Air conditioner indoor unit and self-cleaning control method of air conditioner

Abstract

The application discloses an air conditioner indoor unit and a self-cleaning control method of an air conditioner. The air conditioner indoor unit comprises a shell, a heat exchanger, a water collecting tray and a water supply device. The shell is provided with an air inlet, and a filter screen is arranged at the air inlet. The heat exchanger is arranged in the shell. The water collecting tray is arranged below the heat exchanger and is provided with a water storage groove. The water storage groove is used for collecting condensate water falling from the heat exchanger to the water collecting tray. A water outlet is arranged on the circumferential wall of the water storage groove. The water supply device is arranged in the shell and comprises a water tank and a water pump. The water pump is used for sending the condensate water in the water storage groove into the water tank. The condensate water in the water tank is used for cleaning the filter screen and / or the heat exchanger. The air conditioner indoor unit can supply water for the water tank while avoiding changing the arrangement of the drain pipe of the air conditioner indoor unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioner technology, and in particular to a self-cleaning control method for an indoor air conditioner unit and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] During the cooling process, condensate produced by the indoor unit of an air conditioner drips onto a drip tray located below the heat exchanger. The condensate is then drained outdoors through a drain outlet on the tray and a drain pipe connected to it. In related technologies, a water tank is installed inside the indoor unit, connected directly or via a water pump to the drain outlet on the drip tray to collect the condensate. This condensate can then be used to clean the filter and / or heat exchanger of the indoor unit, thus enabling a self-cleaning function. However, since the drain outlet on the drip tray supplies water to the tank, and the condensate becomes dirty after cleaning the filter and / or heat exchanger, it needs to be drained. Therefore, either a drain pipe directly connecting the outdoor unit to the water tank can be installed to drain the dirty water outdoors, or a drain outlet can be added to the drip tray, connected to the drain pipe, to drain the dirty water outdoors. Both of these methods will result in changes to the drain pipe configuration, which typically needs to extend from inside the indoor unit of the air conditioner to the outside. Changes to the drain pipe configuration will lead to changes to the configuration and installation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide an air conditioner indoor unit that can supply water to the water tank while avoiding changes to the drain pipe configuration of the air conditioner indoor unit.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an indoor air conditioning unit, characterized in that it comprises:

[0005] The housing has an air inlet, and a filter screen is provided at the air inlet;

[0006] The heat exchanger is located inside the housing;

[0007] A water receiving tray, located below the heat exchanger, includes a water storage tank for collecting condensate that falls from the heat exchanger onto the tray. The water storage tank has a drain outlet on its circumferential wall.

[0008] A water supply device is disposed inside the housing. The water supply device includes a water tank and a water pump. The water pump is used to send the condensate in the water storage tank into the water tank. The condensate in the water tank is used to clean the filter screen and / or the heat exchanger.

[0009] In one embodiment, the water tank has a drain outlet, through which condensate in the water tank can be discharged to the drip tray.

[0010] In one embodiment, the water supply device further includes a filter element for filtering condensate before it enters the water tank.

[0011] In one embodiment, the filter element is located between the water pump and the water storage tank, the lowest horizontal point of the water storage tank is 8mm-10mm lower than the drain outlet, and the inlet of the filter element is 2mm-5mm higher than the lowest horizontal point of the water storage tank.

[0012] In one embodiment, the filter element is located between the water pump and the water storage tank, and the outlet of the filter element is detachably connected to the inlet of the water pump.

[0013] In one embodiment, the outlet of the filter element is screwed to the inlet of the water pump; and / or

[0014] The filter element is elongated and extends along the vertical direction of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0015] In one embodiment, the housing includes a face frame and a panel. The face frame has a disassembly port for disassembling and assembling the filter element. The panel is movably disposed on the face frame to expose or cover the disassembly port.

[0016] In one embodiment, the housing further includes a switch plate detachably connected to the faceplate to open or close the disassembly port.

[0017] In one embodiment, on one side of the switch plate, a U-shaped snap fastener is provided, and on the other side, a barb is provided. The mounting / dismounting port has a first slot corresponding to the edge of the U-shaped snap fastener, and the mounting / dismounting port has a second slot corresponding to the edge of the barb. The U-shaped snap fastener engages with the first slot, and the barb engages with the second slot.

[0018] In one embodiment, the switch plate has a stepped first stop, and the edge of the disassembly port has a stepped second stop, the first stop and the second stop cooperating to form a seal between the edge of the disassembly port and the edge of the switch plate.

[0019] In one embodiment, the drain outlet is provided with a drain pipe, the outlet of the drain pipe is located on the side of the water storage tank with the drain outlet, and in the extending direction of the circumferential wall of the water storage tank, the drain outlet is closer to the bottom of the water storage tank than the outlet of the drain pipe.

[0020] In one embodiment, the water storage capacity per unit height of the water tank decreases from top to bottom, and the outlet is located at the lowest point of the water tank.

[0021] In one embodiment, the bottom of the water tank has a lower base plate and a liquid guide plate, the liquid guide plate is inclined outward relative to the lower base plate, and the lower side of the liquid guide plate is connected to the lower base plate, and the drain outlet is located on the lower base plate.

[0022] In one embodiment, the outer surface of the liquid guiding plate is provided with a plurality of spaced support plates, and the end face of the free end of the support plate is flush with the outer surface of the lower base plate.

[0023] In one embodiment, the bottom of the water tank further includes an upper base plate and a connecting plate, the upper base plate being located above the lower base plate, the connecting plate connecting the upper base plate and the lower base plate, and at least a portion of the water pump being accommodated within the clearance space defined by the connecting plate and the upper base plate.

