Air conditioner and control method

Abstract

The invention provides an air conditioner and a control method, the air conditioner comprises a shell structure, a water absorption structure and a water storage tank, and the water absorption structure comprises a water absorption net and a water absorption block. According to the scheme, the water absorption net with high water absorption is adopted to cover the indoor air inlet of the air conditioner, meanwhile, airflow can pass through the water absorption net, when the airflow makes contact with the water absorption net, moisture in the airflow is adsorbed by the water absorption net, the water adsorbed by the water absorption net flows into the water absorption block under the capillary action, and then the water in the water absorption block is stored in the water storage tank; and continuous water absorption of the water absorption structure is ensured. By means of the mode, moisture entering the heat exchange cavity is obviously reduced, generated condensate water is greatly reduced when air flow makes contact with the evaporator in the heat exchange cavity in a refrigeration mode, and therefore water films formed in fin gaps of the evaporator are avoided or weakened, the influence of the water films on the air flow entering the evaporator is avoided or weakened, and the heat exchange efficiency is improved. In this way, the evaporator can exchange heat with more airflow, and the refrigerating efficiency of the air conditioner is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and in particular to an air conditioner and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With existing air conditioners, when the user turns on the cooling mode, the warm indoor air enters the heat exchange chamber of the air conditioner and quickly condenses into water droplets when passing through the evaporator fins in the heat exchange chamber. These water droplets form a layer of water film covering the gaps between the evaporator fins. The water film hinders the airflow from entering the gaps between the fins, resulting in a reduction in the air volume passing through the evaporator and a reduction in the heat exchange efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention provides an air conditioner and a control method thereof, so as to at least solve the problem that a condensed water film is formed in a gap in an evaporator of the air conditioner in the prior art, thereby affecting the heat exchange efficiency.

[0004] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioner, comprising: a shell structure, the shell structure having a heat exchange chamber and an indoor air inlet connected to the heat exchange chamber; a water absorption structure, the water absorption structure is a highly water-absorbent material, the water absorption structure comprises a water absorption net and a water absorption block, the water absorption net covers the indoor air inlet, the water absorption net is located outside the indoor air inlet and is connected to the water absorption block, the water absorption net and the water absorption block are used to absorb water in the air entering the indoor air inlet; a water storage tank, installed on the shell structure and located below the water absorption block, so as to receive and store water absorbed by the water absorption block.

[0005] Furthermore, the water absorption structure is a polymer metal organic framework composite material, and the water absorption rate of the water absorption structure is 200% to 500%.

[0006] Furthermore, the shell structure also has an installation cavity spaced apart from the heat exchange cavity, the water absorption block and the water storage tank are both located in the installation cavity, and the water absorption block is located below the end of the water absorption net.

[0007] Furthermore, the air conditioner also includes a water outlet structure, which is arranged in the installation cavity and located above the water storage tank. The water outlet structure precipitates water in the water absorbent block by heating the water absorbent block, or the water outlet structure discharges water in the water absorbent block by squeezing the water absorbent block.

[0008] Furthermore, the water outlet structure includes a heating plate and a temperature sensor. The heating plate is a waterproof structure. The heating plate is used to heat the water absorption block. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the water absorption block. The set heating temperature of the water absorption block is 80°C to 120°C.

[0009] Furthermore, the air conditioner further comprises a condensation structure, which is disposed between the heating plate and the water storage tank, and is used for condensing water vapor generated after the water absorbing block is heated.

[0010] Furthermore, the water outlet structure comprises a hollow extrusion plate, which is movably disposed below the water absorbing block, and is used to squeeze out water from the water absorbing block.

[0011] Furthermore, the air conditioner also includes a humidity sensor, which is used to detect the humidity of the water absorbing block. When the detected humidity reaches a set humidity, the water outlet structure operates.

[0012] Furthermore, the air conditioner also includes a water level sensor disposed in the water tank. When the water level sensor detects that the water level in the water tank reaches a set water level, the water outlet structure stops operating.

