Control method for air conditioner and air conditioner

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of air conditioning equipment, and particularly provides a control method for an air conditioner and the air conditioner, aiming to solve the problem of poor dust removal effect of the existing air conditioner when cleaning the heat exchanger, which affects the user experience. To this end, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner comprises a shell, a heat exchanger and a fan, and the control method comprises: when deep cleaning of the heat exchanger is needed, the air conditioner is made to execute a frosting mode; when a set condition is met, the air conditioner is made to execute a defrosting mode; and during execution of the defrosting mode by the air conditioner, the fan is made to blow air towards the heat exchanger and periodically adjust the air outlet direction of the fan. Through such a setting, when frosting, the air conditioner makes the dust closely combined with the frost layer, and when defrosting, the frost blocks on the heat exchanger are blown off by blowing air back and forth towards the heat exchanger, the dust remaining on the heat exchanger after the melting of the frost blocks is reduced, the cleaning effect of the heat exchanger is improved, and the user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning equipment technology, specifically providing a control method for an air conditioner and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Because the outdoor unit of an air conditioner is used outdoors for a long time, it is affected by outdoor wind and sand, and a lot of dust will accumulate on the heat exchanger, which will affect the heat exchanger's heat exchange efficiency.

[0003] Existing methods for cleaning heat exchangers mainly involve frosting the heat exchanger first and then defrosting it. This process involves first binding the dust and frost together, and then melting the frost to achieve the purpose of dust removal and cleaning. However, since the water after the frost melts contains a large amount of dust, a large amount of dust will still remain on the heat exchanger after the dust removal is completed, resulting in poor dust removal effect and affecting the user experience.

[0004] Therefore, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to solve the problem that the existing air conditioners have poor dust removal effect when cleaning the heat exchanger, which affects the user experience.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a control method for an air conditioner, the outdoor unit of which includes a housing and a heat exchanger and a fan installed within the housing. The control method includes: when deep cleaning of the heat exchanger is required, causing the air conditioner to execute a frosting mode; when set conditions are met, causing the air conditioner to execute a defrosting mode; and during the defrosting mode, causing the fan to blow air towards the heat exchanger and periodically adjusting the airflow direction of the fan.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the above control method, the heat exchanger is deeply cleaned every first preset time interval T1. The control method further includes: after the heat exchanger is deeply cleaned, the heat exchanger is lightly cleaned every second preset time interval T2. During the light cleaning of the heat exchanger, the fan blows air towards the heat exchanger and the airflow direction of the fan is periodically adjusted. The first preset time interval T1 is greater than the second preset time interval T2.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the above control method, the control method further includes: after deep cleaning and light cleaning of the heat exchanger, obtaining the concentration of particulate pollutants in the air; and selectively performing light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance based on the concentration of particulate pollutants.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the step of "selectively performing light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance according to the concentration of the particulate pollutants" specifically includes: comparing the concentration of the particulate pollutants with a preset concentration; and selectively performing light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance according to the comparison result.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the step of "selectively performing a light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance based on the comparison results" specifically includes: if the concentration of the particulate pollutant is greater than the preset concentration and the duration for which the concentration of the particulate pollutant is greater than the preset concentration reaches a first preset time but does not reach a second preset time, then the operating time T0 of the air conditioner since the last deep cleaning of the heat exchanger is obtained; based on the operating time T0, the heat exchanger is selectively performed a light cleaning in advance.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the step of "selectively performing light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance according to the running time T0" specifically includes: calculating the difference ΔT = T1 - T0; comparing the difference ΔT with a preset value A; if ΔT > A, then performing light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance; if ΔT ≤ A, then not performing light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the step of "selectively performing light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance according to the comparison results" further includes: if the concentration of the particulate pollutant is greater than the preset concentration and the duration of the particulate pollutant concentration being greater than the preset concentration reaches the second preset time, then the heat exchanger is lightly cleaned in advance.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the step of "periodically adjusting the airflow direction of the fan" specifically includes: alternating between blowing air towards one side of the heat exchanger and blowing air towards the other side of the heat exchanger for a set time.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the above control method, the fan includes a first fan and a second fan. The first fan is located on one side of the heat exchanger, and the second fan is located on the other side of the heat exchanger. The step of "making the fan blow air towards one side of the heat exchanger" specifically includes: making the first fan blow air towards one side of the heat exchanger and stopping the second fan; the step of "making the fan blow air towards the other side of the heat exchanger" specifically includes: making the second fan blow air towards the other side of the heat exchanger and stopping the first fan.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an air conditioner including a controller configured to perform the control method described above.

