Air conditioner and control method

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides an air conditioner and a control method, the air conditioner comprises an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger, and further comprises an air pipe and a humidifying module, the humidifying module comprises an air inlet and an air outlet, one end of the air pipe is connected with the air outlet, and the other end of the air pipe is connected with an air return opening of the indoor heat exchanger; the outdoor heat exchanger, the humidifying module, the air pipe and the indoor heat exchanger are sequentially communicated to form a humidifying pipeline; the humidifying module comprises an adsorption part and a heating part, the adsorption part is used for adsorbing water in the air of the humidifying pipeline, and the heating part is used for heating and desorbing the water adsorbed by the adsorption accessory. According to the embodiment, moisture naturally existing in outdoor air is used as a humidifying water source, additional water source supply is not needed, moisture in the air entering the humidifying pipeline from the outside is adsorbed through the adsorption part, when the indoor environment needs to be humidified, the heating part is used for heating and desorbing the moisture adsorbed by the adsorption part, and then the indoor environment can be humidified; the problem that a traditional humidifier needs to be cleaned frequently and water needs to be replaced frequently is solved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Air conditioners, essential environmental regulators in our daily lives and work, are widely used in homes, offices, commercial buildings, and other settings. Air conditioners cool or heat indoor air through the coordinated operation of indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, creating a comfortable temperature environment for users.

[0003] However, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the indoor heat exchanger cools and dehumidifies the indoor air, causing the humidity to drop. This often leads to a drier indoor environment, especially after prolonged use. When the air conditioner is in heating mode, especially in winter, the indoor air becomes dry, which can easily cause discomfort. Therefore, to improve indoor air quality and enhance human comfort, it is particularly important to humidify the indoor air during air conditioning operation.

[0004] Currently, the humidification function of existing air conditioners is usually achieved using an independent humidification device. Common humidification methods include ultrasonic humidification, electrode humidification, and infrared humidification. Among them, ultrasonic humidification uses ultrasonic vibration to atomize water and send it into the room, but the atomized particles are large and can easily lead to excessive humidity in the room. Electrode humidification uses electrode rods to generate heat in the water to evaporate the water. This method consumes a lot of energy, and the electrodes are prone to scaling, affecting the humidification efficiency and equipment life. Infrared humidification uses infrared lamps to heat water to boiling to produce steam. It also has the disadvantages of high energy consumption and easy wear of heating components. In addition, the above-mentioned humidification devices require frequent cleaning and water changes, which can easily lead to health and safety risks such as bacteria. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides an air conditioner and a control method thereof, aiming to solve the problem that the existing humidifying device needs to be frequently cleaned and the water needs to be changed.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides an air conditioner, comprising an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger, the air conditioner further comprising an air duct and a humidification module, the humidification module comprising an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet being arranged toward the windward side of the outdoor heat exchanger, one end of the air duct being connected to the air outlet, and the other end of the air duct being connected to the return air outlet of the indoor heat exchanger, the outdoor heat exchanger, the humidification module, the air duct, and the indoor heat exchanger being connected in sequence to form a humidification pipeline;

[0007] The humidification module includes an adsorption element and a heating element. The adsorption element is used to adsorb water in the air of the humidification pipeline, and the heating element is used to heat and desorb the water adsorbed by the adsorption element.

[0008] Specifically, the air conditioner further includes an air valve, which is provided on the air duct and is used to connect or disconnect the humidification pipeline.

[0009] Specifically, the humidification module is arranged in the fin area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger, or a part of the humidification module is arranged in the fin area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger, and the other part is arranged in the side plate area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0010] Specifically, the humidification module further includes a humidification shell and a support member arranged inside the humidification shell, the middle portion of the support member is hollowed out, and the adsorption member is embedded in the hollow area of ​​the support member.

[0011] Specifically, the humidifying shell is further provided with a through hole, the support member is provided with an air outlet pipe, and one end of the air outlet pipe passes through the through hole to form an air outlet.

