An air conditioner and a control method for its sterilization module

Abstract

The present invention discloses an air conditioner and a control method for its sterilization module. The air conditioner includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a sterilization module, and a controller. The sterilization module is installed inside the indoor unit. The sterilization module includes a UVC lamp and a photoelectric sensor, and the photoelectric sensor is used to detect the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp. The controller is configured to determine the target working time of the UVC lamp according to the house size when the air conditioner is turned on and operates in the sterilization mode. During the target working time, it is judged whether the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp reaches a preset illumination intensity. When the illumination intensity does not reach the preset illumination intensity, the PWM duty cycle of the UVC lamp is adjusted to increase the current flowing through the UVC lamp, so that the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset illumination intensity. The present invention determines the working time of the UVC lamp according to different house types, which can not only reduce energy consumption but also extend the service life of the UVC lamp. At the same time, when ultraviolet light intensity attenuation or abnormal conditions occur, the sterilization effect will not be reduced, effectively improving the user's comfort level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and particularly to an air conditioner and a control method for its sterilization module. Background Art

[0002] With the development of technology and the continuous improvement of people's living standards, people have put forward higher and higher requirements for the living environment. In order to maintain a comfortable environmental temperature, air conditioners have become an essential electrical appliance in people's lives. In recent years, in order to further improve the comprehensive performance of air conditioners, most existing air conditioners are provided with a sterilization function, so that while the air conditioner cools down, it can also sterilize the indoor air.

[0003] Since the installation environment of the air conditioner may be a relatively small room or a relatively large room, different types of houses require different amounts of ultraviolet sterilization. Moreover, when the UVC lamp is used for a long time, it will experience attenuation or abnormal conditions, affecting its service life, and at the same time causing the ultraviolet intensity to not reach the required intensity, so that the expected sterilization effect cannot be achieved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an air conditioner and a control method for its sterilization module, which can determine the working time of the UVC lamp according to different types of houses, reduce energy consumption and extend the service life of the UVC lamp. At the same time, when ultraviolet light intensity attenuation or abnormal conditions occur, the sterilization effect will not be reduced, effectively improving the user's comfort.

[0005] The air conditioner provided in the first embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0006] An indoor unit, which is provided with an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan;

[0007] An outdoor unit, which is provided with an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor fan, a compressor, a flow regulating valve and a four-way valve. The compressor, the flow regulating valve, the four-way valve, the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger are connected by pipelines to form a refrigerant circulation loop;

[0008] A sterilization module, which is installed in the indoor unit. The sterilization module includes a UVC lamp and a photoelectric sensor, and the photoelectric sensor is used to detect the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp;

[0009] The controller is configured to, when the air conditioner is turned on and operates in the sterilization mode, determine the target working time of the UVC lamp according to the house size; within the target working time, judge whether the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp reaches a preset illumination intensity. When the illumination intensity does not reach the preset illumination intensity, adjust the PWM duty cycle of the UVC lamp to increase the current flowing through the UVC lamp, so that the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset illumination intensity.

[0010] In the air conditioner provided by the second embodiment of the present invention, determining the target working time of the UVC lamp according to the house size specifically includes:

[0011] Judging the relationship between the house size and a preset size range;

[0012] If the house size is less than the lower limit value of the preset size range, controlling the target working time of the UVC lamp to be a first time;

[0013] If the house size is within the preset size range, controlling the target working time of the UVC lamp to be a second time;

[0014] If the house size is greater than the upper limit value of the preset size range, controlling the target working time of the UVC lamp to be a third time;

[0015] Wherein, the target working time of the UVC lamp is positively correlated with the house size.

[0016] In the air conditioner provided by the third embodiment of the present invention, the controller is further configured to:

[0017] When the air conditioner is turned on and operates in the sterilization mode, timing the working time of the UVC lamp through a first timer;

[0018] If the working time of the UVC lamp does not reach the target working time, within the target working time, detecting the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp in real time and judging whether the illumination intensity reaches a preset illumination intensity;

[0019] If the working time of the UVC lamp reaches the target working time, turning off the sterilization mode and controlling the first timer to be cleared.

[0020] In the air conditioner provided by the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the photoelectric sensor is installed on the irradiation surface of the UVC lamp, and the photoelectric sensor detects ultraviolet irradiation and converts the optical signal into a measurable current signal, then judging whether the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset illumination intensity specifically includes:

[0021] Judging whether the current signal fed back by the photoelectric sensor reaches a preset current threshold;

[0022] If so, determining that the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset illumination intensity;

[0023] If not, determining that the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp does not reach the preset illumination intensity.

[0024] In the air conditioner provided by the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the controller is further configured to:

[0025] After determining that the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp does not reach the preset illumination intensity, the working time of the UVC lamp is re-timed by a second timer;

[0026] After adjusting the PWM duty cycle of the UVC lamp, if the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp still does not reach the preset illumination intensity, it is judged whether the time of the second timer reaches a preset time threshold;

[0027] If so, it is determined that the UVC lamp fails;

[0028] If not, continue to adjust the PWM duty cycle.