[0013] Furthermore, a heat insulation material layer is provided on a side of the inner wall of the installation cavity close to the heat exchange cavity.

[0014] Furthermore, the air conditioner also includes a filter screen, which is arranged at the indoor air inlet, and the water absorption net is located below the filter screen.

[0015] Furthermore, there are two water absorbent blocks, which are respectively located at both ends of the length direction of the water absorbent net, and there are two water storage tanks, each of which corresponds to one water absorbent block, and the bottoms of the two water storage tanks are connected by a pipeline.

[0016] Furthermore, the air conditioner also includes a first drain pipe and a first drain valve, the first drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the water tank, the first drain valve is used to open and close the first drain pipe, and the first drain pipe is used to drain the water in the water tank.

[0017] Furthermore, the air conditioner also includes a humidifier and a second drain pipe, the humidifier is connected to the bottom of the water tank through the second drain pipe, and the humidifier is used to spray water flowing into the water tank into the room.

[0018] Furthermore, the shell structure has an air outlet channel, the humidifier includes a sprayer, and the spraying position of the sprayer is located in the air outlet channel.

[0019] Furthermore, the air conditioner also includes a second drain valve and a water pump, both of which are arranged on the second drain pipe, the second drain valve is used to open and close the second drain pipe, and the water pump is used to pump the water in the water tank to the humidifier.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention further provides a control method for the above-mentioned air conditioner, the control method comprising:

[0021] When the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the water storage tank is kept in communication with the outdoor environment, the humidity of the water absorption block is detected, and when the humidity of the water absorption block reaches a set humidity, the water in the water absorption block is discharged through the water outlet structure, and the water discharged from the water absorption block enters the water storage tank and is discharged outdoors;

[0022] When the air conditioner is in heating mode, the water storage tank is disconnected from the outdoor environment, the humidity of the water absorption block is detected, and when the humidity of the water absorption block reaches a set humidity, the water in the water absorption block is discharged through the water outlet structure, and the water discharged from the water absorption block enters the water storage tank;

[0023] When the humidifier is turned on, the water in the water tank enters the humidifier, the humidifier forms water mist and sprays it to the air outlet channel of the air conditioner, and the water mist enters the room along with the wind blown out of the air outlet channel.

[0024] The technical solution of the present invention is applied to provide an air conditioner, comprising: a shell structure, the shell structure having a heat exchange cavity and an indoor air inlet connected to the heat exchange cavity; a water absorption structure, the water absorption structure is a highly water-absorbent material, the water absorption structure comprises a water absorption net and a water absorption block, the water absorption net covers the indoor air inlet, the water absorption net is located outside the indoor air inlet and is connected to the water absorption block, the water absorption net and the water absorption block are used to absorb water in the air entering the indoor air inlet; a water storage tank is installed on the shell structure and located below the water absorption block to receive and store water absorbed by the water absorption block. In this solution, a highly water-absorbent water absorption net is used to cover the indoor air inlet of the air conditioner, and the air flow can pass through the water absorption net, so that when the air flow contacts the water absorption net, the moisture in the air flow is absorbed by the water absorption net, and the water absorbed by the water absorption net flows into the water absorption block under the capillary action, and then the water in the water absorption block is stored in the water storage tank, ensuring that the water absorption structure can continuously absorb water. In this way, the moisture entering the heat exchange chamber is significantly reduced. In this way, when the airflow contacts the evaporator in the heat exchange chamber in the cooling mode, the condensed water generated is greatly reduced, thereby avoiding or weakening the formation of a water film in the fin gap of the evaporator, and avoiding or weakening the influence of the water film on the airflow entering the evaporator. In this way, the evaporator can exchange heat with more airflow, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0025] The water in the water tank can be discharged through a pipeline or manually disassembled. Alternatively, a humidifier is provided in the air conditioner to humidify the indoor environment with the water in the water tank, thereby avoiding dry indoor environment and saving water. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The drawings constituting a part of the present application are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 A front view of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0028] Figure 2 A side view of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0030] 10. Shell structure; 11. Heat exchange chamber; 12. Air outlet channel;

