Control method and control device for air conditioner, air conditioner

Abstract

This application relates to the field of air conditioner technology, disclosing a control method, control device, and air conditioner for use in an air conditioner. The control method includes: responding to a filter self-cleaning command, controlling a drive device to move the filter from an initial position toward the heat exchanger to a cleaning position where it is in contact with the heat exchanger; performing cooling and frosting treatment on the heat exchanger; detecting environmental parameters during the cooling and frosting treatment; determining the treatment duration based on the environmental parameters to ensure the frost layer thickness on the heat exchanger surface reaches a preset frost layer thickness; and after self-cleaning, controlling the drive device to move the filter away from the heat exchanger and return it to its initial position. During the cooling and frosting process, determining the frosting treatment duration based on environmental parameters ensures the frost layer thickness on the heat exchanger surface reaches the preset frost layer thickness, guaranteeing the cleaning effect on the filter and providing a basis for determining the treatment duration, thus avoiding energy waste due to excessive treatment time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioner technology, and for example to a control method, control device and air conditioner for an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, when existing air conditioners are used for extended periods, dust in the air enters the air return vent. Fine dust particles pass through the filter for air circulation, but larger dust particles adhere to the air conditioner's filter. Due to the influence of wind speed and mesh size, the dust forms a chain-like structure, which captures even finer dust particles by swaying left and right. Furthermore, the humidity in the air increases the viscosity of the dust, making it adhere more firmly to the filter surface and extremely difficult to clean. When the filter is in a dirty state for a long time, bacteria will grow, becoming a source of viruses and bacteria.

[0003] Current filter cleaning methods are primarily mechanical, involving numerous moving parts and occupying considerable space. They cannot be directly applied to existing air conditioners, significantly increasing their thickness and making them aesthetically unappealing. Another method uses a rotating shaft to move the filter along a cleaning path and reset it, with a water tank at a fixed location for washing. However, this method requires a large amount of defrost water; in low-humidity areas, the amount is insufficient for cleaning. Furthermore, during winter heating, no defrost water is generated, making filter cleaning impossible. Insufficient defrost water is a fatal flaw of this method. A few methods use ultrasonic cleaning, but this requires multiple points of placement, and the noise affects user experience.

[0004] It is evident that the above cleaning methods all have some drawbacks. How to avoid these drawbacks and achieve effective filter cleaning is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a brief summary is given below. This summary is not intended as a general commentary, nor is it intended to identify key / important components or describe the scope of protection of these embodiments, but rather as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

[0006] This disclosure provides a control method, control device, and air conditioner for controlling an air conditioner, addressing the problems of existing mechanical cleaning methods leading to increased air conditioner thickness, rotary shaft cleaning methods requiring large amounts of defrosting water, and ultrasonic methods causing excessive noise. In some embodiments, the method includes:

[0007] The first aspect of this application provides a control method for an air conditioner, the air conditioner including a heat exchanger, a filter, and a drive device. The drive device is driven and connected to the filter to move the filter relative to the heat exchanger. The control method includes: responding to a filter self-cleaning command, controlling the drive device to drive the filter from an initial position toward the heat exchanger to a cleaning position where it is in contact with the heat exchanger; performing cooling and frosting treatment on the heat exchanger; detecting environmental parameters during the cooling and frosting treatment; determining the treatment duration of the cooling and frosting treatment based on the environmental parameters to ensure that the frost layer thickness on the surface of the heat exchanger reaches a preset frost layer thickness; and controlling the drive device to move the filter away from the heat exchanger and return it to the initial position after self-cleaning.

[0008] The second aspect of this application provides a control device for an air conditioner, the air conditioner including a heat exchanger, a filter, and a drive device. The drive device is driven and connected to the filter to move the filter relative to the heat exchanger. The control device includes: a drive control module configured to control the drive device to move the filter from an initial position toward the heat exchanger to a cleaning position where it is in contact with the heat exchanger in response to a filter self-cleaning command; a cooling treatment module configured to perform cooling and frosting treatment on the heat exchanger; a detection module configured to detect environmental parameters during the cooling and frosting treatment; a duration determination module configured to determine the treatment duration of the cooling and frosting treatment based on the environmental parameters, so that the frost layer thickness on the surface of the heat exchanger reaches a preset frost layer thickness; and a position control module configured to control the drive device to move the filter away from the heat exchanger and return it to the initial position after self-cleaning is completed.