[0016] When employing the above technical solution, the control method of the present invention includes: when deep cleaning of the heat exchanger is required, the air conditioner is set to a frosting mode; when set conditions are met, the air conditioner is set to a defrosting mode; during the defrosting mode, the fan blows air towards the heat exchanger and periodically adjusts the fan's airflow direction. With this setup, when the air conditioner is in frosting mode, the dust and frost on the heat exchanger are tightly bound together; when the air conditioner is in defrosting mode, the back-and-forth blowing of air towards the heat exchanger helps to blow off the frost, reducing the amount of dust remaining on the heat exchanger after the frost melts, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the heat exchanger and enhancing the user experience.

[0017] Furthermore, the control method of the present invention further includes performing a deep cleaning of the heat exchanger every first preset time interval T1, and performing a light cleaning of the heat exchanger every second preset time interval T2 after the deep cleaning. During the light cleaning, the fan is directed towards the heat exchanger and the fan's airflow direction is periodically adjusted; wherein the first preset time interval T1 is greater than the second preset time interval T2. With this setup, performing a light cleaning of the heat exchanger periodically after a deep cleaning can blow away accumulated dust and debris, keeping the heat exchanger clean and avoiding affecting its heat exchange efficiency; on the other hand, it reduces the difficulty of the next deep cleaning, thereby helping to improve the cleaning effect of the heat exchanger.

[0018] Furthermore, the control method of the present invention also includes: after performing deep cleaning and light cleaning of the heat exchanger, obtaining the concentration of particulate pollutants in the air; and selectively performing light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance based on the concentration of particulate pollutants. With this setting, the heat exchanger can be selectively lightly cleaned in advance based on the concentration of particulate pollutants in the air, preventing the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger from being affected due to the inability to remove dust in time when there is a lot of dust in the air. At the same time, it avoids excessive dust accumulation on the heat exchanger, which could affect the next light or deep cleaning, further improving the user experience.

[0019] Furthermore, the step of "selectively performing a light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance based on the comparison results" specifically includes: if the concentration of particulate pollutants is greater than the preset concentration and the duration of the particulate pollutant concentration being greater than the preset concentration reaches the first preset time but does not reach the second preset time, then the running time T0 of the air conditioner after the last deep cleaning of the heat exchanger is obtained; based on the running time T0, the heat exchanger is selectively performed a light cleaning in advance. With this setting, if the concentration of particulate pollutants in the air is greater than the preset concentration and the duration of the concentration being greater than the preset concentration reaches the first set time but not the second set time, it indicates that although there is sandstorm weather, the sandstorm is not very serious. At this time, based on the running time of the air conditioner since the last deep cleaning of the heat exchanger, it is decided whether to perform a light cleaning of the heat exchanger. On the one hand, if the time before the next deep cleaning is relatively close, there is no need to perform a light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance, which helps to save energy. On the other hand, if the time before the next deep cleaning is relatively long, it is necessary to perform a light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance to avoid too much dust accumulating on the heat exchanger, which will affect the next light or deep cleaning.

[0020] Furthermore, the step of "selectively performing a light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance based on the running time T0" specifically includes: calculating the difference ΔT = T1 - T0; comparing the difference ΔT with a preset value A; if ΔT > A, then performing a light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance; if ΔT ≤ A, then not performing a light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance. With this setting, if ΔT > A, it means that the difference between T1 and T0 is large, indicating that there is still a long time before the next deep cleaning. In this case, a light cleaning of the heat exchanger should be performed in advance to avoid excessive dust accumulation on the heat exchanger, which would affect the next light or deep cleaning. If ΔT ≤ A, it means that the difference between T1 and T0 is small, indicating that the next deep cleaning will occur soon. In this case, there is no need to perform a light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance, which saves energy and further improves the user experience.