[0029] In the control method of the air conditioner sterilization module provided in the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the method is applied to an air conditioner including an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor fan, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor fan, a compressor, a flow regulating valve, a four-way valve, and a sterilization module. The sterilization module includes a UVC lamp and a photoelectric sensor. The control method of the air conditioner sterilization module includes:

[0030] When the air conditioner is turned on and operates in the sterilization mode, determine the target working time of the UVC lamp according to the house size;

[0031] Within the target working time, judge whether the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset illumination intensity. When the illumination intensity does not reach the preset illumination intensity, adjust the PWM duty cycle of the UVC lamp to increase the current flowing through the UVC lamp so that the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset illumination intensity.

[0032] In the control method of the air conditioner sterilization module provided in the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the determining the target working time of the UVC lamp according to the house size specifically includes:

[0033] Judge the relationship between the house size and the preset size range;

[0034] If the house size is less than the lower limit value of the preset size range, control the target working time of the UVC lamp to be the first time;

[0035] If the house size is within the preset size range, control the target working time of the UVC lamp to be the second time;

[0036] If the house size is greater than the upper limit value of the preset size range, control the target working time of the UVC lamp to be the third time;

[0037] Wherein, the target working time of the UVC lamp is positively correlated with the house size.

[0038] In the control method of the air conditioner sterilization module provided by the eighth embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes:

[0039] When the air conditioner is turned on and the sterilization mode is running, the working time of the UVC lamp is timed by a first timer;

[0040] If the working time of the UVC lamp does not reach the target working time, within the target working time, the light intensity of the UVC lamp is detected in real time, and it is judged whether the light intensity reaches a preset light intensity;

[0041] If the working time of the UVC lamp reaches the target working time, the sterilization mode is turned off, and the first timer is controlled to be cleared.

[0042] In the control method of the air conditioner sterilization module provided by the ninth embodiment of the present invention, the photoelectric sensor is installed on the irradiation surface of the UVC lamp, and the photoelectric sensor detects ultraviolet irradiation and converts the optical signal into a measurable current signal, then it is judged whether the light intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset light intensity, which specifically includes:

[0043] Judge whether the current signal fed back by the photoelectric sensor reaches a preset current threshold;

[0044] If so, it is determined that the light intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset light intensity;

[0045] If not, it is determined that the light intensity of the UVC lamp does not reach the preset light intensity.

[0046] In the control method of the air conditioner sterilization module provided by the tenth embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes:

[0047] After it is determined that the light intensity of the UVC lamp does not reach the preset light intensity, the working time of the UVC lamp is re-timed by a second timer;

[0048] After adjusting the PWM duty cycle of the UVC lamp, if the light intensity of the UVC lamp still does not reach the preset light intensity, it is judged whether the time of the second timer reaches a preset time threshold;

[0049] If so, it is determined that the UVC lamp fails;

[0050] If not, continue to adjust the PWM duty cycle.

[0051] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of an air conditioner and a control method for its sterilization module provided by an embodiment of the present invention are as follows: A sterilization module including a UVC lamp and a photoelectric sensor is installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner. When the air conditioner is turned on and operates in the sterilization mode, the target working time of the UVC lamp is determined according to the size of the room. During the target working time, it is judged whether the UVC lamp decays or malfunctions, resulting in the light intensity not reaching the preset light intensity. When the light intensity does not reach the preset light intensity, the PWM duty cycle of the UVC lamp is adjusted to increase the current flowing through the UVC lamp, so that the light intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset light intensity, achieving the expected sterilization effect without changing the target working time of the sterilization function. The embodiment of the present invention determines the working time of the UVC lamp according to different room types, which can reduce energy consumption and extend the service life of the UVC lamp. At the same time, when the ultraviolet light intensity decays or abnormal conditions occur, the sterilization effect will not be reduced, effectively improving the user's comfort level. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Figure 1 FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional external view of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 2 FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 3 FIG. 14 is a schematic structural diagram of an indoor unit of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 4 FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant circulation circuit of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 5 FIG. 22 is a first working flow chart of a controller in an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 6 FIG. 26 is a schematic flow chart for determining the target working time of a UVC lamp in an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 7 FIG. 30 is a second working flow chart of a controller in an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 8 FIG. 34 is a third working flow chart of a controller in an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 9 FIG. 38 is a fourth working flow chart of a controller in an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 10It is the fifth working flowchart of a controller in an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 11 It is the sixth working flowchart of a controller in an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 12 It is a schematic flowchart of a control method for a sterilization module of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0064] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without making creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0065] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation to the present application.

[0066] The terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present application, unless otherwise stated, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more.

