AIR CONDITIONER OIL RETURN CONTROL METHOD, AIR CONDITIONER AND COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM

Disclosed is an air conditioner oil return control method, which includes the steps of: detecting that a power-on operation state of an outdoor unit at present meets a preset condition and a duration of the power-on operation state reaches a first preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, and setting the start-stop times as an initial value; after completing the oil return operation, detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit; updating the start-stop times when the start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit; and when updated start-stop times reach a preset number and the outdoor unit is in a starting operation state at present, controlling the outdoor unit to perform the oil return operation. Also disclosed are an air conditioner and a computer readable storage medium. The present disclosure implements the oil return of the outdoor unit according to the start-stop times occurring in the outdoor unit, thereby effectively solving the problem of insufficient lubricating oil of the compressor and prolonging the service life of the outdoor unit.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201810927936.7 entitled “Air Conditioner Oil Return Control Method, Air Conditioner and Computer Readable Storage Medium” filed on Aug. 15, 2018 by Guangdong Midea Heating & Ventilating Equipment Co., Ltd. and Midea Group Co., Ltd.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of air conditioners, in particular to an air conditioner oil return control method, an air conditioner and a computer readable storage medium.

BACKGROUND

With the improvement of people's living standard, the demand for heating/cooling performance of an air conditioner is also higher and higher. In general, a compressor in the air conditioner is an important factor for affecting the heating/cooling performance of the air conditioner.

Now, oil-free lubrication cannot be realized in the compressor of the air conditioner. Lubricating oil is a substance which plays a lubricating role between moving parts in the compressor. If the compressor lacks the lubricating oil, a motor bearing and a compression cavity of the compressor cannot be effectively lubricated, so that the compressor is damaged due to increased friction. Therefore, the recovery of lubricating oil for the air conditioner plays an important role in the reliable operation of air conditioners.

However, the existing air conditioner basically uses the accumulated operation time of the current operation as an oil return triggering condition, and the control mode has certain disadvantages. For example, when only one indoor unit is started for 24 hours in a security room, a small machine room and the like, the corresponding outdoor unit may be started and stopped frequently at a low frequency by the control mode, or the outdoor unit is started and stopped frequently when the three-pipeline air conditioner is switched around 20 degrees in the mode. Therefore, the accumulated operation time of the outdoor unit cannot reach the oil return triggering condition, so that the lubrication of the compressor is insufficient, and the compressor is burnt out due to oil shortage.

The foregoing is provided merely to aid in the understanding of the present disclosure and is not an admission that the foregoing is prior art.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure has a main purpose of providing an air conditioner oil return control method, an air conditioner and a computer readable storage medium, and is directed to solve the technical problem of insufficient lubrication of a compressor caused by insufficient lubricating oil return of the existing air conditioner.

To achieve the above purpose, the present disclosure provides in embodiments an air conditioner oil return control method, wherein the air conditioner comprises an outdoor unit, and the air conditioner oil return control method comprises the steps of:

when detecting that a power-on operation state of an outdoor unit at present meets a preset condition and a duration of the power-on operation state reaches a first preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, and setting start-stop times corresponding to start-stop operations occurring in the outdoor unit as an initial value;

when completing the oil return operation, detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit;

when the start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit, updating the start-stop times; and

when updated start-stop times reach a preset number and the outdoor unit is in a starting operation state at present, controlling the outdoor unit to perform the oil return operation.

In one embodiment, the steps of when updated start-stop times reach a preset number and the outdoor unit is in a starting operation state at present, controlling the outdoor unit to perform the oil return operation comprise:

when the updated start-stop times reach a preset number and the outdoor unit is in a starting operation state at present, determining the first start-stop moment and the last start-stop moment corresponding to the updated start-stop times;

calculating a time interval between the first start-stop moment and the last start-stop moment; and

when the time interval is less than or equal to a second preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform the oil return operation.

In one embodiment, after the steps of when updated start-stop times reach a preset number and the outdoor unit is in a starting operation state at present, controlling the outdoor unit to perform the oil return operation, the air conditioner oil return control method further comprises:

when completing the oil return operation, setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit in real time.

In one embodiment, the steps of when the start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit, updating the start-stop times comprise:

when the start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit, determining whether the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit is a power-off start-stop operation; and

when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit is a non-power-off start-stop operation, updating the start-stop times.

In one embodiment, after the step of determining whether the current start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit is a power-off start-stop operation, the method further comprises:

when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is a power-off start-stop operation, setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the steps of detecting that the duration of the power-on operation state of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner reaches a first preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation.

In one embodiment, the steps of when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit is a non-power-off start-stop operation, updating the start-stop times comprise:

when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is the non-power-off start-stop operation, determining whether the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is a forced refrigeration operation or a defrosting operation; and

when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is neither the forced refrigeration operation nor the defrosting operation, updating the start-stop times.