[0021] Furthermore, the step of "selectively performing light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance based on the comparison results" also includes: if the concentration of particulate matter is greater than a preset concentration and the duration of the particulate matter concentration being greater than the preset concentration reaches a second set time, then the heat exchanger is lightly cleaned in advance. With this setting, if the concentration of particulate matter is greater than the preset concentration and the duration of the particulate matter concentration being greater than the preset concentration reaches the second set time, it indicates that the sandstorm weather is severe. In this case, regardless of the time remaining before the next deep cleaning, the heat exchanger needs to be lightly cleaned to prevent the heat exchanger's heat exchange efficiency from being affected due to the inability to remove dust in time when there is a lot of dust in the air, and to avoid excessive dust accumulation on the heat exchanger, which would affect the next light or deep cleaning.

[0022] Furthermore, the step of "periodically adjusting the fan's airflow direction" specifically includes: alternating between blowing air towards one side of the heat exchanger and blowing air towards the other side of the heat exchanger for a set time. By setting the fan to blow air towards one side of the heat exchanger for a set time, and then blowing air towards the other side of the heat exchanger for a set time, the airflow can be directed back and forth across the heat exchanger, thus facilitating the removal of frost from the heat exchanger.

[0023] Furthermore, the fan includes a first fan and a second fan. The first fan is located on one side of the heat exchanger, and the second fan is located on the other side. The step of "directing the fan to blow air towards one side of the heat exchanger" specifically includes: directing the first fan to blow air towards one side of the heat exchanger and stopping the second fan; the step of "directing the fan to blow air towards the other side of the heat exchanger" specifically includes: directing the second fan to blow air towards the other side of the heat exchanger and stopping the first fan. With this arrangement, on the one hand, placing the first fan and the second fan on opposite sides of the heat exchanger facilitates the fan blowing air back and forth towards the heat exchanger; on the other hand, compared to using a single fan, adjustment is faster, the blowing effect is better, and it is more helpful in blowing off frost on the heat exchanger. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the control method of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the control method of the present invention.

[0028] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0029] 1. Outdoor unit; 10. Casing; 11. Heat exchanger; 12. Fan; 121. First fan; 122. Second fan; 13. Motor. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "inner" and "outer," which indicate direction or positional relationship, are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. This is merely for ease of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, for example, referring to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] First refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner of the present invention includes a housing 10 and a heat exchanger 11 and a fan 12 disposed in the housing 10. The fan 12 includes a first fan 121 and a second fan 122, which are respectively located on both sides of the heat exchanger 11.

[0035] See next Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the control method of the present invention.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the control method of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0037] S1100: When deep cleaning of heat exchanger 11 is required, the air conditioner shall be put into frosting mode.

[0038] S1200: When the set conditions are met, the air conditioner will enter defrosting mode;

[0039] S1300: During the defrosting mode of the air conditioner, the fan 12 blows air towards the heat exchanger 11 and the airflow direction of the fan 12 is periodically adjusted.

[0040] With this setup, when the air conditioner is in frosting mode, the dust and frost on the heat exchanger 11 are tightly bound together. When the air conditioner is in defrosting mode, the air conditioner blows air back and forth on the heat exchanger 11, which helps to blow off the frost on the heat exchanger 11, reducing the dust remaining on the heat exchanger 11 after the frost melts, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the heat exchanger 11 and enhancing the user experience.

[0041] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can set the setting conditions to be met when the air conditioner executes the frost mode for a set time, or the setting conditions can be set to be met when the temperature of the heat exchanger 11 is lower than the set temperature for a duration exceeding the set time, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific setting methods of the setting conditions do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0042] Preferably, the set condition is met when the air conditioner operates in frost mode for a set time. The specific value of the set time can be set by those skilled in the art through experimentation or experience.

[0043] It should be noted that in practical applications, the fan 12 can be made to stop running when the defrosting meets the set conditions. For example, when defrosting is finished, the fan 12 can be stopped. Alternatively, when the defrosting meets the set conditions, the fan 12 can be made to run for a set time before stopping. For example, when defrosting is finished, the fan 12 can be made to run for a set time before stopping, and so on. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0044] Preferably, the control method of the present invention further includes the following steps:

[0045] When the air conditioner executes the defrost mode and meets the set conditions, the fan 12 will run for the set time and then stop running.

[0046] This setup allows the fan 12 to blow air onto the heat exchanger 11 after defrosting, thus removing any remaining water droplets and preventing any impact on the heat exchanger 11's heat exchange efficiency.

