Air conditioner and automatic refrigerant recovery method

Abstract

The present application provides an air conditioner and an automatic refrigerant recovery method. The air conditioner comprises an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a recovery assembly. The recovery assembly comprises a detection module, a control module, and an execution module; the detection module is used for acquiring air conditioner operation data and refrigerant detection data of an indoor space; the execution module is used for controlling connection / disconnection of pipes of the air conditioner and achieving recovery of a refrigerant from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit; and the control module is communicatively connected to the detection module and the execution module. In the air conditioner and the automatic refrigerant recovery method provided by the present application, by means of the structure of the air conditioner itself, the refrigerant is recovered to an outdoor heat exchanger for storage, thereby simplifying the structures of automatic refrigerant recovery apparatuses, and thus lowering the design difficulty, installation cost and maintenance cost of the automatic refrigerant recovery apparatuses.

Description

Air conditioner and automatic refrigerant recovery method

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese invention patent application number "202411611679.8", application date "November 12, 2024", entitled "Air Conditioner and Automatic Refrigerant Recovery Method". Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of air conditioning and refrigeration technology, and more specifically, to an air conditioner and an automatic refrigerant recovery method. Background Technology

[0003] Air conditioning is an indispensable device in modern life, widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. It plays a crucial role in regulating indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality, improving comfort and work efficiency. Refrigerant is one of the core components of an air conditioning system, responsible for absorbing indoor heat and transferring it outdoors to cool the room. Its proper functioning and energy efficiency are critical to the air conditioner's operation. However, as air conditioning equipment ages, refrigerant delivery pipes can leak, posing a safety hazard. Refrigerant leaks can release toxic gases, potentially harming the respiratory and nervous systems, and in severe cases, even endangering life. Furthermore, some refrigerants are flammable; leaks reaching certain concentrations indoors can easily cause fires and explosions. Therefore, minimizing indoor refrigerant leaks is of paramount importance.

[0004] Currently, leak detection devices are commonly used to detect refrigerant leaks in air conditioners. Once a refrigerant leak is detected, an alarm is triggered, prompting manual intervention. This method cannot achieve automatic refrigerant recovery. Another solution involves setting up an independent refrigerant recovery system to recover leaked refrigerant. After a sensor detects a refrigerant leak, the independent refrigerant recovery system is activated to recover the refrigerant to an external storage tank. However, this type of independent refrigerant recovery system is usually more complex, and its design, installation, and maintenance costs are higher. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this application is to provide an air conditioner and an automatic refrigerant recovery method, which utilizes the air conditioner's own structure to recover the refrigerant and store it in the outdoor heat exchanger, simplifying the structure of the automatic refrigerant recovery device and thus reducing the design difficulty, installation cost, and maintenance cost of the automatic refrigerant recovery device.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of this application, an air conditioner is provided, including an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a refrigerant recovery component. The refrigerant recovery component includes a detection module, a control module, and an execution module. The detection module is used to acquire air conditioner operating data and refrigerant detection data of the indoor space. The execution module is used to control the on / off of the air conditioner piping and to recover the refrigerant in the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. The control module is communicatively connected to the detection module and the execution module.

[0007] In one embodiment, the indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger, and the outdoor unit includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a throttling device. The indoor heat exchanger, compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, and throttling device are connected in a loop via a connecting pipe. The detection module includes a leakage sensor disposed outside the indoor heat exchanger and is communicatively connected to the control module. The connecting pipe includes a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe. The first connecting pipe connects the outdoor heat exchanger and the throttling device, and the second connecting pipe connects the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger. The execution module includes a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve. The first solenoid valve is disposed on the first connecting pipe, and the second solenoid valve is disposed on the second connecting pipe. The first and second solenoid valves are communicatively connected to the control module.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first solenoid valve is located near the refrigerant outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger, and the second solenoid valve is located near the refrigerant inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0009] In one embodiment, the detection module further includes a pressure sensor, and the connecting pipe includes a third connecting pipe that connects the indoor heat exchanger and the compressor. The pressure sensor is mounted on the third connecting pipe and is communicatively connected to the control module.

