Air conditioner, control method of air conditioner and computer program product

Abstract

The invention relates to an air conditioner, a control method of the air conditioner and a computer program product, and the control method comprises the steps that the first weight of an outdoor unit of the air conditioner is obtained in response to the air conditioner entering a defrosting mode; when the defrosting mode runs for the first preset duration, the second weight of the outdoor unit is obtained; and according to the first weight and the second weight, the on-off state of a heating device of a water pan of the outdoor unit is controlled. According to the control method, the frost accumulation condition in the water pan can be judged through the first weight and the second weight, and then whether the heating device is started or not can be controlled according to the frost accumulation condition. The heating device can be prevented from being started under the condition that no frost exists in the water pan, electric energy waste is reduced, air conditioner energy consumption is reduced, and the purposes of energy conservation and emission reduction are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air treatment technology, and in particular to an air conditioner, an air conditioner control method, and a computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioners typically have heating elements such as heating wires or heating strips installed in the drain pan of the outdoor unit. When entering defrost mode, the heating element is activated to heat the frost flowing into the drain pan, preventing it from clogging the drain holes. However, this technology activates the heating element even when there is no frost in the drain pan, resulting in wasted energy and higher energy consumption, which is detrimental to energy conservation and emission reduction. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, the present invention is proposed to provide an air conditioner, an air conditioner control method and a computer program product that overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems. The invention aims to control the opening and closing state of the heating device according to the frost accumulation in the water tray during air conditioner defrosting, thereby reducing energy waste, lowering air conditioner energy consumption and achieving energy conservation and emission reduction.

[0004] Specifically, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A method for controlling an air conditioner, comprising:

[0006] In response to the air conditioner entering defrost mode, the first weight of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is obtained;

[0007] When the defrosting mode has been running for a first preset duration, the second weight of the outdoor unit is obtained;

[0008] The on / off state of the heating device of the water tray of the outdoor unit is controlled according to the first weight and the second weight.

[0009] Optionally, controlling the opening and closing state of the heating device of the outdoor unit's water tray based on the first weight and the second weight includes:

[0010] Obtain a first preset value, which is used to reflect the freezing status of the water receiving tray;

[0011] Determine whether the difference between the first weight and the second weight is less than or equal to the first preset value;

[0012] If so, then control the heating device to be turned on.

[0013] Optionally, obtaining the first preset value includes:

[0014] Obtain the frosting-related parameters of the outdoor unit when the air conditioner enters the heating mode;

[0015] The first preset value is obtained based on the running time of the heating mode, the first preset duration, and the frosting-related parameters.

[0016] Optionally, after controlling the opening and closing state of the heating device of the outdoor unit's water tray based on the first weight and the second weight, the control method further includes:

[0017] In response to the heating device being turned on, the third weight of the outdoor unit is obtained at a second preset time interval;

[0018] The opening and closing state of the heating device is controlled based on the first weight and the third weight.

[0019] Optionally, controlling the on / off state of the heating device based on the first weight and the third weight includes:

[0020] Obtain a second preset value, which is used to reflect the melting status of the ice in the water receiving tray;

[0021] Determine whether the difference between the first weight and the third weight is greater than or equal to the second preset value;

[0022] If so, then the heating device will be shut down.

[0023] Optionally, obtaining the second preset value includes:

[0024] Obtain the frosting-related parameters of the outdoor unit when the air conditioner enters the heating mode;

[0025] The second preset value is obtained based on the running time of the heating mode, the first preset time, the running time of the heating device, and the frosting-related parameters.

[0026] Optionally, the step of obtaining the first weight of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner in response to the air conditioner entering defrost mode includes:

[0027] In response to the air conditioner entering heating mode, the frost-related parameters of the outdoor unit are obtained;

[0028] When the heating mode has been running for a third preset duration, the fourth weight of the outdoor unit is obtained;

[0029] In response to the air conditioner meeting the preset defrost conditions while operating the heating mode, it enters the defrost mode;

[0030] The weight of the frost layer is estimated based on the running time of the heating mode, the third preset duration, and the frost-related parameters.

[0031] The first weight is obtained based on the fourth weight and the frost layer weight.

[0032] Optionally, the first weight can be obtained by a weight detection device installed on the outdoor unit for detecting the weight of the outdoor unit.

