Method and device for determining cleanliness inside an air conditioner, and air conditioner

Abstract

This application relates to the field of smart home appliance technology, and discloses a method for determining the internal cleanliness of an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes an indoor unit, which includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The method includes: detecting the intake humidity at the air inlet and the exhaust humidity at the air outlet while the air conditioner is operating in dehumidification mode; determining the dehumidification efficiency of the indoor unit based on the detected intake and exhaust humidity; and determining the internal cleanliness of the indoor unit based on the determined dehumidification efficiency. A higher dehumidification efficiency indicates a larger airflow through the filter and a higher heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger inside the indoor unit, indicating a cleaner internal structure and less accumulated debris. Conversely, a lower dehumidification efficiency indicates more severe internal blockage. This improves the accuracy of determining the internal cleanliness of the air conditioner. This application also discloses a device and an air conditioner for determining the internal cleanliness of an air conditioner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of smart home appliance technology, such as a method, apparatus, and air conditioner for determining the internal cleanliness of an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, users are paying increasing attention to the cleanliness of their air conditioners, with filters, air inlets, and evaporators all being cleaned. Furthermore, numerous sterilization technologies are being incorporated into air conditioner platforms, such as UVC (Ultra-Violet C, short-wave ultraviolet) sterilization, high-temperature sterilization, and silver ion sterilization. However, due to the presence of dust, lint, and large particles in daily life, these substances easily adhere to the air inlet filter, evaporator filter, evaporator, cross-flow fan blades, and air outlet, forming buildup. The aforementioned sterilization methods can only eliminate bacteria floating in the air and cannot address this buildup. After prolonged periods of non-use, this buildup easily breeds mold.

[0003] Existing technologies can typically only detect the degree of dirt and clogging in the filter, but cannot determine the internal structure of the air conditioner, such as the cleanliness of the evaporator, making the test results inaccurate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a brief summary is given below. This summary is not intended as a general commentary, nor is it intended to identify key / important components or describe the scope of protection of these embodiments, but rather as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

[0005] This disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and air conditioner for determining the internal cleanliness of an air conditioner, thereby improving the accuracy of judging the cleanliness of the internal structure of the air conditioner.

[0006] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit, the indoor unit including an air inlet and an air outlet, the method comprising: when the air conditioner is operating in dehumidification mode, detecting the intake humidity of the air inlet and the exhaust humidity of the air outlet; determining the dehumidification efficiency of the indoor unit based on the detected intake humidity and exhaust humidity; and determining the cleanliness of the interior of the indoor unit based on the determined dehumidification efficiency.

[0007] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a processor and a memory storing program instructions, the processor being configured to execute the aforementioned method for determining the cleanliness of the interior of an air conditioner when the program instructions are executed.

[0008] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes the aforementioned means for determining the cleanliness of the air conditioner's interior.

[0009] The method, apparatus, and air conditioner for determining the internal cleanliness of an air conditioner provided in this disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0010] When an air conditioner is in dehumidification mode, the dehumidification efficiency of the indoor unit is determined by the intake air humidity and the dehumidified humidity. A higher dehumidification efficiency indicates a larger airflow through the filter and a higher heat exchange efficiency in the indoor unit's heat exchanger, meaning a cleaner internal structure and less accumulated debris. Conversely, a lower dehumidification efficiency indicates more severe internal blockage. This improves the accuracy of assessing the cleanliness of the air conditioner's interior.

[0011] The above general description and the description below are exemplary and illustrative only and are not intended to limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0012] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations and drawings do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements having the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings are not to be scaled. And wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a method for determining the internal cleanliness of an air conditioner, provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the method for determining the internal cleanliness of an air conditioner, provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, in which the dehumidification efficiency is determined based on the inlet and outlet air humidity during the current dehumidification mode operation.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the method for determining the internal cleanliness of an air conditioner, provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the dehumidification efficiency is determined based on the inlet and outlet air humidity during the current and historical dehumidification modes.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the method for determining the cleanliness of the interior of an air conditioner according to a method provided in this disclosure, where the cleanliness of the interior of the indoor unit is determined based on the dehumidification efficiency.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the method for determining the cleanliness inside an air conditioner according to the changing trend of the dehumidification efficiency curve, provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another method for determining the internal cleanliness of an air conditioner, provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another device for determining the cleanliness of the interior of an air conditioner, provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To provide a more detailed understanding of the features and technical content of the embodiments of this disclosure, the implementation of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. In the following technical description, for ease of explanation, several details are used to provide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments may still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices may be simplified in their depiction to simplify the drawings.

