection device 400 is installed indoors to detect the indoor ambient temperature, and the indoor ambient temperature can be monitored in real time when the air conditioner 1000 is operating in the automatic cleaning mode. This allows the operating parameters of the air conditioner 1000 to be adjusted based on the indoor ambient temperature, thereby preventing the cooling or heating effect of the air conditioner 1000 from being affected by excessive changes in the indoor ambient temperature during automatic cleaning.

[0220] FIG. 16 is an operational flowchart of steps performed by a controller of an air conditioner according to some embodiments.

[0221] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 16, the controller is configured to perform steps S11-S12.

[0222] S11: In response to an automatic cleaning command, the air conditioner transitions to automatic cleaning mode, controls the heat exchanger to be cleaned to function as an evaporator, and performs a freezing process, where the heat exchanger to be cleaned is the outdoor heat exchanger or the indoor heat exchanger.

[0223] Specifically, the automatic cleaning command includes an indoor heat exchanger automatic cleaning command and an outdoor heat exchanger automatic cleaning command. When the automatic cleaning command is an indoor heat exchanger automatic cleaning command, the indoor heat exchanger is automatically cleaned, and in this case, the indoor heat exchanger first functions as an evaporator to perform a freezing process, causing frost to form on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger. When the automatic cleaning command is an outdoor heat exchanger automatic cleaning command, the outdoor heat exchanger is automatically cleaned, and in this case, the outdoor heat exchanger first functions as an evaporator to perform a freezing process, causing frost to form on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0224] S12: Adjust the operating parameters of the air conditioner based on the indoor ambient temperature.

[0225] Specifically, the automatic cleaning mode includes a freeze stage and a defrost stage. After the air conditioner enters the automatic cleaning mode and operates for a predetermined time, the system operates stably and is in the freeze stage, and the operating parameters of the air conditioner are adjusted based on the monitored indoor ambient temperature to avoid user discomfort caused by excessive changes in the indoor ambient temperature and improve the user experience.

[0226] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: control the air conditioner to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the heating mode when the indoor ambient temperature is within a preset low temperature range (referred to as a first set range); control the air conditioner to switch from the heating mode to the automatic cleaning mode again if the air conditioner detects that the indoor ambient temperature reaches a preset target temperature within a preset heating operation time period after entering the heating mode, where the preset target temperature is greater than the maximum value of the preset low temperature range; and control the air conditioner to return from the heating mode to the automatic cleaning mode and continue the automatic cleaning process until completion when the indoor ambient temperature does not reach the preset target temperature and the current time exceeds the preset heating operation time period in the heating mode.

[0227] In some embodiments, adjusting the operating parameters of the air conditioner based on the indoor ambient temperature includes controlling the air conditioner to switch between a heating mode and an automatic cleaning mode based on the indoor ambient temperature. Specifically, a case where the indoor ambient temperature is relatively low is taken into consideration. When the indoor ambient temperature is in a predetermined low temperature range, the temperature is relatively low, indicating that the user's comfort level is relatively low. Therefore, the air conditioner switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the heating mode, thereby increasing the indoor ambient temperature and raising it to a user comfort temperature range.

[0228] In some embodiments, a preset heating operation time period is set to balance user comfort and automatic cleaning efficiency. That is, when the air conditioner switches to heating mode, the preset heating operation time period is initiated. If the indoor ambient temperature is detected to have risen to the preset target temperature during this time period, it indicates that the heating effect is good and a temperature that is relatively comfortable for the user is achieved. At this time, the air conditioner may switch from heating mode to automatic cleaning mode and continue automatic cleaning. Even after returning to automatic cleaning mode, the indoor ambient temperature is continuously monitored to ensure that the air conditioner switches back to heating mode when the temperature becomes relatively low. If the indoor ambient temperature has not reached the preset target temperature even after the preset heating operation time period has ended, it indicates that the heating effect is not significant. Continuing to maintain heating mode will result in a poor increase in the indoor ambient temperature and will also extend the automatic cleaning cycle. Therefore, in such a case, in order to ensure the efficiency of the automatic cleaning, after the preset heating operation time period has ended, the air conditioner is returned from heating mode to automatic cleaning mode, and as long as this is the automatic cleaning, the mode is not switched based on the indoor ambient temperature, and the automatic cleaning operation is carried out directly until the automatic cleaning is completed.

[0229] In some embodiments, the preset low temperature section includes a first preset low temperature section (also referred to as a first sub-range) and a second preset low temperature section (also referred to as a second sub-range), and the maximum value of the first preset low temperature section is lower than the minimum value of the second preset low temperature section. The preset target temperatures include at least a low optimum temperature and an ideal temperature. The low optimum temperature is lower than the ideal temperature, and the low optimum temperature is higher than the maximum value of the second preset low temperature section. The preset heating operation time slots include a first heating operation time slot and a second heating operation time slot. The preset target temperature corresponding to the first preset low temperature section is the low optimum temperature, the preset target temperature corresponding to the second preset low temperature section is the ideal temperature, the preset heating operation time slot corresponding to the first preset low temperature section is the first heating operation time slot, and the preset heating operation time slot corresponding to the second preset low temperature section is the second heating operation time slot.

[0230] Specifically, in order to more accurately balance automatic cleaning efficiency and user experience, the preset low temperature section is divided into a first preset low temperature section and a second preset low temperature section, and the maximum value of the first preset low temperature section is lower than the minimum value of the second preset low temperature section.

[0231] When an air conditioner is operating stably in automatic cleaning mode, if it detects that the indoor ambient temperature is in a first preset low-temperature range, this indicates that the temperature is low and lower than the second preset low-temperature range. To improve the user experience and shorten the automatic cleaning cycle as much as possible, a preset target temperature is set as the low optimum temperature. Because the low optimum temperature is lower than the ideal temperature, the air conditioner can be switched to heating mode to raise the temperature. Based on this, in some embodiments, a first heating operation time period is set to balance user comfort and automatic cleaning efficiency. That is, when the air conditioner switches to heating mode, the first heating operation time period begins. If the indoor ambient temperature is detected to have risen to the low optimum temperature during this period, this indicates that the heating effect is good and a temperature that is relatively comfortable for the user has been achieved. At this time, the air conditioner may be switched back from heating mode to automatic cleaning mode to continue automatic cleaning. Even after returning to automatic cleaning mode, the indoor ambient temperature is continuously monitored to ensure that the air conditioner switches back to heating mode when the temperature becomes relatively low. Even if the first heating operation period ends, if the indoor ambient temperature has not yet reached the optimum low temperature, the heating effect will be insignificant. Continuing to maintain the heating mode will not effectively raise the indoor ambient temperature, leading to an extension of the automatic cleaning cycle. In this case, to ensure the efficiency of the automatic cleaning, the air conditioner returns from heating mode to automatic cleaning mode after the first heating operation period ends. Furthermore, for this automatic cleaning, the mode is not switched based on the indoor ambient temperature, and the automatic cleaning operation continues until it is completed.

[0232] If the air conditioner detects that the indoor ambient temperature is in a second preset low temperature range while operating stably in automatic cleaning mode, this indicates that the temperature is low but higher than the first preset low temperature range, and that it is not difficult to raise the temperature to the ideal temperature. Here, the ideal temperature is higher than the low optimum temperature. Therefore, to further improve the user experience, the preset target temperature is set as the ideal temperature, and the air conditioner is switched to heating mode to raise the temperature. Based on this, a second heating operation time period is set to further balance user comfort and automatic cleaning efficiency. That is, the second heating operation time period begins when the air conditioner switches to heating mode. If the indoor ambient temperature is detected to have risen to the ideal temperature during this period, it indicates that the heating effect is good and the most comfortable temperature for the user has been achieved. At this time, the air conditioner may be switched back from heating mode to automatic cleaning mode to continue automatic cleaning. Even after returning to automatic cleaning mode, the indoor ambient temperature is continuously monitored to ensure that the air conditioner switches back to heating mode when the temperature becomes relatively low. Even if the second heating operation period ends, if the indoor ambient temperature has not yet reached the optimum low temperature, the heating effect will be insignificant. Continuing to maintain heating mode will not effectively raise the indoor ambient temperature, leading to an extension of the automatic cleaning cycle. In this case, to ensure automatic cleaning efficiency, after the second heating operation period ends, the air conditioner returns from heating mode to automatic cleaning mode. Furthermore, for this automatic cleaning, the mode is not switched based on the indoor ambient temperature, and the automatic cleaning operation continues until it is completed.

[0233] The most comfortable temperature varies from user to user, but the ideal temperature may be a relatively comfortable temperature determined to suit the needs of most people, and is not limited thereto. A low optimum temperature is also a relatively comfortable temperature for the human body, and its specific value may be preset by the manufacturer. The specific durations of the first heating operation period and the second heating operation period may be the same or different, and the specific value may be set by the manufacturer according to actual needs, and is not limited thereto.

[0234] Figure 17 is another operation flowchart of the controller execution steps of the air conditioner according to some embodiments.

[0235] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 17, the controller is configured to execute steps S13 to S25.

[0236] S13: When the air conditioner operates stably in the automatic cleaning mode, obtain the indoor environmental temperature E. Then, proceed to step S14.

[0237] S14: Determine whether the indoor environmental temperature E is within a preset first low temperature range, that is, whether E < L. If applicable, proceed to step S15; if not, proceed to S20.

[0238] S15: Control the air conditioner to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the heating mode. Then, proceed to step S16.

[0239] S16: Determine whether the indoor environmental temperature E reaches the low appropriate temperature U-M and whether the current time is within the first heating operation time zone. If applicable, proceed to step S17; if not, proceed to step S18.

[0240] S17: Control the air conditioner to switch back from the heating mode to the automatic cleaning mode.

[0241] S18: Determine whether the current time has exceeded the first heating operation time zone. If applicable, proceed to step S19; if not, return to step S16.

[0242] S19: By controlling the air conditioner to switch back from the heating mode to the automatic cleaning mode, the air conditioner is made to execute the automatic cleaning operation until the automatic cleaning is completed.

[0243] S20: Determine whether the indoor environmental temperature E is within a preset second low-temperature range, that is, whether L ≤ E < U - M. If so, proceed to step S21; if not, proceed to other control logics, for example, steps S26 - S38 later.

[0244] S21: Control the air conditioner to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the heating mode. Then, proceed to step S22.

[0245] S22: Determine whether the indoor environmental temperature E reaches the ideal temperature U and the current time is within the second heating operation time zone. If so, proceed to step S23; if not, proceed to step S24.

[0246] S23: Control the air conditioner to switch back from the heating mode to the automatic cleaning mode.

[0247] S24: Determine whether the current time exceeds the second heating operation time zone. If so, proceed to step S25; if not, return to step S22.

[0248] S25: By controlling the air conditioner to switch back from the heating mode to the automatic cleaning mode, make the air conditioner execute the automatic cleaning operation until the automatic cleaning is completed.

[0249] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: control the air conditioner to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the cooling mode when the indoor ambient temperature is within a predetermined high temperature range (also referred to as a second set range); control the air conditioner to switch from the cooling mode to the automatic cleaning mode again when the air conditioner detects that the indoor ambient temperature reaches a predetermined target temperature within a predetermined cooling operation time period after entering the cooling mode, where the predetermined target temperature is lower than the minimum value of the predetermined high temperature range; and control the air conditioner to return from the cooling mode to the automatic cleaning mode and continue the automatic cleaning process until completion when the indoor ambient temperature does not reach the predetermined target temperature and the current time exceeds the predetermined cooling operation time period in the cooling mode.

[0250] Specifically, adjusting the operating parameters of the air conditioner based on the indoor ambient temperature includes controlling the air conditioner to switch between a cooling mode and an automatic cleaning mode based on the indoor ambient temperature. Specifically, a case where the indoor ambient temperature is relatively high is taken into consideration. When the indoor ambient temperature is in a predetermined high temperature range, it indicates that the temperature is relatively high and the user's comfort level is relatively low. Therefore, the air conditioner switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the cooling mode, thereby lowering the indoor ambient temperature and raising it to a user comfort temperature range. In some embodiments, a predetermined cooling operation time period is set to achieve both user comfort and automatic cleaning efficiency. That is, when the air conditioner switches to the cooling mode, the predetermined cooling operation time period is initiated. If it is detected that the indoor ambient temperature has dropped to the predetermined target temperature within that time period, it indicates that the cooling effect is good and a temperature that is relatively comfortable for the user is achieved. In this case, the air conditioner may be switched back to the automatic cleaning mode from the cooling mode to continue automatic cleaning. Even after returning to automatic cleaning mode, the indoor ambient temperature is continuously monitored to ensure that the air conditioner switches back to cooling mode when the temperature becomes relatively high. If the indoor ambient temperature has not reached the preset target temperature even after the preset cooling operation period has ended, this indicates that the cooling effect is not significant. Continuing to operate in cooling mode will result in a poor reduction in the indoor ambient temperature and an extension of the automatic cleaning cycle. In this case, to ensure automatic cleaning efficiency, the air conditioner switches back from cooling mode to automatic cleaning mode after the preset cooling operation period has ended. For this automatic cleaning, the mode is not switched based on the indoor ambient temperature, but the automatic cleaning operation continues until the automatic cleaning is complete.

[0251] In some embodiments, the preset high temperature zone includes a first preset high temperature zone (also referred to as a third sub-range) and a second preset high temperature zone (also referred to as a fourth sub-range). The maximum value of the first preset high temperature zone is lower than the minimum value of the second preset high temperature zone. The preset target temperatures include at least a high optimum temperature and an ideal temperature. The high optimum temperature is higher than the ideal temperature, and the high optimum temperature is lower than the minimum value of the first preset high temperature zone. The preset cooling operation time slots include a first cooling operation time slot and a second cooling operation time slot. The preset target temperature corresponding to the first preset high temperature zone is the ideal temperature, the preset target temperature corresponding to the second preset high temperature zone is the high optimum temperature, the preset cooling operation time slot corresponding to the first preset high temperature zone is the first cooling operation time slot, and the preset cooling operation time slot corresponding to the second preset high temperature zone is the second cooling operation time slot.

[0252] Specifically, in order to more accurately balance automatic cleaning efficiency and user experience, the preset high temperature section is divided into a first preset high temperature section and a second preset high temperature section, and the maximum value of the first preset high temperature section is lower than the minimum value of the second preset high temperature section.

