Self-cleaning control method of air conditioner indoor unit and air conditioner

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of air conditioners, and specifically provides a self-cleaning control method of an air conditioner indoor unit and an air conditioner. The heat exchanger of the air conditioner indoor unit has a photocatalyst coating, and a light source for activating the photocatalyst is arranged in the air conditioner indoor unit. The self-cleaning control method comprises the following steps: a frosting step, controlling the air conditioner indoor unit to enter a refrigeration mode and operating for a first preset time when the heat exchanger is below a first preset temperature, so that the surface of the heat exchanger is frosted; an activating photocatalyst step, controlling the light source to be powered on to activate the photocatalyst; and a defrosting and cleaning step, controlling the air conditioner indoor unit to enter a heating mode to defrost the heat exchanger. The application effectively improves the safety of water generated in the self-cleaning process of the air conditioner indoor unit, so that the water generated in the self-cleaning process of the air conditioner indoor unit can be reused.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of air conditioning technology, specifically providing a self-cleaning control method for an indoor air conditioning unit and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] With technological advancements, some air conditioner indoor units now incorporate self-cleaning technology. Self-cleaning technology refers to the process where, under specific programmed instructions, the heat exchanger in the indoor unit condenses water vapor in the air into frost using its own cooling capacity. The frost then melts into water, washing away foreign matter (such as dust and particulate matter) from the heat exchanger, thus cleaning the air conditioner's heat exchanger. By enabling the indoor unit to automatically clean its heat exchanger, users are freed from manual labor, and the heating and cooling efficiency of the air conditioner is ensured.

[0003] Because the foreign matter adhering to the heat exchanger of the indoor unit of the air conditioner is often accompanied by bacteria, a large amount of water generated during the cleaning process of the indoor unit of the air conditioner cannot be used and can only be discharged outdoors, resulting in a large waste of water resources. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of this invention is to solve the problem that the water generated during the self-cleaning process of existing air conditioner indoor units cannot be utilized due to bacteria carried by foreign objects inside.

[0005] A further objective of this invention is to ensure that every part of the heat exchanger can be effectively sterilized.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner indoor unit in a first aspect, wherein the heat exchanger of the air conditioner indoor unit has a photocatalytic coating, and a light source for activating the photocatalyst is provided inside the air conditioner indoor unit; the self-cleaning control method includes:

[0007] The frosting step involves controlling the indoor unit of the air conditioner to enter the cooling mode and running it for a first duration when the heat exchanger is below a first preset temperature, so that the surface of the heat exchanger is frosted.

[0008] The photocatalyst activation step involves controlling the power supply to the light source to activate the photocatalyst.

[0009] The defrosting and cleaning process involves controlling the indoor unit of the air conditioner to enter heating mode so that the heat exchanger can defrost.

[0010] Optionally, between the frosting step and the photocatalyst activation step, the self-cleaning control method further includes:

[0011] In the defrosting and water production step, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is controlled to run for a second duration when the heat exchanger is above a second preset temperature, so that the heat exchanger melts the frost on it into water;

[0012] In the freezing step, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is controlled to run for a third duration when the heat exchanger is below a third preset temperature, so that the water on the surface of the heat exchanger is frozen into ice; wherein the third preset temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature.

[0013] Optionally, the defrosting and water preparation step includes:

[0014] The air conditioner indoor unit is controlled to enter the heating mode, and the air conditioner indoor unit is controlled to run for a second duration when the heat exchanger is above the second preset temperature, so that the frost on the heat exchanger melts into water.

[0015] Optionally, the defrosting and water preparation step includes:

[0016] Reduce the cooling power of the indoor unit of the air conditioner; and / or,

[0017] Increase the fan speed of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0018] Optionally, the defrosting and water preparation step includes:

[0019] The indoor unit of the air conditioner is controlled to stop cooling, and the cooling continues for the second duration while the heat exchanger is above the second preset temperature.