[0031] 20. Water absorption structure; 21. Water absorption net; 22. Water absorption block;

[0032] 30. Water storage tank;

[0033] 40. Water outlet structure;

[0034] 50. Condensation structure;

[0035] 60. Filter;

[0036] 71. First drain pipe; 72. First drain valve;

[0037] 81. Humidifier; 82. Second drain pipe; 83. Second drain valve; 84. Water pump. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is by no means intended to limit the present invention and its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] like Figure 1 to Figure 2As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides an air conditioner, comprising: a shell structure 10, the shell structure 10 having a heat exchange chamber 11 and an indoor air inlet connected to the heat exchange chamber 11; a water absorption structure 20, the water absorption structure 20 is a highly water-absorbent material, the water absorption structure 20 comprises a water absorption net 21 and a water absorption block 22, the water absorption net 21 covers the indoor air inlet, the water absorption net 21 is located outside the indoor air inlet and is connected to the water absorption block 22, the water absorption net 21 and the water absorption block 22 are used to absorb water in the air entering the indoor air inlet; a water storage tank 30, installed on the shell structure 10 and located below the water absorption block 22, so as to receive and store water absorbed by the water absorption block 22.

[0040] In this solution, a highly absorbent water-absorbing net 21 is used to cover the indoor air inlet of the air conditioner, and the air flow can pass through the water-absorbing net 21, so that when the air flow contacts the water-absorbing net 21, the moisture in the air flow is absorbed by the water-absorbing net 21, and the water absorbed by the water-absorbing net 21 continues to flow into the water-absorbing block 22 under the capillary action, and then the water in the water-absorbing block 22 is stored in the water storage tank 30, ensuring that the water-absorbing structure 20 can continuously absorb water. In this way, the moisture entering the heat exchange chamber 11 is significantly reduced, so that in the cooling mode, when the air flow contacts the evaporator in the heat exchange chamber 11, the condensed water generated is greatly reduced, thereby avoiding or weakening the formation of a water film in the fin gap of the evaporator, avoiding or weakening the water film affecting the air flow entering the evaporator, so that the evaporator can exchange heat with more air flow, improving the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0041] This design is also particularly suitable for areas with plum rain season or tropical rainy season, such as the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and Southeast Asian countries. It can effectively alleviate the hot and humid indoor environment and improve the dehumidification effect and energy efficiency of air conditioning.

[0042] The water absorption structure 20 is made of a polymer metal organic framework composite material, and a polymer metal organic framework composite material with good water absorption is used, and the water absorption rate of the water absorption structure 20 is selected to be 200% to 500%. The polymer metal organic framework composite material, that is, the polymer-MOFs composite material, has strong hydrophilicity, especially in a low humidity environment, and has good water separation when the temperature exceeds 80°C.

[0043] The above materials can have a good adsorption effect on the moisture in the airflow entering the indoor air inlet, so as to absorb as much moisture in the airflow as possible and reduce the moisture entering the heat exchange chamber 11. The polymer metal organic framework composite material can be selected from existing mature materials.

[0044] like Figure 1As shown, the shell structure 10 also has an installation cavity separated from the heat exchange cavity 11, and the water absorption block 22 and the water storage tank 30 are both located in the installation cavity, and the water absorption block 22 is located below the end of the water absorption net 21. The installation cavity is provided to facilitate the installation of components. The installation cavity is separated from the heat exchange cavity 11 to prevent water in the installation cavity from entering the heat exchange cavity 11 to generate condensed water. The water absorption block 22 is located below the end of the water absorption net 21, which is conducive to the water in the water absorption net 21 flowing into the water absorption block 22 under the action of capillary action and gravity. This compact layout not only saves space, but also maintains efficient water circulation. It is particularly suitable for living environments with limited space, ensuring that good heat exchange effects and humidity control can be achieved in a limited space.

