An air conditioner for a vehicle, its control method, and a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides an air conditioner for an automobile, a control method thereof, and an automobile. The air conditioner includes: a centrifugal fan for blowing air; an evaporator for exchanging heat with the air sent out by the centrifugal fan; a humidifying and cleaning device including a water tank, the water tank being arranged on the centrifugal fan and used for storing the condensed water on the evaporator; wherein when the centrifugal fan rotates, it drives the water tank to rotate together to utilize the condensed water in the water tank: to wash the evaporator; and / or to wash the centrifugal fan; and / or to humidify the air after heat exchange by the evaporator. This air conditioner can utilize the condensed water to clean the interior of the air conditioner and can also humidify the air delivered by the air conditioner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and in particular to an air conditioner for an automobile, a control method thereof, and an automobile. Background Art

[0002] The bus air conditioner is generally placed outside the vehicle. Since there is a lot of dust outside the vehicle, when the bus is running on the road, the evaporator on the vehicle is extremely likely to accumulate dust, reducing the heat exchange capacity of the evaporator; at the same time, the dust layer is extremely likely to breed mildew, reducing the air quality. When the air conditioner is working, the interior of the vehicle is relatively dry. At present, when many household air conditioners are working, a humidifier is turned on indoors for humidification, increasing the cost and power consumption.

[0003] The patent with the patent number CN202010231523.2 discloses an intelligent cleaning control method for an air conditioner, which is cleaned through four steps: a condensate step, a frosting step, a waiting step, and a high-temperature steam washing step. However, this cleaning process makes the compressor operate under extreme conditions, reducing the service life of the compressor. At the same time, this cleaning takes a long time, reducing the comfort of the room. At the same time, the traditional cleaning method cannot clean the air blades, and the dust on the air blades accumulates thicker and thicker over time, increasing the wind resistance and reducing the heat exchange efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides an air conditioner for an automobile, a control method thereof, and an automobile, which are at least used to solve the technical problems of humidification and automatic cleaning of the air conditioner in the prior art. Specifically:

[0005] The first aspect of the present invention discloses an air conditioner for an automobile, including:

[0006] A centrifugal fan for blowing air;

[0007] An evaporator for exchanging heat with the air sent out by the centrifugal fan;

[0008] A humidifying and cleaning device including a water tank, the water tank is arranged on the centrifugal fan and is used for storing the condensed water on the evaporator;

[0009] Wherein when the centrifugal fan rotates, it drives the water tank to rotate together to utilize the condensed water in the water tank:

[0010] Rinse the evaporator; and / or

[0011] Rinse the centrifugal fan; and / or

[0012] Humidify the air after heat exchange by the evaporator.

[0013] Further optionally,

[0014] The water tank is arranged at the center of the centrifugal fan,

[0015] The side wall of the water tank is provided with a water outlet hole for discharging the condensed water in the water tank when the centrifugal fan rotates.

[0016] Further optionally,

[0017] The humidifying and cleaning device further includes:

[0018] A water receiving tray for collecting the condensed water condensed on the evaporator;

[0019] A condensed water recovery water pipe, one end of which is communicated with the water tank; the other end is connected to the water receiving tray;

[0020] A water pump for pumping the condensed water on the water receiving tray into the water tank through the condensed water recovery water pipe.

[0021] Further optionally,

[0022] The end of the condensed water recovery water pipe communicated with the water tank is led into the water inlet at the top of the water tank.

[0023] Further optionally,

[0024] The humidifying and cleaning device further includes:

[0025] A condensed water drain pipe, one end of which is connected to the water receiving tray; the other end is communicated to the outside of the air conditioner;

[0026] A valve provided on the condensed water drain pipe.

[0027] Further optionally,

[0028] The air conditioner further includes:

[0029] A dust sensor monitoring unit for detecting the dust accumulation thickness on the evaporator;

[0030] A controller for controlling the rotation speed of the centrifugal fan according to the dust accumulation thickness to utilize the condensed water in the water tank to wash the evaporator; and / or, wash the centrifugal fan.

[0031] Further optionally,

[0032] The air conditioner further includes:

[0033] A humidity sensor for detecting the humidity value in the air supply working area of the air conditioner;

[0034] Wherein the controller is further used for humidifying the air heat-exchanged by the evaporator according to the humidity value.