[0012] Specifically, the humidification module further includes a filter element, and the filter element, the heating element and the adsorption element are sequentially arranged in the humidification housing along a direction from the air inlet to the air outlet.

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a control method, which is applied to the air conditioner as described above, comprising:

[0014] Control the air conditioner to turn on and run for the first scheduled time;

[0015] Acquiring indoor relative humidity, calculating a difference between a preset target relative humidity and the indoor relative humidity to obtain a first difference;

[0016] It is determined whether the first difference is greater than or equal to a first threshold value. If so, the heating element is turned on to desorb the water adsorbed by the adsorption element through the heating element, and the desorbed water is blown into the room through the return air outlet of the indoor heat exchanger.

[0017] In one embodiment, before the step of determining whether the first difference is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the method further includes:

[0018] Acquire the indoor ambient temperature, and calculate the absolute value of the difference between the indoor ambient temperature and a preset target ambient temperature to obtain a second difference;

[0019] Determine whether the second difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold. If so, return to continue obtaining the indoor ambient temperature and update the second difference; if not, enter the step of determining whether the first difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0020] In one embodiment, after the step of turning on the heating element, the method further includes:

[0021] Continuing to obtain the indoor relative humidity, and calculating the difference between the indoor relative humidity and the preset target relative humidity to obtain an updated first difference;

[0022] Determining whether the updated first difference is greater than or equal to a first threshold;

[0023] If the updated first difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the heating element is turned off; if the updated first difference is less than the first threshold, the process returns to continue acquiring the indoor relative humidity.

[0024] In one embodiment, the air valve is opened when the heating element is turned on, and is closed when the heating element is turned off.

[0025] An embodiment of the present invention provides an air conditioner and a control method. The air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger, and also includes an air duct and a humidification module. The humidification module includes an air inlet and an air outlet. One end of the air duct is connected to the air outlet, and the other end of the air duct is connected to the return air outlet of the indoor heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger, the humidification module, the air duct, and the indoor heat exchanger are connected in sequence to form a humidification pipeline. The humidification module includes an adsorbent and a heating element. The adsorbent is used to adsorb water in the air of the humidification pipeline, and the heating element is used to heat and desorb the water adsorbed by the adsorbent. This embodiment uses the naturally existing moisture in the outdoor air as a humidification water source, without the need for an additional water supply, and adsorbs the moisture in the air entering the humidification pipeline from the outside through the adsorbent. When the room needs to be humidified, the moisture adsorbed by the adsorbent is heated and desorbed by the heating element, thereby achieving humidification of the indoor environment, avoiding the problem of traditional humidifiers requiring frequent cleaning and water changes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0027] Figure 1 A connection diagram of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the humidification module of the first embodiment;

[0029] Figure 3 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the humidification module of the first embodiment;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the humidification module according to the first embodiment;

[0031] Figure 5Schematic diagram of the connection between the humidification module and the outdoor heat exchanger of the first embodiment Figure 1 ;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the humidification module and the outdoor heat exchanger of the second embodiment;

[0033] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the connection between the humidification module and the outdoor heat exchanger of the first embodiment Figure 2 ;

[0034] Figure 8 A flow chart of a control method provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Description of the symbols in the figure:

[0036] 1. Indoor heat exchanger;

[0037] 2. Outdoor heat exchanger; 21. Fin area; 22. Side panel area;

[0038] 3. Air duct;

[0039] 4. Humidification module; 41. Air inlet; 42. Air outlet; 43. Adsorption element; 44. Heating element; 45. Humidification housing; 451. Through hole; 46. Support element; 461. Air outlet pipe; 47. Filter element;

[0040] 5. Air valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0042] It will be understood that when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” indicate the presence of described features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0043] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present invention. As used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0044] It should be further understood that the term "and / or" used in the present description and the appended claims refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0045] See also Figure 1-4 An embodiment of the present invention provides an air conditioner, comprising an indoor heat exchanger 1 and an outdoor heat exchanger 2, the air conditioner further comprising an air duct 3 and a humidification module 4, the humidification module 4 comprising an air inlet 41 and an air outlet 42, the air inlet 41 being arranged toward the windward side of the outdoor heat exchanger 2, one end of the air duct 3 being connected to the air outlet 42, and the other end of the air duct 3 being connected to the return air outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 1, the outdoor heat exchanger 2, the humidification module 4, the air duct 3, and the indoor heat exchanger 1 being connected in sequence to form a humidification pipeline;