[0067] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific situations.

[0068] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional external view of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention,Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of an indoor unit in an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioner 1 provided in the embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0069] An indoor unit 2, which is internally provided with an indoor heat exchanger 21 and an indoor fan 22;

[0070] An outdoor unit 3, which is internally provided with an outdoor heat exchanger 31, an outdoor fan 32, a compressor 33, a flow regulating valve 34 and a four-way valve 35. The compressor 33, the flow regulating valve 34, the four-way valve 35, the outdoor heat exchanger 31 and the indoor heat exchanger 21 are connected through pipelines to form a refrigerant circulation loop;

[0071] A sterilization module, which is installed in the indoor unit 2. The sterilization module includes a UVC lamp 23 and a photoelectric sensor, and the photoelectric sensor is used to detect the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp 23;

[0072] The controller is configured to, when the air conditioner 1 is turned on and operates in the sterilization mode, determine the target working time of the UVC lamp 23 according to the house size; within the target working time, judge whether the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp 23 reaches a preset illumination intensity. When the illumination intensity does not reach the preset illumination intensity, adjust the PWM duty cycle of the UVC lamp 23 to increase the current flowing through the UVC lamp 23 so that the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp 23 reaches the preset illumination intensity.

[0073] Specifically, the air conditioner 1 in the embodiment of the present invention includes an indoor unit 2. Taking an indoor wall-mounted unit (shown in the figure) as an example, the indoor wall-mounted unit is usually installed on an indoor wall surface, etc. Again, an indoor cabinet unit (not shown in the figure) is also a form of the indoor unit. The outdoor unit 3 is usually set outdoors and is used for heat exchange in the indoor environment. In addition, Figure 1As shown, since the outdoor unit 3 is located outdoors on the opposite side of the wall surface from the indoor unit 2, the outdoor unit 3 is represented by a dashed line. The indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3 are connected by a connecting pipe 4. Among them, the indoor unit 2 is provided with an indoor heat exchanger 21 and an indoor fan 22. When the air conditioner is in the cooling mode, the indoor heat exchanger 21 operates as an evaporator. The indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as an evaporator or a radiator according to the operating state of the indoor unit, and performs heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the heat transfer pipe and the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger. The indoor fan 22 generates an air flow of the indoor air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 to promote the heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the heat transfer pipe of the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the indoor air. The outdoor unit 3 is provided with an outdoor heat exchanger 31, an outdoor fan 32, a compressor 33, a flow regulating valve 34, and a four-way valve 35. When the air conditioner is in the cooling mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 31 operates as a condenser. The outdoor fan 32 generates an air flow of the outdoor air passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 31 to promote the heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the heat transfer pipe of the outdoor heat exchanger 31 and the outdoor air.

[0074] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant circulation circuit of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The compressor 33, the flow regulating valve 34, the four-way valve 35, the outdoor heat exchanger 31, and the indoor heat exchanger 21 are connected by pipelines to form a refrigerant circulation circuit. When the air conditioner is in the cooling mode, the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the outdoor heat exchanger 31 operate as an evaporator and a condenser respectively. The refrigerant is compressed by the compressor to become a high-temperature and high-pressure gas, enters the outdoor heat exchanger of the outdoor unit through the four-way valve, becomes a medium-temperature and high-pressure liquid after absorbing cold and releasing heat in the outdoor heat exchanger, becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid after passing through the flow regulating valve, becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas after the heat absorption and heat release action of the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit, returns to the compressor through the four-way valve, and then continues to circulate. By circulating the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle can be executed. Among them, the flow regulating valve can change the opening degree. By reducing the opening degree, the flow path resistance of the refrigerant passing through the flow regulating valve increases; by increasing the opening degree, the flow path resistance of the refrigerant passing through the flow regulating valve decreases. Such a flow regulating valve expands and decompresses the refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger towards the outdoor heat exchanger during the refrigeration operation. In addition, even when the states of other devices installed in the refrigerant circuit do not change, when the opening degree of the flow regulating valve changes, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit also changes.

[0075] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5It is the first working flowchart of a controller in an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention. In practical application of the embodiment of the present invention, after the air conditioner is initialized, the UVC setting mode is entered through the remote control combination keys, and the user sets the house size information according to the prompts. When the air conditioner is turned on and the sterilization mode is running, the target working time of the UVC lamp is determined according to the house size. During the target working time, the photoelectric sensor is used to detect the light intensity of the UVC lamp in real time, and it is judged whether the light intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset light intensity. When the light intensity does not reach the preset light intensity, the PWM duty cycle of the UVC lamp is adjusted to increase the current flowing through the UVC lamp, so that the light intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset light intensity. It should be noted that when adjusting the PWM duty cycle, it does not exceed the maximum value of the PWM duty cycle.

