Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses an air conditioner and a control method thereof. The air conditioner comprises a casing, a heat exchanger, a heat exchanger fan, a high-temperature steam generating device, a temperature sensor and a controller. The controller is configured to: in response to an instruction of starting the air purification function of the air conditioner, control the steam generating assembly to start operation, acquire the temperature of the steam generating assembly, and control the operation power of the steam generating assembly according to the temperature. The frequent shutdown of the steam generating assembly due to overheating can be avoided, the safe and stable operation of the high-temperature steam generating device for a long time is ensured, the indoor air can be continuously purified, and the user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioner technology, and in particular to an air conditioner and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, high-temperature steam purification devices in air conditioners often shut down to cool down due to overheating if they operate for extended periods. This results in inconsistent purification, poor air quality, and a negative user experience. Therefore, ensuring stable and long-term air purification by the steam generator is a crucial issue that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and a control method thereof.

[0004] This invention discloses an air conditioner comprising: a casing having an indoor air inlet and an outdoor air inlet; a heat exchanger disposed inside the casing; a heat exchange fan disposed inside the casing, the heat exchange fan drawing airflow from outside the casing into the casing through the heat exchange inlets, where it exchanges heat with the heat exchanger to form a heat exchange airflow, which is then output to the room under the drive of the heat exchange fan; and a high-temperature steam generator disposed inside the casing and connected to the indoor air inlet and / or the outdoor air inlet, the high-temperature steam generator comprising: The system includes a water tank and a steam generating assembly. The steam generating assembly is located below the water tank, which stores liquid that flows into the steam generating assembly. The steam generating assembly heats the liquid flowing into the water tank to generate high-temperature steam, which is then released outside the casing. A temperature sensor is located inside the steam generating assembly to detect its temperature. A controller is configured to: control the steam generating assembly to start operation in response to a command to activate the air purification function of the air conditioner; acquire the temperature of the steam generating assembly; and control the operating power of the steam generating assembly based on the temperature.

[0005] In addition, the air conditioner according to embodiments of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0006] Furthermore, the high-temperature steam generating device further includes: a water tank base, which is disposed below the water tank and communicates with the air duct, and a water guide groove is provided inside the water tank base; the steam generating assembly includes: a steam generating element, a steam generating chamber, and a steam ejector, wherein water in the water tank flows to the steam generating chamber through the water guide groove, the steam generating element is disposed inside the steam generating chamber and configured to heat the water in the steam generating chamber to generate steam, and the steam ejector is configured to spray the steam into the air duct and the water tank base.

[0007] Furthermore, when controlling the operating power of the steam generating component based on the temperature, the controller is specifically configured to: determine whether the temperature is within a preset temperature range; when the temperature is within the preset temperature range, control the heating power of the steam generating component to a first preset heating power; when the temperature is less than the lower limit of the preset temperature range, control the heating power of the steam generating component to a second preset heating power; when the temperature is greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, control the steam generating component to stop operating; wherein, the first preset heating power is less than the second preset heating power.

[0008] Furthermore, the steam generator is an electric heating element, and when the steam generator is stopped from running, the controller is specifically configured to: control the electric heating element to cut off power.

[0009] Furthermore, the steam generating chamber is provided with a drain outlet, and a first solenoid valve is provided at the drain outlet. The controller is also configured to: when it is determined that the temperature is greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, control the first solenoid valve to open so that the liquid inside the steam generating chamber flows out from the drain outlet; when it is determined that the temperature is not greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, control the first solenoid valve to close.

[0010] Furthermore, after controlling the first solenoid valve to open, the controller is also configured to: control the first solenoid valve to close when the temperature reaches a preset temperature, and control the steam generator to start operation at the second preset heating power, wherein the preset temperature is less than the lower limit of the preset temperature range.

[0011] Furthermore, a second solenoid valve is provided between the water storage tank and the water guide channel. When the first solenoid valve is opened, the controller is also configured to open the second solenoid valve.

[0012] Furthermore, the water storage tank includes a water outlet valve, and a top rod is provided in the water guide channel. When the water storage tank is installed on the water storage tank base, the top rod lifts the water outlet valve so that the liquid stored in the water storage tank flows into the water guide channel.

