Air conditioners and their control methods

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an air conditioner and its control method. The air conditioner's casing includes an air duct plate that guides airflow from an air inlet duct to an air outlet duct. The air conditioner also includes a humidification system configured to collect condensate from the back side of the air duct plate and discharge the collected condensate into the air inlet or outlet duct. Through this technical solution, this disclosure avoids bringing dust and bacteria deposited on the evaporator within the air duct into the room by collecting condensate from the back side of the air duct plate, resulting in higher cleanliness and safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to an air conditioner and a method for controlling the air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] As people increasingly pursue a higher quality of life, air conditioners with humidification functions are becoming more and more popular. Related technologies either collect water through an evaporator or guide moisture from outdoor air into the room. The evaporator typically uses a finned design; however, due to the dense arrangement of the fins, dust and bacteria easily accumulate, making the moisture obtained through the fins less safe. Guiding moisture from outdoor air into the room requires significant modifications to the air conditioner, resulting in higher costs and inconvenience for maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, this disclosure provides an air conditioner and its control method.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an air conditioner is provided, comprising: a housing, a heat exchanger, and a fan disposed within the housing, wherein: the housing has an air inlet channel and an air outlet channel; the fan is adapted to drive airflow into the housing through the air inlet channel and, after exchanging heat with the heat exchanger, to be discharged into the room through the air outlet channel.

[0005] The housing is provided with an air duct plate that guides airflow from the air inlet channel to the air outlet channel. The air conditioner also includes a humidification system configured to collect condensate from the back side of the air duct plate and discharge the collected condensate into the air inlet channel or the air outlet channel.

[0006] Optionally, the humidification system includes a water storage component and a water guiding structure, wherein: the water storage component is disposed on the back side of the air duct plate and is used to store condensate that precipitates from the back side of the air duct plate; the water guiding structure is used to guide the condensate in the water storage component to the inner side of the air duct plate.

[0007] Optionally, the air duct plate includes a guide section and a condensation section along its extension direction, and an insulation component is provided on the back side of the guide section. The position of the water storage component corresponds to the position of the condensation section.

[0008] Optionally, the housing is further provided with a partition for separating the water storage component and the pipeline, and the water storage component extends toward the air duct plate to guide the condensate precipitated in the condensation section to the water storage component.

[0009] Optionally, the water guiding structure includes a water vapor generator and a water absorption element, wherein: the water vapor generator is disposed on the air duct plate and is used to release water vapor into the air outlet channel; the water absorption element is at least partially housed in the water storage element and is used to draw condensate from the water storage element to the water vapor generator.

[0010] Optionally, the water vapor generating element is an atomizer, the water suction element is a water suction pipe, one end of the water suction pipe extends into the water storage element, and the other end of the water suction pipe is connected to the atomizer.

[0011] Optionally, the guide section and the condensation section are separate structures, the water vapor generator and the water absorption element are both wet films, and the water vapor generator is formed as the condensation section. The air conditioner also includes a drive mechanism for driving the water vapor generator and the water absorption element to move closer or further apart from each other.

[0012] Optionally, the drive mechanism includes a drive motor and a gear section and a rack section that mesh with each other. The drive motor is fixedly disposed in the housing. The gear section is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor, and the rack section is connected to the water vapor generator.

[0013] Optionally, the air conditioner further includes a monitoring device for monitoring the water level in the water storage container.

[0014] Optionally, the water storage component is disposed inside the housing, and the water storage component has an overflow outlet.

[0015] Optionally, the wall of the water storage component is provided with a clearance portion for avoiding the pipeline.

[0016] Optionally, the water storage component is detachably disposed outside the housing, and the housing has an opening for accommodating the water storage component.

[0017] Optionally, the housing is further provided with a sealing plate for closing the opening when the water storage component is not installed.