[0009] The third aspect of this application provides a control device for an air conditioner, including a processor and a memory storing program instructions, wherein the processor is configured to execute the control method for an air conditioner as described in any of the above technical solutions when executing the program instructions.

[0010] The fourth aspect of this application provides an air conditioner, including a control device for the air conditioner as described in the above technical solutions.

[0011] The control method, control device, and air conditioner provided in this disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0012] When the filter screen needs self-cleaning, the drive unit moves the filter screen towards the heat exchanger, from its initial position to the cleaning position. In the cleaning position, the filter screen is in close contact with the heat exchanger, meaning the distance between them is zero or close to zero. In the cleaning position, the heat exchanger is cooled and frosted. Because the filter screen is in close contact with the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger can cause the filter screen to frost. When the frost on the filter screen melts and forms defrost water, the defrost water flows away from the filter screen, carrying away dust and thus cleaning the filter screen.

[0013] On the one hand, the filter screen is driven to the cleaning position by a drive device to achieve cleaning of the filter screen. The structure is simple and avoids the disadvantage of the existing mechanical cleaning method, which leads to an increase in the thickness of the air conditioner. At the same time, it avoids the disadvantages of the rotary shaft cleaning method, which requires a large amount of defrosting water, and the ultrasonic method, which is noisy. On the other hand, the filter screen is cleaned at the same time as the heat exchanger, avoiding the disadvantage of the filter screen cleaning and heat exchanger cleaning needing to be done separately, and improving the cleaning efficiency of the filter screen and heat exchanger.

[0014] During the cooling and frosting process, environmental parameters are monitored, and the processing time for frosting is determined based on these parameters. This ensures that the frost layer thickness on the heat exchanger surface reaches the preset thickness, guaranteeing that the frost layer on the filter screen can be frosted during heat exchanger frosting, thus ensuring the cleaning effect on the filter screen. At the same time, this provides a basis for determining the processing time for cooling and frosting, avoiding energy waste caused by excessive processing time.

[0015] The above general description and the description below are exemplary and illustrative only and are not intended to limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0016] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations and drawings do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements having the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings are not to be scaled. And wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of another control method for an air conditioner provided in this disclosure embodiment;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of another control method for an air conditioner provided in this disclosure embodiment;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic block diagram of a control device for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram of another control device for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure label:

[0024] 10. Casing, 11. Installation space, 20. Filter screen, 30. Heat exchanger, 40. Fan wheel, 50. Air guide plate. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To provide a more detailed understanding of the features and technical content of the embodiments of this disclosure, the implementation of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. In the following technical description, for ease of explanation, several details are used to provide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments may still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices may be simplified in their depiction to simplify the drawings.

[0026] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this disclosure described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0027] Unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more.

[0028] The term "and / or" describes an association between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or A and B.

[0029] like Figure 1As shown, the air conditioner includes a heat exchanger 30, a fan 40 or a blower, a housing 10, and a structure for self-cleaning the air conditioner filter 20. The filter 20 is disposed on one side of the heat exchanger 30 and is used to filter the air flowing through it. The housing 10 defines an installation space 11, within which the heat exchanger 30 and the filter 20 are housed. The housing 10 has an air outlet communicating with the installation space 11. Under the action of the fan 40 or the blower, air passes sequentially through the filter 20 and the heat exchanger 30 before being blown out through the air outlet. A guide vane 50 is provided at the air outlet to adjust the airflow direction.

[0030] The air conditioner also includes a drive unit, which is connected to the filter 20 and is used to drive the filter 20 to move relative to the heat exchanger 30, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the control method for an air conditioner includes steps S201-S205.