[0013] Furthermore, the water guide channel and the steam generating chamber are connected by a through hole, so that the liquid in the water guide channel flows into the steam generating chamber through the through hole.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when an air conditioner receives an instruction for air purification, it controls the steam generating component to start operation and acquires the temperature of the steam generating component. Based on the temperature, it controls the operating power of the steam generating component, preventing frequent shutdowns due to overheating. This ensures the high-temperature steam generating device can operate safely and stably for extended periods, continuously purifying indoor air and improving user experience. Furthermore, when the temperature is determined to be greater than the upper limit of a preset temperature range, it controls the opening of both the first and second solenoid valves, allowing liquid inside the steam generating chamber to flow out through the drain outlet, accelerating the cooling of the steam generating component. When the temperature is not greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, it restarts the steam generating component, further ensuring the high-temperature steam generating device can operate safely and stably for extended periods, continuously purifying indoor air. Furthermore, when the temperature reaches a preset temperature, it controls the closing of the first solenoid valve and controls the steam generating component to start operation at a second preset heating power. This preset temperature is less than the lower limit of the preset temperature range, allowing the steam generating component to start operation at a lower temperature. This avoids frequent adjustments to the heating power of the steam generating component, ensuring the temperature of the steam generating component remains within a suitable temperature range for an extended period, improving system stability.

[0015] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention also proposes a control method for an air conditioner, used in any of the above embodiments. The method includes the following steps: in response to an instruction to activate the air purification function of the air conditioner, controlling the steam generating component to start operation; acquiring the temperature of the steam generating component; and controlling the operating power of the steam generating component based on the temperature.

[0016] According to the control method of the air conditioner of the present invention, when the air conditioner receives an instruction for the air purification function, it controls the steam generating component to start operation and acquires the temperature of the steam generating component. Based on the temperature, the operating power of the steam generating component is controlled, which can prevent frequent shutdowns due to overheating of the steam generating component, thereby ensuring the safe and stable operation of the high-temperature steam generating device for a long time to continuously purify indoor air and improve user experience. Furthermore, when the temperature is determined to be greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are controlled to open, allowing the liquid inside the steam generating chamber to flow out through the drain port, accelerating the cooling of the steam generating component. When the temperature is not greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, the steam generating component is restarted, further ensuring the safe and stable operation of the high-temperature steam generating device for a long time to continuously purify indoor air. Furthermore, when the temperature reaches the preset temperature, the first solenoid valve is controlled to close, and the steam generating component is controlled to start operation at a second preset heating power. This preset temperature is less than the lower limit of the preset temperature range, allowing the steam generating component to start operation at a lower temperature. This avoids frequent adjustments to the heating power of the steam generating component, allowing the temperature of the steam generating component to be maintained within a suitable temperature range for a long time, improving system stability.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a high-temperature steam generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a high-temperature steam generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a high-temperature steam generator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a high-temperature steam generator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6This is a flowchart illustrating the control of the operating power of a steam generating component based on temperature according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0028] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] In this invention, the air conditioner performs a refrigeration cycle by using a compressor, a condenser, an electronic expansion valve, and an evaporator. The refrigeration cycle includes a series of processes involving compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation, and supplies refrigerant to the conditioned and heat-exchanged air.

[0031] The compressor compresses refrigerant gas under high temperature and pressure and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, and the heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0032] The electronic expansion valve expands the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The evaporator evaporates the expanded refrigerant in the electronic expansion valve, returning the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas to the compressor. The evaporator achieves its cooling effect by utilizing the latent heat of refrigerant evaporation to exchange heat with the material being cooled. Throughout the cycle, the air conditioner regulates the temperature of the indoor space.

[0033] The outdoor unit of an air conditioner refers to the part of the refrigeration cycle that includes the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger. The indoor unit of an air conditioner includes the indoor heat exchanger, and an electronic expansion valve can be provided in either the indoor or outdoor unit.

[0034] The indoor and outdoor heat exchangers function as either condensers or evaporators. When the indoor heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the air conditioner functions as a heater in heating mode; when the indoor heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the air conditioner functions as a cooler in cooling mode.