[0253] When the air conditioner is operating stably in automatic cleaning mode, if it detects that the indoor ambient temperature is in the first preset low-temperature range, the temperature is relatively high but lower than the second preset low-temperature range, making it difficult to lower the temperature to the ideal temperature. Therefore, to further improve the user experience, a preset target temperature is set as the ideal temperature, and the air conditioner is switched to cooling mode to lower the indoor ambient temperature. Based on this, a first cooling operation time period is set to further balance user comfort and automatic cleaning efficiency. That is, when the air conditioner switches to cooling mode, the first cooling operation time period begins. If it detects that the indoor ambient temperature has dropped to the ideal temperature during this period, it indicates that the cooling effect is good and the most comfortable temperature for the user has been achieved. At this time, the air conditioner may be switched back from cooling mode to automatic cleaning mode to continue automatic cleaning. Even after switching back to automatic cleaning mode, the indoor ambient temperature continues to be monitored to ensure that the air conditioner switches back to cooling mode when the temperature becomes relatively high. Even if the first cooling operation period ends, if the indoor ambient temperature has not reached the ideal temperature, the cooling effect will be insignificant. Continuing to operate in cooling mode will result in a poor reduction in the indoor ambient temperature, leading to an extension of the automatic cleaning cycle. In this case, to ensure the efficiency of automatic cleaning, the air conditioner returns from cooling mode to automatic cleaning mode after the first cooling operation period ends. Furthermore, for this automatic cleaning, the mode is not switched based on the indoor ambient temperature, and the automatic cleaning operation continues until it is completed.

[0254] When the air conditioner is operating stably in automatic cleaning mode, if it detects that the indoor ambient temperature is in a second preset low-temperature range, this indicates that the temperature is relatively high and higher than the first preset low-temperature range. To improve the user experience and shorten the automatic cleaning cycle as much as possible, the preset target temperature may be set as a high optimum temperature. Since the high optimum temperature is higher than the ideal temperature, the air conditioner may be switched to cooling mode to lower the temperature. Based on this, in some embodiments, a second cooling operation time period is set to balance user comfort and automatic cleaning efficiency. When the air conditioner switches to cooling mode, the second cooling operation time period is initiated. If the air conditioner detects that the indoor ambient temperature has dropped to a high optimum temperature during this period, this indicates that the cooling effect is good and a temperature that is relatively comfortable for the user has been achieved. At this time, the air conditioner may be switched back from cooling mode to automatic cleaning mode to continue automatic cleaning. Even after returning to automatic cleaning mode, the indoor ambient temperature continues to be monitored to ensure that the air conditioner switches back to cooling mode when the temperature becomes relatively high. If the indoor ambient temperature has not yet reached the optimum temperature even after the first cooling operation period has ended, this indicates that the cooling effect will be insignificant. Continuing to operate in cooling mode will result in a poor reduction in the indoor ambient temperature, leading to an extension of the automatic cleaning cycle. In this case, to ensure automatic cleaning efficiency, the air conditioner switches back from cooling mode to automatic cleaning mode after the second cooling operation period has ended. For this automatic cleaning, the mode will not be switched based on the indoor ambient temperature, but will continue to operate the automatic cleaning operation until it is complete.

[0255] The most comfortable temperature varies from user to user, but the ideal temperature may be a relatively comfortable temperature determined to suit the needs of most people, and is not limited thereto. A high optimum temperature is also a relatively comfortable temperature for the human body, and its specific value may be preset by the manufacturer. The specific times of the first cooling operation period and the second cooling operation period may be the same or different, and their specific values ​​may be set by the manufacturer according to actual needs, and are not limited thereto.

[0256] Figure 18 is another operation flowchart of execution steps by a controller of an air conditioner according to some embodiments.

[0257] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 18, the controller is configured to execute steps S26 to S38.

[0258] S26: When the air conditioner operates stably in the automatic cleaning mode, obtain the indoor environmental temperature E. Then, proceed to step S27.

[0259] S27: Determine whether the indoor environmental temperature E is within a preset first high temperature range, that is, whether U + N ≤ E < H. Here, N is a preset positive number. If it corresponds, proceed to step S28; if it does not correspond, proceed to step S33.

[0260] S28: Control the air conditioner to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the cooling mode. Then, proceed to step S29.

[0261] S29: Determine whether the indoor environmental temperature E reaches the ideal temperature U and the current time is within the first cooling operation time zone. If it corresponds, proceed to step S30; if it does not correspond, proceed to step S31.

[0262] S30: Control the air conditioner to switch back from the cooling mode to the automatic cleaning mode.

[0263] S31: Determine whether the current time exceeds the first cooling operation time zone. If it corresponds, proceed to step S32; if it does not correspond, return to step S29.

[0264] S32: By controlling the air conditioner to switch back from the cooling mode to the automatic cleaning mode, make the air conditioner execute the automatic cleaning operation until the automatic cleaning is completed.

[0265] S33: Determine whether the indoor ambient temperature E is in the preset second high temperature range, i.e., E>H. If so, proceed to step S34; if not, proceed to other control logic, for example, steps S13 to S25.

[0266] S34: The air conditioner is controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the cooling mode, and then the process proceeds to step S35.

[0267] S35: Determine whether the indoor ambient temperature E has reached the high optimum temperature U+M and the current time is within the second cooling operation time period, where M is a preset positive number. If so, proceed to step S36; if not, proceed to step S37.

[0268] S36: The air conditioner is controlled so as to switch back from the cooling mode to the automatic cleaning mode.

[0269] S37: Determine whether the current time has passed the second cooling operation time slot. If yes, proceed to step S38, and if no, return to step S35.

[0270] S38: The air conditioner is controlled to switch from the cooling mode to the automatic cleaning mode again, so that the air conditioner continues to perform the automatic cleaning operation until the automatic cleaning is completed.

[0271] In some embodiments, the controller further comprises:

[0272] When the heat exchanger to be cleaned is an indoor heat exchanger, if the indoor fan is in operation immediately before the air conditioner switches back to the automatic cleaning mode, the indoor fan is controlled to continue operating for a preset operating time;

[0273] When the heat exchanger to be cleaned is an indoor heat exchanger, if the air conditioner is in a stopped state immediately before switching back to the automatic cleaning mode, control is performed so that the air conditioner maintains the stopped state for a preset stop time, and after the preset stop time has elapsed, control is performed so that the indoor heat exchanger performs a freezing process for a preset freezing time,

[0274] The freezing process for the preset freezing time is configured to control the operation of the indoor fan.

[0275] In some embodiments, the automatic cleaning method for an air conditioner includes the following steps S0 to S5.

[0276] S0: Receive an automatic cleaning command.

[0277] S1: Cooling and freezing is performed for a first predetermined time.

[0278] S2: The indoor environmental temperature Env_T is detected, and the air conditioner controller performs corresponding control based on the indoor environmental temperature Env_T.

[0279] S3: Maintain freezing.

[0280] S4: Determine whether the freeze termination condition is met.

[0281] S5: Defrost.

[0282] Here, the air conditioner may be an air conditioner having at least two functions, namely, a cooling function and a heating function, or an air conditioner having only a cooling function, a fixed frequency air conditioner, or a variable frequency air conditioner.

[0283] In step S0, the air conditioner is in a standby state, or the air conditioner is in a turned-on state.

[0284] Preferably, the turn-on state includes a cooling mode, a dehumidifying mode, a heating mode, a fan mode, or other operating mode.

[0285] In step S0, the following solution means can be adopted. When the air conditioner receives an indoor automatic cleaning command, after saving the current operating state, it starts cooling and displays an indoor automatic cleaning indicator.

[0286] In step S0, what is received is an indoor automatic cleaning command or an outdoor automatic cleaning command.

[0287] In step S1, the following solution means can be adopted. Set the first predetermined time to 1 minute, and proceed to S2 when this 1 minute has elapsed.

[0288] In step S1, the following solution means can be adopted. The first predetermined time starts counting after the operating frequency of the compressor becomes greater than 0.

[0289] In step S1, the following solution means can be adopted. When step S1 is started, stop the blower.

[0290] In step S1, the following solution means can be adopted. Detect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T at the 20th second and the 40th second within the first predetermined time respectively. When Env_T≧t0, perform the first adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. When Env_T<t0, perform the second adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve.

[0291] Preferably, in the first adjustment and / or the second adjustment, the controller of the air conditioner issues a clear control signal and controls the compressor and the expansion valve to maintain and / or adjust the relevant state.

[0292] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding numerical value, and the range of this numerical value may be 0Hz~10Hz.

[0293] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0294] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0295] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0296] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0297] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0298] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be in the range of 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0299] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0300] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0301] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0302] Preferably, the above second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be 8 steps.

[0303] Preferably, the above second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be 6 steps.

[0304] Preferably, the air conditioner that has received the above first adjustment and second adjustment maintains the operating state for 20 seconds.

[0305] In step S1, the following solution may be adopted. Specifically, t0 is a numerical value among 0°C to 28°C.

[0306] In step S2, the following solution may be adopted. The indoor environmental temperature Env_T transmitted to the outdoor unit during the period of step S2 is continuously updated.

[0307] In step S2, the following solution may be adopted. According to the parameters L, U, M, N, H related to the predetermined temperature, the first detection of the indoor environmental temperature Env_T in step S2 is executed.

[0308] When Env_T < L or L ≤ Env_T < (U - M), the air conditioner may be controlled to shift to the first sub-mode in the automatic cleaning mode, or the air conditioner may be controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode.

[0309] When (U + N) ≤ Env_T < H or Env_T ≥ H, the air conditioner may be controlled to shift to the second sub-mode in the automatic cleaning mode, or the air conditioner may be controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode.

[0310] When (U - M) ≤ Env_T < U or U ≤ Env_T < (U + N), the air conditioner may be controlled to shift to the third sub - mode in the automatic cleaning mode, or the air conditioner may be controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the third mode.

[0311] Preferably, the first sub - mode, the second sub - mode, and the third sub - mode may be a heating sub - mode, a cooling sub - mode, a state - holding sub - mode, a blowing sub - mode, or other sub - modes in which the air conditioner can operate in the automatic cleaning mode (including but not limited to "freezing mode 1" and "freezing mode 2").

[0312] Preferably, the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode may be a heating mode, a cooling mode, a state - holding mode, a blowing mode, or other modes in which the air conditioner can operate.

[0313] Preferably, L = 10°C, U - M = 15°C, U = 24°C, U + N = 28°C, H = 30°C.

[0314] Preferably, a mode - switching protection time may be set before each operation of the first sub - mode, the second sub - mode, the third sub - mode, the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode.

[0315] Preferably, the aforementioned mode - switching protection time is set to a 3 - minute stop - protection state. Optionally, during this period, the indoor blower operates according to the normal heating / cooling operation mode.

[0316] Preferably, when the first sub - mode is the heating sub - mode, the indoor blower operates at an automatic airspeed.

[0317] Preferably, when the first sub - mode is the heating sub - mode, it ends when Env_T > U or T_01 > 6 minutes is satisfied. Here, T_01 is the operation time in the heating sub - mode.

[0318] Preferably, when the first submode is the heating submode, the operation is terminated when the condition Env_T>U or T_01>3 minutes is satisfied, where T_01 is the operation time in the heating submode.

[0319] Preferably, the operation time in the heating sub-mode starts to be counted when the compressor frequency becomes greater than zero.

[0320] Preferably, when the second sub-mode is the cooling sub-mode, the indoor fan operates at an automatic air speed.

[0321] Preferably, when the second submode is the cooling submode, Env_T<UまたはT_01> The operation ends when the 6-minute condition is met. Here, T_01 is the operation time in the cooling sub-mode.

[0322] Preferably, when the second submode is the cooling submode, Env_T<UまたはT_01> It ends when the 3-minute condition is met. Here, T_01 is the operation time in the cooling sub-mode.

[0323] Preferably, the operation time in the cooling sub-mode starts to be counted after the compressor frequency becomes greater than zero.

[0324] Preferably, when the first mode is the heating mode, the indoor fan operates at an automatic air speed.

[0325] Preferably, when the first mode is the heating mode, the operation is terminated when the condition Env_T>U or T_01>6 minutes is satisfied, where T_01 is the operation time in the heating mode.

[0326] Preferably, when the first mode is the heating mode, the operation is terminated when the condition Env_T>U or T_01>3 minutes is satisfied, where T_01 is the operation time in the heating mode.

[0327] Preferably, the operation time in the heating mode starts to be measured after the compressor frequency becomes greater than zero.

[0328] Preferably, when the second mode is the cooling mode, the indoor fan operates at an automatic air speed.

[0329] Preferably, when the second mode is a cooling mode, Env_T<UまたはT_01> It ends when the 6-minute condition is met. Here, T_01 is the operation time in cooling mode.

[0330] Preferably, when the second mode is a cooling mode, Env_T<UまたはT_01> It ends when the 3-minute condition is met. Here, T_01 is the operation time in cooling mode.

[0331] Preferably, the operation time in the cooling mode starts to be measured after the compressor frequency becomes greater than zero.

[0332] Preferably, a mode switching protection time may be set after each of the operations in the first sub-mode, the second sub-mode, the third sub-mode, the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode.

[0333] Preferably, the mode switching protection time is a shutdown protection operation, and optionally, the fan is shut down during this period.

[0334] In step S3, the following solution may be adopted: In step S3, the operation time starts to be counted when the compressor frequency>0.

[0335] In step S3, the following solution may be adopted: the indoor blower is kept stopped (in operation to clean the indoor heat exchanger) throughout the entire operation period of step S3, or the outdoor blower is kept stopped (in operation to clean the outdoor heat exchanger) throughout the entire operation period of step S3.

[0336] In the first sub-step S3-1 of step S3, the following steps are executed. (1) Perform cooling operation for 1 minute at the preset operating frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve in indoor automatic cleaning. At this time, detect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T at the 20th second and the 40th second respectively. (2) When Env_T ≧ t0, perform the first adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. (3) When Env_T < t0, perform the second adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. (4) After 1 minute described in step (1) has elapsed, collect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T again and determine the temperature range to which the temperature belongs. (5) When Env_T < L, (U - M) ≦ Env_T < U, or (U + N) ≦ Env_T < H, execute "freezing and freezing mode 1". (6) When L ≦ Env_T < (U - M), U ≦ Env_T < (U + N), or Env_T ≧ H, execute "freezing and freezing mode 2".

[0337] Preferably, in the first adjustment and / or the second adjustment, the controller of the air conditioner issues a clear control signal and controls the compressor and the expansion valve to maintain and / or adjust the relevant states.