[0033] Optionally, before determining whether the difference between the first weight and the third weight is greater than or equal to the second preset value, the method further includes:

[0034] Obtain a first preset value, which is used to reflect the freezing status of the water receiving tray;

[0035] The second preset value is obtained based on the weight of the frost layer and the first preset value.

[0036] On the other hand, the present invention also provides an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes an outdoor unit and a weight detection device for detecting the weight of the outdoor unit, the outdoor unit including a drip tray and a heating device disposed in the drip tray.

[0037] The air conditioner also includes a controller, which includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and running on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the above-described air conditioner control method.

[0038] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the above-described air conditioner control method.

[0039] In the air conditioner control method of this invention, when the air conditioner enters defrost mode, the heating device is not activated initially. Instead, the first weight of the outdoor unit is acquired, including the weight of the outdoor unit evaporator, the drip tray, and the frost layer on the evaporator. After the air conditioner has been defrosting for a first preset time, the second weight of the outdoor unit is acquired. At this time, the frost layer on the evaporator has partially or completely melted, flowing into the drip tray and draining through the drain hole. If all the melted water drains from the drip tray, the second weight will necessarily be less than the first weight. If frost is present in the drip tray, preventing liquid water from flowing out, or preventing most of it from flowing out, or causing the liquid water to flow into the drip tray and refreeze, the second weight will be equal to or slightly less than the first weight. In other words, by comparing the first and second weights, the frost accumulation in the drip tray can be determined, and the activation of the heating device can be controlled based on the frost accumulation. This control method avoids activating the heating device when there is no frost in the drip tray, reducing energy waste, lowering air conditioner energy consumption, and achieving energy saving and emission reduction.

[0040] Furthermore, the control method of the present invention sets a first preset value to reflect the freezing condition of the water receiving tray. The heating device is only activated when the difference between the first weight and the second weight is less than or equal to the first preset value. By reasonably setting the first preset value, the heating device can be activated when there is only a small amount of frost in the water receiving tray, thus avoiding the waste of electrical energy.

[0041] Therefore, those skilled in the art will more readily understand the above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0042] 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:

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 9 This is a schematic block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 10 This is a schematic block diagram of a computer program product according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The following reference Figures 1 to 10 This invention describes an air conditioner, an air conditioner control method, and a computer program product according to embodiments of the present invention. The terms "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," and "lateral," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplification, and are not intended to 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 should not be construed as limitations on the invention.

[0054] 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 technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "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 this 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 stated, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0055] 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 based on the specific circumstances.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] When an air conditioner operates in heating mode under low outdoor temperatures, frost may form on the evaporator surface, affecting its heat exchange efficiency and potentially causing the compressor to overheat and shut down. Therefore, air conditioners typically have preset defrost conditions. When these conditions are met, the unit enters defrost mode or switches from heating mode to defrost mode. These preset defrost conditions can be set based on factors such as the outdoor unit's ambient temperature, humidity, heating operation duration, evaporator surface area, and refrigerant pressure. Alternatively, a defrost sensor can be installed on the evaporator to determine whether defrosting is necessary based on its readings.

[0059] The drip tray is typically located below the evaporator of the outdoor unit to collect the condensate flowing from it. A drain hole at the bottom of the drip tray allows the condensate to drain promptly. However, in low outdoor temperatures, ice may form inside the drip tray, clogging the drain hole and causing condensate to accumulate and freeze. This thickened ice buildup can potentially contact the evaporator fins, causing them to deform. Furthermore, the expansion of water as it freezes in the drip tray can damage it.

[0060] In existing technology, to prevent frost buildup in the drip tray, the heating device in the drip tray is activated simultaneously when the air conditioner enters defrost mode. This heats any frost that may be present in the drip tray, allowing it to be discharged promptly. Even when there is no frost in the drip tray, the heating device is still activated, resulting in wasted electricity and higher energy consumption of the air conditioner, which is not conducive to energy conservation and emission reduction.

[0061] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention is proposed. Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and in conjunction with... Figure 2-10 This invention provides a control method for an air conditioner, comprising:

[0062] S100, in response to the air conditioner entering defrost mode, obtains the first weight of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner;

[0063] S200, when running in defrost mode for the first preset duration, obtains the second weight of the outdoor unit;

[0064] S300 controls the opening and closing status of the heating device of the outdoor unit's water tray based on the first weight and the second weight.