[0020] Optionally, between the freezing step and the defrosting cleaning step, the self-cleaning control method further includes:

[0021] The de-icing and sterilization step involves controlling the indoor unit of the air conditioner to run for a fourth duration when the heat exchanger is above a fourth preset temperature, so that the heat exchanger melts the ice on it into water, providing a dynamic environment for the highly oxidizing substances generated by the photocatalyst to carry out sterilization.

[0022] In the re-frost step, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is controlled to run for a fifth duration when the heat exchanger is below the fifth preset temperature, so that the surface of the heat exchanger is fully frosted.

[0023] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an air conditioner comprising:

[0024] Air conditioner outdoor unit,

[0025] An air conditioner indoor unit has a heat exchanger with a photocatalytic coating, and the air conditioner indoor unit is also equipped with a light source for activating the photocatalyst;

[0026] The controller is configured to control the air conditioner to perform the self-cleaning control method described in any one of the first aspects.

[0027] Optionally, the indoor unit of the air conditioner further includes a sprayer, which includes a water box, a nozzle and a water pump. The water pump is used to deliver water in the water box to the nozzle, thereby causing the nozzle to spray water mist.

[0028] The water box is connected to the water tray of the indoor unit of the air conditioner so that the water box receives defrosting water from the water tray.

[0029] Optionally, the water box and the water receiving tray are connected by a water guide pipe, and the bottom of the water box is lower than the bottom of the water receiving tray, while the top of the water box is higher than the top of the water receiving tray.

[0030] Optionally, a filter element is provided at the position of the water receiving tray near the water guide pipe to filter the defrosting water flowing to the water box.

[0031] Optionally, the water tray of the indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to a control valve, and the control valve is connected to an outdoor water pipe leading to the outside and an indoor water pipe leading to the inside.

[0032] Based on the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand that in the aforementioned technical solution of the present invention, by setting a photocatalytic coating on the heat exchanger of the air conditioner indoor unit, equipping the air conditioner indoor unit with a light source for activating the photocatalyst, and energizing the light source after frost forms on the surface of the heat exchanger to activate the photocatalyst and sterilize foreign matter attached to the surface of the heat exchanger, the safety of water generated during the self-cleaning process of the air conditioner indoor unit is effectively improved, and the water generated during the self-cleaning process of the air conditioner indoor unit can be reused.

[0033] Furthermore, after frost forms on the surface of the heat exchanger, a defrosting water production step melts the frost, and an freezing step condenses the defrosting water into ice. This ice forms a mirror-like surface on the heat exchanger, particularly on adjacent fins, reflecting light emitted from the light source into the interior of the fins away from the outer periphery of the heat exchanger. This ensures that the photocatalyst throughout the heat exchanger is illuminated and activated. Therefore, this invention ensures that every part of the heat exchanger is effectively sterilized by illuminating and activating the photocatalyst at every point.

[0034] Furthermore, the de-icing sterilization step provides an environment for the strong oxidizing substances (such as hydroxyl radicals and oxygen) generated by the photocatalyst to move, thereby allowing these substances to come into contact with bacteria and achieve sterilization. The re-frost step ensures that the heat exchanger surface is covered with sufficient frost, providing enough defrosting water for flushing the heat exchanger and ensuring effective flushing.

[0035] Other beneficial effects of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can more clearly understand the improved objectives, features and advantages of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, some embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that the same reference numerals may indicate the same or similar parts or components in different drawings; the drawings of the present invention are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0037] In the attached image:

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner in one example of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner indoor unit in one example of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of the heat exchanger and photocatalytic coating inside the air conditioner indoor unit in this invention;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the main steps of the self-cleaning control method in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of some steps of the self-cleaning control method in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of light reflection into the heat exchanger in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 7 This is a partial flowchart of the self-cleaning control method in some other embodiments of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner indoor unit in another example of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the sprayer and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner;

[0047] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner in another example of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described below are merely a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments of the present invention. These partial embodiments are intended to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Based on the embodiments provided by the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should still fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0049] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the direction or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0050] Furthermore, 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.

