Air conditioner, air conditioner control method and electrical control box

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and more particularly to an air conditioner, an air conditioner control method, and an electrical control box. The air conditioner of this invention includes an outdoor unit and a water heater. The outdoor unit includes a condenser; the water heater includes an inner tank, which includes a shell, a separating component, a first control valve, a first heater, and a temperature sensor. The shell has a water-containing cavity and has an inlet and an outlet that communicate with the water-containing cavity. The separating component is disposed within the water-containing cavity and divides the cavity into a first cavity and a second cavity. The condenser is disposed within the first cavity, and the inlet and outlet are located on the cavity wall of the second cavity. In a first state, the first control valve is open; in a second state, the first control valve is closed and the first heater is on. The air conditioner, air conditioner control method, and electrical control box provided by this invention solve the technical problem in the prior art where the heat from the outdoor unit cannot be effectively utilized, reducing energy waste and improving energy efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] An air conditioner, also known as an air conditioner, is a device that uses artificial means to regulate and control parameters such as temperature, humidity, and airflow rate of the air inside a building or structure.

[0003] Existing air conditioners typically consist of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit includes an evaporator, while the outdoor unit includes a compressor, a condenser, a dryer (or receiver-drier), and an expansion valve (or throttling device). The cooling principle of an air conditioner generally involves the compressor compressing gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state, which is then sent to the condenser for cooling. After cooling, it becomes a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. This medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant enters the dryer for filtration and dehumidification. The filtered and dehumidified medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant then passes through the expansion valve (throttling device) to reduce its pressure, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid mixture (usually with more liquid). This mixture then passes through the evaporator, absorbing heat from the air and vaporizing, thus achieving cooling by absorbing heat from the air.

[0004] Air source heat pump water heaters, also known as "air source heat pump water heaters," work on a similar principle to air conditioners. They use electricity to drive the compressor, and the high-pressure liquid working fluid evaporates into a gaseous state in the evaporator after passing through the expansion valve, absorbing a large amount of heat energy from the air. The gaseous working fluid is then compressed by the compressor into a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid state, which then enters the condenser to release heat, thereby heating the water in the inner tank.

[0005] However, in existing technology, when an air conditioner is cooling, the indoor unit blows out cold air, while the outdoor unit blows out hot air. Since the hot air blown out by the outdoor unit is directly discharged into the atmosphere, the heat of the outdoor unit cannot be effectively utilized, resulting in energy waste.

[0006] In view of this, based on years of rich design, development and practical manufacturing experience in related industries, we have further researched and improved existing technical means to provide an air conditioner, an air conditioner control method and an electrical control box. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention provides an air conditioner, an air conditioner control method, and an electrical control box to solve the technical problem that the heat of the outdoor unit cannot be effectively utilized in the prior art, thereby reducing energy waste and improving energy efficiency.

[0008] This invention provides an air conditioner, comprising: an outdoor unit including a condenser; a water heater including an inner tank, the inner tank comprising: a shell having a water-containing cavity and having an inlet and an outlet communicating with the water-containing cavity; a separating component disposed within the water-containing cavity and dividing the water-containing cavity into a first cavity and a second cavity, the condenser being disposed within the first cavity, and the inlet and outlet being located on the cavity wall of the second cavity; a first control valve disposed within the separating component for connecting the first cavity and the second cavity, or for disconnecting the first cavity and the second cavity; a first heater disposed within the second cavity; and a temperature sensor disposed within the first cavity for acquiring the temperature of the water in the first cavity in a heating mode; wherein, in a first state, the first control valve is open; and in a second state, the first control valve is closed and the first heater is open.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the water heater further includes a second control valve and a water storage tank; the shell and the cavity wall of the first chamber have a drain outlet, and the second control valve is disposed at the drain outlet; the water storage tank is located at the bottom of the shell and communicates with the inner water-containing cavity. When the air conditioner is not in operation, and the percentage of time in a day that is lower than the first preset temperature is greater than the preset percentage, and when the first control valve and the second control valve are open, the water storage tank is used to collect the water discharged from the inner water-containing cavity.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the separating component includes a first partition and a second partition. The first partition is disposed horizontally within the shell and divides the water-containing cavity into an upper cavity and a lower cavity. The second partition is located below the first partition and is disposed vertically within the shell to divide the lower cavity into a left cavity and a right cavity. The left cavity forms the first cavity, and the upper cavity and the right cavity form the second cavity. The first partition has a connecting hole that connects the upper cavity and the right cavity, and the water inlet is located on the cavity wall of the right cavity. A first control valve is disposed on the first partition and corresponds to the position of the upper cavity, for connecting the upper cavity and the left cavity, or for disconnecting the upper cavity and the left cavity. The water heater also includes a third control valve, which is disposed on the second partition and is used to connect the left cavity and the right cavity, or for disconnecting the left cavity and the right cavity.

