Air conditioner control method and air conditioner

Abstract

The present application relates to air conditioner protection accessory technical field, particularly to an air conditioner control method and air conditioner. The air conditioner comprises an outdoor unit, the outdoor unit comprises a machine body and a protective cover, the machine body forms an air inlet for entering ambient air and an air outlet for discharging ambient air, the protective cover is connected to a driving mechanism to cause at least part of the protective cover to shield at least part of the air inlet in an unfolded state and expose at least part of the air inlet in a folded state; and the control method comprises: detecting the ambient humidity of the outdoor space; and controlling the driving mechanism according to the ambient humidity of the outdoor space to cause the protective cover to unfold or fold. The present application solves the problem that the outdoor unit with a protective cover in the prior art is prone to dust, while the service life of the filter in the outdoor unit can be improved, and the purpose of improving user experience is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioner protective accessories, and in particular to an air conditioner control method and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Outdoor units of modular air conditioners and outdoor air handling units are generally placed on open outdoor platforms, exposing their air intakes directly to the outdoor environment. In particular, the air intakes of most outdoor units are located on the facade of the cabinet. Therefore, during severe weather such as rain, snow, and sandstorms, harmful environmental substances such as rain, snow, and sand can be drawn into the air intake of the outdoor unit, causing damage or even preventing it from operating normally.

[0003] To meet the air inlet protection requirements of the outdoor unit, the prior art proposes a solution of adding a protective cover to the outdoor unit. The protective cover is made of sheet metal and is directly fixed to the outdoor unit to form a fixed eaves structure on the upper side of the air inlet of the outdoor unit. It forms a downward or obliquely downward airflow channel in front of the air inlet to block harmful environmental substances from directly entering the air inlet.

[0004] However, downward or diagonally downward airflow channels will cause the air inlet of the outdoor unit to be too close to the ground of the outdoor platform. As a result, when the weather is good, dust and floating dust on the outdoor platform are easily sucked into the air inlet of the outdoor unit, reducing the service life of the filter in the outdoor unit. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention is proposed to provide an air conditioner control method and air conditioner that overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems, and can solve the problem that dust easily enters the outdoor unit with a protective cover, thereby improving the user experience.

[0006] Specifically, the present invention provides a control method for an air conditioner, the air conditioner including an outdoor unit, the outdoor unit including a body and a protective cover, the body forming an air inlet for entering ambient air and an air outlet for discharging ambient air, the protective cover being connected to a drive mechanism to cause at least a portion of the protective cover to cover at least a portion of the air inlet in an unfolded state and to expose at least a portion of the air inlet in a retracted state; and

[0007] The control method includes:

[0008] Detecting the ambient humidity of outdoor spaces;

[0009] The drive mechanism is controlled according to the ambient humidity of the outdoor space to cause the protective cover to unfold or retract.

[0010] Optionally, controlling the drive mechanism based on the ambient humidity of the outdoor space includes:

[0011] Obtain the humidity threshold;

[0012] Determine whether the ambient humidity is not lower than the humidity threshold.

[0013] If so, control the drive mechanism to move in the direction of unfolding the protective cover.

[0014] Optionally, in response to the ambient humidity being lower than the humidity threshold, it is determined whether the protective cover is in an deployed state.

[0015] In this case, the drive mechanism is controlled to move in the direction of retracting the protective cover.

[0016] Optionally, controlling the drive mechanism based on the ambient humidity of the outdoor space includes:

[0017] Obtain weather forecast data;

[0018] Based on the weather forecast data, determine whether the weather conditions meet the set requirements.

[0019] If not, control the drive mechanism to cause the protective cover to be in a retracted state.

[0020] Optionally, in response to the weather forecast data determining that the weather conditions have reached a set condition, the system determines whether the intake humidity of the outdoor unit meets the standard based on the ambient humidity.

[0021] If so, control the drive mechanism to move in the direction of unfolding the protective cover.

[0022] Optionally, the method for obtaining the humidity threshold includes:

[0023] Obtain weather forecast data;

[0024] Based on the weather forecast data, determine whether the weather conditions meet the set requirements.

