Cleaning device for an air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to air conditioning technical field, specifically provide a kind of cleaning device of air conditioner and its control method, to solve the problem that the filter screen of existing air conditioner needs to be periodically disassembled and washed, and its cleaning process is complicated and disassembly is complex.The purpose for this purpose, the cleaning device of air conditioner of the present application includes electric wetting glass filter screen, electric wetting glass filter screen includes glass body and first electrode layer;Glass body is arranged between the volute air outlet and indoor heat exchanger of air conditioner, and glass body is provided with a plurality of filter holes;First electrode layer is arranged around the circumference of glass body, and first electrode layer is connected with power supply positive and power supply negative respectively.The first electrode layer of the present application is arranged around the circumference of glass body, since first electrode layer can generate electric field, repel the droplet on glass body, so that droplet drops under the action of gravity, and make the dust and particulate impurities attached on glass body fall with the falling of droplet, to achieve the purpose of cleaning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioner technology, specifically providing a cleaning device for air conditioners and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] When an air conditioner is used for a long time or not used for an extended period, its interior can easily become clogged with dust or dirt. Over time, this can lead to unpleasant odors and the growth of bacteria. When the user uses the air conditioner again, the air it blows out contains a large number of bacteria and fungi, which can easily cause respiratory diseases and pose a threat to human health.

[0003] Current air conditioners use air filter screens to filter dust and particulate impurities in the air, which can prevent the growth of bacteria. However, current air conditioner filters require users to visually inspect them and regularly remove, clean, dry, and reinstall them. The cleaning process for the filters is cumbersome and the disassembly is complicated, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0004] In summary, the filters of existing air conditioners need to be disassembled and cleaned regularly, and the cleaning process is cumbersome and the disassembly is complicated.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a new air conditioner cleaning device and its control method to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to solve the problem that the existing air conditioner filters need to be disassembled and cleaned regularly, which is cumbersome and complicated in terms of cleaning process and disassembly.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a cleaning device for an air conditioner, the cleaning device comprising an electrowetting glass filter, the electrowetting glass filter comprising a glass body and a first electrode layer; the glass body is disposed between the air outlet of the volute of the air conditioner and the indoor heat exchanger, and the glass body is provided with a plurality of filter holes; the first electrode layer is disposed circumferentially around the glass body, and the first electrode layer is respectively connected to a positive electrode and a negative electrode of a power supply.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the cleaning device described above, the cleaning device further includes a connecting plate, which is also disposed between the volute air outlet and the indoor heat exchanger. The connecting plate is provided with a plurality of ventilation holes that match the volute air outlet, and the glass body is configured to cover the ventilation holes.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned cleaning device, a dielectric layer is disposed in the glass body, and the dielectric layer is connected to the first electrode layer.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the cleaning device described above, the cleaning device further includes a second electrode layer and a first electrowetting glass and a support plate arranged in a stacked manner; the support plate is connected to the indoor heat exchanger and is used to support the indoor heat exchanger; the first electrowetting glass is configured to cover one side of the support plate; the second electrode layer is arranged circumferentially around the first electrowetting glass, and the second electrode layer is connected to the positive and negative terminals of the power supply respectively.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the cleaning device described above, the cleaning device further includes a second electrowetting glass and a third electrode layer; the second electrowetting glass is disposed on the side of the support plate away from the first electrowetting glass, and the second electrowetting glass is configured to cover the other side of the support plate; the third electrode layer is disposed circumferentially around the second electrowetting glass, and the third electrode layer is connected to the positive and negative terminals of the power supply respectively.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a control method for a cleaning device of an air conditioner, the cleaning device including an electrowetting glass filter, the electrowetting glass filter including a glass body and a first electrode layer, the glass body being disposed between the air outlet of the volute of the air conditioner and the indoor heat exchanger, and the glass body having a plurality of filter holes, the first electrode layer being disposed circumferentially around the glass body, the first electrode layer being connected to a positive electrode and a negative electrode of a power supply respectively, the cleaning device further including a second electrode layer and a first electrowetting glass and a support plate stacked in layers, the support plate being connected to the indoor heat exchanger and the support plate being used to support the indoor heat exchanger, the first electrowetting glass being configured to cover The second electrode layer is arranged around the first electrowetting glass in a circumferential direction, and is connected to the positive and negative terminals of the power supply respectively. A self-cleaning device is provided on the indoor heat exchanger. The control method includes: acquiring images of the fins, the glass body, and the first electrowetting glass of the indoor heat exchanger; determining the degree of dirtiness of the fins, the glass body, and the first electrowetting glass of the indoor heat exchanger based on the acquired images; and controlling the self-cleaning device, the first electrode layer, and the second electrode layer to enter the working state according to the degree of dirtiness of the fins, the glass body, and the first electrowetting glass of the indoor heat exchanger.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the step of "judging the degree of dirt on the fins of the indoor heat exchanger, the glass body, and the first electrowetting glass according to the acquired images" specifically includes: identifying and counting the number of bacteria in the acquired images; and judging the degree of dirt based on the determined number of bacteria.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the step of "controlling the self-cleaning device, the first electrode layer, and the second electrode layer to enter the working state according to the degree of dirt on the fins of the indoor heat exchanger, the glass body, and the first electrowetting glass" specifically includes: if the degree of dirt on the fins of the indoor heat exchanger is greater than a first preset degree of dirt, then the self-cleaning device is controlled to enter the working state; and / or if the degree of dirt on the glass body is greater than a second preset degree of dirt, then the first electrode layer is controlled to enter the working state; and / or if the degree of dirt on the first electrowetting glass is greater than a third preset degree of dirt, then the second electrode layer is controlled to enter the working state.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the above control method, when at least one of the self-cleaning device, the first electrode layer, and the second electrode layer is in operation, the control method further includes: after a preset time, acquiring images of the fins of the indoor heat exchanger, the glass body, and the first electrowetting glass again; determining the degree of dirtiness of the fins, the glass body, and the first electrowetting glass based on the acquired images; and controlling the self-cleaning device, the first electrode layer, and the second electrode layer to enter operation accordingly if the degree of dirtiness does not meet a preset standard.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the above control method, the control method further includes: controlling the self-cleaning device, the first electrode layer, and the second electrode layer to enter a working state at preset time intervals.