[0024] In one embodiment, the indoor unit of the air conditioner further includes a self-cleaning mechanism, which includes a drive component for moving the filter and a cleaning component for cleaning the filter when the filter moves to the water tank.

[0025] In the aforementioned indoor air conditioning unit, a water storage tank is formed on the drip tray. This tank collects condensate that falls from the heat exchanger, thus supplying water to the water tank. The drain outlet on the drip tray allows the dirty condensate, after cleaning the filter and / or heat exchanger, to be discharged outside the indoor unit when the self-cleaning function is activated. Alternatively, relatively clean condensate can be discharged once the condensate in the storage tank reaches a certain depth. Therefore, this indoor air conditioning unit can supply water to the water tank without altering the drain outlet design, and consequently, without requiring changes to the drain pipe.

[0026] The present invention also provides a self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner. The indoor unit of the air conditioner includes a water collection tray, a water tank, and a water pump. The water collection tray has a water storage tank, and a drain outlet is provided on the circumferential wall of the water storage tank. The water pump is used to send the condensate in the water storage tank into the water tank. The self-cleaning control method for the air conditioner includes the following steps:

[0027] Obtain the water volume in the water tank and the cumulative operating time of the air conditioner;

[0028] The self-cleaning function is activated when the water volume reaches the preset total water volume and the cumulative running time reaches the preset duration.

[0029] In one embodiment, the step of obtaining the water volume in the water tank includes the following steps:

[0030] Obtain the difference between the heat exchanger temperature and the return air temperature of the air conditioner in cooling mode, as well as the single operation duration of the air conditioner in cooling mode.

[0031] When the temperature difference is greater than 5°C and the single run time is greater than or equal to 4 hours, the water volume in the storage tank reaches the preset water distribution volume, and the water pump is activated once; and

[0032] When the water pump is turned on a preset number of times, the water volume in the tank reaches the preset total water volume.

[0033] In one embodiment, the step of obtaining the water volume in the water tank includes the following steps:

[0034] Obtain the current humidity and the difference between the heat exchanger temperature and the return air temperature of the air conditioner in cooling mode;

[0035] Determine the water storage time required for the water tank to reach the preset water volume based on the current humidity and the difference;

[0036] The water pump is activated once every water storage interval; and

[0037] When the water pump is turned on a preset number of times, the water volume in the tank reaches the preset total water volume.

[0038] In one embodiment, in the step of determining the water storage time required for the water tank to reach a preset water volume based on the current humidity and the difference:

[0039] When the current humidity is 70%-85% and the temperature difference is 2℃-5℃, the water storage time is 2 hours.

[0040] When the current humidity is between 70% and 85% and the difference is greater than 5°C, the water storage time is 1 hour.

[0041] When the current humidity is greater than 85% and the temperature difference is 2℃-5℃, the water storage time is 1 hour.

[0042] When the current humidity is greater than 85% and the temperature difference is greater than 5℃, the water storage time is 0.5 hours.

[0043] In one embodiment, the preset duration is 18 hours.

[0044] In one embodiment, the water tank has a drain outlet, and a solenoid valve is installed on the water tank to control the opening or closing of the drain outlet. When the drain outlet is open, the condensate in the water tank is discharged into the drip tray. The self-cleaning control method of the air conditioner further includes the following steps:

[0045] After completing the self-cleaning function, control the solenoid valve to open the water tank's drain outlet.

[0046] In one embodiment, the indoor unit of the air conditioner further includes a filter element for filtering condensate before it enters the water tank. The self-cleaning control method of the air conditioner further includes the following steps:

[0047] Obtain the number of times the solenoid valve opens; and

[0048] When the number of times the solenoid valve opens is greater than or equal to the preset number of openings, a reminder message will be issued to replace the filter.

[0049] If the water level in the tank is below the preset total water level, activating the self-cleaning function may result in incomplete self-cleaning due to insufficient water, leading to ineffective self-cleaning. Similarly, if the cumulative running time of the air conditioner has not reached the preset duration, the filter and / or heat exchanger may still be relatively clean, and activating the self-cleaning function will also result in ineffective self-cleaning. However, the self-cleaning control method described above avoids ineffective self-cleaning by setting the conditions for activating the self-cleaning function to "the water level in the tank reaches the preset total water level and the cumulative running time of the air conditioner reaches the preset duration," ensuring that each self-cleaning cycle is effective. In other words, the self-cleaning control method described above has the function of automatically activating the self-cleaning function and also ensures that each self-cleaning cycle is effective. Attached Figure Description

[0050] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present 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 only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an indoor air conditioner unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 This is a partial three-dimensional structural diagram of an air conditioner indoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0054] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0055] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the inner side of a portion of the housing of an air conditioner indoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of a section at point C;

[0057] Figure 7 for Figure 5A magnified view of a section at point D;

[0058] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A flowchart of an embodiment of step S510;

[0060] Figure 10 for Figure 8 A flowchart of another embodiment of step S510 in the process.

[0061] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0062] label name label name 10 air conditioner indoor unit 200 case 300 Water tray 400 Water supply device 202 air inlet 204 air vent 302 Water storage tank 204 air vent 410 water tank 420 water pump 430 Filter element 210 Face frame 220 switchboard 212 disassembly / reassembly port 222 U-shaped snap 224 barbs 212a First card slot 212b Second slot 226 First stop 212c Second stop 412 water outlet 410b water pipe 410a Solenoid valve 414 water outlet 411 Bottom plate 413 Liquid guide plate 415 support plate 417 upper base plate 419 Connecting plate 419a Avoiding space

[0063] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0064] 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 a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0065] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0066] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, if the word "and / or" appears throughout the text, it means including three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0067] This invention proposes an indoor unit for an air conditioner.