[0025] If so, the humidity threshold is adjusted based on the weather forecast data.

[0026] Optionally, correcting the humidity threshold based on the ambient humidity includes:

[0027] In response to the weather conditions reaching the set conditions, the ambient humidity of the outdoor space is acquired and stored as historical ambient humidity.

[0028] The humidity threshold is adjusted based on the historical ambient humidity.

[0029] Optionally, correcting the humidity threshold based on the historical ambient humidity includes:

[0030] Obtain the periodic time used to record the historical ambient humidity;

[0031] In response to the current time being at a set time node of the set periodic time, the humidity threshold is corrected based on the historical environmental humidity within the set periodic time.

[0032] The present invention also provides an air conditioner, comprising:

[0033] An outdoor unit, comprising a body and a protective cover, the body forming an air inlet for entering ambient air and an air outlet for exiting ambient air, the protective cover being connected to a drive mechanism to cause at least a portion of the protective cover to cover at least a portion of the air inlet in an unfolded state and to expose at least a portion of the air inlet in a retracted state; and

[0034] A controller, comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a machine-executable program that, when executed by the processor, implements the control method described above.

[0035] Optionally, the protective cover includes:

[0036] A flexible cover, wherein each of the two ends of the flexible cover forms an opening, and one of the openings is fitted and fixed onto the air inlet;

[0037] A rigid support is connected to the edge of another opening of the flexible cover and is connected to the body via the drive mechanism for pitching and swinging, so as to configure the flexible cover to retract when the drive mechanism drives the rigid support to tilt up and to unfold when the drive mechanism drives the rigid support to tilt down.

[0038] In the air conditioner control method of this invention, the protective cover is movable, and the drive mechanism can be controlled to unfold and retract the protective cover according to the ambient humidity of the outdoor space. Therefore, when the weather is good and there is no need to protect the air inlet, the protective cover can be kept in the retracted state, thereby preventing dust from accumulating on the outer surface of the protective cover. Thus, this invention solves the problem of dust easily entering outdoor units with protective covers in the prior art, while also extending the service life of the filters in the outdoor unit and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the control method of this invention has the advantages of simple and easy-to-execute control procedures.

[0039] In the air conditioner of this invention, the outdoor unit is equipped with a movable protective cover, which can be extended or retracted under the action of a drive mechanism. When the protective cover is in the extended state, it can prevent or reduce the intake of harmful environmental substances such as rain, snow, and dust into the air inlet of the outdoor unit, thus avoiding damage to the outdoor unit or even causing it to malfunction. When the weather is good and there is no need to protect the air inlet, the protective cover can be retracted, preventing dust from accumulating on the outer surface of the cover. This invention solves the problem of dust easily entering outdoor units with protective covers in the prior art, while also extending the service life of the filter in the outdoor unit and improving the user experience.

[0040] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of the outdoor unit in an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The following reference Figures 1 to 8 This invention describes an air conditioner control method and an air conditioner according to embodiments of the present invention. In this description, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature, that is, include one or more of that feature. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it encompasses, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0051] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," "link," "fix," and "couple" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0052] Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or it can include contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. That is, in the description of this embodiment, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," or "below" of the second feature can mean the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0053] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0054] Figure 1This is a schematic flowchart of the air conditioner control method, such as... Figure 1 As shown, and refer to Figures 2 to 8 This invention provides a method for controlling an air conditioner.

[0055] The air conditioner includes an outdoor unit, which includes a body 10 and a protective cover 20.

[0056] The body 10 forms an air inlet 11 for entering ambient air and an air outlet 12 for discharging ambient air.

[0057] The protective cover 20 is connected to the drive mechanism 40 to cause at least a portion of the protective cover 20 to cover at least a portion of the air inlet 11 in the unfolded state and to expose at least a portion of the air inlet 11 in the retracted state.

[0058] The control method includes the following steps:

[0059] Step S10: Detect the ambient humidity of the outdoor space.

[0060] Step S20: Control the drive mechanism according to the ambient humidity of the outdoor space to cause the protective cover to unfold or retract.

