Control method of air conditioner

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and specifically provides a control method for an air conditioner, which aims to solve the problems in the prior art that the air conditioning capacity is reduced and bacteria grow because the user forgets to turn on the health module of the air conditioner. To this end, the control method of the present invention includes: after the air conditioner receives the power-on command, judging whether the air conditioner ran a self-cleaning mode last time it ran based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner last time it ran, and selectively issuing an inquiry on whether to start the health mode based on the judgment result and the actual time and theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach a preset temperature; after issuing the inquiry on whether to start the health mode, controlling the operation of the air conditioner according to the received feedback information. The present invention controls the operation of the air conditioner based on the actual operating status of the air conditioner and the actual needs of the user, so that the health mode can be started in a timely manner, the performance of the air conditioner can be better ensured, and the user experience can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioning, and in particular provides a control method for an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] As people's living standards improve, air conditioners have become essential household appliances because they can adjust the temperature of indoor spaces and improve the air quality of indoor spaces. However, after the air conditioner has been running for a long time, a large amount of dust or debris will inevitably adhere to the surface of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, which will reduce the heating or cooling capacity of the air conditioner and affect comfort. In addition, when there is a lot of dust on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, it is also easier to breed bacteria. When the air in the indoor space flows through the indoor heat exchanger, these bacteria will enter the indoor space along with the air, endangering the health of the user.

[0003] To this end, air conditioners are usually equipped with self-cleaning, sterilization and other health modules. By running these health modules, the cleanliness of the indoor and outdoor heat exchanger surfaces can be ensured, and the indoor space and the inside of the air conditioner can be sterilized to improve the user experience. However, these health modules usually need to be started manually by the user, and these health modules that are not often used and have a weak personal experience are easily forgotten by users. If users do not remember to enable these health modules, the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers cannot be self-cleaned in time, which leads to a decrease in air conditioning capacity, bacterial growth, and a poor experience.

[0004] Accordingly, the art needs a new technical solution to solve the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above technical problem, that is, to solve the problems in the prior art such as the reduction of air conditioning capacity and bacterial growth caused by the user forgetting to turn on the health module of the air conditioner.

[0006] The present invention provides a control method for an air conditioner, the control method comprising:

[0007] After the air conditioner receives the power-on instruction, obtaining the operating parameters of the air conditioner when it was last operated;

[0008] determining, based on the operating parameters, whether the air conditioner was in a self-cleaning mode when it was last operated;

[0009] selectively inquiring whether to start the health mode based on the first judgment result and the actual time and theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature when the air conditioner was last operated and / or this time operated;

[0010] After inquiring whether to start the health mode, controlling the operation of the air conditioner according to the received feedback information;

[0011] The health mode includes one or more of a sterilization mode, a self-cleaning mode and a purification mode.

[0012] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, the step of "selectively issuing an inquiry on whether to activate the health mode based on the first judgment result" further includes:

[0013] If the air conditioner was not in self-cleaning mode when it was last operated, obtaining a first difference between the actual time and the theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach a preset temperature when the air conditioner was last operated;

[0014] Comparing the first difference with a first difference threshold;

[0015] An inquiry as to whether to activate the health mode is selectively issued based on the comparison result.

[0016] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, the step of "selectively issuing an inquiry on whether to start the health mode based on the comparison result" further includes:

[0017] If the first difference is greater than a first difference threshold, controlling the air conditioner to maintain a current state and sending a query whether to start the health mode;

[0018] If the first difference is less than or equal to the first difference threshold, controlling the air conditioner to operate;

[0019] After controlling the air conditioner to run stably, obtaining a second difference between the actual time and the theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach a preset temperature during this operation;

[0020] An inquiry as to whether to activate the health mode is selectively issued based on the size of the second difference.

[0021] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, the step of "selectively issuing an inquiry on whether to start the health mode based on the size of the second difference" further includes:

[0022] Comparing the second difference with a second difference threshold;

[0023] If the second difference is greater than the second difference threshold, controlling the air conditioner to continue to operate according to the current operating parameters, and issuing a query whether to start the health mode;

[0024] If the second difference is less than or equal to the second difference threshold, the air conditioner is simply controlled to continue operating according to the current operating parameters.

[0025] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, the step of "selectively issuing an inquiry on whether to activate the health mode based on the first judgment result" further includes:

[0026] If the air conditioner was in a self-cleaning mode when it was last operated, controlling the air conditioner to operate;

[0027] After controlling the air conditioner to run stably, obtaining a third difference between the actual time taken and the theoretical time taken for the temperature of the indoor space to reach a preset temperature during the current operation;

[0028] An inquiry as to whether to activate the health mode is selectively issued based on the size of the third difference.

[0029] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, the step of "selectively issuing an inquiry on whether to start the health mode based on the size of the third difference" further includes:

[0030] Comparing the third difference with a third difference threshold;

[0031] If the third difference is greater than the third difference threshold, controlling the air conditioner to maintain the current state and issuing a query whether to start the health mode;

[0032] If the third difference is less than or equal to the third difference threshold, the air conditioner is simply controlled to maintain the current state.

[0033] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, the step of "controlling the operation of the air conditioner according to the received feedback information" further includes:

[0034] Determining whether feedback information is received within a first preset time period;

[0035] If feedback information is received within the first preset time period, selectively issuing an instruction to start the health mode according to an instruction included in the received feedback information;

[0036] If no feedback information is received within the preset time period, the air conditioner is controlled to continue to operate according to the current operating parameters when the air conditioner is in operation, and is controlled to operate according to the default operating parameters when the air conditioner is in standby mode.

[0037] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, the step of "selectively issuing an instruction to start the health mode according to the instruction included in the received feedback information" further includes:

[0038] If the instruction is to start the health mode, issuing an instruction to start the health mode;

[0039] If the instruction is to execute a preset instruction, the air conditioner is controlled to execute the preset instruction.

[0040] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, the control method further comprises:

[0041] After receiving the instruction to start the health mode, obtaining the pollution index β of the air conditioner;

[0042] Obtaining the humidity RH of the indoor space;

[0043] Controlling the air conditioner to operate in the health mode based on the pollution index β and / or the humidity RH;

[0044] The pollution index β is determined based on the actual time and theoretical time for the temperature of the indoor space to reach a preset temperature.

[0045] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, the control method further comprises:

[0046] After controlling the air conditioner to run the health mode ends, issuing a reminder;

[0047] If an operation instruction is received within a second preset time period after the reminder is issued, controlling the air conditioner to operate the received operation instruction;

[0048] If no operation instruction is received, the air conditioner is controlled to continue to operate with current operation parameters when the air conditioner is in operation, and is controlled to shut down when the air conditioner is in standby mode.

[0049] In the technical solution of the present invention, the control method includes: after the air conditioner receives the power-on command, obtaining the operating parameters of the air conditioner during the last operation, judging whether the air conditioner ran in the self-cleaning mode during the last operation based on the operating parameters, selectively issuing an inquiry on whether to start the health mode based on the first judgment result and the actual time and theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature, and after issuing the inquiry on whether to start the health mode, controlling the operation of the air conditioner according to the received feedback information. Among them, the health mode includes one or more of the sterilization mode, the self-cleaning mode and the purification mode. The actual time and theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature can accurately reflect the heat exchange capacity of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and thus can also explain the degree of dirtiness of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger. That is to say, the present invention determines the operating mode of the air conditioner this time based on the last operating parameters of the air conditioner, the degree of dirtiness of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and user feedback. The operation of the air conditioner is controlled based on a full understanding of the condition of the air conditioner and the actual needs of the user. Therefore, the healthy mode can be activated in time when it is needed, and the air conditioner can be controlled to operate according to demand when the healthy mode is not needed. This can better ensure the performance of the air conditioner and enhance the user experience.

