Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to an air conditioner and its control method. The air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air flowing through it, and a humidification device configured to humidify the indoor environment by guiding water to the indoor heat exchanger. The control method of this invention includes: receiving a humidification start command to instruct the air conditioner to activate its humidification function; controlling the humidification device to perform humidification operation, and determining whether sterilization conditions for sterilizing the indoor heat exchanger are met; if so, raising the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger to a preset sterilization temperature. This invention selects to sterilize the indoor heat exchanger at the start or during the humidification operation, cleverly utilizing the water guided to the indoor heat exchanger by the humidification device during the humidification operation, saving the process of condensation and defrosting on the indoor heat exchanger, resulting in shorter time consumption, higher sterilization efficiency, lower energy consumption, and improved humidification efficiency and user experience of the air conditioner.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] To improve user experience, most air conditioners on the market have a humidification function. Some air conditioners humidify the indoor environment by spraying water onto the indoor heat exchanger, causing the water to evaporate and then enter the indoor environment with the airflow, thus achieving the purpose of humidification. However, the indoor heat exchanger is frequently exposed to water, which can easily accumulate dust and bacteria. Therefore, prolonged humidification can potentially cause respiratory diseases in users.

[0003] Some existing air conditioners have a self-cleaning mode. In self-cleaning mode, the air conditioner is first controlled to run in cooling mode, causing frost to form on the indoor heat exchanger. Then, the air conditioner is controlled to run in heating mode, causing the frost to melt and the resulting condensate to clean the indoor heat exchanger. However, the self-cleaning mode of existing air conditioners requires cooling before heating, and cooling and heating have completely opposite heat exchange effects. This inevitably causes users to experience inconsistent temperatures, and it is also time-consuming, energy-intensive, and inefficient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of the first aspect of this invention is to overcome at least one deficiency of the prior art and to provide an air conditioner control method capable of efficiently sterilizing indoor heat exchangers.

[0005] Another objective of the first aspect of this invention is to improve the humidification efficiency of air conditioners.

[0006] Another objective of the first aspect of this invention is to improve the user experience.

[0007] The second aspect of this invention aims to provide an air conditioner capable of efficiently sterilizing indoor heat exchangers.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a control method for an air conditioner, the air conditioner having an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air flowing therethrough, and a humidification device configured to humidify an indoor environment by guiding water to the indoor heat exchanger; and

[0009] The control method includes:

[0010] Receive a humidification start command for instructing the humidification function of the air conditioner to be activated;

[0011] Control the humidification device to perform humidification operation, and determine whether the sterilization conditions for sterilizing the indoor heat exchanger are met; and

[0012] If so, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger will be raised to the preset sterilization temperature.

[0013] Optionally, the sterilization condition is satisfied when any one or more of the following conditions are met:

[0014] The first time interval between the current moment and the start time of the last humidification operation reaches the first preset duration;

[0015] The second time interval between the current moment and the end time of the last humidification operation reaches the second preset duration;

[0016] The third time interval between the current moment and the last sterilization end time has reached the third preset duration.

[0017] Optionally, the step of raising the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger to a preset sterilization temperature includes:

[0018] Control the air conditioner to operate in heating mode; and

[0019] Adjust the operating parameters of the air conditioner so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger is maintained at the preset sterilization temperature.

[0020] Optionally, after raising the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger to a preset sterilization temperature, the control method further includes:

[0021] After both the sterilization termination condition and the humidification stop condition are met, the humidification operation is stopped, and the operating parameters of the air conditioner are restored to the state before the humidification start command was received.

[0022] If only the sterilization termination condition is met, the humidification operation continues, and the operating parameters of the air conditioner are restored to the state before the humidification start command was received; and

[0023] If the humidification stop condition is met, the humidification operation continues, and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger continues to be maintained at the preset sterilization temperature.

[0024] Optionally, the air conditioner further includes a heating device for heating the indoor heat exchanger; and

[0025] The step of raising the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger to a preset sterilization temperature includes:

[0026] Start the heating device to heat the indoor heat exchanger; and

[0027] Adjust the power of the heating device so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger is maintained at the preset sterilization temperature.

[0028] Optionally, after raising the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger to a preset sterilization temperature, the control method further includes:

[0029] After both the sterilization termination condition and the humidification stop condition are met, the humidification operation is stopped and the heating device is turned off.