[0035] The following is for reference. Figures 1-7 An air conditioner and its control method according to embodiments of the present invention are described.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1As shown, an air conditioner includes: a casing 1, a heat exchanger 2, a heat exchange fan 3, a high-temperature steam generator 4, a temperature sensor 5, and a controller 6. The casing 1 has an indoor air inlet and an outdoor air inlet; the heat exchanger 2 is disposed inside the casing 1; the heat exchange fan 3 is disposed inside the casing 1, and the operation of the heat exchange fan 3 draws airflow from outside the casing 1 into the casing 1 through the heat exchange air inlet, where it is heated by the heat exchanger 2 to form a heat exchange airflow, which is then output to the room under the drive of the heat exchange fan 3; the high-temperature steam generator 4 is disposed inside the casing 1 and communicates with the indoor air inlet and / or the outdoor air inlet. The high-temperature steam generator 4 includes a water storage tank 20 and a steam generating assembly 40. The steam generating assembly 40 is located below the water storage tank 20. The water storage tank 20 stores liquid, which flows into the steam generating assembly 40. The steam generating assembly 40 heats the liquid flowing into the water storage tank 20 to generate high-temperature steam, which is then released outside the casing 1. A temperature sensor 5 is located inside the steam generating assembly 40 to detect the temperature of the steam generating assembly 40. The controller 6 is configured to: control the steam generating assembly 40 to start operation in response to a command to activate the air purification function of the air conditioner; acquire the temperature of the steam generating assembly 40; and control the operating power of the steam generating assembly 40 based on the temperature.

[0037] Specifically, when the air conditioner receives an instruction for the air purification function, the controller 6 activates the steam generating component 40 in the high-temperature steam generator 4. Since the high-temperature steam generator 4 is connected to the indoor air inlet and / or the outdoor air inlet, indoor air can be introduced into the high-temperature steam generator 4 through the indoor air inlet, or outdoor air can be introduced into the high-temperature steam generator 4 through the outdoor air inlet, or both indoor and outdoor air can be introduced into the high-temperature steam generator 4 together. This allows the steam generating component 40 in the high-temperature steam generator 4 to heat the liquid to generate high-temperature steam, which then comes into contact with the introduced airflow. On one hand, the high temperature causes the metabolic activity of bacteria and viruses in the air to cease, leading to cell death. On the other hand, when dust, lint, and dust mites in the air come into contact with the high-humidity air, the water vapor in the air will settle them, further filtering the air. The purified airflow is then released outside the casing 1, thus achieving the air purification effect. Specifically, the high-temperature steam generator 4 releases high-temperature steam outside the casing 1 through a high-temperature steam nozzle. Because the high-temperature steam generator 4 may shut down to cool down due to overheating of the steam generating component 40 during prolonged operation, it cannot continuously purify indoor air. Therefore, after receiving the air purification function command and controlling the steam generating component 40 in the high-temperature steam generator 4 to start operation, the air conditioner needs to control the operating power of the steam generating component 40 according to its temperature to avoid frequent shutdowns due to overheating. This ensures that the high-temperature steam generator 4 can operate safely and stably for a long time, continuously purifying indoor air and improving the user experience.

[0038] In a specific embodiment, for the air purification function of the air conditioner, the user can send an air purification command to the air conditioner via a remote control, an air conditioner application on a mobile terminal, or the control panel on the air conditioner itself, using voice, gestures, or other methods to trigger the air purification function. Alternatively, the air conditioner can be set to periodically activate an air purification command to trigger the air purification function. That is, the air conditioner will automatically trigger the air purification command at regular intervals to perform the air purification function, thus eliminating the need for manual operation by the user and periodically activating the air purification command to purify the indoor air, thereby improving the intelligence of the air conditioner.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 2-5As shown, the high-temperature steam generating device 4 further includes: a water storage tank base 30, which is located below the water storage tank 20 and communicates with the air duct 23, and a water guide groove 32 is provided inside the water storage tank base 30; the steam generating assembly 40 includes: a steam generating element 41, a steam generating chamber 42 and a steam ejector 43, the water in the water storage tank 20 flows to the steam generating chamber 42 through the water guide groove 32, the steam generating element 41 is located inside the steam generating chamber 42 and is configured to heat the water in the steam generating chamber 42 to generate steam, and the steam ejector 43 is configured to spray steam onto the air duct 23 and the water storage tank base 30.