[0011] The present invention also provides an air conditioning control method, which uses the air conditioner described above. The air conditioning control method includes: in heating mode, obtaining the temperature of the water in the first chamber of the air conditioner's water heater; and heating the water in the first chamber when the temperature of the water in the first chamber is lower than a second preset temperature.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioning control method further includes: draining water from the water-containing cavity when the air conditioner is in a non-operating state and the percentage of time spent below a first preset temperature in a day is greater than a preset percentage.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioning control method further includes: heating the water in the water container cavity when the air conditioner is in a non-operating state and the outdoor temperature is lower than a third preset temperature.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, heating the water in the water container cavity when the air conditioner is not in operation and the outdoor temperature is lower than a third preset temperature includes: when the air conditioner is not in operation, determining whether the percentage of time spent below a second preset temperature in a day is less than a preset percentage; heating the water in the water container cavity when the percentage of time spent below a first preset temperature in a day is less than a preset percentage and the outdoor temperature is lower than a third preset temperature.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, after heating the water in the water-holding cavity when the air conditioner is not in operation and the outdoor temperature is lower than a third preset temperature, the air conditioner control method further includes: stopping the heating of the water in the water heater when the temperature of the water in the water-holding cavity is higher than a fourth preset temperature.

[0016] The present invention also provides an air conditioner, comprising: an acquisition module for acquiring the temperature of water in a first chamber of the air conditioner's water heater in a heating mode; and a heating module for heating the water in the first chamber when the temperature of the water in the first chamber is lower than a second preset temperature.

[0017] The present invention also provides an electrical control box, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the above-described air conditioning control method.

[0018] The air conditioner provided by this invention has an outdoor unit condenser located inside a water-filled cavity. This allows the heat released by the condenser during air conditioning to be transferred to the water inside the cavity. As a result, the heat released by the condenser can be effectively utilized, reducing energy waste, improving energy efficiency, and solving the technical problem that the heat of the outdoor unit cannot be effectively utilized in the prior art.

[0019] Understandably, in summer, since users typically use the air conditioner's cooling function, the condenser temperature is high. Therefore, in summer, the air conditioner can be in its first state, i.e., the first control valve is open. Water enters through the inlet, passes through the first and second chambers, and flows out through the outlet. In other words, the condenser heats the water throughout the entire water-holding chamber. In winter, since users typically use the air conditioner's heating function, the condenser temperature is low. In winter, the air conditioner can be in its second state, i.e., the first control valve is closed and the first heater is on. In this state, the condenser only exchanges heat with the closed first chamber, lowering the water temperature within the first chamber without affecting the second chamber's temperature. Because the first heater in the second chamber is on in the second state, users can still use hot water in winter without being affected by the condenser. Water enters through the inlet, passes through the second chamber, and flows out through the outlet. Furthermore, a temperature sensor can acquire the water temperature in the first chamber during heating mode to detect whether the water in the first chamber has frozen. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the air conditioner of the present invention, wherein the air conditioner is in a first state.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the air conditioner of the present invention, wherein the air conditioner is in a second state.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an air conditioning control method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of an air conditioning control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an air conditioning control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of an air conditioning control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of an air conditioning control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the air conditioner of the present invention.