[0046] The humidification module 4 includes an adsorption element 43 and a heating element 44 . The adsorption element 43 is used to adsorb water in the air of the humidification pipeline, and the heating element 44 is used to heat and desorb the water adsorbed by the adsorption element 43 .

[0047] In this embodiment, an air duct 3 and a humidification module 4 are added to the traditional air conditioner. The humidification module 4 is provided with an air inlet 41 and an air outlet 42. The air inlet 41 faces the windward side of the outdoor heat exchanger 2 to maximize the capture of moisture in the outdoor air. One end of the air duct 3 is tightly connected to the air outlet 42 of the humidification module 4, and the other end of the air duct 3 is connected to the return air outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 1, so that the outdoor heat exchanger 2, the humidification module 4, the air duct 3 and the indoor heat exchanger 1 are connected in sequence to form a humidification pipeline. The humidification module 4 is internally provided with an adsorbent 43 and a heating element 44. The adsorbent 43 is responsible for adsorbing moisture from the air entering the humidification pipeline from the outside, and the heating element 44 is used to desorb moisture when humidification is required, thereby achieving waterless humidification. This embodiment uses the naturally occurring moisture in the outdoor air as a humidification water source. The moisture in the air entering the humidification pipeline from the outside is adsorbed and stored by the adsorbent 43. When the room needs to be humidified, the moisture adsorbed by the adsorbent 43 is heated by the heater 44 to desorb the moisture. The humidified air is then sent into the room via the humidification pipeline, thereby humidifying the indoor environment. When the air conditioner is running, the outdoor air will flow through the outdoor heat exchanger 2, part of which will enter the humidification module 4, and the adsorbent 43 will adsorb the moisture in the air. When the room needs to be humidified, the heater 44 starts working, heating the adsorbent 43, desorbing the adsorbed moisture, and forming humidified air. This humidified air is transported to the return air outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 1 through the air duct 3, and finally enters the indoor environment to complete the humidification. This embodiment does not require an additional water supply, and can achieve indoor humidification by utilizing the moisture in the outdoor air. This avoids the need for frequent water addition and replacement in traditional humidifiers, while also saving additional water resources and being more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

[0048] In a specific embodiment, the adsorption element 43 can be set to a honeycomb structure, and adsorption materials such as silica gel, molecular sieve or metal frame can be used to allow air to flow from the outside to the inside of the adsorption element 43. The heating element 44 can optionally use an electric heating wire or an electromagnetic heating device.

[0049] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner further includes an air valve 5, which is provided on the air duct 3 and is used to connect or disconnect the humidification pipeline.

[0050] In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the air in the humidification pipeline is controlled by the on-off state of the air valve 5, thereby flexibly controlling the activation and deactivation of the humidification function. When the room needs to be humidified, the air valve 5 is opened to conduct the humidification pipeline, allowing the humidified air to enter the room smoothly; when the room does not need to be humidified, the air valve 5 is closed to disconnect the humidification pipeline, preventing outdoor air or unhumidified air from entering the room through the air duct 3 when humidification is not required, thereby reducing additional cooling load or heating load. This embodiment can accurately control the humidification process according to the indoor humidity requirements, reduce energy waste, and prevent the humidification module 4 from being affected by the indoor and outdoor air exchange when it is not working.

[0051] In a specific implementation scheme, the air valve 5 can be an electric air valve, which is automatically controlled by the air conditioner control system; or, the air valve 5 can also be a manual air valve, which is manually operated by the user according to actual needs.

