Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The application provides an air conditioner and a control method thereof. The air conditioner comprises an indoor heat exchanger and a heating and humidifying component arranged adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger. The heating and humidifying component comprises a heating element and a driving device. The heating element has a humidifying state in contact with humidifying water and a heating state separated from the humidifying water. The driving device can drive the heating element to switch between the humidifying state and the heating state. The application utilizes the relative position relationship between the heating element and the humidifying water to enable the switching between the heating state and the humidifying state, thereby eliminating the need for separately arranging a corresponding execution component for heating or humidifying in the prior art, reducing the occupation of the internal space of the air conditioner, improving the utilization rate of the internal space of the air conditioner, and further facilitating the development of other more functions of the air conditioner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of air conditioning technology, specifically relating to an air conditioner and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of science and technology in China, communication technology has also made great progress. In order to ensure that modern communication equipment can operate normally for a long time and transmit signals safely, the requirements for the environment of the computer room where the communication equipment is placed are getting higher and higher. This has prompted the dedicated computer room air conditioner to have more functions. Currently, commonly used computer room air conditioners have functions such as constant temperature and humidity.

[0003] Currently, the humidification function of commonly used computer room air conditioners is achieved using electrode humidifiers. These humidifiers control the steam output by adjusting the water level and conductivity, thus humidifying the air. However, existing electrode humidifiers are quite bulky. Heating is achieved through electric heating installed within the evaporator cavity, which also occupies a significant amount of space. The humidification and heating components take up considerable internal space in the air conditioner, resulting in low space utilization. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the present invention provides an air conditioner and its control method, which can solve the technical problem that the humidification and heating of the air conditioner in the prior art are achieved by using separate components, which occupies a large space inside the air conditioner and has a low space utilization rate.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides an air conditioner including an indoor heat exchanger and a heating and humidifying component disposed adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger. The heating and humidifying component includes a heating element and a driving device. The heating element has a humidifying state in contact with humidifying water and a heating state detached from the humidifying water. The driving device is capable of driving the heating element to switch between the humidifying state and the heating state.

[0006] In some embodiments, the heating and humidifying component further includes a water storage tank, wherein when the heating element is in the humidifying state, the heating element is inside the water storage tank, and when the heating element is in the heating state, the heating element is outside the water storage tank; and / or, the heating element is an electric heating plate.

[0007] In some embodiments, the drive device includes a rotary motor, a lead screw coaxially connected to the shaft of the rotary motor, and a lead screw nut threadedly connected to the lead screw. The heating element is connected to the lead screw nut and can move up or down following the rotation of the rotary motor to switch between the humidification state and the heating state.

[0008] In some embodiments, the water tank has legs at the bottom, and the rotary motor is assembled on the outer wall of the bottom wall of the water tank.

[0009] In some embodiments, the bottom of the indoor heat exchanger is provided with a water receiving tray and a water pumping assembly for pumping water from the water receiving tray into the water storage tank; and / or, the air conditioner is a cabinet air conditioner.

[0010] In some embodiments, the water storage tank is disposed within the water receiving tray; and / or, a liquid level detection component is further provided for detecting the real-time height of the liquid in the water receiving tray.

[0011] In some embodiments, the water receiving tray has an inlet and an outlet.

[0012] The present invention also provides a control method for an air conditioner, for controlling the above-mentioned air conditioner, comprising the following steps:

[0013] Obtain the real-time air temperature and humidity of the target space;

[0014] Based on the relationship between the real-time air temperature and the preset temperature setting, and the relationship between the real-time air humidity and the preset humidity setting, the heating element is controlled to switch between the humidification state and the heating state.

[0015] In some embodiments, when the drive device includes a rotary motor,

[0016] When the real-time air temperature is less than the preset temperature setting value and the real-time air humidity is not less than the preset humidity setting value, the rotary motor is controlled to rotate in the first direction so that the heating element rises.

[0017] When the real-time air humidity is less than the preset humidity setting value, the rotary motor is controlled to rotate in the second direction so that the heating element descends. The first direction is opposite to the second direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, when the air conditioner includes a water tray, the control method further includes:

[0019] Detect the real-time liquid level height in the water receiving tray;

[0020] When the real-time liquid level is not within the preset liquid level range, the operating mode of the air conditioner is obtained, and the on / off state of the water inlet or outlet of the water receiving tray is controlled according to the relationship between the real-time liquid level and the preset liquid level range and whether the obtained operating mode is humidification mode.