[0061] Specifically, since the outdoor unit's air inlet 11 is equipped with a movable protective cover 20, that is, the protective cover 20 is a flexible device, the protective cover 20 has at least an unfolded state and a retracted state. Under the action of the drive mechanism, the protective cover 20 can move from the unfolded state to the retracted state, and can also move from the retracted state to the unfolded state.

[0062] When the protective cover 20 is in the unfolded state, the protective cover 20 can block part or all of the air inlet 11. At this time, the protective cover 20 can prevent or reduce the intake of harmful environmental substances such as rain, snow and dust into the air inlet of the outdoor unit, which may damage the outdoor unit or even cause the outdoor unit to malfunction.

[0063] When the protective cover 20 is in the retracted state, a portion or the entire air inlet 11 may be exposed. When the weather is good and there is no need to protect the air inlet 11, the protective cover 20 can be in the retracted state, thereby preventing dust from accumulating on the outer surface of the protective cover. As a result, dust is less likely to enter the interior of the outdoor unit 10, which can extend the service life of the filter in the outdoor unit.

[0064] In this embodiment, by "detecting the ambient humidity of the outdoor space", the weather condition of the outdoor space can be determined based on the ambient humidity, such as whether it is a rainy day, a snowy day, or a sunny day.

[0065] In the air conditioner control method of the present invention, the protective cover can be opened by controlling the drive mechanism according to the ambient humidity of the outdoor space; or, the protective cover can be closed by controlling the drive mechanism according to the ambient humidity of the outdoor space. Therefore, when the weather is good and there is no need to protect the air inlet 11, the protective cover 20 can be kept in the closed state. The present invention solves the problem of dust easily entering the outdoor unit with a protective cover in the prior art, thereby improving the user experience.

[0066] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, in some optional embodiments of the present invention, controlling the drive mechanism according to the ambient humidity of the outdoor space includes the following steps:

[0067] Step S21: Obtain the humidity threshold.

[0068] Step S22: Determine whether the ambient humidity is not lower than the humidity threshold.

[0069] Step S23, as such, control the drive mechanism to run in the direction of unfolding the protective cover.

[0070] In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 40 is controlled based on the humidity threshold and the ambient humidity of the outdoor space, thereby controlling the working state of the protective cover 20. If the ambient humidity of the outdoor space is greater than or equal to the humidity threshold, the drive mechanism 40 is controlled to move in the direction of unfolding the protective cover 20, so that the protective cover 20 is in the unfolded state, thereby protecting the air inlet 11 and preventing rain or snow from entering the outdoor unit through the air inlet 11.

[0071] Furthermore, in some optional embodiments of the present invention, controlling the drive mechanism according to the ambient humidity of the outdoor space includes the following steps: in response to the ambient humidity being lower than the humidity threshold, determining whether the protective cover is in an unfolded state; if so, controlling the drive mechanism to run in the direction of retracting the protective cover.

[0072] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, controlling the drive mechanism based on the ambient humidity of the outdoor space includes the following steps:

[0073] Step S21: Obtain the humidity threshold.

[0074] Step S22: Determine whether the ambient humidity is not lower than the humidity threshold.

[0075] Step S24: If the ambient humidity is lower than the humidity threshold, determine whether the protective cover is in the deployed state.

[0076] Step S25: If the protective cover is in the unfolded state, control the drive mechanism to move in the direction of retracting the protective cover.

[0077] In this embodiment, when the ambient humidity is below the humidity threshold and the protective cover is in the unfolded state, the drive mechanism is controlled to move in the direction of retracting the protective cover, so as to retract the protective cover and thus avoid dust accumulation on the outer surface of the protective cover in good weather conditions.

[0078] In other alternative embodiments of the invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, obtaining the humidity threshold (step S21) includes the following steps:

[0079] S211, obtain weather forecast data.

[0080] S212, determine whether the weather conditions meet the set conditions based on the weather forecast data.

[0081] S213, if so, correct the humidity threshold based on the weather forecast data.

[0082] Specifically, weather forecast data can be real-time weather forecast data or weather forecast data for future time periods, such as weather forecast data for the next 0.5 hours, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 0.5 days, 1 day, 2 days, or 3 days. The future time period can be set according to actual needs.