In one embodiment, after the steps of determining whether the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is a forced refrigeration operation or a defrosting operation, the method further comprises:

when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is the forced refrigeration operation or the defrosting operation, setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit in real time.

In one embodiment, after the steps of when detecting that a power-on operation state of an outdoor unit at present meets a preset condition and a duration of the power-on operation state reaches a first preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, and setting start-stop times corresponding to start-stop operations occurring in the outdoor unit as an initial value, the air conditioner oil return control method further comprises:

updating an operation duration of the outdoor unit in real time;

when the operation duration reaches a third preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, wherein the third preset duration is longer than the first preset duration; and

setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit in real time.

In addition, to achieve the above object, the present disclosure also provides in embodiments an air conditioner comprising: a memory, a processor, and an air conditioner oil return control program stored on the memory and operable by the processor, wherein the air conditioner oil return control program, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the air conditioner oil return control method described in any one of the above.

In addition, in order to achieve the above object, the present disclosure also provides in embodiments a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon an air conditioner oil return control program, and the air conditioner oil return control program, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the air conditioner oil return control method described in any one of the above.

When detecting that the power-on operation state of the outdoor unit at present meets a preset condition and the duration of the initial power-on operation state reaches a first preset duration, the present method includes controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, setting the start-stop times corresponding to start-stop operations occurring in the outdoor unit as an initial value; then when completing the oil return operation, detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit in real time; when the start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit, updating the start-stop times; when updated start-stop times reach preset times and the outdoor unit is in a starting operation state at present, controlling the outdoor unit to perform the oil return operation, so that the oil return of the outdoor unit is realized according to the start-stop times occurring in the outdoor unit; the problem that oil cannot be returned in time due to the fact that the operation time of the outdoor unit cannot reach the triggering condition of oil return in the existing oil return mode, lubrication of the compressor is insufficient, even oil shortage and burning of the compressor are caused is avoided, so as to effectively solve the problem of insufficient lubricating oil of the compressor and prolong the service life of the outdoor unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a structurally schematic diagram of an air conditioner in a hardware operating environment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a first embodiment of an air conditioner oil return control method of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a detailed flow diagram illustrating the steps of controlling the outdoor unit to perform oil return operation when the updated start-stop times reach a preset number and the outdoor unit is in a starting operation state at present in a second embodiment of the air conditioner oil return control method of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a detailed flow diagram illustrating the steps of updating the start-stop times when a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit in a third embodiment of the air conditioner oil return control method of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a detailed flow diagram illustrating the steps of updating the start-stop times when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit is a non-power-off start-stop operation in a fourth embodiment of the air conditioner oil return control method of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a fifth embodiment of the air conditioner oil return control method of the present disclosure.

The object implementation, functional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings according to the embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present disclosure and are not intended to be limiting thereof.

As shown in FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a structurally schematic diagram of an air conditioner in a hardware operating environment,

As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner may include a processor 1001, such as a CPU, a network interface 1004, a user interface 1003, a memory 1005, and a communication bus 1002; wherein the bus system 1002 is configured to enable connection communication between these components. The user interface 1003 may include a display, an input unit, such as a keyboard, and the optional user interface 1003 may also include a standard wired interface or a wireless interface. The network interface 1004 may optionally include a standard wired interface, or a wireless interface (e.g., a WI-FI interface). The memory 1005 may be a high-speed RAM memory or a non-volatile memory, such as a disk memory. The memory 1005 may optionally be a storing device independent of the aforementioned processor 1001.

Optionally, the air conditioner may also include a camera, RF (Radio Frequency) circuitry, sensors, audio circuitry, WiFi modules, etc.; wherein, the sensors include such as a light sensor, a motion sensor, and other sensors. Of course, the air conditioner may also be provided with other sensors such as gyroscopes, barometers, hygrometers, thermometers, infrared sensors, etc., which will not be described in detail herein.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the air conditioner structure shown in FIG. 1 is not intended to limit the air conditioner, and may include more or fewer components than shown, or some combination of components, or different arrangements of components.

As shown in FIG. 1, a memory 1005, which is a computer storage medium, may include an operating system, a network communication module, a user interface module, and an air conditioner oil return control program.

In the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1, the network interface 1004 is mainly used for connecting and communicating data with a background server; the user interface 1003 is mainly used for connecting and carrying out data communication with a client (user side); the processor 1001 may be used to call an air conditioner oil return control program stored in the memory 1005.

In this embodiment, the air conditioner includes a memory 1005, a processor 1001 and an air conditioner oil return control program stored on the memory 1005 and operable on the processor 1001, wherein when the processor 1001 calls the air conditioner oil return control program stored in the memory 1005, the processor 1001 executes the operations of:

when detecting that a power-on operation state of an outdoor unit at present meets a preset condition and a duration of the power-on operation state reaches a first preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, and setting start-stop times corresponding to start-stop operations occurring in the outdoor unit as an initial value;

when completing the oil return operation, detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit;

when the start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit, updating the start-stop times; and

when updated start-stop times reach a preset number and the outdoor unit is in a starting operation state at present, controlling the outdoor unit to perform the oil return operation.