[0031] The air conditioner includes a heat exchanger, a filter, and a drive unit. The drive unit is driven to move the filter relative to the heat exchanger. The control method includes:

[0032] In step S201, in response to the filter screen self-cleaning command, the control drive device drives the filter screen from the initial position toward the heat exchanger to the cleaning position where it is in contact with the heat exchanger.

[0033] When the filter 20 is working normally, its initial position is near the air inlet of the indoor unit. The filter 20 also has a cleaning position that is in contact with the heat exchanger 30, such as... Figure 1 As shown, in the cleaning position, the filter screen 20 is close to the heat exchanger 30, and the frost and defrost of the heat exchanger 30 can be used to achieve the frost and defrost of the filter screen 20, so that the filter screen 20 can be cleaned at the same time as the heat exchanger 30.

[0034] At the cleaning position, the filter screen 20 and the heat exchanger 30 are close together. "Close together" refers to two situations: the filter screen 20 and the heat exchanger 30 are in close contact, and the distance between the filter screen 20 and the heat exchanger 30 is small. In both cases, the frosting and defrosting of the heat exchanger 30 can drive the filter screen 20 to frost and defrost, so that the filter screen 20 can be cleaned at the same time as the heat exchanger 30.

[0035] When the filter screen 20 is in contact with the heat exchanger 30, the distance between them is less than the distance between them in the working position. In other words, when the filter screen 20 needs to be cleaned, the drive device moves the filter screen 20 towards the heat exchanger 30 and to the cleaning position. After cleaning, the drive device moves the filter screen 20 away from the heat exchanger 30 and back to the working position.

[0036] The driving device may include a motor and a transmission device. The transmission device may be a gear and rack mechanism, with the motor's output shaft connected to the gear to drive its rotation. The rack is connected to the filter screen 20, and the gear and rack mesh. The rotation of the motor drives the gear to rotate, which in turn drives the rack to move, thereby moving the filter screen 20 between an initial position and a cleaning position. Alternatively, the driving device may include a linear motor, with its output shaft connected to the filter screen 20, driving the filter screen 20 to move between an initial position and a cleaning position.

[0037] Step S202: Cool the heat exchanger and frost it to cause the filter screen to frost.

[0038] Cooling the heat exchanger 30 causes frost to form on its surface. Since the filter screen 20 is in close contact with the heat exchanger 30, the frost formation on the heat exchanger 30 causes frost formation on the filter screen 20. The cold expansion of the frost layer on the surface of the filter screen 20 removes dust from the surface of the filter screen 20, thus cleaning it.

[0039] The system can operate in cooling mode to achieve cooling and frosting of the heat exchanger, or it can use a cooling device to cool the heat exchanger to achieve cooling and frosting.

[0040] When the heat exchanger 30 stops cooling and defrosting, the temperature of the heat exchanger 30 and the filter screen 20 rises, the frost melts, and it does not affect the normal operation of the air conditioner.

[0041] Step S203: During the cooling and frosting process, environmental parameters are monitored.

[0042] Environmental parameters include ambient temperature and / or humidity. For example, an air conditioner is equipped with a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor. The ambient temperature is detected by the temperature sensor, and the ambient humidity is detected by the humidity sensor.

[0043] Optionally, the environmental parameters include ambient temperature and / or humidity, which refers to the ambient temperature and / or humidity around the heat exchanger. Environmental parameters affect the difficulty of frosting. Under the condition that the cooling and frosting treatment time is constant, environmental parameters affect the thickness of the frost layer on the surface of the heat exchanger, thereby affecting the frosting situation of the filter screen, and thus affecting the cleaning effect of the filter screen.

[0044] Step S204: Determine the processing time for cooling and frosting based on environmental parameters so that the frost layer thickness on the heat exchanger surface reaches the preset frost layer thickness.

