Self-cleaning control method of air conditioner and air conditioner

Abstract

The present application relates to the air conditioning technical field, specifically provide a kind of self-cleaning control method and air conditioner of air conditioner, to solve the problem that existing air conditioner is difficult to accurately judge the dust accumulation degree of heat exchanger and is prone to damage compressor.To this end, the air conditioner of the present application includes heat exchanger, heat exchanger includes heat exchange pipeline and multiple fins communicated with heat exchange pipeline, the self-cleaning control method of the present application includes: obtaining the measured distance between multiple reference points and the corresponding area on heat exchange pipeline respectively;Multiple measured distances obtained are compared with preset distance;According to the comparison result of multiple measured distances obtained and preset distance, selectively control air conditioner to enter self-cleaning mode.The present application can more accurately judge the dust accumulation degree of heat exchanger, so that air conditioner enters self-cleaning mode in time, avoid dust accumulation too much and affect the heat exchange efficiency of heat exchanger, while preventing frequently cleaning heat exchanger and damaging compressor.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and specifically provides a self-cleaning control method of an air conditioner and the air conditioner. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the passage of time, dust is prone to accumulate on the heat exchanger of an air conditioner. If the dust is not cleaned in time, the dust accumulation will affect the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger, and if the cleaning is not performed for a long time, bacteria will breed, thereby affecting the health of users.

[0003] Nowadays, the self-cleaning technology of an air conditioner has been widely applied. A user needs to issue a command through a controller to make the air conditioner enter a self-cleaning mode to clean the dust accumulated on the heat exchanger, or the air conditioner enters the self-cleaning mode according to the running time or the running frequency of the air conditioner, or the air conditioner enters the self-cleaning mode periodically. This judgment method is difficult to accurately judge the dust accumulation degree on the heat exchanger, and if the self-cleaning mode is entered frequently, the compressor is prone to be damaged, thereby reducing the service life of the air conditioner.

[0004] In summary, the existing air conditioner is difficult to accurately judge the dust accumulation degree of the heat exchanger and is prone to damage the compressor.

[0005] Correspondingly, there is a need in the art for a new self-cleaning control method of an air conditioner and the air conditioner to solve the above problems. SUMMARY

[0006] The present application aims to solve the above technical problems, i.e., to solve the problem that the existing air conditioner is difficult to accurately judge the dust accumulation degree of the heat exchanger and is prone to damage the compressor.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a self-cleaning control method of an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger comprising a heat exchange pipeline and a plurality of fins in communication with the heat exchange pipeline;

[0008] The control method comprises:

[0009] A plurality of measurement distances between a plurality of reference points and corresponding regions on the heat exchange pipeline are respectively acquired;

[0010] The acquired plurality of measurement distances are compared with a preset distance;

[0011] According to the comparison result of the acquired plurality of measurement distances and the preset distance, the air conditioner is selectively controlled to enter a self-cleaning mode.

[0012] In the preferred technical solutions of the self-cleaning control method, the specific step of "selectively controlling the air conditioner to enter the self-cleaning mode according to the comparison results of the obtained multiple measurement distances and the preset distance" comprises:

[0013] According to the value range in which the number N of the measurement distances reaching the preset distance is located, the air conditioner is selectively controlled to enter the self-cleaning mode.

[0014] In the preferred technical solutions of the self-cleaning control method, the specific step of "selectively controlling the air conditioner to enter the self-cleaning mode according to the value range in which the number N of the measurement distances reaching the preset distance is located" comprises:

[0015] If the number N of the measurement distances reaching the preset distance is less than one-third of the total number of fins of the heat exchanger, the air conditioner is controlled to enter the self-cleaning mode.

[0016] In the preferred technical solutions of the self-cleaning control method, the step of "selectively controlling the air conditioner to enter the self-cleaning mode according to the value range in which the number N of the measurement distances reaching the preset distance is located" further comprises:

[0017] If the number N of the measurement distances reaching the preset distance is less than two-thirds of the total number of fins of the heat exchanger and greater than or equal to one-third of the total number of fins of the heat exchanger, the air conditioner is controlled to issue a self-cleaning prompt.