[0021] The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0022] Unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more.

[0023] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B.

[0024] The term "and / or" describes an association between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or A and B.

[0025] The term "correspondence" can refer to an association or binding relationship. The correspondence between A and B means that there is an association or binding relationship between A and B.

[0026] In the disclosed embodiments, the terminal device refers to an electronic device with wireless connectivity. The terminal device can communicate with the aforementioned smart home appliances via the internet, or directly via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other methods. In some embodiments, the terminal device may be, for example, a mobile device, a computer, or an in-vehicle device built into a hovercraft, or any combination thereof. Mobile devices may include, for example, mobile phones, smart home devices, wearable devices, smart mobile devices, virtual reality devices, or any combination thereof. Wearable devices may include, for example, smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc.

[0027] This disclosure provides an air conditioner, including an indoor unit. The indoor unit includes an air inlet and an air outlet, both of which are equipped with humidity sensors for detecting the humidity of the incoming air at the air inlet and the humidity of the outgoing air at the air outlet.

[0028] Combination Figure 1 As shown in the embodiments of this disclosure, a method for determining the cleanliness of the interior of an air conditioner is provided, comprising:

[0029] S101, when the air conditioner is running in dehumidification mode, the air conditioner detects the humidity of the air entering through the air inlet and the humidity of the air exiting through the air outlet.

[0030] S102, the air conditioner determines the dehumidification efficiency of the indoor unit based on the detected intake and exhaust humidity.

[0031] S103, the air conditioner determines the cleanliness of the indoor unit based on the determined dehumidification efficiency.

[0032] When the air conditioner is operating in dehumidification mode, it detects the humidity of the incoming air using a humidity sensor located at the air inlet and the humidity of the outgoing air using a humidity sensor located at the air outlet. The incoming air humidity represents the humidity of the indoor air when it enters the air conditioner, while the outgoing air humidity represents the humidity of the indoor air after it has been dehumidified by the air conditioner. The dehumidification efficiency of the indoor unit is determined based on the detected incoming and outgoing air humidity. This dehumidification efficiency reflects the cleanliness of the indoor unit's interior; therefore, the air conditioner can determine the cleanliness of the indoor unit based on the determined dehumidification efficiency.

[0033] In this embodiment, during the dehumidification mode of the air conditioner, the dehumidification efficiency of the indoor unit is determined by the intake air humidity and the dehumidification humidity. A higher dehumidification efficiency indicates a larger airflow through the filter and a higher heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger inside the indoor unit, meaning a cleaner internal structure and less accumulated debris. Conversely, a lower dehumidification efficiency indicates more severe dirt and blockage inside the indoor unit. This improves the accuracy of determining the cleanliness of the air conditioner's interior.

[0034] Optionally, S102, the air conditioner determines the dehumidification efficiency of the indoor unit based on the detected intake and exhaust humidity, including:

[0035] The air conditioner determines its dehumidification efficiency based on the intake and exhaust humidity during the current dehumidification mode operation. Alternatively, the air conditioner determines its dehumidification efficiency based on the intake and exhaust humidity during the current and historical dehumidification mode operations.

[0036] Dehumidification efficiency can be obtained from running a single dehumidification mode or from running multiple dehumidification modes. When the dehumidification efficiency is obtained from running a single dehumidification mode, it is determined based on the intake and exhaust humidity during the current dehumidification mode run. When the dehumidification efficiency is obtained from running multiple dehumidification modes, it is determined based on the intake and exhaust humidity during the current dehumidification mode run and previous dehumidification mode runs. It should be noted that dehumidification modes run before the current dehumidification mode run are considered historical dehumidification modes.

[0037] In this embodiment, the dehumidification efficiency can be determined based on the intake and exhaust humidity during the current dehumidification mode operation, thereby determining the dehumidification efficiency of the current dehumidification mode and thus the change in the cleanliness of the indoor unit during the current dehumidification mode. However, since the change in the cleanliness of the air conditioner during a single dehumidification mode operation is relatively small, the dehumidification efficiency can also be determined based on the intake and exhaust humidity during the current and historical dehumidification mode operations, thereby determining the dehumidification efficiency of the current and historical dehumidification modes and thus determining the change in the cleanliness of the indoor unit from an earlier time to the present time, thereby improving the accuracy of judging the cleanliness of the air conditioner's interior.