[0045] Due to seasonal changes and varying geographical locations, the ambient temperature and humidity around the heat exchanger are constantly changing, affecting the frost formation. For example, when ambient humidity is low, the frost layer on the heat exchanger surface is thinner within a given time, affecting the amount of frost on the filter and resulting in poor filter cleaning. Conversely, when ambient humidity is high, the frost layer on the heat exchanger surface is thicker within a given time, allowing for sufficient frost on the filter to meet cleaning requirements. Prolonged frost formation has a greater impact on the overall system and energy efficiency.

[0046] Tables 1 and 2 illustrate the effects of cooling and frosting treatment time and relative humidity on the frost thickness on the heat exchanger surface.

[0047] Table 1

[0048] Processing time (min) relative humidity Frost layer thickness (mm) 30 20％-40％ 0.5-0.8 30 40％-60％ 0.8-1.3 30 60％-80％ 1.3-1.8 30 ＞80％ ＞1.8

[0049] Table 2

[0050] Processing time (min) relative humidity Frost layer thickness (mm) 25 20％-40％ 0.5-0.8 25 40％-60％ 0.8-1.1 25 60％-80％ 1.1-1.6 25 ＞80％ ＞1.6

[0051] Therefore, the processing time for cooling and frosting should be reasonably determined based on environmental parameters. This will ensure the cleaning effect on the filter while minimizing energy consumption and maximizing the cost-effectiveness of cleaning.

[0052] Optionally, when the frost layer thickness on the heat exchanger surface reaches the preset frost layer thickness, and the filter screen is in the cleaning position, the frost formation on the heat exchanger can drive the filter screen to frost. In other words, in the cleaning position, the distance between the filter screen and the heat exchanger is less than or equal to the preset frost layer thickness.

[0053] Step S205: After self-cleaning is completed, the control drive device moves the filter screen away from the heat exchanger and returns it to its initial position.

[0054] There are many criteria for determining the end of self-cleaning. For example, the first criterion is: after step S204, the cleaning strength of the filter screen 20 is detected. If the preset cleaning strength is reached, the self-cleaning is determined to be over. If the preset cleaning strength is not reached, the process returns to step S202 to perform the cooling and frosting process on the heat exchanger 30. The second criterion is: the heat exchanger 30 is subjected to cooling and frosting treatment for a preset time. After the preset time is reached, the self-cleaning is determined to be over.

[0055] Optionally, the control method further includes:

[0056] Receive input commands or detect the degree of dirt and clogging of the filter screen, wherein the input commands include the selection of filter screen cleaning intensity;

[0057] The cleaning intensity of the filter is determined based on the input instructions or the degree of dirt and clogging.

[0058] The preset frost layer thickness is determined based on the cleaning power of the filter.

[0059] The user inputs a command, and the air conditioner receives the command. The user's input includes the desired level of filter cleaning. Alternatively, the air conditioner can detect the degree of filter clogging, for example, by assessing the current flowing through the impeller 40, the fan current, or the airflow at the indoor unit's outlet, and then determine the appropriate cleaning level based on that degree of clogging.

[0060] Different cleaning intensities correspond to different cleaning effects, thus requiring different preset frost layer thicknesses. The preset frost layer thickness is determined based on user input or the degree of filter clogging to meet the user's required cleaning intensity, or to ensure the cleaning intensity corresponds to the actual degree of clogging. This avoids insufficient cleaning leading to poor filter performance, and also avoids energy waste caused by over-cleaning.

[0061] Optionally, the cleaning intensity includes normal cleaning, strong cleaning, and combination cleaning. The preset cream thickness for normal cleaning is less than the preset cream thickness for strong cleaning. Combination cleaning includes both normal cleaning and strong cleaning.