[0083] Weather forecast data includes sky conditions (sunny, partly cloudy, cloudy, overcast), temperature, weather phenomena (rain, snow, frost, fog, thunderstorms), rainfall, ambient humidity, air pressure, wind speed, etc.

[0084] The set conditions include: rain, snow, and humid weather.

[0085] "Return to the South" is a phenomenon of damp weather that generally occurs in February and March in South China, when spring is particularly humid. It is mainly caused by the rapid return of warm and humid air after the cold air has moved away. When some cold surfaces come into contact with the warm and humid air, water droplets easily form, similar to the "plum rain season". However, the level of dampness is greater than that of the plum rain season. Not only are indoor items prone to dampness and mold damage, but also large areas of condensation will form on slightly shaded floors and walls, which is extremely damaging to floors and walls.

[0086] "Judging whether the weather conditions meet the set conditions based on the weather forecast data" specifically refers to judging whether the weather conditions meet any of the following conditions: rain, snow, or humid weather.

[0087] In this embodiment, the humidity threshold is corrected based on weather forecast data. If the weather forecast data indicates any of the following weather conditions: rain, snow, or humid weather, the humidity threshold is corrected according to the ambient humidity in the weather forecast data corresponding to that weather condition. This ensures that the humidity threshold meets the personalized needs under different weather conditions such as rain, snow, or humid weather, thereby enabling more precise adjustment of the protective cover and reducing misjudgments.

[0088] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, in some optional embodiments of the present invention, the step of correcting the humidity threshold based on the ambient humidity (step S213) includes the following steps:

[0089] Step S31: In response to the weather conditions reaching the set conditions, obtain the ambient humidity of the outdoor space and store it as historical ambient humidity.

[0090] Step S32: Correct the humidity threshold based on the historical ambient humidity.

[0091] Specifically, when the weather conditions reach the set conditions, the ambient humidity of the outdoor space is acquired and stored as historical ambient humidity. Then, the preset humidity threshold is corrected based on the historical ambient humidity so that the humidity threshold meets the personalized needs under different weather conditions such as rain, snow, or humid weather, thereby enabling more accurate adjustment of the protective cover and reducing misjudgments.

[0092] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 As shown, in some optional embodiments of the present invention, the step of correcting the humidity threshold based on the historical ambient humidity includes the following steps:

[0093] Step S41: Obtain the periodic time used to record the historical ambient humidity.

[0094] Step S42: In response to the current time being at a set time node of the set periodic time, the humidity threshold is corrected according to the historical environmental humidity within the set periodic time.

[0095] Specifically, in step S42, it is determined whether the minimum ambient humidity in the previous cycle is not less than the humidity threshold. If not, the minimum ambient humidity in the previous cycle is used as the new humidity threshold.

[0096] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, obtaining the humidity threshold (step S21) includes the following steps:

[0097] S221, Obtain weather forecast data.

[0098] S222, determine whether the weather conditions meet the set conditions based on the weather forecast data.

[0099] S223, as such, the ambient humidity in the weather forecast data corresponding to the weather conditions under the set conditions is directly used as the humidity threshold.

[0100] Specifically, the weather forecast data can be weather forecast data for future time periods, such as weather forecast data for the next 0.5 hours, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 0.5 days, 1 day, 2 days, or 3 days. The future time period can be set according to actual needs.

[0101] "Using the ambient humidity in the weather forecast data corresponding to the weather conditions under the set conditions as the humidity threshold" means: using the ambient humidity when it is predicted to rain directly as the humidity threshold; or using the ambient humidity when it is predicted to snow directly as the humidity threshold; or using the ambient humidity when it is predicted to be in the humid season directly as the humidity threshold.

[0102] Therefore, this embodiment assigns the humidity threshold in advance based on weather forecast data, which can achieve the effect of early perception and reduce misjudgment.

[0103] like Figure 7 As shown, in some alternative embodiments of the present invention, step S20, controlling the drive mechanism according to the ambient humidity of the outdoor space, specifically includes the following steps:

[0104] Step S201: Obtain weather forecast data.

