Indoor unit multi-angle sterilization control method and air conditioner

Abstract

The application provides a multi-angle sterilization control method for an indoor unit and an air conditioner. The indoor unit is provided with a first pulse sterilization module and a second pulse sterilization module. The first pulse sterilization module is arranged at a position close to an air inlet of an indoor heat exchanger, and the second pulse sterilization module is arranged at a position facing a water pan. The sterilization control method comprises the following steps: obtaining an air conditioner running state and indoor environment information; and controlling the running of the first and second pulse sterilization modules according to the running state and the indoor environment information. The first pulse sterilization module arranged for the indoor heat exchanger performs a sterilization process on the surface of the heat exchanger, thereby reducing the phenomenon of peculiar smell during air supply of the air conditioner, and further enhancing the air supply effect of the air conditioner. The second sterilization module arranged for the water pan selectively starts the second pulse sterilization module according to different states of the water pan. The comprehensive arrangement of the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module realizes multi-angle and all-around effective sterilization, and improves air quality.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the air conditioning technical field, and in particular, relates to a multi-angle sterilization control method for an indoor unit and an air conditioner. BACKGROUND

[0002] In an environment with low temperature and dry air, pathogenic microorganisms are not easy to breed, while in an environment with high temperature or humid air, it is suitable for the survival of pathogenic microorganisms. And when the refrigeration mode is running, the evaporator surface and the water pan produce condensate water, which increases the humidity and is more likely to breed bacteria. The sterilization module in the prior art mainly performs sterilization operation on the evaporator surface, and cannot effectively sterilize specific parts when the water pan is humid, which affects the indoor air quality. SUMMARY

[0003] Therefore, the present application aims to provide a multi-angle sterilization control method for an indoor unit and an air conditioner to solve the problem of single sterilization position and the inability to perform sterilization operation on the water pan when the refrigeration mode is running in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the technical solution of the present application is as follows:

[0005] A multi-angle sterilization control method for an indoor unit, a first pulse sterilization module and a second pulse sterilization module are arranged in the indoor unit, the first pulse sterilization module is arranged at a position close to the air inlet of the indoor heat exchanger, and the second pulse sterilization module is arranged at a position facing the water pan, and the sterilization control method comprises the following steps:

[0006] Obtaining the running state of the air conditioner and the indoor environment information;

[0007] Controlling the running of the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module according to the running state and the indoor environment information.

[0008] Further, the indoor environment information includes the indoor environment temperature and the indoor environment humidity, and the running state of the air conditioner includes the refrigeration mode and the heating mode.

[0009] Further, when the air conditioner runs in the heating mode and the indoor environment temperature T and the indoor environment humidity H meet the first preset condition, the first pulse sterilization module executes the heating periodic sterilization mode; when the temperature and humidity are high, bacteria are easy to breed, therefore, when running in this environment, the first pulse sterilization module automatically executes the sterilization process every preset time, and when the heating mode is running, the water pan does not produce condensate water and is not easy to breed bacteria, therefore, the second pulse sterilization module does not work.

[0010] When the indoor environment temperature T and the refrigeration mode running time t0 satisfy a second preset condition, the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module are alternately started. 阈 When the refrigeration mode running time reaches a time threshold t 阈 , it indicates that a large amount of condensate water is likely to be produced on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger and in the water pan, and bacteria are likely to breed, so the sterilization process of the corresponding sterilization module needs to be run to sterilize and purify the surface of the indoor heat exchanger and the inside of the water pan.

[0011] Further, the first preset condition is that the indoor environment temperature T exceeds a first temperature threshold T1 and the indoor environment humidity H exceeds a first humidity threshold; and the second preset condition is that the indoor environment temperature T exceeds a second temperature threshold T2 and the refrigeration mode running time t0 exceeds a time threshold t 阈 .