[0076] It should be noted that when determining the target working time of the UVC lamp according to the house size in the embodiments of the present invention, different house sizes can be simulated in the test environment of the laboratory, different working times of the UVC lamp can be set, and the sterilization effect of the UVC lamp can be tested. Data analysis is carried out based on the test data to determine the optimal working time of the UVC lamp and write it into the EE data. When the user enters the UVC setting mode through the remote control, the target working time of the corresponding UVC lamp can be directly retrieved according to the set house size. In the embodiments of the present invention, UVC ultraviolet rays are used to sterilize the indoor air. The ultraviolet rays generated by the UVC ultraviolet sterilization module irradiate the air. When bacteria, viruses and other organisms in the air are irradiated by a certain dose of UVC, the DNA and RNA structures of their cells are damaged, the cells cannot regenerate, and the bacteria and viruses lose the ability of self-replication, so as to achieve the purpose of sterilization. In the embodiments of the present invention, the UVC lamp group is reversely installed on the indoor evaporator of the air conditioner. When the air conditioner is turned on, taking advantage of the characteristic that the indoor air flows from the air inlet through the evaporator and out of the air outlet, the ultraviolet rays generated by the UVC lamp can just sterilize the indoor air. The photoelectric sensor in the embodiments of the present invention is preferably an ultraviolet illuminometer. According to the specific wavelength of the ultraviolet disinfection device, a specific photosensitive element is selected to make the receiving element. When the light receiver is irradiated by ultraviolet rays, the light signal is converted into an electric signal, which is amplified and transmitted, and is displayed on the ultraviolet irradiometer instrument in the form of an electric signal or a digital signal. Through the electric signal fed back by the photoelectric sensor, it is judged whether the UVC lamp decays or an abnormality occurs, resulting in the failure of the photoelectric intensity to reach the preset light intensity, and the PWM duty ratio of the UVC lamp is adjusted to increase the current flowing through the UVC lamp, so that the light intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset light intensity, and the expected sterilization effect is achieved without changing the target working time of the sterilization function. The controller in the embodiments of the present invention is preferably an MCU main control module. When the user enters the UVC setting mode through the remote control and inputs the house size information, the MCU main control module receives the command sent by the remote control and controls the working mode of the UVC lamp. When the photoelectric sensor detects that the ultraviolet light intensity decreases, the current signal fed back to the MCU main control module decreases. When it is lower than the preset current threshold, the MCU main control module adjusts the duty ratio of the PWM by adjusting the driving circuit of the UVC lamp, so that the current signal fed back to the MCU main control module reaches the preset current threshold.

[0077] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 which is a schematic flowchart of determining the target working time of the UVC lamp in an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] As an optional embodiment, the determining the target working time of the UVC lamp according to the house size specifically includes:

[0079] Judging the relationship between the house size and the preset size range;

[0080] If the size of the house is less than the lower limit of the preset size range, control the target working time of the UVC lamp to be the first time;

[0081] If the size of the house is within the preset size range, control the target working time of the UVC lamp to be the second time;

[0082] If the size of the house is greater than the upper limit of the preset size range, control the target working time of the UVC lamp to be the third time;

[0083] Wherein, the target working time of the UVC lamp is positively correlated with the size of the house.

[0084] Specifically, when the present invention is actually applied, after the air conditioner is initialized, enter the UVC setting mode through the remote control combination keys, and the user sets the house size information according to the prompt. When the air conditioner is turned on and the sterilization mode is running, judge the relationship between the house size V and the preset size range [V1, V2]. If the house size is less than the lower limit of the preset size range, that is, V < V1, then control the target working time of the UVC lamp to be the first time. If the house size is within the preset size range, that is, V1 ≤ V ≤ V2, then control the target working time of the UVC lamp to be the second time. If the house size is greater than the upper limit of the preset size range, that is, V2 < V, then control the target working time of the UVC lamp to be the third time. Wherein, the target working time of the UVC lamp is positively correlated with the house size, the larger the house size, the longer the target working time of the UVC lamp, so in this embodiment, the third time > the second time > the first time.

[0085] Please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 which is the second working flow chart of a controller in an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] As an optional embodiment, the controller is further configured to:

[0087] When the air conditioner is turned on and the sterilization mode is running, time the working time of the UVC lamp through the first timer;

[0088] If the working time of the UVC lamp does not reach the target working time, within the target working time, detect the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp in real time and judge whether the illumination intensity reaches the preset illumination intensity;

[0089] If the working time of the UVC lamp reaches the target working time, turn off the sterilization mode and control the first timer to zero.

[0090] Specifically, in practical applications of the embodiments of the present invention, after the air conditioner is initialized, the UVC setting mode is entered through the combination keys of the remote controller, and the user sets the house size information according to the prompts. When the air conditioner is turned on and the sterilization mode is running, the target working time of the UVC lamp is determined according to the house size, and at the same time, the working time of the UVC lamp is timed by the first timer. If the working time of the UVC lamp does not reach the target working time, then within the target working time, the light intensity of the UVC lamp is detected in real time, and it is determined whether the light intensity reaches the preset light intensity. If the working time of the UVC lamp reaches the target working time, the sterilization mode is turned off, and the first timer is controlled to be cleared.