[0021] In some implementations, controlling the on / off state of the water inlet or outlet of the water receiving tray based on the relationship between the real-time liquid level height and the preset liquid level range, and whether the operating mode is humidification mode, specifically includes:

[0022] When the real-time liquid level exceeds the upper limit of the preset liquid level range and the operating mode is not the humidification mode, the outlet is opened and the inlet is cut off.

[0023] When the real-time liquid level is lower than the lower limit of the preset liquid level range and the operating mode is the humidification mode, the inlet is opened and the outlet is closed.

[0024] This invention provides an air conditioner and its control method, which utilizes the relative positional relationship between the heating element and the humidifying water to enable switching between heating and humidifying states. This eliminates the need for separate actuators for heating and humidification as required by existing technologies, reducing the space occupied inside the air conditioner, improving the utilization rate of the internal space, and facilitating the development of more functions for the air conditioner. The heating element in this invention can perform both humidification and heating functions, has a more compact structure, and can reduce product manufacturing costs to a certain extent. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention (only the indoor heat exchanger, water tray, and heating and humidifying components are shown).

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the heating and humidifying components in the middle;

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Left side view;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Top view;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the heating and humidifying component and the water receiving tray in an embodiment of the present invention from a top-down perspective.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the control flow of an air conditioner control method according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0031] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0032] 1. Indoor heat exchanger; 11. Water tray; 12. Liquid level detection component; 111. Water inlet; 112. Water outlet; 2. Heating and humidifying component; 21. Heating element; 221. Rotary motor; 222. Lead screw; 223. Lead nut; 23. Water storage tank; 241. Water pump; 242. Water pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0033] See also Figures 1 to 6 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner is provided, including an indoor heat exchanger 1 and a heating and humidifying component 2 disposed adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger 1. The heating and humidifying component 2 includes a heating element 21 and a driving device. The heating element 21 has a humidifying state in contact with humidifying water and a heating state detached from the humidifying water. The driving device can drive the heating element 21 to switch between the humidifying state and the heating state. In this technical solution, the relative positional relationship between the heating element 21 and the humidifying water enables it to switch between the heating state and the humidifying state, thus eliminating the need for separate corresponding execution components for heating or humidification as in the prior art. This reduces the occupation of the internal space of the air conditioner, improves the utilization rate of the internal space of the air conditioner, and facilitates the development of other functions of the air conditioner. In addition, the heating element 21 in the present invention can realize the dual functions of humidification and heating, with a more compact structure, and can reduce the product manufacturing cost to a certain extent. It should be noted that the heating and humidifying component 2 and the corresponding technical concept designed in the technical solution of the present invention are particularly suitable for air conditioners with high requirements for structural compactness, such as cabinet air conditioners. It is understandable that the heating element 21 heats the water in the humidification water to generate water vapor, thereby achieving the purpose of humidification.

[0034] The aforementioned heating element 21 can be an electric heating plate. Specifically, it has a plate body on which multiple electric heating wires can be installed to convert electrical energy into heat energy, resulting in high heating or humidification efficiency.

[0035] See also Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the heating and humidifying component 2 also includes a water storage tank 23. When the heating element 21 is in the humidifying state, the heating element 21 is inside the water storage tank 23; when the heating element 21 is in the heating state, the heating element 21 is outside the water storage tank 23. The separately configured water storage tank 23 allows its structure to match the structural dimensions of the heating and humidifying component 2. For example, when the overall appearance of the heating and humidifying component 2 is square (see...),... Figure 4 The corresponding water storage tank 23 is also square in shape, which allows the humidification water level to be designed to be relatively high, so that the heating and humidification component 2 can be completely submerged below the liquid surface, ensuring the humidification effect.

[0036] See details Figure 2As shown, the drive device includes a rotary motor 221, a lead screw 222 coaxially connected to the shaft of the rotary motor 221, and a lead screw nut 223 threadedly connected to the lead screw 222. The heating element 21 is connected to the lead screw nut 223. The heating element 21 can rise or fall with the rotation of the rotary motor 221 to switch between humidification and heating states. It is understood that the lead screw nut 223 should be fixedly connected to the slider in the slide rail assembly (not shown in the figure) parallel to the axial (length direction) direction of the lead screw 222 to limit the circumferential displacement (rotation) of the lead screw nut 223. In this technical solution, the lead screw 222 and the lead nut 223 are threaded together. When the lead screw 222 is driven to rotate by the rotary motor 221, the lead screw 223 is restricted from circumferential rotation, thus causing the heating element 21, which is fixedly connected to it, to rise or fall. This allows the heating element 21 to flexibly switch between humidification and heating states. Specifically, for example, when the motor rotates forward, the heating element 21 rises, and the air conditioner can operate in heating mode. Conversely, when the motor rotates in reverse, the heating element 21 falls, and the air conditioner can switch to humidification mode. Of course, as needed, the heating element 21 may fall when the motor rotates forward and rise when the motor rotates in reverse. The aforementioned rotary motor 221 can specifically be a stepper motor.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the water storage tank 23 has feet at its bottom, and the rotary motor 221 is assembled on the outer wall of the bottom of the water storage tank 23 and located in the area between the two feet. The design of the feet allows the rotary motor 221 to have a certain design height, and the fact that the rotary motor 221 is located on the outside of the bottom wall of the tank can effectively prevent the condensate formed in the indoor heat exchanger 1 from wetting it, thereby improving the reliability of the motor operation.