[0338] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, and the range of this value may be 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0339] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, and this value may be 8 Hz.

[0340] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, and this value may be 5 Hz.

[0341] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0342] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0343] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0344] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be in the range of 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0345] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0346] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0347] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0348] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0349] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0350] Preferably, the air conditioner that has undergone the first adjustment and the second adjustment maintains the operating state for 20 seconds.

[0351] In step S3-1, the following solution means can be adopted. Specifically, t0 is a numerical value among 0°C to 28°C.

[0352] In step S3, the following solution means can be adopted. When the numerical value obtained by the first detection of the indoor environmental temperature Env_T in step S2 is within a specific temperature range, the aforementioned sub-step S3-1 is not executed.

[0353] In the second sub-step S3-2 of step S3, the following steps are executed. The detected numerical value of the indoor environmental temperature Env_T is transmitted to the outdoor unit, and the outdoor unit determines whether to execute "refrigeration and freezing mode 1" or "refrigeration and freezing mode 2" based on this numerical value.

[0354] In the second sub-step S3-2 of step S3, the indoor automatic cleaning indicator may be displayed and / or the temperature of the indoor coil may be fixed and maintained at 10°C.

[0355] In the third sub-step S3-3 of step S3, "refrigeration and freezing mode 1" or "refrigeration and freezing mode 2" is executed until the freezing is completed.

[0356] The "refrigeration and freezing mode 1" includes the following steps.

[0357] Step1_1: Perform cooling for 20 seconds.

[0358] Step1_2: Detect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T. When Env_T≥t0, perform the first adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. When Env_T<t0, perform the second adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve.

[0359] Step1_3: Repeat Step1_2 until the end.

[0360] Preferably, in Step 1_1, the compressor operates at a preset automatic cleaning frequency, the expansion valve applies a preset automatic cleaning opening, and the rotation speed of the indoor fan is fixed to 0.

[0361] Preferably, in Step1_2, the rotation speed of the indoor fan is fixed to 0.

[0362] Preferably, in Step 1_2, in the first adjustment and / or second adjustment, the air conditioner controller issues a clear control signal and controls the compressor and expansion valve to maintain the relevant state and / or adjust the relevant state.

[0363] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be in the range of 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0364] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0365] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0366] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0367] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0368] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0369] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be in the range of 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0370] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0371] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0372] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0373] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0374] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0375] Preferably, the air conditioner that has undergone the first adjustment and the second adjustment maintains the operating state for 20 seconds.

[0376] Preferably, the t0 is specifically one value between 0°C and 28°C.

[0377] The "freezing mode 2" includes the following steps:

[0378] Step2_1: Cool for 20 seconds.

[0379] Step2_2: Detect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T. When Env_T ≥ t0, perform the third adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. When Env_T < t0, perform the fourth adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve.

[0380] Step2_3: Repeat Step2_2 until the end.

[0381] Preferably, in Step2_1, the compressor operates at a preset frequency for automatic cleaning, the expansion valve applies a preset opening degree for automatic cleaning, and the rotation speed of the indoor fan is fixed at 0.

[0382] Preferably, in Step2_2, the rotation speed of the indoor fan is fixed at 0.

[0383] Preferably, in Step2_2, in the third adjustment and / or the fourth adjustment, the controller of the air conditioner issues a clear control signal, and controls the compressor and the expansion valve to maintain and / or adjust the relevant states.

[0384] Preferably, the third adjustment is different from the first adjustment, and / or the fourth adjustment is different from the second adjustment.

[0385] Preferably, the above-mentioned third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding numerical value, and the range of this numerical value may be 0 Hz to 12 Hz.

[0386] Preferably, the above-mentioned third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding numerical value, and this numerical value may be 9 Hz.

[0387] Preferably, the above-mentioned third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding numerical value, and this numerical value may be 6 Hz.

[0388] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 15 steps.

[0389] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 8 steps.

[0390] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0391] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, and the value may be in the range of 0 Hz to 12 Hz.

[0392] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 10 Hz.

[0393] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 7 Hz.

[0394] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 15 steps.

[0395] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be in 10 steps.

[0396] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 8 steps.

[0397] Preferably, the air conditioners subjected to the third and fourth adjustments are maintained in operation for 20 seconds.

[0398] Preferably, the t0 is specifically one value between 0°C and 28°C.

[0399] In step S4, the following solution may be adopted: When the coil temperature of the indoor unit is <-19°C for 6 consecutive minutes, it is determined that the freeze termination condition is met.

[0400] In step S4, the following solution may be adopted: When the indoor ambient temperature is <5°C for 6 consecutive minutes, it is determined that the freeze termination condition is met.

[0401] In step S4, the following solutions may be adopted: When the operation time in the freeze time is >12 minutes, it is determined that the freeze termination condition is met.

[0402] In step S4, the following solutions may be adopted: After determining that the freeze termination condition is met, the indoor fan is started and runs for 20 seconds.

[0403] Preferably, during the 20 second indoor fan operation period, the compressor, expansion valve and / or other associated equipment maintains frozen operating parameters.

[0404] Preferably, when "freezing mode 1" satisfies the "freezing termination condition" during the 20-second operation period of the indoor blower, the rotation speed of the fan is the "cooling low airflow rotation speed."

[0405] Preferably, when "freezing mode 2" satisfies the "freezing termination condition" during the 20-second operation period of the indoor blower, the rotation speed of the fan is the "quiet cooling rotation speed."

[0406] Preferably, the "cooling low airflow rotation speed" is different from the "cooling quiet rotation speed."

[0407] In step S4, the following solutions may be adopted: After determining that the freeze termination condition is met, the indoor fan is started and runs for 20 seconds, and then ends the freeze and proceeds to step S5.

[0408] In step S5, the following solutions can be adopted: The compressor is first stopped for a fixed hold time.

[0409] Preferably, the fixation time is 3 minutes.

[0410] Preferably, during the fixed time period when the compressor is stopped, the blower operates at the rotation speed corresponding to step S4 for 3 minutes.

[0411] Preferably, the rotation speed corresponding to step S4 refers to a "cooling low airflow rotation speed" or a "cooling quiet rotation speed."

[0412] Preferably, the opening of the expansion valve is maintained constant during the fixed time that the compressor is stopped.

[0413] In step S5, the following solutions can be adopted: After the compressor has stopped for a fixed time, the air conditioner performs heating defrosting (for a heating and cooling air conditioner), or blowing defrosting (for a heating and cooling air conditioner or a full cooling air conditioner), or natural defrosting (for a full cooling air conditioner).

[0414] Preferably, in the case of heating and defrosting, a heating mode and an automatic room cleaning indicator are transmitted.

[0415] Preferably, the unit is operated indoors with a gentle breeze (without cold air prevention control).

[0416] Preferably, the opening of the expansion valve remains constant or decreases.

[0417] Optionally, the expansion valve is opened wider.

[0418] In step S5, the following solution may be adopted: When the coil temperature of the indoor unit is >40°C for 1 continuous minute, it is determined that the automatic cleaning process is completed.

[0419] In step S5, the following solution may be adopted: When the heating operation time is greater than 7 minutes, it is determined that the automatic cleaning process is completed.

[0420] In step S5, the following solutions can be adopted: the compressor is first stopped for a fixed time, or in suitable working conditions, the compressor is not stopped at first.

[0421] Preferably, the fan is then activated and natural defrosting is carried out, or in suitable working conditions, the fan is not activated and natural defrosting is carried out.

[0422] The above is an embodiment of the automatic cleaning operation of the indoor unit. The principle and method of the automatic cleaning operation of the outdoor unit are the same as those described above. Those skilled in the art can reasonably understand the embodiment of the automatic cleaning operation of the outdoor unit based on the above description, so the explanation and description will not be repeated here.

[0423] In some embodiments, an automatic cleaning method for an air conditioner having at least two functions, a cooling function and a heating function, includes the following steps S0 to S5.

[0424] S0: When the air conditioner is in standby mode, an automatic cleaning command is received.

[0425] S1: Cooling and freezing is performed for a first predetermined time.

[0426] S2: The indoor environment temperature Env_T is detected, and the air conditioner controller performs corresponding control based on the indoor environment temperature Env_T.

[0427] S3: Maintain freezing.

[0428] S4: Determine whether the freeze termination condition is met.

[0429] S5: Defrost.

[0430] In step S0, the following solution means can be adopted. When the air conditioner receives an indoor automatic cleaning command, it saves the current operating state, starts cooling, and displays an automatic cleaning indicator.

[0431] In step S0, what is received is an indoor automatic cleaning command or an outdoor automatic cleaning command.

[0432] In step S1, the following solution means can be adopted. Set the first predetermined time to 1 minute, and proceed to S2 after 1 minute.

[0433] In step S1, the following solution means can be adopted. The first predetermined time starts to be measured after the operating frequency of the compressor becomes greater than 0.

[0434] In step S1, the following solution means can be adopted. When step S1 is started, stop the blower.

[0435] In step S1, the following solution means can be adopted. Detect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T at the 20th second and the 40th second within the first predetermined time respectively. When Env_T≧t0, perform the first adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. When Env_T<t0, perform the second adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve.

[0436] Preferably, in the first adjustment and / or the second adjustment, the controller of the air conditioner issues a clear control signal and controls the compressor and the expansion valve to maintain and / or adjust the relevant state.

[0437] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding numerical value, and the range of this numerical value may be 0Hz~10Hz.

[0438] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding numerical value, and this numerical value may be 8Hz.

[0439] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0440] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0441] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0442] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0443] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be in the range of 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0444] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0445] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0446] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0447] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0448] Preferably, the above second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 6 steps.

[0449] Preferably, the air conditioner that has received the above first adjustment and second adjustment maintains the operating state for 20 seconds.

[0450] In step S1, the following solution may be adopted. Specifically, t0 is a numerical value among 0°C to 28°C.

[0451] In step S2, the following solution may be adopted. The indoor environmental temperature Env_T transmitted to the outdoor unit during the period of step S2 is continuously updated.

[0452] In step S2, the following solution may be adopted. According to the parameters L, U, M, N, H related to the predetermined temperature, the first detection of the indoor environmental temperature Env_T in step S2 is executed.

[0453] When Env_T < L or L ≤ Env_T < (U - M), the air conditioner may be controlled to shift to the first sub-mode in the automatic cleaning mode, or the air conditioner may be controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode.

[0454] When (U + N) ≤ Env_T < H or Env_T ≥ H, the air conditioner may be controlled to shift to the second sub-mode in the automatic cleaning mode, or the air conditioner may be controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode.

[0455] When (U - M) ≤ Env_T < U or U ≤ Env_T < (U + N), the air conditioner may be controlled to shift to the third sub-mode in the automatic cleaning mode, or the air conditioner may be controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the third mode.

[0456] Preferably, the first submode, second submode, and third submode may be a heating submode, a cooling submode, a state holding submode, a fan submode in the automatic cleaning mode, or other submodes in which the air conditioner may operate in the automatic cleaning mode (including, but not limited to, "Freezing Mode 1" and "Freezing Mode 2").

[0457] Preferably, the first, second and third modes may be a heating mode, a cooling mode, a state holding mode, a fan mode, or any other mode in which the air conditioner can operate.

[0458] Preferably, L=10°C, UM=15°C, U=24°C, U+N=28°C, and H=30°C.

[0459] Preferably, a mode switching protection time may be set before each operation in the first sub-mode, the second sub-mode, the third sub-mode, the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode.

[0460] Preferably, the mode switching protection time is a 3-minute shutdown protection operation, and optionally, during this period, the indoor fan operates according to the normal heating / cooling operation mode.

[0461] Preferably, when the first sub-mode is the heating sub-mode, the indoor fan operates at an automatic fan speed.

[0462] Preferably, when the first submode is the heating submode, the operation is terminated when the condition Env_T>U or T_01>6 minutes is satisfied, where T_01 is the operation time in the heating submode.

[0463] Preferably, when the first submode is the heating submode, the operation is terminated when the condition Env_T>U or T_01>3 minutes is satisfied, where T_01 is the operation time in the heating submode.

[0464] Preferably, the operation time in the heating sub-mode starts to be counted when the compressor frequency becomes greater than zero.

[0465] Preferably, when the second sub-mode is the cooling sub-mode, the indoor fan operates at an automatic air speed.

[0466] Preferably, when the second submode is the cooling submode, Env_T<UまたはT_01> The operation ends when the 6-minute condition is met. Here, T_01 is the operation time in the cooling sub-mode.

[0467] Preferably, when the second submode is the cooling submode, Env_T<UまたはT_01> The operation ends when the 3-minute condition is met. Here, T_01 is the operation time in the cooling sub-mode.

[0468] Preferably, the operation time in the cooling sub-mode starts to be counted after the compressor frequency becomes greater than zero.

[0469] Preferably, when the first mode is the heating mode, the indoor fan operates at an automatic air speed.

[0470] Preferably, when the first mode is the heating mode, the operation is terminated when the condition Env_T>U or T_01>6 minutes is satisfied, where T_01 is the operation time in the heating mode.

[0471] Preferably, when the first mode is the heating mode, the operation is terminated when the condition Env_T>U or T_01>3 minutes is satisfied, where T_01 is the operation time in the heating mode.

[0472] Preferably, the operation time in the heating mode starts to be measured after the compressor frequency becomes greater than zero.

[0473] Preferably, when the second mode is the cooling mode, the indoor fan operates at an automatic air speed.

[0474] Preferably, when the second mode is a cooling mode, Env_T<UまたはT_01> It ends when the 6-minute condition is met. Here, T_01 is the operation time in cooling mode.

[0475] Preferably, when the second mode is a cooling mode, Env_T<UまたはT_01> It ends when the 3-minute condition is met. Here, T_01 is the operation time in cooling mode.

[0476] Preferably, the operation time in the cooling mode starts to be measured after the compressor frequency becomes greater than zero.

[0477] Preferably, a mode switching protection time may be set after each of the operations in the first sub-mode, the second sub-mode, the third sub-mode, the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode.

[0478] Preferably, the mode switching protection time is a shutdown protection operation, and optionally, the fan is shut down during this period.

[0479] In step S3, the following solution may be adopted: In step S3, the operation time starts to be counted when the compressor frequency>0.