[0050] Furthermore, if the self-cleaning mode was not running the last time the air conditioner was run, the air conditioner is controlled to maintain the current state and an inquiry as to whether to start the health mode is issued, or the air conditioner is controlled to run, based on a comparison result of a first difference between the actual time and the theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature when the air conditioner was last run and a first difference threshold. After the air conditioner is controlled to run stably, the air conditioner is further controlled to continue to run according to current operating parameters and an inquiry as to whether to start the health mode is issued, or the air conditioner is only controlled to continue to run according to current operating parameters, based on a comparison result of a second difference between the actual time and the theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature during this operation and a second difference threshold. In this way, based on the specific circumstances of the last operation and this operation of the air conditioner, an inquiry as to whether to start the health mode is not issued when it is not necessary, and an inquiry as to whether to start the health mode is issued when it is necessary. This is to remind the user through the inquiry that the heat exchange capacity of the current indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger is poor without affecting the user's physical sensation, thereby effectively improving the user experience.

[0051] Furthermore, if the air conditioner was in self-cleaning mode last time it was run, the air conditioner is directly controlled to run to meet the user's demand for the temperature of the indoor space. After the air conditioner is controlled to run stably, the air conditioner is only controlled to run according to the current operating parameters or a query is issued to start the health mode while the air conditioner is controlled to run according to the current operating parameters, based on the comparison result of the third difference between the actual time and the theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature during this operation and the third difference threshold. In this way, the query of whether to start the health mode can be issued when the health mode needs to be started according to the specific situation of the air conditioner's current operation, so as to remind the user through the query that the heat exchange capacity of the current indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger is poor.

[0052] Furthermore, after receiving the instruction to start the healthy mode, the pollution index β of the air conditioner and the humidity RH of the indoor space are obtained, and the air conditioner is controlled to run in the healthy mode based on the pollution index β and / or the humidity RH. Among them, the pollution index β is determined based on the actual time and theoretical time for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature. In other words, the pollution index β can accurately reflect the degree of dirtiness of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger. Since the air conditioner usually self-cleans the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger by frosting first and then defrosting, the humidity RH of the indoor space will also affect the intensity of self-cleaning. In this way, controlling the healthy mode of the air conditioner based on the pollution index β and humidity RH can better self-clean, sterilize and purify the inside of the air conditioner, ensure the cleanliness and heating / cooling capacity of the inside of the air conditioner, and thus better adjust the air quality of the indoor space through the air conditioner to improve the user experience.

[0053] Furthermore, after the air conditioner is controlled to run in the health mode, a reminder is issued to remind the user that the health mode has been completed. Within the second preset time period after the reminder is issued, if an operation instruction is received, the air conditioner is controlled to run the received operation instruction. If no operation instruction is received, the air conditioner is controlled to continue to run according to the current operation parameters when the air conditioner is in the running state, and the air conditioner is controlled to shut down when the air conditioner is in the standby state. In this way, after the reminder is issued, the operation of the air conditioner is controlled according to the received instruction, so that the air conditioner can be operated completely according to the user's needs, meet the user's personalized requirements, and better serve the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0055] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 2is a control flow chart of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention when the self-cleaning mode was not operated during the last operation;

[0057] Figure 3 is a control flow chart of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention when the self-cleaning mode was run during the last operation;

[0058] Figure 4 is a control flow chart of controlling an air conditioner according to received feedback information after sending an inquiry about whether to start a health mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 5 is a control flow chart of controlling the healthy mode of the air conditioner according to the pollution index of the air conditioner and the humidity of the indoor space after the air conditioner receives an instruction to start the healthy mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 6 It is a control flow chart of controlling the operation of the air conditioner in sterilization mode, self-cleaning mode and purification mode based on the pollution index β and the humidity RH according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 7 A control flow chart of controlling the running time of the air conditioner in the self-cleaning mode based on the humidity according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 8 This is a control flow chart after the health mode operation of an embodiment of the present invention ends. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention.

[0064] It should be noted that, in the description of the present invention, the terms "first", "second", "third" and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, it should be noted that in the description of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0065] At present, in order to improve the air-conditioning performance of the air conditioner, the air conditioner is usually equipped with health modules such as self-cleaning and sterilization. However, these health modules usually need to be started manually. Since users tend to forget these health modules that are not often used and have a weak sense of personal experience, they cannot enable the health modules in time, resulting in waste of functions, and also causing a decrease in air-conditioning capacity, bacterial growth, and poor experience. To this end, the present invention selectively issues an inquiry on whether to start the health mode based on the first judgment result of whether the self-cleaning mode was run in the last operation of the air conditioner, and the actual time and theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature when the air conditioner was run last and / or this time, and then controls the operation of the air conditioner according to the received feedback information, so that the health mode can be started in time when it is needed, and then the performance of the air conditioner can be better ensured and the user experience can be improved.

[0066] In the present invention, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, the indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan, the outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor fan, a throttling element and a compressor, and the refrigerant circulates among the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the throttling element and the indoor heat exchanger. When the air conditioner operates in a cooling mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat at the indoor heat exchanger and dissipates heat at the outdoor heat exchanger, thereby achieving the purpose of lowering the temperature of the indoor space. When the air conditioner operates in a heating mode, the refrigerant dissipates heat at the indoor heat exchanger and absorbs heat at the outdoor heat exchanger, thereby achieving the purpose of raising the temperature of the indoor space.

[0067] In the present invention, the air conditioner is equipped with a sterilization module and a purification module, and the sterilization module can sterilize the air flowing through it, and the purification module can purify the air flowing through it. The indoor unit includes a shell, and the shell has an air inlet and an air outlet, and an air duct is formed between the air inlet and the air outlet. The sterilization module and the purification module can be arranged near the air inlet, or near the air outlet, or at any position in the air duct, and the air entering the indoor unit can be sterilized and purified by the sterilization module and the purification module, thereby killing bacteria in the air and removing dust and other debris in the air.

[0068] It should be noted that the sterilization module can be, but is not limited to, an ultraviolet sterilization module, an ion sterilization module, a photocatalyst sterilization module, etc. The present invention does not limit the specific configuration of the sterilization module, and any changes in structure, shape, etc., but the technical principle does not deviate from the inventive concept of the present invention, all belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0069] It should be noted that the purification module may be, but is not limited to, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) module, an IFD (Intense Field Dielectric) purification module, etc. The present invention does not limit the specific configuration of the purification module, and any changes in the structure, shape, etc., but the technical principle does not deviate from the inventive concept of the present invention, all belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0070] In the present invention, the operation mode of the air conditioner may include a sterilization mode, a self-cleaning mode and a purification mode in addition to the heating mode and the cooling mode. Specifically, the sterilization mode of the air conditioner may be realized by running the above-mentioned sterilization module so as to sterilize the air. The purification mode of the air conditioner may be realized by running the above-mentioned purification module so as to purify the air. The self-cleaning mode of the air conditioner may be realized by first frosting and then defrosting so as to self-clean the air conditioner. Among them, taking the indoor heat exchanger as an example, the process of first frosting and then defrosting specifically includes: first lowering the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger so as to frost the surface of the indoor heat exchanger, and then raising the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger so as to melt the frost on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger. In the process of frosting, the water on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger changes from liquid to solid, the volume increases and generates expansion force, and the pollutants attached to the surface of the indoor heat exchanger are separated from the surface of the indoor heat exchanger under the action of the expansion force. In the process of defrosting, the frost melts to form a water flow, and the water flow can wash away the pollutants separated from the surface of the indoor heat exchanger. Obviously, the self-cleaning of the air conditioner can also be achieved by spraying or brushing the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0071] In the present invention, the indoor unit is also provided with a humidity sensor, through which the humidity of the indoor space where the air conditioner is located can be detected. The humidity sensor can be arranged near the air inlet or outlet, or at other positions in the air duct.