[0010] This application also provides a method for automatic refrigerant recovery in an air conditioner, including:

[0011] Obtain refrigerant testing data for indoor spaces;

[0012] Determine whether to control the air conditioner to start refrigerant recovery based on refrigerant test data;

[0013] If the refrigerant detection data does not meet the threshold condition for initiating refrigerant recovery, return to the step of obtaining refrigerant detection data for the indoor space;

[0014] If the threshold condition for initiating refrigerant recovery is reached, determine whether the air conditioner is in cooling mode.

[0015] If the air conditioner is not in cooling mode, control the air conditioner to switch to cooling mode;

[0016] If the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the controller will recycle the refrigerant from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.

[0017] When the refrigerant recovery is complete, the air conditioner is controlled to stop refrigerant recovery.

[0018] In one embodiment, the step of determining whether to control the air conditioner to start refrigerant recovery based on refrigerant detection data includes:

[0019] Based on refrigerant detection data, it can be determined that there is refrigerant in the indoor space, or based on refrigerant detection data, the refrigerant concentration data is greater than or equal to the concentration threshold.

[0020] Control the air conditioner to start refrigerant recovery.

[0021] In one embodiment, the step of controlling the air conditioner to recover refrigerant from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit includes:

[0022] Control the first solenoid valve to shut off;

[0023] Control the compressor's cooling operation to allow refrigerant to flow from the indoor heat exchanger in the indoor unit to the outdoor heat exchanger in the outdoor unit.

[0024] In one embodiment, the step of controlling the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery when refrigerant recovery is complete includes:

[0025] Pressure data is acquired using a pressure sensor;

[0026] The pressure data is compared with the pressure threshold to determine whether to control the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery.

[0027] If the pressure data is lower than the pressure threshold, the air conditioner will stop refrigerant recovery.

[0028] If the pressure data is higher than or equal to the pressure threshold, the air conditioner will not be controlled to stop refrigerant recovery, and the process will return to the step of obtaining pressure data through the pressure sensor to determine again whether to control the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery.

[0029] In one embodiment, the step of controlling the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery when refrigerant recovery is complete includes:

[0030] Obtain recycling time data;

[0031] The recycling time data is compared with the recycling time threshold to determine whether to control the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recycling;

[0032] If the refrigerant recovery time data exceeds the refrigerant recovery time threshold, the air conditioner will be controlled to stop refrigerant recovery.

[0033] If the refrigerant recovery time data is lower than or equal to the refrigerant recovery time threshold, the air conditioner will not be controlled to stop refrigerant recovery. Instead, the process will return to the step of obtaining the refrigerant recovery time data and determine again whether to control the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery.

[0034] In one embodiment, the step of controlling the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery when refrigerant recovery is complete includes:

[0035] Acquire pressure data and recovery time data;

[0036] The pressure data is compared with the pressure threshold to determine whether to stop refrigerant recovery.

[0037] If the pressure data is less than the pressure threshold, the air conditioner will stop refrigerant recovery.

[0038] If the pressure data is greater than or equal to the pressure threshold, the air conditioner will not be controlled to stop refrigerant recovery. The recovery time data will be compared with the recovery time threshold to determine whether to control the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery.

[0039] If the refrigerant recovery time data exceeds the refrigerant recovery time threshold, the air conditioner will be controlled to stop refrigerant recovery.

[0040] If the refrigerant recovery time data is less than or equal to the refrigerant recovery time threshold, the air conditioner is not controlled to stop refrigerant recovery. Instead, the process returns to the step of obtaining pressure data and refrigerant recovery time data, and then it is determined again whether to control the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery.

