CONTROLLER, AIR CONDITIONER, AND HIGH-PRESSURE PROTECTION CIRCUIT

Provided is a controller, an air conditioner, and a high-pressure protection circuit. The controller includes a first rectifier unit, a power conversion unit, a high pressure switch (HPS) wiring terminal, a low-voltage control unit, and a high-voltage operating unit. An input end of the first rectifier unit is capable of being electrically connected to an input power supply. An output end of the first rectifier unit is electrically connected to an input end of the power conversion unit. An output end of the power conversion unit is electrically connected to a power supply end of the low-voltage control unit. The HPS wiring terminal is connected to the front end of the power supply end of the low-voltage control. The controller has a function of high-pressure protection.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of circuit control, and in particular, to a controller, an air conditioner, and a high-pressure protection circuit associated with high-pressure protection.

BACKGROUND

During the operation of an air conditioner, excessive pressure of a compressor may cause damages to the air conditioner. And leakage of refrigerant in a refrigerant pipe may pollute the environment, or even cause safety accidents. Therefore, a refrigerant pipe of a refrigeration system of an air conditioner is generally provided with a high-pressure protection apparatus. The high-pressure protection apparatus typically includes a pressure switch arranged on the refrigerant pipe.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a controller, an air conditioner, and a high-pressure protection circuit are provided, which can implement high-pressure protection.

In order to achieve the above objective, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the following technical solutions are provided.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a controller is provided for controlling an air conditioner, including a first rectifier unit, a power conversion unit, a high pressure switch (HPS) wiring terminal, a low-voltage control unit, and a high-voltage operating unit.

An input end of the first rectifier unit being electrically connected to an input power supply; an output end of the first rectifier unit being electrically connected to an input end of the power conversion unit, and the first rectifier unit converting an input AC into a high-voltage DC and outputting the high-voltage DC to the power conversion unit; an output end of the power conversion unit being electrically connected to a power supply end of the low-voltage control unit, and the power conversion unit converting the high-voltage DC into a low-voltage DC and outputting the low-voltage DC to the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit to supply power to the low-voltage control unit; the HPS wiring terminal being electrically connected to a pressure switch; the HPS wiring terminal being connected to a front end of the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit to be capable of switching off or switching on a power supply voltage of the low-voltage control unit; an output end of the low-voltage control unit being connected to a control end of the high-voltage operating unit, and the low-voltage control unit outputting a control signal to control operation of the high-voltage operating unit. The HPS wiring terminal of the controller is connected to the front end of the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit to be capable of switching off or switching on a power supply voltage of the low-voltage control unit. When the system is under an excessively high pressure, two ends of the HPS wiring terminal are disconnected, the low-voltage control unit loses an operating power supply, and the low-voltage control unit cannot continue to provide control signals for the high-voltage operating unit, so that the whole controller stops operating, thereby realizing high-pressure protection.

The air conditioner according to the embodiments of the present disclosure includes the controller, and is capable of realizing a high-pressure protection function.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a high-pressure protection circuit is further provided. The pressure switch is connected to the front end of the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit to be capable of switching off or switching on a power supply voltage of the low-voltage control unit. When the system is under an excessively high pressure, the pressure switch is off, the low-voltage control unit loses an operating power supply, and the low-voltage control unit cannot continue to provide control signals for the high-voltage operating unit, so that the whole controller stops operating, thereby realizing high-pressure protection.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure are clearly and completely described below. It is apparent that the embodiments described are only some rather than all of the embodiments of the present disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments in the present disclosure without creative efforts fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

In the present disclosure, the terms such as “comprise”, “include” or any other variants thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, so that processes, methods, items or devices including a series of elements not only include the elements, but also include other elements not listed explicitly, or other elements inherent to these processes, methods, items or devices. In the absence of more limitations, an element defined by the statement “comprising a/an . . . ” does not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the processes, methods, items or devices including the element.