[0480] In step S3, the following solution may be adopted: the indoor blower is kept stopped (in operation to clean the indoor heat exchanger) throughout the entire operation period of step S3, or the outdoor blower is kept stopped (in operation to clean the outdoor heat exchanger) throughout the entire operation period of step S3.

[0481] In the first sub-step S3-1 of step S3, the following steps are performed. (1) Cooling operation is performed for one minute at the compressor operating frequency and expansion valve opening for the preset indoor automatic cleaning, and the indoor ambient temperature Env_T is detected at the 20th and 40th seconds points. (2) When Env_T ≧ t0, perform the first adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. (3) When Env_T < t0, perform the second adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. (4) After one minute described in step (1) has elapsed, collect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T again and determine the temperature range to which the temperature belongs. (5) When Env_T < L, (U - M) ≦ Env_T < U, or (U + N) ≦ Env_T < H, execute "refrigeration and freezing mode 1". (6) When L ≦ Env_T < (U - M), U ≦ Env_T < (U + N), or Env_T ≧ H, execute "refrigeration and freezing mode 2".

[0482] Preferably, in the above first adjustment and / or second adjustment, the controller of the air conditioner issues a clear control signal and controls the compressor and the expansion valve to maintain and / or adjust the relevant states.

[0483] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, and the range of this value may be 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0484] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, and this value may be 8 Hz.

[0485] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, and this value may be 5 Hz.

[0486] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding value, and the range of this value may be 0 step to 10 steps.

[0487] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding value, and this value may be 8 steps.

[0488] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0489] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be in the range of 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0490] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0491] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0492] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0493] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0494] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0495] Preferably, the air conditioner that has undergone the first adjustment and the second adjustment maintains the operating state for 20 seconds.

[0496] In step S3-1, the following solutions can be adopted: Specifically, the t0 is one value between 0°C and 28°C.

[0497] In step S3, the following solution means can be adopted. When the numerical value obtained by the first detection of the indoor environmental temperature Env_T in step S2 is within a specific temperature range, the aforementioned sub-step S3-1 is not executed.

[0498] In the second sub-step S3-2 of step S3, the following steps are executed. The detected value of the indoor environmental temperature Env_T is transmitted to the outdoor unit, and the outdoor unit determines whether to execute "refrigeration and freezing mode 1" or "refrigeration and freezing mode 2" based on this value.

[0499] In the second sub-step S3-2 of step S3, the indoor automatic cleaning indicator may be displayed and / or the temperature of the indoor coil may be fixedly maintained at 10°C.

[0500] In the third sub-step S3-3 of step S3, "refrigeration and freezing mode 1" or "refrigeration and freezing mode 2" is executed until freezing ends.

[0501] The "refrigeration and freezing mode 1" includes the following steps.

[0502] Step1_1: Perform cooling for 20 seconds.

[0503] Step1_2: Detect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T. When Env_T≥t0, perform the first adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. When Env_T<t0, perform the second adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve.

[0504] Step1_3: Repeat Step1_2 until the end.

[0505] Preferably, in Step1_1, the compressor operates at a preset frequency for automatic cleaning, the expansion valve applies a preset opening degree for automatic cleaning, and the rotation speed of the indoor fan is fixed at 0.

[0506] Preferably, in Step1_2, the rotation speed of the indoor fan is fixed at 0.

[0507] Preferably, in Step 1_2, in the first adjustment and / or second adjustment, the air conditioner controller issues a clear control signal and controls the compressor and expansion valve to maintain the relevant state and / or adjust the relevant state.

[0508] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be in the range of 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0509] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0510] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0511] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0512] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0513] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0514] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be in the range of 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0515] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0516] Preferably, the above second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 5 Hz.

[0517] Preferably, the above second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the range of the numerical value may be from 0 step to 10 steps.

[0518] Preferably, the above second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 8 steps.

[0519] Preferably, the above second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 6 steps.

[0520] Preferably, the air conditioner after receiving the above first adjustment and second adjustment maintains the operating state for 20 seconds.

[0521] Preferably, the t0 is specifically one numerical value among 0 °C to 28 °C.

[0522] The "freezing and freezing mode 2" includes the following steps.

[0523] Step2_1: Perform cooling for 20 seconds.

[0524] Step2_2: Detect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T. When Env_T ≧ t0, perform the third adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. When Env_T < t0, perform the fourth adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve.

[0525] Step2_3: Repeat Step2_2 until the end.

[0526] Preferably, in Step 2_1, the compressor operates at a preset automatic cleaning frequency, the expansion valve applies a preset automatic cleaning opening, and the rotation speed of the indoor fan is fixed to 0.

[0527] Preferably, in Step 2_2, the rotation speed of the indoor fan is fixed to 0.

[0528] Preferably, in Step 2_2, in the third adjustment and / or fourth adjustment, the air conditioner controller issues a clear control signal and controls the compressor and expansion valve to maintain the relevant state and / or adjust the relevant state.

[0529] Preferably, the third adjustment is different from the first adjustment and / or the fourth adjustment is different from the second adjustment.

[0530] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, and the value may be in the range of 0 Hz to 12 Hz.

[0531] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 9 Hz.

[0532] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 6 Hz.

[0533] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 15 steps.

[0534] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 8 steps.

[0535] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0536] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, and the value may be in the range of 0 Hz to 12 Hz.

[0537] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 10 Hz.

[0538] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 7 Hz.

[0539] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 15 steps.

[0540] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be in 10 steps.

[0541] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 8 steps.

[0542] Preferably, the air conditioners subjected to the third and fourth adjustments are maintained in operation for 20 seconds.

[0543] Preferably, the t0 is specifically one value between 0°C and 28°C.

[0544] In step S4, the following solution may be adopted: When the coil temperature of the indoor unit is <-19°C for 6 consecutive minutes, it is determined that the freeze termination condition is met.

[0545] In step S4, the following solution may be adopted: When the indoor ambient temperature is <5°C for 6 consecutive minutes, it is determined that the freeze termination condition is met.

[0546] In step S4, the following solutions may be adopted: When the operation time in the freeze time is >12 minutes, it is determined that the freeze termination condition is met.

[0547] In step S4, the following solutions may be adopted: After determining that the freeze termination condition is met, the indoor fan is started and runs for 20 seconds.

[0548] Preferably, during the 20 second indoor fan operation period, the compressor, expansion valve and / or other associated equipment maintains frozen operating parameters.

[0549] Preferably, when "freezing mode 1" satisfies the "freezing termination condition" during the 20-second operation period of the indoor blower, the rotation speed of the fan is the "cooling low airflow rotation speed."

[0550] Preferably, when "freezing mode 2" satisfies the "freezing termination condition" during the 20-second operation period of the indoor blower, the rotation speed of the fan is the "quiet cooling rotation speed."

[0551] Preferably, the "cooling low airflow rotation speed" is different from the "cooling quiet rotation speed."

[0552] In step S4, the following solutions may be adopted: After determining that the freeze termination condition is met, the indoor fan is started and runs for 20 seconds, and then freeze is terminated and the process proceeds to step S5.

[0553] In step S5, the following solutions may be adopted: The compressor is first stopped for a fixed time.

[0554] Preferably, the fixation time is 3 minutes.

[0555] Preferably, during the fixed time period when the compressor is stopped, the blower operates at the rotation speed corresponding to step S4 for 3 minutes.

[0556] Preferably, the rotation speed corresponding to step S4 refers to a "cooling low airflow rotation speed" or a "cooling quiet rotation speed."

[0557] Preferably, the opening of the expansion valve is maintained constant during the fixed time that the compressor is stopped.

[0558] In step S5, the following solutions can be adopted: After the compressor stops for a fixed time, the air conditioner performs heating defrosting or blowing defrosting.

[0559] Preferably, in the case of heating and defrosting, a heating mode and an automatic room cleaning indicator are transmitted.

[0560] Preferably, the unit is operated indoors with a gentle breeze (without cold air prevention control).

[0561] Preferably, the opening of the expansion valve remains constant or decreases.

[0562] Optionally, the expansion valve is opened wider.

[0563] In step S5, the following solution may be adopted: When the coil temperature of the indoor unit is >40°C for 1 continuous minute, it is determined that the automatic cleaning process is completed.

[0564] In step S5, the following solution may be adopted: When the heating operation time is greater than 7 minutes, it is determined that the automatic cleaning process is completed.

[0565] In step S5, the following solutions can be adopted: the compressor is first stopped for a fixed time, or in suitable working conditions, the compressor is not stopped at first.

[0566] Preferably, the fan is then activated and natural defrosting is performed, or in suitable working conditions, the fan is not activated and natural defrosting is performed.

[0567] The above is an embodiment of the automatic cleaning operation of the indoor unit. The principle and method of the automatic cleaning operation of the outdoor unit are the same as those described above. Those skilled in the art can reasonably understand the embodiment of the automatic cleaning operation of the outdoor unit based on the above description, so the explanation and description will not be repeated here.

[0568] In some embodiments, an automatic cleaning method for an air conditioner having at least two functions, a cooling function and a heating function, includes the following steps S0 to S5.

[0569] S0: When the air conditioner is turned on, an automatic cleaning command is received.

[0570] S1: Cooling and freezing is performed for a first predetermined time.

[0571] S2: The indoor environmental temperature Env_T is detected, and the air conditioner controller performs corresponding control based on the indoor environmental temperature Env_T.

[0572] S3: Maintain freezing.

[0573] S4: Determine whether the freeze termination condition is met.

[0574] S5: Defrost.

[0575] In step S0, the following solution may be adopted: When the air conditioner receives the indoor automatic cleaning command, it saves the current operating state, starts cooling, and displays the automatic cleaning indicator.

[0576] In step S0, the command received is an indoor automatic cleaning command or an outdoor automatic cleaning command.

[0577] In step S0, when the air conditioner is in the turn-on state, the operating mode of the air conditioner may be a heating mode, a cooling mode, a state-holding mode, a blowing mode, or any other mode in which the air conditioner can operate.

[0578] In step S1, the following solution means may be adopted. Let the first predetermined time be 1 minute, and after 1 minute, proceed to S2.

[0579] In step S1, the following solution means may be adopted. The first predetermined time starts to be timed after the operating frequency of the compressor becomes greater than 0.

[0580] In step S1, the following solution means may be adopted. When step S1 is started, stop the blower.

[0581] In step S1, the following solution means may be adopted. Detect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T at the 20th second and the 40th second within the first predetermined time respectively. When Env_T≧t0, perform the first adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. When Env_T<t0, perform the second adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve.

[0582] Preferably, in the first adjustment and / or the second adjustment, the controller of the air conditioner issues a clear control signal and controls the compressor and the expansion valve to maintain and / or adjust the relevant states.

[0583] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding numerical value, and the range of this numerical value may be 0Hz~10Hz.

[0584] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding numerical value, and this numerical value may be 8Hz.

[0585] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0586] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0587] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0588] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0589] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be in the range of 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0590] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0591] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0592] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0593] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0594] Preferably, the above second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 6 steps.

[0595] Preferably, the air conditioner that has received the above first adjustment and second adjustment maintains the operating state for 20 seconds.

[0596] In step S1, the following solution may be adopted. Specifically, t0 is one numerical value among 0°C to 28°C.

[0597] In step S2, the following solution may be adopted. The indoor environmental temperature Env_T transmitted to the outdoor unit during the period of step S2 is continuously updated.

[0598] In step S2, the following solution may be adopted. According to the parameters L, U, M, N, H related to the predetermined temperature, the first detection of the indoor environmental temperature Env_T in step S2 is executed.

[0599] When Env_T < L or L ≤ Env_T < (U - M), the air conditioner may be controlled to shift to the first sub - mode in the automatic cleaning mode, or the air conditioner may be controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode.

[0600] When (U + N) ≤ Env_T < H or Env_T ≥ H, the air conditioner may be controlled to shift to the second sub - mode in the automatic cleaning mode, or the air conditioner may be controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode.

[0601] When (U - M) ≤ Env_T < U or U ≤ Env_T < (U + N), the air conditioner may be controlled to shift to the third sub - mode in the automatic cleaning mode, or the air conditioner may be controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the third mode.

[0602] Preferably, the first submode, second submode, and third submode may be a heating submode, a cooling submode, a state holding submode, a fan submode in the automatic cleaning mode, or other submodes in which the air conditioner may operate in the automatic cleaning mode (including, but not limited to, "Freezing Mode 1" and "Freezing Mode 2").

[0603] Preferably, the first, second and third modes may be a heating mode, a cooling mode, a state holding mode, a fan mode, or any other mode in which the air conditioner can operate.

[0604] Preferably, L=10°C, UM=15°C, U=24°C, U+N=28°C, and H=30°C.

[0605] Preferably, a mode switching protection time may be set before switching for the first sub-mode, the second sub-mode, the third sub-mode, the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode.

[0606] Preferably, the mode switching protection time is a 3-minute shutdown protection operation, and optionally, during this period, the indoor fan operates according to the normal heating / cooling operation mode.

[0607] Preferably, when the first sub-mode is the heating sub-mode, the indoor fan operates at an automatic fan speed.

[0608] Preferably, when the first submode is the heating submode, the operation is terminated when the condition Env_T>U or T_01>6 minutes is satisfied, where T_01 is the operation time in the heating submode.

[0609] Preferably, when the first submode is the heating submode, the operation is terminated when the condition Env_T>U or T_01>3 minutes is satisfied, where T_01 is the operation time in the heating submode.

[0610] Preferably, the operation time in the heating sub-mode starts to be counted when the compressor frequency becomes greater than zero.

[0611] Preferably, when the second sub-mode is the cooling sub-mode, the indoor fan operates at an automatic air speed.

[0612] Preferably, when the second submode is the cooling submode, Env_T<UまたはT_01> The operation ends when the 6-minute condition is met. Here, T_01 is the operation time in the cooling sub-mode.

[0613] Preferably, when the second submode is the cooling submode, Env_T<UまたはT_01> The operation ends when the 3-minute condition is met. Here, T_01 is the operation time in the cooling sub-mode.

[0614] Preferably, the operation time in the cooling sub-mode starts to be counted after the compressor frequency becomes greater than zero.

[0615] Preferably, when the first mode is the heating mode, the indoor fan operates at an automatic air speed.

[0616] Preferably, when the first mode is the heating mode, the operation is terminated when the condition Env_T>U or T_01>6 minutes is satisfied, where T_01 is the operation time in the heating mode.

[0617] Preferably, when the first mode is the heating mode, the operation is terminated when the condition Env_T>U or T_01>3 minutes is satisfied, where T_01 is the operation time in the heating mode.