[0038] Optionally, combined Figure 2 As shown, the air conditioner determines its dehumidification efficiency based on the intake and exhaust humidity during this dehumidification mode operation, including:

[0039] S201, During the duration of the current dehumidification mode operation, the air conditioner calculates the humidity difference between the intake air humidity and the exhaust air humidity at multiple preset times.

[0040] S202, the air conditioner determines the humidity difference at multiple preset times as the dehumidification efficiency of this dehumidification mode.

[0041] When a user starts the air conditioner, if the selected mode is dehumidification, the intake and exhaust humidity are detected for the initial period of operation, such as 1-2 minutes. If the selected mode is not dehumidification, the air conditioner first runs in dehumidification mode for a period of time, optionally 1-2 minutes. Within this period, multiple preset time points are set, each serving as a monitoring point for intake and exhaust humidity. Optionally, the duration intervals of each preset time point are equal. The humidity difference between the intake and exhaust humidity at the same preset time point is calculated. Because multiple preset time points are set, multiple humidity difference values ​​are obtained, each corresponding to a specific preset time point. The humidity differences at multiple preset time points are used to determine the multiple dehumidification efficiencies of this dehumidification mode. For example, during a period of time when the air conditioner is running in dehumidification mode, 10 preset time points are set, i.e., 10 monitoring points. This means that at regular intervals, the humidity sensor values ​​located at the air inlet are recorded (intake humidity V1, V2…V10), and the humidity sensor values ​​located at the air outlet are recorded (outtake humidity X1, X2…X10). The humidity differences between the inlet and outlet humidity at the same preset time point are calculated as V1-X1, V2-X3…V10-X10. These humidity differences across multiple preset time points are used to determine the dehumidification efficiencies for this dehumidification mode.

[0042] In this embodiment, when determining the dehumidification efficiency based on the inlet and outlet humidity during the current dehumidification mode operation, multiple detection times for inlet and outlet humidity are set within the duration of the dehumidification mode operation. The humidity difference between the inlet and outlet humidity at the same preset time is taken as the dehumidification efficiency at that preset time. Since multiple preset times are set, multiple dehumidification efficiencies can be obtained. By using these multiple dehumidification efficiencies during the current dehumidification mode operation, the change in the cleanliness inside the indoor unit during the current dehumidification mode operation can be determined.

[0043] Optionally, combined Figure 3 As shown, the air conditioner determines its dehumidification efficiency based on the intake and exhaust humidity during this and historical dehumidification modes, including:

[0044] S301, the air conditioner calculates the humidity difference between the intake air humidity and the exhaust air humidity at multiple preset times within the preset duration of the current and historical dehumidification modes.

[0045] S302, the air conditioner determines the dehumidification efficiency corresponding to the current and historical dehumidification modes by averaging the humidity difference at multiple preset times corresponding to the current and historical dehumidification modes.

[0046] When a user starts the air conditioner, if the selected mode is dehumidification mode, the intake and exhaust humidity are detected for a short period during the initial operation of dehumidification mode, such as 1-2 minutes. If the user does not select dehumidification mode, the air conditioner first runs dehumidification mode for a period of time, optionally 1-2 minutes. Within this period, multiple preset time points are set, each serving as a monitoring point for intake and exhaust humidity. Optionally, the duration intervals of each preset time point are equal. The humidity difference between the intake and exhaust humidity at the same preset time point is calculated. Because multiple preset time points are set, multiple humidity difference values ​​can be obtained, each corresponding to a specific preset time point. The average value of each humidity difference value is calculated, and this average value is determined as the dehumidification efficiency of one dehumidification mode. Since the dehumidification mode includes the current dehumidification mode and historical dehumidification modes, multiple dehumidification efficiencies can be obtained, each corresponding to a specific dehumidification mode. For example, during a period of time when the air conditioner is running in dehumidification mode, 10 preset time points are set, i.e., 10 monitoring points. At regular intervals, the humidity sensor values ​​at the air inlet (intake humidity W1, W2…W10) and the humidity sensor values ​​at the air outlet (outtake humidity Y1, Y2…Y10) are recorded. The humidity differences ΔW1, ΔW2…ΔW10 between the inlet and outlet humidity at the same preset time point are calculated. The average value Δn of these humidity differences ΔW1, ΔW2…ΔW10 is then calculated, and this average value Δn is used as the dehumidification efficiency for this dehumidification mode operation. Following this calculation method, the dehumidification efficiencies Δ1, Δ2…Δn are calculated for the current and historical dehumidification mode operations, where n represents the number of times the current and historical dehumidification modes have been run.