[0072] It should be noted that the humidity sensor may be, but is not limited to, a resistive humidity sensor, a capacitive humidity sensor, or the like.

[0073] It should be noted that the humidity sensor may not be arranged on the indoor unit, but may be arranged at any position of the indoor space where the air conditioner is located, as long as the humidity in the indoor space can be accurately detected. After the humidity sensor detects the humidity in the indoor space, the humidity data is uploaded to the air conditioner.

[0074] In the present invention, the air conditioner also includes a control module, which can determine whether the self-cleaning mode was run during the last operation of the air conditioner based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner during the last operation, and can selectively issue an inquiry on whether to start the health mode based on the actual time and theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature during the last and current operations of the air conditioner when the self-cleaning mode was not run during the last operation of the air conditioner; can selectively issue an inquiry on whether to start the health mode based on the actual time and theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature during the current operation of the air conditioner when the self-cleaning mode was run during the last operation of the air conditioner; can control the operation of the air conditioner according to the received feedback information after issuing the inquiry on whether to start the health mode; and can selectively issue an inquiry on whether to start the health mode based on the actual time and theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature during the current operation of the air conditioner when the self-cleaning mode was run during the last operation of the air conditioner. After receiving the instruction to start the health mode, the air conditioner can be controlled to run in the health mode according to the pollution index of the air conditioner and / or the humidity of the indoor space. When the pollution index is greater than the index threshold, or the humidity is greater than the first humidity threshold, the air conditioner can be controlled to run in the sterilization mode, and the air conditioner can be controlled to run in the self-cleaning mode after the air conditioner runs in the sterilization mode for a first preset period of time. When the pollution index is less than or equal to the index threshold, and the humidity is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold, the air conditioner can be controlled to run in the self-cleaning mode. After the air conditioner is controlled to run in the self-cleaning mode, the air conditioner can be controlled to run in the purification mode and the sterilization mode at the same time. After the air conditioner is controlled to run in the purification mode and the sterilization mode, a reminder can be issued after the air conditioner is controlled to run in the purification mode and the sterilization mode. After the reminder is issued, the air conditioner can be controlled to run according to the received operation instruction, etc.

[0075] It should be noted that such a control module may physically be a control chip of the air conditioner itself, or a controller specifically used to execute the method of the present application, or a functional module or functional unit of a general controller.

[0076] Refer to the following Figures 1 to 8 To illustrate possible implementations of the air conditioner control method of the present invention.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, in a possible implementation manner, the control method of the present invention includes:

[0078] S100: After the air conditioner receives the power-on instruction, the operating parameters of the air conditioner when it was last running are obtained;

[0079] S101: determining whether the air conditioner was in a self-cleaning mode the last time it was operated based on the operating parameters;

[0080] S102: selectively inquiring whether to start the health mode based on the first judgment result and the actual time and theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature when the air conditioner was operated last time and this time;

[0081] S103: After inquiring whether to start the health mode, controlling the operation of the air conditioner according to the received feedback information.

[0082] In S100, after the air conditioner receives the power-on instruction, the air conditioner is in a standby state, and the operating parameters of the air conditioner when it was last running can be obtained.

[0083] It should be noted that the above operating parameters include the operating mode of the air conditioner when it was last operated, the return air temperature, the supply air temperature, the preset temperature, the coil temperature of the indoor heat exchanger, the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger, the speed of the indoor fan, the speed of the outdoor fan, the power consumption, and the order of setting each parameter and the operating time, etc.

[0084] In S101, based on the operating parameters obtained in S100, it is determined whether the air conditioner was running in a self-cleaning mode the last time it was running.

[0085] It should be noted that, for example, the air conditioner is operated in self-cleaning mode by first frosting and then defrosting. For example, the operating parameters obtained in S100 include "first controlling the indoor fan to operate at a first speed and the coil temperature of the indoor heat exchanger at a certain low temperature for a first time (for example, 10-45 minutes, etc.), then the indoor fan is operated at a second speed and the coil temperature of the indoor heat exchanger at a first high temperature for a second time (for example, 10-45 minutes, etc.), and then the indoor fan is operated at a third speed and the coil temperature of the indoor heat exchanger at a second high temperature for a third time (for example, 5-10 minutes, etc.)". In this process, it can be considered that the air conditioner is operating in self-cleaning mode. For another example, the operating parameters include three operating modes: cooling mode, heating mode and self-cleaning mode. The operating parameters obtained in S100 include the self-cleaning mode, so it can also be considered that the air conditioner is operating in self-cleaning mode, etc. Without deviating from the basic principles of the present application, those skilled in the art can flexibly choose according to the specific application scenario, as long as the operating parameters obtained in S100 can accurately determine whether the air conditioner is operating in self-cleaning mode.

[0086] In S102, based on the first judgment result in S101 and the actual time and theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature when the air conditioner was operated last time and this time, an inquiry is selectively issued as to whether to start the health mode.

[0087] It should be noted that the temperature of the indoor space in the above S102 refers to the actual temperature of the indoor space. The return air temperature obtained in the above S100 can be determined as the actual temperature of the indoor space, or a temperature sensor can be installed in the indoor space to detect the actual temperature of the indoor space and upload the detected data to the air conditioner.

[0088] It should be noted that the theoretical time database required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature is pre-stored in the air conditioner. The theoretical time is usually calculated by technicians based on experimental data fitting, which is the time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature from the initial temperature when the air conditioner is turned on. In the theoretical time database, the absolute value of the difference between the initial temperature of the indoor space and the preset temperature and the corresponding relationship between the theoretical time are stored. Taking the current operation of the air conditioner as an example, when the theoretical time is needed, the difference between the initial temperature of the indoor space and the preset temperature when the air conditioner is running this time is calculated, and the absolute value of the difference of this operation is compared with the difference in the database, and the theoretical time corresponding to the difference in the database that matches successfully is determined as the theoretical time that matches the absolute value of the difference of this operation.

[0089] It should be noted that in S102, the query of whether to start the health mode can be selectively issued based on the first judgment result in S101 and the actual time and theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature when the air conditioner was operated last or this time. Obviously, the query of whether to start the health mode can also be selectively issued based on the actual time and theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature when the air conditioner was operated last and this time, or other times.

[0090] In S103, after an inquiry is made as to whether to activate the health mode, the operation of the air conditioner is controlled according to the received feedback information.

[0091] Through the above-mentioned control placement, the operating mode of the air conditioner this time is determined based on the last operating parameters of the air conditioner, the degree of dirtiness of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and user feedback. In this way, the healthy mode can be activated in time when it is needed, and the air conditioner can be controlled to operate according to demand when the healthy mode is not needed, thereby better ensuring the performance of the air conditioner and improving the user experience.

[0092] In a possible implementation, the air conditioner did not run the self-cleaning mode the last time it was run, indicating that the air conditioner has not been self-cleaned recently, and a lot of dust may have accumulated on the surfaces of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, the current heat exchange capacity of the air conditioner may be affected, and a lot of bacteria may have grown in the indoor unit. At this time, a query on whether to start the health mode is selectively issued based on the first difference between the actual time and the theoretical time required for the indoor space temperature to reach the preset temperature during the last and current runs of the air conditioner. Figure 2 To elaborate on its possible implementation methods.

[0093] like Figure 2 As shown, in a possible implementation manner, the control method of the present invention further includes:

[0094] S200: Obtaining a first difference between the actual time and the theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach a preset temperature when the air conditioner was last operated;

[0095] S201: Determine whether the first difference is greater than the first difference threshold, if so, execute S202; if not, execute S203;

[0096] S202: Control the air conditioner to maintain the current state, and issue a query whether to start the health mode;

[0097] S203: Control the operation of the air conditioner;

[0098] S204: after controlling the air conditioner to operate, obtaining a second difference between the actual time and the theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach a preset temperature during the current operation of the air conditioner;

[0099] S205: Determine whether the second difference is greater than the second difference threshold, if so, execute S206; if not, execute S207;

[0100] S206: Controlling the air conditioner to continue to operate according to the current operating parameters, and inquiring whether to start the health mode;

[0101] S207: Only control the air conditioner to continue to operate according to the current operating parameters.