[0018] Optionally, the air conditioner further includes an air deflector that can swing to have an open position and a closed position, wherein, in the closed position, airflow can circulate inside the housing.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an air conditioner is provided, the method comprising the steps of:

[0020] Obtain the water level of the condensate that has been extracted from the back side of the air duct plate;

[0021] When the condensate level is greater than or equal to a preset value, the humidification system will discharge the collected condensate into the air inlet channel or the air outlet channel; if the condensate level is less than the preset value, the condensate will be collected according to the working mode of the air conditioner when the air conditioner is in operation.

[0022] Optionally, the step of collecting condensate water according to the operating mode of the air conditioner includes:

[0023] In cooling mode, condensate is automatically collected by utilizing the temperature difference between the inner and outer sides of the air duct plate.

[0024] In heating mode, a message indicates that the condensate water level is insufficient.

[0025] Optionally, the air conditioner further includes an air guide vane, and the control method further includes the following steps:

[0026] If the condensate level is lower than the preset value, the air guide plate will close and the internal cooling circulation of the air conditioner will be activated when the air conditioner is not in operation.

[0027] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure can include the following beneficial effects: The air conditioner provided by this disclosure is equipped with a humidification structure, which is configured to collect condensate dripping from the back side of the air duct plate and guide the collected condensate into the air inlet or outlet duct. Thus, when airflow passes through, the condensate in the air inlet or outlet duct is continuously carried out into the room, achieving the purpose of humidification. Compared with related technologies that collect condensate through components such as evaporators in the air duct, this disclosure avoids the problem of bringing dust and bacteria deposited on the evaporator in the air duct into the room by collecting condensate from the back side of the air duct plate, resulting in higher cleanliness and safety, and making it more acceptable to users.

[0028] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 and Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein, Figure 2 Non-humidification mode Figure 4 This is the humidification mode.

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of part A in the middle.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of yet another type of air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0035] 1-Shell, 11-Air inlet grille, 12-Front panel, 13-Rear shell, 14-Bottom shell, 15-Opening, 16-Baffle, 101-Air inlet channel, 102-Air outlet channel, 2-Heat exchanger, 3-Fan, 31-Impeller, 32-Air duct plate, 321-Guide section, 322-Condensation section, 33-Vortex, 4-Humidification system, 41-Water storage component, 411-Overflow port, 412-Allowing part, 42-Water guiding structure, 421-Water vapor generator, 422-Water suction component, 5-Insulation component, 6-Pipeline, 7-Air guide plate, 8-Drive mechanism, 81-Gear section, 82-Rack section, 9-Monitoring device. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0037] Unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are defined according to the directions indicated in the corresponding drawings, while "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of the corresponding component itself. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure are for distinguishing one element from another and do not imply sequentiality or importance.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, this disclosure provides an exemplary air conditioner. Specifically, the air conditioner includes a housing 1, a heat exchanger 2, and a fan 3 disposed within the housing 1. The housing 1 has an air inlet channel 101 and an air outlet channel 102. The fan 3 is adapted to drive airflow into the housing 1 through the air inlet channel 101, where it exchanges heat with the heat exchanger 2 and is then discharged into the room through the air outlet channel 102. During this process, by lowering or raising the temperature of the heat exchanger 2, the airflow in contact with the heat exchanger 2 becomes either low-temperature cold air or high-temperature warm air, thus realizing the air conditioner's cooling and heating modes. For example, the housing 1 typically includes a front panel 12 and a rear shell 13 facing each other, and an air inlet grille 11 and a bottom shell facing each other. A display screen can be installed on the front panel 12. The air inlet grille 11 has a preliminary dust filtering function, and the airflow enters through the air inlet grille 11, undergoes heat exchange, and is then discharged into the room through the air outlet of the bottom shell 14.