[0068] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner includes a housing 200, a heat exchanger, a water tray 300, and a water supply device 400.

[0069] The housing 200 has an air inlet (return air inlet) 202 and an air outlet 204. A filter screen is provided at the air inlet 202.

[0070] The heat exchanger is located inside the shell 200. Indoor air enters the shell 200 through the air inlet (return air inlet) 202. After exchanging heat with the heat exchanger, the air is discharged into the room through the air outlet 204, thereby achieving the purpose of regulating the indoor temperature.

[0071] A drip tray 300 is located inside the housing 200 and below the heat exchanger. The drip tray 300 has a water storage tank 302. The water storage tank 302 is used to collect condensate that falls from the heat exchanger into the drip tray 300. In practical applications, when the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the heat exchanger is an evaporator. The temperature of the evaporator is lower than the temperature of the air at the air inlet 202. Therefore, when air enters the housing 200 through the air inlet 202 and exchanges heat with the evaporator, the water vapor in the air will condense on the evaporator. The condensate can fall from the heat exchanger into the drip tray 300. Specifically, in the actual manufacturing process, the drip tray 300 is formed by stamping to create the water storage tank 302.

[0072] A drain outlet 304 is provided on the circumferential wall of the water storage tank 302, and the drain outlet 304 is connected to the water storage tank 302. Thus, when the condensate in the water storage tank 302 reaches a certain depth, the condensate can be discharged from the drain outlet 304 to the outside of the air conditioner indoor unit 10. In practical applications, by installing a drain pipe connected to the drain outlet 304 and placing the outlet of the drain pipe outdoors, the condensate can be discharged outdoors.

[0073] Specifically, in this embodiment, the lowest horizontal point of the water storage tank 302 is 8mm-10mm below the drain outlet 304. This height can be 8mm, 9mm, or 10mm. This ensures that the water storage tank 302 has a certain water storage capacity. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the bottom of the water storage tank 302 is approximately planar, and the lowest horizontal point of the water storage tank 302 refers to the height of its bottom below the drain outlet 304 being 8mm-10mm. It should also be noted that the planar structure can have unevenness, meaning it can be non-smooth, but the impact of unevenness on the water storage capacity of the water storage tank 302 is negligible.

[0074] A water supply device 400 is housed within the casing 200. The water supply device 400 includes a water tank 410 and a water pump 420. The water tank 410 is used to hold condensate for cleaning the filter screen and / or heat exchanger. The water pump 420 is used to pump condensate from the water storage tank 302 into the water tank 410. The condensate in the water tank 410 is used for cleaning the filter screen and / or heat exchanger. Specifically, in this embodiment, the water pump 420 is a self-priming pump.

[0075] In related technologies, a water tank is installed inside the indoor unit of an air conditioner. The water tank is directly connected to the drain outlet on a drip tray, either directly or via a water pump, to collect condensate generated during the cooling process. This condensate can then be used to clean the filter and / or heat exchanger of the indoor unit, thus enabling the unit to have a self-cleaning function. However, since the drain outlet on the drip tray supplies water to the tank, and the condensate becomes dirty after cleaning the filter and / or heat exchanger, it needs to be drained. In this case, either a drain pipe directly connecting the outdoor unit to the water tank is installed to drain the dirty water outdoors, or a drain outlet is added to the drip tray, connected to the drain pipe, to drain the dirty water outdoors. Both methods require changes to the drain pipe installation, which typically extends from inside the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. These changes necessitate modifications to the indoor unit's design and installation.

[0076] In the aforementioned indoor air conditioning unit 10, a water storage tank 302 is formed on the drip tray 300. The water storage tank 302 can collect the condensate that falls from the heat exchanger onto the drip tray 300, thereby supplying water to the water tank 410. The condensate in the water tank 410 can then be used to clean the filter and / or heat exchanger of the indoor air conditioning unit 10, thus giving the indoor air conditioning unit 10 a self-cleaning function. The drain outlet 304 on the drip tray 300 can discharge the dirty condensate after cleaning the filter and / or heat exchanger to the outside of the indoor air conditioning unit 10 after the self-cleaning function is completed. Alternatively, it can discharge relatively clean condensate after the condensate in the water storage tank 302 reaches a certain depth. Therefore, the aforementioned indoor air conditioning unit 10 can supply water to the water tank 410 without altering the setting of the drain outlet 304, and thus without altering the setting of the drain pipe of the indoor air conditioning unit 10.

[0077] In this embodiment, the water tank 410 has a drain outlet 412, through which condensate in the water tank 410 can be discharged to the water collection tray 300. Specifically, in this embodiment, the drain outlet 412 is located at the bottom of the water tank 410. This ensures that the water in the water tank 410 can be drained almost completely. It is understood that in other embodiments, the drain outlet 412 may also be located on the side wall of the water tank 410.

[0078] In this embodiment, the water tank 410 is equipped with a solenoid valve 410a that controls the opening or closing of the drain outlet 412. When the solenoid valve 410a opens the drain outlet 412, the condensate in the water tank 410 is discharged into the water receiving tray 300 through the drain outlet 412. The solenoid valve 410a is very convenient for automatically controlling the opening or closing of the drain outlet 412; that is, the solenoid valve 410a can be considered an automatic valve. It is understood that in other embodiments, a manual valve can also be provided, allowing the drain outlet 412 to be opened or closed manually.