[0051] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "coldness" and "heat" are two descriptions of the same physical state. That is, the higher the "coldness" of a target object (e.g., evaporator, air, condenser, etc.), the lower its "heat," and vice versa. A target object absorbs "coldness" while releasing "heat," and releases "coldness" while absorbing "heat." A target object retains "coldness" or "heat" to maintain its current temperature. "Refrigeration" and "heat absorption" are two descriptions of the same physical phenomenon; that is, a target object (e.g., an evaporator) absorbs heat while refrigerating.

[0052] The following reference Figures 1 to 3 The structure of an air conditioner in one example of the present invention will be briefly described below. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner in one example of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner indoor unit in one example of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of the heat exchanger and photocatalytic coating inside the air conditioner indoor unit in this invention.

[0053] It should be noted beforehand that, for ease of description and to enable those skilled in the art to quickly understand the technical solution of this invention, the following description only focuses on technical features that are strongly related (directly or indirectly related) to the technical problem and / or concept to be solved by this invention. Technical features that are less related to the technical problem and / or concept to be solved by this invention will not be described in detail. Since such less related technical features are common knowledge in the field, the omission of such less related features will not result in insufficient disclosure of this invention.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, in one example of the present invention, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit 100, an outdoor unit 200, and a controller 300. The controller 300 can be installed on either the indoor unit 100 or the outdoor unit 200. The controller 300 is used to control the operation of the indoor unit 100 and the outdoor unit 200 so that the indoor unit 100 cools or heats the environment in which it is located.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, in one example of the present invention, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner includes a housing 110, a heat exchanger 120, a fan 130, and an air guide plate 140.

[0056] Continue reading Figure 2 The housing 110 has an air inlet 111 and an air outlet 112, so that air outside the housing 110 enters the housing 110 through the air inlet 111 and air inside the housing 110 flows out of the housing 110 through the air outlet 112.

[0057] Continue reading Figure 2 The heat exchanger 120 is located inside the casing 110 and is used to heat or cool the air inside the casing 110. When the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner is cooling, the heat exchanger 120 is used as an evaporator to cool the air inside the casing 110. When the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner is heating, the heat exchanger 120 is used as a condenser to heat the air inside the casing 110.

[0058] Continue reading Figure 2 The fan 130 is installed inside the housing 110 and is used to drive the air outside the housing 110 into the housing 110 through the air inlet 111 and drive the air inside the housing 110 to flow out of the housing 110 through the air outlet 112.

[0059] Referring to the figure, the air guide plate 140 is installed at the air outlet 112 on the housing 110 to guide the direction of the air blown out from the housing 110.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, in one example of the present invention, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner further includes a light source 150 for irradiating the heat exchanger 120. The light source 150 can be an ultraviolet lamp or any other feasible light source. Furthermore, the light source 150 can be fixedly connected to the housing 110, i.e., mounted on the housing 110.

[0061] Optionally, at least one light source 150 is installed on the front and rear sides of the heat exchanger 120, respectively. Alternatively, those skilled in the art may install the light source 150 at one of the left, right, or top sides of the heat exchanger 120 as needed.

[0062] In one example of the present invention, the heat exchanger 120 is a finned heat exchanger 120.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, in one example of the present invention, the surface of the heat exchanger 120, especially its fins 121, is coated with a photocatalytic coating 160. The photocatalyst on the photocatalytic coating 160 can be activated when irradiated by the light source 150, thereby generating a strong oxidizing substance (such as hydroxyl radicals, oxygen, etc.) to kill bacteria and decompose organic matter and some inorganic matter.

[0064] The material of the photocatalytic coating can be titanium dioxide, or any feasible material such as zinc oxide, tin oxide, zirconium dioxide, or cadmium sulfide.