[0041] In one embodiment, the step of controlling the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery when refrigerant recovery is complete includes:

[0042] Obtain refrigerant concentration data;

[0043] When the concentration data is below the concentration threshold, the second solenoid valve is closed;

[0044] Control the compressor to stop.

[0045] In one embodiment, after the concentration data reaches the concentration threshold and before closing the second solenoid valve, the system further includes continuing to control the air conditioner to recover refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger to the outdoor heat exchanger for a preset time.

[0046] Applying the technical solution of this application, the recycling component includes a detection module, a control module, and an execution module. The detection module is used to acquire air conditioner operating data and refrigerant detection data of the indoor space. Based on the refrigerant detection data, it determines whether a refrigerant leak has occurred in the indoor space where the indoor unit is located. When a refrigerant leak is determined, the control module sends a signal to control the execution module to start the refrigerant recycling program. The execution module is used to control the opening and closing of the air conditioner pipeline and to recover the refrigerant in the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, thereby realizing automatic refrigerant recycling.

[0047] Compared to existing independent refrigerant recovery systems, the air conditioner and refrigerant automatic recovery method provided in this application, by setting up recovery components and corresponding refrigerant recovery procedures, utilizes the air conditioner's own structure to recover the refrigerant to the outdoor heat exchanger for storage, simplifying the structure of the automatic refrigerant recovery device, thereby reducing the design difficulty, installation cost, and maintenance cost of the automatic refrigerant recovery device. Attached Figure Description

[0048] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0049] Figure 1 shows an overall structural diagram of the air conditioner and the automatic refrigerant recovery method according to an embodiment of this application; and

[0050] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of an air conditioner and an automatic refrigerant recovery method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0051] The above-mentioned figures include the following reference numerals: 1. Indoor heat exchanger; 2. Compressor; 3. Outdoor heat exchanger; 4. Throttling device; 5. Leakage sensor; 6. Pressure sensor; 7. Control module; 8. First solenoid valve; 9. Second solenoid valve; 10. First connecting pipe; 11. Second connecting pipe; 12. Third connecting pipe; 13. Four-way reversing valve. Detailed Implementation

[0052] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0053] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, this application provides an air conditioner, including an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a refrigerant recovery component. The refrigerant recovery component includes a detection module, a control module 7, and an execution module. The detection module is used to acquire air conditioner operating data and refrigerant detection data of the indoor space. The execution module is used to control the on / off of the air conditioner pipeline and to recover the refrigerant in the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. The control module 7 is communicatively connected to the detection module and the execution module.

[0054] In the above technical solution, the recovery component includes a detection module, a control module 7, and an execution module. The detection module acquires air conditioner operating data and refrigerant detection data of the indoor space. Based on the refrigerant detection data, it determines whether a refrigerant leak has occurred in the indoor space where the indoor unit is located. If a refrigerant leak is detected, the control module 7 sends a signal to control the execution module to start the refrigerant recovery program. The execution module controls the opening and closing of the air conditioner piping and recovers the refrigerant from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, thereby achieving automatic refrigerant recovery. Compared with existing independent refrigerant recovery systems, the air conditioner and automatic refrigerant recovery method provided in this application, by setting up a recovery component and a corresponding refrigerant recovery program, utilizes the air conditioner's own structure to recover the refrigerant to the outdoor heat exchanger for storage, simplifying the structure of the automatic refrigerant recovery device and thus reducing the design difficulty, installation cost, and maintenance cost of the automatic refrigerant recovery device.

[0055] In one embodiment of this application, the indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger 1, and the outdoor unit includes a compressor 2, an outdoor heat exchanger 3, and a throttling device 4. The indoor heat exchanger 1, compressor 2, outdoor heat exchanger 3, and throttling device 4 are connected to form a circuit through a connecting pipe. The detection module includes a leakage sensor 5, which is disposed outside the indoor heat exchanger 1 and is communicatively connected to the control module 7. The connecting pipe includes a first connecting pipe 10 and a second connecting pipe 11. The first connecting pipe 10 connects the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the throttling device 4, and the second connecting pipe 11 connects the compressor 2 and the outdoor heat exchanger 3. A four-way reversing valve 13 is also disposed on the second connecting pipe 11. The execution module includes a first solenoid valve 8 and a second solenoid valve 9. The first solenoid valve 8 is disposed on the first connecting pipe 10, and the second solenoid valve 9 is disposed on the second connecting pipe 11. The first solenoid valve 8 and the second solenoid valve 9 are communicatively connected to the control module 7.