[0030] If only the sterilization termination condition is met, continue the humidification operation and turn off the heating device; and

[0031] If the humidification stop condition is met, the humidification operation continues and the heating device continues to be turned on to maintain the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger at the preset sterilization temperature.

[0032] Optionally, the sterilization termination condition includes maintaining the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger at the preset sterilization temperature for a fourth preset duration; and / or

[0033] The humidification stops when the humidity in the indoor environment where the air conditioner is located reaches a preset humidity level.

[0034] Optionally, the preset sterilization temperature is any temperature value within the range of 50℃ to 60℃.

[0035] Optionally, the indoor heat exchanger includes heat exchange tubes for circulating refrigerant and a plurality of heat exchange fins arranged at intervals along the heat exchange tubes; and

[0036] The humidification device includes a water tank for storing water and a water distributor for selectively directing water from the water tank to the heat exchange fins so that water flows along the heat exchange fins.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention also provides an air conditioner, comprising:

[0038] Indoor heat exchangers are used to exchange heat with the air flowing through them;

[0039] A humidification device configured to humidify an indoor environment by guiding water to the indoor heat exchanger; and

[0040] A control device, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a machine-executable program, and the machine-executable program, when executed by the processor, is used to implement the control method described in any of the above schemes.

[0041] The air conditioner control method of this invention, upon receiving a humidification start command, not only controls the humidification device to perform humidification operation, but also determines whether sterilization of the indoor heat exchanger is necessary. If so, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger is adjusted to a preset sterilization temperature. At this preset sterilization temperature, the indoor heat exchanger temperature is higher, resulting in higher sterilization efficiency than under other conditions. More importantly, this invention chooses to sterilize the indoor heat exchanger at the start or during the humidification operation, cleverly utilizing the water guided to the indoor heat exchanger by the humidification device during the humidification operation. This saves the defrosting process on the indoor heat exchanger found in existing technologies; only the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger needs to be raised, resulting in shorter time consumption, higher sterilization efficiency, and lower energy consumption.

[0042] The air conditioner control method of the present invention performs humidification operation after receiving a humidification start command, and raises the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger after the sterilization conditions are met. The increase in the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger can not only improve the sterilization efficiency and thoroughness, but also improve the evaporation efficiency of water on the indoor heat exchanger, thereby prompting more and faster water on the indoor heat exchanger to enter the indoor environment space with the airflow, thus improving the humidification efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0043] The air conditioner control method of the present invention utilizes water guided to the indoor heat exchanger by a humidifying device and sterilizes and purifies the indoor heat exchanger by raising its temperature. This eliminates the need for the air conditioner to switch back and forth between cooling and heating states, avoiding sudden changes in indoor temperature due to changes in the air conditioner's state, and improving the user experience.

[0044] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0046] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 4This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0053] This invention first provides a control method for an air conditioner. Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 1 The air conditioner 1 of the present invention has an indoor heat exchanger 10 for exchanging heat with the air flowing through it, and a humidification device 30, the humidification device 30 being configured to humidify the indoor environment by guiding water to the indoor heat exchanger 10.

[0054] Specifically, under normal circumstances, the airflow blowing into the indoor environment will flow through the indoor heat exchanger 10. The present invention guides water to the indoor heat exchanger 10 through the humidification device 30, so that some of the water on the indoor heat exchanger 10 enters the indoor environment along with the airflow flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 10, thereby playing the role of humidifying the indoor environment.

[0055] The air conditioner control method of the present invention is designed based on an air conditioner having the above-described structure.

[0056] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 2 The air conditioner control method of the present invention includes:

[0057] Step S10: Receive a humidification start command for instructing the humidification function of air conditioner 1 to be started;

[0058] Step S20: Control the humidification device 30 to perform humidification operation;

[0059] Step S30: Determine whether the sterilization conditions for sterilizing the indoor heat exchanger 10 are met; if yes, proceed to step S40; if no, return to continue the determination.

[0060] Step S40: Raise the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 to the preset sterilization temperature.

[0061] The air conditioner control method of the present invention, upon receiving a humidification start command, not only controls the humidification device 30 to perform humidification operation, but also determines at this time whether it is necessary to sterilize the indoor heat exchanger 10. If so, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 is adjusted to a preset sterilization temperature. At this preset sterilization temperature, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 is higher, and the sterilization efficiency is higher than that under other conditions.