[0017] With the above technical solution, the present invention uses a glass body disposed between the air outlet of the air conditioner and the indoor heat exchanger, and the glass body is provided with multiple filter holes, which can filter dust and particulate impurities in the air; the first electrode layer is arranged around the circumference of the glass body, and the first electrode layer can generate an electric field to repel droplets on the glass body. The droplets fall with gravity, and the dust and particulate impurities attached to the glass body fall with the droplets, so as to achieve the purpose of cleaning.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention facilitates the installation of the electro-humidified glass filter by providing a connecting plate, making it applicable to air conditioners that include multiple volute fans.

[0019] Furthermore, by setting a dielectric layer, the present invention can prevent the electric field generated by the first electrode layer from interfering with the outside world, so as to avoid affecting the repulsive force of the electric field on the droplet, thereby enabling the droplet to fall quickly.

[0020] Furthermore, by providing a second electrode layer and a first electrowetting glass, the present invention is able to clean dust, bacteria and other impurities generated at the support plate.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention can improve the cleaning effect at the support plate by setting a second electrowetting glass and a third electrode layer.

[0022] Furthermore, the control method of the cleaning device of the present invention can automatically detect the degree of dirt on the fins of the indoor heat exchanger, the glass body and the first electrowetting glass, and control the cleaning device to enter the cleaning mode, making it more intelligent. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the connecting plate of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the electrowetting glass filter of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the fixing plate of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the support plate of the present invention from a first-view perspective;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the support plate of the present invention from a second perspective;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the first electrowetting glass of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the second electrowetting glass of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the main steps of the control method of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps of a preferred embodiment of the control method of the present invention;

[0033] Figure label:

[0034] 1. Connecting plate; 11. Electrowetting glass filter; 111. Glass body; 1111. Filter hole; 112. First electrode layer; 113. First electrical connector; 114. Second electrical connector; 115. Connecting hole; 12. Fixing plate; 121. Camera; 13. First wire harness hole; 14. Motor bracket hole;

[0035] 2. Support plate; 21. First flange plate; 211. First threaded hole; 22. Second flange plate; 221. Second threaded hole; 23. Third flange plate;

[0036] 3. First electrically wetted glass; 31. Second electrode layer; 311. Third electrical connector; 312. Fourth electrical connector; 32. First through hole; 33. Second through hole; 34. Third through hole;

[0037] 4. Second electrically wetted glass; 41. Third electrode layer; 411. Fifth electrical connector; 412. Sixth electrical connector; 42. Fourth through hole; 43. Fifth through hole; 44. Sixth through hole;

[0038] 5. Second wire harness hole;

[0039] 6. Third wire harness hole;

[0040] 7. Fixing holes. Detailed Implementation

[0041] 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 invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific applications.