[0062] When the user input command includes selecting a normal cleaning level or a lightly clogged filter, a normal cleaning is performed, which involves a smaller cleaning force on the filter and therefore requires a smaller preset frost layer thickness. When the user input command includes selecting a strong cleaning level or a heavily clogged filter, a strong cleaning is performed, which involves a larger cleaning force on the filter and therefore requires a larger preset frost layer thickness. When the input command includes selecting a combination cleaning level or a severely clogged filter, a combination cleaning is performed, which includes at least one normal cleaning and at least one strong cleaning. For example, a combination cleaning might consist of performing one strong cleaning and one normal cleaning in sequence. When performing a strong cleaning, the preset frost layer thickness is the same as the preset frost layer thickness required for strong cleaning, and when performing a normal cleaning, the preset frost layer thickness is the same as the preset frost layer thickness required for normal cleaning.

[0063] Optionally, the air conditioner also includes a humidification device, environmental parameters including ambient humidity, and control methods including:

[0064] During the cooling and frosting process, if the ambient humidity is lower than the preset humidity, the humidification device will be turned on until the ambient humidity reaches the preset humidity.

[0065] During the cooling and frosting process, if the ambient humidity is lower than the preset humidity, the humidification device will be turned on to increase the ambient humidity and avoid taking too long to reach the preset frost thickness. Based on the increased ambient humidity, the processing time required to reach the preset frost thickness will be determined to make the processing time more reasonable.

[0066] During the cooling and frosting process, if the ambient humidity is greater than or equal to the preset humidity, the humidifier will not be turned on.

[0067] The humidifier can be installed inside the indoor unit, close to the heat exchanger. The humidifier may include a water tank and an atomizing device connected to the water tank. After obtaining water from the water tank, the atomizing device sprays water through its atomizing nozzle onto the heat exchanger to increase the ambient humidity.

[0068] Optionally, the air conditioner also includes a vibration device, which is connected to the filter drive and is used to drive the filter to vibrate. The vibration device can be a polarization motor or an ultrasonic device, etc.

[0069] Optionally, the control method further includes:

[0070] During the cooling and frosting process, the vibration device is controlled to drive the filter screen to vibrate, so that the filter screen 20 and the frost layer on the heat exchanger 30 will generate friction.

[0071] Vibration of the filter screen 20 can change the position of the filter screen 20 relative to the heat exchanger 30, thereby changing the position of the filter screen 20 relative to the frost layer on the heat exchanger 30. During the vibration of the filter screen 20, the filter screen 20 can rub against the frost layer on the heat exchanger 30, causing the dust on the filter screen 20 to loosen.

[0072] Optionally, during the cooling and frosting process, the vibration device is controlled to vibrate the filter screen, including:

[0073] During the cooling and frosting process, the vibration device is controlled to drive the filter screen to vibrate between the first position and the second position. In both the first and second positions, the distance between the filter screen and the heat exchanger is less than the current preset frost thickness, meaning that the filter screen can always make contact with the frost layer on the heat exchanger, thereby generating friction with the frost layer on the heat exchanger.

[0074] In this way, during the entire vibration trajectory of the filter screen, from the first position to the second position and between the first and second positions, the filter screen can come into contact with the frost layer on the heat exchanger, thereby generating friction with the frost layer on the heat exchanger and enhancing the cleaning effect on the filter screen.

[0075] Optionally, such as Figure 3 As shown, the control methods include:

[0076] In step S301, in response to the filter screen self-cleaning command, the control drive device drives the filter screen from the initial position toward the heat exchanger to the cleaning position where it is in contact with the heat exchanger.

[0077] Step S302: Cool the heat exchanger to prevent it from frosting.

[0078] Step S303: During the cooling and frosting process, environmental parameters are monitored.

[0079] Step S304: Determine the processing time for cooling and frosting based on environmental parameters so that the frost layer thickness on the heat exchanger surface reaches the preset frost layer thickness.

[0080] Step S305: After cooling and frosting, the heat exchanger is heated to defrost.

[0081] During the defrosting process, filter screen 20 is in the cleaning position, in contact with heat exchanger 30. As heat exchanger 30 heats up, the frost layer on its surface melts. This heat is transferred to filter screen 20, causing the frost layer on its surface to melt as well. This allows both heat exchanger 30 and filter screen 20 to operate normally. The melted frost on filter screen 20 forms defrost water, which carries away dust from the filter screen, further cleaning it. The defrost water on the filter screen flows into a drip tray and outwards, requiring no user intervention.