[0056] In the above technical solution, the air conditioner consists of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger 1, while the outdoor unit includes a compressor 2, an outdoor heat exchanger 3, and a throttling device 4. These components are interconnected through connecting pipes to form a refrigeration cycle. A leakage sensor 5 is installed outside the indoor heat exchanger 1 to monitor whether refrigerant leakage occurs in the indoor space. A first solenoid valve 8 and a second solenoid valve 9 are respectively located on the first connecting pipe 10 controlling the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the throttling device 4, and on the second connecting pipe 11 controlling the compressor 2 and the outdoor heat exchanger 3. A four-way reversing valve 13 is also installed on the second connecting pipe 11, allowing the reversing valve to operate through the four-way valve. The reversing valve 13 changes the flow direction of the refrigerant, realizing the function conversion of the air conditioner from cooling to heating. The first solenoid valve 8 and the second solenoid valve 9 maintain communication with the control module 7 so as to accurately control the opening and closing of the pipeline when needed, thereby controlling the flow of refrigerant. When the refrigerant recovery program starts, the first solenoid valve 8 is closed, so that the refrigerant cannot continue to flow from the outdoor heat exchanger 3 to the indoor heat exchanger 1. Then, the compressor 2 recovers the refrigerant into the outdoor heat exchanger 3. Finally, the second solenoid valve 9 is closed, so that the refrigerant that has been recovered into the outdoor heat exchanger 3 cannot flow back to the indoor heat exchanger 1 through the second connecting pipe 11, thereby completing the automatic refrigerant recovery.

[0057] In one embodiment of this application, the first solenoid valve 8 is located near the refrigerant outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 3, and the second solenoid valve 9 is located near the refrigerant inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 3.

[0058] In the above technical solution, the first solenoid valve 8 and the second solenoid valve 9 are located near the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 3. After the refrigerant recovery is completed and the solenoid valve is shut off, the amount of refrigerant remaining in the connecting pipe can be reduced as much as possible, thereby improving the refrigerant recovery effect.

[0059] In one embodiment of this application, the detection module further includes a pressure sensor 6, and the connecting pipe includes a third connecting pipe 12, which connects the indoor heat exchanger 1 and the compressor 2. The pressure sensor 6 is disposed on the third connecting pipe 12 and is communicatively connected to the control module 7.

[0060] In the above technical solution, pressure sensor 6 is installed on the third connecting pipe 12 to monitor the pipe pressure on the side of compressor 2 near indoor heat exchanger 1. This ensures that it can accurately monitor the pressure changes in the third connecting pipe 12 during refrigerant recovery. Through communication with the control module, pressure sensor 6 can promptly feed this information back to the control module, enabling the system to determine the progress and completion status of refrigerant recovery based on pressure changes, thereby enhancing the accuracy of refrigerant recovery. By combining the pressure data collected by pressure sensor 6 with the pressure threshold set in the control module, when the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor is lower than this threshold, it is determined that refrigerant recovery is complete, and the control module will close the corresponding solenoid valve to stop the recovery operation.

[0061] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, this application also provides an automatic refrigerant recovery method for an air conditioner, comprising:

[0062] Obtain refrigerant testing data for indoor spaces;

[0063] Determine whether to control the air conditioner to start refrigerant recovery based on refrigerant test data;

[0064] If the refrigerant detection data does not meet the threshold condition for initiating refrigerant recovery, return to the step of obtaining refrigerant detection data for the indoor space;

[0065] If the threshold condition for initiating refrigerant recovery is reached, determine whether the air conditioner is in cooling mode.