[0062] More importantly, this invention chooses to sterilize the indoor heat exchanger 10 at the beginning or during the humidification operation. It cleverly utilizes the water guided to the indoor heat exchanger 10 by the humidification device 30 during the humidification operation for sterilization. There is no need to generate water on the indoor heat exchanger 10, nor is there an additional sterilization spray water device. This saves the process of frost and defrost on the indoor heat exchanger 10 and the additional spray water device required in the prior art. It only requires raising the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10, which is time-saving, efficient, energy-saving, and simple in structure.

[0063] The air conditioner control method of the present invention performs humidification operation after receiving a humidification start command, and raises the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 after the sterilization conditions are met. The increase in temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 can not only improve the sterilization efficiency and ensure the thoroughness of sterilization, but also improve the evaporation efficiency of water on the indoor heat exchanger 10, thereby prompting more and faster water on the indoor heat exchanger 10 to enter the indoor environment space with the airflow, thus improving the humidification efficiency of the air conditioner 1.

[0064] The air conditioner control method of the present invention utilizes water guided to the indoor heat exchanger 10 by the humidifier 30 and sterilizes and purifies the indoor heat exchanger 10 by raising the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10. It eliminates the need for the air conditioner to switch back and forth between cooling and heating states, avoids the indoor environment from fluctuating between hot and cold due to changes in the state of the air conditioner, and improves the user experience.

[0065] In some embodiments, the above sterilization conditions are met when any one or more of the following conditions are met:

[0066] The first time interval between the current moment and the start time of the last humidification operation reaches the first preset duration;

[0067] The second time interval between the current moment and the end time of the last humidification operation reaches the second preset duration;

[0068] The third time interval between the current moment and the last sterilization end time has reached the third preset duration.

[0069] In other words, the sterilization condition is met when any one of the above three conditions is satisfied.

[0070] The inventors recognized that the amount of dust and bacteria accumulated on the indoor heat exchanger 10 is closely related to the interval between two adjacent humidification operations; the longer the interval between two adjacent humidification operations, the more dust and bacteria accumulate on the indoor heat exchanger 10. Therefore, the first time interval between the current moment and the start time of the last humidification operation can be used to determine whether the sterilization conditions are met.

[0071] The dust and bacteria accumulated on the indoor heat exchanger 10 are closely related to the time interval after the last humidification operation of the indoor heat exchanger 10. Therefore, the time interval after the last humidification operation of the indoor heat exchanger 10 can be used to determine whether the sterilization conditions are met.

[0072] The dust and bacteria accumulated on the indoor heat exchanger 10 are also closely related to the time interval between two adjacent sterilization operations. Therefore, the time interval between two adjacent sterilization operations can also be used to determine whether the sterilization conditions are met.

[0073] In some embodiments, step S40 of raising the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 to a preset sterilization temperature may specifically include:

[0074] Control the air conditioner 1 to operate in heating mode; and

[0075] Adjust the operating parameters of the air conditioner 1 so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 is maintained at the preset sterilization temperature.

[0076] When the air conditioner 1 is operating in heating mode, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 is already relatively high. At this time, only a slight adjustment to the operating parameters of the air conditioner 1 is needed to keep the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 at the preset sterilization temperature, making the control logic simpler.

[0077] It is understood that this embodiment applies to the case where the air conditioner 1 is in heating mode. In this case, there is no need to change the operating mode of the air conditioner 1, which can minimize the impact on the user experience.

[0078] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to a second embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 3 The air conditioner control method of the present invention includes:

[0079] Step S10: Receive a humidification start command for instructing the humidification function of air conditioner 1 to be started;

[0080] Step S20: Control the humidification device 30 to perform humidification operation;

[0081] Step S30: Determine whether the sterilization conditions for sterilizing the indoor heat exchanger 10 are met; if yes, proceed to step S41; if no, return to continue the determination.

[0082] Step S41, control the air conditioner 1 to operate in heating mode; and

[0083] Step S42: Adjust the operating parameters of the air conditioner 1 so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 is maintained at the preset sterilization temperature.

[0084] Furthermore, after raising the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 to the preset sterilization temperature, the control method of the present invention further includes:

[0085] After both the sterilization termination condition and the humidification stop condition are met, the humidification operation is stopped, and the operating parameters of air conditioner 1 are restored to the state before the humidification start command was received.

[0086] If only the sterilization termination condition is met, the humidification operation continues, and the operating parameters of air conditioner 1 are restored to the state before the humidification start command was received; and

[0087] If only the humidification stop condition is met, the humidification operation continues and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 continues to be maintained at the preset sterilization temperature.