[0065] The following is combined Figures 1 to 3 The air conditioner described herein will be used to provide a detailed explanation of the self-cleaning control method for the indoor unit of an air conditioner in some embodiments of the present invention.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the self-cleaning control method of the air conditioner indoor unit includes:

[0067] In the frosting step S110, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner is controlled to enter the cooling mode and run for a first duration when the heat exchanger 120 is below the first preset temperature, so that the surface of the heat exchanger 120 is frosted.

[0068] The first preset temperature is less than or equal to the frost critical temperature. For example, the first preset temperature can be any feasible temperature value such as 0℃, -1℃, or -3℃.

[0069] In the frosting step S110, the purpose of running the heat exchanger 120 below the first preset temperature for a first duration is to allow a small amount of frost to condense on the surface of the heat exchanger 120. For this purpose, the first duration can be any feasible duration, such as 3 min, 5 min, 10 min, etc.

[0070] Specifically, after the air conditioner receives the self-cleaning command, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner to put the indoor unit 100 into cooling mode and to make the heat exchanger 120 run for a first time below the first preset temperature.

[0071] Furthermore, in the frosting step S110, the controller 300 can control the fan 130 to rotate so that the air outside the casing 110 flows through the heat exchanger 120, providing the heat exchanger 120 with sufficient moisture for frosting.

[0072] In step S120, the photocatalyst is activated by energizing the light source 150.

[0073] In this invention, the photocatalyst activation step S120 can be performed simultaneously with the frosting step S110, or it can be performed after the frosting step S110 is completed.

[0074] In the photocatalyst activation step S120, in order to ensure that the photocatalyst is activated, it is necessary to ensure that the light source 150 is powered on for a period of time, such as 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes or any feasible duration.

[0075] In the defrosting and cleaning step S130, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner is controlled to enter the heating mode so that the heat exchanger 120 can defrost.

[0076] Specifically, by putting the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner into heating mode, the heat exchanger 120 can obtain enough heat to rise to a temperature that can melt the frost on its surface, thus melting the frost.

[0077] Furthermore, in the defrosting and cleaning step S130, the fan 130 may or may not rotate.

[0078] Based on the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand that, in some embodiments of the present invention, by providing a photocatalytic coating 160 on the heat exchanger 120 of the air conditioner indoor unit 100, arranging a light source 150 for activating the photocatalyst inside the air conditioner indoor unit 100, and energizing the light source 150 after frost forms on the surface of the heat exchanger 120 to activate the photocatalyst and sterilize foreign matter attached to the surface of the heat exchanger 120, the safety of water generated during the self-cleaning process of the air conditioner indoor unit 100 is effectively improved, allowing the water generated during the self-cleaning process of the air conditioner indoor unit 100 to be reused.

[0079] It should be noted that the self-cleaning control method described in some of the preceding embodiments is merely a basic solution for achieving the technical objective of this invention, and the self-cleaning control method of this invention may also include other solutions, as described in some further embodiments and other embodiments below.

[0080] like Figure 5As shown, in some further embodiments of the present invention, compared with some of the embodiments described above, the self-cleaning control method further includes, between the frosting step S110 and the photocatalyst activation step S120:

[0081] In the defrosting and water production step S210, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner is controlled to run for a second duration when the heat exchanger 120 is above the second preset temperature, so that the heat exchanger 120 melts the frost on it into water.

[0082] The second preset temperature is higher than the critical temperature for frost formation. For example, the second preset temperature can be any feasible temperature value such as 1℃, 2℃, or 5℃.

[0083] In the defrosting and water preparation step S210, the purpose of running the heat exchanger 120 below the second preset temperature for a second duration is to allow the frost on the surface of the heat exchanger 120 to just melt without evaporating excessively, thus ensuring that the surface of the heat exchanger 120, especially the surface of the fins 121, is covered with defrosting water. For this purpose, the second duration can be any feasible duration, such as 1 minute, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, etc.

[0084] To achieve the objective described in defrosting and water production step S210, defrosting and water production step S210 can be performed in one of the following ways:

[0085] Method 1: Control the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner to enter the heating mode, and control the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner to run for a second duration when the heat exchanger 120 is above the second preset temperature, so that the heat exchanger 120 melts the frost on it into water.