[0066] If the air conditioner is not in cooling mode, control the air conditioner to switch to cooling mode;

[0067] If the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the controller will recycle the refrigerant from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.

[0068] When the refrigerant recovery is complete, the air conditioner is controlled to stop refrigerant recovery.

[0069] In the above technical solution, when the refrigerant recovery program starts running, the detection module acquires refrigerant detection data of the indoor space. If the refrigerant detection data indicates a refrigerant leak in the indoor space, the control module 7 will execute the refrigerant recovery program. Before starting the recovery, the system checks whether the air conditioner is currently in cooling mode. If the air conditioner is not in cooling mode, the control module 7 will first switch it to cooling mode, allowing the refrigerant in the pipes to continue flowing through the air conditioner's own cooling mode. Next, the control module 7 will command the first solenoid valve 8 to close, isolating the throttling device 4 and blocking the refrigerant flow from the outdoor heat exchanger 3 to the indoor heat exchanger 1. Then, the compressor 2 will be started for cooling operation, thereby driving the refrigerant in the indoor unit to flow through the second connecting pipe 11 to the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the outdoor unit for recovery. The refrigerant is recovered to the outdoor unit through the air conditioner's own cooling mode. Compared with the prior art that requires a separate refrigerant recovery system, this application can achieve refrigerant recovery using its own structure and cooling function, greatly simplifying the recovery system and reducing the complexity, design difficulty, and installation difficulty of refrigerant recovery, thereby reducing the cost of refrigerant recovery.

[0070] In one embodiment of this application, the step of determining whether to control the air conditioner to start refrigerant recovery based on refrigerant detection data includes:

[0071] Based on refrigerant detection data, it can be determined that there is refrigerant in the indoor space, or based on refrigerant detection data, the refrigerant concentration data is greater than or equal to the concentration threshold.

[0072] Control the air conditioner to start refrigerant recovery.

[0073] In the above technical solution, if refrigerant is detected in the indoor space, or if the detected refrigerant concentration exceeds the preset concentration threshold, the control module 7 will control the air conditioner to execute the refrigerant recovery program to recover the refrigerant.

[0074] In one embodiment of this application, the step of controlling the air conditioner to recover refrigerant from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit includes:

[0075] Control the first solenoid valve 8 to shut off;

[0076] The compressor 2 is controlled to operate in a cooling mode, so that the refrigerant flows from the indoor heat exchanger 1 in the indoor unit to the outdoor heat exchanger 3 in the outdoor unit.

[0077] In the above technical solution, when the detection module detects indoor refrigerant leakage, the control module 7 will immediately control the first solenoid valve 8 to close, thereby limiting the refrigerant to remain in the outdoor heat exchanger 3 for storage, preventing the refrigerant from flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger 3 to the indoor heat exchanger 1, and preventing the indoor refrigerant from continuing to leak. Then, the control module 7 will control the compressor 2 to run in cooling mode, driving the refrigerant to flow to the outdoor heat exchanger 3, so that the refrigerant can be recovered to the outdoor heat exchanger 3, thereby realizing the recovery of refrigerant from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.

[0078] In one embodiment of this application, the step of controlling the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery when the refrigerant recovery is complete includes:

[0079] Pressure data is acquired via pressure sensor 6;

[0080] The pressure data is compared with the pressure threshold to determine whether to control the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery.

[0081] If the pressure data is lower than the pressure threshold, the air conditioner will stop refrigerant recovery.

[0082] If the pressure data is higher than or equal to the pressure threshold, the air conditioner will not be controlled to stop refrigerant recovery, and the process will return to the step of obtaining pressure data through pressure sensor 6 to determine again whether to control the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery.