[0047] Preferably, the control method of the present invention further includes the following steps:

[0048] After the deep cleaning is completed, turn on the air conditioner to cool mode.

[0049] With this setting, when the deep cleaning is completed and the air conditioner is put into cooling mode, the temperature of the surface of the heat exchanger 11 will rise, which will quickly evaporate the moisture on the surface of the heat exchanger 11 and avoid affecting the normal use of the heat exchanger 11 due to cleaning.

[0050] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can set the heat exchanger 11 to automatically perform a deep cleaning at regular intervals, or a cleaning condition can be set (e.g., the thickness of dust on the heat exchanger 11 is greater than a set thickness, etc.), and when the cleaning condition is met, the heat exchanger 11 will be deeply cleaned, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific start method of deep cleaning do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention, and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0051] It is preferred to set the heat exchanger 11 to be deeply cleaned once every first preset time period T1.

[0052] For example, T1 = 29 days. That is, the heat exchanger 11 is deep cleaned every 29 days.

[0053] Further preferably, the control method of the present invention further includes: after deep cleaning the heat exchanger 11, performing a light cleaning of the heat exchanger 11 every second preset time period T2; during the light cleaning of the heat exchanger 11, causing the fan 12 to blow air toward the heat exchanger 11 and periodically adjusting the air outlet direction of the fan 12; wherein, the first preset time period T1 is greater than the second preset time period T2.

[0054] With this setup, after deep cleaning the heat exchanger 11, a light cleaning is performed on the heat exchanger 11 periodically. This can blow away the dust and debris accumulated on the heat exchanger 11, keeping the heat exchanger 11 clean and avoiding affecting its heat exchange efficiency. On the other hand, it reduces the difficulty of deep cleaning the heat exchanger 11 the next time, thus helping to improve the cleaning effect of the heat exchanger 11.

[0055] For example, T1 = 29 days, T2 = 9 days.

[0056] For example, on May 1, 2022, the air conditioner performed a deep cleaning of the heat exchanger 11. On May 11, 2022 and May 21, 2022, the heat exchanger 11 was cleaned lightly. On May 31, 2022, the heat exchanger 11 was cleaned again (without a separate light cleaning). That is, two light cleanings were performed between two adjacent deep cleanings.

[0057] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can set the specific values ​​of the first preset duration T1 and the second preset duration T2 through experimentation or experience.

[0058] It should also be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can set the adjustment cycle of the air outlet direction of the fan 12 during light cleaning to be the same as that during deep cleaning, or they can set the adjustment cycle of the air outlet direction of the fan 12 during light cleaning to be different from that during deep cleaning, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0059] Preferably, the adjustment cycle of the air outlet direction of the fan 12 during light cleaning is set to be the same as the adjustment cycle of the air outlet direction of the fan 12 during deep cleaning.

[0060] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can set the air volume of the first fan 121 and the second fan 122 to be the same, or they can set the air volume of the first fan 121 and the second fan 122 to be different, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0061] Preferably, the air volume of the first fan 121 and the air volume of the second fan 122 are set to be the same.

[0062] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can set the airflow of fan 12 during light cleaning to be the same as that during deep cleaning, or the airflow during light cleaning to be different from that during deep cleaning, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0063] Preferably, the airflow of fan 12 during light cleaning is set to be the same as that during deep cleaning.

[0064] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can set the specific values ​​of the air volume and the air volume adjustment cycle of the fan 12 based on experiments or experience.

[0065] Preferably, the step of "periodically adjusting the airflow direction of the fan 12" specifically includes: alternating between blowing air towards one side of the heat exchanger 11 and blowing air towards the other side of the heat exchanger 11 for a set time.

[0066] With this setting, the fan 12 blows air towards one side of the heat exchanger 11 for a set time, and then blows air towards the other side of the heat exchanger 11 for a set time. This allows the air to blow back and forth towards the heat exchanger 11. At the same time, the operation of the fan 12 will also cause the heat exchanger 11 to vibrate to a certain extent, which helps to blow off the frost or dust on the heat exchanger 11.

[0067] For example, the preset time is 1 minute.

[0068] First, direct the fan 12 towards one side of the heat exchanger 11 for 1 minute, then direct the fan 12 towards the other side of the heat exchanger 11 for 1 minute, and then direct the fan 12 towards one side of the heat exchanger for 1 minute, until the deep cleaning is complete.