[0042] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "left," "right," "up," and "down," indicating directional or positional relationships, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," "fifth," and "sixth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0043] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0044] First refer to Figures 1 to 3 ,like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the cleaning device for an air conditioner of the present invention includes an electrowetting glass filter 11, which includes a glass body 111 and a first electrode layer 112. The glass body 111 is disposed between the air outlet of the volute of the air conditioner (not shown in the figure) and the indoor heat exchanger (not shown in the figure), and a plurality of filter holes 1111 are provided on the glass body 111. The first electrode layer 112 is arranged around the circumference of the glass body 111, and the first electrode layer 112 is connected to the positive terminal (not shown in the figure) and the negative terminal (not shown in the figure) of the power supply respectively. Specifically, the volute air outlet is the air outlet of the volute fan (not shown in the figure) of the air conditioner. The glass body 111 is installed on the volute air outlet. The air generated by the volute fan flows from the volute air outlet through the filter holes 1111 on the glass body 111 to the indoor heat exchanger. The electrowetting glass filter 11 can filter dust, bacteria and other impurities in the air. When the impurities on the electrowetting glass filter 11 accumulate to a certain extent, the first electrode layer 112 is energized. The first electrode layer 112 generates an electric field. The electric field can repel the droplets on the glass body 111. The droplets fall with gravity. At the same time, the dust, bacteria and other particulate impurities attached to the glass body 111 fall with the droplets to achieve the purpose of cleaning. The microfluidic technology based on the electrowetting principle is used to control the surface tension of the droplets on the surface of the glass body 111 by applying an electric potential.

[0045] It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific arrangement of the first electrode layer 112, for example, using Figure 2 The direction shown is the reference direction. The first electrode layer 112 is not arranged around the circumference of the glass body 111. There are two first electrode layers 112, which are located on the left and right sides of the glass body 111 respectively. Multiple pins (not shown in the figure) are provided on the first electrode layer 112. All pins are connected to the glass body 111. By changing the potential of the pins, the movement of the droplet on the glass body 111 can be controlled. The cleaning effect is better when the first electrode layer 112 is arranged around the circumference of the glass body 111. Those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation.

[0046] Furthermore, a first electrical connector 113 and a second electrical connector 114 are provided on the glass body 111, and both the first electrical connector 113 and the second electrical connector 114 are connected to the first electrode layer 112. The first electrical connector 113 is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, and the second electrical connector 114 is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply.

[0047] It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific structure of the first electrical connector 113 and the second electrical connector 114. For example, both the first electrical connector 113 and the second electrical connector 114 can be conductive connecting posts, and the conductive wire harness can be connected to the conductive connecting post to achieve power conduction; alternatively, both the first electrical connector 113 and the second electrical connector 114 can be connecting holes, and the conductive wire harness can be inserted into the connecting hole and connected to the first electrode layer 112 to achieve power conduction; those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation.

[0048] Furthermore, the cleaning device of the present invention also includes a voltage control device (not shown in the figure), which is connected to the first electrode layer 112. The voltage control device is configured to change the voltage of the first electrode layer 112, thereby changing the electric field strength of the electric field generated by the first electrode layer 112, thereby changing the repulsive force of the glass body 111 on the droplets and improving the cleaning effect.

[0049] Furthermore, in this preferred embodiment, the cleaning device also includes a connecting plate 1, which is also disposed between the volute air outlet and the indoor heat exchanger. The connecting plate 1 has multiple ventilation holes that match the volute air outlet, and the glass body 111 is configured to cover the ventilation holes. Specifically, the connecting plate 1 is connected to the indoor unit of the air conditioner, and the connecting plate 1 has three ventilation holes, each corresponding to one volute air outlet. Three electrowetting glass filters 11 are respectively disposed at the three ventilation holes, which is adapted to protect the three volute fans of the air conditioner. It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any limitation on the specific number of ventilation holes and electrowetting glass filters 11, and those skilled in the art can set them according to the actual situation.