[0012] Further, when the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module are alternately started, one cycle Δt of the sterilization process of the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module is one sterilization process, at the initial stage of the alternately starting of the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module, the time t a of the sterilization process of the first pulse sterilization module is equal to the time t b of the sterilization process of the second pulse sterilization module, with the increase of the refrigeration mode running time t0, the time t a of the sterilization process of the first pulse sterilization module in one cycle is unchanged, and the sterilization process duration t b of the second pulse sterilization module gradually increases. Since the condensate water on the evaporator surface is more and the condensate water gathers in the water pan with the increase of the refrigeration mode running time, the condensate water in the water pan gradually increases, so the sterilization time of the second pulse sterilization module for the water pan needs to be prolonged.

[0013] Further, the heating periodic sterilization mode is that the first pulse sterilization module runs a sterilization process every first preset time t1 when the air conditioner runs in the heating mode, and the first preset time t1 is set to 3-5 h.

[0014] Further, when the air conditioner runs in the refrigeration mode and the indoor environment temperature T does not exceed the second temperature threshold T2, the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module execute the refrigeration periodic sterilization mode.

[0015] Further, the refrigeration periodic sterilization mode is that the first pulse sterilization module runs a sterilization process every second preset time t2, and after the first pulse sterilization module runs n sterilization processes, the second pulse sterilization module runs a sterilization process, and the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module do not run at the same time.

[0016] Further, the second preset time t2 is set to 1-3h, n≥2.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the indoor unit multi-angle sterilization control method has the following advantages:

[0018] The first pulse sterilization module for the indoor heat exchanger is arranged to perform the sterilization process on the surface of the heat exchanger, thereby reducing the odor phenomenon of the air conditioner during air supply, and further enhancing the air supply effect of the air conditioner. The second sterilization module for the water receiving tray is arranged, and the second pulse sterilization module is selectively turned on according to different states of the water receiving tray. The comprehensive arrangement of the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module realizes multi-angle and all-around effective sterilization, and improves the air quality.

[0019] The sterilization module is arranged as a pulse sterilization, the sterilization time is short, the sterilization efficiency is high, and the influence on the refrigeration or heating operation of the air conditioner is small.

[0020] The application further provides an air conditioner capable of performing the indoor unit multi-angle sterilization control method described above, and the air conditioner further comprises a control module, and the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module are both arranged as high-pressure xenon gas pulse lamps.

[0021] The air conditioner has the same advantages as the indoor unit multi-angle sterilization control method described above relative to the prior art, and details are not repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Fig. 1 The indoor unit structure diagram described in the embodiments of the application;

[0023] Fig. 2 The sterilization control method flow chart of the air conditioner in the refrigeration state described in the embodiments of the application;

[0024] Fig. 3 The sterilization control method flow chart of the air conditioner in the heating state described in the embodiments of the application;

[0025] Fig. 4 The sterilization process diagram described in the embodiments of the application.

[0026] 1-indoor heat exchanger, 2-water receiving tray, 3-air inlet, 4-first pulse sterilization module, 5-second pulse sterilization module DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific embodiments of the application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0028] As Figs. 1-4As shown, a multi-angle sterilization control method for an indoor unit, a first pulse sterilization module 4 and a second pulse sterilization module 5 are arranged in the indoor unit, the first pulse sterilization module 4 is arranged at a position close to the air inlet 3 of the indoor heat exchanger 1, and the second pulse sterilization module 5 is arranged at a position facing the water pan 2, and the sterilization control method comprises:

[0029] S1, obtaining the running state of the air conditioner and the indoor environment information;

[0030] The indoor environment information includes the indoor environment temperature and the indoor environment humidity, and when the indoor environment temperature and the environment humidity are both high, bacteria are easy to breed, so it is necessary to determine whether the sterilization mode needs to be executed according to the indoor environment information.

[0031] The running state of the air conditioner includes the cooling mode and the heating mode. Under different running modes, the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 1 is different, which will affect the generation of condensate water on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger and the humidity in the water pan, so it is necessary to control the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module according to the running state of the air conditioner.