[0079] In some embodiments, when the self-cleaning function of the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner is turned on, the jet pump of the self-cleaning mechanism draws condensate water from the water tank 410 and sprays the condensate water onto the filter and / or heat exchanger to wash away dust and other impurities on the filter and / or heat exchanger. At this time, it can be considered that the self-cleaning mechanism of the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner uses a spray method to clean the filter and / or heat exchanger. After cleaning the filter and / or heat exchanger, the dirty condensate water will fall onto the water tray 300 and then enter the water storage tank 302.

[0080] In some embodiments, when the self-cleaning function of the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner is activated, the driving component of the self-cleaning mechanism drives the filter screen to move, and the cleaning component of the self-cleaning mechanism is used to clean the filter screen when it moves to the water tank 410. Specifically, in this embodiment, the driving component of the self-cleaning mechanism drives the filter screen to move, so that different parts of the filter screen enter the water tank 410 one after another, and the filter screen is washed by the cleaning component of the self-cleaning mechanism (e.g., a brush) with water to wash the filter screen, so as to wash off the dust and other impurities on the filter screen. At this time, it can be considered that the self-cleaning mechanism of the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner cleans the filter screen by brushing. After the filter screen is cleaned, the condensate in the water tank 410 will also become dirty. The dirty condensate in the water tank 410 is discharged into the water receiving tray 300 and will also enter the water storage tank 302.

[0081] In order to ensure that the condensate delivered to the water tank 410 by the water pump 420 has good cleanliness, in this embodiment, the water supply device 400 further includes a filter element 430, which is used to filter the condensate before it enters the water tank 410.

[0082] It is understood that the volume of the water tank 410 is larger than the volume of the water storage tank 302. In this embodiment, the volume of the water tank 410 is at least three times the volume of the water storage tank 302. Therefore, when the dirty condensate in the water tank 410 is discharged into the drip tray 300, most of it will be directly discharged through the drain outlet 304 to the outside of the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner. After most of the dirty water is discharged, the water storage tank 302 is full. If the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner is in cooling mode at this time, the newly generated condensate will drip into the water storage tank 302, and some dirty water will be discharged from the water storage tank 302. Before the water pump 420 draws in the condensate from the water storage tank 302, the condensate in the water storage tank 302 is renewed, thereby purifying the condensate in the water storage tank 302 and making the condensate in the water storage tank 302 relatively clean. When the water pump 420 draws condensate from the water storage tank 302, the filter element 430 can filter the condensate before it enters the water tank 410, thereby purifying the condensate in the water storage tank 302 and making the condensate entering the water tank 410 clean.

[0083] In this embodiment, although the condensate will become dirty after cleaning the filter and / or heat exchanger, and the dirty water discharged into the water storage tank 302 will contaminate the condensate in the water storage tank 302, the condensate in the water storage tank 302 can be renewed when the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner is in cooling mode, so that the condensate in the water storage tank 302 is relatively clean. Moreover, the filter element 430 can further purify the condensate, so that the condensate entering the water tank 410 is clean, thereby making the filter and / or heat exchanger cleaner after being cleaned by the condensate.

[0084] In this embodiment, the filter element 430 is located between the water pump 420 and the water storage tank 302. In this case, the outlet of the filter element 430 can be directly connected to the inlet of the water pump 420, and the outlet of the filter element 430 can be connected to the inlet of the water pump 420 via a pipe. This avoids contamination and / or corrosion of the water pump 420 by dirty water and also facilitates the replacement of the filter element 430. Because the filter element 430 is located between the water pump 420 and the water storage tank 302, when replacing the filter element 430, it can be separated from the water pump 420. However, if the filter element 430 is located between the water pump 420 and the water tank 410, when replacing the filter element 430, it is necessary to separate the filter element 430 from both the water pump 420 and the water tank 410. It is understood that in other embodiments, the filter element 430 can also be located between the water pump 420 and the water tank 410.

[0085] In this embodiment, the outlet of the filter element 430 is connected to the inlet of the water pump 420. That is, in this embodiment, the filter element 430 and the water pump 420 are directly connected, and no additional piping is required between them. It is understood that in other embodiments, the outlet of the filter element 430 and the inlet of the water pump 420 can also be connected via piping. Specifically, in this embodiment, the outlet of the filter element 430 and the inlet of the water pump 420 are detachably connected. This facilitates better handling of the filter element 430. More specifically, in this embodiment, the outlet of the filter element 430 and the inlet of the water pump 420 are screwed together. In this embodiment, the outer wall of the outlet of the filter element 430 has external threads, and the inner wall of the inlet of the water pump 420 has internal threads.

[0086] In this embodiment, the inlet of the filter element 430 is 2mm-5mm higher than the lowest horizontal point of the water storage tank 302. Specifically, the height of the inlet of the filter element 430 above the lowest horizontal point of the water storage tank 302 can be 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, or 5mm. That is, in this embodiment, the filter element 430 is directly connected to the water storage tank 302, and no additional pipe is required between them. It is understood that in other embodiments, the filter element 430 and the water storage tank 302 can also be connected via a pipe. Setting the inlet of the filter element 430 2mm-5mm higher than the lowest horizontal point of the water storage tank 302 makes it easier for the water pump 420 to roughly remove all the condensate from the water storage tank 302.