[0018] In the preferred technical solutions of the self-cleaning control method, the step of "selectively controlling the air conditioner to enter the self-cleaning mode according to the value range in which the number N of the measurement distances reaching the preset distance is located" further comprises:

[0019] If the number N of the measurement distances reaching the preset distance is greater than or equal to two-thirds of the total number of fins of the heat exchanger, the air conditioner is not controlled to enter the self-cleaning mode.

[0020] In the preferred technical solutions of the self-cleaning control method, in the case where the air conditioner issues a self-cleaning prompt, the control method further comprises:

[0021] Obtaining whether the air conditioner recognizes a self-cleaning control instruction;

[0022] If the air conditioner recognizes the self-cleaning control instruction, the air conditioner is controlled to enter the self-cleaning mode.

[0023] In the preferred technical solution of the self-cleaning control method, after the air conditioner enters the self-cleaning mode and completes the self-cleaning mode, the control method further comprises:

[0024] Again, the measured distances between the plurality of reference points and the corresponding regions on the heat exchange pipeline are obtained respectively;

[0025] The plurality of measured distances obtained are compared with the preset distance;

[0026] According to the comparison result of the plurality of measured distances obtained and the preset distance, the air conditioner is selectively controlled to enter the self-cleaning mode.

[0027] In the preferred technical solution of the self-cleaning control method, the specific steps of "according to the comparison result of the plurality of measured distances obtained and the preset distance, selectively controlling the air conditioner to enter the self-cleaning mode" comprise:

[0028] According to the numerical range in which the number M of the plurality of measured distances that do not reach the preset distance is located, the air conditioner is selectively controlled to enter the self-cleaning mode.

[0029] In the preferred technical solution of the self-cleaning control method, the specific steps of "according to the numerical range in which the number M of the plurality of measured distances that do not reach the preset distance is located, selectively controlling the air conditioner to enter the self-cleaning mode" comprise:

[0030] If the number M of the plurality of measured distances that do not reach the preset distance is greater than or equal to two-thirds of the total number of fins of the heat exchanger, the air conditioner is controlled to enter the self-cleaning mode.

[0031] In a second aspect, the application further provides an air conditioner, which comprises a controller configured to be capable of executing the self-cleaning control method according to any one of the preferred technical solutions.

[0032] In the case of adopting the above technical solution, the air conditioner of the application can judge whether dust is accumulated in the measurement region by obtaining the measured distances between the plurality of reference points and the corresponding regions on the heat exchange pipeline, and can more accurately judge the dust accumulation degree of the heat exchanger and intelligently control the air conditioner to enter the self-cleaning mode according to the comparison result of the plurality of measured distances and the preset distance, thereby avoiding excessive dust accumulation affecting the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger and preventing the compressor from being damaged due to frequent cleaning of the heat exchanger. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] The preferred embodiments of the application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 This is a first-perspective structural diagram of the distance measuring device and the heat exchanger of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the distance measuring device and the heat exchanger of the present invention from a second perspective;

[0036] Figure 3 It is a flow chart of the main steps of the self-cleaning control method of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 1 is a flowchart of the specific steps of a preferred embodiment of the self-cleaning control method of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a line graph obtained by a distance measuring device when no dust is accumulated on the heat exchanger in another preferred embodiment of the self-cleaning control method of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a line graph obtained by a distance measuring device after dust accumulates on a heat exchanger according to another preferred embodiment of the self-cleaning control method of the present invention;

[0040] Reference numerals:

[0041] 1. Heat exchanger; 11. Heat exchange pipe; 12. Fin; 2. Distance measuring device; 21. Loading plate; 22. Slide rail; 23. Distance measuring component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely intended to illustrate the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art may adjust these embodiments as needed to suit specific applications.

[0043] In addition, it should be noted that, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed or detachable connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0044] In addition, it should be noted that in the description of the present invention, although the various steps of the control method of the present invention are described in this application in a specific order, these orders are not restrictive. Without deviating from the basic principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can perform the steps in a different order.