[0086] Method two: Reduce the cooling power of the indoor unit 100; and / or increase the speed of the fan 130 of the indoor unit 100. For example, the cooling power of the indoor unit 100 can be reduced to 80%, 70%, 50%, etc., specifically by reducing the compressor speed. The speed of the fan 130 can be increased to 110%, 120%, 150% of its original speed; or, the speed of the fan 130 can be increased by 200 r / min, 300 r / min, 500 r / min, 800 r / min, etc.

[0087] Method 3: Control the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner to stop cooling (i.e., stop the air conditioner from cooling and stop the fan 130 from rotating), and continue for a second duration while the heat exchanger 120 is above the second preset temperature.

[0088] Among them, in methods two and three, the heat exchanger 120 heats up more slowly than in method one, which is easier to control and avoids the defrosting water on the heat exchanger 120 evaporating when the heat exchanger 120 heats up too quickly.

[0089] In the freezing step S220, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner is controlled to run for a third duration when the heat exchanger 120 is below the third preset temperature, so that the water on the surface of the heat exchanger 120 is frozen into ice.

[0090] The third preset temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature.

[0091] In the freezing step S220, the purpose of operating the heat exchanger 120 at a third preset temperature for a third duration is to freeze the defrosting water on the surface of the heat exchanger 120. For this purpose, the third duration can be any feasible duration, such as 3 min, 5 min, 10 min, 12 min, etc.

[0092] like Figure 6 As shown, the ice layer 170 formed on the surface of the heat exchanger 120 can form a mirror that reflects light. In particular, the ice layer 170 formed on the surfaces of two adjacent fins 121 can form two opposing mirrors, thereby reflecting the light emitted by the light source 150 to the interior of the fins 121 away from the outer peripheral surface of the heat exchanger 120, ensuring that the photocatalysts at all points of the heat exchanger 120 can be irradiated by light and thus activated.

[0093] Those skilled in the art will understand that, compared to some of the embodiments described above, in some embodiments of the present invention, by first melting the frost on the surface of the heat exchanger 120 and then freezing it to form an ice layer 170, which forms a mirror surface capable of reflecting light, it is ensured that the photocatalyst inside the heat exchanger 120 can also be irradiated by the light source 150 and activated. Therefore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the bactericidal effect of the photocatalyst on the heat exchanger 120 is improved.

[0094] In some further embodiments of the present invention, if the photocatalyst activation step S120 can be performed simultaneously with the frosting step S110, then the defrosting water-making step S210 and the freezing step S220 are performed before the photocatalyst activation step S120 ends. That is, the defrosting water-making step S210 and the freezing step S220 are performed after the frosting step S110 ends and before the photocatalyst activation step S120 ends.

[0095] like Figure 7 As shown, in some other embodiments of the present invention, compared with some of the embodiments described above, the self-cleaning control method further includes, between the icing step S220 and the defrosting cleaning step S130:

[0096] In the de-icing and sterilization step S310, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner is controlled to operate for a fourth duration when the heat exchanger 120 is above the fourth preset temperature. This allows the heat exchanger 120 to melt the ice on it into water, providing an environment for the highly oxidizing substances generated by the photocatalyst to move and ensuring the range of movement of these substances. This allows the highly oxidizing substances to come into contact with more foreign objects, thus sterilizing them.

[0097] The fourth preset temperature is higher than the critical temperature for frost formation. For example, the fourth preset temperature can be any feasible temperature value such as 1℃, 2℃, or 5℃.

[0098] In the defrosting and sterilization step S310, the purpose of operating the heat exchanger 120 at a fourth preset temperature for a fourth duration is to allow the frost on the surface of the heat exchanger 120 to just melt without excessive evaporation. This ensures that the surface of the heat exchanger 120, especially the surface of the fins 121, is covered with defrosting water, thereby allowing the highly oxidizing substances generated by the photocatalyst to move within the defrosting water and thus sterilize the area covered by the defrosting water. For this purpose, the fourth duration can be any feasible duration, such as 1 minute, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, etc.