[0083] In the above technical solution, once refrigerant recovery begins, the control module 7 continuously monitors the suction pressure data via the pressure sensor 6. If the suction pressure is lower than a preset pressure threshold, it indicates that most of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 1 has been recovered. At this point, the control module 7 will shut off the second solenoid valve 9 and stop the compressor 2, ending the refrigerant recovery process. The preset pressure threshold can be set below the normal operating suction pressure to ensure complete refrigerant recovery.

[0084] In one embodiment of this application, the step of controlling the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery when the refrigerant recovery is complete includes:

[0085] Obtain recycling time data;

[0086] The recycling time data is compared with the recycling time threshold to determine whether to control the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recycling;

[0087] If the refrigerant recovery time data exceeds the refrigerant recovery time threshold, the air conditioner will be controlled to stop refrigerant recovery.

[0088] If the refrigerant recovery time data is less than or equal to the refrigerant recovery time threshold, the air conditioner is not controlled to stop refrigerant recovery, and the process returns to the step of obtaining refrigerant recovery time data to determine again whether to control the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery.

[0089] In the above technical solution, during the refrigerant recovery process, the recovery time data can be recorded simultaneously by the control module 7 or the timing device. Timed recovery can be achieved by setting a recovery time threshold. When the refrigerant recovery time exceeds the predetermined recovery time, the air conditioner is controlled to stop refrigerant recovery. This ensures the recovery effect while avoiding energy waste and equipment damage caused by over-operation, thereby improving the energy efficiency and lifespan of the air conditioner.

[0090] In one embodiment of this application, the step of controlling the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery when the refrigerant recovery is complete includes:

[0091] Acquire pressure data and recovery time data;

[0092] The pressure data is compared with the pressure threshold to determine whether to stop refrigerant recovery.

[0093] If the pressure data is less than the pressure threshold, the air conditioner will stop refrigerant recovery.

[0094] If the pressure data is greater than or equal to the pressure threshold, the air conditioner will not be controlled to stop refrigerant recovery. The recovery time data will be compared with the recovery time threshold to determine whether to control the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery.

[0095] If the refrigerant recovery time data exceeds the refrigerant recovery time threshold, the air conditioner will be controlled to stop refrigerant recovery.

[0096] If the refrigerant recovery time data is less than or equal to the refrigerant recovery time threshold, the air conditioner is not controlled to stop refrigerant recovery. Instead, the process returns to the step of obtaining pressure data and refrigerant recovery time data, and then it is determined again whether to control the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery.

[0097] In the above technical solution, if the recovery time exceeds the preset recovery time threshold, even if the pressure data has not yet reached the shutdown condition, the control module 7 will stop refrigerant recovery, shut off the second solenoid valve 9 and stop the compressor 2 to prevent unnecessary energy consumption and system overload. At the same time, using both pressure data and recovery time data as the two parameters as the judgment criteria for controlling the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery can effectively prevent misjudgment caused by abnormality of a single parameter, thereby improving the stability and reliability of automatic refrigerant recovery.

[0098] In one embodiment of this application, the step of controlling the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery when the refrigerant recovery is complete includes:

[0099] Obtain refrigerant concentration data;

[0100] When the concentration data is below the concentration threshold, the second solenoid valve 9 is closed;

[0101] Control compressor 2 to stop.

[0102] In the above technical solution, after refrigerant recovery begins, the control module 7 will continuously monitor the refrigerant concentration data through the leakage sensor 5. If the concentration data is lower than the preset concentration threshold, it indicates that most of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 1 has been recovered and the indoor space is a safe environment. At this time, the control module 7 will shut off the second solenoid valve 9 and stop the operation of the compressor 2, thus ending the refrigerant recovery process.

[0103] In one embodiment of this application, after the concentration data reaches the concentration threshold and before the second solenoid valve 9 is closed, the refrigerant automatic recovery method further includes: continuing to control the air conditioner to recover the refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger 1 to the outdoor heat exchanger 3 for a preset time.