[0032] S2, controlling the running of the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module according to the running state and the environment information;

[0033] The running state of the air conditioner includes the cooling mode and the heating mode. When the air conditioner runs in the heating mode, the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger is high, so that the surface of the indoor heat exchanger will not produce condensate water, and the water pan at the lower part of the heat exchanger also remains dry, and bacteria are not easy to breed inside the water pan. Therefore, when the air conditioner runs in the heating mode, the second pulse sterilization module does not need to perform the sterilization process; with the extension of the use time of the air conditioner, a large amount of dust and pollutants are deposited on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger, and when the environment humidity is high, bacteria are easy to breed on the surface of the heat exchanger, so the running of the first pulse sterilization module needs to be controlled according to the indoor environment information when running in the heating mode.

[0034] When the air conditioner runs in the cooling mode, the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger is low, and the relatively high indoor temperature air produces condensate water on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger, and the condensate water flows to the inside of the water pan, so that bacteria are easy to breed on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger and inside the water pan. Therefore, when the air conditioner runs in the cooling mode, the running of the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module needs to be controlled according to the relationship between the indoor environment temperature and the indoor environment humidity.

[0035] Further, step S2 comprises:

[0036] When the air conditioner is running in the heating mode and the indoor environment temperature T and humidity H satisfy the first preset condition, the first pulse sterilization module executes the heating periodic sterilization mode. The heating periodic sterilization mode is that when the air conditioner is running in the heating mode, the first pulse sterilization module runs a sterilization process once every first preset time t1, and the first preset time t1 is set to 3-5 hours. When the indoor environment temperature T and humidity H do not satisfy the first preset condition, the air conditioner continues to run in the current mode.

[0037] The first preset condition is that the indoor environment temperature T exceeds a first temperature threshold T1 and the humidity H exceeds a first humidity threshold H1. When the temperature and humidity are high, bacteria are easy to breed, and therefore, when the air conditioner is running in this environment, the first pulse sterilization module automatically executes a sterilization process every preset time, and when the air conditioner is running in the heating mode, the water pan does not produce condensed water and is not easy to breed bacteria, so the second pulse sterilization module does not work.

[0038] When the air conditioner is running in the cooling mode and the indoor environment temperature T and the cooling mode running time t0 satisfy the second preset condition, the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module are started to run alternately. The second preset condition is that the indoor environment temperature T exceeds a second temperature threshold T2 and the cooling mode running time t0 exceeds a time threshold t 阈 When the cooling mode running time reaches the time threshold t 阈 , it indicates that the surface of the indoor heat exchanger and the inside of the water pan are easy to produce a large amount of condensed water and are extremely easy to breed bacteria, so the sterilization process of the corresponding sterilization module needs to be run under this condition to sterilize and purify the surface of the indoor heat exchanger and the inside of the water pan.

[0039] Further, one cycle Δt is that the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module each run a sterilization process once. In the initial stage of the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module being started to run alternately, the time t a that the first pulse sterilization module runs a sterilization process is equal to the time t b that the second pulse sterilization module runs a sterilization process, and as the cooling mode running time t0 increases, the time t a that the first pulse sterilization module runs a sterilization process in one cycle does not change, and the sterilization process duration t b of the second pulse sterilization module gradually increases. The specific reason is that as the cooling mode running time increases, the evaporator surface has more condensed water, and the condensed water converges to the inside of the water pan, so the sterilization time of the second pulse sterilization module for the water pan needs to be extended.

[0040] Specifically, the pulse sterilization module needs a high-voltage pulse power supply when performing pulse sterilization, and therefore, when two or more pulse sterilization modules are arranged inside a conventional household air conditioner, the two or more pulse sterilization modules cannot be operated simultaneously.

[0041] Further, when the air conditioner is operated in the cooling mode, the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module perform the cooling periodic sterilization mode when the indoor environment temperature T does not exceed the second temperature threshold T2. When the indoor environment temperature does not exceed the second temperature threshold, it indicates that the condensate water generated on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger is less, and even the condensate water on the surface of the heat exchanger can be dried by normal air inlet and outlet, so the operation of the second pulse sterilization module can be reduced, and the sterilization is mainly performed by the first pulse sterilization module.