[0082] In step S306, during the defrosting process, the vibration device is controlled to drive the filter screen to vibrate.

[0083] The vibration device is controlled to drive the filter screen to vibrate, thereby enhancing the flow of defrost water on the filter screen 20, accelerating the flow of defrost water away from the filter screen 20, and preventing defrost water residue.

[0084] There are many ways to heat up and defrost the heat exchanger 30. You can control the air conditioner to operate in heating mode to heat up and defrost the heat exchanger 30, or you can install a heating device in the indoor unit and turn on the heating device to heat up and defrost the heat exchanger 30.

[0085] Step S307: After self-cleaning is completed, the control drive device moves the filter screen away from the heat exchanger and returns it to its initial position.

[0086] Alternatively, after the preset defrosting time has elapsed, the self-cleaning process can be completed, and the drive unit can be controlled to move the filter away from the heat exchanger and return it to its initial position.

[0087] Optionally, step S301, controlling the drive device to drive the filter screen from its initial position toward the heat exchanger to a cleaning position where it is in contact with the heat exchanger, includes:

[0088] The control drive unit drives the filter screen to move from its initial position toward the heat exchanger;

[0089] During operation, the degree of contact between the filter and the heat exchanger is detected;

[0090] If the contact depth reaches the preset contact depth, the control drive device will stop working.

[0091] If the contact depth does not reach the preset contact depth, the control drive device continues to work, driving the filter screen to continue moving towards the heat exchanger.

[0092] During the self-cleaning process of filter screen 20, the cooling and defrosting of heat exchanger 30 causes the filter screen 20 to frost and defrost. The thermal shock generated by heat exchanger 30 causes filter screen 20 to deform and elongate to a certain extent. Therefore, when the drive device moves to the same position each time, the deformation of filter screen 20 causes filter screen 20 to not stick tightly to the surface of heat exchanger 30. This means that the frost layer generated by heat exchanger 30 cannot spread well to the surface of filter screen 20. The reduction in the amount of frost on filter screen 20 will lead to a decrease in the cleaning effect of filter screen 20.

[0093] The degree of contact between the filter screen 20 and the heat exchanger 30 is detected. The degree of contact is used to determine whether the filter screen 20 has moved to the cleaning position. In this way, no matter how the filter screen 20 is deformed, the filter screen 20 can be in contact with the heat exchanger 30 at the cleaning position, so as to accurately determine the cleaning position.

[0094] The degree of contact between the filter screen 20 and the heat exchanger 30 can be determined by detecting the distance between them using an infrared sensor, or by detecting the magnitude of the force between them. When the distance between the filter screen 20 and the heat exchanger 30 is less than or equal to a preset distance, the preset degree of contact is determined; when the force between the filter screen 20 and the heat exchanger 30 is greater than or equal to a preset force, the preset degree of contact is determined.

[0095] Taking environmental parameters, including indoor humidity, as an example, the indoor humidity is measured before cleaning the filter. The processing time for cooling and frosting is determined based on the indoor humidity. When the indoor relative humidity is low, the cooling and frosting processing time is extended to ensure that a large amount of frost forms on the surface of the heat exchanger and filter. Conversely, when the indoor relative humidity is moderate, the cooling and frosting processing time is reduced accordingly. When the indoor relative humidity is high, the cooling and frosting processing time is even shorter. This reduces unnecessary energy consumption and ensures the cleaning effect.

[0096] In a specific embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the control methods include:

[0097] Step S401: Receive the self-cleaning signal of filter 20. The self-cleaning signal of filter 20 can be generated when the air conditioner runs for a preset time, or the self-cleaning signal of filter 20 can be received by the user.

[0098] In step S402, after receiving the self-cleaning signal of the filter screen 20, the driving device drives the filter screen 20 to move closer to the heat exchanger 30.