[0088] The humidification function of air conditioner 1 does not require the temperature of indoor heat exchanger 10. Therefore, when only the sterilization end condition is met, the operating parameters of air conditioner 1 can be restored to avoid significant impact on the user experience.

[0089] The sterilization of the indoor heat exchanger 10 depends on the water that the humidification device 30 directs to the indoor heat exchanger 10. Therefore, even if the humidification stop condition is met, the humidification operation still needs to continue.

[0090] Specifically, Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to a third embodiment of the present invention. See also Figure 4 The air conditioner control method of the present invention includes:

[0091] Step S10: Receive a humidification start command for instructing the humidification function of air conditioner 1 to be started;

[0092] Step S20: Control the humidification device 30 to perform humidification operation;

[0093] Step S30: Determine whether the sterilization conditions for sterilizing the indoor heat exchanger 10 are met; if yes, proceed to step S41; if no, return to continue the determination.

[0094] Step S41, control the air conditioner 1 to operate in heating mode; and

[0095] Step S42: Adjust the operating parameters of the air conditioner 1 so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 is maintained at the preset sterilization temperature.

[0096] Step S51: Determine whether the sterilization termination condition is met; if yes, proceed to step S61; if no, return to continue the determination.

[0097] Step S61: Restore the operating parameters of air conditioner 1 to the state before receiving the humidification start command;

[0098] Step S71: Determine whether the humidification stop condition is met; if yes, proceed to step S81; otherwise, return to continue the determination.

[0099] Step S81: Stop the humidification operation.

[0100] In some embodiments, the air conditioner 1 further includes a heating device for heating the indoor heat exchanger 10. In these embodiments, step S40, which raises the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 to a preset sterilization temperature, may specifically include:

[0101] Start the heating device to heat the indoor heat exchanger 10; and

[0102] Adjust the power of the heating device so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 is maintained at the preset sterilization temperature.

[0103] Once activated, the heating device effectively and quickly raises the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10, causing it to rapidly reach the preset sterilization temperature. Furthermore, the heating device offers convenient power adjustment, a faster response time, and maintains a more stable temperature for the indoor heat exchanger 10.

[0104] This embodiment applies to situations where the air conditioner 1 is operating in cooling mode or other non-heating mode. In this case, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 is low, and adjusting the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 through the heating device will not affect the overall heat exchange effect of the air conditioner 1, and will not cause any inconvenience to the user.

[0105] Understandably, the heating device can be a defrosting heating device that is built into the air conditioner 1 itself for defrosting the indoor heat exchanger 10.

[0106] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 5 The air conditioner control method of the present invention includes:

[0107] Step S10: Receive a humidification start command for instructing the humidification function of air conditioner 1 to be started;

[0108] Step S20: Control the humidification device 30 to perform humidification operation;

[0109] Step S30: Determine whether the sterilization conditions for sterilizing the indoor heat exchanger 10 are met; if yes, proceed to step S41'; if no, return to continue the determination.

[0110] Step S41': Start the heating device to heat the indoor heat exchanger 10; and

[0111] Step S42′: Adjust the power of the heating device so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 is maintained at the preset sterilization temperature.

[0112] Furthermore, after raising the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 to the preset sterilization temperature, the control method of the present invention further includes:

[0113] Once both the sterilization termination condition and the humidification stop condition are met, the humidification operation is stopped and the heating device is turned off.

[0114] If only the sterilization termination condition is met, continue the humidification operation and turn off the heating device; and

[0115] When only the humidification stop condition is met, the humidification operation continues and the heating device continues to be turned on to keep the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 at the preset sterilization temperature.

[0116] The humidification function of air conditioner 1 does not require the temperature of indoor heat exchanger 10. Therefore, when only the sterilization end condition is met, the heating device can be turned off to avoid generating additional power consumption.

[0117] The sterilization of the indoor heat exchanger 10 depends on the water that the humidification device 30 directs to the indoor heat exchanger 10. Therefore, even if the humidification stop condition is met, the humidification operation still needs to continue.

[0118] Specifically, Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 6 The air conditioner control method of the present invention includes:

[0119] Step S10: Receive a humidification start command for instructing the humidification function of air conditioner 1 to be started;

[0120] Step S20: Control the humidification device 30 to perform humidification operation;

[0121] Step S30: Determine whether the sterilization conditions for sterilizing the indoor heat exchanger 10 are met; if yes, proceed to step S41'; if no, return to continue the determination.