[0035] The second aspect of the present invention discloses a control method for an air conditioner, which is used to control the air conditioner described in any one of the above, and the control method includes:

[0036] Judging to execute the normal operation mode, the humidification mode and the self-cleaning mode according to the dust accumulation thickness on the evaporator and the humidity value in the air supply working area of the air conditioner; wherein:

[0037] When the humidity value is between the first preset humidity value and the second preset humidity value, and the dust accumulation thickness is less than the first preset dust thickness, execute the normal operation mode; wherein the first preset humidity value < the second preset humidity value;

[0038] When the humidity value ≤ the first preset humidity value, start to execute the humidification mode until the humidity value ≥ the second preset humidity value and then switch to the normal mode;

[0039] When the dust accumulation thickness ≥ the first preset dust thickness, execute the self-cleaning mode until the dust accumulation thickness is 0 and then switch to the normal mode.

[0040] Further optionally,

[0041] When executing the self-cleaning mode: the compressor and the external fan of the air conditioner stop running, the valve on the condensate recovery water pipe is closed, the valve on the condensate drain pipe is opened, and the rotation speed of the centrifugal fan is controlled at 200 r / s - 300 r / s.

[0042] Further optionally,

[0043] When executing the humidification mode: the compressor and the external fan run normally, the valve on the condensate recovery water pipe is opened, the valve on the condensate drain pipe is closed, and the rotation speed of the centrifugal fan is controlled not less than 1000 r / s.

[0044] The third aspect of the present invention discloses a vehicle, which adopts the air conditioner described in any one of the above, or uses the control method described in any one of the above.

[0045] Beneficial effects: The condensate generated during the operation of the air conditioner is discharged through the condensate recovery water pipe to the recovery box on the air blade. The condensate in the recovery box can be used to clean the evaporator, etc., and can also be used to humidify the air. Description of the Drawings

[0046] By referring to the accompanying drawings and describing its exemplary embodiments in detail, the above and other objectives, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent. The following described drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0047] Figure 1 Shows a schematic diagram of the internal structure composition of the air conditioner in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2 Shows a schematic diagram of the water tank in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 3 Shows a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the air conditioner in an embodiment of the present invention. Specific embodiments

[0050] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0051] The terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular forms "a", "the", and "said" used in the embodiments of the present invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. "Plural" generally includes at least two, but does not exclude the case of including at least one.

[0052] It should be understood that the term " / and / " used herein is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " herein generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0053] It should also be noted that the terms "include", "comprise", or any other variant thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a commodity or system including a series of elements not only includes those elements, but also includes other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such a commodity or system. Without further limitation, the element defined by the statement "including one..." does not exclude the existence of another identical element in the commodity or system including the said element.

[0054] In current automotive air conditioners, during the self-cleaning process of the traditional evaporator, the compressor lifespan decreases, the self-cleaning time is relatively long, and the indoor comfort level is relatively low; the air inside the vehicle is relatively dry during air conditioner operation; the cold or heat in the condensed water cannot be recycled, resulting in waste; and the air blades of the internal blower cannot be cleaned, etc. Through the improvement of the air conditioner in the present invention, the condensed water generated during air conditioner operation is discharged into the water tank on the blower through the condensed water recovery pipe. The condensed water in the water tank can be used to clean the evaporator and also to humidify the air.

[0055] To further elaborate on the technical solutions in the present invention, the following specific embodiments are provided in combination with Figures 1 - 3 the following.

[0056] Embodiment 1

[0057] An air conditioner for an automobile, the air conditioner comprising:

[0058] A centrifugal blower 11 for blowing air;

[0059] An evaporator for exchanging heat with the air sent out by the centrifugal blower 11;

[0060] A humidifying and cleaning device, including a water tank 1, the water tank 1 is arranged on the centrifugal blower 11 and is used for storing the condensed water on the evaporator;

[0061] wherein when the centrifugal blower 11 rotates, it drives the water tank 1 to rotate together to utilize the condensed water in the water tank 1:

[0062] to rinse the evaporator; and / or

[0063] to rinse the centrifugal blower 11; and / or

[0064] to humidify the air after heat exchange by the evaporator.