[0050] Continue reading Figure 2 The glass body 111 has connection holes 115 on its left and right sides, and the connection holes 115 are located inside the area enclosed by the first electrode layer 112. When the air conditioner includes a connecting plate 1, a matching fixing hole is provided on the connecting plate 1. The glass body 111 is fixed by aligning the connection hole 115 and the fixing hole and inserting fasteners. When the air conditioner does not include the connecting plate 1, the glass body 111 is fixed to the air outlet of the volute through the connection hole 115. Those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation.

[0051] It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific installation method of the glass body 111. For example, the glass body 111 can be connected to the ventilation hole or the air outlet of the volute on the connecting plate 1 by means of snap-fit. Those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation.

[0052] In addition, it should be noted that the connection hole 115 of the present invention can also be disposed outside the area enclosed by the first electrode layer 112, and those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation.

[0053] Preferably, a dielectric layer (not shown in the figure) is provided inside the glass body 111, and the dielectric layer is connected to the first electrode layer 112. By providing the dielectric layer, the electric field generated by the first electrode layer 112 can be prevented from interfering with the outside world, so as to avoid affecting the repulsive force of the electric field on the droplets, thereby enabling the droplets to fall quickly, accelerating the cleaning speed and improving the cleaning effect.

[0054] See next. Figure 1 and 3 ,like Figure 1 and 3 As shown, a fixing plate 12 is provided above the connecting plate 1. The fixing plate 12 is provided with multiple camera mounting holes, and a camera 121 is provided in the camera mounting holes. The multiple cameras 121 are connected together. The cameras 121 are configured to obtain the degree of dirtiness of the indoor heat exchanger and the glass body 111.

[0055] It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any limitation on the specific number of cameras 121. The present invention may also omit the fixing plate 12, for example, the cameras 121 may be directly mounted on the connecting plate 1. Such changes in the arrangement of the number of cameras 121 do not deviate from the basic principle of the present invention, and therefore will also fall within the protection scope of the invention.

[0056] In addition, in this preferred embodiment, the connecting plate 1 is also provided with a first wire harness hole 13, which facilitates the fixing of the internal wire harness of the air conditioner and improves the aesthetics. The connecting plate 1 is also provided with a plurality of motor bracket holes 14, which are used to install motor brackets.

[0057] See next. Figures 4 to 7 ,like Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the cleaning device also includes a second electrode layer 31 and a first electrowetting glass 3 and a support plate 2 arranged in a stacked manner; the support plate 2 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger and is used to support the indoor heat exchanger; the first electrowetting glass 3 is configured to cover one side of the support plate 2; the second electrode layer 31 is arranged around the first electrowetting glass 3 in the circumferential direction, and the second electrode layer 31 is connected to the positive and negative terminals of the power supply respectively. The cleaning device also includes a second electrowetting glass 4 and a third electrode layer 41; the second electrowetting glass 4 is arranged on the side of the support plate 2 away from the first electrowetting glass 3, and the second electrowetting glass 4 is configured to cover the other side of the support plate 2; the third electrode layer 41 is arranged around the second electrowetting glass 4 in the circumferential direction, and the third electrode layer 41 is connected to the positive and negative terminals of the power supply respectively.

[0058] Based on the above structural configuration, the cleaning principle at the support plate 2 is the same as that at the electrowetting glass filter 11, and will not be repeated here. By setting the second electrode layer 31 and the first electrowetting glass 3, the present invention can clean the dust, bacteria and other impurities generated at the support plate 2; by setting the second electrowetting glass 4 and the third electrode layer 41, the cleaning effect at the support plate 2 can be improved.

[0059] It should be noted that the cleaning device of the present invention may also exclude the third electrode layer 41 and the second electrowetting glass 4. For example, the support plate 2 is provided with a through hole that matches the second electrowetting glass 4, and the second electrowetting glass 4 is disposed in the through hole. Those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation.