Further, the processor 1001 may call an air conditioner oil return control program stored in the memory 1005 and also perform the operations of:

when the updated start-stop times reach a preset number and the outdoor unit is in the starting operation state at present, determining the first start-stop moment and the last start-stop moment corresponding to the updated start-stop times;

calculating a time interval between the first start-stop moment and the last start-stop moment; and

when the time interval is less than or equal to a second preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform the oil return operation.

Further, the processor 1001 may call an air conditioner oil return control program stored in the memory 1005 and also perform the operations of:

when completing the oil return operation, setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit in real time.

Further, the processor 1001 may call an air conditioner oil return control program stored in the memory 1005 and also perform the operations of:

when the start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit, determining whether the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit is a power-off start-stop operation; and

when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit is a non-power-off start-stop operation, updating the start-stop times.

Further, the processor 1001 may call an air conditioner oil return control program stored in the memory 1005 and also perform the operations of:

when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is a power-off start-stop operation, setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the steps of detecting that the duration of the power-on operation state of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner reaches a first preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation.

Further, the processor 1001 may call an air conditioner oil return control program stored in the memory 1005 and also perform the operations of:

when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is the non-power-off start-stop operation, determining whether the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is a forced refrigeration operation or a defrosting operation; and

when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is neither the forced refrigeration operation nor the defrosting operation, updating the start-stop times.

Further, the processor 1001 may call an air conditioner oil return control program stored in the memory 1005 and also perform the operations of:

when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is the forced refrigeration operation or the defrosting operation, setting the start-stop times as an initial value, to and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit in real time.

Further, the processor 1001 may call an air conditioner oil return control program stored in the memory 1005 and also perform the operations of:

updating an operation duration of the outdoor unit in real time;

when the operation duration reaches a third preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, wherein the third preset duration is longer than the first preset duration; and

setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit in real time.

The present disclosure also provides in embodiments an air conditioner oil return control method, referring to FIG. 2, which is a flow diagram of a first embodiment of an air conditioner oil return control method of the present disclosure.

In the embodiment, the air conditioner oil return control method comprises the following steps:

S100, when detecting that a power-on operation state of an outdoor unit at present meets a preset condition and a duration of the power-on operation state reaches a first preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, and setting start-stop times corresponding to start-stop operations occurring in the outdoor unit as an initial value;

The outdoor unit in this embodiment may be any one of one or more outdoor units in a multi-on-line system. The initial value can be reasonably set, for example, the initial value can be set to 0, and the start-stop times are set to the initial value, namely the start-stop times reset. The first preset duration may also be reasonably set, for example, the first preset duration may be set to 10 minutes, 30 minutes, etc., and is not limited in this embodiment.

It can be determined whether the power-on operation state of the outdoor unit at present meets a preset condition according to the operation data of the outdoor unit. In particular, the power-on operation state of the outdoor unit at present meets a preset condition when the previous shutdown operation occurring in the outdoor unit is a normal stopping operation before the power-on operation at present is determined according to the operation data of the outdoor unit. For example, when the previous stopping operation occurring in the outdoor unit controls the stopping of the outdoor unit as a control command for increasing such as a remote controller, the stopping operation is a normal stopping operation; and the stopping operation when the outdoor unit is frequently started and stopped and the stopping operation when the outdoor unit is stopped due to power failure are both abnormal stopping operations, that is, if the previous stopping operation occurring in the outdoor unit is the stopping operation when the outdoor unit is frequently started and stopped or the stopping operation when the outdoor unit is stopped due to power failure, the current power-on operation state of the outdoor unit does not meet the preset condition.

In the embodiment, if the power-on operation occurring in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is detected, and the power-on operation state meets the preset condition at present, the duration of the power-on operation occurring in the outdoor unit is accumulated in real time; and when the duration of the power-on operation occurring in the outdoor unit reaches the first preset duration, the outdoor unit is controlled to perform an oil return operation, and the start-stop times corresponding to the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit are set as an initial value.

The start-stop operation refers to the operation performed by the outdoor unit in the process that the outdoor unit goes from the operation state to the stop operation state, and from the stop operation state to the operation state again; and as the outdoor unit goes through the process from the operation state to the stop operation state and from the stop operation state to the operation state again once, it is recorded as one start-stop, i.e. the start-stop times are increased by one.