As shown inFIG.1, a refrigeration device, such as an air-conditioning system, generally includes a compressor M1, a gas-liquid separator M2, a condenser M3, a throttling apparatus M4, and an evaporator M5. An outlet of the compressor M1is connected to an inlet of the condenser M3through a refrigerant pipe, an outlet of the condenser M3is connected to an inlet of the throttling apparatus M4through the refrigerant pipe, an outlet of the throttling apparatus M4is connected to an inlet of the evaporator M5, an outlet of the evaporator M5is connected to an inlet of the gas-liquid separator M2, and an outlet of the gas-liquid separator M2is connected to an inlet of the compressor M1, so that a refrigeration loop is formed, in which refrigerant circulates. The gas-liquid separator M2may be built in the compressor M1or may be a liquid storage tank. If the compressor is under an excessively high pressure, the air conditioner may be damaged and the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe may leak, thereby resulting in environmental pollution or even more serious safety accidents. Therefore, a pressure switch is generally arranged at the outlet of the compressor to monitor the pressure of the compressor. When the pressure is excessively high, the operation of the air conditioner is stopped, so as to prevent high-pressure hazards. Optionally, the pressure switch is arranged on a refrigerant pipe connecting the outlet of the compressor M1and the inlet of the condenser M3.

In order to realize high-pressure protection, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a controller for controlling an air conditioner is provided, including a first rectifier unit, a power conversion unit, an HPS wiring terminal, a low-voltage control unit, and a high-voltage operating unit.

An input end of the first rectifier unit is capable of being electrically connected to an input power supply. An output end of the first rectifier unit is capable of being electrically connected to an input end of the power conversion unit, and the first rectifier unit converts an input AC into a high-voltage DC and outputs the high-voltage DC to the power conversion unit. An output end of the power conversion unit is electrically connected to a power supply end of the low-voltage control unit, and the power conversion unit converts the high-voltage DC into a low-voltage DC and outputs the low-voltage DC to the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit to supply power to the low-voltage control unit. The HPS wiring terminal is capable of being electrically connected to a pressure switch. The HPS wiring terminal is connected to a front end of the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit to be capable of switching off or switching on a power supply voltage of the low-voltage control unit. An output end of the low-voltage control unit is connected to a control end of the high-voltage operating unit, and the low-voltage control unit outputs a control signal to control operation of the high-voltage operating unit.

The embodiments of the present disclosure are divided into two aspects. A difference between the embodiments in the two aspects lies in different positions of the HPS wiring terminal. For example, in the embodiments in the first aspect, as shown inFIGS.2-5, the HPS wiring terminal10may be arranged at an input end of a first rectifier unit11. In the embodiments in the second aspect, as shown inFIG.7toFIG.10, the HPS wiring terminal10may be arranged between an output end of a first rectifier unit and a power supply end of a low-voltage control unit.

According to some embodiments in the first aspect of the present disclosure, a controller is provided, as shown inFIG.2, including a first rectifier unit11, a power conversion unit12, an HPS wiring terminal10, a low-voltage control unit13, and a high-voltage operating unit14.

A first end of an input side of the first rectifier unit11is electrically connected to a first end of the HPS wiring terminal10, and a second end of the HPS wiring terminal10is capable of being electrically connected to a first end of the input power supply AC. The HPS wiring terminal10is capable of being electrically connected to the pressure switch. That is, the HPS wiring terminal10receives switch information of the pressure switch arranged in the air-conditioning system, and is switched on or off as the pressure switch is switched on or off A second end of the input side of the first rectifier unit11is capable of being electrically connected to a second end of the input power supply AC. The first rectifier unit11has an output end electrically connected to the input end of the power conversion unit12, and converts an AC into a high-voltage DC and outputs the high-voltage DC to the power conversion unit12. The power conversion unit12has an output end electrically connected to the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit13, and converts the high-voltage DC into a low-voltage DC and outputs the low-voltage DC to the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit13to supply power to the low-voltage control unit13. The output end of the low-voltage control unit13is connected to the control end of the high-voltage operating unit14to control operation of the high-voltage operating unit14. In an embodiment, a power supply of the high-voltage operating unit14is supplied by the input power supply AC, which may be directly supplied by the input power supply through the rectified high-voltage DC. A power supply voltage of the high-voltage operating unit14is higher than that of the low-voltage control unit13. The power supply voltage of the high-voltage operating unit is generally greater than 100 V. The high-voltage operating unit14is at least configured to control the compressor, with an output end connected to the input of the compressor of the air conditioner. The high-voltage operating unit14is powered by a high-voltage DC and controlled by a control signal outputted by the low-voltage control unit13. The high-voltage operating unit14cannot operate without the high-voltage DC supply power or the control signal outputted by the low-voltage control unit13. Further, the compressor stops running, and the air conditioner no longer operates.