[0047] Compared with determining the dehumidification efficiency of a single dehumidification mode, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the average value of the humidity difference at multiple preset times is used as the dehumidification efficiency of a single dehumidification mode. Using this calculation method to determine the dehumidification efficiency of the current and historical dehumidification modes can more accurately determine the changes in cleanliness inside the air conditioner.

[0048] Optionally, combined Figure 4 As shown, the air conditioner determines the cleanliness of the indoor unit's interior based on its dehumidification efficiency, including:

[0049] S401, the air conditioner fits the determined dehumidification efficiency into a dehumidification efficiency change curve.

[0050] S402, the air conditioner determines the cleanliness of the indoor unit based on the changing trend of the dehumidification efficiency curve.

[0051] If the dehumidification efficiency is the humidity difference between the inlet and outlet humidity during the current dehumidification mode operation, a point-plotting method is used to fit the humidity difference at each preset time point during the current dehumidification mode operation into a dehumidification efficiency variation curve on a coordinate system. The horizontal axis of the coordinate system represents each preset time point, and the vertical axis represents the dehumidification efficiency corresponding to each preset time point. If the dehumidification efficiency is the average humidity difference at each preset time point during the current and historical dehumidification modes, a point-plotting method is used to fit the dehumidification efficiency of each dehumidification mode into a dehumidification efficiency variation curve on a coordinate system. The horizontal axis of the coordinate system represents the current and historical dehumidification modes, and the vertical axis represents the dehumidification efficiency corresponding to each dehumidification mode. Based on the trend of the dehumidification efficiency variation curve, the cleanliness inside the indoor unit is determined.

[0052] In this embodiment, the dehumidification efficiency during the current dehumidification mode operation, or the dehumidification efficiency during the current and historical dehumidification modes, is fitted into a dehumidification efficiency change curve. The cleanliness inside the indoor unit is determined by the trend of the dehumidification efficiency change curve, which is more intuitive.

[0053] Optionally, combined Figure 5 As shown, the air conditioner determines the cleanliness of the indoor unit based on the trend of the dehumidification efficiency curve, including:

[0054] S501, the slope of the points corresponding to each dehumidification efficiency on the dehumidification efficiency change curve of the air conditioner.

[0055] S502, the air conditioner determines the cleanliness of the indoor unit based on the change in slope at the points corresponding to each dehumidification efficiency.

[0056] For the dehumidification efficiency variation curve of this current dehumidification mode operation, the dehumidification efficiency corresponds to the preset time. For the dehumidification efficiency variation curves of this current and historical dehumidification modes, the dehumidification efficiency corresponds to the number of times the dehumidification mode was run. The slope of each point corresponding to the dehumidification efficiency variation curve is calculated. Based on the change in the slope of the points corresponding to the dehumidification efficiency, the cleanliness level of the air conditioner is determined.

[0057] The dehumidification efficiency curve is a smooth curve. Starting from the slope corresponding to the first dehumidification efficiency point, if all slopes are less than zero and the absolute value of each slope gradually increases, it indicates that the internal structure of the indoor unit is affected. For example, dust begins to condense on the air inlet filter, evaporator filter, and evaporator surface, and over time, this increasingly obstructs indoor air from entering the indoor unit. At this point, the user is prompted to clean the air inlet and filters. If, among the slopes corresponding to each dehumidification efficiency point on the dehumidification efficiency curve, starting from the largest slope and then gradually decreasing, it indicates that the internal structure of the indoor unit is affected. For example, the dust condensation on the air inlet filter, evaporator filter, and evaporator surface is increasing and severely hindering the air conditioner's dehumidification. At this point, the user is prompted to clean the air inlet and filters. If, among the slopes corresponding to each dehumidification efficiency point on the dehumidification efficiency curve, several consecutive slopes approach zero, it indicates that the indoor unit is severely clogged, and the air conditioner's dehumidification efficiency has dropped to its minimum. At this point, the user is prompted to perform a complete cleaning of the indoor unit. The air conditioner can send reminder messages to the terminal device so that the user can view them.