[0052] Specifically, such as Figure 5-7 As shown, the humidification module 4 is disposed in the fin area 21 of the outdoor heat exchanger 2 , or a portion of the humidification module 4 is disposed in the fin area 21 of the outdoor heat exchanger 2 and the other portion is disposed in the side plate area 22 of the outdoor heat exchanger 2 .

[0053] In this embodiment, the fin area 21 is the core area of ​​air circulation of the outdoor heat exchanger 2, and the outdoor air has a higher flow rate and a larger flow rate in the fin area 21. Moreover, the fan of the outdoor heat exchanger 2 is usually installed near the fin area 21, and the airflow generated by it can directly act on the humidification module 4. When desorption and humidification are required, the desorbed moisture can be more smoothly transported to the room through the air duct 3 with the help of the power of the fan, reducing the need for additional power devices and reducing costs. Therefore, it is preferred to set the humidification module 4 in the fin area 21 of the outdoor heat exchanger 2, so that the air inlet 41 of the humidification module 4 can contact the outdoor air more efficiently, and then the adsorption component 43 can fully adsorb the moisture in the air, thereby increasing the moisture reserve and providing sufficient "water source" for subsequent humidification.

[0054] In other embodiments, if the humidification module 4 is entirely disposed in the fin area 21, it may block part of the fins, affecting the heat exchange between the outdoor heat exchanger 2 and the air, thereby reducing the cooling or heating efficiency of the air conditioner. Therefore, a portion of the humidification module 4 can be disposed in the fin area 21 of the outdoor heat exchanger 2, and another portion can be disposed in the side panel area 22 of the outdoor heat exchanger 2 to reduce the area of ​​​​blocking the fin area 21, minimize the impact on the heat exchange performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 2, and ensure the efficient operation of the main function of the air conditioner. This arrangement ensures that the humidification module 4 can still contact a certain amount of outdoor air (through the fin area 21) to meet basic moisture absorption requirements, while reducing the impact on heat exchange by installing the side panel area 22, thereby achieving a balance between the humidification function and the main function of the air conditioner.

[0055] In one embodiment, the electric heating wires in the humidification module 4 can be connected to the controller of the air conditioner outdoor unit through the gap between the side panel area 22 and the fin area 21 to reduce the risk of exposure.

[0056] Specifically, such as Figure 3-4 As shown, the humidification module 4 further includes a humidification housing 45 and a support member 46 disposed inside the humidification housing 45 . The middle portion of the support member 46 is hollowed out, and the adsorption member 43 is embedded in the hollowed area of ​​the support member 46 .

[0057] In this embodiment, the humidification housing 45 serves to protect the internal components and guide the air flow. The support member 46 can provide a stable installation position for the adsorbent 43. The hollow design of the middle part does not hinder the contact between the air and the adsorbent 43, but also fixes the adsorbent 43 to prevent the adsorbent 43 from being displaced or damaged during the air flow. During the operation of the humidification module 4, when the air flows through the hollow area of ​​the support member 46, it can fully contact the adsorbent 43. The adsorbent 43 smoothly absorbs moisture in the air, and the support member 46 firmly supports the adsorbent 43, thereby improving the moisture absorption efficiency. At the same time, the humidification housing 45 cooperates with the support member 46 to provide a relatively closed working environment for the adsorbent 43 and the heating element 44, reducing interference from external factors.

[0058] In a specific embodiment, the support member 46 can be made of plastic material and made into a hollow structure in the middle through injection molding, and the adsorption member 43 can be fixed by embedding; or, the support member 46 can be made of metal material and made into a hollow structure through welding or other methods, and the adsorption member 43 can be fixed to the hollow area by snapping.

[0059] Specifically, such as Figure 3-4 As shown, the humidifying housing 45 is further provided with a through hole 451 , and the support member 46 is provided with an air outlet pipe 461 , one end of the air outlet pipe 461 passes through the through hole 451 to form an air outlet 42 .