[0029] Figure label:

[0030] 1. Outdoor unit; 11. Condenser; 12. Outdoor unit circuit board; 2. Water heater; 21. Tank; 201. Upper chamber; 202. Left chamber; 203. Right chamber; 213. Inlet; 214. Outlet; 215. Drain; 22. Separator; 221. First partition; 222. Second partition; 23. First control valve; 24. First heater; 25. Third control valve; 210. Acquisition module; 220. Heating module; 31. Heat transfer device; 311. First heat pipe; 312. Second heat pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0032] In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this embodiment and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this embodiment.

[0033] Furthermore, 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 indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this embodiment, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0034] In this embodiment, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this embodiment according to the specific circumstances.

[0035] Figures 1 to 8 The present invention illustrates an air conditioner and an air conditioner control method. As shown in the figures, the air conditioner of the present invention includes an outdoor unit 1 and a water heater 2. The outdoor unit 1 includes a condenser 11. The water heater 2 includes an inner tank, which includes a shell 21, a partition 22, a first control valve 23, a first heater 24, and a temperature sensor. The shell 21 has a water-containing cavity and has an inlet 213 and an outlet 214 that communicate with the water-containing cavity. The partition 22 is disposed in the water-containing cavity and divides the water-containing cavity into a first cavity and a second cavity. The condenser 11 is disposed in the first cavity, and the inlet 213 and the outlet 214 are located on the cavity wall of the second cavity. The first control valve 23 is disposed in the partition 22 and is used to connect the first cavity and the second cavity, or to disconnect the first cavity and the second cavity. The first heater 24 is disposed in the second cavity. The temperature sensor is disposed in the first cavity and is used to obtain the temperature of the water in the first cavity in the heating mode. In a first state, the first control valve 23 is open; in a second state, the first control valve 23 is closed and the first heater 24 is open.

[0036] The air conditioner provided by the present invention has an outdoor unit 1 in which the condenser 11 is located inside the water-containing cavity. When the air conditioner is cooling, the heat released by the condenser 11 can be transferred to the water inside the water-containing cavity. Thus, the heat released by the condenser 11 can be effectively utilized, reducing energy waste, improving energy efficiency, and solving the technical problem that the heat of the outdoor unit 1 cannot be effectively utilized in the prior art.

[0037] Understandably, in summer, since users typically use the air conditioner's cooling function, the condenser 11 is at a higher temperature. Therefore, in summer, the air conditioner can be in its first state, i.e., the first control valve 23 is open. Water enters through the inlet 213, passes through the first and second chambers, and flows out through the outlet 214. In other words, the condenser 11 can heat the water in the entire water-containing chamber. In winter, since users typically use the air conditioner's heating function, the condenser 11 is at a lower temperature. Therefore, in winter, the air conditioner can be in its second state, i.e., the first control valve 23 is closed and the first heater 24 is turned on. Thus, the condenser 11 only exchanges heat with the closed first chamber, and can only lower the temperature of the water in the first chamber without affecting the temperature of the second chamber. Since the first heater 24, located in the second chamber, is on in the second state, users can also use hot water in winter without being affected by the condenser 11. That is, water enters through the inlet 213, passes through the second chamber, and flows out through the outlet 214. In addition, the temperature sensor can obtain the temperature of the water in the first chamber in heating mode to detect the water temperature in the first chamber and determine whether the water in the first chamber has frozen.