[0058] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the slope of the points corresponding to each dehumidification efficiency on the dehumidification efficiency curve can reflect the change in the dehumidification efficiency of the indoor unit more intuitively, thereby determining the cleanliness of the indoor unit and improving the accuracy of judging the cleanliness of the air conditioner.

[0059] Combination Figure 6 As shown in the embodiments of this disclosure, another method for determining the cleanliness of the interior of an air conditioner is provided, including:

[0060] S601, the air conditioner obtains the mode selected by the user.

[0061] S602, if the user selects a mode other than dehumidification mode, the air conditioner will run in dehumidification mode for a preset time.

[0062] S603, when the air conditioner is running in dehumidification mode, the air conditioner detects the humidity of the air entering through the air inlet and the humidity of the air exiting through the air outlet.

[0063] S604, the air conditioner operates in the mode selected by the user.

[0064] S605, the air conditioner determines the dehumidification efficiency of the indoor unit based on the detected intake and exhaust humidity.

[0065] S606, the air conditioner determines the cleanliness of the indoor unit based on the determined dehumidification efficiency.

[0066] When the user turns on the air conditioner, the system obtains the user-selected mode. If the selected mode is dehumidification, the air conditioner detects the intake and exhaust humidity for the initial period of operation, such as 1-2 minutes. If the selected mode is not dehumidification, the air conditioner first runs in dehumidification mode for a period of time, optionally 1-2 minutes. During this period, the air conditioner detects the intake humidity using a humidity sensor located at the air inlet and the exhaust humidity using a humidity sensor located at the air outlet. The intake humidity represents the humidity of the indoor air entering the air conditioner, and the exhaust humidity represents the humidity of the indoor air after dehumidification by the air conditioner. After the intake and exhaust humidity are detected, the air conditioner then runs the user-selected mode. The air conditioner determines the dehumidification efficiency of the indoor unit based on the detected intake and exhaust humidity. The dehumidification efficiency reflects the cleanliness inside the indoor unit; therefore, the air conditioner can determine the cleanliness of the indoor unit based on the dehumidification efficiency.

[0067] It should be noted that the specific processes of steps S603, S605 and S606 can be found in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0068] In this embodiment, the cleanliness of the indoor unit is determined based on the dehumidification efficiency when the air conditioner is running in dehumidification mode. Therefore, after the air conditioner is started, if the user-selected mode is not dehumidification mode, the air conditioner first runs in dehumidification mode for a period of time to obtain the necessary parameters for determining the dehumidification efficiency, namely, the intake air humidity and the exhaust air humidity. After the intake air humidity and exhaust air humidity are detected, the air conditioner then runs in the user-selected mode to meet the user's needs.

[0069] Combination Figure 7 As shown, this disclosure provides an apparatus for determining the internal cleanliness of an air conditioner, including a processor 100 and a memory 101. Optionally, the apparatus may further include a communication interface 102 and a bus 103. The processor 100, communication interface 102, and memory 101 can communicate with each other via the bus 103. The communication interface 102 can be used for information transmission. The processor 100 can call logical instructions in the memory 101 to execute the method for determining the internal cleanliness of an air conditioner as described in the above embodiment.

[0070] Furthermore, the logic instructions in the aforementioned memory 101 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0071] The memory 101, as a computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store software programs and computer-executable programs, such as program instructions / modules corresponding to the methods in the embodiments of this disclosure. The processor 100 executes functional applications and data processing by running the program instructions / modules stored in the memory 101, that is, it implements the method for determining the internal cleanliness of the air conditioner in the above embodiments.

[0072] The memory 101 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and applications required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the terminal device. Furthermore, the memory 101 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory.

[0073] This disclosure provides an air conditioner that includes the aforementioned device for determining the cleanliness of the air conditioner's interior.

[0074] This disclosure provides a storage medium storing computer-executable instructions configured to perform the method described above for determining the internal cleanliness of an air conditioner.