[0060] In this embodiment, the air outlet pipe 461 and the support member 46 can be set to be integrally formed, and the size of the through hole 451 is matched with the outer diameter of the air outlet pipe 461. One end of the air outlet pipe 461 is passed through the through hole 451 to form the air outlet 42 of the humidification module 4, so that the processed humid air inside the humidification shell 45 is smoothly discharged to the air duct 3, forming a closed and smooth airflow channel. During operation, the humid air after moisture is adsorbed by the adsorbent 43 and desorbed by the heating element 44 enters the air outlet pipe 461 of the support member 46 under the action of air flow, and is discharged through the through hole 451 on the humidification shell 45, and then transported to the room through the air duct 3. This embodiment ensures that the humid air can be output from the humidification module 4 to the air duct 3 in a direction and smoothly, reducing airflow resistance and improving humidification efficiency.

[0061] In other embodiments, the air outlet pipe 461 may be fixed to the support member 46 by a threaded connection, and a sealing gasket is provided at the through hole 451 to ensure the air tightness of the humidifying housing 45 .

[0062] Specifically, such as Figure 3-4 As shown, the humidification module 4 further includes a filter element 47 . The filter element 47 , the heating element 44 and the adsorption element 43 are sequentially arranged in the humidification housing 45 along the direction from the air inlet 41 to the air outlet 42 .

[0063] In this embodiment, the filter element 47 can be an activated carbon filter or a HEPA filter. The filter element 47, the heater 44, and the adsorbent 43 are sequentially arranged in the humidifier housing 45 along the direction from the air inlet 41 to the air outlet 42, so that the filter element 47 is located closer to the air inlet 41. When the outdoor air enters the humidification pipeline, the air entering the humidification module 4 is first filtered by the filter element 47 to remove dust, impurities, etc. in the air, preventing these impurities from affecting the moisture absorption effect of the adsorbent 43 and the normal operation of the heater 44. The adsorbent 43 then adsorbs moisture from the filtered air. Finally, when humidification is required, the heater 44 heats and desorbs the moisture. The desorbed moisture is mixed with the air and then delivered from the air outlet 42 of the humidification module 4 and enters the room through the air duct 3. In this embodiment, by providing the filter element 47, the cleanliness of the air entering the humidification module 4 is improved, the service life of the adsorbent 43 and the heater 44 is extended, and the impact of impurities on the system is reduced.

[0064] In one embodiment, the humidifier housing 45 can be configured as a cylindrical structure with a hollowed-out center. The filter element 47, heater element 44, adsorbent element 43, and support element 46 are sequentially arranged in the hollowed-out center region of the humidifier housing 45 from the air inlet 41 to the air outlet 42. One end of the hollowed-out center region forms the air inlet 41. The support element 46 is closer to the other end of the hollowed-out center region than the other components. The adsorbent element 43 is embedded in the hollowed-out center region of the support element 46. To allow water adsorbed by the adsorbent element 43 to flow smoothly from the air outlet 42 to the air duct 3, an outlet pipe 461 is arranged on the support element 46 and passes through the through hole 451 of the humidifier housing 45 to form the air outlet 42. In other embodiments, the humidifier housing 45 can also be configured as a square structure, and the specific structures of the filter element 47, heater element 44, adsorbent element 43, and support element 46 are adapted to the structure of the humidifier housing 45.

[0065] In practice, to prevent the humidification module 4 from being unused for extended periods, causing the water adsorbed by the adsorbent 43 to remain stored there and breed bacteria, the heating element 44 can be periodically activated without opening the damper 5. This allows the adsorbent 43 to be desorbed by the high temperature, drying it and preventing bacterial growth. Alternatively, a sterilization module can be provided within the humidification module 4. When it detects that the humidification module has not been used for a period exceeding a third predetermined time, the sterilization module is activated to sterilize the adsorbent 43. The third predetermined time can range from 10 hours to 24 hours, preferably 15 hours.

[0066] like Figure 8 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a control method, which is applied to the air conditioner as described above, including S10-S30:

[0067] S10, controlling the air conditioner to turn on and run for a first predetermined time;

[0068] S20, obtaining indoor relative humidity, calculating a difference between a preset target relative humidity and the indoor relative humidity to obtain a first difference;

[0069] S30. Determine whether the first difference is greater than or equal to a first threshold value. If so, turn on the heating element 44 to desorb the water adsorbed by the adsorption element 43 through the heating element 44, and blow the desorbed water into the room through the return air outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 1.