[0122] Step S41': Control the air conditioner 1 to operate in heating mode; and

[0123] Step S42′: Adjust the operating parameters of the air conditioner 1 so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 is maintained at the preset sterilization temperature.

[0124] Step S52: Determine whether the sterilization termination condition is met; if yes, proceed to step S62; if no, return to continue the determination.

[0125] Step S62: Stop the heating device;

[0126] Step S72: Determine whether the humidification stop condition is met; if yes, proceed to step S82; otherwise, return to continue the determination.

[0127] Step S82: Stop the humidification operation.

[0128] Of course, in some alternative embodiments, it may be possible to first determine whether the sterilization termination condition is met, and then determine whether the humidification stop condition is met.

[0129] In some embodiments, the sterilization termination condition includes maintaining the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 at the preset sterilization temperature for a fourth preset duration.

[0130] In some embodiments, the humidification stop condition is that the humidity in the indoor environment where the air conditioner 1 is located reaches a preset humidity.

[0131] It is understood that the first preset duration, the second preset duration, the third preset duration, the fourth preset duration and the preset humidity are all values ​​preset in the control device of the air conditioner 1, which can be flexibly selected and set according to the specific model of the air conditioner 1 and the specific environment in which it is applied.

[0132] In some embodiments, the preset sterilization temperature is any temperature value between 50°C and 60°C. Within this temperature range, the sterilization effect of the indoor heat exchanger 10 is better.

[0133] For example, the preset sterilization temperature can be 50℃, 51℃, 52℃, 53℃, 54℃, 55℃, 56℃, 57℃, 58℃, 59℃ or 60℃.

[0134] In some embodiments, the indoor heat exchanger 10 includes a heat exchange tube 11 for circulating refrigerant and a plurality of heat exchange fins 12 arranged at intervals on the heat exchange tube 11. Specifically, the heat exchange tube 11 extends in a U-shape to maximize its length. The plurality of heat exchange fins 12 are spaced apart to form a heat exchange gap between adjacent heat exchange fins 12 for airflow.

[0135] Furthermore, the humidification device 30 includes a water tank 31 for storing water and a water distributor 32 for selectively guiding the water in the water tank 31 to the heat exchange fins 12, so that the water flows along the heat exchange fins 12. Because the heat exchange fins 12 have a large heat exchange area, they can hold a larger amount of water. Moreover, the water flowing out from the water distributor 32 can be distributed over a larger area on the heat exchange fins 12, thereby improving the efficiency of water evaporation and ensuring thorough sterilization.

[0136] Specifically, the water distributor 32 can be a water inlet trough extending along the arrangement direction of the plurality of heat exchange fins 12.

[0137] The present invention also provides an air conditioner. Figure 7 This is a schematic structural block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 7 The air conditioner 1 of the present invention includes an indoor heat exchanger 10, a humidification device 30 and a control device 20.

[0138] The indoor heat exchanger 10 is used to exchange heat with the air flowing through it.

[0139] The humidifier 30 is configured to humidify the indoor environment by guiding water to the indoor heat exchanger 10.

[0140] The control device 20 includes a processor 21 and a memory 22. The memory 22 stores a machine-executable program 23, and when the machine-executable program 23 is executed by the processor 21, it is used to implement the noise control method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0141] Specifically, processor 21 can be a central processing unit (CPU) or a digital processing unit, etc. Processor 21 sends and receives data via a communication interface. Memory 22 is used to store the program executed by processor 21. Memory 22 can be any medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer; it can also be a combination of multiple memories. The aforementioned machine-executable program 23 can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to the corresponding computing / processing device or via a network (e.g., the Internet, local area network, wide area network, and / or wireless network) to a computer or external storage device.

[0142] The air conditioner of the present invention sterilizes the indoor heat exchanger 10 at the start or during the humidification operation. It cleverly utilizes the water guided to the indoor heat exchanger 10 by the humidification device 30 during the humidification operation for sterilization. It does not require the generation of water on the indoor heat exchanger 10, nor does it require an additional sterilization spray water device. It saves the process of condensation and defrosting on the indoor heat exchanger 10 and the additional spray water device required in the prior art. It only needs to raise the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10, which is time-saving, efficient, energy-saving and simple in structure.