In this embodiment, the HPS wiring terminal10is connected in series between the input power supply AC and the first rectifier unit11, and a switch signal of the pressure switch is transmitted to the controller through the HPS wiring terminal10. When the air-conditioning system is under an excessively high pressure, the pressure switch is off, and two ends of the HPS wiring terminal10are open. In this case, a power supply loop of the input power AC is off, the first rectifier unit11, the power conversion unit12, and the low-voltage control unit13stop operating after losing power. The low-voltage control unit13can no longer provide control signals for the high-voltage operating unit14to control operation of the high-voltage operating unit14, the high-voltage operating unit14stops operating, and the compressor driven and controlled by the high-voltage operating unit14stops operating. Therefore, the whole air-conditioning system also stops operating so as to realize the high-pressure protection for the air-conditioning system. When the pressure recovers or the air conditioner operates normally, the pressure switch is closed, two ends of the HPS wiring terminal10are short-circuited. In this case, the power supply loop of the input power AC is closed, the first rectifier unit11, the power conversion unit12, and the low-voltage control unit13are powered to operate, the low-voltage control unit13provides a control signal for the high-voltage operating unit14, and the high-voltage operating unit14operates normally and drives the compressor to run. As a result, the whole air-conditioning system operates normally so as to realize the control over the air-conditioning system.

In some cases, in order to realize high-pressure protection, a pressure switch is used to generate a switch signal, and the switch signal is outputted to a controllable switch, such as a relay. When the system is under an excessively high pressure, the pressure switch generates an OFF switch signal. The controllable switch then controls the low-voltage control unit to stop outputting control signals based on the OFF switch signal generated by the pressure switch, so as to prevent the low-voltage control unit from outputting control signals to the high-voltage operating unit. Compared with the high-pressure protection manner, the controller according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can introduce the switch signal generated by the pressure switch into a power supply side of the low-voltage control unit directly through the HPS wiring terminal, and can use the switch signal to control whether the input power supply is switched on or off, so as to control the low-voltage control unit to be powered on or to be powered off, further to control whether the low-voltage control unit outputs control signals to the high-voltage operating unit, and finally to control whether the system runs normally. In an embodiment, when the system is under an excessively high pressure, two ends of the HPS wiring terminal are disconnected, the low-voltage control unit loses power supply and stops outputting control signals to the high-voltage operating unit, and the system stops running. When the system is under a normal pressure, the two ends of the HPS wiring terminal are connected, the low-voltage control unit is powered to operate and outputs a control signal to the high-voltage operating unit, and the system runs normally.

In one embodiment, as shown inFIG.3, the high-voltage operating unit14includes a Power Factor Correction (PFC) subunit141and an inverter subunit142. An input end of the PFC subunit141is electrically connected to the output end of the first rectifier unit11, and an output end of the PFC subunit141is electrically connected to an input end of the inverter subunit142. In this embodiment, power supplies of the high-voltage operating unit14and the low-voltage control unit13are both supplied by a high-voltage DC outputted by the first rectifier unit. When the system is under an excessively high pressure, the HPS wiring terminal10is disconnected, and both the high-voltage operating unit14and the low-voltage control unit13lose power supply voltages and stop operating, thereby preventing high-pressure dangers.

Further, in order to realize the control over the PFC subunit and the inverter subunit, as shown inFIG.5, the low-voltage control unit13includes a Microcontroller Unit (MCU) subunit131, an Intelligent Power Module (IPM) driving subunit133, and a PFC driving subunit132. A first signal output end of the MCU subunit131is electrically connected to the PFC driving subunit132, and sends a first control signal to the PFC driving subunit132. The PFC driving subunit132is electrically connected to a control end of the PFC subunit141, and controls operation of the PFC subunit141based on the first control signal. The MCU subunit131has a second signal output end electrically connected to the IPM driving subunit133, and sends a second control signal to the IPM driving subunit133. The IPM driving subunit133is electrically connected to a control end of the inverter subunit142, and controls operation of the inverter subunit142based on the second control signal. In an embodiment, control programs of PFC and IPM may be stored in the MCU subunit131, which is not limited in the present disclosure. In this embodiment, when the system is under an excessively high pressure, the HPS wiring terminal is disconnected, the MCU subunit131, the IPM driving subunit133, and the PFC driving subunit132lose power supplies and then cannot provide control signals for the PFC subunit141and the inverter subunit142, the PFC subunit141and the inverter subunit142stop operating, and the system stops running until the pressure recovers or the system restarts.