[0069] It should be noted that in practical applications, the number of fans 12 is not limited to two. For example, the number of fans 12 can be set to one, and the airflow direction of the fan 12 can be periodically adjusted by rotating the motor of the fan 12 in both directions. Alternatively, the number of fans 12 can be set to multiple, with multiple fans 12 distributed on both sides of the heat exchanger 11. The airflow direction of the fan 12 can be periodically adjusted by periodically adjusting the operating status of the fans 12 on both sides of the heat exchanger 11. Such adjustments and changes to the specific number of fans 12 do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0070] It should also be noted that when the fan 12 blows air onto the heat exchanger 11, the air can pass through the heat exchanger 11 from one side and blow to the other side of the heat exchanger 11.

[0071] Preferably, such as Figure 1 As shown, the fan 12 includes a first fan 121 and a second fan 122. The first fan 121 and the second fan 122 are located on both sides of the heat exchanger 11, respectively. The motors of the first fan 121 and the second fan 122 are fixed on the heat exchanger 11 by motor brackets, and the output shafts of the two motors are respectively connected to the first fan 121 and the second fan 122 for driving.

[0072] It should be noted that in practical applications, the first fan 121 and the second fan 122 are not limited to being controlled separately by two motors 13 as described above. For example, the control method of the present invention is also applicable to the case where the first fan 121 and the second fan 122 are jointly controlled by one motor, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0073] It should also be noted that in practical applications, the first fan 121 and the second fan 122 are not limited to being positioned on opposite sides of the heat exchanger 11. For example, the first fan 121 and the second fan 122 can also be positioned on the same side of the heat exchanger, and the direction of airflow toward the heat exchanger 11 can be adjusted by reversing the motors of the first fan 121 and the second fan 122. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention. Of course, preferably, the first fan 121 and the second fan 122 are positioned on opposite sides of the heat exchanger 11.

[0074] Preferably, the step of “making the fan 12 blow air toward one side of the heat exchanger 11” specifically includes: making the first fan 121 blow air toward one side of the heat exchanger 11 and stopping the second fan 122 from running;

[0075] The step of “directing fan 12 toward the other side of heat exchanger 11” specifically includes: directing the second fan 122 toward the other side of heat exchanger 11 and stopping the first fan 121.

[0076] With this arrangement, on the one hand, the first fan 121 and the second fan 122 are respectively placed on both sides of the heat exchanger 11, which makes it easier for the fan 12 to blow air back and forth towards the heat exchanger 11; on the other hand, compared with setting up a single fan, the adjustment is faster, the blowing effect is better, and it is more helpful to blow off the frost on the heat exchanger 11.

[0077] Continue reading Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the control method of the present invention.

[0078] Preferably, such as Figure 3 As shown, the control method of the present invention further includes the following steps:

[0079] S4000: After deep cleaning and light cleaning of heat exchanger 11, obtain the concentration of particulate pollutants in the air;

[0080] S5000: Based on the concentration of particulate pollutants, selectively perform light cleaning of heat exchanger 11 in advance.

[0081] With this setting, the heat exchanger 11 can be selectively cleaned in advance based on the concentration of particulate pollutants in the air. This prevents the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 11 from being affected due to the inability to remove dust in time when there is a lot of dust in the air. At the same time, it avoids excessive dust accumulation on the heat exchanger 11, which would affect the next light or deep cleaning, and further improves the user experience.

[0082] It should be noted that "performing a light cleaning of heat exchanger 11 in advance" means performing a light cleaning of heat exchanger 11 before the scheduled time for light cleaning.

[0083] It should also be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can obtain local weather information through the internet and use weather information prompts (such as PM2.5 or PM10 data) to obtain the concentration of particulate pollutants in the air. Alternatively, a particulate pollutant detection component can be installed on the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner to obtain the concentration of particulate pollutants in the air, and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific method of obtaining the concentration of particulate pollutants in the air do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0084] It should also be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can configure the particulate pollutant detection component as a particulate sensor, or as a PM2.5 or PM10 detector, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific configuration of the particulate pollutant detection component do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0085] Preferably, the particulate pollutant detection component is configured as a particulate sensor (not shown in the figure).