[0104] In the above technical solution, after the concentration data reaches the preset concentration threshold, the air conditioner continues to run for a period of time before the second solenoid valve 9 is closed and the compressor 2 is stopped, thereby completing the refrigerant recovery. By controlling the air conditioner to end at a preset time delay, it is ensured that even when the concentration reaches the standard, the air conditioner can continue to run to collect as much of the remaining refrigerant as possible, thereby improving the recovery efficiency and the integrity of the recovery.

[0105] As can be seen from the above description, the embodiments of this application achieve the following technical effects: The recycling component includes a detection module, a control module 7, and an execution module. The detection module is used to acquire air conditioner operating data and refrigerant detection data of the indoor space. Based on the refrigerant detection data, it determines whether a refrigerant leak has occurred in the indoor space where the indoor unit is located. When a refrigerant leak is determined, the control module 7 sends a signal to control the execution module to start the refrigerant recycling program. The execution module is used to control the opening and closing of the air conditioner pipes and to recover the refrigerant in the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, thereby realizing automatic refrigerant recycling. When the refrigerant recycling program starts running, the detection module acquires refrigerant detection data of the indoor space. If a refrigerant leak is determined based on the refrigerant detection data, the control module 7 will execute the refrigerant recycling program. Before starting the refrigerant recovery process, the system checks whether the air conditioner is currently in cooling mode. If the air conditioner is not in cooling mode, the control module 7 will switch it to cooling mode first, allowing the refrigerant in the pipes to continue flowing through the air conditioner's own cooling mode. Next, the control module 7 will command the first solenoid valve 8 to close, isolating the throttling device 4 and blocking the refrigerant flow from the outdoor heat exchanger 3 to the indoor heat exchanger 1. Then, the compressor 2 will be started for cooling operation, thereby driving the refrigerant in the indoor unit to flow through the second connecting pipe 11 to the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the outdoor unit for recovery. Compared with the existing independent refrigerant recovery system, the air conditioner and refrigerant automatic recovery method provided in this application, by setting up recovery components and corresponding refrigerant recovery programs, utilizes the air conditioner's own structure to recover the refrigerant to the outdoor heat exchanger for storage, simplifying the structure of the automatic refrigerant recovery device and thus reducing the design difficulty, installation cost, and maintenance cost of the automatic refrigerant recovery device.

[0106] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: It includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a recycling component. The recycling component includes a detection module, a control module (7), and an execution module. The detection module is used to acquire the operating data of the air conditioner and the refrigerant detection data of the indoor space. The execution module is used to control the opening and closing of the air conditioner pipeline and to recover the refrigerant in the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. The control module (7) is communicatively connected to the detection module and the execution module.

2. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger (1), and the outdoor unit includes a compressor (2), an outdoor heat exchanger (3), and a throttling device (4). The indoor heat exchanger (1), the compressor (2), the outdoor heat exchanger (3), and the throttling device (4) are connected to form a circuit through a connecting pipe. The detection module includes a leakage sensor (5), which is located outside the indoor heat exchanger (1). The leakage sensor (5) is communicatively connected to the control module (7). The connecting pipe includes a first connecting pipe (10) and a second connecting pipe. The pipe (11) is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger (3) and the throttling device (4). The second pipe (11) is connected to the compressor (2) and the outdoor heat exchanger (3). The execution module includes a first solenoid valve (8) and a second solenoid valve (9). The first solenoid valve (8) is installed on the first connecting pipe (10), and the second solenoid valve (9) is installed on the second connecting pipe (11). The first solenoid valve (8) and the second solenoid valve (9) are communicatively connected to the control module (7).

3. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein The first solenoid valve (8) is located near the refrigerant outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger (3), and the second solenoid valve (9) is located near the refrigerant inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger (3).

4. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein The detection module also includes a pressure sensor (6), the connecting pipe includes a third connecting pipe (12), the third connecting pipe (12) connects the indoor heat exchanger (1) and the compressor (2), the pressure sensor (6) is installed on the third connecting pipe (12), and the pressure sensor (6) is communicatively connected to the control module (7).