[0105] Step S202: Determine whether the weather conditions meet the set conditions based on the weather forecast data.

[0106] Step S203: If not, control the drive mechanism to cause the protective cover to be in a retracted state.

[0107] Specifically, weather forecast data can be real-time weather forecast data or weather forecast data for future time periods, such as weather forecast data for the next 0.5 hours, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 0.5 days, 1 day, 2 days, or 3 days. The future time period can be set according to actual needs.

[0108] Weather forecast data includes sky conditions (sunny, partly cloudy, cloudy, overcast), temperature, weather phenomena (rain, snow, frost, fog, thunderstorms), rainfall, ambient humidity, air pressure, wind speed, etc.

[0109] The set conditions include: rain, snow, and humid weather.

[0110] "Return to the South" is a phenomenon of damp weather that generally occurs in February and March in South China, when spring is particularly humid. It is mainly caused by the rapid return of warm and humid air after the cold air has moved away. When some cold surfaces come into contact with the warm and humid air, water droplets easily form, similar to the "plum rain season". However, the level of dampness is greater than that of the plum rain season. Not only are indoor items prone to dampness and mold damage, but also large areas of condensation will form on slightly shaded floors and walls, which is extremely damaging to floors and walls.

[0111] "Judging whether the weather conditions meet the set conditions based on the weather forecast data" specifically refers to judging whether the weather conditions meet any of the following conditions: rain, snow, or humid weather.

[0112] In this embodiment, the ambient humidity of the outdoor space is obtained based on weather forecast data, and the drive mechanism is controlled based on the weather forecast data to control the working state of the protective cover. If the weather is neither raining, snowing, nor humid, it indicates that the weather conditions are good. The drive mechanism is then controlled to move in the direction of closing the protective cover to close it, thereby preventing dust from accumulating on the outer surface of the protective cover under good weather conditions.

[0113] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 As shown, in some optional embodiments of the present invention, in response to the weather forecast data determining that the weather condition has reached the set conditions, the outdoor unit’s intake humidity is determined based on the ambient humidity. If so, the drive mechanism is controlled to run in the direction of unfolding the protective cover.

[0114] Specifically, controlling the drive mechanism based on the ambient humidity of the outdoor space further includes the following steps:

[0115] Step S201: Obtain weather forecast data.

[0116] Step S202: Determine whether the weather conditions meet the set conditions based on the weather forecast data.

[0117] Step S204: If the weather conditions meet the set conditions, determine whether the intake humidity of the outdoor unit meets the standard based on the ambient humidity.

[0118] Step S205: If the air intake humidity meets the standard, control the drive mechanism to move in the direction of unfolding the protective cover.

[0119] In other words, when the weather conditions meet the set conditions, such as rain, snow, or humid weather, and the air intake humidity meets the standard, the drive mechanism is controlled to move in the direction of unfolding the protective cover, so that the protective cover is in the unfolded state, thereby protecting the air intake 11 and preventing rain or snow from entering the outdoor unit through the air intake 11.

[0120] In this embodiment, since the above two judgment conditions are adopted, and the drive mechanism is only controlled to move in the direction of unfolding the protective cover when both conditions are met simultaneously, misjudgments can be reduced and the control accuracy of the control method can be improved, thereby further avoiding dust accumulation on the protective cover.

[0121] In some alternative embodiments of the invention, the humidity threshold is a preset value, which is a fixed value.

[0122] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner further includes an outdoor humidity detection device 30.

[0123] The outdoor humidity detection device 30 is used to detect the ambient humidity of the outdoor space.

[0124] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the outdoor humidity detection device 30 is an outdoor temperature and humidity sensor.

[0125] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the outdoor humidity detection device 30 is a hygrometer.

[0126] like Figure 8 As shown, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the outdoor humidity detection device 30 is disposed inside the body 10.

[0127] In this embodiment, the outdoor humidity detection device 30 is installed inside the body 10. The body 10 can protect the outdoor humidity detection device 30 to prevent it from being damaged by external objects, thereby improving the service life of the outdoor temperature and humidity sensor and improving detection accuracy, effectively avoiding misjudgment.