[0087] In this embodiment, the filter element 430 is a PP (polypropylene) fiber melt-blown filter cartridge. PP fiber melt-blown filter cartridges can remove impurities such as sediment, suspended solids, and colloids from water, effectively covering impurities that may be present in condensate. Furthermore, PP fiber melt-blown filter cartridges have a long service life and low cost; therefore, it is preferred that the filter element 430 be a PP fiber melt-blown filter cartridge. It is understood that in other embodiments, the filter element 430 can also be an activated carbon filter cartridge with lower maintenance costs, or it can be an RO (Reverse Osmosis) filter cartridge with better filtration performance.

[0088] In this embodiment, the filter element 430 is elongated and extends along the vertical direction of the indoor air conditioning unit 10. The elongated shape of the filter element 430 facilitates replacement. Furthermore, when the indoor air conditioning unit 10 is a wall-mounted unit, the water supply device 400 is usually located at the end of the indoor air conditioning unit 10 (the left or right end of the wall-mounted unit). The elongated shape of the filter element 430, extending along the vertical direction of the indoor air conditioning unit 10, further facilitates the utilization of the vertical space of the indoor air conditioning unit 10.

[0089] Specifically, in this embodiment, the water tank 410 is located above the filter element 430. At least a portion of the water pump 420 is located between the water tank 410 and the filter element 430. This facilitates the use of the vertical space of the air conditioning indoor unit 10.

[0090] In this embodiment, the housing 200 includes a frame 210 and a panel. An air inlet 202 and an air outlet 204 are located on the frame 210, and the heat exchanger, water tray 300, and water supply device 400 are all disposed within the frame 210. The frame 210 has a disassembly / removal opening 212. The disassembly / removal opening 212 is used for disassembling and assembling the filter element 430. The panel is movably disposed on the frame 210 to expose or cover the disassembly / removal opening 212. Thus, when the panel is opened to expose the disassembly / removal opening 212, the filter element 430 can be disassembled and assembled through the disassembly / removal opening 212; when the panel is closed to expose the disassembly / removal opening 212, dust and other contaminants can be prevented from entering the frame 210 through the disassembly / removal opening 212, meaning the panel can protect the components inside the frame 210.

[0091] In this embodiment, the housing 200 also includes a switch plate 220. The switch plate 220 is detachably connected to the face frame 210 to open or close the mounting / dismounting port 212. The switch plate 220 can further prevent dust and other contaminants from entering the face frame 210 through the mounting / dismounting port 212, that is, the switch plate 220 can further protect the components inside the face frame 210.

[0092] In this embodiment, as Figures 2-7 As shown, on opposite sides of the switch plate 220, one side is provided with a U-shaped spring clip 222, and the other side is provided with a barb 224. The disassembly / removal opening 212 has a first slot 212a corresponding to the edge of the U-shaped spring clip 222, and a second slot 212b corresponding to the edge of the barb 224. The U-shaped spring clip 222 engages with the first slot 212a, and the barb 224 engages with the second slot 212b. This allows for quick disassembly / removal of the switch plate 220, thereby allowing for quick disassembly / removal of the filter element 430. Specifically, in this embodiment, the U-shaped spring clip 222 and the barb 224 are located on the upper and lower sides of the switch plate 220, respectively.

[0093] In this embodiment, the switch plate 220 has a stepped first stop 226, and the edge of the mounting / dismounting port 212 has a stepped second stop 212c. The first stop 226 and the second stop 212c cooperate to form a seal between the edge of the mounting / dismounting port 212 and the edge of the switch plate 220. Thus, the switch plate 220 can further prevent dust and other contaminants from entering the faceplate 210 through the mounting / dismounting port 212, and in other words, the switch plate 220 can further protect the components inside the faceplate 210.

[0094] In this embodiment, as Figure 1As shown, the drain outlet 412 is equipped with a drain pipe 410b. The drain pipe 410b has a drain outlet 414. In this embodiment, the solenoid valve 410a is located at the drain outlet 414 of the drain pipe 410b. The drain outlet 414 of the drain pipe 410b is located on the side of the water storage tank 302 with the drain outlet 304, and in the extending direction of the circumferential wall of the water storage tank 302, the drain outlet 304 is closer to the bottom of the water storage tank 302 than the drain outlet 414 of the drain pipe 410b. Thus, when dirty water is discharged from the water tank 410, the dirty water can flow along the circumferential wall of the water storage tank 302 with the drain outlet 304 to the drain outlet 304, and be directly discharged to the outside of the air conditioner indoor unit 10 through the drain outlet 304, thereby reducing the amount of dirty water entering the water storage tank 302 and making the condensate in the water storage tank 302 have a relatively high cleanliness.

[0095] In this embodiment, the water storage capacity per unit height of the water tank 410 decreases from top to bottom, and the drain outlet 412 is located at the lowest point of the water tank 410. This facilitates the drainage of dirty water from the water tank 410, ensuring that the dirty water in the water tank 410 is completely drained.

[0096] In this embodiment, the bottom of the water tank 410 has a lower base plate 411 and a liquid guiding plate 413. The liquid guiding plate 413 is inclined outward relative to the lower base plate 411, and the lower side of the liquid guiding plate 413 is connected to the lower base plate 411. The drain outlet 412 is located on the lower base plate 411. This not only facilitates achieving a decrease in water storage per unit height of the water tank 410 from top to bottom, but also allows the lower base plate 411 to ensure the water tank 410 is placed stably on a countertop or table. In this embodiment, the bottom of the water tank 410 has a lower base plate 411 and a liquid guiding plate 413, which can be considered as a trapezoid with a larger top and a smaller bottom. It is understood that in other embodiments, the bottom of the water tank 410 may also have two liquid guiding plates 413 arranged at an angle, in which case the bottom of the water tank 410 can be considered as a cone with a larger top and a smaller bottom.