[0070] In this embodiment, when the air conditioner is turned on, it is first allowed to run for a period of time to allow the indoor environment to reach a relatively stable state under the air conditioner's regulation. The air conditioner's built-in humidity sensor then detects the indoor relative humidity and calculates the difference between the target relative humidity and the actual detected indoor relative humidity to obtain a first difference. This first difference is then compared with a preset first threshold value. If the first difference reaches or exceeds the first threshold value, it indicates that the room needs humidification. At this time, the heating element 44 is activated to desorb moisture from the adsorption element 43 through heating. The moisture then enters the room along with the air through the return air vent of the indoor heat exchanger 1. This embodiment improves the accuracy of humidification control by detecting the indoor relative humidity in real time, ensuring that the humidification function is activated only when the room is truly needed, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring that the indoor humidity can stably reach the target value. In a specific embodiment, the first predetermined time can be set to 1-30 minutes, preferably 10 minutes, and the first threshold value is 1-30%, preferably 10%.

[0071] In one embodiment, before S30, the method further includes:

[0072] Acquire the indoor ambient temperature, and calculate the absolute value of the difference between the indoor ambient temperature and a preset target ambient temperature to obtain a second difference;

[0073] Determine whether the second difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold. If so, return to continue obtaining the indoor ambient temperature and update the second difference; if not, enter the step of determining whether the first difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0074] In this embodiment, before determining whether the first difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold, it is necessary to confirm whether the indoor ambient temperature has reached the target ambient temperature. Because temperature has a direct impact on human comfort, the need for humidity adjustment is relatively secondary before the indoor temperature stabilizes. Adjusting the humidity after the temperature stabilizes can achieve more optimal indoor environmental regulation. Specifically, after the air conditioner has run for a first predetermined period of time, the indoor ambient temperature is first detected. The absolute value of the difference between the indoor ambient temperature and the target ambient temperature is calculated to obtain a second difference. If the second difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold, indicating that the indoor ambient temperature has not yet reached the target, the process returns to monitoring the indoor ambient temperature. If the second difference is less than the second threshold, indicating that the indoor ambient temperature has stabilized, humidification is then determined. This embodiment improves the user's overall comfort experience by first detecting the indoor ambient temperature and determining whether it meets the user's basic temperature requirements before optimizing the indoor humidity. This avoids energy waste and poor humidification results caused by humidification before the temperature stabilizes. The second threshold can be set between 1°C and 5°C, preferably 1.5°C.

[0075] In one embodiment, after S30, the method further includes:

[0076] Continuing to obtain the indoor relative humidity, and calculating the difference between the indoor relative humidity and the preset target relative humidity to obtain an updated first difference;

[0077] Determining whether the updated first difference is greater than or equal to a first threshold;

[0078] If the updated first difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the heating element 44 is turned off; if the updated first difference is less than the first threshold, the process returns to continue acquiring the indoor relative humidity.

[0079] In this embodiment, during the humidification process, changes in indoor relative humidity are monitored in real time, and the difference between the indoor relative humidity and the preset target relative humidity is calculated to obtain an updated first difference. This continuously updated first difference is used to determine whether the indoor humidity is greater than or equal to a first threshold, thereby promptly shutting off the heating element 44 to prevent over-humidification. Specifically, after the heating element 44 is turned on, the air conditioner's built-in humidity sensor continuously detects the indoor relative humidity and calculates the difference between the actual relative humidity and the target relative humidity. When the updated first difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold, it indicates that the indoor humidity has reached or exceeded the target value, at which point the heating element 44 can be shut off. If the updated first difference is still less than the first threshold, the indoor relative humidity continues to be monitored, and the heating element 44 remains on. This embodiment achieves precise control of the humidification process, ensuring that the indoor relative humidity can be stabilized within the target range, avoiding excessive indoor humidity caused by over-humidification, which can affect human health and the storage of items.