[0091] As an optional embodiment, the photoelectric sensor is installed on the irradiation surface of the UVC lamp. The photoelectric sensor detects ultraviolet irradiation and converts the optical signal into a measurable current signal. Then, determining whether the light intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset light intensity specifically includes:

[0092] Determining whether the current signal fed back by the photoelectric sensor reaches the preset current threshold;

[0093] If so, it is determined that the light intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset light intensity;

[0094] If not, it is determined that the light intensity of the UVC lamp does not reach the preset light intensity.

[0095] Specifically, in the embodiments of the present invention, a photoelectric sensor is installed on the irradiation surface of the UVC lamp. A narrow-band filter is integrated on the surface of the photoelectric sensor. The photoelectric sensor detects ultraviolet irradiation and converts the optical signal into a measurable current signal. Then, when determining whether the light intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset light intensity, it can be determined by whether the current signal fed back by the photoelectric sensor reaches the preset current threshold. If the current signal fed back by the photoelectric sensor reaches the preset current threshold, it is determined that the light intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset light intensity. If the current signal fed back by the photoelectric sensor does not reach the preset current threshold, it is determined that the light intensity of the UVC lamp does not reach the preset light intensity.

[0096] Please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 which is the third working flowchart of a controller in an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] As an optional embodiment, the controller is further configured to:

[0098] After determining that the light intensity of the UVC lamp does not reach the preset light intensity, the working time of the UVC lamp is re-timed by the second timer;

[0099] After adjusting the PWM duty cycle of the UVC lamp, if the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp has not reached the preset illumination intensity, it is judged whether the time of the second timer reaches a preset time threshold;

[0100] If so, it is determined that the UVC lamp fails;

[0101] If not, continue to adjust the PWM duty cycle.

[0102] Specifically, after determining that the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp does not reach the preset illumination intensity in the embodiment of the present invention, the second timer is used to re-time the working time of the UVC lamp. After adjusting the PWM duty cycle of the UVC lamp, it is also necessary to determine whether the current signal fed back by the photoelectric sensor reaches a preset current threshold. If the current signal fed back by the photoelectric sensor reaches the preset current threshold, it is continued to determine whether the time of the first timer reaches the target working time. If the time of the first timer reaches the target working time, the sterilization mode is turned off and the first timer is cleared. If the current signal fed back by the photoelectric sensor does not reach the preset current threshold, it is necessary to determine whether the time of the second timer reaches the preset time threshold. If the time of the second timer reaches the preset time threshold, it means that the UVC lamp fails, and an alarm needs to be given at this time. If the time of the second timer does not reach the preset time threshold, continue to adjust the PWM duty cycle, and then continue to determine whether the current signal fed back by the photoelectric sensor meets the requirements. Because according to the specific parameters of the UVC lamp, when the current signal fed back by the photoelectric sensor is less than the preset current threshold within a working period, it means that the UVC lamp has light attenuation or other abnormal conditions. At this time, it is necessary to adjust the PWM duty cycle of the UVC lamp to increase the current flowing through the UVC lamp to ensure that the illumination intensity reaches the preset illumination intensity. If the regulation mode is entered again within the preset time threshold later, it means that the UVC lamp body has aged or been damaged, and an alarm needs to be given at this time to indicate that the UVC lamp fails.

[0103] The following combines Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 to illustrate the working process of the air conditioner provided in this embodiment. Figure 9 It is the fourth working flow chart of the controller in an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10 It is the fifth working flow chart of the controller in an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 11 It is the sixth working flow chart of the controller in an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] After the air conditioner is installed or initialized, the user enters the UVC setting mode through the remote control combination keys. According to the prompt, the user inputs the house size information V and saves it in the data memory, and exits the setting mode after the setting is successful.