[0038] Specifically, the separating component 22 includes a first partition 221 and a second partition 222. The first partition 221 is horizontally disposed within the shell 21, dividing the water-containing cavity into an upper cavity 201 and a lower cavity. The second partition 222 is located below the first partition 221 and is vertically disposed within the shell 21 to divide the lower cavity into a left cavity 202 and a right cavity 203. The left cavity 202 forms the first cavity, and the upper cavity 201 and the right cavity 203 form the second cavity. The first partition 221 has a connection to the upper cavity 201. The water inlet 213 is located on the wall of the right cavity 203, and the inlet 213 is connected to the right cavity 203. The first control valve 23 is disposed on the first partition 221 and corresponds to the position of the upper cavity 201, for connecting the upper cavity 201 and the left cavity 202, or for disconnecting the upper cavity 201 and the left cavity 202. The water heater 2 also includes a third control valve 25, which is disposed on the second partition 222, for connecting the left cavity 202 and the right cavity 203, or for disconnecting the left cavity 202 and the right cavity 203.

[0039] In practical implementation, the air conditioner can be in its first state during summer, i.e., the first control valve 23 and the third control valve 25 are opened; and in winter, the air conditioner can be in its second state. This satisfies the user's need for hot water without being affected by the condenser 11, while minimizing the space occupied by the condenser 11 within the tank 21. This solves the technical problem of high water consumption in winter and the insufficient capacity of the water heater 2 to meet user needs. It is understood that because the condenser 11 is installed inside the tank 21, it occupies internal space. Through the above structural arrangement, only the separated left cavity 202 is used for the condenser 11 for placement and heat exchange. That is, only a small portion of the tank 21 is occupied by the condenser 11. Therefore, in winter, the water storage space of the water heater 2 is the upper cavity 201 and the right cavity 203, thus solving the technical problem of high water consumption in winter and the insufficient capacity of the water heater 2 to meet user needs.

[0040] Specifically, the first partition 221 and the second partition 222 may be made of glass fiber to reduce the thermal conduction of water between adjacent cavities (e.g., upper cavity 201 and left cavity 202).

[0041] In some embodiments, a second heater may be provided in the left cavity 202 to prevent the water in the left cavity 202 from freezing in winter.

[0042] Specifically, the first heater 24 and the second heater can be heating films. The first heater 24 can cover the cavity wall of the upper cavity 201, and the second heater can cover the cavity wall of the left cavity 202.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first heater 24 and the second heater can be turned on while the first control valve 23 and the third control valve 25 are open. This can increase the water heating speed and keep the water temperature in the upper chamber 201 and the lower chamber basically constant, reduce water temperature fluctuations, and improve the hot water user experience.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, the water heater 2 may further include a second control valve and a water storage tank; the shell 21 and the cavity wall of the first cavity (left cavity 202) have a drain outlet 215, and the second control valve is disposed at the drain outlet 215; the water storage tank is located at the bottom of the shell 21 and communicates with the water-containing inner cavity. When the air conditioner is not in operation, and the percentage of time below the first preset temperature in a day is greater than the preset percentage, and when the first control valve 23 and the second control valve are open, the water storage tank is used to collect the water discharged from the water-containing inner cavity.

[0045] In practice, by draining the water from the inner water chamber, the water inside the inner water chamber can be prevented from freezing, thus preventing damage to the shell 21 caused by the freezing of the water inside the inner water chamber. Furthermore, the water storage tank can catch the drained water, thereby avoiding water waste and solving the technical problem of water waste caused by the direct discharge of water from the water heater 2 (inner water chamber) to the outside.

[0046] Specifically, the volume of the water storage tank can be larger than the volume of the shell 21. The upper end of the water storage tank can have a water inlet that can be connected to the drain outlet 215. The first preset temperature can be between 3° and 5° and the preset percentage can be 50%. For example, if the percentage of time below 3° in a day is greater than 50% of the total time of the day, it means that it is cold for most of the day. For example, the temperature is below 3° for 13 hours in a day.

[0047] In some embodiments, the side wall or bottom of the water storage tank may have a water storage outlet, and the water inlet 213 of the right cavity 203 is provided with a three-way pipe fitting. The three-way pipe fitting has a first port, a second port and a third port. The first port is connected to the water inlet 213, the water storage outlet can be connected to the second port through a pipe, and the third port is used for water inlet (introducing tap water). A fourth control valve is provided on the pipe.