It's necessary to note that the outdoor unit includes a compressor and an oil separator communicated with the compressor. The compressor is disconnected from the oil separator during normal operation occurring in the outdoor unit, and the compressor is communicated with the oil separator during the oil return operation occurring in the outdoor unit so that lubricating oil in the oil separator flows to the compressor. Preferably, a control switch may be provided in the communication pipeline between the compressor and the oil separator; when the outdoor unit performs the oil return operation, the compressor is communicated with the oil separator by controlling the control switch; and when the oil return operation is completed, the compressor is disconnected from the oil separator by controlling the control switch. Preferably, the outdoor unit further includes an electronic expansion valve, one end of the electronic expansion valve is communicated with the oil separator, the other end of the electronic expansion valve is communicated with the compressor. When the outdoor unit performs oil return operation, the compressor is communicated with the oil separator by adjusting the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve; and when the oil return operation is completed, the compressor is disconnected from the oil separator by adjusting the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve.

S200, when completing the oil return operation, detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit;

In the embodiment, when the oil return operation is completed, the operation data of the outdoor unit at present are monitored in real time, and it has been determined whether the outdoor unit has a start-stop operation according to the operation data of the outdoor unit at present, wherein the start-stop operation includes a frequent start-stop of the outdoor unit, a start-stop of the outdoor unit triggered by power failure, and a start-stop of the outdoor unit caused by a forced refrigeration operation or a defrosting operation occurring in the outdoor unit.

S300, when the start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit, updating the start-stop times; and

S400, when updated start-stop times reach a preset number and the outdoor unit is in a starting operation state at present, controlling the outdoor unit to perform the oil return operation.

The preset times can be reasonably set, for example, the preset times can be set to 15, 20, 30 and the like.

In the embodiment, when it is determined that the outdoor unit has a start-stop operation at present, the start-stop times corresponding to the start-stop operation are updated. Specifically, the start-stop times at present are increased by one to serve as new start-stop times; if the updated start-stop times reach a preset number, the outdoor unit is controlled to perform oil return operation when the outdoor unit has a starting operation state at present, so that lubricating oil in the oil separator flows back to the compressor of the outdoor unit, and oil return of the compressor is realized according to the start-stop times occurring in the outdoor unit; the problem that oil cannot be returned in time due to the fact that the operation time of the outdoor unit cannot reach the triggering condition of oil return in the existing oil return mode, lubrication of the compressor is insufficient, even oil shortage and burning of the compressor are caused is avoided, so as to effectively solve the problem of insufficient lubricating oil of the compressor and prolong the service life of the outdoor unit.

Further, in an embodiment, after the step S400, the air conditioner oil return control method further includes: when completing the oil return operation, setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit in real time.

In the embodiment, when oil return of the outdoor unit is completed, the start-stop times are set as an initial value, and it is detected in real time whether a start-stop operations occurs in the outdoor unit; the start-stop times occurring in the outdoor unit are continuously accumulated, it is judged whether the new start-stop times meet triggering conditions of oil return for the outdoor unit, that is, whether the new start-stop times reach a preset number, and then the oil return operation can be continuously performed according to the start-stop times occurring in the outdoor unit, so as to avoid the problem of insufficient lubricating oil of the compressor and further prolong the service life of the outdoor unit.

According to the air conditioner oil return control method provided by the embodiment, when detecting that the power-on operation state of the outdoor unit at present meets a preset condition and the duration of the initial power-on operation state reaches a first preset duration, the method includes controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, setting the start-stop times corresponding to the start-stop operations occurring in the outdoor unit as an initial value; then when completing the oil return operation, detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit in real time; when the start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit, updating the start-stop times; when updated start-stop times reach preset times and the outdoor unit is in a starting operation state at present, controlling the outdoor unit to perform the oil return operation, so that the oil return of the outdoor unit is realized according to the start-stop times occurring in the outdoor unit; the problem that oil cannot be returned in time due to the fact that the operation time of the outdoor unit cannot reach the triggering condition of oil return in the existing oil return mode, lubrication of the compressor is insufficient, even oil shortage and burning of the compressor are caused is avoided, so as to effectively solve the problem of insufficient lubricating oil of the compressor and prolong the service life of the outdoor unit.

Based on the first embodiment, a second embodiment of the air conditioner oil return control method of the present disclosure is provided. Referring to FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the step S400 includes:

S410, when the updated start-stop times reach a preset number and the outdoor unit is in the starting operation state at present, determining the first start-stop moment and the last start-stop moment corresponding to the updated start-stop times;

S420, calculating a time interval between the first start-stop moment and the last start-stop moment; and

S430, when the time interval is less than or equal to a second preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform the oil return operation.

Herein, the second preset duration can be reasonably set, and the second preset duration is longer than the first preset duration; for example, the second preset duration may be set to 2 hours, 3 hours, etc., and is not limited in this embodiment.