Further, in one embodiment, the high-voltage operating unit and the low-voltage control unit are powered from different rectifier units. In this embodiment, as shown inFIG.4orFIG.5, the controller further includes a second rectifier unit21. The low-voltage control unit13includes an MCU subunit131and/or an IPM driving subunit133and/or a PFC driving subunit132. The high-voltage operating unit14includes a PFC subunit141and an inverter subunit142. An input end of the PFC subunit141is electrically connected to an output end of the second rectifier unit21, and an output end of the PFC subunit141is electrically connected to an input end of the inverter subunit142. In this embodiment, the power supply voltage of the low-voltage control unit is supplied by the first rectifier unit11, while the power supply voltage of the high-voltage operating unit is supplied by the second rectifier unit21. When the system is under an excessively high pressure, the HPS wiring terminal10connected between the input power supply AC and the first rectifier unit11is disconnected. The low-voltage control unit loses power and stops providing control signals for the high-voltage operating unit, and the high-voltage operating unit stops operating. However, the power supply voltage of the high-voltage operating unit is supplied by the second rectifier unit21, and the power supply loop is still on, thus the high-voltage operating unit only loses the control signal, but does not lose the power supply. When the pressure of the system recovers normally, it is beneficial for the system to operate normally in time.

In the above embodiments, the power supply voltage of the low-voltage control unit generally includes one or more of 3.3 V, 5 V, 12 V, 15 V, and 24 V. In order to convert a high-voltage DC outputted by the first rectifier unit11into a low-voltage DC, the power conversion unit may include a flyback conversion unit, as shown inFIG.5. Further, the controller may be further provided within a DC/DC conversion unit15. An output end of the flyback conversion unit is electrically connected to an input end of the DC/DC conversion unit15, and an output end of the DC/DC conversion unit15is electrically connected to the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit13. Through the DC/DC conversion unit15, an output voltage of the flyback conversion circuit can be stabilized or adjusted to a suitable low voltage as required, so as to supply power to the MCU subunit131and/or the IPM driving subunit133and/or the PFC driving subunit132.

Further, in the above embodiments, the PFC subunit141may be arranged as a boost circuit.

Based on the controller with the high-pressure protection function in the first aspect, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an air conditioner is further provided, as shown inFIG.1, including a compressor, a condenser, a throttling apparatus, an evaporator, and the controller (not shown). The high-voltage operating unit14of the controller is electrically connected to the compressor to control the compressor. The pressure switch of the system is arranged on a refrigerant pipe connecting the compressor M1and the condenser M3, or arranged at an outlet of the compressor M1. When the system is under a normal condition, the pressure switch is closed. When the system is under an excessively high pressure, the pressure switch is off, which is transmitted to the controller through the HPS wiring terminal of the controller. The controller loses a power supply or is out of control due to the disconnection of two ends of the HPS wiring terminal, so that the system stops running, thereby realizing high-pressure protection. When the pressure recovers, the pressure switch is closed, which is transmitted to the controller through the HPS wiring terminal of the controller. The controller obtains a power supply and a control signal to operate normally because two ends of the HPS wiring terminal are on, and the system runs normally.

Based on the controller in the first aspect, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a high-pressure protection circuit is further provided, applied to a refrigeration system, such as an air conditioner. The refrigeration system is provided with a pressure switch, which may be arranged on a refrigerant pipe between the compressor M1and the condenser M3, or arranged at an outlet of the compressor M1. The HPS is closed when the system is under a normal pressure, and is open when the system is under an excessively high pressure.

As shown inFIG.6, the high-pressure protection circuit includes a first rectifier unit11, a power conversion unit12, a pressure switch100, a low-voltage control unit13, and a high-voltage operating unit14.

A first end of an input side of the first rectifier unit11is electrically connected to a first end of the pressure switch100, and a second end of the pressure switch100is capable of being electrically connected to a first end of the input power supply AC. A second end of the input side of the first rectifier unit11is capable of being electrically connected to a second end of the input power supply AC. The first rectifier unit11has an output end electrically connected to the input end of the power conversion unit12, and converts an AC into a high-voltage DC and outputs the high-voltage DC to the power conversion unit12. The output end of the power conversion unit12is electrically connected to the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit13. The high-voltage DC is converted into a low-voltage DC and outputted to the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit13to supply power to the low-voltage control unit13. The output end of the low-voltage control unit13is connected to a control end of the high-voltage operating unit14to control operation of the high-voltage operating unit14. A power supply voltage of the high-voltage operating unit14is supplied by the input power supply. In this embodiment, when the system is under an excessively high pressure, the pressure switch is off, the low-voltage control unit13loses power and stops providing control signals for the high-voltage operating unit, and the system stops running.