[0038] In another preferred embodiment, a water receiving tray 11 is provided at the bottom of the indoor heat exchanger 1 to collect condensate generated by the indoor heat exchanger 1 above. It also includes a water pump assembly for pumping water from the water receiving tray 11 into a water storage tank 23. In this technical solution, the water pump assembly can pump the condensate collected in the water receiving tray 11 into the water storage tank 23 for humidification. Figure 4 As shown, the water storage tank 23 is located inside the water receiving tray 11, making the structural design more reasonable.

[0039] It is also equipped with a liquid level detection component 12, such as a liquid level sensor, to detect the real-time height of the liquid in the water receiving tray 11, so that the corresponding control component can drain water in time when the real-time height is too high and replenish water in time when the real-time height is too low.

[0040] In some embodiments, the water receiving tray 11 has an inlet 111 and an outlet 112. The outlet 112 is controllably connected to the top area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger (not shown in the figure) through a pipeline, so that the condensate in the water receiving tray 11 can be used to irrigate and dissipate heat from the outdoor heat exchanger, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger. Especially when the liquid level in the water receiving tray 11 is too high and there is a risk of overflow, and the air conditioner is not running the humidification mode, the outlet 112 can be controlled to open in time to allow circulation. The inlet 111 is provided to replenish water in the water receiving tray 11 in time when the liquid level in the water receiving tray 11 is too low and humidification is required.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a control method for an air conditioner is also provided, for controlling the air conditioner described above, comprising the following steps:

[0042] Obtain the real-time air temperature and humidity of the target space (i.e., the space that needs to be heated and humidified, such as the space inside the server rack);

[0043] Based on the relationship between the real-time air temperature and the preset temperature setting, and the relationship between the real-time air humidity and the preset humidity setting, the heating element 21 is controlled to switch between humidification and heating states. In this technical solution, by real-time detection of the temperature and humidity of the target space, the system determines how to control the state switching of the heating element 21, thereby achieving heating or humidification of the target space. The control is simple and flexible.

[0044] When the drive device includes a rotary motor 221, when the real-time air temperature is lower than a preset temperature setting and the real-time air humidity is not lower than a preset humidity setting, the rotary motor 221 is controlled to rotate in a first direction (e.g., forward) to raise the heating element 21; when the real-time air humidity is lower than the preset humidity setting, the rotary motor 221 is controlled to rotate in a second direction (e.g., reverse) to lower the heating element 21. It is understood that the heating element 21 is synchronously controlled to operate; for example, if it is an electric heating plate, simply controlling its power supply is sufficient. When both the real-time air temperature and real-time air humidity meet the corresponding set value ranges, the heating element 21 does not operate to generate heat, and it can either rise or fall without particular limitation.

[0045] See details Figure 6As shown, the detection board (i.e., the specific detection element, such as a temperature and humidity sensor) detects the air humidity and temperature of the external environment (i.e., the target space). When both meet the relevant set values, the heating mode or humidification mode is not operated, that is, the heating element 21 does not operate (is not powered). When the humidity does not meet the set value, that is, it is lower than the humidity set value, the humidification mode is controlled to operate. At this time, the heating element 21 operates to heat and is controlled to descend and immerse itself in the humidification water (contact with water), so that water vapor can be generated by heating to achieve the purpose of humidification. When the temperature does not meet the set value, that is, it is lower than the temperature set value, the air conditioner is further judged whether to operate the humidification mode. That is, at this time, it should also be judged whether the humidity meets the set value. If the humidity does not meet the set value, the humidification mode is operated first, and the heating mode is not operated. This is because the core principle of the humidification mode operation in this invention is heating and evaporation. While humidifying, it can also achieve the purpose of heating to a certain extent. When the humidity meets the set value, the air conditioner is controlled to operate the heating mode. That is, the heating element 21 is controlled to rise and detach from the water, and it directly heats the air.