[0618] Preferably, the operation time in the heating mode starts to be measured after the compressor frequency becomes greater than zero.

[0619] Preferably, when the second mode is the cooling mode, the indoor fan operates at an automatic air speed.

[0620] Preferably, when the second mode is a cooling mode, Env_T<UまたはT_01> It ends when the 6-minute condition is met. Here, T_01 is the operation time in cooling mode.

[0621] Preferably, when the second mode is a cooling mode, Env_T<UまたはT_01> It ends when the 3-minute condition is met. Here, T_01 is the operation time in cooling mode.

[0622] Preferably, the operation time in the cooling mode starts to be measured after the compressor frequency becomes greater than zero.

[0623] Preferably, a mode switching protection time may be set after switching is performed for the first sub-mode, the second sub-mode, the third sub-mode, the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode.

[0624] Preferably, the mode switching protection time is a shutdown protection operation, and optionally, the fan is shut down during this period.

[0625] In step S3, the following solution may be adopted: In step S3, the operation time starts to be counted when the compressor frequency>0.

[0626] In step S3, the following solution may be adopted: the indoor blower is kept stopped (in operation to clean the indoor heat exchanger) throughout the entire operation period of step S3, or the outdoor blower is kept stopped (in operation to clean the outdoor heat exchanger) throughout the entire operation period of step S3.

[0627] In the first sub-step S3-1 of step S3, the following steps are performed. (1) Cooling operation is performed for one minute at the compressor operating frequency and expansion valve opening for the preset indoor automatic cleaning, and the indoor ambient temperature Env_T is detected at the 20th and 40th seconds points. (2) When Env_T ≧ t0, perform the first adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. (3) When Env_T < t0, perform the second adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. (4) After one minute described in step (1) has elapsed, collect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T again and determine the temperature range to which the temperature belongs. (5) When Env_T < L, (U - M) ≦ Env_T < U, or (U + N) ≦ Env_T < H, execute "refrigeration freezing mode 1". (6) When L ≦ Env_T < (U - M), U ≦ Env_T < (U + N), or Env_T ≧ H, execute "refrigeration freezing mode 2".

[0628] Preferably, in the above first adjustment and / or second adjustment, the controller of the air conditioner issues a clear control signal and controls the compressor and the expansion valve to maintain and / or adjust the relevant state.

[0629] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, and the range of this value may be 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0630] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, and the value may be 8 Hz.

[0631] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, and the value may be 5 Hz.

[0632] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding value, and the range of this value may be 0 step to 10 steps. <{

[0633] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding value, and the value may be 8 steps.

[0634] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0635] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be in the range of 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0636] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0637] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0638] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0639] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0640] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0641] Preferably, the air conditioner that has undergone the first adjustment and the second adjustment maintains the operating state for 20 seconds.

[0642] In step S3-1, the following solutions can be adopted: Specifically, the t0 is one value between 0°C and 28°C.

[0643] In step S3, the following solution means can be adopted. When the numerical value obtained by the first detection of the indoor environmental temperature Env_T in step S2 is within a specific temperature range, the aforementioned sub-step S3-1 is not executed.

[0644] In the second sub-step S3-2 of step S3, the following steps are executed. The detected value of the indoor environmental temperature Env_T is transmitted to the outdoor unit, and the outdoor unit determines whether to execute "refrigeration and freezing mode 1" or "refrigeration and freezing mode 2" based on this value.

[0645] In the second sub-step S3-2 of step S3, the indoor automatic cleaning indicator may be displayed and / or the temperature of the indoor coil may be fixedly maintained at 10°C.

[0646] In the third sub-step S3-3 of step S3, "refrigeration and freezing mode 1" or "refrigeration and freezing mode 2" is executed until the freezing ends.

[0647] The "refrigeration and freezing mode 1" includes the following steps.

[0648] Step1_1: Perform cooling for 20 seconds.

[0649] Step1_2: Detect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T. When Env_T≥t0, perform the first adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. When Env_T<t0, perform the second adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve.

[0650] Step1_3: Repeat Step1_2 until the end.

[0651] Preferably, in Step1_1, the compressor operates at a preset frequency for automatic cleaning, the expansion valve applies a preset opening degree for automatic cleaning, and the rotational speed of the indoor fan is fixed at 0.

[0652] Preferably, in Step1_2, the rotational speed of the indoor fan is fixed at 0.

[0653] Preferably, in Step 1_2, in the first adjustment and / or second adjustment, the air conditioner controller issues a clear control signal and controls the compressor and expansion valve to maintain the relevant state and / or adjust the relevant state.

[0654] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be in the range of 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0655] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0656] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0657] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0658] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0659] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0660] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be in the range of 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0661] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0662] Preferably, the above-mentioned second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 5 Hz.

[0663] Preferably, the above-mentioned second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the range of the numerical value may be from 0 step to 10 steps.

[0664] Preferably, the above-mentioned second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 8 steps.

[0665] Preferably, the above-mentioned second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 6 steps.

[0666] Preferably, the air conditioner that has received the above-mentioned first adjustment and second adjustment maintains the operating state for 20 seconds.

[0667] Preferably, the t0 is specifically one numerical value among 0 °C to 28 °C.

[0668] The "refrigeration and freezing mode 2" includes the following steps.

[0669] Step2_1: Perform cooling for 20 seconds.

[0670] Step2_2: Detect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T. When Env_T ≥ t0, perform the third adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. When Env_T < t0, perform the fourth adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve.

[0671] Step2_3: Repeat Step2_2 until the end.

[0672] Preferably, in Step 2_1, the compressor operates at a preset automatic cleaning frequency, the expansion valve applies a preset automatic cleaning opening, and the rotation speed of the indoor fan is fixed to 0.

[0673] Preferably, in Step 2_2, the rotation speed of the indoor fan is fixed to 0.

[0674] Preferably, in Step 2_2, in the third adjustment and / or fourth adjustment, the air conditioner controller issues a clear control signal and controls the compressor and expansion valve to maintain the relevant state and / or adjust the relevant state.

[0675] Preferably, the third adjustment is different from the first adjustment and / or the fourth adjustment is different from the second adjustment.

[0676] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, and the value may be in the range of 0 Hz to 12 Hz.

[0677] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 9 Hz.

[0678] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 6 Hz.

[0679] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 15 steps.

[0680] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 8 steps.

[0681] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0682] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, and the value may be in the range of 0 Hz to 12 Hz.

[0683] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 10 Hz.

[0684] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 7 Hz.

[0685] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 15 steps.

[0686] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be in 10 steps.

[0687] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 8 steps.

[0688] Preferably, the air conditioners subjected to the third and fourth adjustments are maintained in operation for 20 seconds.

[0689] Preferably, the t0 is specifically one value between 0°C and 28°C.

[0690] In step S4, the following solution may be adopted: When the coil temperature of the indoor unit is <-19°C for 6 consecutive minutes, it is determined that the freeze termination condition is met.

[0691] In step S4, the following solution may be adopted: When the indoor ambient temperature is <5°C for 6 consecutive minutes, it is determined that the freeze termination condition is met.

[0692] In step S4, the following solutions may be adopted: When the operation time in the freeze time is >12 minutes, it is determined that the freeze termination condition is met.

[0693] In step S4, the following solutions may be adopted: After determining that the freeze termination condition is met, the indoor fan is started and runs for 20 seconds.

[0694] Preferably, during the 20 second indoor fan operation period, the compressor, expansion valve and / or other associated equipment maintains frozen operating parameters.

[0695] Preferably, when "freezing mode 1" satisfies the "freezing termination condition" during the 20-second operation period of the indoor blower, the rotation speed of the fan is the "cooling low airflow rotation speed."

[0696] Preferably, when "freezing mode 2" satisfies the "freezing termination condition" during the 20-second operation period of the indoor blower, the rotation speed of the fan is the "quiet cooling rotation speed."

[0697] Preferably, the "cooling low airflow rotation speed" is different from the "cooling quiet rotation speed."

[0698] In step S4, the following solutions may be adopted: After determining that the freeze termination condition is met, the indoor fan is started and runs for 20 seconds, and then freeze is terminated and the process proceeds to step S5.

[0699] In step S5, the following solutions may be adopted: The compressor is first stopped for a fixed time.

[0700] Preferably, the fixation time is 3 minutes.

[0701] Preferably, during the fixed time period when the compressor is stopped, the blower operates at the rotation speed corresponding to step S4 for 3 minutes.

[0702] Preferably, the rotation speed corresponding to step S4 refers to a "cooling low airflow rotation speed" or a "cooling quiet rotation speed."

[0703] Preferably, during the fixed time period that the compressor is stopped, the opening of the expansion valve is maintained constant.

[0704] Preferably, the fan is then activated and natural defrosting is carried out, or in suitable working conditions, the fan is not activated and natural defrosting is carried out.

[0705] The above is an embodiment of the automatic cleaning operation of the indoor unit. The principle and method of the automatic cleaning operation of the outdoor unit are the same as those described above. Those skilled in the art can reasonably understand the embodiment of the automatic cleaning operation of the outdoor unit based on the above description, so the explanation and description will not be repeated here.

[0706] In some embodiments, an automatic cleaning method for an air conditioner having only a cooling function includes the following steps S0 to S5:

[0707] S0: When the air conditioner is in standby mode, an automatic cleaning command is received.

[0708] S1: Cooling and freezing is performed for a first predetermined time.

[0709] S2: The indoor environmental temperature Env_T is detected, and the air conditioner controller performs corresponding control based on the indoor environmental temperature Env_T.

[0710] S3: Maintain freezing.

[0711] S4: Determine whether the freeze termination condition is met.

[0712] S5: Defrost.

[0713] In step S0, the following solution means can be adopted. When the air conditioner receives an indoor automatic cleaning command, it saves the current operating state, starts cooling, and displays an automatic cleaning indicator.

[0714] In step S0, what is received is an indoor automatic cleaning command or an outdoor automatic cleaning command.

[0715] In step S1, the following solution means can be adopted. Set the first predetermined time to 1 minute, and proceed to S2 after 1 minute.

[0716] In step S1, the following solution means can be adopted. The first predetermined time starts counting after the operating frequency of the compressor becomes greater than 0.

[0717] In step S1, the following solution means can be adopted. When step S1 starts, stop the blower.

[0718] In step S1, the following solution means can be adopted. Detect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T at the 20th second and the 40th second within the first predetermined time respectively. When Env_T≧t0, perform the first adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. When Env_T<t0, perform the second adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve.

[0719] Preferably, in the first adjustment and / or the second adjustment, the controller of the air conditioner issues a clear control signal and controls the compressor and the expansion valve to maintain and / or adjust the relevant state.

[0720] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding numerical value, and the range of this numerical value may be 0Hz~10Hz.

[0721] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding numerical value, and this numerical value may be 8Hz.

[0722] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0723] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0724] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0725] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0726] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be in the range of 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0727] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0728] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0729] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0730] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0731] Preferably, the above second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 6 steps.

[0732] Preferably, the air conditioner that has received the above first adjustment and second adjustment maintains the operating state for 20 seconds.

[0733] In step S1, the following solution may be adopted. Specifically, t0 is a numerical value among 0°C to 28°C.

[0734] In step S2, the following solution may be adopted. The indoor environmental temperature Env_T transmitted to the outdoor unit during the period of step S2 is continuously updated.

[0735] In step S2, the following solution may be adopted. According to the parameters L, U, M, N, H related to the predetermined temperature, the first detection of the indoor environmental temperature Env_T in step S2 is executed.

[0736] When Env_T < L or L ≤ Env_T < (U - M), the air conditioner may be controlled to shift to the first sub-mode in the automatic cleaning mode, or the air conditioner may be controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode.

[0737] When (U + N) ≤ Env_T < H or Env_T ≥ H, the air conditioner may be controlled to shift to the second sub-mode in the automatic cleaning mode, or the air conditioner may be controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode.

[0738] When (U - M) ≤ Env_T < U or U ≤ Env_T < (U + N), the air conditioner may be controlled to shift to the third sub-mode in the automatic cleaning mode, or the air conditioner may be controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the third mode.

[0739] Preferably, the first submode, second submode, and third submode are a heating submode, a cooling submode, a state hold submode, a fan submode, a free cooling operation submode in the automatic cleaning mode, or other submodes in which the air conditioner may operate in the automatic cleaning mode (including, but not limited to, "Freezing Mode 1" and "Freezing Mode 2").

[0740] Preferably, the first, second, and third modes may include, but are not limited to, a heating mode, a cooling mode, a holding mode, a fan mode, or any other mode in which the air conditioner may operate ("cooling free operation mode").

[0741] Preferably, L=10°C, UM=15°C, U=24°C, U+N=28°C, and H=30°C.

[0742] Preferably, when the second sub-mode is the free cooling operation sub-mode, the indoor fan operates at an automatic air speed.

[0743] Preferably, when the second submode is the cooling free operation submode, Env_T<UまたはT_01> The operation ends when the 6-minute condition is met. Here, T_01 is the operation time in the cooling free operation sub-mode.

[0744] Preferably, when the second submode is the cooling free operation submode, Env_T<UまたはT_01> The operation ends when the 3-minute condition is met. Here, T_01 is the operation time in the free cooling operation sub-mode.

[0745] Preferably, the operation time in the free cooling operation submode starts to be measured after the compressor frequency becomes greater than zero.

[0746] Preferably, when the second mode is the free cooling operation mode, the indoor blower operates at the automatic air speed.

[0747] Preferably, when the second mode is the cooling free operation mode, it ends when the condition that Env_T < U or T_01 for 6 minutes is satisfied. Here, T_01 is the operation time in the cooling free operation mode.

[0748] Preferably, when the second mode is the cooling free operation mode, it ends when the condition that Env_T < U or T_01 for 3 minutes is satisfied. Here, T_01 is the operation time in the cooling free operation mode.

[0749] Preferably, the time of the aforementioned cooling free operation mode starts to be measured after the frequency of the compressor > 0.

[0750] Preferably, during the first sub - mode, the second sub - mode, the third sub - mode, the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode, the blower is stopped.

[0751] In step S3, the following solution means can be adopted. In step S3, the operation time starts to be measured after the frequency of the compressor > 0.

[0752] In step S3, the following solution means can be adopted. Throughout the entire operation period of step S3, the indoor blower maintains a stopped state (the working condition for cleaning the indoor heat exchanger), or throughout the entire operation period of step S3, the outdoor blower maintains a stopped state (the working condition for cleaning the outdoor heat exchanger).