[0065] In this embodiment, optionally, the water tank 1 is arranged at the center of the centrifugal blower 11, and a water outlet hole 14 is provided on the side wall of the water tank 1 for discharging the condensed water in the water tank 1 when the centrifugal blower 11 rotates. Specifically: A water tank 1 is added above the hub of the centrifugal air blade. The water tank 1 is fixed on the hub of the air blade and rotates with the air blade. Its upper, lower, left, and right sides are closed. Several rows of equally spaced water outlet holes 14 are opened above the wall surface of the water tank 1, and there is a circular water inlet at the center of the upper surface. When the centrifugal blower 11 rotates, the water in the water tank 1 is thrown towards the air blade and the evaporator by centrifugal force or turned into water mist to humidify the air. The corresponding evaporator can be arranged on both sides of the centrifugal blower 11 and includes a first evaporator 4 and a second evaporator 5.

[0066] In some alternative embodiments, the humidifying and cleaning device further includes: a water receiving tray 8 for collecting the condensed water on the evaporator; a condensed water recovery water pipe 3, one end of which is connected to the water tank 1, the other end of which is connected to the water receiving tray 8 through a recovery water hole 9; and a water pump 13 for pumping the condensed water on the water receiving tray 8 through the condensed water recovery water pipe 3 into the water tank 1. The end of the condensed water recovery water pipe 3 connected to the water tank 1 leads into the water inlet at the top of the water tank 1. The condensed water generated during refrigeration / heating is recovered into the water tank 1 through the water pump and the condensed water recovery water pipe 3, and then atomized by the high-speed rotating fan blades, realizing humidifying the air and sending it into the room or vehicle interior, and recovering the energy in the condensed water.

[0067] It should be noted that: the above humidifying and cleaning device can be applied not only to vehicle-mounted evaporators but also to room air conditioners. The centrifugal fan blades can be replaced by cross-flow fan blades or axial-flow fan blades; the condensed water can be replaced by tap water, special fluids, etc. It can be understood that when tap water is used to replace the condensed water, only tap water can be used and a separate water inlet pipe for the water tank can be set up, or it can be set up simultaneously with the condensed water recovery water pipe 3 as the water inlet pipe for the water tank.

[0068] In some alternative embodiments, the humidifying and cleaning device further includes: a condensed water drain pipe 6, one end of which is connected to the water receiving tray 8 through a drain hole 10, and the other end is communicated to the outside of the air conditioner; and a drain valve 7 provided on the condensed water drain pipe 6.

[0069] The air conditioner further includes:

[0070] a dust sensor monitoring unit for detecting the thickness of dust accumulation on the evaporator;

[0071] a controller for controlling the rotation speed of the centrifugal fan 11 according to the thickness of dust accumulation to utilize the condensed water in the water tank to: wash the evaporator; and / or wash the centrifugal fan 11.

[0072] Further optionally, the air conditioner further includes: a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity value in the air supply working area of the air conditioner; correspondingly, the controller is further configured to humidify the air after heat exchange through the evaporator according to the humidity value.

[0073] Based on the above air conditioner, the present invention further provides a control method for an air conditioner for controlling any of the above air conditioners, and the control method includes:

[0074] Judging to execute a normal operation mode, a humidifying mode, and a self-cleaning mode according to the thickness of dust accumulation on the evaporator and the humidity value in the air supply working area of the air conditioner.

[0075] Specifically:

[0076] When the humidity value is between the first preset humidity value and the second preset humidity value, and the dust accumulation thickness is less than the first preset dust thickness, the normal operation mode is executed; where the first preset humidity value < the second preset humidity value;

[0077] When the humidity value ≤ the first preset humidity value, the humidification mode is started and continues until the humidity value ≥ the second preset humidity value, and then it switches to the normal mode;

[0078] When the dust accumulation thickness ≥ the first preset dust thickness, the self - cleaning mode is executed and continues until the dust accumulation thickness is 0, and then it switches to the normal mode.