[0075] The aforementioned storage medium can be a transient computer-readable storage medium or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0076] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings fully illustrate embodiments of this disclosure to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may include structural, logical, electrical, procedural, and other changes. The embodiments represent only possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly required, and the order of operation may vary. Parts and features of some embodiments may be included in or replace parts and features of other embodiments. Moreover, the terminology used in this application is for describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit the claims. As used in the description of embodiments and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to equally include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the term “and / or” as used in this application means including one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations thereof. Additionally, when used in this application, the term "comprise" and its variations "comprises" and / or "comprising" refer to the presence of stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, or apparatus that includes said element. In this document, each embodiment may focus on the differences from other embodiments, and similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. For methods, products, etc., disclosed in the embodiments, if they correspond to the method section disclosed in the embodiments, the relevant parts can be referred to the description of the method section.

[0077] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than that shown in the drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. In the descriptions corresponding to the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings, the operations or steps corresponding to different blocks may also occur in a different order than disclosed in the description, and sometimes there is no specific order between different operations or steps. For example, two consecutive operations or steps may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. Each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in a block diagram and / or flowchart, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

Claims

1. A method for determining the cleanliness of the interior of an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising an indoor unit, the indoor unit comprising an air inlet and an air outlet, characterized in that, The method includes: When the air conditioner is operating in dehumidification mode, the humidity of the air entering through the air inlet and the humidity of the air exiting through the air outlet are detected. The dehumidification efficiency of the indoor unit is determined based on the detected intake and exhaust humidity. The cleanliness level inside the indoor unit is determined based on the established dehumidification efficiency; The step of determining the cleanliness of the indoor unit based on the dehumidification efficiency includes: fitting the determined dehumidification efficiency into a dehumidification efficiency change curve; and determining the cleanliness of the indoor unit based on the trend of the dehumidification efficiency change curve. The step of determining the cleanliness of the indoor unit based on the trend of the dehumidification efficiency change curve includes: calculating the slope of each point corresponding to each dehumidification efficiency on the dehumidification efficiency change curve; and determining the cleanliness of the indoor unit based on the change of the slope of each point corresponding to each dehumidification efficiency. The method of determining the cleanliness of the indoor unit based on the slope changes corresponding to each dehumidification efficiency includes: starting from the maximum slope, as each slope gradually decreases, it is determined that the dust condensation inside the indoor unit is increasing, reminding the user to clean the air inlet, filter, and other structures; when multiple consecutive slopes approach zero, it is determined that the dirt and blockage inside the indoor unit is severe, reminding the user to perform a complete cleaning of the indoor unit.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The process of determining the dehumidification efficiency of the indoor unit based on the detected intake and exhaust humidity includes: Determine the dehumidification efficiency based on the intake and exhaust humidity during this dehumidification mode operation; or, The dehumidification efficiency is determined based on the intake and exhaust humidity during this and historical dehumidification operations.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The process of determining the dehumidification efficiency based on the inlet and outlet air humidity during this dehumidification mode operation includes: During the duration of this dehumidification mode operation, the humidity difference between the inlet and outlet air humidity at multiple preset times is calculated. The humidity difference at multiple preset times is used to determine the dehumidification efficiencies of this dehumidification mode.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein, Based on the intake and exhaust humidity during this and historical dehumidification operations, the dehumidification efficiency is determined, including: Within the preset duration of the current and historical dehumidification modes, calculate the humidity difference between the inlet and outlet air humidity at multiple preset times. The average value of the humidity difference at multiple preset times corresponding to the current and historical dehumidification modes is determined as the dehumidification efficiency corresponding to the current and historical dehumidification modes.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method of determining the cleanliness of the indoor unit based on the slope change of each dehumidification efficiency point further includes: Starting from the slope of the point corresponding to the first dehumidification efficiency, if all slopes are less than zero and the absolute value of each slope gradually increases, it is determined that dust begins to condense inside the indoor unit.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Before detecting the inlet air humidity and the outlet air humidity, the method further includes: Get the mode selected by the user; If the mode selected by the user is not dehumidification mode, control the air conditioner to run in dehumidification mode for a preset time; After detecting the inlet air humidity and the outlet air humidity, the method further includes: Control the air conditioner to operate in the mode selected by the user.

7. An apparatus for determining cleanliness inside an air conditioner, comprising a processor and a memory having stored program instructions, characterized in that, The processor is configured to, when running the program instructions, perform a method for determining the internal cleanliness of an air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the apparatus for determining the cleanliness of the interior of an air conditioner as described in claim 7.

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