[0045] See first Figure 1 and2 As shown in Figure 1 and 2 , the air conditioner comprises a heat exchanger 1 and a distance measuring device 3, the heat exchanger 1 comprises heat exchange pipes 11 and a plurality of fins 12 in communication with the heat exchange pipes 11, the plurality of fins 12 are arranged in parallel array, and the distance between every two adjacent fins 12 is the same, the distance measuring device 2 comprises a bearing plate 21, a sliding rail 22, a distance measuring member 23 and a driving member (not shown in the figure), the bearing plate 21 and the heat exchanger 1 are arranged in parallel and are a certain distance apart, the bearing plate 21 is provided with the sliding rail 22, the distance measuring member 23 and the sliding rail 22 are movably connected, the driving member is connected with the distance measuring member 23, and the driving member is arranged to drive the distance measuring member 23 to move back and forth between the sliding rails 22.

[0046] In the preferred embodiment, the distance measuring member 23 is an infrared distance measuring device, of course, this is only a preferred arrangement, the distance measuring member 23 can also be a laser distance measuring device, and those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation.

[0047] The air conditioner of the present application comprises a controller, which is arranged to control the operation of the air conditioner, and to control the operation of the driving member, and to receive the information transmitted by the distance measuring member 23.

[0048] Those skilled in the art can understand that the present application does not make any limitation on the specific structure and model of the controller, and the controller can be the original controller of the air conditioner, or a controller separately arranged for the purpose of executing the control method of the present application, and those skilled in the art can set the structure and model of the controller according to the actual use requirements.

[0049] Next, refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown in Figures 1 to 3 , the self-cleaning control method of the present application mainly comprises the following steps:

[0050] S1: obtaining the measured distances between a plurality of reference points and the corresponding regions on the heat exchange pipes, respectively;

[0051] S2: comparing the obtained plurality of measured distances with the preset distance;

[0052] S3: selectively controlling the air conditioner to enter the self-cleaning mode according to the comparison result of the obtained plurality of measured distances and the preset distance.

[0053] Further, in step S1, the measured distances are obtained by Figure 1The shown direction is the reference direction, and the controller controls the driving member to drive the distance measuring member 23 to move intermittently from left to right, that is, the distance measuring member 23 first moves a first distance to measure the distance from the first reference point to the corresponding region on the heat exchange pipeline 11, and then moves the first distance again to measure the distance from the second reference point to the corresponding region on the heat exchange pipeline 11, and so on. In the process of movement, the distance measuring member 23 can measure the measurement distances between multiple reference points and the corresponding regions on the heat exchange pipeline 11. In the case where there is no dust accumulation on the heat exchange pipeline 11, the values of the multiple measurement distances are the same, and in the case where there is dust accumulation on the heat exchange pipeline 11, the values of the multiple measurement distances are different. The distance measuring member 23 transmits the measured data to the controller.

[0054] It should be noted that although in the preferred embodiment, the driving member is used to drive the distance measuring member 23 to move intermittently to obtain multiple measurement distances, this is not limiting. For example, the driving member and the slide rail 22 are not provided, and multiple distance measuring members 23 are provided on the bearing plate 21. The multiple distance measuring members 23 are respectively arranged at the multiple reference points, and based on this, the measurement distances between the multiple reference points and the corresponding regions on the heat exchange pipeline 11 are obtained. Those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation.

[0055] Further, in step S2, after the controller obtains the multiple measurement distances, the controller compares the multiple measurement distances with a preset distance through a calculation module, that is, the controller divides the multiple measurement distances obtained into a first group if the measurement distances are equal to the preset distance, and calculates the number of the measurement distances in the first group. The controller divides the multiple measurement distances obtained into a second group if the measurement distances are less than the preset distance, and calculates the number of the measurement distances in the second group. The preset distance is the distance between the reference point and the corresponding region on the heat exchange pipeline 11 in the case where there is no dust accumulation on the heat exchange pipeline 11. If the obtained measurement distance is equal to the preset distance, it proves that the corresponding region of the heat exchange pipeline 11 of the reference point has no dust accumulation. If the obtained measurement distance is less than the preset distance, it proves that the corresponding region of the heat exchange pipeline 11 of the reference point has accumulated dust.

[0056] Further, in step S3, according to the comparison result of the multiple measurement distances obtained and the preset distance, the air conditioner is selectively controlled to enter the self-cleaning mode. Specifically, the controller controls whether the air conditioner enters the self-cleaning mode according to the number of the measurement distances in the first group in step S2 or according to the number of the measurement distances in the second group in step S2.