[0097] In this embodiment, the outer surface of the liquid guiding plate 413 is provided with multiple spaced-apart support plates 415. The end face of the free end of the support plate 415 is flush with the outer surface of the lower base plate 411, that is, the end face of the support plate 415 away from the liquid guiding plate 413 is flush with the outer surface of the lower base plate 411. The multiple spaced-apart support plates 415 not only facilitate the stable placement of the water tank 410 on the countertop or table, but also prevent the water tank 410 from being too heavy. It is understood that in other embodiments, a support block can be provided on the outer surface of the liquid guiding plate 413.

[0098] In this embodiment, the bottom of the water tank 410 also has an upper base plate 417 and a connecting plate 419. The upper base plate 417 is located above the lower base plate 411, and the connecting plate 419 connects the upper base plate 417 and the lower base plate 411. This facilitates the drainage of dirty water from the water tank 410, allowing the dirty water in the water tank 410 to be completely drained.

[0099] In this embodiment, the connecting plate 419 and the upper base plate 417 define a clearance space 419a outside the water tank 410. At least a portion of the water pump 420 is accommodated within the clearance space 419a. This facilitates better utilization of the vertical space of the air conditioner indoor unit 10. Figure 8 As shown, the present invention also provides a self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner, wherein the air conditioner includes an indoor unit, the indoor unit includes a water tray, a water tank, and a water pump, the water tray has a water storage tank, the water storage tank has a drain outlet on its circumferential wall, the water tank is used to hold condensate water for cleaning the filter screen and / or the heat exchanger of the indoor unit, and the water pump is used to send the condensate water in the water storage tank into the water tank. The self-cleaning control method for the air conditioner includes the following steps:

[0100] Step S510: Obtain the water volume in the water tank and the cumulative running time of the air conditioner.

[0101] Step S520: When the water level in the water tank reaches the preset total water level and the cumulative running time of the air conditioner reaches the preset duration, the self-cleaning function is activated. That is, in this embodiment, the self-cleaning function is not activated when the water level in the water tank does not reach the preset total water level or the cumulative running time of the air conditioner does not reach the preset duration.

[0102] Specifically, in this embodiment, the preset total water volume is the water volume when the water tank is full, and the preset duration is 18 hours. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the preset total water volume may also be less than the water volume when the water tank is full, and the preset duration may also be any integer between 19 hours and 30 hours.

[0103] Specifically, in this embodiment, when the air conditioner indoor unit turns on the self-cleaning function, the drive mechanism of the self-cleaning mechanism drives the filter screen to move, so that different parts of the filter screen enter the water tank one after another, and the filter screen is washed by the brush of the self-cleaning mechanism with water, so as to wash off the dust and other impurities on the filter screen.

[0104] In the self-cleaning control method of air conditioners, if the water level in the tank is less than the preset total water level, activating the self-cleaning function may result in incomplete self-cleaning due to insufficient water, i.e., ineffective self-cleaning. Similarly, if the cumulative running time of the air conditioner has not reached the preset time, the filter and / or heat exchanger may still be relatively clean, and activating the self-cleaning function may also result in ineffective self-cleaning. However, in the aforementioned self-cleaning control method, by setting the conditions for activating the self-cleaning function to "the water level in the tank reaches the preset total water level and the cumulative running time of the air conditioner reaches the preset time," ineffective self-cleaning can be avoided, ensuring that each self-cleaning is effective. In other words, the aforementioned self-cleaning control method of air conditioners has the function of automatically activating the self-cleaning function and also ensures that each self-cleaning is effective.

[0105] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, step S510 includes the following steps:

[0106] Step S512: Obtain the difference between the heat exchanger temperature and the return air temperature of the air conditioner in cooling mode, as well as the single operation duration of the air conditioner in cooling mode.

[0107] Step S514: When the difference is greater than 5°C and the single run time is greater than or equal to 4 hours, the water volume in the water storage tank reaches the preset water distribution volume, and the water pump is turned on once.

[0108] Step S516: When the number of times the water pump is turned on reaches the preset number of times, the water volume in the water tank reaches the preset total water volume.

[0109] In this embodiment, when the temperature difference between the heat exchanger and the return air temperature of the air conditioner in cooling mode is greater than 5°C and the single operation duration of the air conditioner in cooling mode is greater than or equal to 4 hours, the water tank will be full. The water volume when the water tank is full is the preset water distribution volume. This avoids the need for frequent water pump activation. It is understood that in other embodiments, the preset water distribution volume may also be less than the water volume when the water tank is full.

[0110] In this embodiment, if the water tank capacity is set to S, the water volume when the storage tank is full is x, and the water intake of the water pump in a single operation is x, then when the number of times the water pump is turned on P is greater than or equal to S / x, the water tank is considered to be full. At this point, the water volume when the storage tank is full is the preset water distribution volume, i.e., x is the preset water distribution volume, and the water volume when the water tank is full is the preset total water volume, i.e., S is the preset total water volume. This ensures sufficient water for each self-cleaning cycle. It is understood that in other embodiments, the preset total water volume may also be less than the water volume when the water tank is full.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the difference between the heat exchanger temperature and the return air temperature of the air conditioner in cooling mode is greater than 5°C and the single running time of the air conditioner in cooling mode is greater than or equal to 4 hours. This is used to determine whether the water volume in the water storage tank has reached the preset water volume, and then to determine whether to turn on the water pump. In the process of determining whether to turn on the water pump, there is no need to add an additional water level switch, so the water pump can be controlled to turn on, and the automatic water suction function of the water pump can be realized.