[0079] Optionally: When executing the self - cleaning mode: The compressor and the external fan of the air conditioner stop running, the valve on the condensate recovery water pipe is closed, the valve on the condensate drain pipe is opened, and the rotation speed of the centrifugal fan 11 is controlled between 100 r / s and 400 r / s. Further, when executing the humidification mode: The compressor and the external fan run normally, the valve on the condensate recovery water pipe is opened, the valve on the condensate drain pipe is closed, and the rotation speed of the centrifugal fan 11 is controlled not less than 1000 r / s. By reducing the rotation speed of the centrifugal fan, the centrifugal force of the evaporation impeller is used to throw the recovered condensate water towards the evaporator. At this time, the water is in the state of water droplets, and the evaporator is cleaned. The sewage after cleaning is discharged outdoors through the condensate drain pipe; by increasing the rotation speed of the centrifugal fan, the centrifugal force of the evaporation impeller is used to throw the recovered condensate water towards the evaporator to humidify the air. The humidified air is sent into the room. At this time, the water is in the state of water mist, avoiding water being blown out by the air supply. In addition, for the air conditioner combined with this control method, the impeller of the internal fan (centrifugal fan) is cleaned in the self - cleaning mode.

[0080] Embodiment 2

[0081] Based on the above - mentioned air conditioner and its control method, the present invention further provides a vehicle. In the air conditioner of this vehicle, cleaning the evaporator and humidifying the air by recovering condensate water are realized. The condensate water in the water receiving tray is sucked into the water tank by the water pump 13. When the fan rotates at a low speed, the condensate water remains in the state of water droplets, and the centrifugal force of the fan is used to throw the condensate water towards the evaporator to clean it; when the fan rotates at a high speed, the condensate water is broken into water mist by the impeller to humidify the air. The air passing through the evaporator is mixed with the water mist and then enters the vehicle interior.

[0082] When refrigerating / heating, the condensed water generated by the evaporator drips from the evaporator onto the water receiving tray. In the self-cleaning and humidifying modes of the evaporator, the drain valve 7 is closed at this time, the recycled water valve 2 and the water pump 13 are opened. Under the action of the water pump 13, the water in the water receiving tray 8 is sucked into the water tank 1 through the recycled water hole 9 for cleaning or dehumidification. In the normal operation mode, the drain valve 7 is opened at this time, the recycled water valve 2 and the water pump 13 are closed, and the water in the water receiving tray 8 is directly discharged outside the vehicle through the drain hole 10.

[0083] When the automotive air conditioner is operating, it has the following operating modes:

[0084] 1) Evaporator self-cleaning mode

[0085] Four dust thickness sensors are arranged at equal intervals from bottom to top on the surface of the evaporator. Only when all 4 dust thickness sensors 12 sense that the dust thickness on the evaporator reaches the set value, the evaporator self-cleaning mode is entered at this time: At this time, the compressor stops running, the external fan stops running, the recycled water valve on the condensate recovery water pipe is closed, the drain valve 7 on the condensate drain pipe is opened, the speed of the internal fan is reduced to 200 - 300 r / s, and the condensate water in the condensate water tank above the centrifugal fan hub is thrown towards the evaporator by centrifugal force through the water outlet hole 14 to clean it. The cleaned sewage is discharged to the outside through the condensate drain pipe. When the 4 sensors sense that the dust thickness on the evaporator is zero, the evaporator self-cleaning mode is closed and enters the normal mode. At the same time, in this mode, before the water in the condensate recovery water tank is thrown towards the evaporator, it first passes through the fan to clean the fan. It can be understood that the number of dust thickness sensors 12 is not limited to only 4, and can also be more than 4 or less than 4. When judging whether the dust thickness exceeds the standard, it is not limited to the situation where all 4 sensors exceed the preset dust thickness value before self-cleaning is carried out.

[0086] Humidifying mode

[0087] When the in-vehicle humidity sensor detects that the indoor humidity is less than or equal to 50%, the humidifying mode is entered at this time. At this time, the compressor operates normally, the external fan operates normally, the recycled water valve on the condensate recovery water pipe is in the open state, the drain valve 7 on the condensate drain pipe is closed, the speed of the internal fan is increased to more than 1000 r / s. At this time, the water in the condensate water tank is thrown onto the fan, and the liquid is broken into extremely small droplets. The surface area of the liquid is greatly increased. After contacting the in-vehicle air, the water quickly evaporates and atomizes to humidify the air. When the in-vehicle humidity reaches 70%, the humidifying mode is closed and enters the normal mode.

[0088] Normal operation mode

[0089] When the humidity inside the vehicle is between 50% - 70% and the dust thickness on the evaporator is within the set value, the air conditioner operates in the normal mode. At this time, the compressor, the internal and external fans operate normally, the recovery water valve on the condensate recovery water pipe is in the closed state, the drain valve 7 on the condensate drain pipe is in the open state, and the condensate is directly discharged to the outside of the vehicle.