[0039] The housing 1 is equipped with an air duct plate 32 that guides airflow from the air inlet channel 101 to the air outlet channel 102. The air conditioner also includes a humidification system 4, which is configured to collect condensate from the back side of the air duct plate 32 and discharge the collected condensate into the air inlet channel 101 or the air outlet channel 102, for example, to the inner side of the air duct plate 32. Figure 1 As shown, the back and inner sides of the air duct plate 32 are defined by the air duct plate 32 itself; the side facing the inside of the housing 1 is the inner side, and the side facing the outside of the housing 1 is the back side. Condensation on the back side of the air duct plate 32 can be generated due to the temperature difference between the back and inner sides. For example, in air conditioning cooling mode, when the temperature on the inner side of the air duct plate 32 is lower than the temperature on the back side, the warmer air on the back side comes into contact with the cooler air duct plate 32, resulting in condensation on the back side of the air duct plate 32. The greater the temperature difference between the two sides, the easier it is for condensation to form. The condensate slides down the back side of the air duct plate 32 under the influence of gravity and is automatically collected. The collected condensate is then directed into the air inlet channel 101 or the air outlet channel 102. When airflow passes through, it continuously carries the condensate from the air inlet channel 101 or the air outlet channel 102 into the room, achieving the purpose of humidification.

[0040] It should be noted that the air duct plate 32 can be the volute structure of the fan 3 or a guide structure independently installed within the housing 1. Typically, the fan 3 includes a volute and an impeller 31 installed within the volute. The volute includes a chassis and a vortex tongue arranged opposite each other. The chassis, with a larger area, primarily guides the airflow and can be the air duct plate 32. The vortex tongue 33 primarily prevents the airflow from circulating within the volute. Alternatively, the air duct plate 32 can also be an airflow guide structure independently installed within the housing 1, and this independent installation is at least partially located within the air outlet duct 102.

[0041] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure can include the following beneficial effects: The air conditioner provided by this disclosure is equipped with a humidification system 4, which is configured to collect condensate from the back side of the air duct plate 32 and guide the collected condensate into the air inlet channel 101 or the air outlet channel 102. When airflow passes through, the condensate in the air inlet channel 101 or the air outlet channel 102 is continuously carried out into the room, achieving the purpose of humidification. Compared with related technologies that collect condensate through components such as heat exchangers / evaporators in the air duct, this disclosure avoids the problem of bringing dust and bacteria deposited on the evaporator in the air duct into the room by collecting condensate from the back side of the air duct plate 32, resulting in higher cleanliness and safety, and making it more acceptable to users. Furthermore, it can directly utilize the condensate generated when the air conditioner is working without the need for complex modifications to the air conditioner, making it easier to implement and with a broad market prospect.

[0042] The humidification system 4 may include a water storage component 41 and a water guiding structure 42. The water storage component 41 is located on the back side of the air duct plate 32 and is used to store condensate dripping from the back side of the air duct plate 32. The water guiding structure 42 is used to guide the condensate in the water storage component 41 to the inner side of the rear air duct plate 32. Typically, a space is formed between the air duct plate 32 and the rear shell 13 to accommodate pipes 6 such as drain pipes and connecting pipes between the indoor and outdoor units; the water storage component 41 can be placed within this space.

[0043] The water storage component 41 can be a water tank or a water reservoir. The air conditioner may also include a monitoring device 9 for monitoring the water level within the water storage component 41; the monitoring device 9 may be a liquid level sensor disposed within the water storage component 41. Furthermore, the water storage component 41 can be disposed inside or outside the housing 1, depending on actual needs, for example, based on spatial layout. In some embodiments, such as... Figures 2 to 5 The diagram shows a water storage unit 41 disposed inside the housing 1. In this arrangement, to prevent excessive condensate from overflowing from the water storage unit 41 into the housing 1, the water storage unit 41 may have an overflow port 411, which can be connected to a drain pipe or otherwise discharged to the outside. In embodiments where the water storage unit 41 is disposed inside the housing 1, since a pipe 6 is usually also disposed on the back side of the air duct plate 32, to avoid interference with the pipe 6, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the wall of the water storage component 41 is provided with a clearance portion 412 for avoiding the pipeline 6. The clearance portion 412 can be made by making the wall of the water storage component 41 irregularly shaped.