[0040] Specifically, the water storage tank 20 is equipped with a steam outlet and has an internal water storage space 22 and an air duct 23. The air duct 23 and the water storage space 22 are separated. The water storage space 22 stores liquid such as water, which can provide a water source for the steam generating assembly 40. The steam generating assembly 40 heats the water to generate high-temperature steam, which comes into contact with the introduced airflow for sterilization and is then delivered to the outside via the air duct 23 as humidified purified air. In addition, the water storage tank 20 and the water storage tank base 30 are fixedly connected vertically, and the water guide channel 32 is used to guide the water in the water storage space 22 to the steam generating assembly 40. In a specific embodiment, the steam generator 41 is an electric heating element, which is installed in the steam generating chamber 42. When the high-temperature steam generating device 4 is started and running, the electric heating element heats the water in the steam generating chamber 42 to generate high-temperature steam. The steam is sprayed into the air duct 23 and the water tank base 30 through the steam emitter 43. In this way, the steam is fully mixed with the airflow introduced into the high-temperature steam generating device 4 to sterilize and remove dust from the airflow, thereby purifying the indoor air. Moreover, the steam can increase the humidity of the airflow. After the mixed airflow is blown into the room, it can humidify the indoor air.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 6 As shown, when controlling the operating power of the steam generating component 40 according to the temperature, the controller 6 is specifically configured to: determine whether the temperature is within a preset temperature range; when the temperature is determined to be within the preset temperature range, control the heating power of the steam generating component 41 to a first preset heating power; when the temperature is determined to be less than the lower limit of the preset temperature range, control the heating power of the steam generating component 41 to a second preset heating power; when the temperature is determined to be greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, control the steam generating component 41 to stop operating; wherein, the first preset heating power is less than the second preset heating power.

[0042] Specifically, the preset temperature range is the operating temperature range corresponding to when the temperature of the steam generating component 40 reaches the over-temperature protection state but not the overheat protection state. Specifically, when the temperature of the steam generating component 40 reaches the temperature value corresponding to the over-temperature protection state, if the temperature continues to rise and reaches the temperature value corresponding to the overheat protection state, a shutdown and cooling phenomenon will occur. Therefore, when it is determined that the temperature is within the preset temperature range, in order to ensure that the steam generating component 40 can continue to operate, the heating power of the steam generating element 41 is controlled to the first preset heating power, so that the temperature of the steam generating component 40 rises or falls slowly. If the temperature of the steam generating component 40 is slowly rising and reaches the temperature value corresponding to the overheat protection state (i.e., the upper limit of the preset temperature range), it is considered that the temperature of the steam generating component 40 is too high. At this time, the steam generating element 41 is controlled to stop operating to reduce the temperature of the steam generating component 40. If the temperature of the steam generating component 40 is decreasing and drops to the temperature value corresponding to the overheat protection state (i.e., the lower limit of the preset temperature range), it is considered that the temperature of the steam generating component 40 is normal and will not shut down. At this time, the heating power of the steam generating element 41 is controlled to the second preset heating power. It can be understood that the second preset heating power is greater than the first preset heating power, so that more water in the steam generating chamber 42 forms steam and is released outside the casing, thereby improving the indoor air purification efficiency. In a specific embodiment, the first preset heating power is a low power, and the second preset heating power is a high power. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, after the steam generating component 40 is started, the steam generating element 41 is controlled to operate with a higher heating power. When the temperature is within the preset temperature range, the operating power of the steam generating element is reduced. This can prevent frequent shutdowns due to overheating of the steam generating component 40, thereby ensuring that the high-temperature steam generating device 4 can operate safely and stably for a long time, so as to continuously purify indoor air and improve the user experience.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the steam generator 41 is an electric heating element. When the steam generator 41 is stopped from running, the controller is specifically configured to: control the electric heating element to cut off the power.

[0044] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the steam generator 41 is an electric heating element, which is electrically connected to the electrical box 53 in the high-temperature steam generator 4 to supply power to the electric heating element and control its on / off state. This electric heating element is disposed inside the steam generating chamber 42 to heat the liquid, such as water, within the steam generating chamber 42 to generate high-temperature steam.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 4As shown, the steam generating chamber 42 is provided with a drain outlet, and a first solenoid valve (not shown in the figure) is provided at the drain outlet 371. The controller 6 is also configured to: when the temperature is determined to be greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, control the first solenoid valve to open so that the liquid inside the steam generating chamber 42 flows out from the drain outlet; when the temperature is determined to be less than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, control the first solenoid valve to close.