[0060] Furthermore, the support plate 2 is triangular in shape, and is provided with a first flange plate 21, which has multiple first threaded holes 211. The support plate 2 is also provided with a second flange plate 22, which has second threaded holes 221. The support plate 2 is also provided with a third flange plate 23. The first flange plate 21 is located at the inclined side of the support plate 2 and is connected to the tube sheet (not shown in the figure) on the indoor heat exchanger through the first threaded holes 211. The second flange plate 22 is connected to the housing of the indoor unit through the second threaded holes 221. There are two support plates 2, located on both sides of the indoor heat exchanger, to support the indoor heat exchanger. The arrangement of the first flange plate 21, the second flange plate 22, and the third flange plate 23 facilitates the installation of the support plate 2.

[0061] It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific structure and material of the support plate 2. For example, the support plate 2 is made of glass and does not have a first flange plate 21, a second flange plate 22, or a third flange plate 23. The support plate 2 is fixed by adhesive bonding. Those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation.

[0062] Continue reading Figures 4 to 7 The second electrode layer 31 is provided with a third electrical connector 311 and a fourth electrical connector 312, which are respectively connected to the positive and negative terminals of the power supply. The third electrode layer 41 is provided with a fifth electrical connector 411 and a sixth electrical connector 412, which are respectively connected to the positive and negative terminals of the power supply. Furthermore, the third electrical connector 311, the fourth electrical connector 312, the fifth electrical connector 411, and the sixth electrical connector 412 have the same structure as the first electrical connector 113 and the second electrical connector 114.

[0063] Furthermore, the present invention has three voltage control devices, which respectively control the electric field strength of the electric fields generated by the first electrode layer 112, the second electrode layer 31, and the third electrode layer 41. Alternatively, the present invention may have only one voltage control device, which is configured to control the electric field strength of the electric fields generated by the first electrode layer 112, the second electrode layer 31, and the third electrode layer 41 respectively. Those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation.

[0064] In another preferred embodiment, a dielectric layer (not shown in the figure) is disposed inside the first electrically wetted glass 3, and the dielectric layer is connected to the second electrode layer 31; a dielectric layer (not shown in the figure) is disposed inside the second electrically wetted glass 4, and the dielectric layer is connected to the third electrode layer 41.

[0065] Preferably, the first electrowetting glass 3 is provided with a first through hole 32 and a second through hole 33, the second electrowetting glass 4 is provided with a fourth through hole 42 and a fifth through hole 43, and the support plate 2 is provided with matching second wire harness holes 5 and third wire harness holes 6. When the first electrowetting glass 3, the second electrowetting glass 4, and the support plate 2 are installed in place, the axes of the first through hole 32, the second wire harness hole 5, and the fourth through hole 42 coincide, and the structure formed by them can allow wire harnesses to pass through. Similarly, the axes of the second through hole 33, the third wire harness hole 6, and the fifth through hole 43 coincide, and the structure formed by them can also allow wire harnesses to pass through. Based on the above structural configuration, the aesthetics of the internal wiring harness of the air conditioner indoor unit can be improved.

[0066] Furthermore, the first electrowetting glass 3 is provided with a third through hole 34, the second electrowetting glass 4 is provided with a matching sixth through hole 44, and the support plate 2 is provided with a matching fixing hole 7. When the first electrowetting glass 3, the second electrowetting glass 4 and the support plate 2 are installed in place, the axes of the third through hole 34, the fixing hole 7 and the sixth through hole 44 coincide, and the structure formed can install the electric heating device of the air conditioner.

[0067] In addition, the indoor heat exchanger is equipped with a self-cleaning device (not shown in the figure), which can clean the fins of the indoor heat exchanger.

[0068] In summary, this invention, through the provision of the first electrode layer 112, can clean the glass body 111; and through the provision of the second electrode layer 31 and the third electrode layer 41, can clean the first electrowetting glass 3 and the second electrowetting glass 4. Based on the above structural configuration, the problem of dirt accumulation on the air conditioning filter and the triangular support plate 2 is solved. Simultaneously, it enables automatic cleaning, saving users the step of manually disassembling the filter and support plate 2, thus simplifying user operation. Furthermore, this invention incorporates the following control methods for intelligent control of the cleaning device, enhancing the user experience.

[0069] See next. Figure 8Based on the cleaning device described in the above embodiments, the control method of the present invention mainly includes the following steps:

[0070] S1: Acquire images of the fins, glass body, and first electrically wetted glass of the indoor heat exchanger;

[0071] S2: Determine the degree of dirt on the fins, glass body, and first electrowetting glass of the indoor heat exchanger based on the acquired images;

[0072] S3: Based on the degree of dirt on the fins, glass body, and first electrowetting glass of the indoor heat exchanger, control the self-cleaning device, the first electrode layer, and the second electrode layer to enter the working state accordingly.