[0044] In other implementations, such as Figure 1The water storage component 41 is detachably mounted on the outside of the housing 1, meaning it adopts an external design. The housing 1 has an opening 15 to accommodate the water storage component 41. This method of placing the water storage component 41 outside the housing 1 eliminates the need to consider interference with the internal piping 6, making the arrangement more convenient. It also allows for easy disassembly, cleaning, and water addition as needed. Furthermore, the housing 1 can also be equipped with a sealing plate to close the opening 15 when the water storage component 41 is not installed. This allows for the sealing of the opening 15 for models that do not require humidification, ensuring compatibility with non-humidification models and enhancing versatility.

[0045] The duct plate 32 may include a guide section 321 and a condensation section 322 along its extension direction. An insulation element 5 is provided on the back side of the guide section 321, and the position of the water storage element 41 corresponds to the position of the condensation section 322. It is worth noting that "guide" here refers to guiding the direction of airflow. By providing the insulation element 5, condensation is prevented from forming on the back side of the guide section 321. In other words, by providing the insulation element 5, the position of condensation in the duct plate 32 is limited to the condensation section 322, which facilitates the optimization of the arrangement of the water storage element 41. Optionally, the guide section 321 may include two sections spaced apart along the extension direction, and the condensation section 322 is located between the two guide sections 321, that is, the duct plate 32 adopts a three-section structure. The two guide sections 321 are positioned to correspond to the pipe 6 and the air outlet, respectively. In this way, by installing insulation components 5 on the back side of the two guide sections 321, interference with the pipe 6 can be avoided, and the space smaller than the air outlet can provide enough space for the installation of the water storage component 41.

[0046] The water guiding structure 42 disclosed herein may include a water vapor generator 421 and a water suction unit 422, wherein: the water vapor generator 421 is disposed on the air duct plate 32 and is used to release water vapor into the air outlet duct 102; the water suction unit 422 is at least partially contained within the water storage unit 41 and is used to draw condensate from the water storage unit 41 into the water vapor generator 421. It should be noted that the water vapor generator 421 only indicates that it has the function of releasing water vapor into the air outlet duct 102, and is not used to limit whether it can release water vapor spontaneously with the aid of external power, such as a wet film and a sponge, or it can also be an atomizer that releases water vapor with the aid of external power.

[0047] In some implementations, such as Figure 1As shown, the water vapor generator 421 is an atomizer, and the water suction unit 422 is a water intake pipe. One end of the water intake pipe extends into the water storage unit 41, and the other end is connected to the atomizer. Specifically, the water intake pipe is used to draw condensate from the water storage unit 41 into the atomizer, which then atomizes the condensate into water vapor and releases it into the air outlet channel 102. Here, an atomizer refers to a device that can transform condensate from a liquid state into water vapor or water mist. Common atomizers are those that use ceramic oscillation to generate ultrasonic waves. In addition to atomizers, sprayers and the like can also be used in this disclosure to achieve the purpose of releasing water vapor into the air outlet channel 102. Furthermore, in addition to the water intake pipe, absorbent sponges or the like can also be used as the water suction unit 422 to achieve the same or similar effect.

[0048] In other implementations, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in the embodiment where the duct plate 32 is constructed in a three-section configuration as described above, the guide section 321 and the condenser section 322 are separate structures. Both the water vapor generator 421 and the water absorption component 422 are wet films, and the water vapor generator 421 forms the condenser section 322. In other words, a wet film replaces the condenser section 322. The wet film is a material with good water absorption and evaporation properties, made from plant fibers or glass fibers with added chemical raw materials. The air conditioner also includes a drive mechanism 8 for driving the water vapor generator 421 closer to or away from the water absorption component 422. The description will use the example of the drive mechanism 8 driving the water vapor generator 421 closer to or away from the water absorption component 422. However, it should be understood that the purpose of this disclosure can be achieved by the drive mechanism 8 driving the water absorption component 422 or simultaneously driving either the water vapor generator 421 or the water absorption component 422.