[0086] Preferably, such as Figure 3 As shown, the step of "selectively performing a light cleaning of heat exchanger 11 in advance based on the concentration of particulate pollutants" specifically includes:

[0087] S5100: Compare the concentration of particulate pollutants with the preset concentration;

[0088] S5200: Based on the comparison results, selectively perform a light cleaning of heat exchanger 11 in advance.

[0089] By comparing the concentration of particulate pollutants in the air with the preset concentration, it is possible to determine whether there is sand and dust in the external environment where the outdoor unit 1 is located and the severity of the sand and dust situation. Based on the sand and dust situation in the external environment, it is possible to determine whether the heat exchanger 11 needs to be lightly cleaned in advance. On the one hand, when the sand and dust are severe, it prevents excessive dust accumulation on the heat exchanger 11 due to untimely cleaning, thereby avoiding affecting the heat exchange efficiency and avoiding increasing the difficulty of the next light or deep cleaning. On the other hand, when there is no sand and dust, there is no need to lightly clean the heat exchanger 11 in advance, which helps to save energy.

[0090] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can directly compare the concentration of particulate pollutants with the preset concentration, or they can first calculate the difference between the concentration of particulate pollutants and the preset concentration, and then compare the difference with the preset value, or they can first calculate the ratio of the concentration of particulate pollutants to the preset concentration, and then compare the ratio with the preset value, and so on. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention, and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0091] It should also be noted that in practical applications, in order to reduce the misjudgment rate of particulate pollutant concentration caused by dust being stirred up by the wind, when the concentration of particulate pollutants is greater than the preset concentration, the duration for which the concentration of particulate pollutants is greater than the preset concentration can be compared with a preset time, thereby improving the accuracy of judging the dust situation in the external environment of outdoor unit 1.

[0092] For example, if the duration of the concentration of particulate pollutants being greater than the preset concentration does not exceed the first preset time, it indicates that there is no dust or the dust situation in the external environment where outdoor unit 1 is located is relatively mild; if the duration of the concentration of particulate pollutants being greater than the preset concentration exceeds the first preset time but does not exceed the second preset time, it indicates that although there is dust in the external environment where outdoor unit 1 is located, the dust situation is not very serious; if the duration of the concentration of particulate pollutants being greater than the preset concentration exceeds the second preset time, it indicates that the dust situation in the external environment where outdoor unit 1 is located is relatively serious.

[0093] Preferably, such as Figure 3 As shown, the step of "selectively performing a light cleaning of heat exchanger 11 in advance based on the comparison results" specifically includes:

[0094] S5210: If the concentration of particulate pollutants is greater than the preset concentration and the duration of the concentration of particulate pollutants being greater than the preset concentration reaches the first preset time but does not reach the second preset time, then obtain the running time T0 of the air conditioner since the last deep cleaning of the heat exchanger 11.

[0095] S5220: Based on the operating time T0, selectively perform a light cleaning of the heat exchanger 11 in advance.

[0096] With this setting, if the concentration of particulate pollutants in the air is greater than the preset concentration and the duration of the concentration being greater than the preset concentration reaches the first preset time but not the second preset time, it indicates that although there is sand and dust in the external environment where the outdoor unit 1 is located, the sand and dust situation is not very serious. At this time, based on the running time of the air conditioner since the last deep cleaning of the heat exchanger 11, it is decided whether to perform a light cleaning of the heat exchanger 11. On the one hand, if the time before the next deep cleaning is relatively close, there is no need to perform a light cleaning of the heat exchanger 11 in advance, which helps to save energy. On the other hand, if the time before the next deep cleaning is relatively long, it is necessary to perform a light cleaning of the heat exchanger 11 in advance to avoid excessive dust accumulation on the heat exchanger 11, which would affect the next light or deep cleaning.

[0097] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can directly compare the running time T0 with the preset value A, and selectively perform a light cleaning of the heat exchanger 11 in advance based on the comparison result; or, they can first calculate the difference between T1 and T0, and then compare the difference with the preset value A, and selectively perform a light cleaning of the heat exchanger 11 in advance based on the comparison result; or, they can directly compare T0 with T1, and selectively perform a light cleaning of the heat exchanger 11 in advance based on the comparison result, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention, and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0098] Preferably, such as Figure 3 As shown, the step of "selectively performing a light cleaning of heat exchanger 11 in advance according to the running time T0" specifically includes:

[0099] S5221: Calculate the difference ΔT = T1 - T0;

[0100] S5222: Compare the difference △T with the preset value A;

[0101] S5223: If △T>A, then perform a light cleaning of heat exchanger 11 in advance;

[0102] S5224: If △T≤A, then the heat exchanger 11 does not need to be lightly cleaned in advance.