[0073] Furthermore, in step S1, the camera 121 can acquire images of the fins of the indoor heat exchanger and the glass body 111. A separate camera is set at the first electrically wetted glass 3 to acquire images, which can magnify the surface of the object by 1000 times and acquire images, so that microorganisms, fungi and the like larger than 1 micrometer can be observed.

[0074] Furthermore, in step S2, the acquired images are transmitted to the controller of the air conditioner. The controller processes the images and judges the processed images to determine the degree of dirtiness. If the degree of dirtiness meets the preset standard, it proves that cleaning is required. If the degree of dirtiness does not meet the preset standard, it proves that cleaning is not required.

[0075] It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the image processing by the controller. For example, the controller can process the image in black and white, displaying dirty areas as black and clean areas as white, and the controller can calculate the proportion of black to the total area of ​​the acquired image to determine the degree of dirtiness. Alternatively, the controller can identify the number of bacteria in the acquired image and determine the degree of dirtiness based on the number of bacteria. Those skilled in the art can set the parameters according to the actual situation.

[0076] Furthermore, in step S3, if the controller determines that the degree of dirtiness of the acquired image meets the preset standard, the controller accordingly controls the self-cleaning device, the first electrode layer 112, and the second electrode layer 31 to enter the working state.

[0077] Additionally, it should be noted that the controller may only clean the area where the dirt level in the acquired image reaches a preset standard; or, if the dirt level in one area of ​​the acquired image reaches a preset standard, the controller may activate all cleaning components of the cleaning device to perform cleaning. Those skilled in the art can set these parameters according to the actual situation.

[0078] See next. Figure 9 ,like Figure 9 As shown, based on the cleaning device described in the above preferred embodiment, a preferred embodiment of the control method of the present invention specifically includes the following steps:

[0079] S101: Acquire images of the fins, glass body, and first electrically wetted glass of the indoor heat exchanger;

[0080] S102: Identify and count the number of bacteria in the acquired images;

[0081] S103: Determine the degree of dirtiness based on the determined number of bacteria;

[0082] S104: If the degree of dirt on the fins of the indoor heat exchanger is greater than the first preset degree of dirt, the self-cleaning device is controlled to enter the working state.

[0083] S105: If the degree of dirt on the glass body is greater than the second preset degree of dirt, then control the first electrode layer to enter the working state.

[0084] S106: If the degree of dirt on the first electrowetting glass is greater than the third preset degree of dirt, then control the second electrode layer to enter the working state.

[0085] S107: After a preset time, acquire images of the fins, glass body, and first electrowetting glass of the indoor heat exchanger again;

[0086] S108: Determine the degree of dirt on the fins, glass body, and first electrowetting glass of the indoor heat exchanger by re-acquiring images;

[0087] S109: If the degree of dirt does not meet the preset standard, the self-cleaning device, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are controlled to enter the working state accordingly.

[0088] Furthermore, in step S101, the camera 121 can acquire images of the fins of the indoor heat exchanger and the glass body 111. A separate camera is set at the first electrically wetted glass 3 to acquire images, which can magnify the surface of the object by 1000 times and acquire images, so that microorganisms, fungi and the like larger than 1 micrometer can be observed.

[0089] Furthermore, in step S102, after receiving the acquired image, the controller automatically identifies the number of bacteria in the image and counts the number of bacteria through the controller;

[0090] Further, in step S103, the controller compares the counted number of bacteria with the preset number of bacteria and determines whether the counted number of bacteria exceeds the preset number of bacteria.

[0091] Further, in step S104, the first preset level of dirtiness is the first preset number of bacteria. If the number of bacteria in the image of the indoor heat exchanger fins counted by the controller is greater than the first preset number of bacteria, it proves that there are many bacteria on the indoor heat exchanger fins and they need to be cleaned. Then the controller controls the self-cleaning device to enter the working state to effectively clean the bacteria, dust and other impurities attached to the surface of the indoor heat exchanger. If the number of bacteria in the image of the indoor heat exchanger fins counted by the controller is less than or equal to the first preset number of bacteria, it proves that there are few bacteria and dust attached to its surface and it does not need to be cleaned. Then the controller controls the self-cleaning device to not work.