[0049] When the humidification mode is turned on, such as Figure 4 As shown, the drive mechanism 8 drives the water vapor generator 421 to approach the water absorption member 422 until it contacts the water absorption member 422 and absorbs the condensate in the water absorption member 422. When the airflow passes through, it can continuously carry out the water vapor from the surface of the water vapor generator 421 and blow it into the room; when the humidification mode is turned off, as shown... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the water-absorbing component 422 driving mechanism 8 drives the water vapor generator 421 away from the water-absorbing component 422. At this time, because the water vapor generator 421 and the water-absorbing component 422 are separated, as... Figure 3 The gap shown in B in the figure prevents the water vapor generator 421 from absorbing moisture from the water absorber 422, so that water vapor will not be carried out of the room when the airflow passes through.

[0050] This disclosure does not limit the implementation of the drive mechanism 8. Any structure or method that can drive the water vapor generator 421 and / or the water absorption member 422 to move closer or further apart can be applied to this disclosure. Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, the drive mechanism 8 includes a drive motor and a gear section 81 and a rack section 82 that mesh with each other. The drive motor is fixedly mounted inside the housing 1, the gear section 81 is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor, and the rack section 82 is connected to the water vapor generator 421. In other embodiments, for example, the drive mechanism 8 may be constructed as a worm gear or a linear actuator, etc., which will not be described in detail here.

[0051] In addition, the air conditioner may also include an air guide plate 7, which can swing to have an open position and a closed position, and the direction of airflow can be controlled by hovering the air guide plate 7 at any position between the open and closed positions. When the air guide plate 7 is in the closed position, the airflow can circulate inside the housing 1. This internal circulation mode is particularly suitable for situations where the condensate water level is insufficient. Specifically, when the air guide plate 7 is closed, the heat exchanger 2 lowers the temperature, the blades of the fan 3 rotate, and the cold airflow circulates inside the duct, making the temperature inside the duct plate 32 lower than the back side, thereby achieving water collection.

[0052] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling any of the above-mentioned air conditioners is provided. The control method includes the following steps: S1, obtaining the water level of condensate precipitated from the back side of the air duct plate; S2, if the water level of the condensate is greater than or equal to a preset value, the humidification system discharges the collected condensate to the inner side of the air duct plate; if the water level of the condensate is less than the preset value, the condensate is collected according to the working mode of the air conditioner during the air conditioner's operation.

[0053] The step of collecting condensate water according to the air conditioner's operating mode includes: S21, in cooling mode, automatically collecting condensate water using the temperature difference between the inner and outer sides of the air duct plate; S22, in heating mode, indicating that the condensate water level is insufficient. When the condensate water level is insufficient, the user can choose to turn on the air conditioner's internal cooling cycle or manually add condensate water.

[0054] In addition, the air conditioner also includes an air guide plate, and the control method of the air conditioner also includes: S3, if the water level of the condensate is less than the preset value, the air guide plate closes and the internal cooling circulation of the air conditioner is turned on when the air conditioner is not working.