[0102] In S200, when the air conditioner was not in the self-cleaning mode the last time it was run, a first difference between the actual time and the theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach a preset temperature when the air conditioner was last run is obtained.

[0103] Specifically, based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner obtained in S100 when it was last operated, the absolute value of the difference between the return air temperature at the initial stage of the air conditioner operation and the preset temperature is calculated, and then the absolute value of the difference is compared with the difference in the theoretical time database. The comparison process refers to the above description, so that the theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature when the air conditioner was last operated can be obtained. The operating parameters obtained in S100 also include the actual time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature when the air conditioner was last operated, which can be directly called. Then the actual time obtained is subtracted from the theoretical time, so that the first difference can be obtained.

[0104] In S201, based on the first difference value obtained in S200, it is determined whether the first difference value is greater than a first difference threshold value.

[0105] If the first difference is greater than the first difference threshold, it means that the time required for the indoor space temperature to reach the preset temperature when the air conditioner was last operated was long, and the heat exchange capacity of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger was poor. The heat exchanger was not cleaned when the air conditioner was last operated, and the air conditioner may be dirty or even have a lot of bacteria. At this time, the air conditioner is controlled to maintain the current state and a query is issued to ask whether to start the health mode, that is, S202 is executed. Since the air conditioner has only received the power-on instruction and is not running, the air conditioner is kept in standby mode, and the user is reminded by issuing a query that the heat exchange capacity of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger is poor.

[0106] It should be noted that when the first difference is greater than the first difference threshold, the air conditioner can be controlled to operate according to the operating parameters set by the user or the default operating parameters while inquiring whether the healthy mode is selected.

[0107] If the first difference is less than or equal to the first difference threshold, it means that the time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature when the air conditioner was running last time was relatively appropriate, the heat exchange capacity of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger was good, and there were not many bacteria growing in the indoor unit. At this time, the air conditioner is controlled to run, that is, S203 is executed to meet the user's demand for the temperature of the indoor space.

[0108] It should be noted that when the air conditioner is controlled to operate in S203, if the user sets the operating parameters for this operation, the air conditioner is controlled to operate according to the operating parameters set by the user. If the user does not set the operating parameters for this operation, the air conditioner is controlled to operate according to the default operating parameters. The default operating parameters can be pre-set by the designer and stored in the air conditioner, or pre-set and stored by the user. Of course, the default operating parameters can also be the operating parameters of the air conditioner when it was last operated. For example, the operating parameters of the last operation were low wind speed, cooling, and a preset temperature of 15°C. This time, the air conditioner is also controlled to operate according to the operating parameters.

[0109] In S204, after the air conditioner is controlled to run stably in S203, the temperature of the indoor space has reached the preset temperature, and a second difference between the actual time and the theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature during this operation is obtained. It should be noted that the air conditioner can be considered to be running stably when various operating parameters of the air conditioner are basically constant, for example, the actual temperature of the indoor space has basically reached the preset temperature, the coil temperature of the indoor heat exchanger is basically unchanged, and the speed of the indoor fan is basically unchanged.

[0110] It should be noted that the method for obtaining the second difference is roughly the same as the method for obtaining the first difference. First, the absolute value of the difference between the return air temperature and the preset temperature at the beginning of the air conditioner operation is calculated, and then the absolute value of the difference is compared with the difference in the theoretical time database. The comparison process refers to the above description, so that the theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature during the operation of the air conditioner can be obtained. Then, the actual time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature during the operation of the air conditioner is obtained, and the obtained theoretical time is subtracted from the actual time, so that the second difference can be obtained.

[0111] In S205, based on the second difference value obtained in S204, it is determined whether the second difference value is greater than a second difference threshold value.

[0112] If the second difference is greater than the second difference threshold, it means that although the heat exchange capacity of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger was good when the air conditioner was running last time, the heat exchange capacity of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger is poor this time. It may be that the air conditioner was last run for a long time, and a lot of dust has been deposited on the surfaces of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger again, and bacteria may also be bred. At this time, the air conditioner is controlled to continue to operate according to the current operating parameters, and an inquiry is issued as to whether to start the health mode, that is, S206 is executed, so as to remind the user through the inquiry that the heat exchange capacity of the current indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger is poor without affecting the user's physical sensation.

[0113] It should be noted that when the second difference is greater than the second difference threshold, an inquiry may be issued as to whether to start the health mode, and the air conditioner may be controlled to stop running, etc.

[0114] If the second difference is less than or equal to the second difference threshold, it means that although the air conditioner did not run the self-cleaning mode when it was last run, the surfaces of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger are relatively clean without dust accumulation, the heat exchange effect is good, and the indoor unit is also relatively clean with basically no bacteria breeding. There is no need to start the health mode. At this time, the air conditioner is only controlled to continue to run according to the current operating parameters, that is, S207 is executed to avoid disturbing the user's rest, thereby effectively improving the user experience.

[0115] Through the above control method, when the air conditioner did not run the self-cleaning mode the last time it was run, it is determined whether to issue an inquiry on whether to start the health mode based on the specific circumstances of the air conditioner's last operation and this operation. In this way, the inquiry on whether to start the health mode can be issued without affecting the user's physical sensation, in order to remind the user through the inquiry that the heat exchange capacity of the current indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger is poor, thereby improving the user experience.

[0116] It should be noted that when the air conditioner did not run the self-cleaning mode the last time it was run, an inquiry as to whether to start the health mode can also be directly issued.

[0117] In a possible implementation, the air conditioner ran in self-cleaning mode the last time it was run, that is, the dust on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger was cleaned the last time the air conditioner was run, and the surfaces of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger are relatively clean, and not too many bacteria will grow in the indoor unit. At this time, the air conditioner is controlled to run, and further, according to the size of the third difference between the actual time and the theoretical time for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature during the current operation of the air conditioner, a query is selectively issued as to whether to start the health mode. Figure 3 To elaborate on its possible implementation methods.

[0118] like Figure 3 As shown, in a possible implementation manner, the control method of the present invention further includes:

[0119] S300: Control the operation of the air conditioner;

[0120] S301: Obtaining a third difference between the actual time and the theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach a preset temperature during the current operation of the air conditioner;

[0121] S302: Determine whether the third difference is greater than the third difference threshold, if so, execute S303; if not, execute S304;

[0122] S303: Controlling the air conditioner to continue to operate according to the current operating parameters, and inquiring whether to start the health mode;

[0123] S304: Only control the air conditioner to continue to operate according to the current operating parameters.

[0124] In S300, when the air conditioner was in the self-cleaning mode when it was last operated, the air conditioner is controlled to operate.

[0125] It should be noted that the manner of controlling the operation of the air conditioner in S300 and S203 is substantially the same, that is, the air conditioner is controlled to operate according to the operating parameters set by the user, or according to the default operating parameters, which will not be described in detail here.

[0126] In S301, after the air conditioner is controlled to run stably in S300, the temperature of the indoor space has reached the preset temperature, and the third difference between the actual time and the theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature during this operation is obtained. It should be noted that the process of obtaining the third difference is roughly the same as the second difference, which will not be repeated here.

[0127] In S302, based on the third difference value obtained in S301, it is determined whether the third difference value is greater than a third difference value threshold.

[0128] If the third difference is greater than the third difference threshold, it means that although the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger have been cleaned last time, the heat exchange capacity of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger is still poor. This may be because the air conditioner was last operated for a long time, and a lot of dust has been deposited on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and bacteria may have grown. At this time, the air conditioner is controlled to continue to operate according to the current operating parameters, and an inquiry is issued as to whether to start the health mode, that is, S303 is executed, so as to remind the user through the inquiry that the heat exchange capacity of the current indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger is poor without affecting the user's physical sensation.