[0092] Further, in step S105, the second preset level of dirtiness is the second preset number of bacteria. If the number of bacteria in the image of the glass body 111 counted by the controller is greater than the second preset number of bacteria, it proves that there are many bacteria on the glass body 111 and it needs to be cleaned. Then the controller controls the first electrode layer 112 to enter the energized state to generate an electric field. The cleaning principle is as described above and will not be repeated here. If the number of bacteria in the image of the glass body 111 counted by the controller is less than or equal to the second preset number of bacteria, it proves that there are few bacteria and dust attached to the glass body 111 and it does not need to be cleaned. Then the controller controls the first electrode layer 112 to be in the de-energized state.

[0093] Further, in step S106, the third preset level of dirtiness is the third preset number of bacteria. If the number of bacteria in the image at the first electrically moistened glass 3 counted by the controller is greater than the third preset number of bacteria, it proves that there are more bacteria at the first electrically moistened glass 3 and it needs to be cleaned. Then the controller controls the second electrode layer 31 to enter the energized state to generate an electric field. The cleaning principle is as described above and will not be repeated here. If the number of bacteria in the image at the first electrically moistened glass 3 counted by the controller is less than or equal to the third preset number of bacteria, it proves that there are fewer bacteria and dust attached to the first electrically moistened glass 3 and it does not need to be cleaned. Then the controller controls the second electrode layer 31 to be in the de-energized state.

[0094] Since the surface areas of the indoor heat exchanger fins, the glass body 111, and the first electrowetting glass 3 are different, the values ​​of the first preset bacterial count, the second preset bacterial count, and the third preset bacterial count are different. The larger the area, the larger the value. Those skilled in the art can set them according to the actual situation.

[0095] It should be noted that when the controller performs black and white processing on the acquired image, the values ​​of the first preset degree of dirtiness, the second preset degree of dirtiness, and the third preset degree of dirtiness are the same. The present invention does not impose any restrictions on their specific values, and those skilled in the art can set them according to the actual situation.

[0096] Further, in step S107, for example, if the controller executes step S104, then after the self-cleaning device has finished working, an image of the indoor heat exchanger fins is acquired again, and the preset time is the working time of the self-cleaning device; if the controller executes step S105, then after the first electrode layer 112 has finished working, an image of the glass body 111 is acquired again, and the preset time is the working time of the first electrode layer 112; if the controller executes step S106, then after the second electrode layer 31 has finished working, an image of the first electrowetting glass 3 is acquired again, and the preset time is the working time of the second electrode layer 31.

[0097] It should be noted that this invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific value of the preset time. For example, the preset time is the same in the three cases mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation.

[0098] Furthermore, the method for determining the degree of dirtiness in step S108 is the same as that in steps S102 and S103, and will not be repeated here.

[0099] Furthermore, the corresponding control self-cleaning device, the first electrode layer 112 and the second electrode layer 31 in step S109 enter the working state in the same way as in steps S104, S105 and S106, and will not be described again here.

[0100] The control method of the present invention further includes controlling the self-cleaning device, the first electrode layer 112, and the second electrode layer 31 to enter the working state at preset intervals. The preset intervals can be set by the user according to their own needs to achieve periodic cleaning of the indoor heat exchanger fins, the glass body 111, and the first electrowetting glass 3.

[0101] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific structure and model of the controller, and the controller can be either the original controller of the air conditioner or a controller specially set up to execute the control method of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can set the structure and model of the controller according to actual usage needs.

[0102] It should be noted that, in the case where the cleaning device of the present invention includes a second electrically moistened glass 4 and a third electrode layer 41, an image at the second electrically moistened glass 4 can also be acquired and transmitted to a controller. The controller determines the degree of dirtiness in the received image. If the degree of dirtiness is greater than a preset degree of dirtiness, the controller controls the third electrode layer 41 to enter the working state. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the third electrode layer 41 can also be controlled to enter the working state at the same time as the second electrode layer 31 enters the working state. Those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation.

[0103] In another feasible embodiment, the controller is equipped with standard parameters for harmful substances such as bacteria and viruses (specific values ​​refer to the national standard GB / T21551.6-2010). Those skilled in the art can set the standard values ​​for the bacterial flora according to different regions, different usage environments, and user habits.