In an embodiment, the low-voltage control unit13includes an MCU subunit131and/or an IPM driving subunit133and/or a PFC driving subunit132, and the high-voltage operating unit14includes a PFC subunit141and an inverter subunit142. The inverter subunit142is connected to the compressor of the refrigeration system to control operation of the compressor. An input end of the PFC subunit141is electrically connected to the output end of the first rectifier unit11, and an output end of the PFC subunit141is electrically connected to an input end of the inverter subunit142. The MCU subunit131has a first signal output end electrically connected to the PFC driving subunit132, and sends a first control signal to the PFC driving subunit132. The PFC driving subunit132is electrically connected to a control end of the PFC subunit141, and controls operation of the PFC subunit141based on the first control signal. The MCU subunit131has a second signal output end electrically connected to the IPM driving subunit133, and sends a second control signal to the IPM driving subunit133. The IPM driving subunit133is electrically connected to a control end of the inverter subunit142, and controls operation of the inverter subunit142based on the second control signal.

Further, in an embodiment, a second rectifier unit21is further included. The low-voltage control unit13includes an MCU subunit131and/or an IPM driving subunit133and/or a PFC driving subunit132, and the high-voltage operating unit14includes a PFC subunit141and an inverter subunit142. An input end of the PFC subunit141is electrically connected to an output end of the second rectifier unit21, and an output end of the PFC subunit141electrically connected to an input end of the inverter subunit142;

The first signal output end of the MCU subunit131is electrically connected to the PFC driving subunit132, and sends a first control signal to the PFC driving subunit132; the PFC driving subunit132is electrically connected to a control end of the PFC subunit141, and controls operation of the PFC subunit141based on the first control signal; and/or the MCU subunit131has a second signal output end electrically connected to the IPM driving subunit133, and sends a second control signal to the IPM driving subunit133; the IPM driving subunit133is electrically connected to a control end of the inverter subunit142, and controls operation of the inverter subunit142based on the second control signal.

The high-pressure protection circuit according to the embodiments of the present disclosure has the advantages of the controller, and can realize high-pressure protection for the system.

In order to realize high-pressure protection, according to some embodiments in the second aspect of the present disclosure, a controller for controlling an air conditioner is provided. As shown inFIG.7, the controller includes a first rectifier unit11, a power conversion unit12, an HPS wiring terminal10, a low-voltage control unit13, and a high-voltage operating unit14. In the embodiments according to the second aspect and the embodiments according to the first aspect, the HPS wiring terminal10and the HPS100are placed at different positions of the circuit and are identical in other circuit principles. The following is only a detailed description for differences, and other principles can be referred to each other.

An input end of the first rectifier unit11is capable of being electrically connected to an input power supply AC. The first rectifier unit11has an output end electrically connected to an input end of the power conversion unit12, and converts an input AC into a high-voltage DC and outputs the high-voltage DC to the power conversion unit12. The power conversion unit12has an output end electrically connected to a power supply end of the low-voltage control unit13, and converts the high-voltage DC into a low-voltage DC and outputs the low-voltage DC to the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit to supply power to the low-voltage control unit13. The HPS wiring terminal10is capable of being electrically connected to a pressure switch. That is, HPS wiring terminal10receives switch information of the pressure switch arranged in the air-conditioning system, and is switched on or off as the pressure switch is switched on or off. The HPS wiring terminal10is connected to a front end of the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit113to be capable of switching off or switching on a power supply voltage of the low-voltage control unit13. As shown inFIG.7, in an embodiment, the HPS wiring terminal10may be connected between the output end of the first rectifier unit11and the input end of the power conversion unit12. In another embodiment, the HPS wiring terminal10is be capable of being connected between the output end of the power conversion unit12and the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit13, as shown at Point A inFIG.7. An output end of the low-voltage control unit13is connected to a control end of the high-voltage operating unit14to control operation of the high-voltage operating unit14. The power supply voltage of the high-voltage operating unit14is supplied by the input power supply AC, which may be directly supplied by the input power supply through the rectified high-voltage DC. A power supply voltage of the high-voltage operating unit14is higher than that of the low-voltage control unit13, which is generally greater than 100 V.