In the embodiment, when the updated start-stop times reach a preset number, if the outdoor unit is in a starting operation state at present, the first start-stop moment and the last start-stop moment corresponding to the updated start-stop times are acquired, namely, the start-stop moment of the first outdoor unit start-stop and the start-stop moment of the last outdoor unit start-stop in the start-stop times at present; and the time interval between the first start-stop moment and the last start-stop moment is calculated.

If the calculated time interval is less than or equal to the second preset time, the outdoor unit is controlled to perform an oil return operation, so that when the outdoor unit is started and stopped frequently in a short time, the outdoor unit can return oil in time, so as to effectively solve the problem of insufficient lubricating oil of the compressor and prolong the service life of the outdoor unit.

It should be noted that if the time interval is greater than the second preset duration, the duration between each start-stop moment and the last start-stop moment in the updated start-stop times is calculated; the start-stop time corresponding to the duration less than the second preset duration is determined according to the acquired plurality of durations; the remaining start-stop times after the start-stop moment are determined according to the updated start-stop times, and the remaining start-stop times are used as new start-stop times, and the step of detecting whether the outdoor unit has a start-stop operation in real time is continuously executed.

According to the air conditioner oil return control method provided by the embodiment, the method includes when the updated start-stop times reach a preset number and the outdoor unit at present is in a starting operation state, determining the first start-stop moment and the last start-stop moment corresponding to the updated start-stop times; calculating a time interval between the first start-stop moment and the last start-stop moment; and then when the time interval is less than or equal to the second preset time duration, the outdoor unit is controlled to perform an oil return operation, so that the oil return of the outdoor unit is realized when the outdoor unit is frequently started and stopped within the second preset duration, and the outdoor unit can return oil in time, so as to effectively solve the problem of insufficient lubricating oil of the compressor and prolong the service life of the outdoor unit.

Based on the first embodiment, a third embodiment of the air conditioner oil return control method of the present disclosure is provided. Referring to FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the step S300 includes:

S310, when the start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit, determining whether the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit is a power-off start-stop operation; and

S320, when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit is a non-power-off start-stop operation, updating the start-stop times.

In the embodiment, when a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit, it is determined whether the start-stop operation occurring in the current outdoor unit is a power-off start-stop operation. Specifically, the operation data for the outdoor unit can be acquired, and it is determined whether the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is the power-off start-stop operation according to the input power information of the outdoor unit in the operation data. For example, it is determined that the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit is a power-off start-stop operation when the operation data includes the interruption information of the input power before the outdoor unit is started, or the interruption information of the input power of the air conditioner system corresponding to the outdoor unit.

If the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit is the non-power-off start-stop operation, the start-stop times are updated, and the start-stop operation can be a frequent start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit.

Further, in an embodiment, after the step S310, it further includes: when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is the power-off start-stop operation, setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the steps of detecting that the duration of the power-on operation state of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner reaches a first preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation.

In the embodiment, if the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is the power-off start-stop operation and the outdoor unit is powered on again after power-off, the start-stop times are set as an initial value; and when it is detected that the duration of the power-on operation state of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner reaches a first preset duration, the outdoor unit is controlled to perform an oil return operation, so that the outdoor unit can return oil in time after a power-off start, and the outdoor unit can return oil in time, so as to effectively solve the problem of insufficient lubricating oil of the compressor and prolong the service life of the outdoor unit.

According to the air conditioner oil return control method provided by the embodiment, when the start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit, it is determined whether the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit is a power-off start-stop operation; and when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit is a non-power-off start-stop operation, the start-stop times are updated, so that the power-off start-stop operation can be eliminated, the accuracy of the start-stop times is improved, then the accuracy of oil return for the outdoor unit according to the start-stop times is improved, and the service life of the outdoor unit is further prolonged.

Based on the third embodiment, a fourth embodiment of the air conditioner oil return control method of the present disclosure is provided. Referring to FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the step S320 includes:

S321, when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is the non-power-off start-stop operation, determining whether the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is a forced refrigeration operation or a defrosting operation; and

S322, when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is neither the forced refrigeration operation nor the defrosting operation, updating the start-stop times.

In the embodiment, if the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is the non-power-off start-stop operation, it is determined whether the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is a forced refrigeration operation or a defrosting operation, that is, whether the start-stop operation at present is caused by receiving a forced refrigeration instruction or a defrosting instruction; and the start-stop times are updated when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is neither the forced refrigeration operation nor the defrosting operation, so that the forced refrigeration operation and defrosting operation can be eliminated, the accuracy of start-stop times is improved, then the accuracy of oil return for the outdoor unit according to the start-stop times is improved, and the service life of the outdoor unit is further prolonged.

Further, in an embodiment, after the step S321, it further includes: when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is the forced refrigeration operation or the defrosting operation, setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit in real time.