[0753] In the first sub - step S3 - 1 of step S3, the following steps are executed. (1) Perform cooling operation for 1 minute at the preset operation frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve in the preset indoor automatic cleaning, and detect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T at the 20 - second and 40 - second time points respectively. (2) When Env_T ≧ t0, perform the first adjustment on the operation frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. (3) When Env_T < t0, perform the second adjustment on the operation frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. (4) After one minute described in step (1) has elapsed, collect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T again and determine the temperature range to which the temperature belongs. (5) When Env_T < L, (U - M) ≤ Env_T < U, or (U + N) ≤ Env_T < H, execute "freezing mode 1". (6) When L ≤ Env_T < (U - M), U ≤ Env_T < (U + N), or Env_T ≥ H, execute "freezing mode 2".

[0754] Preferably, in the first adjustment and / or the second adjustment, the controller of the air conditioner issues a clear control signal and controls the compressor and the expansion valve to maintain and / or adjust the relevant states.

[0755] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding numerical value, and the range of the numerical value may be 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0756] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 8 Hz.

[0757] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 5 Hz.

[0758] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the range of the numerical value may be 0 step to 10 steps.

[0759] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 8 steps.

[0760] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 6 steps.

[0761] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be in the range of 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0762] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0763] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0764] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0765] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0766] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0767] Preferably, the air conditioner that has undergone the first adjustment and the second adjustment maintains the operating state for 20 seconds.

[0768] In step S3-1, the following solutions can be adopted: Specifically, the t0 is one value between 0°C and 28°C.

[0769] In step S3, the following solution may be adopted: When the value of the indoor ambient temperature Env_T detected for the first time in step S2 is within a specific temperature range, the above-mentioned sub-step S3-1 is not executed.

[0770] In the second sub-step S3-2 of step S3, the following steps are executed. The detected value of the indoor environmental temperature Env_T is transmitted to the outdoor unit, and the outdoor unit determines whether to execute "freezing mode 1" or "freezing mode 2" based on this value.

[0771] In the second sub-step S3-2 of step S3, the indoor automatic cleaning indicator may be displayed and / or the temperature of the indoor coil may be fixed and held at 10°C.

[0772] In the third sub-step S3-3 of step S3, "freezing mode 1" or "freezing mode 2" is executed until freezing ends.

[0773] The "freezing mode 1" includes the following steps.

[0774] Step1_1: Perform cooling for 20 seconds.

[0775] Step1_2: Detect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T. When Env_T≥t0, perform the first adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. When Env_T<t0, perform the second adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve.

[0776] Step1_3: Repeat Step1_2 until the end.

[0777] Preferably, in Step1_1, the compressor operates at a preset frequency for automatic cleaning, the expansion valve applies a preset opening degree for automatic cleaning, and the rotational speed of the indoor fan is fixed at 0.

[0778] Preferably, in Step1_2, the rotational speed of the indoor fan is fixed at 0.

[0779] Preferably, in Step 1_2, in the first adjustment and / or second adjustment, the air conditioner controller issues a clear control signal and controls the compressor and expansion valve to maintain the relevant state and / or adjust the relevant state.

[0780] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be in the range of 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0781] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0782] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0783] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0784] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0785] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0786] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be in the range of 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0787] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0788] Preferably, the above second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 5 Hz.

[0789] Preferably, the above second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the range of the numerical value may be from 0 step to 10 steps.

[0790] Preferably, the above second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 8 steps.

[0791] Preferably, the above second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 6 steps.

[0792] Preferably, the air conditioner that has received the above first adjustment and second adjustment maintains the operating state for 20 seconds.

[0793] Preferably, the t0 is specifically one numerical value among 0 °C to 28 °C.

[0794] The "freezing and refrigeration mode 2" includes the following steps.

[0795] Step2_1: Perform cooling for 20 seconds.

[0796] Step2_2: Detect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T. When Env_T ≥ t0, perform the third adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. When Env_T < t0, perform the fourth adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve.

[0797] Step2_3: Repeat Step2_2 until the end.

[0798] Preferably, in Step2_1, the compressor operates at a preset frequency for automatic cleaning, the expansion valve applies a preset opening degree for automatic cleaning, and the rotation speed of the indoor fan is fixed at 0.

[0799] Preferably, in Step 2_2, the rotation speed of the indoor fan is fixed to 0.

[0800] Preferably, in Step 2_2, in the third adjustment and / or fourth adjustment, the air conditioner controller issues a clear control signal and controls the compressor and expansion valve to maintain the relevant state and / or adjust the relevant state.

[0801] Preferably, the third adjustment is different from the first adjustment and / or the fourth adjustment is different from the second adjustment.

[0802] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, and the value may be in the range of 0 Hz to 12 Hz.

[0803] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 9 Hz.

[0804] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 6 Hz.

[0805] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 15 steps.

[0806] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 8 steps.

[0807] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0808] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, and the value may be in the range of 0 Hz to 12 Hz.

[0809] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 10 Hz.

[0810] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 7 Hz.

[0811] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 15 steps.

[0812] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be in 10 steps.

[0813] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 8 steps.

[0814] Preferably, the air conditioners subjected to the third and fourth adjustments are maintained in operation for 20 seconds.

[0815] Preferably, the t0 is specifically one value between 0°C and 28°C.

[0816] In step S4, the following solution may be adopted: When the coil temperature of the indoor unit is <-19°C for 6 consecutive minutes, it is determined that the freeze termination condition is met.

[0817] In step S4, the following solution may be adopted: When the indoor ambient temperature is <5°C for 6 consecutive minutes, it is determined that the freeze termination condition is met.

[0818] In step S4, the following solutions may be adopted: When the operation time in the freeze time is >12 minutes, it is determined that the freeze termination condition is met.

[0819] In step S4, the following solutions may be adopted: After determining that the freeze termination condition is met, the indoor fan is started and runs for 20 seconds.

[0820] Preferably, during the 20 second indoor fan operation period, the compressor, expansion valve and / or other associated equipment maintains frozen operating parameters.

[0821] Preferably, when "freezing mode 1" satisfies the "freezing termination condition" during the 20-second operation period of the indoor blower, the rotation speed of the fan is the "cooling low airflow rotation speed."

[0822] Preferably, when "freezing mode 2" satisfies the "freezing termination condition" during the 20-second operation period of the indoor blower, the rotation speed of the fan is the "quiet cooling rotation speed."

[0823] Preferably, the "cooling low airflow rotation speed" is different from the "cooling quiet rotation speed."

[0824] In step S4, the following solutions may be adopted: After determining that the freeze termination condition is met, the indoor fan is started and runs for 20 seconds, and then freeze is terminated and the process proceeds to step S5.

[0825] In step S5, the following solutions may be adopted: The compressor is first stopped for a fixed time.

[0826] Preferably, the fixation time is 3 minutes.

[0827] Preferably, during the fixed time period when the compressor is stopped, the blower operates at the rotation speed corresponding to step S4 for 3 minutes.

[0828] Preferably, the rotation speed corresponding to step S4 refers to a "cooling low airflow rotation speed" or a "cooling quiet rotation speed."

[0829] Preferably, during the fixed time period that the compressor is stopped, the opening of the expansion valve is maintained constant.

[0830] Preferably, the fan is then activated and natural defrosting is carried out, or in suitable working conditions, the fan is not activated and natural defrosting is carried out.

[0831] The above is an embodiment of the automatic cleaning operation of the indoor unit. The principle and method of the automatic cleaning operation of the outdoor unit are the same as those described above. Those skilled in the art can reasonably understand the embodiment of the automatic cleaning operation of the outdoor unit based on the above description, so the explanation and description will not be repeated here.

[0832] In some embodiments, an automatic cleaning method for an air conditioner having only a cooling function includes the following steps S0 to S5.

[0833] S0: When the air conditioner is turned on, an automatic cleaning command is received.

[0834] S1: Cooling and freezing is performed for a first predetermined time.

[0835] S2: The indoor environmental temperature Env_T is detected, and the air conditioner controller performs corresponding control based on the indoor environmental temperature Env_T.

[0836] S3: Maintain freezing.

[0837] S4: Determine whether the freeze termination condition is met.

[0838] S5: Defrost.

[0839] In step S0, the following solution may be adopted: When the air conditioner receives the indoor automatic cleaning command, it saves the current operating state, starts cooling, and displays the automatic cleaning indicator.

[0840] In step S0, what is received is an indoor automatic cleaning command or an outdoor automatic cleaning command.

[0841] In step S0, when the air conditioner is in the turned-on state, the air conditioner is in one of the heating mode, the cooling mode, the state-holding mode, the air supply mode, or other modes in which the air conditioner can operate.

[0842] In step S1, the following solution means can be adopted. Let the first predetermined time be 1 minute, and after 1 minute, proceed to S2.

[0843] In step S1, the following solution means can be adopted. The first predetermined time starts to be timed after the operating frequency of the compressor becomes greater than 0.

[0844] In step S1, the following solution means can be adopted. When step S1 is started, stop the blower.

[0845] In step S1, the following solution means can be adopted. Detect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T at the 20th second and the 40th second within the first predetermined time respectively. When Env_T≧t0, perform the first adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. When Env_T<t0, perform the second adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve.

[0846] Preferably, in the first adjustment and / or the second adjustment, the controller of the air conditioner issues a clear control signal and controls the compressor and the expansion valve to maintain and / or adjust the relevant states.

[0847] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding numerical value, and the range of this numerical value may be 0Hz~10Hz.

[0848] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0849] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0850] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0851] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0852] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0853] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be in the range of 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0854] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0855] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0856] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0857] Preferably, the above second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 8 steps.

[0858] Preferably, the above second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 6 steps.

[0859] Preferably, the air conditioner that has received the above first adjustment and second adjustment maintains the operating state for 20 seconds.

[0860] In step S1, the following solution may be adopted. Specifically, t0 is one numerical value among 0°C to 28°C.

[0861] In step S2, the following solution may be adopted. The indoor environmental temperature Env_T transmitted to the outdoor unit during the period of step S2 is continuously updated.

[0862] In step S2, the following solution may be adopted. According to the parameters L, U, M, N, H related to the predetermined temperature, the first detection of the indoor environmental temperature Env_T in step S2 is executed.

[0863] When Env_T < L or L ≤ Env_T < (U - M), the air conditioner may be controlled to shift to the first sub-mode in the automatic cleaning mode, or the air conditioner may be controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode.

[0864] When (U + N) ≤ Env_T < H or Env_T ≥ H, the air conditioner may be controlled to shift to the second sub-mode in the automatic cleaning mode, or the air conditioner may be controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode.

[0865] When (U - M) ≤ Env_T < U or U ≤ Env_T < (U + N), the air conditioner may be controlled to shift to the third sub - mode in the automatic cleaning mode, or the air conditioner may be controlled to switch from the automatic cleaning mode to the third mode.

[0866] Preferably, the first sub - mode, the second sub - mode, and the third sub - mode are the heating sub - mode, the cooling sub - mode, the state - holding sub - mode, the air - blowing sub - mode, the cooling free - operation sub - mode, or other sub - modes in which the air conditioner can operate in the automatic cleaning mode (including, but not limited to, "freezing mode 1" and "freezing mode 2").

[0867] Preferably, the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode may be the heating mode, the cooling mode, the state - holding mode, the air - blowing mode, or other modes in which the air conditioner can operate (including, but not limited to, "cooling free - operation mode").

[0868] Preferably, L = 10°C, U - M = 15°C, U = 24°C, U + N = 28°C, H = 30°C.

[0869] Preferably, when the second sub - mode is the cooling free - operation sub - mode, the indoor blower operates at the automatic air speed.

[0870] Preferably, when the second sub - mode is the cooling free - operation sub - mode, it ends when the condition Env_T 6 minutes is satisfied. Here, T_01 is the operation time in the cooling free - operation sub - mode.

[0871] Preferably, when the second sub - mode is the cooling free - operation sub - mode, it ends when the condition Env_T 3 minutes is satisfied. Here, T_01 is the operation time in the cooling free - operation sub - mode.

[0872] Preferably, the operation time in the free cooling operation submode starts to be measured after the compressor frequency becomes greater than zero.

[0873] Preferably, when the second mode is the free cooling operation mode, the indoor blower operates at the automatic air speed.

[0874] Preferably, when the second mode is a cooling free operation mode, Env_T<UまたはT_01> The operation ends when the 6-minute condition is met. Here, T_01 is the operation time in the free cooling operation mode.

[0875] Preferably, when the second mode is a cooling free operation mode, Env_T<UまたはT_01> The operation ends when the 3-minute condition is met. Here, T_01 is the operation time in the free cooling operation mode.

[0876] Preferably, the time for the free cooling operation mode starts to be counted after the compressor frequency becomes greater than zero.

[0877] Preferably, the fan is stopped during the first sub-mode, the second sub-mode, the third sub-mode, the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode.

[0878] In step S3, the following solution may be adopted: In step S3, the operation time starts to be counted when the compressor frequency>0.

[0879] In step S3, the following solution may be adopted: the indoor blower is kept stopped (in operation to clean the indoor heat exchanger) throughout the entire operation period of step S3, or the outdoor blower is kept stopped (in operation to clean the outdoor heat exchanger) throughout the entire operation period of step S3.

[0880] In the first sub-step S3-1 of step S3, the following steps are performed. (1) Perform the cooling operation for 1 minute at the operating frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve in the preset indoor automatic cleaning. At this time, detect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T at the 20th second and the 40th second respectively. (2) When Env_T≥t0, perform the first adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. (3) When Env_T<t0, perform the second adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. (4) After 1 minute described in step (1) has elapsed, collect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T again and determine the temperature range to which the temperature belongs. (5) When Env_T<L, (U - M)≤Env_T<U, or (U + N)≤Env_T<H, execute "freezing mode 1". (6) When L≤Env_T<(U - M), U≤Env_T<(U + N), or Env_T≥H, execute "freezing mode 2".

[0881] Preferably, in the above first adjustment and / or second adjustment, the controller of the air conditioner issues a clear control signal, and controls the compressor and the expansion valve to maintain and / or adjust the relevant state.

[0882] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, and the range of this value may be 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0883] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, and this value may be 8 Hz.

[0884] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, and this value may be 5 Hz.