[0112] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 As shown, step S510 includes the following steps:

[0113] Step S512a: Obtain the current humidity and the difference between the heat exchanger temperature and the return air temperature of the air conditioner in cooling mode.

[0114] Step S514a: Determine the water storage time required for the water volume in the storage tank to reach the preset water distribution volume based on the current humidity and the difference.

[0115] Step S516a: The water pump is turned on once every water storage time interval;

[0116] Step S518a: When the number of times the water pump is turned on reaches the preset number of times, the water volume in the water tank reaches the preset total water volume.

[0117] In this embodiment, the preset water distribution volume is the water volume when the water tank is full. This avoids the need to frequently turn on the water pump. It is understood that in other embodiments, the preset water distribution volume may also be less than the water volume when the water tank is full.

[0118] In this embodiment, the water storage time is the operating time of the air conditioner in cooling mode.

[0119] In the above embodiment, the water storage time required to reach the preset water volume is determined by the current humidity and the difference between the heat exchanger temperature and the return air temperature of the air conditioner in cooling mode. Then, the water pump is turned on based on the water storage time. In the process of determining whether to turn on the water pump, no additional water level switch is needed to control the water pump to turn on, thus realizing the function of automatic water pump suction.

[0120] Specifically, in the step of determining the water storage time for the water tank to reach a preset value based on the current humidity and the difference, that is, in step S514a:

[0121] When the current humidity is 70%-85% and the temperature difference is 2℃-5℃, the water storage time is 2 hours.

[0122] When the current humidity is between 70% and 85% and the difference is greater than 5°C, the water storage time is 1 hour.

[0123] When the current humidity is greater than 85% and the temperature difference is 2℃-5℃, the water storage time is 1 hour.

[0124] When the current humidity is greater than 85% and the temperature difference is greater than 5℃, the water storage time is 0.5 hours.

[0125] In this embodiment, when the current humidity is 70%-85% and the temperature difference is 2℃-5℃, the water level in the water tank reaches the preset level after 2 hours of operation in cooling mode (i.e., water storage time is 2 hours). When the current humidity is 70%-85% and the temperature difference is greater than 5℃, the water level in the water tank reaches the preset level after 1 hour of operation in cooling mode (i.e., water storage time is 1 hour). When the current humidity is greater than 85% and the temperature difference is 2℃-5℃, the water level in the water tank reaches the preset level after 1 hour of operation in cooling mode (i.e., water storage time is 1 hour). When the current humidity is greater than 85% and the temperature difference is greater than 5℃, the water level in the water tank reaches the preset level after 0.5 hours of operation in cooling mode (i.e., water storage time is 0.5 hours).

[0126] In this embodiment, the water tank has a drain outlet 412, and a solenoid valve 410a is provided on the water tank to control the opening or closing of the drain outlet 412. When the drain outlet 412 is open, the condensate in the water tank is discharged into the drip tray. In this embodiment, the self-cleaning control method of the air conditioner further includes the following steps:

[0127] Step S530: After the self-cleaning function is completed, control the solenoid valve 410a to open the water outlet 412 of the water tank.

[0128] After the condensate in the water tank is discharged through the drain outlet 412, it is discharged onto the water collection tray, and then discharged to the outside of the indoor unit of the air conditioner through the water storage tank and drain outlet on the water collection tray.

[0129] In this embodiment, the indoor unit of the air conditioner further includes a filter element, which is used to filter condensate water before it enters the water tank. In this embodiment, the self-cleaning control method of the air conditioner further includes the following steps:

[0130] Step S540: Obtain the number of times the solenoid valve 410a has been opened;

[0131] In step S550, when the number of times the solenoid valve 410a opens is greater than or equal to the preset number of openings, a reminder message to replace the filter element is issued.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the number of times the solenoid valve 410a is opened is obtained. When the number of times the solenoid valve 410a is opened is greater than or equal to the preset number of times, a filter element replacement reminder is given. The filter element replacement reminder function can be realized without setting a detection sensor.

[0133] Specifically, in this embodiment, the preset number of openings is determined based on Y / S, where Y is the effective flow rate of the filter element, which can be obtained by consulting the product manual of the filter element or by estimation based on experience, and S is the preset total water volume of the water tank.

[0134] Factors affecting the lifespan of filter elements include water quality, flow rate, and operating time. Generally, the designed lifespan of a purification filter element is 6 months. However, due to the poor quality of the recovered condensate, the filter element may need to be replaced before reaching 6 months. Therefore, the standard for evaluating whether the filter element needs replacement is to detect the operating flow rate (total purified water flow rate = S*Q, where S is the preset total water volume in the tank, and Q is the number of times the solenoid valve 410a opens). Under the condition of condensate recovery, the effective operating flow rate of the filter element is set as Y. When the number of times the solenoid valve 410a opens, Q, is greater than or equal to Y / S, the filter element is considered to have reached its effective operating limit, reminding the user to replace it. This process achieves the filter element replacement reminder function without the need for a detection sensor.