[0045] Furthermore, the air conditioner also includes a water outlet structure 40, which is arranged in the installation cavity and located above the water storage tank 30. The water outlet structure 40 precipitates water in the water absorbent block 22 by heating the water absorbent block 22, or the water outlet structure 40 discharges water in the water absorbent block 22 by squeezing the water absorbent block 22.

[0046] When the water absorption block 22 absorbs a lot of water, it affects the water absorption net 21 to continue to absorb water. Therefore, the water in the water absorption block 22 is discharged into the water storage tank 30 in time through the water outlet structure 40, which can ensure that the water absorption structure 20 continues to absorb water. The water outlet structure 40 can discharge the water in the water absorption block 22 by heating or squeezing. The heating or squeezing method ensures that the water in the water absorption block 22 can be discharged in time, avoiding the decrease in water absorption performance caused by oversaturation of water, and is suitable for air conditioners that run for a long time.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the water outlet structure 40 includes a heating plate and a temperature sensor. The heating plate is a waterproof structure. The heating plate is used to heat the water absorption block 22. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the water absorption block 22. The set heating temperature of the water absorption block 22 is 80°C to 120°C.

[0048] Due to the material properties of the water absorbing block 22, when the water absorbing block 22 is heated to 80°C to 120°C, the water in the water absorbing block 22 can be precipitated relatively quickly. Therefore, the water in the water absorbing block 22 can be discharged by heating. The discharged water flows into the water storage tank 30 for storage. In addition, by accurately controlling the heating temperature, energy waste is avoided, while ensuring sufficient precipitation of water.

[0049] Furthermore, the air conditioner further includes a condensation structure 50, which is disposed between the heating plate and the water storage tank 30. The condensation structure 50 is used to condense the water vapor generated after the water absorption block 22 is heated. The water absorption block 22 may generate water vapor after being heated. When the water vapor contacts the condensation structure 50, the water vapor can be condensed into liquid water, and then flows into the water storage tank 30 for storage. A plurality of bent condensation plates are disposed in the condensation structure 50 to increase the contact area and the heat exchange effect.

[0050] In an embodiment not shown in the figure, the water outlet structure 40 includes a hollow extrusion plate, which is arranged below the water absorbing block 22 in a manner that it can be raised and lowered, and the extrusion plate is used to squeeze out the water in the water absorbing block 22. In this way, the water absorbing block 22 is compressed by the lifting and lowering of the extrusion plate, so that the water in the water absorbing block 22 is squeezed out. The extrusion plate is a hollow structure, which is conducive to the discharge of the squeezed water.

[0051] Optionally, the water outlet structure 40 includes a driving unit, which drives the extrusion plate to rise and fall. The driving unit may be a gear rack structure, where the gear rotates to drive the rack to rise and fall, and the rack drives the extrusion plate to rise and fall. Alternatively, the driving unit may be a screw nut structure, where the screw rotates relative to the nut, the screw rises and falls, and the screw drives the extrusion plate to rise and fall.

[0052] Furthermore, the air conditioner further comprises a humidity sensor, which is used to detect the humidity of the water absorption block 22. When the detected humidity reaches the set humidity, the water outlet structure 40 operates. Thus, when the humidity of the water absorption block 22 reaches the set humidity, the water absorption capacity decreases, and the water outlet structure 40 starts to operate to discharge the water in the water absorption block 22, thereby ensuring the continuity of water absorption. The humidity sensor is also conducive to realizing the intelligent control of the air conditioner, reducing the operation and supervision of the user.

[0053] Furthermore, the air conditioner further comprises a water level sensor disposed in the water tank 30. When the water level sensor detects that the water level in the water tank 30 reaches a set water level, the water outlet structure 40 stops operating. This prevents the water level in the water tank 30 from being too high and overflowing.

[0054] When the water level in the water tank 30 reaches the set water level, the water in the water tank 30 can be discharged to the outside, such as in the summer cooling condition, or the water in the water tank 30 can be used for indoor humidification, such as in the winter heating condition, to avoid the indoor room being too dry.