In the embodiment, if the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is a forced refrigeration operation or a defrosting operation, that is, the start-stop operation at present is caused by receiving a forced refrigeration instruction or a defrosting instruction, and the start-stop times are set as an initial value; it is detected in real time whether the start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit, then the start-stop times occurring in the outdoor unit are continuously accumulated after the forced refrigeration operation or the defrosting operation; and it is judged whether the new start-stop times meet triggering conditions of oil return for the outdoor unit, that is, whether the new start-stop times reach a preset number, and then the oil return operation can be continuously performed according to the start-stop times occurring in the outdoor unit, so as to avoid the problem of insufficient lubricating oil of the compressor and further prolong the service life of the outdoor unit.

According to the air conditioner oil return control method provided by the embodiment, when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is a non-power-off start-stop operation, it is determined whether the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit is a forced refrigeration operation or a defrosting operation; and then the start-stop times are updated when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is neither the forced refrigeration operation nor the defrosting operation, so that the forced refrigeration operation and defrosting operation can be eliminated, the accuracy of start-stop times is improved, then the accuracy of oil return for the outdoor unit according to the start-stop times is improved, and the service life of the outdoor unit is further prolonged. Meanwhile, since the outdoor unit has completed oil return after performing the forced refrigeration operation or the defrosting operation, the oil return does not need to be performed according to the start-stop times again, and oil return efficiency of the outdoor unit is improved.

Based on the above embodiment, a fifth embodiment of the air conditioner oil return control method of the present disclosure is provided. Referring to FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the step S400 includes:

S500, updating an operation duration of the outdoor unit in real time;

S600, when the operation duration reaches a third preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, wherein the third preset duration is longer than the first preset duration; and

S700, setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit in real time.

The third preset duration can be appropriately set, for example, the third preset duration can he set to be 5 hours, 8 hours and the like; the third preset duration is longer than the first preset duration, preferably, the third preset duration is longer than the second preset duration.

In the embodiment, after the outdoor unit is controlled to perform the oil return operation, the operation duration of the outdoor unit is accumulated in real time. Specifically, when a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit, the duration accumulation continues according to the operation duration accumulated before the outdoor unit is stopped; and when the operation duration reaches a third preset duration, the outdoor unit is controlled to perform an oil return operation, and the start-stop times are set as an initial value, so that when the accumulated operation duration of the outdoor unit reaches the third preset time, the outdoor unit can return oil in time, so as to effectively solve the problem of insufficient lubricating oil of the compressor and prolong the service life of the outdoor unit.

By detecting in real time whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit, it is judged whether the new start-stop times meet triggering conditions of oil return for the outdoor unit, that is, whether the new start-stop times reach a preset number, and then the oil return operation can be continuously performed according to the start-stop times occurring in the outdoor unit, so as to avoid the problem of insufficient lubricating oil of the compressor and further prolong the service life of the outdoor unit.

According to the air conditioner oil return control method provided by the embodiment, when the operation duration of the outdoor unit is updated in real time and the operation duration reaches a third preset duration, the outdoor unit is controlled to perform an oil return operation, and then the start-stop times are set as an initial value; and the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit in real time is continued, so that the outdoor unit can be controlled to perform the oil return operation according to the operation duration of the outdoor unit, and then the outdoor unit can return oil in time, so as to effectively solve the problem of insufficient lubricating oil of the compressor and prolong the service life of the outdoor unit.

In addition, the embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer readable storage medium, wherein an air conditioner oil return control program is stored on the computer readable storage medium, and the air conditioner oil return control program, when executed by a processor, implements the operations of:

detecting that a power-on operation state of an outdoor unit at present meets a preset condition and a duration of a power-on operation state reaches a first preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, and setting start-stop times corresponding to start-stop operations occurring in the outdoor unit as an initial value;

when completing the oil return operation, detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit;

when the start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit, updating the start-stop times; and

when updated start-stop times reach a preset number and the outdoor unit is in a starting operation state at present, controlling the outdoor unit to perform the oil return operation.

Further, when the air conditioner oil return control program, when executed by the processor, implements the operations of:

when the updated start-stop times reach a preset number and the outdoor unit is in the starting operation state at present, determining the first start-stop moment and the last start-stop moment corresponding to the updated start-stop times;

calculating a time interval between the first start-stop moment and the last start-stop moment; and

when the time interval is less than or equal to a second preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform the oil return operation.

Further, when the air conditioner oil return control program, when executed by the processor, implements the operations of:

when completing the oil return operation, setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit in real time.

Further, when the air conditioner oil return control program, when executed by the processor, implements the operations of:

when the start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit, determining whether the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit is a power-off start-stop operation; and

when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit is a non-power-off start-stop operation, updating the start-stop times.

Further, when the air conditioner oil return control program, when executed by the processor, implements the operations of:

when the start-stop operation occurring the outdoor unit at present is a power-off start-stop operation, setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the steps of detecting that the duration of the power-on operation state of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner reaches a first preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation.