[0057] Based on the above setting, the dust accumulation degree of the heat exchanger 1 can be more accurately judged, the air conditioner can be intelligently controlled to enter the self-cleaning mode, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 1 can be avoided from being affected by excessive dust accumulation, and the compressor can be prevented from being damaged by frequent cleaning of the heat exchanger.

[0058] See next Figure 4 ,like Figure 4 As shown, the specific steps of the preferred embodiment of the self-cleaning control method of the present invention are as follows:

[0059] Step S101: obtaining the measured distances between a plurality of reference points and corresponding areas on the heat exchange pipe respectively;

[0060] Step S102: comparing the obtained multiple measured distances with the preset distances;

[0061] Step S103: selectively controlling the air conditioner to enter a self-cleaning mode according to a numerical range of the number N of the obtained multiple measured distances that reaches a preset distance;

[0062] Step S104: If N is less than one-third of the total number of fins, the air conditioner is controlled to enter a self-cleaning mode;

[0063] Step S105: If N is less than two-thirds of the total number of fins and greater than or equal to one-third of the total number of fins, control the air conditioner to issue a self-cleaning prompt;

[0064] Step S106: obtaining whether the air conditioner recognizes the self-cleaning control instruction;

[0065] Step S107: If the air conditioner recognizes the self-cleaning control instruction, the air conditioner is controlled to enter the self-cleaning mode;

[0066] Step S108: If N is greater than or equal to one third of the total number of fins, the air conditioner is not controlled to enter the self-cleaning mode.

[0067] Further, in step S101, Figure 1 The direction shown is the reference direction. The controller controls the driving member to drive the distance measuring member 23 to move intermittently from left to right, that is, the distance measuring member 23 first moves a first distance to measure the distance from the first reference point to the corresponding area on the heat exchange pipe 11, and then moves the first distance again to measure the distance from the second reference point to the corresponding area on the heat exchange pipe 11. And so on. During the movement, the distance measuring member 23 can measure the measurement distances between multiple reference points and the corresponding areas on the heat exchange pipe 11. When there is no dust accumulated on the heat exchange pipe 11, the values ​​of the multiple measurement distances are the same. When dust is accumulated on the heat exchange pipe 11, the values ​​of the multiple measurement distances are different. The distance measuring member 23 transmits the measured data to the controller.

[0068] Further, in step S102, after the controller obtains the plurality of measured distances, the controller compares the plurality of measured distances with a preset distance through the calculation module, that is, the controller divides the plurality of measured distances equal to the preset distance into a first group and calculates the number of measured distances in the first group, and divides the plurality of measured distances less than the preset distance into a second group and calculates the number of measured distances in the second group. The preset distance is the distance between the reference point and the corresponding region of the heat exchange pipeline 11 when no dust is accumulated on the heat exchange pipeline 11. If the measured distance is equal to the preset distance, it proves that the corresponding region of the heat exchange pipeline 11 of the reference point has no dust accumulated. If the measured distance is less than the preset distance, it proves that the corresponding region of the heat exchange pipeline 11 of the reference point has dust accumulated.

[0069] Further, in step S103, according to the value range in which the number N of measured distances in the first group is located, the air conditioner is selectively controlled to enter the self-cleaning mode. Specifically, in step S104, if the number N of measured distances reaching the preset distance is less than one third of the total number of fins, it proves that two thirds of the region of the heat exchange pipeline 11 has dust accumulated. In this case, if the dust is not cleaned in time, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 1 will be affected, and then the controller controls the air conditioner to enter the self-cleaning mode to clean the dust. In step S105, if the number N of measured distances reaching the preset distance is less than two thirds of the total number of fins and greater than or equal to one third of the total number of fins, it proves that the region of the heat exchange pipeline 11 having dust accumulated is greater than one third of the total area of the heat exchanger pipeline and less than two thirds of the total area. Then the controller controls the voice prompter of the air conditioner to issue a self-cleaning prompt, and the user selects whether to perform self-cleaning according to the self-cleaning prompt. In step S108, if the number N of measured distances reaching the preset distance is greater than or equal to two thirds of the total number of fins, it proves that the region of the heat exchange pipeline 11 having dust accumulated is less than one third of the total area, and the heat exchanger is relatively clean. Therefore, the air conditioner is not controlled to enter the self-cleaning mode.