[0885] Preferably, the above first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding value, and the range of this value may be 0 step to 10 steps.

[0886] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0887] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0888] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be in the range of 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0889] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0890] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0891] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0892] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0893] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0894] Preferably, the air conditioner that has undergone the first adjustment and the second adjustment maintains the operating state for 20 seconds.

[0895] In step S3-1, the following solution means can be adopted. Specifically, the t0 is one numerical value among 0°C to 28°C.

[0896] In step S3, the following solution means can be adopted. When the numerical value obtained by the first detection of the indoor environmental temperature Env_T in step S2 is within a specific temperature range, the aforementioned sub-step S3-1 is not executed.

[0897] In the second sub-step S3-2 of step S3, the following steps are executed. The detected numerical value of the indoor environmental temperature Env_T is transmitted to the outdoor unit, and the outdoor unit determines whether to execute "refrigeration freezing mode 1" or "refrigeration freezing mode 2" based on this numerical value.

[0898] In the second sub-step S3-2 of step S3, the indoor automatic cleaning indicator may be displayed and / or the temperature of the indoor coil may be fixedly held at 10°C.

[0899] In the third sub-step S3-3 of step S3, "refrigeration freezing mode 1" or "refrigeration freezing mode 2" is executed until the freezing ends.

[0900] The "refrigeration freezing mode 1" includes the following steps.

[0901] Step1_1: Perform cooling for 20 seconds.

[0902] Step1_2: Detect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T. When Env_T≥t0, perform the first adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. When Env_T<t0, perform the second adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve.

[0903] Step1_3: Repeat Step1_2 until the end.

[0904] Preferably, in Step 1_1, the compressor operates at a preset automatic cleaning frequency, the expansion valve applies a preset automatic cleaning opening, and the rotation speed of the indoor fan is fixed to 0.

[0905] Preferably, in Step 1_2, the rotation speed of the indoor fan is fixed to 0.

[0906] Preferably, in Step 1_2, in the first adjustment and / or second adjustment, the air conditioner controller issues a clear control signal and controls the compressor and expansion valve to maintain the relevant state and / or adjust the relevant state.

[0907] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be in the range of 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0908] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0909] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0910] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0911] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0912] Preferably, the first adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0913] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be in the range of 0 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0914] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 8 Hz.

[0915] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 5 Hz.

[0916] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 10 step.

[0917] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be eight steps.

[0918] Preferably, the second adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0919] Preferably, the air conditioner that has undergone the first adjustment and the second adjustment maintains the operating state for 20 seconds.

[0920] Preferably, the t0 is specifically one value between 0°C and 28°C.

[0921] The "freezing mode 2" includes the following steps:

[0922] Step2_1: Cool for 20 seconds.

[0923] Step2_2: Detect the indoor environmental temperature Env_T. When Env_T ≥ t0, perform the third adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve. When Env_T < t0, perform the fourth adjustment on the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the expansion valve.

[0924] Step2_3: Repeat Step2_2 until the end.

[0925] Preferably, in Step2_1, the compressor operates at a preset frequency for automatic cleaning, the expansion valve applies a preset opening degree for automatic cleaning, and the rotational speed of the indoor fan is fixed at 0.

[0926] Preferably, in Step2_2, the rotational speed of the indoor fan is fixed at 0.

[0927] Preferably, in Step2_2, in the third adjustment and / or the fourth adjustment, the controller of the air conditioner issues a clear control signal and controls the compressor and the expansion valve to maintain and / or adjust the relevant states.

[0928] Preferably, the third adjustment is different from the first adjustment, and / or the fourth adjustment is different from the second adjustment.

[0929] Preferably, the above third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding numerical value, and the range of this numerical value may be 0Hz to 12Hz.

[0930] Preferably, the above third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding numerical value, and this numerical value may be 9Hz.

[0931] Preferably, the above third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding numerical value, and this numerical value may be 6Hz.

[0932] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 15 steps.

[0933] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 8 steps.

[0934] Preferably, the third adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, which may be six steps.

[0935] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, and the value may be in the range of 0 Hz to 12 Hz.

[0936] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 10 Hz.

[0937] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the operating frequency of the compressor by a corresponding value, which may be 7 Hz.

[0938] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may range from 0 step to 15 steps.

[0939] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be in 10 steps.

[0940] Preferably, the fourth adjustment includes increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve by a corresponding numerical value, and the numerical value may be 8 steps.

[0941] Preferably, the air conditioners subjected to the third and fourth adjustments are maintained in operation for 20 seconds.

[0942] Preferably, the t0 is specifically one value between 0°C and 28°C.

[0943] In step S4, the following solution may be adopted: When the coil temperature of the indoor unit is <-19°C for 6 consecutive minutes, it is determined that the freeze termination condition is met.

[0944] In step S4, the following solution may be adopted: When the indoor ambient temperature is <5°C for 6 consecutive minutes, it is determined that the freeze termination condition is met.

[0945] In step S4, the following solutions may be adopted: When the operation time in the freeze time is >12 minutes, it is determined that the freeze termination condition is met.

[0946] In step S4, the following solutions may be adopted: After determining that the freeze termination condition is met, the indoor fan is started and runs for 20 seconds.

[0947] Preferably, during the 20 second indoor fan operation period, the compressor, expansion valve and / or other associated equipment maintains frozen operating parameters.

[0948] Preferably, when "freezing mode 1" satisfies the "freezing termination condition" during the 20-second operation period of the indoor blower, the rotation speed of the fan is the "cooling low airflow rotation speed."

[0949] Preferably, when "freezing mode 2" satisfies the "freezing termination condition" during the 20-second operation period of the indoor blower, the rotation speed of the fan is the "quiet cooling rotation speed."

[0950] Preferably, the "cooling low airflow rotation speed" is different from the "cooling quiet rotation speed."

[0951] In step S4, the following solutions may be adopted: After determining that the freeze termination condition is met, the indoor fan is started and runs for 20 seconds, and then freeze is terminated and the process proceeds to step S5.

[0952] In step S5, the following solutions may be adopted: The compressor is first stopped for a fixed time.

[0953] Preferably, the fixation time is 3 minutes.

[0954] Preferably, during the fixed time period when the compressor is stopped, the blower operates at the rotation speed corresponding to step S4 for 3 minutes.

[0955] Preferably, the rotation speed corresponding to step S4 refers to a "cooling low airflow rotation speed" or a "cooling quiet rotation speed."

[0956] Preferably, during the fixed time period that the compressor is stopped, the opening of the expansion valve is maintained constant.

[0957] Preferably, the fan is then activated and natural defrosting is carried out, or in suitable working conditions, the fan is not activated and natural defrosting is carried out.

[0958] The above is an embodiment of the automatic cleaning operation of the indoor unit, but the principles and methods of the automatic cleaning operation of the outdoor unit are the same as those described above, and since a person skilled in the art can reasonably understand the embodiment of the automatic cleaning operation of the outdoor unit based on the above description, the explanation and description will not be repeated here.

[0959] A control method for automatic cleaning of an air conditioner according to some embodiments of the present application is executed and realized by a controller of the air conditioner, and includes steps S1 to S2.

[0960] S1: The air conditioner is switched to automatic cleaning mode, and the heat exchanger to be cleaned is controlled to perform a freezing process by functioning as an evaporator. Here, the heat exchanger to be cleaned is the outdoor heat exchanger or the indoor heat exchanger.

[0961] S2: Adjust the operating parameters of the air conditioner based on the acquired indoor ambient temperature.

[0962] In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the operating parameters of the air conditioner based on the acquired indoor ambient temperature includes:

[0963] When the indoor environmental temperature is within a preset low temperature range, control is performed so that the air conditioner is switched from the automatic cleaning mode to a heating mode.

[0964] When the indoor ambient temperature reaches a preset target temperature within a preset heating operation period after the air conditioner enters the heating mode, the air conditioner is controlled to switch from the heating mode to the automatic cleaning mode again, where the preset target temperature is higher than the maximum value of the preset low temperature section;

[0965] When, in the heating mode, the indoor ambient temperature has not reached the preset target temperature and the current time is beyond the preset heating operation time period, the air conditioner is controlled to switch from the heating mode to the automatic cleaning mode again, and the air conditioner is caused to perform the automatic cleaning to the end.

[0966] In some embodiments, the preset low temperature section includes a first preset low temperature section and a second preset low temperature section, and the maximum value of the first preset low temperature section is lower than the minimum value of the second preset low temperature section. The preset target temperature includes at least a low optimum temperature and an ideal temperature. The low optimum temperature is lower than the ideal temperature, and the low optimum temperature is higher than the maximum value of the second preset low temperature section. The preset heating operation time slots include a first heating operation time slot and a second heating operation time slot. The preset target temperature corresponding to the first preset low temperature section is the low optimum temperature, the preset target temperature corresponding to the second preset low temperature section is the ideal temperature, the preset heating operation time slot corresponding to the first preset low temperature section is the first heating operation time slot, and the preset heating operation time slot corresponding to the second preset low temperature section is the second heating operation time slot.

[0967] In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the operating parameters of the air conditioner based on the acquired indoor ambient temperature includes:

[0968] When the indoor environmental temperature is within a preset high temperature range, control is performed so that the air conditioner is switched from the automatic cleaning mode to a cooling mode.

[0969] When the indoor ambient temperature reaches a preset target temperature within a preset cooling operation period after the air conditioner enters the cooling mode, the air conditioner is controlled to switch back from the cooling mode to the automatic cleaning mode, where the preset target temperature is lower than the minimum value of the preset high temperature section;

[0970] When, in the cooling mode, the indoor ambient temperature has not reached the preset target temperature and the current time is beyond the preset cooling operation time zone, the air conditioner is controlled to switch back from the cooling mode to the automatic cleaning mode, and the air conditioner is caused to perform the automatic cleaning to the end.

[0971] In some embodiments, the preset high temperature zone includes a first preset high temperature zone and a second preset high temperature zone. The maximum value of the first preset high temperature zone is lower than the minimum value of the second preset high temperature zone. The preset target temperatures include at least a high optimum temperature and an ideal temperature. The high optimum temperature is higher than the ideal temperature, and the high optimum temperature is lower than the minimum value of the first preset high temperature zone. The preset cooling operation time slots include a first cooling operation time slot and a second cooling operation time slot. The preset target temperature corresponding to the first preset high temperature zone is the ideal temperature, the preset target temperature corresponding to the second preset high temperature zone is the high optimum temperature, the preset cooling operation time slot corresponding to the first preset high temperature zone is the first cooling operation time slot, and the preset cooling operation time slot corresponding to the second preset high temperature zone is the second cooling operation time slot.

[0972] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0973] When the heat exchanger to be cleaned is an indoor heat exchanger, if the indoor fan is in operation immediately before the air conditioner is switched back to the automatic cleaning mode, controlling the indoor fan to continue operating for a preset operating time;

[0974] When the heat exchanger to be cleaned is an indoor heat exchanger, if the air conditioner is in a stopped state immediately before switching back to the automatic cleaning mode, controlling the air conditioner to maintain the stopped state for a preset stop time, and after the preset stop time has elapsed, controlling the indoor heat exchanger to perform a freezing process for a preset freezing time;

[0975] The method further includes controlling the operation of the indoor fan during the freezing process for the preset freezing time.

[0976] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0977] The method further includes a step of controlling the air conditioner to enter a defrosting stage for the heat exchanger to be cleaned after the freezing process is completed, and to cause the heat exchanger to function as a condenser, thereby performing a defrosting process on the heat exchanger to be cleaned, wherein the pressure reducer is an expansion valve, and the opening degree of the expansion valve in the defrosting process is equal to or less than the opening degree of the expansion valve in the freezing process.

[0978] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0979] a step of controlling the air conditioner to stop for a preset stop time before controlling the air conditioner to switch between the heating mode and the indoor heat exchanger automatic cleaning mode;

[0980] The method further includes a step of controlling the air conditioner to stop for a preset stop time before controlling the air conditioner to switch between the cooling mode and the outdoor heat exchanger automatic cleaning mode, wherein the automatic cleaning mode includes the indoor heat exchanger automatic cleaning mode and the outdoor heat exchanger automatic cleaning mode.

[0981] It should be noted that the specific steps of the method of the above embodiment can be referred to the operation process of the air conditioner of the above embodiment, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0982] Some embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a method for controlling automatic cleaning of an air conditioner, the method being applied to a controller. The air conditioner has a structure similar to the air conditioner 1000 described above. For example, the air conditioner includes the indoor unit 100 described above, the outdoor unit 200 described above, and the indoor temperature detection device 400 described above. The indoor unit 100 includes an indoor heat exchanger 101 and an indoor fan 102, and the outdoor unit 200 includes a compressor 201, an outdoor heat exchanger 202, and an expansion valve 204. The method includes steps 71 and 72.

[0983] In step 71, in response to the received automatic cleaning command, the air conditioner transitions to automatic cleaning mode and operates the heat exchanger to be cleaned as an evaporator, thereby controlling the air conditioner to form frost on the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned. Here, the heat exchanger to be cleaned is the outdoor heat exchanger or the indoor heat exchanger. The automatic cleaning command includes a first command and a second command. The automatic cleaning mode includes a first automatic cleaning mode and a second automatic cleaning mode.

[0984] The user can input the automatic cleaning command through a button. Alternatively, the user can input the automatic cleaning command through a wired controller or a remote control. Alternatively, a time-driven automatic cleaning command can be preset in the air conditioner to realize a timer automatic cleaning function of the air conditioner. The present application does not limit the trigger of the automatic cleaning command.

[0985] When the controller 300 receives the first command, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to transition to the first automatic cleaning mode. In this case, the indoor heat exchanger 101 is the heat exchanger to be cleaned, and the controller 300 controls the flow direction of the refrigerant using the four-way valve 205 so that the flow direction of the refrigerant is the same as the flow direction of the refrigerant in the cooling mode. This allows the indoor heat exchanger 101 to operate as an evaporator, thereby allowing frost to form on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 101. Thereafter, the controller 300 changes the flow direction of the refrigerant again using the four-way valve 205 and operates the indoor heat exchanger 101 as a condenser, thereby causing the indoor heat exchanger 101 to defrost.