Further, when the air conditioner oil return control program, when executed by the processor, implements the operations of:

when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is the non-power-off start-stop operation, determining whether the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is a forced refrigeration operation or a defrosting operation; and

when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is neither the forced refrigeration operation nor the defrosting operation, updating the start-stop times.

Further, when the air conditioner oil return control program, when executed by the processor, implements the operations of:

when the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is the forced refrigeration operation or the defrosting operation, setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit in real time.

Further, when the air conditioner oil return control program, when executed by the processor, implements the operations of:

updating an operation duration of the outdoor unit in real time;

when the operation duration reaches a third preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, wherein the third preset duration is longer than the first preset duration; and

setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit in real time.

It should be noted that the terms “comprise”, “include”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, a method, an article, or a system that comprises a list of elements include not only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or system. An element defined by the phrase “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or system that includes the element.

The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are only for description and do not represent advantages or disadvantages of the embodiments.

  • From the above description of the embodiments, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the above-described embodiment method can be implemented by means of software plus a necessary general-purpose hardware platform, and it can also be implemented by means of hardware, but in many cases the former is a better embodiment. Based on this understanding, the present disclosure, in essence or in the part contributing to the prior art, may be embodied in the form of a software product stored in a storage medium (e.g., ROM/RAM, diskette, optical disk) as described above including instructions for causing a terminal device (which may be a cell phone, a computer, a server, an air conditioner, or a network device, etc.) to perform the methods described in the various embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • The foregoing is merely preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The equivalent structure or equivalent flow transformations made by the present specification and the contents of the drawings, or direct or indirect application to other related technical fields, are all included in the scope of patent protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An air conditioner oil return control method, an air conditioner comprises an outdoor unit, arid the air conditioner oil return control method comprises the steps of:

detecting that a power-on operation state of the outdoor unit at present meets a preset condition and a duration of the power-on operation state reaches a first preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, and setting start-stop times corresponding to start-stop operations occurring in the outdoor unit as an initial value;
completing the oil return operation, and detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit;
acquiring that the start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit, and updating the start-stop times; and
detecting that updated start-stop times reach a preset number and the outdoor unit is in a starting operation state at present, and controlling the outdoor unit to perform the oil return operation.

2. The air conditioner oil return control method of claim 1, wherein the steps of detecting that updated start-stop times reach a preset number and the outdoor unit is in a starting operation state at present, and controlling the outdoor unit to perform the oil return operation comprise:

detecting that the updated start-stop times reach a preset number and the outdoor unit is in the starting operation state at present, and determining the first start-stop moment and the last start-stop moment corresponding to the updated start-stop times;
calculating a time interval between the first start-stop moment and the last start-stop moment; and
determining that the time interval is less than or equal to a second preset duration, and controlling the outdoor unit to perform the oil return operation.

3. The air conditioner oil return control method of claim 1, wherein, after the steps of detecting that updated start-stop times reach a preset number and the outdoor unit is in a starting operation state at present, and controlling the outdoor unit to perform the oil return operation, the air conditioner oil return control method further comprises:

completing the oil return operation, setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit.

4. The air conditioner oil return control method of claim 1, wherein the steps of acquiring that the start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit, and updating the start-stop times comprise:

acquiring that the start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit, and determining whether the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is a power-off start-stop operation; and
determining that the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is a non-power-off start-stop operation, and updating the start-stop times.

5. The air conditioner oil return control method of claim 4, after the step of determining whether the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is a power-off start-stop operation, further comprising:

determining that the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is a power-off start-stop operation, setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the steps of detecting that the duration of the power-on operation state of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner reaches a first preset duration, and controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation.

6. The air conditioner oil return control method of claim 4, wherein the steps of determining that the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is a non-power-off start-stop operation, and updating the start-stop times comprise:

determining that the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is the non-power-off start-stop operation, and determining whether the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is a forced refrigeration operation or a defrosting operation; and
determining that the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is neither the forced refrigeration oil return operation nor the defrosting operation, and updating the start-stop times.

7. The air conditioner oil return control method of claim 6, after the steps of determining whether the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is a forced refrigeration operation or a defrosting operation, further comprising:

determining that the start-stop operation occurring in the outdoor unit at present is the forced refrigeration operation or the defrosting operation, setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit.

8. The air conditioner oil return control method of claim 1, wherein after the steps of detecting that a power-on operation state of the outdoor unit at present meets a preset condition and a duration of the power-on operation state reaches a first preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, and setting start-stop times corresponding to start-stop operations occurring the outdoor unit as an initial value, the air conditioner oil return control method further comprises the steps of:

updating an operation duration of the outdoor unit;
determining that the operation duration reaches a third preset duration, and controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, wherein the third preset duration is longer than the first preset duration; and
setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit.