In this embodiment, the power supply voltage of the high-voltage operating unit14is supplied by the input power supply AC. The high-voltage operating unit14is at least configured to control the compressor, with an output end connected to the input end of the compressor of the air conditioner. The high-voltage operating unit14is powered by a high-voltage DC and controlled by a control signal outputted by the low-voltage control unit13. The high-voltage operating unit14cannot operate without the high-voltage DC supplying power or the control signal outputted by the low-voltage control unit13. Further, the compressor stops running, and the air conditioner no longer operates.

In this embodiment, if the HPS wiring terminal10is connected between the first rectifier unit11and the power conversion unit12, a switch signal of the pressure switch is connected to the controller through the HPS wiring terminal10. When the air-conditioning system is under an excessively high pressure, the pressure switch is off, and two ends of the HPS wiring terminal10are open. In this case, the output end of the first rectifier unit11is disconnected from the input end of the power conversion unit12, the high-voltage DC passing through the first rectifier unit11cannot be transferred to the power conversion unit12. Thereby the low-voltage control unit13loses power and stops operating. The low-voltage control unit13can no longer provide control signals for the high-voltage operating unit14to enable the high-voltage operating unit14to operate. The high-voltage operating unit14stops operating, and the compressor driven and controlled by the high-voltage operating unit14stops operating. Therefore, the whole air-conditioning system also stops operating so as to realize the high-pressure protection for the air-conditioning system. When the pressure recovers or the air conditioner operates normally and the pressure switch is closed, two ends of the HPS wiring terminal10are short-circuited. In this case, the output end of the first rectifier unit11and the input end of the power conversion unit12form a path, the power conversion unit12and the low-voltage control unit13are powered to operate. The low-voltage control unit13provides a control signal for the high-voltage operating unit14which operates normally and drives the compressor to run. Thereby the whole air-conditioning system also operates normally so as to realize the control over the air-conditioning system. Similarly, if the HPS wiring terminal10is connected between the output end of the power conversion unit12and the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit13, namely at Point A inFIG.2, when the air-conditioning system is under an excessively high pressure, the output end of the power conversion unit12is disconnected from the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit13, the low-voltage DC outputted by the power conversion unit12cannot be transferred to the low-voltage control unit13, the low-voltage control unit13loses power and stops operating, the low-voltage control unit13can no longer provide control signals for the high-voltage operating unit14to control operation of the high-voltage operating unit14, the high-voltage operating unit14stops operating, and the compressor driven and controlled by the high-voltage operating unit14stops operating. Therefore, the whole air-conditioning system also stops operating so as to realize the high-pressure protection for the air-conditioning system.

The controller according to the embodiments of the present disclosure introduces the switch signal generated by the pressure switch into a power supply side of the low-voltage control unit directly through the HPS wiring terminal. The switch signal can be used to control whether the power supply voltage of the low-voltage control unit is switched on or off, so as to further control whether the low-voltage control unit outputs control signals to the high-voltage operating unit, and finally to control whether the system runs normally. In an embodiment, when the system is under an excessively high pressure, two ends of the HPS wiring terminal are disconnected, the low-voltage control unit loses power supply and stops outputting control signals to the high-voltage operating unit, and the system stops running. When the system is under a normal pressure, the two ends of the HPS wiring terminal are connected, the low-voltage control unit is powered to operate and outputs a control signal to the high-voltage operating unit, and the system runs normally.

As shown inFIG.7, in an embodiment, the HPS wiring terminal10is connected between the output end of the first rectifier unit11and the input end of the power conversion unit12, a specific connection relationship is as follows. A first end of the HPS wiring terminal10is electrically connected to a first output end of the first rectifier unit11, a second end of the HPS wiring terminal10is electrically connected to a first input end of the power conversion unit12, and a second output end of the first rectifier unit11is connected to a second input end of the power conversion unit12. The terms “first” and “second” are merely used for descriptive purposes but not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.8, the high-voltage operating unit includes a PFC subunit141and an inverter subunit142. The low-voltage control unit includes an MCU subunit131, an IPM driving subunit133, and a PFC driving subunit132. A first input end of the PFC subunit141is electrically connected to the second end of the HPS wiring terminal10, a second input end of the PFC subunit141is electrically connected to the second output end of the first rectifier unit11, and an output end of the PFC subunit141is electrically connected to an input end of the inverter unit142.