[0070] Those skilled in the art can understand that, although in the preferred embodiment, the air conditioner is selectively controlled to enter the self-cleaning mode according to the value range of the number N of the measured distances reaching the preset distance, this is not restrictive, for example, the air conditioner is selectively controlled to enter the self-cleaning mode according to the value range of the number M of the measured distances not reaching the preset distance, specifically, if the number M of the measured distances not reaching the preset distance is greater than or equal to two-thirds of the total number of the fins of the heat exchanger, the fact that the measured distances do not reach the preset distance proves that the area of the heat exchange pipeline 11 corresponding to the reference point is accumulated with dust, and the number M of the measured distances not reaching the preset distance being greater than or equal to two-thirds of the total number of the fins of the heat exchanger proves that the area of the heat exchange pipeline 11 accumulated with dust accounts for two-thirds of the total area, if dust cleaning is not performed, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger will be affected, then the controller controls the air conditioner to enter the self-cleaning mode to clean the dust; if the number M of the measured distances not reaching the preset distance is less than one-third of the total number of the fins of the heat exchanger, it proves that the heat exchanger is relatively clean, then the air conditioner is not controlled to enter the self-cleaning mode, and those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation.

[0071] Further, after step S105, step S106 is performed to obtain whether the air conditioner recognizes the self-cleaning control instruction, if the user issues the self-cleaning control instruction through the controller of the air conditioner after receiving the self-cleaning prompt, step S107 is performed, the controller recognizes the self-cleaning control instruction issued by the controller, and controls the air conditioner to enter the self-cleaning mode; if the user does not issue the self-cleaning control instruction after receiving the self-cleaning prompt, step S107 is not performed.

[0072] Further, after the air conditioner enters the self-cleaning mode and completes the self-cleaning mode, the self-cleaning control method of the preferred embodiment further comprises:

[0073] The measured distances between the plurality of reference points and the corresponding areas on the heat exchange pipeline are again obtained respectively; the plurality of measured distances obtained are compared with the preset distance; and the air conditioner is selectively controlled to enter the self-cleaning mode according to the comparison result of the plurality of measured distances obtained and the preset distance. That is, after step S104 is performed or step S107 is performed, steps S101, S102 and S103 are performed again. Based on the above setting, if the dust cleaning does not reach the standard after the first self-cleaning mode is completed, the cleaning is performed again to improve the cleaning effect.

[0074] Next, refer to Figure 1 , 2 , 5 and 6, another preferred embodiment of the self-cleaning control method, specifically, Figure 1The shown direction is the reference direction, the controller controls the driving member to drive the distance measuring member 23 to move from left to right, the distance between the emitting end of the distance measuring member 23 and the heat exchange pipeline 11 is A, the distance between the emitting end of the distance measuring member 23 and the fin 12 is B, A is greater than B, the coordinate system is established with the numerical axis of the moving distance of the distance measuring member 23 as the X axis and the numerical axis of A and B as the Y axis.

[0075] In the case that there is no dust accumulated on the heat exchange pipeline 11, as the distance measuring member 23 moves, the distance measuring member 23 measures a plurality of distances A and a plurality of distances B, and a broken line graph as shown in FIG. 3 is formed. Figure 5 The plurality of peaks in the broken line graph represent the distance A between the emitting end of the distance measuring member 23 and the heat exchange pipeline 11, and the plurality of troughs in the broken line graph represent the distance B between the emitting end of the distance measuring member 23 and the fin. Since there is no dust accumulated on the heat exchanger 1 at this time, the plurality of A values are the same and are 10 mm, and the plurality of B values are the same and are 5 mm.

[0076] In the case that there is dust accumulated on the heat exchange pipeline 11, as the distance measuring member 23 moves, the distance measuring member 23 measures a plurality of distances A and a plurality of distances B, and a broken line graph as shown in FIG. 4 is formed. Figure 6 At this time, if there is dust accumulated on the heat exchange pipeline 11 between certain two adjacent fins 12, the value of the peak formed on the broken line graph will be less than 10 mm. The number of fins 12 is 150. The number of peaks with a value of 10 mm in the broken line graph is obtained. If the number of peaks with a value of 10 mm in the broken line graph is greater than or equal to 100, the air conditioner is controlled not to enter the self-cleaning mode. If the number of peaks with a value of 10 mm in the broken line graph is less than 50, the air conditioner is controlled to enter the self-cleaning mode. If the number of peaks with a value of 10 mm in the broken line graph is greater than or equal to 50 and less than 100, the air conditioner is controlled to issue a self-cleaning prompt.