[0046] Specifically, when the temperature is determined to be higher than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, the temperature of the steam generating component 40 is too high. The steam generating element 41 is then controlled to stop operating to reduce the temperature of the steam generating component 40. At this time, the cooling rate of the steam generating component 40 is relatively slow. If the steam generating element 41 in the high-temperature steam generating device 4 is in a shutdown state for a long time, the indoor air purification function will be interrupted. Therefore, the liquid inside the steam generating chamber is allowed to flow out of the drain outlet 371 by controlling the first solenoid valve at the drain outlet to accelerate the cooling rate of the steam generating component 40. When the temperature of the steam generating component 40 drops to the upper limit of the preset temperature range, the first solenoid valve is controlled to close. In this way, the cooling of the steam generating component 40 can be accelerated. When the temperature is not higher than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, the steam generating element 41 is restarted, thereby ensuring that the high-temperature steam generating device 4 can operate safely and stably for a long time and continuously purify the indoor air.

[0047] In a specific embodiment, the first solenoid valve is a normally closed two-position two-way solenoid valve. When the first solenoid valve is opened, the power supply to the two-way valve is turned on, and the electromagnetic coil generates electromagnetic force to lift the closing element from the valve seat, the valve opens, and the liquid inside the steam generating chamber 42 flows out from the drain port.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, after controlling the first solenoid valve to open, the controller 6 is further configured to: control the first solenoid valve to close when the temperature reaches a preset temperature, and control the steam generator 41 to start operation with a second preset heating power, wherein the preset temperature is less than the lower limit of the preset temperature range.

[0049] Specifically, after the first solenoid valve is opened, the temperature of the steam generating component 40 gradually decreases. During this temperature decrease, if the preset temperature is reached, the first solenoid valve is closed, and the steam generating component 41 starts operating at a second preset heating power. This ensures the high-temperature steam generating device 4 can operate safely and stably for an extended period, continuously purifying indoor air. It is understood that by closing the first solenoid valve, the temperature threshold is set to a preset temperature, rather than the lower limit of the preset temperature range. Because the preset temperature is lower than the lower limit of the preset temperature range, the steam generating component 40 can start operating at a lower temperature, making it less likely to reach the preset temperature range. This avoids frequent adjustments to the heating power of the steam generating component 41, improving system stability and allowing the temperature of the steam generating component 40 to remain within a suitable range for an extended period, continuously purifying indoor air and enhancing the user experience.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, a second solenoid valve (not shown in the figure) is provided between the water storage tank 20 and the water guide channel 32. When the first solenoid valve is controlled to open, the controller is also configured to control the second solenoid valve to open.

[0051] Specifically, when the first solenoid valve is opened, the liquid inside the steam generating chamber 42 flows out through the drain outlet 371. At this time, the second solenoid valve between the water storage tank 20 and the water guide trough 32 is opened, so that the cold water in the water storage tank 20 can continuously flow through the steam generating component 41, thereby accelerating the cooling speed of the steam generating component 40. When the temperature is not greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, the steam generating component 41 is restarted, thereby ensuring that the high-temperature steam generating device 4 can operate safely and stably for a long time and continuously purify the indoor air.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the water storage tank 20 includes a water outlet valve 38 and a top rod 35 is provided in the water guide channel 32. When the water storage tank 20 is installed on the water storage tank base 30, the top rod 35 lifts the water outlet valve 38 so that the liquid stored in the water storage tank 20 flows into the water guide channel 32. The water guide channel 32 and the steam generating chamber 42 are connected through a through hole (not shown in the figure) so that the liquid in the water guide channel 32 flows into the steam generating chamber 42 through the through hole.