In this embodiment, power supplies of the high-voltage operating unit14and the low-voltage control unit13are both supplied by a high-voltage DC outputted by the first rectifier unit. When the system is under an excessively high pressure, the HPS wiring terminal10is off, paths through which the first rectifier unit11supplies a high-voltage DC to the PFC subunit141and the power conversion unit12are cut off, and both the high-voltage operating unit14and the low-voltage control unit13lose power supply voltages and stop operating, thereby preventing high-pressure dangers.

In another embodiment, as shown inFIG.9, the high-voltage operating unit includes a PFC subunit141and an inverter subunit142. The low-voltage control unit includes an MCU subunit131, an IPM driving subunit133, and a PFC driving subunit132. A first input end of the PFC subunit141is electrically connected to a first output terminal of the first rectifier unit11, and a second input end of the PFC subunit141is electrically connected to a second output end of the first rectifier unit11. An output end of the PFC subunit141is electrically connected to an input end of the inverter unit142.

In this embodiment, power supplies of the high-voltage operating unit14and the low-voltage control unit13are both supplied by a high-voltage DC outputted by the first rectifier unit. When the system is under an excessively high pressure, the HPS wiring terminal is off, the MCU subunit131, the IPM driving subunit133, and the PFC driving subunit132lose power supplies, and then cannot provide control signals for the PFC subunit141and the inverter subunit142. The PFC subunit141and the inverter subunit142stop operating, and the system stops running until the pressure recovers or the system restarts. However, when the system is under an excessively high pressure, the path between the output end of the first rectifier unit11and the input end of the PFC subunit141is not cut off. That is, the PFC subunit141and the inverter subunit142do not lose power supply voltages but just lose control signals. When the pressure of the system recovers, it is beneficial for the system to operate normally in time.

In the above embodiments, the MCU subunit131, the IPM driving subunit133, and the PFC driving subunit132are connected in the manner as shown inFIG.10. That is, the first signal output end of the MCU subunit131is electrically connected to the PFC driving subunit132, and sends a first control signal to the PFC driving subunit132; the PFC driving subunit132is electrically connected to a control end of the PFC subunit141, and controls operation of the PFC subunit141based on the first control signal; the MCU subunit131has a second signal output end electrically connected to the IPM driving subunit133, and sends a second control signal to the IPM driving subunit133; the IPM driving subunit133is electrically connected to a control end of the inverter subunit142, and controls operation of the inverter subunit142based on the second control signal.

In another embodiment, as shown inFIG.10, a second rectifier unit is provided. The high-voltage operating unit and the low-voltage control unit are powered from different rectifier units. The high-voltage DC of the high-voltage operating unit is outputted by the second rectifier unit21, and the high-voltage DC of the power conversion unit is outputted by the first rectifier unit11. In an embodiment, the low-voltage control unit13includes an MCU subunit131, an IPM driving subunit133, and a PFC driving subunit132, and the high-voltage operating unit includes a PFC subunit141and an inverter subunit142. An input end of the PFC subunit141is electrically connected to an output end of the second rectifier unit21, and an output end of the PFC subunit141is electrically connected to an input end of the inverter subunit142.

In this embodiment, the voltage of the low-voltage control unit is supplied by the first rectifier unit11, while the voltage of the high-voltage operating unit is supplied by the second rectifier unit21. When the system is under an excessively high pressure, the HPS wiring terminal is open, the low-voltage control unit loses power and stops providing control signals for the high-voltage operating unit, and the high-voltage operating unit stops operating. However, the power supply voltage of the high-voltage operating unit is supplied by the second rectifier unit21, and the power supply loop is still on. Therefore, the high-voltage operating unit only loses the control signal and does not lose the power supply. When the pressure of the system recovers, it is beneficial for the system to operate normally in time.