[0055] Regardless of whether the air conditioner is in operating mode (i.e., on) or non-operating mode (i.e., off), the level of condensate collected from the back side of the air duct plate can be monitored. If the monitoring result indicates that the water level meets the humidification requirements, the air conditioner can select to activate the humidification mode according to the user's instructions. If the monitoring result indicates that the water level does not meet the humidification requirements, in cooling mode, there is a temperature difference between the inner and back sides of the air duct plate, which allows for automatic collection of condensate. Once the collected condensate is sufficient for humidification, the air conditioner will prompt the user to activate the humidification mode. In heating mode, because the temperature of the inner side of the air duct plate is higher than that of the back side, condensate cannot be automatically collected from the back side of the air duct plate, and the user will be prompted that the condensate level is insufficient. In this case, the user can choose to manually add condensate, for example, by removing the external water storage unit 41, adding condensate, and reinstalling it, or by closing the air guide plate 7 and activating the internal cooling cycle of the air conditioner, and then activating the heating mode after sufficient condensate has been collected. In non-working mode, if the monitoring result shows that the water level does not meet the humidification requirements, the user can be prompted to collect the condensate in advance. If the user confirms that the condensate should be collected in advance, the air guide plate will be closed, the heat exchanger will lower the temperature, the fan blades will rotate, and the cold air will circulate inside the air duct.

[0056] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0057] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, comprising: A housing, a heat exchanger, and a fan disposed within the housing, wherein: the housing has an air inlet channel and an air outlet channel; the fan is adapted to drive airflow into the housing through the air inlet channel and, after heat exchange with the heat exchanger, outflow to the room through the air outlet channel, characterized in that: The housing is provided with an air duct plate that guides airflow from the air inlet channel to the air outlet channel. The air conditioner also includes a humidification system configured to collect condensate from the back side of the air duct plate and discharge the collected condensate into the air inlet channel or the air outlet channel. The humidification system includes a water storage component and a water guiding structure. The water storage component is disposed on the back side of the air duct plate and is used to store condensate that precipitates from the back side of the air duct plate. The water guiding structure is used to guide the condensate in the water storage component to the inner side of the air duct plate. The water guiding structure includes a water vapor generator and a water absorption component, both of which are wet films. The air duct plate includes a condensation section, and the water vapor generator is formed as the condensation section. The water absorption component is at least partially housed within the water storage component. The air conditioner also includes a driving mechanism for driving the water vapor generator and the water absorption component to move closer to or further away from each other.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air duct plate also includes a flow guide section. The flow guide section and the condensation section are separate structures. The back side of the flow guide section is provided with a heat insulation component. The position of the water storage component corresponds to the position of the condensation section.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing is also provided with a partition for separating the water storage component and the pipeline. The water storage component extends toward the air duct plate to guide the condensate from the condensation section to the water storage component.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water vapor generating component is an atomizer, and the water suction component is a water suction pipe. One end of the water suction pipe extends into the water storage component, and the other end of the water suction pipe is connected to the atomizer.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes a drive motor and a gear section and a rack section that mesh with each other. The drive motor is fixedly installed inside the housing. The gear section is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor, and the rack section is connected to the water vapor generator.

6. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes a monitoring device for monitoring the water level in the water storage unit.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that, The water storage component is located inside the shell, and the water storage component has an overflow port.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The wall of the water storage component is provided with a clearance section for avoiding the pipeline.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that, The water storage component is detachably disposed on the outside of the housing, and the housing has an opening for accommodating the water storage component.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that, The housing is also provided with a sealing plate for closing the opening when the water storage component is not installed.

11. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an air guide plate that can swing to have an open position and a closed position, wherein, in the closed position, airflow can circulate inside the housing.

12. A control method for an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The control method includes the following steps: Obtain the water level of the condensate that has been extracted from the back side of the air duct plate; If the condensate level is greater than or equal to a preset value, the humidification system will discharge the collected condensate into the air inlet channel or the air outlet channel. If the condensate level is lower than the preset value, the condensate will be collected according to the working mode of the air conditioner while it is in operation.

13. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 12, characterized in that, The steps for collecting condensate water according to the operating mode of the air conditioner include: In cooling mode, condensate is automatically collected by utilizing the temperature difference between the inner and outer sides of the air duct plate. In heating mode, a message indicates that the condensate water level is insufficient.

14. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 12, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes an air guide plate, and the control method further includes the following steps: If the condensate level is lower than the preset value, the air guide plate will close and the internal cooling circulation of the air conditioner will be activated when the air conditioner is not in operation.

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