9. An air conditioner, comprising a memory, a processor, and an air conditioner oil return control program stored on the memory and operable by the processor, wherein the air conditioner oil return control program, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the air conditioner oil return control method of claim 1.

10. A computer readable storage medium, wherein the computer readable storage medium stores an air conditioner oil return control program thereon, and the air conditioner oil return control program, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the air conditioner oil return control method of claim 1.

11. The air conditioner oil return control method of claim 2, wherein after the steps of detecting that a power-on operation state of the outdoor unit at present meets a preset condition and a duration of the power-on operation state reaches a first preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, and setting start-stop times corresponding to start-stop operations occurring the outdoor unit as an initial value, the air conditioner oil return control method further comprises the steps of:

updating an operation duration of the outdoor unit;
determining that the operation duration reaches a third preset duration, and controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, wherein the third preset duration is longer than the first preset duration; and
setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit.

12. The air conditioner oil return control method of claim 3, wherein after the steps of detecting that a power-on operation state of the outdoor unit at present meets a preset condition and a duration of the power-on operation state reaches a first preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, and setting start-stop times corresponding to start-stop operations occurring the outdoor unit as an initial value, the air conditioner oil return control method further comprises the steps of:

updating an operation duration of the outdoor unit;
determining that the operation duration reaches a third preset duration, and controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, wherein the third preset duration is longer than the first preset duration; and
setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit.

13. The air conditioner oil return control method of claim 4, wherein after the steps of detecting that a power-on operation state of the outdoor unit at present meets a preset condition and a duration of the power-on operation state reaches a first preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, and setting start-stop times corresponding to start-stop operations occurring the outdoor unit as an initial value, the air conditioner oil return control method further comprises the steps of:

updating an operation duration of the outdoor unit;
determining that the operation duration reaches a third preset duration, and controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, wherein the third preset duration is longer than the first preset duration; and
setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit.

14. The air conditioner oil return control method of claim 5, wherein after the steps of detecting that a power-on operation state of the outdoor unit at present meets a preset condition and a duration of the power-on operation state reaches a first preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, and setting start-stop times corresponding to start-stop operations occurring the outdoor unit as an initial value, the air conditioner oil return control method further comprises the steps of:

updating an operation duration of the outdoor unit;
determining that the operation duration reaches a third preset duration, and controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, wherein the third preset duration is longer than the first preset duration; and
setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit.

15. The air conditioner oil return control method of claim 6, wherein after the steps of detecting that a power-on operation state of the outdoor unit at present meets a preset condition and a duration of the power-on operation state reaches a first preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, and setting start-stop times corresponding to start-stop operations occurring the outdoor unit as an initial value, the air conditioner oil return control method further comprises the steps of:

updating an operation duration of the outdoor unit;
determining that the operation duration reaches a third preset duration, and controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, wherein the third preset duration is longer than the first preset duration; and
setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit.

16. The air conditioner oil return control method of claim 7, wherein after the steps of detecting that a power-on operation state of the outdoor unit at present meets a preset condition and a duration of the power-on operation state reaches a first preset duration, controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, and setting start-stop times corresponding to start-stop operations occurring the outdoor unit as an initial value, the air conditioner oil return control method further comprises the steps of:

updating an operation duration of the outdoor unit;
determining that the operation duration reaches a third preset duration, and controlling the outdoor unit to perform an oil return operation, wherein the third preset duration is longer than the first preset duration; and
setting the start-stop times as an initial value, and continuously executing the step of detecting whether a start-stop operation occurs in the outdoor unit.

17. An air conditioner, comprising a memory, a processor, and an air conditioner oil return control program stored on the memory and operable by the processor, wherein the air conditioner oil return control program, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the air conditioner oil return control method of claim 2.

18. An air conditioner, comprising a memory, a processor, and an air conditioner oil return control program stored on the memory and operable by the processor, wherein the air conditioner oil return control program, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the air conditioner oil return control method of claim 2.

19. An air conditioner, comprising a memory, a processor, and an air conditioner oil return control program stored on the memory and operable by the processor, wherein the air conditioner oil return control program, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the air conditioner oil return control method of claim 4.

20. An air conditioner, comprising a memory, a processor, and an air conditioner oil return control program stored on the memory and operable by the processor, wherein the air conditioner oil return control program, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the air conditioner oil return control method of claim 5.

Patent History
Publication number: 20200149532
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 3, 2019
Publication Date: May 14, 2020
Inventors: Benzhan SU (Hefei), Yongfeng XU (Hefei), Meibing XIONG (Hefei), Xihua MA (Hefei), Zekun LIANG (Hefei), Linxing REN (Hefei), Zengyi ZHAO (Hefei), Mingkun FENG (Hefei)
Application Number: 16/620,005
Classifications
International Classification: F04C 29/02 (20060101); F24F 11/30 (20180101); F04C 28/06 (20060101);