[0042] Specifically, the cooling periodic sterilization mode is that the first pulse sterilization module is operated once for a sterilization process every second preset time t2, and after the first pulse sterilization module is operated n times for a sterilization process, the second pulse sterilization module is operated once for a sterilization process, and the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module are not operated simultaneously. Since there is less condensate water under this condition, which is mainly concentrated on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger and rarely falls into the water pan, the sterilization process is mainly performed by the first pulse sterilization module. Preferably, the second preset time t2 is set to 1-3h, and n≥2. Compared with the heating mode, the sterilization frequency of the first pulse sterilization module is more frequent under the cooling state because it is easier to produce condensate water and breed bacteria under the cooling state.

[0043] S3, the sterilization process of the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module each includes a preparation phase and a sterilization phase;

[0044] S310, in the preparation phase, the air conditioning system is adjusted to an optimal operation state for sterilization;

[0045] When the air conditioner receives a sterilization start signal, the air conditioning system needs to be adjusted to an optimal operation state for sterilization to avoid affecting the sterilization effect due to the operation of the air conditioner. Therefore, in the preparation phase, the air conditioning system needs to make different preparations according to the current operation mode to adjust the air conditioning system to an optimal operation state for sterilization with small or zero load, so that the subsequent pulse sterilization module can be stably operated.

[0046] In the preparation stage, the operating parameters and operating mode of the current air conditioning system are recorded, the air conditioning system is adjusted to a suitable sterilization operating state, and after the air conditioning system is adjusted to the suitable sterilization operating state, the sterilization stage is entered. Because the pulse sterilization is different from the traditional ultraviolet UVC sterilization mode, it requires high-voltage pulse electricity for operation. If the sterilization process of the pulse sterilization module and the refrigeration and heating modes are operated at the same time, it is difficult to provide the required power supply for the operation, and the sterilization lamp emits bright light when it operates, which is a dazzling white light. Therefore, the air deflector should not be opened during the sterilization operation to prevent the white light from leaking and affecting the user experience. In addition, the sterilization lamp generates heat quickly when it operates, and cannot be operated for a long time. Therefore, the air conditioning system needs to be adjusted to a suitable sterilization operating state, i.e., the state of closing other loads is suitable for sterilization.

[0047] Therefore, when the current operating mode of the air conditioning system is the start-up state, the air conditioning system load is first closed, the state after the air conditioning system load is closed is the suitable sterilization operating state, and then the sterilization stage of the sterilization process is entered.

[0048] Specifically, when the air conditioning system is currently in the start-up state, the air conditioning system load is closed, the air conditioning system makes a prompt that it will enter the sterilization stage, and after a first reminder time tc, the sterilization stage is entered. The air conditioning system load includes the air deflector (i.e., the air deflector is closed), the fan, the electric heating, the compressor, etc. Preferably, the first reminder time tc is set to 15-30s, and more preferably, the first reminder time tc is set to 20s. The prompt that the sterilization mode will be entered is a countdown prompt and / or a flashing indicator light reminder, i.e., the first reminder time tc is displayed as a countdown on the air conditioning system, and after the air conditioning system load is closed and the countdown is 20s, the sterilization stage is entered, and a prompt that the sterilization stage is entered is made. The setting of the first reminder time tc fully ensures that the load of the air conditioning system has been closed.

[0049] Further, the flashing indicator light in the prompt that the sterilization mode will be entered is set to flash every second interval time td, wherein the second interval time td is set to 500ms. Preferably, during the first reminder time tc of the countdown, the flashing indicator light flashes every second preset time t2, which serves as a double reminder to the user and is more conducive to the user's perception of the air conditioning system about to perform the sterilization operation.

[0050] S320, the sterilization stage.

[0051] The sterilization stage includes a charging process and a sterilization function, that is, the sterilization module performs the charging process, and after the charging process is completed, the pulse sterilization function is performed. In the process of charging after entering the sterilization mode, the air conditioning system stops receiving the control signal, and the sterilization module power supply is turned on. Specifically, the control signal includes remote control, display module input, etc., and the air conditioning system stops receiving the control signal to avoid the control signal affecting the charging operation of the sterilization module, thereby improving the sterilization efficiency and the safety of subsequent operation of the air conditioning system.