[0048] In practice, under normal conditions, the second and fourth control valves are closed, and water enters the water-containing cavity through the third port. When the air conditioner is not in operation, and the percentage of time below 3°C is greater than 50% of the total day, and the first, second, and third control valves 25 are open, the water in the water-containing cavity will be discharged into the water storage tank through the water storage inlet. In order to reuse the water in the water storage tank, the fourth control valve can be opened, that is, the first, second, third, and fourth control valves are all open, so that the water in the water storage tank can flow back into the water-containing cavity through the second port, the first port, and the inlet 213 in sequence.

[0049] Specifically, the first control valve 23, the second control valve, the third control valve 25, and the fourth control valve can be solenoid valves or ball valves.

[0050] In some embodiments, the water tank is made of an elastic material. The elastic material may include one or more of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane (PU), and rubber. The water tank is in a contracted state when empty and expands when filled with water, storing the water within its inner cavity. This design prevents damage from freezing and improves space utilization.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 2As shown, in some embodiments, the outdoor unit 1 may further include an outdoor unit circuit board 12; the air conditioner also includes a heat transfer device 31, which is connected to the outdoor unit circuit board 12 and extends into the inner tank. One end of the heat transfer device 31 is connected to the outdoor unit circuit board 12, and the other end of the heat transfer device 31 is located in the water-containing inner cavity. The heat transfer device 31 includes a first heat pipe 311 and a second heat pipe 312. One end of the first heat pipe 311 is connected to the outdoor unit circuit board 12, and the other end of the first heat pipe 311 is located in the left cavity 202. One end of the second heat pipe 312 is connected to the outdoor unit circuit board 12, and the other end of the second heat pipe 312 is located in the upper cavity 201.

[0052] In practical implementation, since the outdoor unit circuit board 12 releases a large amount of heat during the operation of the air conditioner (cooling or heating), the above-mentioned structural setting can conduct heat to the outdoor unit circuit board 12 and transfer the heat released by the outdoor unit circuit board 12 to the inner tank, thereby accelerating the heating speed of the water. In other words, the heat source of the water in the inner tank (water-containing cavity) can also include the heat released by the outdoor unit circuit board 12, thereby improving the heat utilization rate and solving the technical problem of fast power consumption for heating water.

[0053] The present invention also provides an air conditioning control method, which uses the air conditioner in the above embodiments. The air conditioning control method includes: S110. In heating mode, obtaining the temperature of the water in the first chamber of the air conditioner's water heater 2; S120. Heating the water in the first chamber when the temperature of the water in the first chamber is lower than a second preset temperature.

[0054] In practical implementation, since users typically use the air conditioner in heating mode during winter, the evaporator of the indoor unit usually releases heat while the condenser 11 of the outdoor unit 1 usually absorbs heat. Therefore, the condenser 11 is prone to frost formation. Thus, in heating mode, the temperature of the water in the left cavity 202 of the air conditioner's water heater 2 can be obtained through a temperature sensor to determine whether the water in the left cavity 202 is frozen. The second preset temperature can be between 3° and 5°. For example, if the water temperature in the left cavity 202 is below 5°, the water in the left cavity 202 can be heated by the second heater. This prevents the water in the left cavity 202 from freezing, thereby preventing damage to the shell 21 at the location of the left cavity 202 caused by freezing. This solves the technical problem of damage to the shell 21 at the location of the left cavity 202 in winter.

[0055] In some embodiments, heating of the water in the left cavity 202 can be stopped when the water temperature in the left cavity 202 is higher than 30°C.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioning control method further includes: S130. When the air conditioner is in a non-working state and the percentage of time spent below a first preset temperature in a day is greater than a preset percentage, water is discharged from the water-containing inner cavity.