[0055] Furthermore, in order to prevent the cooling or heating in the heat exchange cavity 11 from interfering with the heating in the installation cavity, a heat insulation material layer is provided on the inner wall of the installation cavity near the heat exchange cavity 11. The heat insulation material layer reduces the heat conduction between the two cavities.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner further includes a filter 60, which is arranged at the indoor air inlet, and the water absorption net 21 is located below the filter 60. The advantage of this design is that the filter 60 can filter impurities in the air such as dust and lint, and prevents the water absorption net 21 from being directly placed outside to absorb too much dust and debris, resulting in reduced water absorption.

[0057] like Figure 1As shown, there are two water absorbing blocks 22, which are respectively located at the two ends of the length direction of the water absorbing net 21, and there are two water storage tanks 30, each corresponding to one water absorbing block 22, and the bottoms of the two water storage tanks 30 are connected by a pipeline. Through the above arrangement, the water absorption capacity of the water absorbing structure 20 is improved, and two water storage tanks 30 are used to store more water for backup.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner further includes a first drain pipe 71 and a first drain valve 72 . The first drain pipe 71 is connected to the bottom of the water tank 30 . The first drain valve 72 is used to open and close the first drain pipe 71 . The first drain pipe 71 is used to drain the water in the water tank 30 .

[0059] In this way, water in the water storage tank 30 can be discharged through the first drain pipe 71 and the first drain valve 72 to avoid excessive water in the water storage tank 30. For example, during cooling in summer, the first drain valve 72 can be in a normally open state to discharge water to the outside through the first drain pipe 71.

[0060] Furthermore, if Figure 2 As shown, the air conditioner further includes a humidifier 81 and a second drain pipe 82. The humidifier 81 is connected to the bottom of the water storage tank 30 through the second drain pipe 82. The humidifier 81 is used to spray the water flowing into the water storage tank 30 into the room. By setting the humidifier 81, the water collected in the water storage tank 30 can be fully utilized to humidify the indoor environment and prevent the indoor environment from being too dry. This method is particularly suitable for the heating mode in winter.

[0061] Specifically, the housing structure 10 has an air outlet channel 12, and the humidifier 81 includes a sprayer, and the spraying position of the sprayer is located in the air outlet channel 12. The water can be atomized by the sprayer and then discharged through the air outlet channel 12, so that the water mist can be dispersed into the indoor environment, which is conducive to uniform humidity at different locations of the indoor environment and improves the comfort of the user.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the air conditioner also includes a second drain valve 83 and a water pump 84, both of which are arranged on the second drain pipe 82, the second drain valve 83 is used to open and close the second drain pipe 82, and the water pump 84 is used to deliver the water in the water tank 30 to the humidifier 81.

[0063] In this way, when humidification is needed, the second drain valve 83 is opened, and when humidification is not needed, the second drain valve 83 is closed. In addition, the water pump 84 provides power for the flow of water, so that the water in the water storage tank 30 can enter the humidifier 81 and form water mist to be sprayed out.

[0064] The present invention also provides a control method for the above air conditioner, the control method comprising:

[0065] When the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the water storage tank 30 is kept in communication with the outdoor environment, and the humidity of the water absorption block 22 is detected. When the humidity of the water absorption block 22 reaches the set humidity, the water in the water absorption block 22 is discharged through the water outlet structure 40, and the water discharged from the water absorption block 22 enters the water storage tank 30 and is discharged outdoors; in this way, when the airflow contacts the evaporator in the heat exchange chamber 11 in the cooling mode, the condensed water generated is greatly reduced, thereby avoiding or weakening the formation of a water film in the fin gap of the evaporator, avoiding or weakening the influence of the water film on the airflow entering the evaporator, so that the evaporator can exchange heat with more airflow, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner, and the water in the water storage tank 30 is discharged outdoors to avoid excessive water overflow;

[0066] When the air conditioner is in heating mode, the water storage tank 30 is disconnected from the outdoor environment, and the humidity of the water absorption block 22 is detected. When the humidity of the water absorption block 22 reaches the set humidity, the water in the water absorption block 22 is discharged through the water outlet structure 40, and the water discharged from the water absorption block 22 enters the water storage tank 30; the water entering the water storage tank 30 can be used for indoor humidification;

[0067] When the humidifier 81 is turned on, the water in the water tank 30 enters the humidifier 81, and the humidifier 81 forms water mist and sprays it to the air outlet channel 12 of the air conditioner. The water mist enters the room with the wind blown out of the air outlet channel 12; in this way, the water collected in the water tank 30 can be fully utilized to humidify the indoor environment and prevent the indoor environment from being too dry. This method is particularly suitable for the heating mode of the air conditioner in winter.