[0099] In the re-frost step S320, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner is controlled to run for a fifth duration when the heat exchanger 120 is below the fifth preset temperature, so that the surface of the heat exchanger 120 is fully frosted.

[0100] The fifth preset temperature is less than or equal to the frost critical temperature. For example, the fifth preset temperature can be any feasible temperature value such as 0℃, -1℃, or -3℃.

[0101] In the re-frost step S320, the purpose of operating the heat exchanger 120 at a fifth preset temperature for a fifth duration is to allow a large amount of frost to condense on the surface of the heat exchanger 120. For this purpose, the fifth duration can be any feasible duration, such as 10 min, 15 min, 30 min, etc.

[0102] Those skilled in the art will understand that when a sufficient amount of frost is condensed in the re-frost step S320, the defrosting and cleaning step S130 can generate enough defrosting water to rinse the foreign matter on the surface of the heat exchanger 120, thus ensuring the automatic cleaning effect of the air conditioner indoor unit 100 on the heat exchanger 120.

[0103] Furthermore, in other embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art may, as needed, perform the photocatalyst activation step S120 during the entire self-cleaning process of the air conditioner, or perform the photocatalyst activation step S120 during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0104] Those skilled in the art will understand that the air conditioner of the present invention, through the self-cleaning control method described in the above embodiments, can effectively sterilize defrost water, thereby enabling the defrost water to be reused.

[0105] The following reference Figures 8 to 10 To illustrate the defrosting solution after cleaning in this invention, we will use an example. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner indoor unit in another example of the present invention. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the sprayer and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner in another example of the present invention.

[0106] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in another example of the invention, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner further includes a sprayer 400, which includes a water tank 410, a nozzle 420, and a water pump 430. The water pump 430 is used to deliver water from the water tank 410 to the nozzle 420, thereby causing the nozzle 420 to spray water mist. The water tank 410 is connected to the water receiving tray 180 of the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner so that the water tank 410 receives defrost water from the water receiving tray 180.

[0107] like Figure 9 As shown, the water box 410 and the water tray 180 are connected by a water guide pipe 510. The bottom of the water box 410 is lower than the bottom of the water tray 180, and the top of the water box 410 is higher than the top of the water tray 180, so that the defrosting water flowing in the water tray 180 automatically flows to the water box 410. A filter element 520 is provided in the water tray 180 near the water guide pipe 510 to filter the defrosting water flowing to the water box 410, thereby filtering out foreign matter in the defrosting water.

[0108] Among them, the filter component 520 can be any feasible component with filtering function, such as a filter screen or a sponge.

[0109] Continue reading Figure 9 The water pump 430 can be installed inside the water box 410 and connected to the nozzle 420 via a hose.

[0110] Optionally, the nozzle 420 is disposed on the upper side of the air outlet 112 on the housing so that the water mist sprayed by the nozzle 420 is carried away by the cold / hot air blown out from the air outlet 112 to humidify the indoor environment.

[0111] Those skilled in the art will understand that when the water tank 410 is made large enough, it can collect enough defrost water to humidify the indoor environment, thereby avoiding the need for the user to add water to the water tank 410.

[0112] like Figure 10 As shown, in another example of the invention, the drip tray 180 of the indoor air conditioner unit 100 is connected to a control valve 600 electrically connected to a controller 300. The control valve 600 is connected to an outdoor water pipe 710 leading to the outside and an indoor water pipe 720 leading to the inside. The control valve 600, controlled by the controller 300, directs defrost water in the drip tray 180 to either the outdoor water pipe 710 or the indoor water pipe 720. The control valve 600 can be a two-position three-way electrically controlled valve.

[0113] like Figure 10 As shown, users can collect defrost water from indoor water pipes 720 using containers such as bucket 800, and then use the collected defrost water for flushing toilets, mopping floors, etc., to save water.