[0057] In practice, if the air conditioner is not in operation, it means that the condenser 11 usually neither absorbs nor releases heat. The first preset temperature can be between 3° and 5°. For example, if the percentage of time below 5° is greater than 50% of the total time of day, it usually means that the cold period of day is relatively long. Water in the shell 21 is prone to freezing, which can easily damage the shell 21 (after the water freezes, its volume will increase, thus causing damage to the shell 21). To prevent freezing and avoid damage to the shell 21, the water in the water-containing cavity can be drained.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioning control method may further include: S140. When the air conditioner is in a non-operating state and the outdoor temperature is lower than a third preset temperature, heating the water in the water container cavity.

[0059] In practice, if the air conditioner is not in operation, it means that the condenser 11 usually neither absorbs nor releases heat. The third preset temperature can be between 3° and 5°. For example, when the outdoor temperature is below 5°, the water in the water heater 2 is heated to prevent the water in the water container from freezing.

[0060] Specifically, the water in the water heater 2 can be heated by activating the first heater 24 and the second heater. During the heating process, the third control valve 25 can be opened to achieve heat exchange between the water in the left chamber 202 and the right chamber 203, eliminating the need to install an additional heater in the right chamber 203, thus saving costs.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, heating the water in the water container cavity when the air conditioner is not in operation and the outdoor temperature is lower than a third preset temperature includes: S141. When the air conditioner is not in operation, determining whether the percentage of time spent below a second preset temperature in a day is less than a preset percentage; S142. Heating the water in the water container cavity when the percentage of time spent below a first preset temperature in a day is less than a preset percentage and the outdoor temperature is lower than a third preset temperature.

[0062] In practice, if the air conditioner is not in operation, it means that the condenser 11 usually neither absorbs nor releases heat. For example, if the percentage of time below 3°C is less than 50% of the total day, it is generally not very cold throughout the day. In other words, the cold period of the day is not particularly long. Therefore, under the above circumstances, compared to the percentage of time below 3°C to 5°C being greater than 50% of the total day, the time for heating the water in the water heater 2 will not be too long, thereby saving energy.

[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, after heating the water in the water-holding cavity when the air conditioner is not in operation and the outdoor temperature is lower than a third preset temperature, the air conditioner control method further includes: S150. When the temperature of the water in the water-holding cavity is higher than a fourth preset temperature, stopping the heating of the water in the water heater 2.

[0064] The above settings can prevent the water in water heater 2 from being continuously heated.

[0065] Specifically, the fourth preset temperature can be between 30° and 35°. For example, the fourth preset temperature can be 35 degrees. Compared with setting the fourth preset temperature to 5 degrees or 10 degrees, it is not necessary to frequently heat the water in the water heater 2. In addition, it can reduce the waiting time for using hot water when the air conditioner is working, for example, when the air conditioner is heating.

[0066] The present invention also provides an air conditioner, including an acquisition module 210 and a heating module 220. The acquisition module 210 is used to acquire the temperature of the water in the first chamber of the water heater 2 of the air conditioner in heating mode; the heating module 220 is used to heat the water in the first chamber when the temperature of the water in the first chamber is lower than a second preset temperature.

[0067] The specific structure, working principle, and beneficial effects of the air conditioner are the same as those of the air conditioner control method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0068] The present invention also provides an electrical control box, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the air conditioning control method of the above embodiments.

[0069] The specific structure, working principle, and beneficial effects of the electrical control box are the same as those of the air conditioning control method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0070] In this embodiment, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0071] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0072] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "method," "specific method," or "some methods," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or method is included in at least one embodiment or method of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or method. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or methods. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or methods described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or methods.