[0090] It should be noted that the above three modes can be carried out during refrigeration and heating.

[0091] The above specifically illustrates and describes the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the detailed structures, setting methods or implementation methods described herein; on the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent settings included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioner for an automobile, characterized in that, Comprising: A centrifugal fan for blowing air; An evaporator for heat exchange with the air sent out by the centrifugal fan; A humidifying and cleaning device including a water tank disposed on the centrifugal fan for storing the condensed water on the evaporator; Wherein when the centrifugal fan rotates, it drives the water tank to rotate together to utilize the condensed water in the water tank to wash the evaporator and / or wash the centrifugal fan and / or humidify the air after heat exchange by the evaporator; The air conditioner is provided with a normal operation mode, a humidifying mode and a self-cleaning mode, and the air conditioner determines to execute the normal operation mode, the humidifying mode and the self-cleaning mode according to the dust accumulation thickness on the evaporator and the humidity value in the air supply working area of the air conditioner; wherein: When the humidity value is between a first preset humidity value and a second preset humidity value, and the dust accumulation thickness is less than a first preset dust thickness, the normal operation mode is executed; wherein the first preset humidity value < the second preset humidity value; When the humidity value ≤ the first preset humidity value, the humidifying mode is started until the humidity value ≥ the second preset humidity value and then transferred to the normal operation mode; When the dust accumulation thickness ≥ the first preset dust thickness, the self-cleaning mode is executed until the dust accumulation thickness is 0 and then transferred to the normal operation mode.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water tank is disposed at the center of the centrifugal fan, The side wall of the water tank is provided with water outlet holes for throwing out the condensed water in the water tank when the centrifugal fan rotates.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein The humidifying and cleaning device further includes: A water receiving tray for collecting the condensed water condensed on the evaporator; A condensed water recovery water pipe, one end of which is communicated with the water tank; the other end is connected to the water receiving tray; A water pump for pumping the condensed water on the water receiving tray through the condensed water recovery water pipe into the water tank.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The end of the condensed water recovery water pipe communicated with the water tank leads into the water inlet at the top of the water tank.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The humidifying and cleaning device further includes: A condensed water drain pipe, one end of which is connected to the water receiving tray; the other end is communicated to the outside of the air conditioner; A valve disposed on the condensed water drain pipe.

6. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The air conditioner further includes: A dust sensor monitoring unit for detecting the dust accumulation thickness on the evaporator; A controller for controlling the rotation speed of the centrifugal fan according to the dust accumulation thickness to utilize the condensed water in the water tank: to wash the evaporator; and / or, to wash the centrifugal fan.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein The air conditioner further includes: A humidity sensor for detecting the humidity value in the air supply working area of the air conditioner; Wherein the controller is further used for humidifying the air after heat exchange by the evaporator according to the humidity value.

8. A control method for an air conditioner, used to control the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The control method includes: Judging to execute the normal operation mode, the humidifying mode and the self-cleaning mode according to the dust accumulation thickness on the evaporator and the humidity value in the air supply working area of the air conditioner; wherein: When the humidity value is between a first preset humidity value and a second preset humidity value, and the dust accumulation thickness is less than a first preset dust thickness, the normal operation mode is executed; wherein the first preset humidity value < the second preset humidity value; When the humidity value ≤ the first preset humidity value, start executing the humidification mode until the humidity value ≥ the second preset humidity value and then switch to the normal operation mode; When the dust accumulation thickness ≥ the first preset dust thickness, execute the self-cleaning mode until the dust accumulation thickness is 0 and then switch to the normal operation mode.

9. The control method according to claim 8, wherein When executing the self-cleaning mode: the compressor and the external fan of the air conditioner stop running, the valve on the condensate recovery water pipe is closed, the valve on the condensate drain pipe is opened, and the rotation speed of the centrifugal fan is controlled at 200 r / s - 300 r / s.

10. The control method according to claim 9, wherein When executing the humidification mode: the compressor and the external fan operate normally, the valve on the condensate recovery water pipe is opened, the valve on the condensate drain pipe is closed, and the rotation speed of the centrifugal fan is controlled not to be lower than 1000 r / s.

11. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle adopts the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-7, or uses the control method according to any one of claims 8-10.

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