[0080] In a specific embodiment, the indoor relative humidity may be obtained once every predetermined time; wherein the time interval for obtaining the indoor relative humidity may be set to 1-15 minutes, preferably 5 minutes.

[0081] In one embodiment, the damper 5 is opened when the heating element 44 is turned on, and the damper 5 is closed when the heating element 44 is turned off.

[0082] In this embodiment, the opening and closing states of damper 5 are synchronized with the operating state of heater 44. When heater 44 is operating, damper 5 is opened to ensure unobstructed humidification piping, allowing desorbed water vapor to enter the room. When heater 44 stops operating, damper 5 is closed to prevent backflow of indoor air or entry of outside air, which could affect the performance of humidification module 4. This embodiment further ensures the continuity and controllability of the humidification process, reduces unnecessary air flow, and lowers energy loss. It also prevents outside air from passing through the humidification piping and affecting the indoor environment after heater 44 stops operating.

[0083] In a specific implementation, after the air valve 5 and the heating element 44 are opened, they are run for a second predetermined time, wherein the second predetermined time can be set to 1-10 minutes, preferably 2 minutes.

[0084] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and such modifications or substitutions are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger, characterized in that: The air conditioner further includes an air duct and a humidification module, the humidification module including an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet being arranged toward the windward side of the outdoor heat exchanger, one end of the air duct being connected to the air outlet, and the other end of the air duct being connected to the return air outlet of the indoor heat exchanger, the outdoor heat exchanger, the humidification module, the air duct, and the indoor heat exchanger being connected in sequence to form a humidification pipeline; The humidification module includes an adsorption element and a heating element. The adsorption element is used to adsorb water in the air of the humidification pipeline, and the heating element is used to heat and desorb the water adsorbed by the adsorption element.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that The air conditioner further includes an air valve, which is arranged on the air duct and is used to connect or disconnect the humidification pipeline.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that The humidification module is arranged in the fin area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger, or a part of the humidification module is arranged in the fin area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger, and the other part is arranged in the side plate area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that The humidification module further includes a humidification shell and a support member arranged inside the humidification shell. The middle portion of the support member is hollowed out, and the adsorption member is embedded in the hollow area of ​​the support member.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that The humidifying shell is further provided with a through hole, and the support member is provided with an air outlet pipe, one end of the air outlet pipe passes through the through hole to form an air outlet.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that The humidification module further includes a filter element. The filter element, the heating element and the adsorption element are sequentially arranged in the humidification housing along a direction from the air inlet to the air outlet.

7. A control method, applied to the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: include: Control the air conditioner to turn on and run for the first scheduled time; Acquiring indoor relative humidity, calculating a difference between a preset target relative humidity and the indoor relative humidity to obtain a first difference; It is determined whether the first difference is greater than or equal to a first threshold value. If so, the heating element is turned on to desorb the water adsorbed by the adsorption element through the heating element, and the desorbed water is blown into the room through the return air outlet of the indoor heat exchanger.

8. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that: Before the step of determining whether the first difference is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the method further includes: Acquire the indoor ambient temperature, and calculate the absolute value of the difference between the indoor ambient temperature and a preset target ambient temperature to obtain a second difference; Determine whether the second difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold. If so, return to continue obtaining the indoor ambient temperature and update the second difference; if not, enter the step of determining whether the first difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

9. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that: After the step of turning on the heating element, the method further includes: Continuing to obtain the indoor relative humidity, and calculating the difference between the indoor relative humidity and the preset target relative humidity to obtain an updated first difference; Determining whether the updated first difference is greater than or equal to a first threshold; If the updated first difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the heating element is turned off; if the updated first difference is less than the first threshold, the process returns to continue acquiring the indoor relative humidity.

10. The control method according to claim 9, wherein the air conditioner further comprises an air valve, and the air valve is provided on the air duct, wherein: The air valve is opened when the heating element is turned on, and the air valve is closed when the heating element is turned off.

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