[0128] Furthermore, the distance between the outdoor humidity detection device 30 and the air inlet 11 is less than the distance between the outdoor humidity detection device 30 and the air outlet 12.

[0129] Specifically, the distance between the outdoor humidity detection device 30 and the air inlet 11 is the first distance.

[0130] The distance between the outdoor humidity detection device 30 and the air outlet 12 is the second distance.

[0131] The first distance is less than the second distance.

[0132] In this embodiment, since the outdoor humidity detection device 30 is relatively close to the air inlet 11, the ambient humidity data detected by the outdoor humidity detection device 30 is more accurate, which can further reduce misjudgments and thus further improve the control accuracy of the control method.

[0133] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of the outdoor unit in an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention also provides an air conditioner, which includes an outdoor unit and a controller.

[0134] The outdoor unit includes a body 10 and a protective cover 20. The body 10 forms an air inlet 11 for entering ambient air and an air outlet 12 for discharging ambient air. The protective cover 20 is connected to a drive mechanism 40 to cause at least a portion of the protective cover 20 to cover at least a portion of the air inlet 11 in an unfolded state and to expose at least a portion of the air inlet 11 in a retracted state.

[0135] The controller includes a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a machine-executable program that, when executed by the processor, implements the control method for the air conditioner as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0136] In the air conditioner of the present invention, the outdoor unit is provided with a flexible protective cover, which can be expanded or retracted under the action of the drive mechanism.

[0137] When the protective cover is in the deployed state, it can prevent or reduce the intake of harmful environmental substances such as rain, snow, and dust into the outdoor unit, which could damage the outdoor unit or even cause it to malfunction.

[0138] When the weather is good and there is no need to protect the air inlet, the protective cover can be closed to prevent dust from accumulating on the outer surface of the cover. This invention solves the problem of dust easily entering outdoor units with protective covers in the prior art. At the same time, it can improve the service life of the filter in the outdoor unit and achieve the goal of improving the user experience.

[0139] Furthermore, in some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the protective cover includes a flexible cover body 21 and a rigid support 22.

[0140] The flexible cover 21 has openings at both ends, one of which is fitted and fixed onto the air inlet 11.

[0141] The rigid support 22 is connected to the edge of another opening of the flexible cover 21 and is connected to the body 10 via the drive mechanism 40 to swing up and down, so as to configure the flexible cover 21 to retract when the drive mechanism 40 drives the rigid support 22 to tilt up; and the flexible cover 21 to unfold when the drive mechanism 40 drives the rigid support 22 to tilt down.

[0142] In this embodiment, the flexible device is lighter and more aesthetically pleasing than the sheet metal device, and it can automatically open and close depending on whether it is raining or snowing, which avoids the sheet metal rain cover being constantly open and causing too much dust to be sucked into the unit, thus extending the service life of the filter.

[0143] Furthermore, in some alternative embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 8 As shown, when the protective cover 20 is in the unfolded state, the inlet of the protective cover 20 is inclined downwards, and the end of the inlet of the protective cover 20 away from the air inlet 11 is higher than the end close to the air inlet 11.

[0144] In this embodiment, the above-mentioned settings can provide good protection for the air inlet 11 without hindering its air intake.

[0145] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the outdoor humidity detection device 30 is disposed inside the body 10.

[0146] In this embodiment, the outdoor humidity detection device 30 is installed inside the body 10. The body 10 can protect the outdoor humidity detection device 30 to prevent it from being damaged by external objects, thereby improving the service life of the outdoor temperature and humidity sensor and improving detection accuracy, effectively avoiding misjudgment.

[0147] Furthermore, the distance between the outdoor humidity detection device 30 and the air inlet 11 is less than the distance between the outdoor humidity detection device 30 and the air outlet 12.

[0148] Specifically, the distance between the outdoor humidity detection device 30 and the air inlet 11 is the first distance.

[0149] The distance between the outdoor humidity detection device 30 and the air outlet 12 is the second distance.

[0150] The first distance is less than the second distance.

[0151] In this embodiment, since the outdoor humidity detection device 30 is relatively close to the air inlet 11, the ambient humidity data detected by the outdoor humidity detection device 30 is more accurate, which can further reduce misjudgments and thus further improve the control accuracy of the control method.