[0068] Through the above design and control method, the air conditioner of the present application not only realizes intelligent control of humidity in technology, but also covers a wide range of applications from homes to large commercial spaces, demonstrating its comprehensive advantages in humidity regulation, energy saving, environmental protection and automatic control. Whether it is the hot and humid rainy season, the dry winter, or the high-humidity tropical environment, the intelligent regulation of the air conditioner can achieve a dry or humid indoor environment, greatly improving the comfort of living and working.

[0069] Moreover, through the above-mentioned design, the air conditioner of the present application can not only improve the heat exchange effect, effectively adjust the indoor humidity, and enhance the comfort of living and working, but also realize the intelligent control of humidity in different seasons and different environments, meeting the diverse needs of users. In particular, in the cooling mode, by discharging the water in the water storage tank to the outside, the excessive increase of indoor humidity is avoided, and in the heating mode, the water in the water storage tank can be used by the humidifier to provide the necessary humidity for the room, effectively improving the use experience and energy efficiency of the air conditioner. In addition, through the intelligent control of the humidity sensor and the water level sensor, the automatic operation of the system is realized, the operation burden of the user is reduced, and the air conditioner can play the best performance in various application scenarios. Whether it is home or office, it can get effective humidity regulation, which improves the market competitiveness and user satisfaction of the air conditioner.

[0070] The above is only an optional embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may be modified and varied in various ways. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0071] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0072] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​of the parts and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this solution. At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship. The technology, methods and equipment known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but in appropriate cases, the technology, methods and equipment should be considered as a part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed here, any specific value should be interpreted as being only exemplary, rather than as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters represent similar items in the following drawings, so that once a certain item is defined in an accompanying drawing, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0073] In the description of this scheme, it needs to be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "lateral, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this scheme and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this scheme; the directional words "inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the contours of each component itself.

[0074] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used here to describe the spatial positional relationship between a device or feature and other devices or features as shown in the figure. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation described in the figure. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is inverted, the device described as "above other devices or structures" or "above other devices or structures" will be positioned as "below other devices or structures" or "below other devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used here are interpreted accordingly.

[0075] In addition, it should be noted that the use of words such as "first" and "second" to limit components is only to facilitate the distinction between corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above words have no special meaning and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this scheme.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that: include: A shell structure (10), the shell structure (10) having a heat exchange cavity (11) and an indoor air inlet connected to the heat exchange cavity (11); A water absorption structure (20), wherein the water absorption structure (20) is a highly water-absorbent material, and comprises a water absorption net (21) and a water absorption block (22); the water absorption net (21) covers the indoor air inlet; the water absorption net (21) is located outside the indoor air inlet and is connected to the water absorption block (22); the water absorption net (21) and the water absorption block (22) are used to absorb water in the air entering the indoor air inlet; A water storage tank (30) is installed on the shell structure (10) and is located below the water absorbing block (22) to receive and store water absorbed by the water absorbing block (22).

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water absorption structure (20) is a polymer metal organic framework composite material, and the water absorption rate of the water absorption structure (20) is 200% to 500%.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shell structure (10) also has an installation cavity spaced apart from the heat exchange cavity (11); the water absorption block (22) and the water storage tank (30) are both located in the installation cavity, and the water absorption block (22) is located below the end of the water absorption net (21).