In the above embodiments, the power supply voltage of the low-voltage control unit generally includes one or more of 3.3 V, 5 V, 12 V, 15 V, and 24 V. In order to convert a high-voltage DC outputted by the first rectifier unit11into a low-voltage DC, the power conversion unit may include a flyback conversion unit121, as shown inFIG.10. Further, the controller may be further provided with a DC/DC conversion unit15. An output end of the flyback conversion unit is electrically connected to an input end of the DC/DC conversion unit15, and an output end of the DC/DC conversion unit15is electrically connected to the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit13. Through the DC/DC conversion unit15, an output voltage of the flyback conversion circuit can be stabilized or adjusted to a suitable low voltage as required to supply power to the MCU subunit131and/or the IPM driving subunit133and/or the PFC driving subunit132. In this embodiment, as shown inFIG.10, the HPS wiring terminal10may be connected between the output end of the first rectifier unit11and an input end of the flyback conversion unit121, or the HPS wiring terminal10may be connected between the output end of the flyback conversion unit121and the input end of the DC/DC conversion unit15(as shown at Point B inFIG.10), or the HPS wiring terminal10may be connected between the output end of the DC/DC conversion unit15and the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit (as shown at Point C inFIG.10). The HPS wiring terminal10is arranged at any one of the3circuit positions. When the system is under an excessively high pressure, two ends of the HPS wiring terminal10are disconnected, the MCU subunit131and/or the IPM driving subunit133and/or the PFC driving subunit132lose power supply voltages and cannot provide control signals for the PFC subunit and the inverter subunit, and the controller stops running until the pressure of the system recovers or the system restarts.

Based on the controller with a high-pressure protection function in the second aspect, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an air conditioner is further provided, as shown inFIG.1, including a compressor, a condenser, a throttling apparatus, an evaporator, and the controller (not shown). The high-voltage operating unit14of the controller is electrically connected to the compressor to control the compressor. The pressure switch of the system is arranged on a refrigerant pipe between the compressor M1and the condenser M3, or arranged at an outlet of the compressor M1. Normally, the pressure switch is closed. When the system is under a high pressure, the pressure switch is off, which is transmitted to the controller through the HPS wiring terminal of the controller. The controller loses a power supply or control due to the disconnection of two ends of the HPS wiring terminal, so that the system stops running, thereby realizing high-pressure protection. When the pressure recovers, the pressure switch is closed, which is transmitted to the controller through the HPS wiring terminal of the controller. The controller obtains a power supply and a control signal to operate normally because two ends of the HPS wiring terminal are on, and the system runs normally.

Based on the controller in the second aspect, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a high-pressure protection circuit is further provided, applied to a refrigeration system, such as an air conditioner. The refrigeration system is provided with a pressure switch, which may be arranged on a refrigerant pipe between the compressor M1and the condenser M3, or arranged at an outlet end of the compressor M1. The HPS is closed when the system is under a normal pressure, and is open when the system is under an excessively high pressure.

As shown inFIG.11, the high-pressure protection circuit includes a first rectifier unit11, a power conversion unit12, a pressure switch100, a low-voltage control unit13, and a high-voltage operating unit14.

An input end of the first rectifier unit11is capable of being electrically connected to an input power supply AC. The first rectifier unit11has an output end electrically connected to an input end of the power conversion unit12, and converts an input AC into a high-voltage DC and outputs the high-voltage DC to the power conversion unit12. The power conversion unit12has an output end electrically connected to the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit13, and converts the high-voltage DC into a low-voltage DC and outputs the low-voltage DC to the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit13to supply power to the low-voltage control unit13. The pressure switch100is connected to a front end of the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit13to be capable of switching off or switching on a power supply voltage of the low-voltage control unit13. For example, the pressure switch is connected between the output end of the first rectifier unit11and the input end of the power conversion unit12, or the pressure switch is connected between the output end of the power conversion unit and the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit. The output end of the low-voltage control unit13is connected to the control end of the high-voltage operating unit14to control operation of the high-voltage operating unit14. A power supply voltage of the high-voltage operating unit14is supplied by the input power supply.

Further, in an embodiment, the power conversion unit includes a flyback conversion unit. The high-pressure protection circuit further includes a DC/DC conversion unit, an output end of the flyback conversion unit is electrically connected to an input end of the DC/DC conversion unit, and an output end of the DC/DC conversion unit is electrically connected to the power supply end of the low-voltage control unit. The HPS wiring terminal is connected between the output end of the first rectifier unit and an input end of the flyback conversion unit, or the HPS wiring terminal is connected between the output end of the flyback conversion unit and the input end of the DC/DC conversion unit, or the HPS wiring terminal is connected between the output end of the DC/DC conversion unit and the power supply input end of the low-voltage control unit.

The high-pressure protection circuit according to the embodiments of the present disclosure has the advantages of the controller and can realize high-pressure protection for the system.