[0077] It should be noted that the present application does not make any limitation on the specific number of fins and the specific values of A and B, and those skilled in the art can set them according to actual conditions.

[0078] In a second aspect, the present application also claims to protect an air conditioner, which comprises a controller configured to be able to execute the self-cleaning control method of any one of the above preferred embodiments.

[0079] In summary, the present application can more accurately judge the dust accumulation degree of the heat exchanger, intelligently perform self-cleaning on the heat exchanger, and prompt the user about the dust accumulation of the heat exchanger, thereby improving the user's experience.

[0080] The technical scheme of the present application has been described in combination with the preferred embodiments shown in the drawings, but it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the protection scope of the present application is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or replacements to the related technical features without departing from the principles of the present application, and the technical schemes after the changes or replacements will all fall within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A method of controlling self-cleaning of an air conditioner, characterized by, The air conditioner comprises a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger comprises heat exchange pipes and a plurality of fins in communication with the heat exchange pipes; The distance measuring device comprises a bearing plate, a slide rail, a distance measuring member and a driving member, the bearing plate and the heat exchanger are arranged in parallel and are apart from each other by a certain distance, the slide rail is arranged on the bearing plate, the distance measuring member and the slide rail are movably connected, the driving member is connected with the distance measuring member, and the driving member is arranged to drive the distance measuring member to move back and forth between the slide rails. The control method comprises: controlling the driving member to drive the distance measuring member to move intermittently along the arrangement direction of the plurality of fins; the distance measuring member moves a first distance first to measure the distance between a first reference point and a corresponding region on the heat exchange pipes, then moves the first distance again to measure the distance between a second reference point and a corresponding region on the heat exchange pipes, and the like, so that the distance measuring member can measure the distances between a plurality of reference points and corresponding regions on the heat exchange pipes during movement; comparing the obtained plurality of measurement distances with a preset distance; selectively controlling the air conditioner to enter a self-cleaning mode according to the comparison result of the obtained plurality of measurement distances and the preset distance, which comprises: if the number N of the plurality of measurement distances reaching the preset distance is less than one third of the total number of fins of the heat exchanger, controlling the air conditioner to enter the self-cleaning mode; the preset distance is the distance between the reference point and the corresponding region on the heat exchange pipes without dust accumulation.

2. The self-cleaning control method of claim 1, wherein, The step of "selectively controlling the air conditioner to enter the self-cleaning mode according to the number N of the plurality of measurement distances reaching the preset distance" further comprises: if the number N of the plurality of measurement distances reaching the preset distance is less than two thirds of the total number of fins of the heat exchanger and greater than or equal to one third of the total number of fins of the heat exchanger, controlling the air conditioner to issue a self-cleaning prompt.

3. The self-cleaning control method of claim 1, wherein, The step of "selectively controlling the air conditioner to enter the self-cleaning mode according to the number N of the plurality of measurement distances reaching the preset distance" further comprises: if the number N of the plurality of measurement distances reaching the preset distance is greater than or equal to two thirds of the total number of fins of the heat exchanger, not controlling the air conditioner to enter the self-cleaning mode.

4. The self-cleaning control method of claim 2, wherein, In the case that the air conditioner issues the self-cleaning prompt, the control method further comprises: acquiring whether the air conditioner recognizes a self-cleaning control instruction; if the air conditioner recognizes the self-cleaning control instruction, controlling the air conditioner to enter the self-cleaning mode.

5. The self-cleaning control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, After the air conditioner enters the self-cleaning mode and completes the self-cleaning mode, the control method further comprises: again acquiring the measurement distances between a plurality of reference points and corresponding regions on the heat exchange pipes, respectively; compare the obtained multiple measurement distances with the preset distance; selectively control the air conditioner to enter a self-cleaning mode according to a comparison result of the obtained multiple measurement distances and the preset distance.

6. An air conditioner, characterized in that: The air conditioner comprises a controller configured to be capable of executing the self-cleaning control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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