[0986] When the controller 300 receives the second command, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to transition to the second automatic cleaning mode. In this case, the outdoor heat exchanger 202 is the heat exchanger to be cleaned, and the controller 300 controls the flow direction of the refrigerant using the four-way valve 205 so that the flow direction of the refrigerant is the same as the flow direction of the refrigerant in the heating mode. As a result, the outdoor heat exchanger 202 operates as an evaporator, causing frost to form on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 202. Thereafter, the controller 300 changes the flow direction of the refrigerant again using the four-way valve 205 and operates the outdoor heat exchanger 202 as a condenser, causing the outdoor heat exchanger 202 to defrost.

[0987] The controller may also be configured to cause the heat exchanger to function as an evaporator by causing the air conditioner to transition to another mode, and the present application is not limited to this.

[0988] In step 72, the operating parameters of the air conditioner are adjusted based on the indoor ambient temperature.

[0989] The operating process of the air conditioner in the automatic cleaning mode includes a freezing stage and a defrosting stage. When the air conditioner enters the automatic cleaning mode, the air conditioner first enters the freezing stage.

[0990] The freezing stage refers to the formation of frost on the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned by operating the heat exchanger as an evaporator. If the frost layer on the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned meets the cleaning requirements, the air conditioner enters the defrosting stage. For example, if the time the heat exchanger to be cleaned has been operated as an evaporator reaches a predetermined time, or if the temperature of the coil of the heat exchanger to be cleaned reaches a predetermined temperature, it is determined that the amount of frost on the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned meets the cleaning requirements, and the controller determines that the heat exchanger to be cleaned has completed frosting, and the air conditioner enters the defrosting stage.

[0991] The defrosting step refers to operating the heat exchanger to be cleaned as a condenser to melt the frost on the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned, thereby completing cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned. When the frost layer on the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is completely melted, the air conditioner ends the defrosting step. For example, when the defrosting time of the heat exchanger to be cleaned reaches a predetermined time or when the temperature of the coil of the heat exchanger to be cleaned reaches a predetermined temperature, the controller determines that defrosting of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is complete, and the air conditioner ends the defrosting step, thereby completing cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned.

[0992] During the freezing stage, the controller can adjust the operating parameters of the air conditioner based on the indoor ambient temperature, thereby avoiding the indoor ambient temperature changing too much to affect the cooling or heating effect of the air conditioner.

[0993] The flow direction of the refrigerant during the freezing stage varies depending on the heat exchanger to be cleaned. As a result, the indoor ambient temperature may drop or rise during the freezing stage, which may result in the indoor ambient temperature being too low or too high. To solve this problem, a first set range and a second set range are preset for the indoor ambient temperature. The first set range corresponds to an indoor ambient temperature that is too low. The second set range corresponds to an indoor ambient temperature that is too high.

[0994] In some embodiments, step 72 includes steps 721 to 723.

[0995] In step 721, it is determined that the indoor ambient temperature is within a first set range, and control is performed so that the air conditioner switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode.

[0996] In step 722, it is determined that the operating time of the air conditioner in the first mode is within a first predetermined time and the indoor ambient temperature has reached a first predetermined temperature, and the controller controls the air conditioner to switch back from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode. Here, the first predetermined temperature is greater than the upper limit of the first set range. Note that if the operating time of the air conditioner in the first mode is within the first predetermined time and the indoor ambient temperature has not reached the first predetermined temperature, the controller controls the air conditioner to maintain the first mode.

[0997] In step 723, it is determined that the operating time of the air conditioner in the first mode exceeds the first predetermined time and the indoor ambient temperature is lower than the first predetermined temperature, and the air conditioner is controlled to switch back from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode, thereby continuing to clean the heat exchanger to be cleaned until the air conditioner completes cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned.

[0998] In some embodiments, it is determined that the operating time of the air conditioner in the first mode has exceeded the first predetermined time and the indoor ambient temperature has reached the first predetermined temperature, and the air conditioner is controlled to switch back from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode, thereby continuing to clean the heat exchanger to be cleaned until the air conditioner has completed cleaning the heat exchanger to be cleaned.

[0999] When the indoor ambient temperature is within the first set range, the indoor ambient temperature is relatively low, so the controller needs to switch the air conditioner from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode to raise the indoor ambient temperature and restore the indoor ambient temperature to an appropriate temperature range. Furthermore, the first predetermined time is preset to improve the efficiency of the automatic cleaning while satisfying the user's request.

[1000] When the air conditioner switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode, if the indoor ambient temperature rises to the first predetermined temperature within the first predetermined time, the heating effect of the air conditioner is good and the indoor ambient temperature can meet the user's request. In this case, the controller controls the air conditioner to switch back from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode. Even after the air conditioner returns from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode, the controller continues to monitor the indoor ambient temperature via the corresponding indoor temperature detection device, and if it detects that the indoor ambient temperature is low, it controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back to the first mode.

[1001] Alternatively, when the air conditioner switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the first mode, if the operating time of the air conditioner in the first mode exceeds the first predetermined time and the indoor ambient temperature is still lower than the first predetermined temperature, the heating effect of the air conditioner will be insufficient. In this case, if the air conditioner remains in the first mode, the indoor ambient temperature will rise relatively slowly, resulting in an extended time for automatic cleaning. Therefore, in such a case, to improve the efficiency of automatic cleaning, when the operating time of the air conditioner in the first mode exceeds the first predetermined time, the controller controls the air conditioner to switch back from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode. Furthermore, after the air conditioner switches from the first mode to the automatic cleaning mode, the controller does not switch the operating mode based on the indoor ambient temperature, but instead directly performs the automatic cleaning operation until cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is completed.

[1002] In some embodiments, the first setting range includes a first sub-setting range and a second sub-setting range, and the upper limit of the first sub-setting range is lower than the lower limit of the second sub-setting range. The first predetermined temperature includes a first sub-setting temperature and a second sub-setting temperature, and the first sub-setting temperature is lower than the second sub-setting temperature and higher than the upper limit of the second sub-setting range. The first predetermined time includes a first heating operation time slot and a second heating operation time slot. The first sub-setting temperature and the first heating operation time slot correspond to the first sub-setting range, and the second sub-setting temperature and the second heating operation time slot correspond to the second sub-setting range. In this way, by dividing the first setting range into the first sub-setting range and the second sub-setting range, automatic cleaning can be further improved while satisfying user requirements.

[1003] In some embodiments, step 72 further includes steps 724 to 726.

[1004] In step 724, it is determined that the indoor ambient temperature is within the second set range, and control is performed so that the air conditioner switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode.

[1005] In step 725, the controller determines whether the operating time of the air conditioner in the second mode is within a second predetermined time and the indoor ambient temperature is equal to or lower than a second predetermined temperature, and controls the air conditioner to switch back to the automatic cleaning mode from the second mode. Here, the second predetermined temperature is lower than the lower limit of the second setting range. Note that if the operating time of the air conditioner in the second mode is within the second predetermined time and the indoor ambient temperature has not reached the second predetermined temperature, the controller controls the air conditioner to maintain the second mode.

[1006] In step 726, if the operating time of the air conditioner in the second mode exceeds the second predetermined time and the indoor ambient temperature is higher than the second predetermined temperature, the air conditioner is controlled to switch back from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode, thereby continuing to clean the heat exchanger to be cleaned until the air conditioner completes cleaning the heat exchanger to be cleaned.

[1007] In some embodiments, it is determined that the operating time of the air conditioner in the second mode has exceeded the second predetermined time and the indoor ambient temperature has reached the second predetermined temperature, and the air conditioner is controlled to switch back from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode, thereby continuing to clean the heat exchanger to be cleaned until the air conditioner has completed cleaning the heat exchanger to be cleaned.

[1008] When the indoor ambient temperature is within the second preset range, the controller switches the air conditioner from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode to lower the indoor ambient temperature and restore it to the appropriate temperature range. Furthermore, the second predetermined time is preset to improve the efficiency of automatic cleaning while satisfying the user's requirements.

[1009] When the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode, if the indoor ambient temperature drops to (below) the second predetermined temperature within the second predetermined time, the cooling effect of the air conditioner 1000 is good and the indoor ambient temperature can meet the user's requirements. In this case, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode. Even after the air conditioner 1000 returns from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode, the controller 300 continues to monitor the indoor ambient temperature via the indoor temperature detection device, and controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back to the second mode in a timely manner when the indoor ambient temperature becomes relatively high.

[1010] Alternatively, when the air conditioner 1000 switches from the automatic cleaning mode to the second mode, if the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the second mode exceeds the second predetermined time and the indoor ambient temperature is still higher than the second predetermined temperature, the cooling effect of the air conditioner 1000 will be insufficient. In this case, if the air conditioner 1000 remains in the second mode, the indoor ambient temperature will decrease relatively slowly, resulting in an extended time for automatic cleaning. Therefore, in such a case, to improve the efficiency of automatic cleaning, when the operating time of the air conditioner 1000 in the second mode exceeds the second predetermined time, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 1000 to switch back from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode. Furthermore, after the air conditioner 1000 returns from the second mode to the automatic cleaning mode, the controller 300 does not switch the operating mode based on the indoor ambient temperature, but instead directly performs the automatic cleaning operation until cleaning of the heat exchanger to be cleaned is completed.

[1011] In some embodiments, the second setting range includes a third sub-setting range and a fourth sub-setting range, and the upper limit of the third sub-setting range is lower than the lower limit of the fourth sub-setting range. The second predetermined temperature includes a third sub-setting temperature and a fourth sub-setting temperature, and the third sub-setting temperature is higher than the fourth sub-setting temperature and lower than the lower limit of the third sub-setting range. The second predetermined time includes a first cooling operation time slot and a second cooling operation time slot. The second sub-setting temperature and the first cooling operation time slot correspond to the third sub-setting range, and the third sub-setting temperature and the second cooling operation time slot correspond to the fourth sub-setting range. In this way, by dividing the second setting range into the third sub-setting range and the fourth sub-setting range, automatic cleaning can be further improved while satisfying user requirements.

[1012] In some embodiments, the method further includes steps 701 to 703.

[1013] In step 701, it is determined that the heat exchanger to be cleaned is the indoor heat exchanger.

[1014] In step 702, if the indoor fan is on immediately before the air conditioner switches back to the automatic cleaning mode, the controller controls the indoor fan to continue operating for a first target time. After the indoor fan has operated for the first target time, the controller controls the indoor fan to be turned off.

[1015] In step 703, if the air conditioner is in the off state immediately before switching the air conditioner back to the automatic cleaning mode, the air conditioner is controlled to maintain the off state for a second target time. When the time the air conditioner has been in the off state reaches the second target time, the indoor heat exchanger is controlled to operate as an evaporator for a third target time, and the indoor fan is started and controlled to operate for the third target time.

[1016] During the process of frosting on the heat exchanger to be cleaned (e.g., indoor heat exchanger 102), operating the indoor fan 102 for a short period of time can increase the air circulation effect and increase the flow rate of moisture in the air passing through the heat exchanger to be cleaned. This increases the amount of frost that forms on the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned, effectively accelerating the heat exchanger cleaning process.

[1017] In some embodiments, the method further comprises step 81.

[1018] In step 81, after the heat exchanger to be cleaned has completed frosting, the air conditioner controls the heat exchanger to be cleaned to operate as a condenser, thereby defrosting the heat exchanger. Here, the opening degree of the expansion valve during defrosting by the heat exchanger to be cleaned is equal to or less than the opening degree during frosting by the heat exchanger to be cleaned. In this way, during the thawing process by the heat exchanger to be cleaned, the refrigerant can have a relatively high temperature, which helps to melt the frost on the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned.

[1019] In some embodiments, the method may further include step 7210.

[1020] In step 7210, control is performed so that the air conditioner is stopped for a fourth target time before the air conditioner switches between the first mode and the first automatic cleaning mode, or before the air conditioner switches between the second mode and the second automatic cleaning mode.

[1021] When the air conditioner is in the frosting stage of the first automatic cleaning mode, the refrigerant flow direction is the same as the refrigerant flow direction in the cooling mode. When the air conditioner is in the frosting stage of the second automatic cleaning mode, the refrigerant flow direction is the same as the refrigerant flow direction in the heating mode. When the air conditioner switches between the first mode and the first automatic cleaning mode, or between the second mode and the second automatic cleaning mode, the refrigerant flow direction may change. Therefore, to protect the air conditioner, it is necessary to control the air conditioner to stop when switching modes.

[1022] In some embodiments of the automatic cleaning method for an air conditioner, an indoor temperature detection device for detecting the indoor ambient temperature is provided in the room, so that the indoor ambient temperature can be monitored in real time when the air conditioner is operating in the automatic cleaning mode, and the operating parameters of the air conditioner can be adjusted based on the indoor ambient temperature, thereby preventing excessive changes in the indoor ambient temperature during the automatic cleaning process from affecting the cooling or heating effect of the air conditioner.

[1023] Those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described specific embodiments, and that some elements of the embodiments may be modified or substituted without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, an indoor unit, the indoor unit including an indoor heat exchanger; an outdoor unit including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve; an indoor temperature detection device, the indoor temperature detection device being configured to detect an indoor ambient temperature; a controller, the controller comprising: In response to receiving the automatic cleaning command, the air conditioner is shifted to an automatic cleaning mode and the heat exchanger to be cleaned is operated as an evaporator, thereby controlling the air conditioner to cause frost to form on the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned; configured to adjust operating parameters of the air conditioner based on the indoor ambient temperature; Here, the heat exchanger to be cleaned is the outdoor heat exchanger or the indoor heat exchanger, the automatic cleaning command includes a first command and a second command; The first command is configured to instruct cleaning of the indoor heat exchanger, The second command is configured to instruct cleaning of the outdoor heat exchanger. An air conditioner characterized by:

2. A method for controlling automatic cleaning of an air conditioner, comprising: The present invention is applied to a controller of the air conditioner, The air conditioner includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and an indoor temperature detection device, The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger, The outdoor unit includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve. The indoor temperature detection device is configured to detect an indoor ambient temperature; The method comprises: In response to receiving an automatic cleaning command, the air conditioner transitions to an automatic cleaning mode and operates the heat exchanger to be cleaned as an evaporator, thereby controlling the air conditioner to form frost on the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned; and adjusting an operating parameter of the air conditioner based on the indoor ambient temperature; Here, the heat exchanger to be cleaned is the outdoor heat exchanger or the indoor heat exchanger, the automatic cleaning command includes a first command and a second command; The first command is configured to instruct cleaning of the indoor heat exchanger, The second command is configured to instruct cleaning of the outdoor heat exchanger. A method for controlling automatic cleaning of air conditioners.

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