[0103] With this setting, if △T>A, it means that T1 and T0 are significantly different, indicating that there is still a long time before the next deep cleaning. In this case, the heat exchanger 11 should be lightly cleaned in advance to avoid excessive dust accumulation on the heat exchanger 11, which would affect the next light or deep cleaning. If △T≤A, it means that T1 and T0 are not significantly different, indicating that the next deep cleaning will be carried out soon. In this case, there is no need to lightly clean the heat exchanger 11 in advance, which saves energy and further improves the user experience.

[0104] Preferably, the step of "selectively performing a light cleaning of the heat exchanger 11 in advance based on the comparison results" further includes:

[0105] If the concentration of particulate pollutants is greater than the preset concentration and the duration of the particulate pollutant concentration being greater than the preset concentration reaches the second preset time, then the heat exchanger 11 will be lightly cleaned in advance.

[0106] With this setting, if the concentration of particulate pollutants is greater than the preset concentration and the duration of the concentration of particulate pollutants being greater than the preset concentration reaches the second preset time, it indicates that the dust situation in the environment where the outdoor unit 1 is located is relatively serious. At this time, regardless of the time until the next deep cleaning, the heat exchanger 11 needs to be lightly cleaned to prevent the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 11 from being affected due to the inability to remove dust in time when there is a lot of dust in the air. At the same time, it is also to avoid the accumulation of too much dust on the heat exchanger 11, which would affect the next light or deep cleaning.

[0107] It should be noted that, if the heat exchanger 11 is not lightly cleaned in advance, after each deep cleaning, the heat exchanger 11 is lightly cleaned once at a second preset time interval T2. If the heat exchanger 11 is lightly cleaned in advance, and the conditions for light cleaning in advance are not met after the light cleaning is completed, the heat exchanger 11 is still lightly cleaned once at a second preset time interval T2.

[0108] It should also be noted that in practical applications, since the heat exchanger 11 is lightly cleaned in advance, the time for light cleaning may overlap with the time for deep cleaning. Both light cleaning and deep cleaning involve the operation of the fan 12, which blows air onto the heat exchanger 11 and periodically adjusts the airflow direction of the fan 12. Therefore, light cleaning and deep cleaning can be performed simultaneously, and their control programs will not interfere with each other.

[0109] For example, if the time for light cleaning and deep cleaning happens to overlap, light cleaning and deep cleaning are started simultaneously. During the defrosting process of the air conditioner, since the fan 12 is blowing air towards the heat exchanger 11 and the airflow direction of the fan 12 is adjusted periodically, there is no need to repeatedly start the fan 12 to blow air back and forth towards the heat exchanger to blow off the frost on the heat exchanger 11.

[0110] If light cleaning occurs before deep cleaning, and the light cleaning is not yet finished when deep cleaning is performed, the fan 12 blows air towards the heat exchanger 11 and the airflow direction of the fan 12 is adjusted periodically, and it continues to run until the deep cleaning is finished. Moreover, since the light cleaning blows off the dust on the heat exchanger 11 first, the dust on the heat exchanger 11 is more likely to combine with the frost during deep cleaning, resulting in a better deep cleaning effect.

[0111] If light cleaning occurs after deep cleaning, and light cleaning is required before the deep cleaning is completed, the fan 12 will blow air towards the heat exchanger 11 and the airflow direction of the fan 12 will be adjusted periodically, and this will continue until the light cleaning is finished. In addition, since there will be a small amount of water from the melting of frost on the heat exchanger 11 after deep cleaning, the operation of light cleaning will dry the water on the heat exchanger 11, so as to avoid affecting the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 11.

[0112] It should also be noted that the air conditioner of the present invention further includes a controller, which is communicatively connected to the particulate pollutant detection component, and the controller is configured to execute the control method described above.

[0113] Finally, let's take a specific example to illustrate the control method of the present invention.