[0105] When receiving the command to turn on the UVC function, the housing size information V saved by the user in the data storage is retrieved and compared with the set thresholds V1 and V2. When V < V1, the timer Tuvc1 starts to accumulate. During the operation of the sterilization module, the photoelectric sensor detects the light intensity of the UVC lamp and determines whether the current signal I fed back by the photoelectric sensor is greater than or equal to the preset current threshold I1. If I ≥ I1, it is further determined whether the timer Tuvc1 is greater than or equal to the first target working time of 2h. If Tuvc1 is greater than or equal to 2h, the timer Tuvc1 is cleared and the UVC function is turned off. If during the operation of the sterilization module, the photoelectric sensor detects the light intensity of the UVC lamp and the current signal I fed back by the photoelectric sensor is less than the preset current threshold I1, that is, I < I1, it indicates that light attenuation or other abnormal conditions have occurred. Then the PWM duty cycle is adjusted to increase the current flowing through the UVC lamp to ensure that the light intensity reaches the preset light intensity, so that the current signal I fed back by the photoelectric sensor is ≥ I1. At this time, it is necessary to determine whether the current signal I fed back by the photoelectric sensor is greater than or equal to I1. If so, it is further determined whether the timer Tuvc1 is greater than or equal to 2h. If Tuvc1 is greater than or equal to 2h, the timer Tuvc1 is cleared and the UVC function is turned off; if not, the timer Tuvc2 starts to accumulate time, and it is continuously determined whether the timer Tuvc2 is greater than or equal to 15min. If so, it indicates that the UVC lamp has failed, and an alarm needs to be issued at this time; if not, the PWM duty cycle is continuously adjusted, and then it is continuously determined whether the current signal fed back by the photoelectric sensor meets the requirements. Because according to the specific parameters of UVC, when the current signal I fed back by the photoelectric sensor is less than the preset current threshold I1, that is, I < I1, during a working period (2h, 3h, 4h), it indicates that light attenuation or other abnormal conditions have occurred in the UVC lamp. At this time, the PWM duty cycle of the UVC lamp needs to be adjusted to increase the current flowing through the UVC lamp to ensure that the light intensity reaches the preset light intensity. If the regulation mode is entered again within 15min later, it indicates that the UVC lamp body has aged or is damaged, and an alarm needs to be issued at this time to indicate the failure of the UVC lamp.

[0106] When receiving the command to turn on the UVC function, the housing size information V saved by the user in the data storage is retrieved and compared with the set thresholds V1 and V2. When V1 ≤ V ≤ V2, the timer Tuvc1 starts to accumulate. During the operation of the sterilization module, the photoelectric sensor detects the light intensity of the UVC lamp and determines whether the current signal I fed back by the photoelectric sensor is greater than or equal to the preset current threshold I1. If I ≥ I1, it is further determined whether the timer Tuvc1 is greater than or equal to the second target working time of 3h. If Tuvc1 is greater than or equal to 3h, the timer Tuvc1 is cleared and the UVC function is turned off. If during the operation of the sterilization module, the photoelectric sensor detects the light intensity of the UVC lamp and the current signal I fed back by the photoelectric sensor is less than the preset current threshold I1, that is, I < I1, it indicates that light attenuation or other abnormal conditions have occurred. Then, the PWM duty cycle is adjusted to increase the current flowing through the UVC lamp to ensure that the light intensity reaches the preset light intensity, so that the current signal I fed back by the photoelectric sensor is ≥ I1. At this time, it is necessary to determine whether the current signal I fed back by the photoelectric sensor is greater than or equal to I1. If so, it is further determined whether the timer Tuvc1 is greater than or equal to 3h. If Tuvc1 is greater than or equal to 3h, the timer is cleared and the UVC function is turned off; if not, the timer Tuvc2 starts to accumulate time, and it is continuously determined whether the timer Tuvc2 is greater than or equal to 15min. If so, it indicates that the UVC lamp has a fault, and an alarm needs to be issued at this time; if not, the PWM duty cycle is continuously adjusted, and then it is continued to determine whether the current signal fed back by the photoelectric sensor meets the requirements.

[0107] When receiving the command to turn on the UVC function, retrieve the house size information V saved by the user in the data storage, and compare it with the set thresholds V1 and V2. When V2 < V, the timer Tuvc starts to accumulate. During the operation of the sterilization module, the photoelectric sensor detects the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp, and determines whether the current signal I fed back by the photoelectric sensor is greater than or equal to the preset current threshold I1. If I ≥ I1, then continue to determine whether the timer Tuvc1 is greater than or equal to the third target working time of 4h. If Tuvc1 is greater than or equal to 4h, then the timer Tuvc1 is cleared and the UVC function is turned off. If during the operation of the sterilization module, the photoelectric sensor detects the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp, and the current signal I fed back by the photoelectric sensor is less than the preset current threshold I1, that is, I < I1, it indicates that light attenuation or other abnormal conditions have occurred. Then adjust the PWM duty cycle to increase the current flowing through the UVC lamp to ensure that the illumination intensity reaches the preset illumination intensity, so that the current signal I fed back by the photoelectric sensor is ≥ I1. At this time, it is necessary to determine whether the current signal I fed back by the photoelectric sensor is greater than or equal to I1. If so, then continue to determine whether the timer Tuvc1 is greater than or equal to 4h. If Tuvc1 is greater than or equal to 4h, then the timer Tuvc1 is cleared and the UVC function is turned off; if not, then the timer Tuvc2 starts to accumulate time, and continue to determine whether the timer Tuvc2 is greater than or equal to 15min. If so, it indicates that the UVC lamp has a fault, and an alarm is required at this time; if not, then continue to adjust the PWM duty cycle, and then continue to determine whether the current signal fed back by the photoelectric sensor meets the requirements.