5. A method of automatically recovering refrigerant of an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, include: Obtain refrigerant testing data for indoor spaces; Based on the refrigerant detection data, determine whether to control the air conditioner to start refrigerant recovery; If the refrigerant detection data does not reach the threshold condition for starting refrigerant recovery, return to the step of obtaining refrigerant detection data of the indoor space; If the threshold condition for initiating refrigerant recovery is reached, it is determined whether the air conditioner is in cooling mode. If the air conditioner is not in cooling mode, control the air conditioner to switch to cooling mode; If the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the air conditioner is controlled to recover refrigerant from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit; When the refrigerant recovery is complete, the air conditioner is controlled to stop refrigerant recovery.

6. The refrigerant automatic recovery method according to claim 5, characterized by, Threshold conditions include: The indoor space is determined to contain refrigerant based on refrigerant detection data, or the refrigerant concentration data is determined to be greater than or equal to the concentration threshold based on refrigerant detection data.

7. The refrigerant automatic recovery method according to claim 5, characterized by, The steps of controlling the air conditioner to recover refrigerant from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit include: Control the first solenoid valve (8) to close; Control the compressor (2) to run in cooling mode, so that the refrigerant flows from the indoor heat exchanger (1) in the indoor unit to the outdoor heat exchanger (3) in the outdoor unit.

8. The refrigerant automatic recovery method according to claim 5, characterized by, The steps for controlling the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery when the refrigerant recovery is complete include: Pressure data is acquired through pressure sensor (6); The pressure data is compared with the pressure threshold to determine whether to control the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery. If the pressure data is lower than the pressure threshold, the air conditioner is controlled to stop refrigerant recovery; If the pressure data is higher than or equal to the pressure threshold, the air conditioner is not controlled to stop refrigerant recovery, and the process returns to the step of obtaining pressure data through the pressure sensor (6) to determine again whether to control the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery.

9. The refrigerant automatic recovery method according to claim 5, characterized by, The steps for controlling the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery when the refrigerant recovery is complete include: Obtain recycling time data; The recycling time data is compared with the recycling time threshold to determine whether to control the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recycling; If the recovery time data is greater than the recovery time threshold, then control the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery; If the recycling time data is lower than or equal to the recycling time threshold, the air conditioner is not controlled to stop refrigerant recycling, and the process returns to the step of obtaining recycling time data to determine again whether to control the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recycling.

10. The refrigerant automatic recovery method according to claim 5, characterized by, The steps for controlling the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery when the refrigerant recovery is complete include: Acquire pressure data and recovery time data; The pressure data is compared with the pressure threshold to determine whether to stop refrigerant recovery. If the pressure data is less than the pressure threshold, the air conditioner is controlled to stop refrigerant recovery; If the pressure data is greater than or equal to the pressure threshold, the air conditioner is not controlled to stop refrigerant recovery, and the recovery time data is compared with the recovery time threshold to determine whether to control the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery. If the recovery time data is greater than the recovery time threshold, then control the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery; If the recovery time data is less than or equal to the recovery time threshold, the air conditioner is not controlled to stop refrigerant recovery, and the process returns to the step of obtaining pressure data and recovery time data to determine again whether to control the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery.

11. The refrigerant automatic recovery method according to claim 5, characterized by, The steps for controlling the air conditioner to stop refrigerant recovery when the refrigerant recovery is complete include: Obtain refrigerant concentration data; When the concentration data is lower than the concentration threshold, the second solenoid valve (9) is closed; Control the compressor (2) to stop.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, After the concentration data is lower than the concentration threshold, before closing the second solenoid valve (9), the refrigerant automatic recovery method further includes: continuing to control the air conditioner to recover the refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger (1) to the outdoor heat exchanger (3) for a preset time.

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