[0129] It should be noted that when the third difference is greater than the third difference threshold, an inquiry may be issued as to whether to start the health mode, and the air conditioner may be controlled to stop running, etc.

[0130] If the third difference is less than or equal to the third difference threshold, it means that after the last cleaning of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, the surfaces of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger are relatively clean, the heat exchange effect is good, the indoor unit is also relatively clean, and there is basically no bacteria breeding. There is no need to start the healthy mode. At this time, the air conditioner is controlled to continue to operate according to the current operating parameters, that is, execute S304.

[0131] Through the above control method, when the air conditioner ran self-cleaning during the last operation, the air conditioner is first directly controlled to run to meet the user's temperature requirements, and then according to the specific situation of the air conditioner's operation this time, an inquiry is issued as to whether to start the health mode when it is necessary to start the health mode, in order to remind the user through this inquiry that the heat exchange capacity of the current indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger is poor.

[0132] It should be noted that when the self-cleaning mode was run during the last operation of the air conditioner, only the operation of the air conditioner can be controlled, and no further inquiry on whether to start the health mode will be selectively issued based on the difference between the actual time and the theoretical time for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature.

[0133] In a possible implementation, after the query of whether to start the health mode is issued in S202, S206, and S303, the operation mode of the air conditioner is controlled according to the received feedback information. Figure 4 To illustrate a possible implementation method of the present invention for controlling the operation of the air conditioner according to the received feedback information.

[0134] like Figure 4 As shown, in a possible implementation manner, the control method of the present invention further includes:

[0135] S400: Sending a query whether to start the health mode;

[0136] S401: Determine whether feedback information is received within a first preset time period, if yes, execute S402; if no, execute S405;

[0137] S402: Determine whether the instruction included in the received feedback information is to start the health mode, if yes, execute S403; if no, execute S404;

[0138] S403: issuing an instruction to start the health mode;

[0139] S404: Controlling the air conditioner to execute the received preset instruction;

[0140] S405: Determine whether the air conditioner is currently in operation, if yes, execute S406; if no, execute S407;

[0141] S406: Control the air conditioner to continue to operate according to the current operating parameters;

[0142] S407: Control the air conditioner to operate according to default operating parameters.

[0143] In S400, when the first difference is greater than the first difference threshold, the second difference is greater than the second difference threshold, and the third difference is greater than the third difference threshold, an inquiry is issued as to whether to start the health mode.

[0144] In S401, after the query of whether to start the health mode is issued in S400, it is determined whether feedback information is received within a first preset time period. It should be noted that the first preset time period can be a time period of 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, etc.

[0145] It should be noted that the above inquiry can be issued by voice, text, voice + text, etc. For example, the inquiry can be issued by a voice playback module such as a speaker or a horn arranged on the indoor unit, or the inquiry can be displayed on a display screen arranged on the indoor unit or on a display screen on a remote control, or the inquiry can be issued by a smart mobile terminal (such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, etc.) matched with the air conditioner, etc. After receiving the inquiry, the user can also return feedback information by voice, text, voice + text, etc. Without departing from the basic principles of the present application, those skilled in the art can flexibly choose the implementation method of issuing inquiries and returning feedback information according to the specific application scenario, as long as the user can be reminded through the inquiry and the operation of the air conditioner can be controlled based on the feedback information.

[0146] If feedback information is received, it is further determined whether the instruction contained in the received feedback information is to start the health mode, that is, S402 is executed.

[0147] If the instruction contained in the received feedback information is to start the health mode, it means that the user believes that the health mode needs to be started and starting the health mode will not affect the user. At this time, an instruction to start the health mode is issued, that is, S403 is executed.

[0148] If the instruction contained in the received feedback information is not to start the health mode, but to execute other preset instructions, it means that the user does not want to start the health mode at present, or starting the health mode at this time will affect the user, and the user has other needs. At this time, the air conditioner is controlled to execute the preset instruction, that is, to execute S404. It should be noted that the preset instruction can be to control the air conditioner to stop running, or to increase the temperature of the indoor space to a certain set temperature, or to reduce the temperature of the indoor space to a certain set temperature, etc. The specific content of the preset instruction should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0149] If no feedback information is received, it means that the user does not want to start the health mode and has no special needs. At this time, it is further determined whether the air conditioner is in operation, that is, S405 is executed.

[0150] If the air conditioner is in operation, the air conditioner is controlled to continue to operate according to the current operation parameters, that is, S406 is executed to continue to adjust the temperature of the indoor space through the air conditioner.

[0151] If the air conditioner is not in operation, that is, the air conditioner is still in standby mode, the air conditioner is controlled to operate according to default operation parameters, that is, S407 is executed to adjust the temperature of the indoor space through the operation of the air conditioner.

[0152] Through the above-mentioned control method, an instruction to start the healthy mode or control the operation of the air conditioner can be issued according to the type of feedback information received and the current operating status of the air conditioner. In this way, an instruction to start the healthy mode can be issued and the operation of the air conditioner can be controlled according to the actual needs of the user, thereby better serving the user and improving the user experience.

[0153] It should be noted that after the inquiry on whether to start the health mode is issued in S400, the air conditioner can also be controlled to maintain the current state when no feedback information is received, that is, when the air conditioner is running, the air conditioner is controlled to continue to operate according to the current operating parameters, and when the air conditioner is in standby state, the air conditioner continues to be controlled to be in standby state, etc.

[0154] In a possible implementation, after the air conditioner receives the instruction to start the healthy mode issued in S403, in order to better clean the air conditioner and ensure that the indoor space is in a healthy environment, the present invention further controls the specific operation mode of the healthy mode of the air conditioner according to the pollution index of the air conditioner and / or the humidity of the indoor space. Figures 5 to 8 To further illustrate possible implementations of the air conditioner control method of the present invention.

[0155] like Figure 5 As shown, in a possible implementation manner, the control method of the present invention further includes:

[0156] S500: After the air conditioner receives the instruction to start the health mode, the pollution index β of the air conditioner is obtained;

[0157] S501: Obtaining the humidity RH of the indoor space where the air conditioner is located;

[0158] S502: Control the air conditioner to operate in a healthy mode based on the pollution index β and the humidity RH.

[0159] In S500, after the air conditioner receives the instruction to start the health mode, the pollution index β of the air conditioner is obtained. The pollution index β is determined based on the actual time and theoretical time for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature, so that the pollution index β can accurately reflect the degree of dirtiness of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0160] In a possible implementation, the pollution index β of the air conditioner can be calculated by the following formula (1):

[0161] β=(ΔT n -T x ) / T x (1)

[0162] Among them, β is the pollution index, ΔT n T is the fourth difference between the actual time and the theoretical time for the indoor space temperature to reach the set temperature during the current operation or the last operation of the air conditioner. x It should be noted that when the air conditioner is in operation, the ΔT n The ΔT is the difference between the actual time and theoretical time for the indoor temperature to reach the set temperature during the operation of the air conditioner. When the air conditioner is in standby mode, n It is the difference between the actual time and the theoretical time taken for the indoor space temperature to reach the set temperature when the air conditioner was last running.

[0163] It should be noted that the above-mentioned formula (1) for calculating the pollution index β can also be calculated using other formulas in the prior art. Such replacement of formulas but the technical principle does not deviate from the inventive concept of the present invention all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0164] In S501, the humidity RH of the indoor space where the air conditioner is located is obtained through the humidity sensor.

[0165] In S502, the air conditioner is controlled to operate in a healthy mode based on the pollution index β and humidity RH obtained in S500.