[0108] Please refer to Figure 12 , Figure 12 is a schematic flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner sterilization module provided by an embodiment of the present invention. In the control method for the air conditioner sterilization module provided by the embodiment of the present invention, it is applied to an air conditioner including an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor fan, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor fan, a compressor, a flow regulating valve, a four-way valve, and a sterilization module. The sterilization module includes a UVC lamp and a photoelectric sensor. The control method for the air conditioner sterilization module includes:

[0109] S1. When the air conditioner is turned on and operates in the sterilization mode, determine the target working time of the UVC lamp according to the house size;

[0110] S2. During the target working time, determine whether the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset illumination intensity. When the illumination intensity does not reach the preset illumination intensity, adjust the PWM duty cycle of the UVC lamp to increase the current flowing through the UVC lamp, so that the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset illumination intensity.

[0111] In the embodiments of the present invention, the operating time of the UVC lamp is determined according to different house types, which can not only reduce energy consumption but also extend the service life of the UVC lamp. At the same time, when the ultraviolet light intensity decays or abnormal situations occur, the sterilization effect will not be reduced, effectively improving the user's comfort level.

[0112] As one of the optional embodiments, determining the target operating time of the UVC lamp according to the house size specifically includes:

[0113] Judging the relationship between the house size and the preset size range;

[0114] If the house size is less than the lower limit of the preset size range, control the target operating time of the UVC lamp to be the first time;

[0115] If the house size is within the preset size range, control the target operating time of the UVC lamp to be the second time;

[0116] If the house size is greater than the upper limit of the preset size range, control the target operating time of the UVC lamp to be the third time;

[0117] Wherein, the target operating time of the UVC lamp is positively correlated with the house size.

[0118] As one of the optional embodiments, the method further includes:

[0119] When the air conditioner is turned on and operates in the sterilization mode, the operating time of the UVC lamp is timed by a first timer;

[0120] If the operating time of the UVC lamp has not reached the target operating time, within the target operating time, the light intensity of the UVC lamp is detected in real time, and it is judged whether the light intensity reaches a preset light intensity;

[0121] If the operating time of the UVC lamp reaches the target operating time, turn off the sterilization mode and control the first timer to be cleared.

[0122] As one of the optional embodiments, the photoelectric sensor is installed on the irradiation surface of the UVC lamp, and the photoelectric sensor detects ultraviolet irradiation and converts the optical signal into a measurable current signal. Then, judging whether the light intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset light intensity specifically includes:

[0123] Judging whether the current signal fed back by the photoelectric sensor reaches a preset current threshold;

[0124] If so, it is determined that the light intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset light intensity;

[0125] If not, it is determined that the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp does not reach the preset illumination intensity.

[0126] As one optional embodiment, the method further includes:

[0127] After determining that the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp does not reach the preset illumination intensity, the working time of the UVC lamp is re-timed by a second timer;

[0128] After adjusting the PWM duty cycle of the UVC lamp, if the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp still does not reach the preset illumination intensity, it is judged whether the time of the second timer reaches a preset time threshold;

[0129] If so, it is determined that the UVC lamp fails;

[0130] If not, continue to adjust the PWM duty cycle.

[0131] The embodiment of the present invention provides a control method for an air conditioner and its sterilization module. A sterilization module including a UVC lamp and a photoelectric sensor is installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner. When the air conditioner is turned on and operates in the sterilization mode, the target working time of the UVC lamp is determined according to the size of the room; within the target working time, it is judged whether the UVC lamp decays or has an abnormality resulting in the illumination intensity not reaching the preset illumination intensity. When the illumination intensity does not reach the preset illumination intensity, the PWM duty cycle of the UVC lamp is adjusted to increase the current flowing through the UVC lamp, so that the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset illumination intensity, and the expected sterilization effect is achieved without changing the target working time of the sterilization function. The embodiment of the present invention determines the working time of the UVC lamp according to different room types, which can reduce energy consumption and extend the service life of the UVC lamp. At the same time, when the ultraviolet light intensity decays or an abnormal situation occurs, the sterilization effect will not be reduced, effectively improving the user's comfort.

[0132] It should be noted that the system embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment. In addition, in the attached drawings of the system embodiment provided by the present invention, the connection relationship between the modules indicates that they have a communication connection, which can be specifically implemented as one or more communication buses or signal lines. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand and implement it without creative efforts.