[0053] Specifically, when the water storage tank 20 is installed on the water storage tank base 30, the top rod 35 lifts the water outlet valve 38 inside the water outlet cover of the water storage tank 20, allowing the liquid stored in the water storage tank 20 to flow into the water guide trough 32. The liquid in the water guide trough 32 enters the steam generating chamber 42 through the bottom through-hole. When the water level in the steam generating chamber 42 reaches the highest point of the water guide trough 32, the water supply stops. In this way, the water storage tank 20 automatically adds water to the steam generating chamber 42, causing cold water to continuously flow through the steam generating component 41, thereby accelerating the cooling speed of the steam generating component 40. When the temperature does not exceed the upper limit of the preset temperature range, the steam generating component 41 is restarted, thus ensuring that the high-temperature steam generating device 4 can operate safely and stably for a long time and continuously purify the indoor air.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the air conditioner receives an instruction for the air purification function, it controls the steam generating component 40 to start operation and acquires the temperature of the steam generating component 40. Based on the temperature, the operating power of the steam generating component 40 is controlled to avoid frequent shutdowns due to overheating, thereby ensuring that the high-temperature steam generating device 4 can operate safely and stably for a long time to continuously purify indoor air and improve user experience. Furthermore, when the temperature is determined to be greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are controlled to open, allowing the liquid inside the steam generating chamber 42 to flow out through the drain outlet, accelerating the cooling of the steam generating component 40. When the temperature is not greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, the steam generating component 41 is restarted, further ensuring that the high-temperature steam generating device 4 can operate safely and stably for a long time to continuously purify indoor air. Furthermore, when the temperature reaches the preset temperature, the first solenoid valve is closed, and the steam generator 41 is started to operate at the second preset heating power. The preset temperature is lower than the lower limit of the preset temperature range, so that the steam generator 41 can start to operate at a lower temperature. This avoids frequent adjustments to the heating power of the steam generator, and allows the temperature of the steam generator assembly 40 to be maintained within a suitable temperature range for a long time, thereby improving the stability of the system.

[0055] Further embodiments of the present invention disclose a control method for an air conditioner, used in any of the above embodiments, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0056] Step S1: In response to the command to turn on the air purification function of the air conditioner, control the steam generation component to start operation.

[0057] Step S2: Obtain the temperature of the steam generating component.

[0058] Step S3: Control the operating power of the steam generating component according to the temperature.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the high-temperature steam generating device further includes: a water storage tank base, which is disposed below the water storage tank and communicates with the air duct, and a water guide groove is provided in the water storage tank base; the steam generating assembly includes: a steam generating element, a steam generating chamber and a steam ejector, wherein water in the water storage tank flows to the steam generating chamber through the water guide groove, the steam generating element is disposed in the steam generating chamber and configured to heat the water in the steam generating chamber to generate steam, and the steam ejector is configured to spray steam onto the air duct and the water storage tank base.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, controlling the operating power of the steam generating component based on temperature includes: determining whether the temperature is within a preset temperature range; when the temperature is determined to be within the preset temperature range, controlling the heating power of the steam generating component to a first preset heating power; when the temperature is determined to be less than the lower limit of the preset temperature range, controlling the heating power of the steam generating component to a second preset heating power; when the temperature is determined to be greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, controlling the steam generating component to stop operating; wherein the first preset heating power is less than the second preset heating power.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, the steam generator is an electric heating element, and controlling the steam generator to stop operating includes: controlling the electric heating element to disconnect from power.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, a drain outlet is provided on the steam generating chamber, and a first solenoid valve is provided at the drain outlet. The method further includes: when it is determined that the temperature is greater than the upper limit of a preset temperature range, controlling the first solenoid valve to open so that the liquid inside the steam generating chamber flows out from the drain outlet; and when it is determined that the temperature is not greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, controlling the first solenoid valve to close.

[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, after controlling the first solenoid valve to open, the method further includes: controlling the first solenoid valve to close when the temperature reaches a preset temperature, and controlling the steam generator to start operation with a second preset heating power, wherein the preset temperature is less than the lower limit of the preset temperature range.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, a second solenoid valve is provided between the water storage tank and the water guide channel. When controlling the first solenoid valve to open, the method further includes: controlling the second solenoid valve to open.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, the water storage tank includes a water outlet valve and a top rod is provided in the water guide channel. When the water storage tank is installed on the water storage tank base, the top rod lifts the water outlet valve so that the liquid stored in the water storage tank flows into the water guide channel.

[0066] In one embodiment of the present invention, the water guide channel and the steam generating chamber are connected by a through hole so that the liquid in the water guide channel flows into the steam generating chamber through the through hole.

[0067] It should be noted that the specific implementation of the air conditioner in the embodiments of the present invention is similar to the specific implementation of the control method of the air conditioner controller in the embodiments of the present invention. For details, please refer to the description in the method section. In order to reduce redundancy, it will not be repeated here.