[0073] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: The application relates to an outdoor unit (1) and a water heater (2). The outdoor unit (1) comprises a condenser (11). The water heater (2) comprises an inner container, wherein the inner container comprises: a container shell (21) having a water-containing inner cavity, and having a water inlet (213) and a water outlet (214) capable of communicating with the water-containing inner cavity; a separation component (22) arranged in the water-containing inner cavity and separating the water-containing inner cavity into a first cavity and a second cavity, wherein the condenser (11) is arranged in the first cavity, and the water inlet (213) and the water outlet (214) are located on a cavity wall of the second cavity; a first control valve (23) arranged on the separation component (22) and used for connecting or disconnecting the first cavity and the second cavity; a first heater (24) arranged in the second cavity; in a first state, the first control valve (23) is opened; in a second state, the first control valve (23) is closed and the first heater (24) is opened; a temperature sensor arranged in the first cavity and used for acquiring the temperature of water in the first cavity in a heating mode; wherein the separation component (22) comprises a first partition plate (221) and a second partition plate (222), the first partition plate (221) is arranged in the container shell (21) along a horizontal direction and separates the water-containing inner cavity into an upper cavity (201) and a lower cavity; the second partition plate (222) is located below the first partition plate (221) and is arranged in the container shell (21) along a vertical direction to separate the lower cavity into a left cavity (202) and a right cavity (203), the left cavity (202) forms the first cavity, the upper cavity (201) and the right cavity (203) form the second cavity, the first partition plate (221) has a communication hole for connecting the upper cavity (201) and the right cavity (203), and the water inlet (213) is located on the cavity wall of the right cavity (203); the first control valve (23) is arranged on the first partition plate (221) and corresponds to the position of the upper cavity (201), and is used for connecting or disconnecting the upper cavity (201) and the left cavity (202); the water heater (2) further comprises a third control valve (25), the third control valve (25) is arranged on the second partition plate (222) and is used for connecting or disconnecting the left cavity (202) and the right cavity (203).

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein The water heater (2) further comprises a second control valve and a water storage tank. The container shell (21) and the cavity wall of the first cavity have a drain port (215), and the second control valve is arranged at the drain port (215). The water storage tank is located at the bottom of the gallbladder shell (21) and communicates with the water containing inner cavity. When the air conditioner is in a non-working state and the percentage of time below the first preset temperature in a day is greater than a preset percentage, and in the state that the first control valve (23) and the second control valve are opened, the water storage tank is used to collect the water discharged from the water containing inner cavity.

3. An air conditioning control method characterized by, The air conditioner control method adopts the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 2, and the air conditioner control method comprises: In the heating mode, the temperature of the water in the first cavity of the water heater (2) of the air conditioner is obtained. The water in the first cavity is heated when the temperature of the water in the first cavity is lower than a second preset temperature.

4. The air conditioner control method according to claim 3, characterized by, The air conditioner control method further comprises: When the air conditioner is in a non-working state and the percentage of time below the first preset temperature in a day is greater than a preset percentage, the water in the water containing inner cavity is discharged.

5. The air conditioner control method according to claim 3, characterized by, The air conditioner control method further comprises: When the air conditioner is in a non-working state and the outdoor temperature is lower than a third preset temperature, the water in the water containing inner cavity is heated.

6. The air conditioner control method according to claim 5, characterized by, The heating of the water in the water containing inner cavity when the air conditioner is in a non-working state and the outdoor temperature is lower than a third preset temperature comprises: When the air conditioner is in a non-working state, it is judged whether the percentage of time below the second preset temperature in a day is less than a preset percentage; When the percentage of time below the first preset temperature in a day is less than a preset percentage, and the water in the water containing inner cavity is heated when the outdoor temperature is lower than the third preset temperature.

7. The air conditioner control method according to claim 5, characterized by, After the heating of the water in the water containing inner cavity when the air conditioner is in a non-working state and the outdoor temperature is lower than a third preset temperature, the air conditioner control method further comprises: When the temperature of the water in the water containing inner cavity is higher than a fourth preset temperature, the heating of the water in the water heater (2) is stopped.

8. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: Comprise: The acquisition module (210) is used for obtaining the temperature of the water in the first cavity of the water heater (2) of the air conditioner in the heating mode. The heating module (220) is used for heating the water in the first cavity when the temperature of the water in the first cavity is lower than a second preset temperature.

9. An electric control box comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored on the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, The processor executes the computer program to realize the steps of the air conditioner control method according to any one of claims 3 to 7. The processor executes the computer program to realize the steps of the air conditioner control method according to any one of claims 3 to 7.

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