[0133] The above are the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the principle of the present invention, several improvements and modifications can be made, and these improvements and modifications are also regarded as the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Including: An indoor unit, which is internally provided with an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan; An outdoor unit, which is internally provided with an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor fan, a compressor, a flow regulating valve and a four-way valve, and the compressor, the flow regulating valve, the four-way valve, the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger are connected through pipelines to form a refrigerant circulation loop; A sterilization module, which is installed in the indoor unit, and the sterilization module includes a UVC lamp and a photoelectric sensor, and the photoelectric sensor is used to detect the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp; The controller is configured to determine the target working time of the UVC lamp according to the house size when the air conditioner is turned on and operates in the sterilization mode; Within the working time of the UVC lamp reaching the target working time, judge whether the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp reaches a preset illumination intensity. When the illumination intensity does not reach the preset illumination intensity, adjust the PWM duty cycle of the UVC lamp to increase the current flowing through the UVC lamp so that the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset illumination intensity; Wherein, the controller is further configured to: After determining that the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp does not reach the preset illumination intensity, restart the timing of the working time of the UVC lamp through a second timer; After adjusting the PWM duty cycle of the UVC lamp, if the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp still does not reach the preset illumination intensity, judge whether the time of the second timer reaches a preset time threshold; If so, determine that the UVC lamp is faulty; If not, continue to adjust the PWM duty cycle.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The determining the target working time of the UVC lamp according to the house size specifically includes: Judging the relationship between the house size and a preset size range; If the house size is smaller than the lower limit value of the preset size range, control the target working time of the UVC lamp to be a first time; If the house size is within the preset size range, control the target working time of the UVC lamp to be a second time; If the house size is larger than the upper limit value of the preset size range, control the target working time of the UVC lamp to be a third time; Wherein, the target working time of the UVC lamp is positively correlated with the house size.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein, The controller is further configured to: When the air conditioner is turned on and operates in the sterilization mode, time the working time of the UVC lamp through a first timer; If the working time of the UVC lamp does not reach the target working time, within the target working time, detect the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp in real time and judge whether the illumination intensity reaches the preset illumination intensity; If the working time of the UVC lamp reaches the target working time, turn off the sterilization mode and control the first timer to be cleared.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The photoelectric sensor is installed on the irradiation surface of the UVC lamp. The photoelectric sensor detects the ultraviolet irradiation intensity and converts the optical signal into a measurable current signal. Then, judging whether the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset illumination intensity specifically includes: Judging whether the current signal fed back by the photoelectric sensor reaches a preset current threshold; If so, it is determined that the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset illumination intensity; If not, it is determined that the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp does not reach the preset illumination intensity.

5. A control method for a sterilization module of an air conditioner, characterized in that, The method is applied to an air conditioner including an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor fan, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor fan, a compressor, a flow regulating valve, a four-way valve, and a sterilization module. The sterilization module includes a UVC lamp and a photoelectric sensor. The control method of the air conditioner sterilization module includes: When the air conditioner is turned on and operates in the sterilization mode, determine the target working time of the UVC lamp according to the house size; Within the time when the working time of the UVC lamp reaches the target working time, judge whether the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset illumination intensity. When the illumination intensity does not reach the preset illumination intensity, adjust the PWM duty cycle of the UVC lamp to increase the current flowing through the UVC lamp so that the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset illumination intensity; Wherein, the method further includes: After it is determined that the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp does not reach the preset illumination intensity, restart the timing of the working time of the UVC lamp through a second timer; After adjusting the PWM duty cycle of the UVC lamp, if the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp still does not reach the preset illumination intensity, judge whether the time of the second timer reaches a preset time threshold; If so, it is determined that the UVC lamp fails; If not, continue to adjust the PWM duty cycle.

6. The control method of the air conditioner sterilization module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The determining the target working time of the UVC lamp according to the house size specifically includes: Judge the relationship between the house size and a preset size range; If the house size is smaller than the lower limit value of the preset size range, control the target working time of the UVC lamp to be a first time; If the house size is within the preset size range, control the target working time of the UVC lamp to be a second time; If the house size is larger than the upper limit value of the preset size range, control the target working time of the UVC lamp to be a third time; Wherein, the target working time of the UVC lamp is positively correlated with the house size.

7. The control method of the air conditioner sterilization module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the air conditioner is turned on and operates in the sterilization mode, time the working time of the UVC lamp through a first timer; If the working time of the UVC lamp does not reach the target working time, within the target working time, detect the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp in real time and judge whether the illumination intensity reaches the preset illumination intensity; If the working time of the UVC lamp reaches the target working time, turn off the sterilization mode and control the first timer to be cleared.

8. The control method of the air conditioner sterilization module according to claim 7, characterized in that The photoelectric sensor is installed on the irradiation surface of the UVC lamp. The photoelectric sensor detects the ultraviolet irradiation intensity and converts the optical signal into a measurable current signal. Then, judging whether the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset illumination intensity specifically includes: Judge whether the current signal fed back by the photoelectric sensor reaches a preset current threshold; If so, it is determined that the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp reaches the preset illumination intensity; If not, it is determined that the illumination intensity of the UVC lamp does not reach the preset illumination intensity.

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