[0166] Through the above control method, the healthy operation mode of the air conditioner is controlled based on the pollution index β and humidity RH, which can better self-clean, sterilize and purify the inside of the air conditioner, ensure the cleanliness and heating / cooling capacity of the inside of the air conditioner, and thus better adjust the air quality of the indoor space through the air conditioner to improve the user experience.

[0167] It should be noted that the air conditioner can also be controlled to run in a healthy mode based only on the pollution index β or the humidity RH. For example, the air conditioner is controlled to run in a sterilization mode only when the humidity RH is greater than a first humidity threshold. After the air conditioner is controlled to run in the sterilization mode for a first preset period of time, the air conditioner is controlled to run in a self-cleaning mode. After the air conditioner is controlled to run in the self-cleaning mode and ends, the air conditioner is controlled to run in both the purification mode and the sterilization mode at the same time for a fourth preset period of time, and then the air conditioner is controlled to stop running in the purification mode and the sterilization mode, etc.

[0168] In a possible implementation, the health mode includes a sterilization mode, a self-cleaning mode, and a purification mode. In this case, the air conditioner can achieve sterilization, self-cleaning, and purification. In order to better avoid secondary pollution of the indoor space by dust, bacteria, etc. in the indoor unit and better improve the air quality of the indoor space, the present application further controls the air conditioner to operate the sterilization mode, self-cleaning mode, and purification mode according to the comparison between the pollution index β and the index threshold, and the humidity RH and the humidity threshold. Figure 6 The present invention will specifically describe possible implementations of controlling the operation of the air conditioner in sterilization mode, self-cleaning mode and purification mode based on the pollution index β and the humidity RH.

[0169] like Figure 6 As shown, in a possible implementation manner, the control method of the present invention further includes:

[0170] S600: Obtaining a pollution index β of the air conditioner;

[0171] S601: Obtaining the humidity RH of the indoor space where the air conditioner is located;

[0172] S602: Determine whether the pollution index β is less than or equal to the index threshold, and whether the humidity RH is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold. If so, execute S603; if not, execute S604;

[0173] S603: Control the air conditioner to run in self-cleaning mode;

[0174] S604: Control the air conditioner to operate in sterilization mode;

[0175] S605: After the air conditioner runs in the sterilization mode for a first preset time, controlling the air conditioner to run in the self-cleaning mode;

[0176] S606: After the air conditioner is controlled to operate in the self-cleaning mode, the air conditioner is controlled to operate in the sterilization mode and the purification mode.

[0177] In S600 , similar to the above S500 , the pollution index β of the air conditioner is determined based on the actual time and theoretical time for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature.

[0178] In S601, similar to the above S501, the humidity RH of the indoor space where the air conditioner is located is obtained through the above humidity sensor.

[0179] In S602 , based on the pollution index β obtained in S600 and the humidity RH obtained in S601 , it is determined whether the pollution index β is less than or equal to an index threshold, and the humidity RH is less than or equal to a first humidity threshold.

[0180] If the pollution index β is less than or equal to the index threshold, and the humidity RH is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold, for example, the pollution index β is 15%, the humidity RH is 50%, the index threshold is 20%, and the first humidity threshold is 70%. This means that the surfaces of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger are not very dirty, and the humidity of the indoor space is not very high. In this case, it is not easy for bacteria to grow inside the air conditioner. At this time, the air conditioner is directly controlled to run the self-cleaning mode, that is, S603 is executed to remove dust on the surfaces of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger through the operation of the self-cleaning mode, thereby improving the heat exchange capacity of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and preventing bacteria from growing inside the air conditioner, thereby improving the heating / cooling performance of the air conditioner and better improving the air quality of the indoor space.

[0181] It should be noted that when the pollution index β is less than or equal to the index threshold and the humidity RH is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold, the air conditioner may be controlled to operate in a sterilization mode or a purification mode instead of a self-cleaning mode.

[0182] If the pollution index β is not less than or equal to the index threshold, and the humidity RH is not less than or equal to the first humidity threshold, it means that the pollution index β is greater than the index threshold, but the humidity RH is less than or equal to the first humidity threshold, for example, the pollution index β is 30%, the humidity RH is 50%, the index threshold is 20%, and the first humidity threshold is 70%; it can also be that the pollution index β is less than or equal to the index threshold, but the humidity RH is greater than the first humidity threshold, for example, the pollution index β is 15%, the humidity RH is 85%, the index threshold is 20%, and the first humidity threshold is 70%. It can also be that the pollution index β is greater than the index threshold, and the humidity RH is greater than the first humidity threshold, for example, the pollution index β is 30%, the humidity RH is 85%, the index threshold is 20%, and the first humidity threshold is 70%. In this case, it means that the surfaces of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger are relatively dirty, or the humidity of the indoor space is relatively high. When the air conditioner is in any of these two situations, it is easier for bacteria to grow inside. At this time, the air conditioner is controlled to run the sterilization mode, that is, execute S604. That is to say, the air in the indoor space is sterilized by the above-mentioned sterilization module to avoid endangering the health of the user.

[0183] In S605, after the air conditioner is controlled to run the sterilization mode for the first preset time in S604, the bacteria inside the air conditioner have been basically killed. At this time, the air conditioner is controlled to run the self-cleaning mode. The self-cleaning mode is used to remove dust or debris on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, so as to improve the heat exchange capacity of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, thereby improving the heating / cooling performance of the air conditioner. At the same time, it can also prevent the re-growth of bacteria in the air conditioner, thereby improving the user experience.

[0184] In S606, after the air conditioner is controlled to run the self-cleaning mode for a period of time in S603 and S605, the self-cleaning mode ends, and the dust on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger has been basically cleaned. In order to avoid the re-deposition of dust or the re-growth of bacteria on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, a more thorough sterilization and dust removal process is performed. At this time, the air conditioner is controlled to run the sterilization mode and the purification mode. That is, the air in the indoor space is further sterilized by the above-mentioned sterilization module, and the air flowing through the purification module is purified by the above-mentioned purification module, such as dust removal and deodorization, so that the cleanliness of the indoor space can be further ensured and the air quality of the indoor space can be better improved.

[0185] It should be noted that the specific method for determining the first operating time of the air conditioner in the sterilization mode and the operating time of the self-cleaning mode is described below and will not be repeated here.

[0186] Through the above-mentioned control method, the specific operation mode of the air conditioner's healthy mode is controlled according to the comparison results between the pollution index β and the index threshold, and the humidity RH and the first humidity threshold, so that self-cleaning, sterilization and dust removal can be better performed, thereby better adjusting the air quality of the indoor space through the air conditioner and improving the user experience.

[0187] It should be noted that the second judgment result based on whether the pollution index β is greater than the index threshold and whether the humidity RH is greater than the first humidity threshold may not be to first control the air conditioner to run the self-cleaning mode and then control the air conditioner to run the purification mode and the sterilization mode at the same time, but to first control the air conditioner to run one of the purification mode and the sterilization mode, and then run the self-cleaning mode, or directly control the air conditioner to run one or two of the self-cleaning mode, purification mode or sterilization mode, etc.

[0188] It should be noted that the health mode may also include only one or two of the sterilization mode, the self-cleaning mode and the purification mode.

[0189] In a possible implementation, in order to better sterilize the indoor space, the present invention determines the first operation time of the sterilization mode based on the pollution index β and the humidity RH.

[0190] Specifically, if only the pollution index β is greater than the index threshold, for example, the pollution index β is 30% and the index threshold is 20%. At this time, the surfaces of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger are dirty, but the humidity is not very high, and the amount of bacteria growing inside the air conditioner is limited. At this time, the first preset time is determined by the following formula (2):

[0191] T 1 =(1+β)×A 1 (2)

[0192] Among them, β is the pollution index; A 1 is the time coefficient, in min, for example, A 1 is 3min, 5min, 10min, etc. Preferably, A 1 For 5 minutes.