[0099] In step S403, during the movement, if the contact degree between the filter screen 20 and the heat exchanger 30 reaches the preset contact degree, it is determined that the filter screen 20 is in the cleaning position, and the drive device is controlled to stop running.

[0100] Step S404: The air conditioner turns on the cooling mode, the indoor fan stops rotating, the compressor frequency is set to 80Hz, and the outdoor fan speed is 800 rpm;

[0101] Step S405: The indoor humidity is detected by a humidity sensor, and the cooling and frosting processing time is determined based on the humidity range. For example:

[0102] When the relative humidity of the indoor environment is 30%-50%, the cooling and frosting treatment time is 45 minutes;

[0103] When the relative humidity of the indoor environment is 50%-70%, the cooling and frosting treatment time is 35 minutes.

[0104] When the relative humidity of the indoor environment is 70%-100%, the cooling and frosting treatment time is 25 minutes.

[0105] Step S406: Control the heat exchanger to perform defrosting by heating up, switch the four-way valve, turn on the heating mode, set the indoor fan to low speed, the compressor frequency to 50Hz, the outdoor fan speed to 800 rpm, and the defrosting time to 10 minutes.

[0106] Step S407: Self-cleaning ends. The drive device moves the filter screen 20 back to its initial position, all components stop operating, and the self-cleaning of the filter screen 20 ends.

[0107] This disclosure provides a control device for an air conditioner, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the air conditioner includes a heat exchanger, a filter, and a drive unit. The drive unit is driven to move the filter relative to the heat exchanger. The control unit includes a drive control module 501, a cooling processing module 502, a detection module 503, a duration determination module 504, and a position control module 505.

[0108] The drive control module is configured to control the drive unit to move the filter screen from its initial position toward the heat exchanger to a cleaning position that is in contact with the heat exchanger in response to the filter screen self-cleaning command.

[0109] The cooling module is configured to perform a cooling and frosting process on the heat exchanger.

[0110] The detection module is configured to detect environmental parameters during the cooling and frosting process.

[0111] The duration determination module is configured to determine the processing duration of the cooling and frosting process based on environmental parameters, so that the frost thickness on the heat exchanger surface reaches the preset frost thickness.

[0112] After the self-cleaning process is completed, the position control module is configured to control the drive device to move the filter screen away from the heat exchanger and return it to its initial position.

[0113] This disclosure provides a control device for an air conditioner, including a processor and a memory storing program instructions. The processor is configured to execute a control method for an air conditioner as described in any of the above embodiments when executing the program instructions.

[0114] Combination Figure 6 As shown, this disclosure provides a control device for an air conditioner, including a processor 100 and a memory 101. Optionally, the device may further include a communication interface 102 and a bus 103. The processor 100, communication interface 102, and memory 101 can communicate with each other via the bus 103. The communication interface 102 can be used for information transmission. The processor 100 can call logical instructions in the memory 101 to execute the control method for the air conditioner described in the above embodiment.

[0115] Furthermore, the logic instructions in the aforementioned memory 101 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0116] The memory 101, as a computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store software programs and computer-executable programs, such as program instructions / modules corresponding to the methods in the embodiments of this disclosure. The processor 100 executes functional applications and data processing by running the program instructions / modules stored in the memory 101, thereby implementing the control method for the air conditioner in the above embodiments.

[0117] The memory 101 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and applications required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the terminal device. Furthermore, the memory 101 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory.

[0118] This disclosure provides an air conditioner that includes the control device for the air conditioner described above.

[0119] This disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions configured to perform the above-described control method for an air conditioner.

[0120] This disclosure provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The computer program includes program instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described above.

[0121] The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may be a transient computer-readable storage medium or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0122] The technical solutions of this disclosure can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes one or more instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in this disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, including: a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, and other media capable of storing program code; it can also be a transient storage medium.