[0114] Furthermore, in this invention, the controller 300 includes a processor (not shown in the figure) and a memory (not shown in the figure). The memory stores execution instructions, specifically executable computer programs. Furthermore, the execution instructions stored in the memory are configured to, when executed by the processor, enable the air conditioner to perform the control method described in any of the preceding embodiments.

[0115] Finally, it should be noted that although this invention describes the indoor unit of an air conditioner using a wall-mounted unit, the indoor unit of this invention can also be a floor-standing unit.

[0116] The technical solutions of the present invention have been described in conjunction with several embodiments above. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can disassemble and combine the technical solutions in the above embodiments, and can also make equivalent changes or substitutions to related technical features. Any changes, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the technical concept and / or technical principles of the present invention will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner indoor unit, wherein the heat exchanger of the air conditioner indoor unit has a photocatalytic coating, and a light source for activating the photocatalyst is provided inside the air conditioner indoor unit; the self-cleaning control method includes: The frosting step involves controlling the indoor unit of the air conditioner to enter the cooling mode and running it for a first duration when the heat exchanger is below a first preset temperature, so that the surface of the heat exchanger is frosted. The photocatalyst activation step involves controlling the power supply to the light source to activate the photocatalyst. The defrosting and cleaning process involves controlling the indoor unit of the air conditioner to enter heating mode so that the heat exchanger can defrost.

2. The self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 1, wherein, Between the frosting step and the photocatalyst activation step, the self-cleaning control method further includes: In the defrosting and water production step, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is controlled to run for a second duration when the heat exchanger is above a second preset temperature, so that the heat exchanger melts the frost on it into water; In the freezing step, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is controlled to run for a third duration when the heat exchanger is below a third preset temperature, so that the water on the surface of the heat exchanger is frozen into ice; wherein the third preset temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature.

3. The self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 2, wherein, The defrosting and water preparation steps include: The air conditioner indoor unit is controlled to enter the heating mode, and the air conditioner indoor unit is controlled to run for a second duration when the heat exchanger is above the second preset temperature, so that the frost on the heat exchanger melts into water.

4. The self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 2, wherein, The defrosting and water preparation steps include: Reduce the cooling power of the indoor unit of the air conditioner; and / or, Increase the fan speed of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

5. The self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 2, wherein, The defrosting and water preparation steps include: The indoor unit of the air conditioner is controlled to stop cooling, and the cooling continues for the second duration while the heat exchanger is above the second preset temperature.

6. The self-cleaning control method for an air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 2, wherein, Between the freezing step and the defrosting cleaning step, the self-cleaning control method further includes: The de-icing and sterilization step involves controlling the indoor unit of the air conditioner to run for a fourth duration when the heat exchanger is above a fourth preset temperature, so that the heat exchanger melts the ice on it into water, providing a dynamic environment for the highly oxidizing substances generated by the photocatalyst to carry out sterilization. In the re-frost step, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is controlled to run for a fifth duration when the heat exchanger is below the fifth preset temperature, so that the surface of the heat exchanger is fully frosted.

7. An air conditioner, comprising: Air conditioner outdoor unit, An air conditioner indoor unit has a heat exchanger with a photocatalytic coating, and the air conditioner indoor unit is also equipped with a light source for activating the photocatalyst; The controller is configured to control the air conditioner to perform the self-cleaning control method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein, The indoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a sprayer, which includes a water box, a nozzle and a water pump. The water pump is used to deliver water in the water box to the nozzle, thereby causing the nozzle to spray water mist. The water box is connected to the water tray of the indoor unit of the air conditioner so that the water box receives defrosting water from the water tray.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 8, wherein, The water box and the water receiving tray are connected by a water guide pipe, and the bottom of the water box is lower than the bottom of the water receiving tray, while the top of the water box is higher than the top of the water receiving tray.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein, A filter element is provided at the position of the water receiving tray near the water guide pipe to filter the defrosting water flowing to the water box.

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