[0193] If only the humidity RH is greater than the first humidity threshold, for example, the humidity RH is 85% and the first humidity threshold is 70%. At this time, the surfaces of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger are not very dirty, but the humidity is high, and the amount of bacteria growing inside the air conditioner is limited. At this time, the first preset time is determined by the following formula (3):

[0194] T 2 =(1+RH-A 2 )×A 3 (3)

[0195] Among them, β is the pollution index; RH is the humidity of the indoor space where the air conditioner is located; A 3 is the time coefficient, in min, for example, A 3 3min, 5min, 10min, etc.; A 2 is a constant, for example, A 2 is 30%, 50%, 60%, etc. Preferably, A 2 is 50%, A 3 For 5 minutes.

[0196] If the pollution index β is greater than the index threshold and the humidity RH is greater than the first humidity threshold, for example, the pollution index β is 30%, the humidity RH is 85%, the index threshold is 20%, and the first humidity threshold is 70%. At this time, the surface of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger is dirty, the humidity is also high, and the amount of bacteria growing inside the air conditioner is high. At this time, the first preset time is determined by the following formula (4):

[0197] T 3 =(1+β)×A 1 +(1+RH-A 2 )×A 3 (4)

[0198] Wherein, β is the pollution index; RH is the humidity of the indoor space where the air conditioner is located; A 1 and A 3 is the time coefficient, in min, for example, A 1 and A 3 3min, 5min, 10min, etc.; A 2 is a constant, for example, A 2 is 30%, 50%, 60%, etc. Preferably, A 2 is 50%, A 1 and A 3 For 5 minutes.

[0199] It should be noted that the above A 1 , A 2 , A 3 It can be obtained by technicians based on experiments, calculations, etc.

[0200] It should be noted that the above formulas (2), (3) and (4) for calculating the first preset time length can also be calculated using other formulas in the prior art. Such replacement of formulas but the technical principles do not deviate from the inventive concept of the present invention all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0201] Based on the above-mentioned specific method of determining the first preset time, the first preset time is relatively short in a situation where there are fewer bacteria growing in the air conditioner, and the first preset time is relatively long in a situation where there are more bacteria growing in the air conditioner. This allows the air to be better sterilized through the sterilization module, thereby achieving a better sterilization effect and saving energy.

[0202] It should be noted that the first preset duration may not be determined based on the pollution index β and the humidity RH, but the first operating duration of the sterilization mode may be determined as a fixed value, and when controlling the air conditioner to operate in the sterilization mode, the controller may be directly controlled to operate for a fixed duration.

[0203] In a possible implementation, when the air conditioner is controlled to run in self-cleaning mode in S603 and S605, the running time of the air conditioner in self-cleaning mode is determined based on the humidity RH. It should be noted that the following description is based on the example of the air conditioner performing self-cleaning by first frosting and then defrosting. In this case, when the air conditioner is controlled to run in self-cleaning mode, the running time of the self-cleaning mode is controlled based on the humidity RH of the indoor space. This can ensure a better self-cleaning effect while avoiding temperature fluctuations in the indoor space caused by the long running time of the self-cleaning mode, thereby better improving the user experience. Figure 7 The following describes a possible implementation method of controlling the operating time of the air conditioner in the self-cleaning mode based on the humidity in the present invention.

[0204] like Figure 7 As shown, in a possible implementation manner, the control method of the present invention further includes:

[0205] S700: Obtaining the humidity RH of the indoor space where the air conditioner is located;

[0206] S701: Determine whether the humidity RH is less than a second humidity threshold, if so, execute S702; if not, execute S703;

[0207] S702: Controlling the air conditioner to run the self-cleaning mode for a second preset time period;

[0208] S703: Control the air conditioner to run the self-cleaning mode for a third preset time period.

[0209] In S700, similar to S501 and S601, the humidity RH of the indoor space where the air conditioner is located is obtained through the humidity sensor.

[0210] In S701, based on the humidity RH obtained in S700, it is determined whether the humidity RH is less than a second humidity threshold.

[0211] If the humidity RH is less than the second humidity threshold, for example, the humidity RH is 20% and the second humidity threshold is 30%, it means that the humidity of the indoor space is relatively low. When self-cleaning is performed by frosting first and then defrosting, under the same working conditions, the frost layer on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger is thinner than that under higher humidity conditions. At this time, the air conditioner is controlled to run the self-cleaning mode for a longer second preset time, that is, executing S702. By extending the running time of the self-cleaning mode, the frost thickness can be increased, so that the dust on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger can be better removed.

[0212] If the humidity RH is greater than or equal to the second humidity threshold, for example, the humidity RH is 70% and the second humidity threshold is 30%, it means that the humidity of the indoor space is relatively high. When self-cleaning is performed by frosting first and then defrosting, under the same working conditions, a thicker frost layer can form on the surfaces of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger than under lower humidity conditions. At this time, the air conditioner is controlled to run the self-cleaning mode for a shorter third preset time, that is, executing S703, which can also effectively remove dust on the surfaces of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0213] In a preferred embodiment, the second preset time length is twice the third preset time length, which can achieve a better self-cleaning effect and avoid the self-cleaning mode running for too long.

[0214] Through the above control method, the running time of the self-cleaning mode is adjusted based on the humidity of the indoor space, so that the dust on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger can be better removed to obtain a better self-cleaning effect, while minimizing the impact on the temperature of the indoor space.

[0215] It should be noted that the running time of the self-cleaning mode may not be adjusted based on the humidity of the indoor space, but the air conditioner may be controlled to run the self-cleaning mode for a fixed time.

[0216] In a possible implementation, after the air conditioner is controlled to run the self-cleaning mode for the second preset time or the third preset time, it indicates that the self-cleaning mode has ended, and then the air conditioner is controlled to run the purification mode and the sterilization mode simultaneously. After the air conditioner is controlled to run the purification mode and the sterilization mode simultaneously for the fourth preset time, the health mode has finished running. At this time, a reminder is issued, and the operation of the air conditioner is controlled according to whether an operation instruction is received. Figure 8 The possible implementation of the control method after the health mode operation in the present invention is specifically described.

[0217] like Figure 8 As shown, in a possible implementation manner, the control method of the present invention further includes:

[0218] S800: After the air conditioner is controlled to run the purification mode and the sterilization mode simultaneously for a fourth preset time period, the air conditioner is controlled to stop running the purification mode and the sterilization mode;

[0219] S801: Send a reminder;

[0220] S802: Determine whether a running instruction is received within a second preset time period, if yes, execute S803; if no, execute S804;

[0221] S803: Controlling the air conditioner to operate the received operation instruction;

[0222] S804: further determining whether the air conditioner is in operation, if so, executing S806; if not, executing S805;

[0223] S805: Control the air conditioner to shut down;

[0224] S806: Control the air conditioner to continue to operate according to the current operating parameters.

[0225] In S800, after the air conditioner is controlled to run the purification mode and the sterilization mode simultaneously for the fourth preset time in S606, for example, the fourth preset time is 10 minutes, at this time, the surface of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger is relatively clean, and the bacteria in the air conditioner have been basically cleared, at this time, the air conditioner is controlled to stop running the purification mode and the sterilization mode. This also shows that the health mode has been completed, the heat exchange capacity of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger has been improved, and the bacteria in the air conditioner have been cleared.

[0226] In S801, after the air conditioner is controlled to stop running the purification mode and the sterilization mode, a reminder is issued to inform the user that the health mode has been completed.

[0227] It should be noted that, although the above description is made in the manner of executing S800 first and then executing S801 , it is obvious that S800 and S801 may also be executed simultaneously.

[0228] It should be noted that after the air conditioner is controlled to stop running in the purification mode and the sterilization mode, the reminder may not be issued.

[0229] In S802, after the reminder is issued in S801, it is determined whether an operation instruction is received within a second preset time period, for example, it is determined whether an operation instruction is received within 10 seconds after the reminder is issued.