[0052] It should be noted that the charging process of the sterilization module in the embodiment can start charging the sterilization module at the moment when the load of the air conditioning system is turned off, thereby shortening the entire operation time of the sterilization module, and further shortening the duration after the load of the air conditioning system is turned off, thereby avoiding the influence of the load being turned off for too long on the comfort of indoor users.

[0053] Further, turning on the power supply of the sterilization module is to turn on the power supply of the high-pressure xenon pulse lamp control module and continue for a third preset time t3, so as to charge the capacitor in the sterilization module, thereby facilitating subsequent sterilization operation. Preferably, the third preset time t3 is set to 10s, and the charging voltage is 12V, that is, the 12V power supply of the high-pressure xenon pulse lamp control module is turned on for 10s.

[0054] After the charging process is completed, the pulse sterilization function is performed, and the pulse flash sterilization is performed. Specifically, the process of performing the pulse flash sterilization includes: opening the enable port, and outputting a high-level pulse of a required excitation time second through the control port every interval of a first pause time, a total of x pulses are outputted, and then the enable port is closed, thereby completing the sterilization stage.

[0055] As part of the embodiment of the present application, an air conditioner capable of performing the indoor unit multi-angle sterilization control method described above is also provided. The air conditioner further includes a control module, and the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module are both set as high-pressure xenon pulse lamps. The control module is used to control the preparation, charging, flashing, etc. of the high-pressure xenon pulse lamp. The air conditioner further includes a display module, and the display module is used to display countdown, indicator light, etc.

[0056] Although the present application is disclosed as above, the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A method for multi-angle sterilization control of an indoor unit, characterized in that, The indoor unit is equipped with a first pulse sterilization module and a second pulse sterilization module. The first pulse sterilization module is located near the air inlet of the indoor heat exchanger, and the second pulse sterilization module is located facing the water collection tray. The sterilization control method includes: Obtain information on air conditioning operating status and indoor environment; When the air conditioner is operating in heating mode and the indoor ambient temperature T and indoor ambient humidity H meet the first preset conditions, the first pulse sterilization module executes the heating periodic sterilization mode; when the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode and the indoor ambient temperature T and cooling mode operating time t0 meet the second preset conditions, the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module start and run alternately. The first preset condition is that the indoor ambient temperature T exceeds a first temperature threshold T1 and the indoor ambient humidity H exceeds a first humidity threshold; the second preset condition is that the indoor ambient temperature T exceeds a second temperature threshold T2 and the cooling mode running time t0 exceeds a time threshold t. 阈 ; When the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module operate alternately, each pulse sterilization module completes one sterilization process, which constitutes one cycle Δt. In the initial stage of the alternating operation of the first and second pulse sterilization modules, the sterilization process time t of the first pulse sterilization module is... a and the time t during the sterilization process of the second pulse sterilization module b Equally, as the cooling mode running time t0 increases, the time t of the first pulse sterilization module running the sterilization process within one cycle also increases. a The sterilization process duration t of the second pulse sterilization module remains unchanged. b Gradually increasing.

2. The multi-angle sterilization control method for indoor units according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indoor environmental information includes indoor temperature and indoor humidity, and the air conditioner operating status includes cooling mode and heating mode.

3. The multi-angle sterilization control method for indoor units according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating periodic sterilization mode is that when the air conditioner is running in heating mode, the first pulse sterilization module runs a sterilization process once every first preset time t1, and the first preset time t1 is set to 3~5h.

4. The multi-angle sterilization control method for indoor units according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode and the indoor ambient temperature T does not exceed the second temperature threshold T2, the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module execute the cooling periodic sterilization mode.

5. The indoor unit multi-angle sterilization control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The refrigeration periodic sterilization mode is that the first pulse sterilization module runs a sterilization process once every second preset time t2, and after the first pulse sterilization module runs a sterilization process n times, the second pulse sterilization module runs a sterilization process once, and the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module do not run at the same time.

6. The multi-angle sterilization control method for indoor units according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second preset time t2 is set to 1~3h, and n≥2.

7. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner is capable of performing the multi-angle sterilization control method for an indoor unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, and the air conditioner further includes a control module, wherein both the first pulse sterilization module and the second pulse sterilization module are configured as high-pressure xenon pulse lamps.

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