[0068] According to the control method of the air conditioner of the present invention, when the air conditioner receives an instruction for the air purification function, it controls the steam generating component to start operation and acquires the temperature of the steam generating component. Based on the temperature, the operating power of the steam generating component is controlled, which can prevent frequent shutdowns due to overheating of the steam generating component, thereby ensuring the safe and stable operation of the high-temperature steam generating device for a long time to continuously purify indoor air and improve user experience. Furthermore, when the temperature is determined to be greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are controlled to open, allowing the liquid inside the steam generating chamber to flow out through the drain port, accelerating the cooling of the steam generating component. When the temperature is not greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, the steam generating component is restarted, further ensuring the safe and stable operation of the high-temperature steam generating device for a long time to continuously purify indoor air. Furthermore, when the temperature reaches the preset temperature, the first solenoid valve is controlled to close, and the steam generating component is controlled to start operation at a second preset heating power. This preset temperature is less than the lower limit of the preset temperature range, allowing the steam generating component to start operation at a lower temperature. This avoids frequent adjustments to the heating power of the steam generating component, allowing the temperature of the steam generating component to be maintained within a suitable temperature range for a long time, improving system stability.

[0069] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0070] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: include: The housing is provided with an indoor air inlet and an outdoor air inlet; A heat exchanger is disposed inside the housing; A heat exchange fan is installed inside the casing. The operation of the heat exchange fan introduces the airflow outside the casing into the casing through the heat exchange air inlet, and the airflow is heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger to form a heat exchange airflow. The heat exchange airflow is output to the room under the operation of the heat exchange fan. A high-temperature steam generator is disposed inside the housing and connected to the indoor air inlet and / or the outdoor air inlet. The high-temperature steam generator includes a water tank and a steam generating component. The steam generating component is disposed below the water tank. The water tank stores liquid, which flows into the steam generating component. The steam generating component is used to heat the liquid flowing into the water tank to generate high-temperature steam and release it outside the housing. A temperature sensor is installed inside the steam generating assembly to detect the temperature of the steam generating assembly; The controller is configured to: control the steam generating component to start operation in response to a command to activate the air purification function of the air conditioner; Obtain the temperature of the steam generating component; The operating power of the steam generating assembly is controlled according to the temperature. A water tank base is provided below the water tank and communicates with the air duct. A water guide groove is provided inside the water tank base. The steam generating assembly includes a steam generating element, a steam generating chamber, and a steam ejector. Water in the water tank flows to the steam generating chamber through the water guide groove. The steam generating element is disposed in the steam generating chamber and configured to heat the water in the steam generating chamber to generate steam. The steam ejector is configured to spray the steam into the air duct and the water tank base. When controlling the operating power of the steam generating component based on the temperature, the controller is specifically configured as follows: Determine whether the temperature is within the preset temperature range; When it is determined that the temperature is within the preset temperature range, the heating power of the steam generator is controlled to be the first preset heating power; When it is determined that the temperature is less than the lower limit of the preset temperature range, the heating power of the steam generator is controlled to the second preset heating power. When the temperature is determined to be greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, the steam generator is controlled to stop operating; wherein the first preset heating power is less than the second preset heating power; The steam generating chamber is provided with a drain outlet, and a first solenoid valve is provided at the drain outlet. The controller is further configured to: When it is determined that the temperature is greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, the first solenoid valve is controlled to open so that the liquid inside the steam generating chamber flows out from the drain port. When it is determined that the temperature is not greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, the first solenoid valve is controlled to close.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam generator is an electric heating element. When controlling the steam generator to stop operating, the controller is specifically configured as follows: The electric heating element is de-energized.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, After controlling the first solenoid valve to open, the controller is further configured to: When the temperature reaches the preset temperature, the first solenoid valve is closed, and the steam generator is started to operate at the second preset heating power, wherein the preset temperature is less than the lower limit of the preset temperature range.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second solenoid valve is provided between the water storage tank and the water guide channel. When the first solenoid valve is opened, the controller is further configured to: Control the second solenoid valve to open.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage tank includes a water outlet valve, and a top rod is provided in the water guide channel. When the water storage tank is installed on the water storage tank base, the top rod lifts the water outlet valve so that the liquid stored in the water storage tank flows into the water guide channel.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water guide channel and the steam generating chamber are connected by a through hole, so that the liquid in the water guide channel flows into the steam generating chamber through the through hole.

7. A control method for an air conditioner, characterized in that, For use in an air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1-6, the method comprises the following steps: In response to a command to activate the air purification function of the air conditioner, the steam generating component is controlled to start operation. Obtain the temperature of the steam generating component; The operating power of the steam generating component is controlled according to the temperature.

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