[0135] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An indoor unit for an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The housing has an air inlet, and a filter screen is provided at the air inlet; The heat exchanger is located inside the housing; A water receiving tray, located below the heat exchanger, includes a water storage tank for collecting condensate that falls from the heat exchanger onto the tray. The water storage tank has a drain outlet on its circumferential wall. The water storage tank is formed by stamping the water receiving tray. A water supply device is disposed within the housing. The water supply device includes a water tank and a water pump. The water pump is used to send condensate from the water storage tank into the water tank. The condensate in the water tank is used to clean the filter screen and / or the heat exchanger. The water supply device also includes a filter element, which is used to filter the condensate before it enters the water tank. The housing includes a face frame and a panel. The face frame has a disassembly / removal opening for disassembling and assembling the filter element. The panel is movably mounted on the face frame to expose or cover the disassembly / removal opening. The housing also includes a switch plate, which is detachably connected to the face frame to open or close the disassembly / removal opening. On opposite sides of the switch plate, one side has a U-shaped spring clip and the other side has a barb. The disassembly / removal opening has a first groove corresponding to the edge of the U-shaped spring clip and a second groove corresponding to the edge of the barb. The switch plate has a stepped first stop and a stepped second stop at the edge of the disassembly / removal opening. The first and second stops cooperate to form a seal between the edge of the disassembly / removal opening and the edge of the switch plate.

2. The air conditioner indoor unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water tank has a drain outlet, through which condensate in the water tank can be discharged to the water collection tray.

3. The air conditioner indoor unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The filter element is located between the water pump and the water storage tank. The lowest horizontal point of the water storage tank is 8mm-10mm lower than the drain outlet, and the inlet of the filter element is 2mm-5mm higher than the lowest horizontal point of the water storage tank.

4. The air conditioner indoor unit as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The outlet of the filter element is detachably connected to the inlet of the water pump.

5. The air conditioner indoor unit as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The filter element is elongated and extends along the vertical direction of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

6. The air conditioner indoor unit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The drain outlet is equipped with a drain pipe, the outlet of the drain pipe is located on the side of the water storage tank with the drain outlet, and in the extension direction of the circumferential wall of the water storage tank, the drain outlet is closer to the bottom of the water storage tank than the outlet of the drain pipe.

7. The air conditioner indoor unit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The water storage capacity per unit height of the water tank decreases from top to bottom, and the drain outlet is located at the lowest point of the water tank.

8. The air conditioner indoor unit as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The bottom of the water tank has a bottom plate and a liquid guide plate. The liquid guide plate is inclined outward relative to the bottom plate, and the lower side of the liquid guide plate is connected to the bottom plate. The drain outlet is located on the bottom plate.

9. The air conditioner indoor unit as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The outer surface of the liquid guiding plate is provided with multiple spaced support plates, and the end face of the free end of the support plate is flush with the outer surface of the bottom plate.

10. The air conditioner indoor unit as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The bottom of the water tank also has an upper base plate and a connecting plate. The upper base plate is located above the lower base plate, and the connecting plate connects the upper base plate and the lower base plate. At least a portion of the water pump is accommodated within the clearance space defined by the connecting plate and the upper base plate.

11. The air conditioning indoor unit as described in any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The indoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a self-cleaning mechanism, which includes a driving component for moving the filter and a cleaning component. The cleaning component is used to clean the filter when the filter moves to the water tank.

12. A self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner's indoor unit is an air conditioner indoor unit as described in any one of claims 1-11. The air conditioner indoor unit includes a water tray, a water tank, and a water pump. The water tray has a water storage tank, and a drain outlet is provided on the circumferential wall of the water storage tank. The water pump is used to send the condensate in the water storage tank into the water tank. The self-cleaning control method of the air conditioner includes the following steps: Obtain the water volume in the water tank and the cumulative operating time of the air conditioner; The self-cleaning function is activated when the water volume reaches the preset total water volume and the cumulative running time reaches the preset duration.

13. The self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the water volume in the water tank includes the following steps: Obtain the difference between the heat exchanger temperature and the return air temperature of the air conditioner in cooling mode, as well as the single operation duration of the air conditioner in cooling mode. When the temperature difference is greater than 5°C and the single run time is greater than or equal to 4 hours, the water volume in the water tank reaches the preset water distribution volume, and the water pump is turned on once. as well as When the water pump is turned on a preset number of times, the water volume in the tank reaches the preset total water volume.

14. The self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the water volume in the water tank includes the following steps: Obtain the current humidity and the difference between the heat exchanger temperature and the return air temperature of the air conditioner in cooling mode; Determine the water storage time required for the water tank to reach the preset water volume based on the current humidity and the difference; The water pump is turned on once every water storage period; as well as When the water pump is turned on a preset number of times, the water volume in the tank reaches the preset total water volume.

15. The self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner as described in claim 14, characterized in that, In the step of determining the water storage time required for the water tank to reach the preset water volume based on the current humidity and the difference: When the current humidity is 70%-85% and the temperature difference is 2℃-5℃, the water storage time is 2 hours. When the current humidity is between 70% and 85% and the difference is greater than 5°C, the water storage time is 1 hour. When the current humidity is greater than 85% and the temperature difference is 2℃-5℃, the water storage time is 1 hour. When the current humidity is greater than 85% and the temperature difference is greater than 5℃, the water storage time is 0.5 hours.

16. The self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The water tank has a drain outlet, and a solenoid valve is installed on the water tank to control the opening or closing of the drain outlet. When the drain outlet is open, the condensate in the water tank is discharged into the drip tray. The self-cleaning control method of the air conditioner also includes the following steps: After completing the self-cleaning function, control the solenoid valve to open the water tank's drain outlet.

17. The self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The indoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a filter element, which is used to filter condensate before it enters the water tank. The self-cleaning control method of the air conditioner further includes the following steps: Obtain the number of times the solenoid valve opens; and When the number of times the solenoid valve opens is greater than or equal to the preset number of openings, a reminder message will be issued to replace the filter.

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