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that: The air conditioner further comprises a water outlet structure (40) which is arranged in the installation cavity and located above the water storage tank (30); the water outlet structure (40) precipitates water in the water absorbent block (22) by heating the water absorbent block (22), or the water outlet structure (40) discharges water in the water absorbent block (22) by squeezing the water absorbent block (22).

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that: The water outlet structure (40) comprises a heating plate and a temperature sensor. The heating plate is a waterproof structure. The heating plate is used to heat the water absorbing block (22). The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the water absorbing block (22). The set heating temperature of the water absorbing block (22) is 80° C. to 120° C.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that: The air conditioner further comprises a condensation structure (50), wherein the condensation structure (50) is arranged between the heating plate and the water storage tank (30), and the condensation structure (50) is used to condense water vapor generated after the water absorption block (22) is heated.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that: The water outlet structure (40) comprises a hollow extrusion plate, which is arranged below the water absorbing block (22) in a liftable manner, and is used to squeeze out water from the water absorbing block (22).

8. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that: The air conditioner further comprises a humidity sensor, which is used to detect the humidity of the water absorbing block (22). When the detected humidity reaches a set humidity, the water outlet structure (40) operates.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that: The air conditioner further comprises a water level sensor arranged in the water storage tank (30); when the water level sensor detects that the water level in the water storage tank (30) reaches a set water level, the water outlet structure (40) stops operating.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that: A heat insulation material layer is provided on a side of the inner wall of the installation cavity close to the heat exchange cavity (11).

11. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air conditioner further comprises a filter screen (60), wherein the filter screen (60) is arranged at the indoor air inlet, and the water absorption net (21) is located below the filter screen (60).

12. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are two water absorbing blocks (22), and the two water absorbing blocks (22) are respectively located at the two ends of the length direction of the water absorbing net (21); there are two water storage tanks (30), and each water storage tank (30) corresponds to one water absorbing block (22); the bottoms of the two water storage tanks (30) are connected through a pipeline.

13. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air conditioner further comprises a first drain pipe (71) and a first drain valve (72); the first drain pipe (71) is connected to the bottom of the water storage tank (30); the first drain valve (72) is used to open and close the first drain pipe (71); and the first drain pipe (71) is used to drain water from the water storage tank (30).

14. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The air conditioner further comprises a humidifier (81) and a second drain pipe (82), wherein the humidifier (81) is connected to the bottom of the water storage tank (30) via the second drain pipe (82), and the humidifier (81) is used to spray water flowing into the water storage tank (30) into the room.

15. The air conditioner according to claim 14, characterized in that: The shell structure (10) has an air outlet channel (12), and the humidifier (81) includes a sprayer, wherein the spraying position of the sprayer is located in the air outlet channel (12).

16. The air conditioner according to claim 14, characterized in that: The air conditioner further comprises a second drain valve (83) and a water pump (84); the second drain valve (83) and the water pump (84) are both arranged on the second drain pipe (82); the second drain valve (83) is used for opening and closing the second drain pipe (82); and the water pump (84) is used for delivering the water (84) in the water storage tank (30) to the humidifier (81).

17. A control method for the air conditioner according to claim 14, characterized in that: The control method comprises: When the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the water storage tank (30) is kept in communication with the outdoor environment, the humidity of the water absorption block (22) is detected, and when the humidity of the water absorption block (22) reaches a set humidity, the water in the water absorption block (22) is discharged through the water outlet structure (40), and the water discharged from the water absorption block (22) enters the water storage tank (30) and is discharged outdoors; When the air conditioner is in a heating mode, the water storage tank (30) is disconnected from the outdoor environment, the humidity of the water absorption block (22) is detected, and when the humidity of the water absorption block (22) reaches a set humidity, the water in the water absorption block (22) is discharged through the water outlet structure (40), and the water discharged from the water absorption block (22) enters the water storage tank (30); When the humidifier (81) is turned on, water in the water storage tank (30) enters the humidifier (81), and the humidifier (81) forms water mist and sprays it to the air outlet channel (12) of the air conditioner, and the water mist enters the room along with the wind blown out of the air outlet channel (12).

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