[0046] When the air conditioner includes a water tray 11, the control method further includes: detecting the real-time liquid level height in the water tray 11; when the real-time liquid level height is not within the preset liquid level range, obtaining the operating mode of the air conditioner, and controlling the on / off state of the inlet 111 or outlet 112 of the water tray 11 based on the relationship between the real-time liquid level height and the preset liquid level range, and whether the obtained operating mode is humidification mode. Specifically, this includes: when the real-time liquid level height exceeds the upper limit of the preset liquid level range and the operating mode is not humidification mode, controlling the outlet 111... 12 is open and inlet 111 is closed to prevent water from overflowing due to excessive water level. At the same time, outlet 112 guides condensate to the outdoor heat exchanger, which can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger. When the real-time liquid level is lower than the lower limit of the preset liquid level range and the operating mode is humidification mode, inlet 111 is opened and outlet 112 is closed to replenish water and ensure the water volume for humidification. Inlet 111 is controllably connected to the external water source. When the liquid level is within the preset range, both outlet 112 and inlet 111 are closed.

[0047] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that, without conflict, the advantageous technical features of the above-mentioned methods can be freely combined and superimposed.

[0048] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention. The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The device includes an indoor heat exchanger (1) and a heating and humidifying component (2) disposed adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger (1). The heating and humidifying component (2) includes a heating element (21) and a driving device. The heating element (21) has a humidifying state in contact with humidifying water and a heating state detached from the humidifying water. The driving device can drive the heating element (21) to switch between the humidifying state and the heating state. The heating and humidifying component (2) also includes a water storage tank (23). When the heating element (21) is in the humidifying state, the heating element (21) is inside the water storage tank (23). When the heating element (21) is in the heating state, the heating element (21) is outside the water storage tank (23). The actuator includes a rotary motor (221), a lead screw (222) coaxially connected to the shaft of the rotary motor (221), and a nut (223) threadedly connected to the lead screw (222). The heating element (21) is connected to the nut (223). The heating element (21) can rise or fall with the rotation of the rotary motor (221) to switch between the humidification state and the heating state. A water receiving tray (11) is provided at the bottom of the indoor heat exchanger (1). The water storage tank (23) is located in the water receiving tray (11). The bottom of the water storage tank (23) has support legs. The rotary motor (221) is assembled on the outer wall of the bottom wall of the water storage tank (23) and is located in the area between the two support legs.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating element (21) is an electric heating plate.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a water pump assembly for pumping water from the water receiving tray (11) into the water storage tank (23); and / or, the air conditioner is a cabinet air conditioner.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, It is also equipped with a liquid level detection component (12) for detecting the real-time height of the liquid in the water receiving tray (11).

5. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The water receiving tray (11) has an inlet (111) and an outlet (112).

6. A control method for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The method for controlling the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5 includes the following steps: Obtain the real-time air temperature and humidity of the target space; Based on the relationship between the real-time air temperature and the preset temperature setting value, and the relationship between the real-time air humidity and the preset humidity setting value, the heating element (21) is controlled to switch between the humidification state and the heating state.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the drive device includes a rotary motor (221), When the real-time air temperature is less than the preset temperature setting value and the real-time air humidity is not less than the preset humidity setting value, the rotary motor (221) is controlled to rotate in the first direction so that the heating element (21) rises. When the real-time air humidity is less than the preset humidity setting value, the rotary motor (221) is controlled to rotate in the second direction so that the heating element (21) descends. The first direction is opposite to the second direction.

8. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the air conditioner includes a water tray (11), the control method further includes: Detect the real-time liquid level height in the water receiving tray (11); When the real-time liquid level is not within the preset liquid level range, the operating mode of the air conditioner is obtained, and the inlet (111) or outlet (112) of the water receiving tray (11) is controlled according to the relationship between the real-time liquid level and the preset liquid level range and whether the obtained operating mode is a humidification mode.

9. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control of the on / off state of the inlet (111) or outlet (112) of the water receiving tray (11) based on the relationship between the real-time liquid level height and the preset liquid level range, and whether the operating mode is humidification mode, specifically includes: When the real-time liquid level exceeds the upper limit of the preset liquid level range and the operating mode is not the humidification mode, the outlet (112) is opened and the inlet (111) is closed. When the real-time liquid level is lower than the lower limit of the preset liquid level range and the operating mode is the humidification mode, the inlet (111) is controlled to be open and the outlet (112) is cut off.

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