[0123] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings fully illustrate embodiments of this disclosure to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may include structural, logical, electrical, procedural, and other changes. The embodiments represent only possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly required, and the order of operation may vary. Parts and features of some embodiments may be included in or replace parts and features of other embodiments. Moreover, the terminology used in this application is for describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit the claims. As used in the description of embodiments and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to equally include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the term “and / or” as used in this application means including one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations thereof. Additionally, when used in this application, the term "comprise" and its variations "comprises" and / or "comprising" refer to the presence of stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, or apparatus that includes said element. In this document, each embodiment may focus on the differences from other embodiments, and similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. For methods, products, etc., disclosed in the embodiments, if they correspond to the method section disclosed in the embodiments, the relevant parts can be referred to the description of the method section.

[0124] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0125] The methods and products (including but not limited to devices and equipment) disclosed in the embodiments herein can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units may be merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the shown or discussed units may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected to implement this embodiment according to actual needs. Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments of this disclosure may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0126] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than that shown in the drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. In the descriptions corresponding to the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings, the operations or steps corresponding to different blocks may also occur in a different order than disclosed in the description, and sometimes there is no specific order between different operations or steps. For example, two consecutive operations or steps may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. Each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in a block diagram and / or flowchart, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

Claims

1. A control method for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes a heat exchanger, a filter, and a drive device. The drive device is driven to the filter and is used to move the filter relative to the heat exchanger. The control method includes: In response to the filter screen self-cleaning command, the drive device is controlled to drive the filter screen from the initial position toward the heat exchanger to the cleaning position where it is in contact with the heat exchanger; The heat exchanger is subjected to cooling and frosting treatment; During the cooling and frosting process, environmental parameters are monitored. Based on the environmental parameters, the processing time for cooling and frosting is determined so that the frost layer thickness on the surface of the heat exchanger reaches the preset frost layer thickness. After the self-cleaning process is completed, the drive device is controlled to move the filter away from the heat exchanger and return it to the initial position; The air conditioner further includes a vibration device, which is driven and connected to the filter screen to drive the filter screen to vibrate; the control method further includes: During the cooling and frosting process, the vibration device is controlled to drive the filter screen to vibrate.

2. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive input instructions or detect the degree of dirt clogging of the filter screen, wherein the input instructions include the selection of filter screen cleaning intensity; The cleaning power of the filter is determined based on the input command or the degree of clogging. The preset frost layer thickness is determined based on the cleaning power of the filter.

3. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cleaning intensity includes normal cleaning, strong cleaning, and combined cleaning. The preset cream layer thickness corresponding to normal cleaning is less than the preset cream layer thickness corresponding to strong cleaning. The combined cleaning includes normal cleaning and strong cleaning.

4. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes a humidification device, the environmental parameters include ambient humidity, and the control method further includes: During the cooling and frosting process, if the ambient humidity is lower than the preset humidity, the humidification device is turned on until the ambient humidity reaches the preset humidity.

5. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the cooling and frosting process, controlling the vibration device to drive the filter screen to vibrate includes: During the cooling and frosting process, the vibration device is controlled to drive the filter screen to vibrate between a first position and a second position. In both the first and second positions, the distance between the filter screen and the heat exchanger is less than the current preset frost layer thickness.

6. The control method for an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The air conditioner further includes a vibration device, which is driven and connected to the filter screen to drive the filter screen to vibrate; the control method further includes: After cooling and frosting, the heat exchanger is heated and defrosted. During the defrosting process, the vibration device is controlled to drive the filter screen to vibrate.

7. The control method for an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The control of the drive device to drive the filter screen from its initial position toward the heat exchanger to a cleaning position where it is in contact with the heat exchanger includes: The drive device is controlled to drive the filter screen to move from the initial position toward the heat exchanger; During the operation, the degree of contact between the filter screen and the heat exchanger is detected; If the contact degree reaches the preset contact degree, the drive device is controlled to stop working.

8. A control device for an air conditioner, comprising a processor and a memory storing program instructions, characterized in that, The processor is configured to execute the control method for an air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 when executing the program instructions.

9. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the control device for an air conditioner as described in claim 8.

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