[0152] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the drive mechanism 40 is an electric angle adjuster used to adjust the unfolding angle of the protective cover 20.

[0153] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner further includes a temperature and humidity analysis module.

[0154] The temperature and humidity analysis module is connected to the outdoor humidity detection device 30, and the temperature and humidity analysis module is also connected to the drive mechanism 40.

[0155] The function of the temperature and humidity analysis module is to receive the ambient humidity data detected by the outdoor humidity detection device 30, analyze the ambient humidity data, and transmit the analysis results to the drive mechanism 40 via a signal. The drive mechanism 40 controls the protective cover 20 according to the received signal.

[0156] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner further includes a weather information feedback system and a temperature and humidity information storage module.

[0157] The weather information feedback system can extract real-time temperature and humidity information during rain, snow, or humid weather and feed it back to the temperature and humidity information storage module. The temperature and humidity analysis module periodically feeds back the analyzed temperature and humidity corresponding to rain to the controller to correct the humidity threshold, that is, to correct the set reference temperature and humidity value "X".

[0158] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A control method of an air conditioner, characterized in that, the air conditioner comprises an outdoor unit, the outdoor unit comprises a machine body and a protective cover, the machine body forms an air inlet for taking in ambient air and an air outlet for discharging ambient air, the protective cover is connected to a driving mechanism to cause at least part of the protective cover to shield at least part of the air inlet in an unfolded state and expose at least part of the air inlet in a folded state; and the control method comprises: detecting an ambient humidity of an outdoor space; controlling the driving mechanism to cause the protective cover to unfold or fold according to the ambient humidity of the outdoor space; the control of the driving mechanism according to the ambient humidity of the outdoor space comprises: obtaining a humidity threshold value; judging whether the ambient humidity is not lower than the humidity threshold value, if so, controlling the driving mechanism to run in a direction of unfolding the protective cover. 2.The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, in response to the ambient humidity being lower than the humidity threshold value, judging whether the protective cover is in the unfolded state, if so, controlling the driving mechanism to run in a direction of folding the protective cover. 3.The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, the control of the driving mechanism according to the ambient humidity of the outdoor space comprises: obtaining weather forecast data; judging whether a weather state reaches a set condition according to the weather forecast data, if not, controlling the driving mechanism to cause the protective cover to be in the folded state. 4.The control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, in response to the weather forecast data judging that the weather state reaches the set condition, judging whether an air inlet humidity of the outdoor unit meets a standard according to the ambient humidity, if so, controlling the driving mechanism to run in a direction of unfolding the protective cover. 5.The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, the obtaining of the humidity threshold value comprises: obtaining weather forecast data; judging whether a weather state reaches a set condition according to the weather forecast data, if so, correcting the humidity threshold value according to the weather forecast data. 6.The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, the correction of the humidity threshold value according to the ambient humidity comprises: in response to the weather state reaching the set condition, obtaining the ambient humidity of the outdoor space and storing it as a historical ambient humidity; correcting the humidity threshold value according to the historical ambient humidity. 7.The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, the correction of the humidity threshold value according to the historical ambient humidity comprises: obtaining a periodic time for recording the historical ambient humidity; in response to a current time being at a set time node of the periodic time, correcting the humidity threshold value according to the historical ambient humidity in the set periodic time. ​ 8. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: ​ An outdoor unit includes a body forming an air inlet for taking in ambient air and an air outlet for discharging ambient air, and a shield connected to a driving mechanism to cause at least part of the shield to shield at least part of the air inlet in an unfolded state and to expose at least part of the air inlet in a folded state. And A controller includes a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a machine executable program which, when executed by the processor, implements the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The air conditioner of claim 8, wherein The shield includes: a flexible shield body having two ends each forming an opening portion, one of which is sleeved and fixed on the air inlet; a rigid support connected to the other opening portion of the flexible shield body and swingably connected to the body via the driving mechanism to be configured to be folded together when the driving mechanism drives the rigid support to be raised, and to be unfolded when the driving mechanism drives the rigid support to be lowered.

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