[0143] After receiving a humidification start command, the air conditioner of the present invention performs a humidification operation, and after meeting the sterilization conditions, raises the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10. The increase in temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10 can not only improve the sterilization efficiency and ensure the thoroughness of sterilization, but also improve the evaporation efficiency of water on the indoor heat exchanger 10, thereby prompting more and faster water on the indoor heat exchanger 10 to enter the indoor environment space with the airflow, thus improving the humidification efficiency of the air conditioner 1.

[0144] The air conditioner of the present invention uses water guided to the indoor heat exchanger 10 by the humidification device 30 and sterilizes and purifies the indoor heat exchanger 10 by raising the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 10. It does not require the air conditioner to switch back and forth between cooling and heating states, thus avoiding the indoor environment from fluctuating between hot and cold due to changes in the state of the air conditioner, and improving the user experience.

[0145] It should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can also refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0146] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the description of this invention, each functional module can be a physical module composed of multiple structures, components, or electronic devices, or a virtual module composed of multiple programs; each functional module can be an independent module or a module divided from a whole module according to its function. Those skilled in the art should understand that, provided the technical solution described in this invention can be implemented, any changes in the configuration, implementation, or positional relationship of the functional modules will not deviate from the technical principles of this invention, and therefore should all fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0147] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an air conditioner, the air conditioner having an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air flowing therethrough, and a humidification device, the humidification device being configured to humidify an indoor environment by guiding water to the indoor heat exchanger; and The control method includes: Receive a humidification start command for instructing the humidification function of the air conditioner to be activated; Control the humidification device to perform humidification operation, and determine whether the sterilization conditions for sterilizing the indoor heat exchanger are met; and If so, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger will be raised to the preset sterilization temperature; The sterilization condition is satisfied when any one or more of the following conditions are met: The first time interval between the current moment and the start time of the last humidification operation reaches the first preset duration; The second time interval between the current moment and the end time of the last humidification operation reaches the second preset duration; The third time interval between the current moment and the last sterilization end time has reached the third preset duration; The indoor heat exchanger includes heat exchange tubes for the flow of refrigerant and multiple heat exchange fins arranged at intervals on the heat exchange tubes; and The humidification device includes a water tank for storing water and a water distributor for selectively directing water from the water tank to the heat exchange fins so that water flows along the heat exchange fins.

2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein The step of raising the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger to a preset sterilization temperature includes: Control the air conditioner to operate in heating mode; as well as Adjust the operating parameters of the air conditioner so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger is maintained at the preset sterilization temperature.

3. The control method according to claim 2, wherein After raising the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger to a preset sterilization temperature, the control method further includes: After both the sterilization termination condition and the humidification stop condition are met, the humidification operation is stopped, and the operating parameters of the air conditioner are restored to the state before the humidification start command was received. If only the sterilization termination condition is met, the humidification operation continues, and the operating parameters of the air conditioner are restored to the state before the humidification start command was received; and If the humidification stop condition is met, the humidification operation continues, and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger continues to be maintained at the preset sterilization temperature.

4. The control method according to claim 1, wherein... The air conditioner also includes a heating device for heating the indoor heat exchanger; and The step of raising the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger to a preset sterilization temperature includes: Start the heating device to heat the indoor heat exchanger; as well as Adjust the power of the heating device so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger is maintained at the preset sterilization temperature.

5. The control method according to claim 4, wherein After raising the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger to a preset sterilization temperature, the control method further includes: After both the sterilization termination condition and the humidification stop condition are met, the humidification operation is stopped and the heating device is turned off. If only the sterilization termination condition is met, continue the humidification operation and turn off the heating device; and If the humidification stop condition is met, the humidification operation continues and the heating device continues to be turned on to maintain the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger at the preset sterilization temperature.

6. The control method according to claim 3 or 5, wherein... The sterilization termination condition includes maintaining the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger at the preset sterilization temperature for a fourth preset duration; and / or The humidification stops when the humidity in the indoor environment where the air conditioner is located reaches a preset humidity level.

7. The control method according to claim 1, wherein The preset sterilization temperature is any temperature value within the range of 50℃ to 60℃.

8. An air conditioner, comprising: Indoor heat exchangers are used to exchange heat with the air flowing through them; The humidification device is configured to humidify the indoor environment by guiding water to the indoor heat exchanger; as well as A control device, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a machine-executable program, and the machine-executable program, when executed by the processor, is used to implement the control method according to any one of claims 1-7.

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