[0104] 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 such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The cleaning device includes an electrowetting glass filter, which includes a glass body and a first electrode layer. The glass body is disposed between the air outlet of the air conditioner and the indoor heat exchanger, and the glass body is provided with multiple filter holes. The first electrode layer is arranged circumferentially around the glass body, and the first electrode layer is connected to the positive and negative terminals of the power supply respectively. A dielectric layer is disposed inside the glass body, and the dielectric layer is connected to the first electrode layer.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning device also includes a connecting plate, which is also disposed between the volute air outlet and the indoor heat exchanger. The connecting plate is provided with a plurality of ventilation holes that match the volute air outlet, and the glass body is configured to cover the ventilation holes.

3. The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cleaning device also includes a second electrode layer and a first electrowetting glass and a support plate arranged in a stacked manner; The support plate is connected to the indoor heat exchanger and the support plate is used to support the indoor heat exchanger. The first electrowetting glass is configured to cover one side of the support plate; The second electrode layer is arranged circumferentially around the first electrowetting glass, and the second electrode layer is connected to the positive and negative terminals of the power supply, respectively.

4. The cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cleaning device also includes a second electrowetting glass and a third electrode layer; The second electrowetting glass is disposed on the side of the support plate away from the first electrowetting glass, and the second electrowetting glass is configured to cover the other side of the support plate; The third electrode layer is arranged circumferentially around the second electrowetting glass, and the third electrode layer is connected to the positive and negative terminals of the power supply, respectively.

5. A control method for a cleaning device of an air conditioner, characterized in that, The cleaning device includes an electrowetting glass filter, which comprises a glass body and a first electrode layer. The glass body is disposed between the air outlet of the air conditioner's volute and the indoor heat exchanger, and has multiple filter holes. The first electrode layer is arranged circumferentially around the glass body and is connected to a positive and a negative power supply. A dielectric layer is disposed within the glass body and is connected to the first electrode layer. The cleaning device also includes a second electrode layer, a first electrowetting glass layer, and a support plate stacked in layers. The support plate is connected to the indoor heat exchanger and supports the indoor heat exchanger. The first electrowetting glass layer is configured to cover one side of the support plate. The second electrode layer is arranged circumferentially around the first electrowetting glass layer and is connected to a positive and a negative power supply. The indoor heat exchanger is equipped with a self-cleaning device. The control method includes: Acquire images of the fins of the indoor heat exchanger, the glass body, and the first electrically wetted glass; Based on the acquired images, determine the degree of dirt on the fins of the indoor heat exchanger, the glass body, and the first electrowetting glass. Based on the degree of dirt on the fins of the indoor heat exchanger, the glass body, and the first electrowetting glass, the self-cleaning device, the first electrode layer, and the second electrode layer are controlled to enter the working state accordingly.

6. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of "determining the degree of dirt on the fins of the indoor heat exchanger, the glass body, and the first electrowetting glass based on the acquired images" specifically includes: Identify and count the number of bacteria in the acquired images; The degree of dirtiness is determined based on the number of bacteria identified.

7. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of "controlling the self-cleaning device, the first electrode layer, and the second electrode layer to enter the working state according to the degree of dirt on the fins of the indoor heat exchanger, the glass body, and the first electrowetting glass" specifically includes: If the degree of dirt on the fins of the indoor heat exchanger is greater than a first preset level of dirt, then the self-cleaning device is controlled to enter the working state; and / or If the degree of dirt on the glass body is greater than the second preset degree of dirt, then the first electrode layer is controlled to enter the working state; and / or If the degree of dirt on the first electrowetting glass is greater than the third preset degree of dirt, then the second electrode layer is controlled to enter the working state.

8. The control method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, When at least one of the self-cleaning device, the first electrode layer, and the second electrode layer is in a working state, the control method further includes: After a preset time, images of the fins of the indoor heat exchanger, the glass body, and the first electrowetting glass are acquired again. The degree of dirt on the fins of the indoor heat exchanger, the glass body, and the first electrowetting glass is determined by re-acquiring images; If the degree of dirt does not meet the preset standard, the self-cleaning device, the first electrode layer, and the second electrode layer are controlled to enter the working state accordingly.

9. The control method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The control method further includes: The self-cleaning device, the first electrode layer, and the second electrode layer are controlled to enter the working state at preset intervals.

Images