[0114] For example, the first preset duration T1 = 29 days, the second preset duration T2 = 9 days, the first preset time = 3 hours, the second preset time = 6 hours, and the preset value A = 1.

[0115] For example, on May 1, 2022, the air conditioner completed a deep cleaning of heat exchanger 11.

[0116] Under normal circumstances, heat exchanger 11 will be lightly cleaned on May 11, 2022 and May 21, 2022 respectively, and deep cleaning will be carried out on May 31, 2022.

[0117] Exception 1: On May 15, 2022, the concentration of particulate pollutants in the air was detected to be higher than the preset concentration, but the duration was only 1 hour. Therefore, it was not necessary to perform a light cleaning of heat exchanger 11 in advance. The light cleaning of heat exchanger 11 was to be performed on May 21, 2022.

[0118] Exception 2: On May 15, 2022, the concentration of particulate pollutants in the air was detected to be greater than the preset concentration for 5 hours. The operating time since the last deep cleaning was 14 days. Since (29-14)>1, a light cleaning of heat exchanger 11 is required in advance.

[0119] Exception 3: On May 29, 2022, the concentration of particulate pollutants in the air was detected to be higher than the preset concentration for 5 hours. The operating time since the last deep cleaning was 28 days. Since (29-28) = 1, it is not necessary to perform a light cleaning of heat exchanger 11 in advance.

[0120] Exception 4: If on May 29, 2022, the concentration of particulate pollutants in the air is detected to be greater than the preset concentration and the duration reaches 7 hours, then heat exchanger 11 needs to be lightly cleaned in advance, and then deep cleaned on May 31, 2022.

[0121] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a housing and a heat exchanger and a fan installed inside the housing. The control method includes: When the heat exchanger needs to be deeply cleaned, the air conditioner shall be put into frosting mode. When the set conditions are met, the air conditioner will enter defrost mode; During the defrosting mode of the air conditioner, the fan is directed towards the heat exchanger and the airflow direction of the fan is periodically adjusted to blow off the frost on the heat exchanger. The fan includes a first fan and a second fan, with the first fan located on one side of the heat exchanger and the second fan located on the other side of the heat exchanger. The step of "periodically adjusting the airflow direction of the fan" specifically includes: The first fan is directed to blow air towards one side of the heat exchanger, and the second fan is stopped. The second fan is directed to blow air towards the other side of the heat exchanger, and the first fan is stopped.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchanger is deep-cleaned every first preset time interval T1, and the control method further includes: After deep cleaning the heat exchanger, a light cleaning is performed on the heat exchanger every second preset time period T2. During the light cleaning of the heat exchanger, the fan blows air towards the heat exchanger and the airflow direction of the fan is periodically adjusted. Wherein, the first preset duration T1 is greater than the second preset duration T2.

3. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control method further includes: After performing deep and light cleaning on the heat exchanger, the concentration of particulate pollutants in the air was obtained; Depending on the concentration of the particulate pollutants, the heat exchanger may be selectively and lightly cleaned in advance.

4. The control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of "selectively performing a light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance based on the concentration of the particulate pollutants" specifically includes: The concentration of the particulate pollutant is compared with a preset concentration; Based on the comparison results, the heat exchanger is selectively and lightly cleaned in advance.

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of "selectively performing a light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance based on the comparison results" specifically includes: If the concentration of the particulate pollutant is greater than the preset concentration and the duration of the concentration of the particulate pollutant being greater than the preset concentration reaches a first preset time but does not reach a second preset time, then the running time T0 of the air conditioner since the last deep cleaning of the heat exchanger is obtained. Based on the runtime T0, the heat exchanger is selectively and lightly cleaned in advance.

6. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of "selectively performing a light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance according to the running time T0" specifically includes: Calculate the difference ΔT = T1 - T0; Compare the difference ΔT with the preset value A; If ΔT > A, then perform a light cleaning of the heat exchanger beforehand; If ΔT≤A, then the heat exchanger does not need to be lightly cleaned beforehand.

7. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of "selectively performing a light cleaning of the heat exchanger in advance based on the comparison results" further includes: If the concentration of particulate pollutants is greater than the preset concentration and the duration of the concentration of particulate pollutants being greater than the preset concentration reaches the second preset time, then the heat exchanger is lightly cleaned in advance.

8. An air conditioner, comprising a controller, characterized in that, The controller is configured to perform the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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