[0230] It should be noted that the above reminder can be issued by voice, text, voice + text, etc. For example, the reminder can be issued by a voice playback module such as a speaker or a loudspeaker provided on the indoor unit, or displayed on a display screen provided on the indoor unit or on a remote control, or issued by a smart mobile terminal (such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, etc.) matched with the air conditioner, etc. After receiving the reminder, the user can return the operation instruction through the remote control or the smart mobile terminal (such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, etc.) matched with the air conditioner.

[0231] If an operation instruction is received, it means that the user has a particularly desired air condition. At this time, the air conditioner is controlled to run the received operation instruction, that is, S803 is executed to meet the user's needs.

[0232] If no operation instruction is received, it means that the user does not have any particular desired air condition and the current air condition can already meet his / her requirements. At this time, it is further determined whether the air conditioner is in operation, that is, S804 is executed.

[0233] If the air conditioner is in operation, the air conditioner is controlled to continue to operate according to the current operation parameters, that is, S806 is executed.

[0234] If the air conditioner is not in operation, that is, the air conditioner is in standby mode, such as the situation in S202, the air conditioner is controlled to be turned off, that is, S805 is executed.

[0235] It should be noted that when the air conditioner is not in operation, the air conditioner can also be controlled to operate according to default operating parameters.

[0236] Through the above control method, the air conditioner can be operated completely according to the needs of the user, meet the user's personalized requirements, and better serve the user.

[0237] It should be noted that the specific values ​​of the above-mentioned parameters such as the pollution index β, index threshold, humidity RH, first humidity threshold, second humidity threshold, first preset time, and fourth preset time are merely illustrative and are not restrictive. Without deviating from the basic principles of the present invention, technical personnel in this field can flexibly select the specific values ​​of the above-mentioned parameters according to the specific application scenarios, as long as better self-cleaning effect, sterilization effect, and purification effect can be obtained.

[0238] In summary, in the preferred technical solution of the present invention, after the air conditioner receives the power-on instruction, it issues an inquiry on whether to start the health mode according to the first judgment result of whether the air conditioner ran the self-cleaning mode during the last operation and the actual time and theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature. After issuing the inquiry on whether to start the health mode, the air conditioner is controlled to run according to the received feedback information, so that the air conditioner can be operated according to the specific situation of the air conditioner and the user's wishes, which can better ensure the performance of the air conditioner and improve the user experience. When the air conditioner did not run the self-cleaning mode during the last operation, the difference between the actual time and the theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature during the last operation and the current operation of the air conditioner, and when the air conditioner ran the self-cleaning mode during the last operation, the air conditioner is controlled to run and an inquiry on whether to start the health mode is issued according to the actual time and theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature during the current operation of the air conditioner, so that the user can be reminded through the inquiry that the heat exchange capacity of the current indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger is poor without affecting the user's body feeling. After receiving the instruction to start the health mode, the air conditioner is controlled to run the health mode based on the pollution index β and humidity RH, so that the air conditioner can be better self-cleaned, sterilized and purified, and the air quality of the indoor space can be better adjusted through the air conditioner. By determining the specific value of the first preset duration of the air conditioner running the sterilization mode based on the pollution index β and humidity RH, it is possible to save energy while ensuring the sterilization effect. By determining the specific duration of the air conditioner running the self-cleaning mode based on the humidity RH, it is possible to reduce the impact on the temperature of the indoor space while ensuring the self-cleaning effect.

[0239] Although the various steps in the above embodiment are described in the above-mentioned chronological order, those skilled in the art can understand that in order to achieve the effect of this embodiment, different steps do not have to be executed in such an order. They can be executed simultaneously (in parallel) or in a reverse order. These simple changes are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0240] So far, the technical solutions of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the protection scope of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an air conditioner, It is characterized in that The control method comprises: After the air conditioner receives the power-on instruction, obtaining the operating parameters of the air conditioner when it was last operated; determining, based on the operating parameters, whether the air conditioner was in a self-cleaning mode when it was last operated; selectively inquiring whether to activate the health mode based on the first judgment result and the actual time and theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach the preset temperature; After inquiring whether to start the health mode, controlling the operation of the air conditioner according to the received feedback information; The health mode includes one or more of a sterilization mode, a self-cleaning mode and a purification mode.

2. The control method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The step of "selectively issuing an inquiry as to whether to activate the health mode based on the first judgment result" further includes: If the air conditioner was not in self-cleaning mode when it was last operated, obtaining a first difference between the actual time and the theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach a preset temperature when the air conditioner was last operated; Comparing the first difference with a first difference threshold; An inquiry as to whether to activate the health mode is selectively issued based on the comparison result.

3. The control method according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The step of "selectively issuing an inquiry as to whether to activate the health mode based on the comparison result" further includes: If the first difference is greater than a first difference threshold, controlling the air conditioner to maintain a current state and sending a query whether to start the health mode; If the first difference is less than or equal to the first difference threshold, controlling the air conditioner to operate; After controlling the air conditioner to run stably, obtaining a second difference between the actual time and the theoretical time required for the temperature of the indoor space to reach a preset temperature during this operation; An inquiry as to whether to activate the health mode is selectively issued based on the size of the second difference.

4. The control method according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The step of "selectively issuing an inquiry on whether to start the health mode based on the size of the second difference" further includes: Comparing the second difference with a second difference threshold; If the second difference is greater than the second difference threshold, controlling the air conditioner to continue to operate according to the current operating parameters, and issuing a query whether to start the health mode; If the second difference is less than or equal to the second difference threshold, the air conditioner is simply controlled to continue operating according to the current operating parameters.

5. The control method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The step of "selectively issuing an inquiry as to whether to activate the health mode based on the first judgment result" further includes: If the air conditioner was in a self-cleaning mode when it was last operated, controlling the air conditioner to operate; After controlling the air conditioner to run stably, obtaining a third difference between the actual time taken and the theoretical time taken for the temperature of the indoor space to reach a preset temperature during the current operation; An inquiry as to whether to activate the health mode is selectively issued based on the size of the third difference.

6. The control method according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The step of "selectively issuing an inquiry as to whether to activate the health mode based on the size of the third difference" further includes: Comparing the third difference with a third difference threshold; If the third difference is greater than the third difference threshold, controlling the air conditioner to maintain the current state and issuing a query whether to start the health mode; If the third difference is less than or equal to the third difference threshold, the air conditioner is simply controlled to maintain the current state.

7. The control method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The step of "controlling the operation of the air conditioner according to the received feedback information" further includes: Determining whether feedback information is received within a first preset time period; If feedback information is received within the first preset time period, selectively issuing an instruction to start the health mode according to an instruction included in the received feedback information; If no feedback information is received within the preset time period, the air conditioner is controlled to continue to operate according to the current operating parameters when the air conditioner is in operation, and is controlled to operate according to the default operating parameters when the air conditioner is in standby mode.

8. The control method according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The step of "selectively issuing an instruction to start the health mode according to the instruction included in the received feedback information" further includes: If the instruction is to start the health mode, issuing an instruction to start the health mode; If the instruction is to execute a preset instruction, the air conditioner is controlled to execute the preset instruction.

9. The control method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The control method further comprises: After receiving the instruction to start the health mode, obtaining the pollution index β of the air conditioner; Obtaining the humidity RH of the indoor space; Controlling the air conditioner to operate in the health mode based on the pollution index β and / or the humidity RH; The pollution index β is determined based on the actual time and theoretical time for the temperature of the indoor space to reach a preset temperature.

10. The control method according to claim 9, It is characterized in that The control method further comprises: After controlling the air conditioner to run the health mode ends, issuing a reminder; If an operation instruction is received within a second preset time period after the reminder is issued, controlling the air conditioner to operate the received operation instruction; If no operation instruction is received, the air conditioner is controlled to continue to operate with current operation parameters when the air conditioner is in operation, and is controlled to shut down when the air conditioner is in standby mode.

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