[0065] In this embodiment, a weight detection device can be installed on the outdoor unit to directly detect and obtain its current weight. Alternatively, the current weight can be calculated or estimated through other methods. It should be understood that the weight detection device can also be replaced by a quality detection device for detecting the outdoor unit's mass, a pressure detection device for detecting the outdoor unit's pressure, etc., and these can be considered equivalent to the weight detection device.

[0066] In this embodiment, when the air conditioner enters defrost mode, the heating device is not turned on initially. Instead, the current weight of the outdoor unit is obtained and marked as the first weight m1. The first weight includes the weight of the outdoor unit evaporator, the drip tray, and the frost layer on the evaporator. After the air conditioner has been running defrost for a first preset duration, the current weight of the outdoor unit is obtained and marked as the second weight m2.

[0067] The first preset duration can be a fixed time, such as 10 minutes. It can also be the duration after which relevant parameters meet preset conditions, such as the duration from the start of defrosting to the moment when the evaporator temperature reaches above zero degrees Celsius.

[0068] During the first preset duration of the defrosting mode, the frost layer on the evaporator partially or completely melts, forming liquid water that flows into the drip tray. The liquid water in the drip tray is then discharged through the drain hole. The amount of frost that flows into the drip tray after melting is marked as the frost weight m6.

[0069] If all the liquid water entering the drip tray is drained, then m1 > m2, and m1 - m2 = m6. If there is frost in the drip tray, causing some or all of the liquid water to be unable to flow out, or if the liquid water flows into the drip tray and then freezes again, then m1 = m2, or m1 - m2 < m6.

[0070] In other words, by comparing the first and second weights, the extent of frost accumulation in the water tray can be determined, and the heating device can be activated based on the frost accumulation. For example, when m1 = m2, it can be directly determined that there is frost accumulation in the water tray, which severely blocks the drain hole, and the heating device needs to be activated promptly.

[0071] There are various algorithms for comparing the first and second weights, such as based on their difference, their ratio, or the difference between their difference and a preset value. Alternatively, theoretical or empirical formulas can be set, and the first and second weights can be substituted into the formulas to obtain the judgment result.

[0072] This control method avoids turning on the heating device when there is no frost in the water tray, reducing energy waste and lowering air conditioning energy consumption, thus achieving the goal of energy conservation and emission reduction.

[0073] In some embodiments of the control method of the present invention, the control method further includes:

[0074] The second weight of the outdoor unit is continuously measured for a first preset duration.

[0075] The opening and closing status of the heating device of the outdoor unit's water tray is controlled based on the first weight and the second weight.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first preset duration can be 5 seconds, 30 seconds, etc. By continuously acquiring the second weight of the outdoor unit, when the second weight reaches a preset condition compared to the first weight, the heating device can be activated in a timely manner to prevent frost from accumulating in the drip tray.

[0077] In some embodiments of the control method of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the method of controlling the opening and closing state of the heating device of the outdoor unit's water tray based on the first weight and the second weight includes:

[0078] S321, Obtain the first preset value, which is used to reflect the freezing status of the water receiving tray;

[0079] S322, determine whether the difference between the first weight and the second weight is less than or equal to the first preset value;

[0080] S323, if so, then control the heating device to be turned on.

[0081] In this embodiment, the first preset value 'a' can be used to reflect the freezing situation in the water receiving pan. Specifically, it represents the theoretically acceptable minimum weight of frost that, after melting and flowing into the water receiving pan, can be discharged through the drain hole. Anything not discharged through the drain hole is considered frozen frost or liquid water that cannot be discharged due to blockage. The first preset value can be a preset constant or a variable. By reasonably setting the first preset value, the heating device can be turned on when there is only a small amount of frost in the water receiving pan, thus avoiding energy waste.

[0082] For example, let a = m6 * 90%. When m1 - m2 > a, it means that after the frost on the evaporator melts and flows into the drip tray, more than 90% of it has been discharged through the drain hole. This indicates that there is little ice in the drip tray, and the heating device does not need to be turned on. When m1 - m2 ≤ a, it means that the amount discharged through the drain hole is less than 90%, indicating that the ice in the drip tray is more severe, and the heating device needs to be turned on in time.

[0083] It should be understood that the weight of the frost layer flowing in can be calculated or estimated based on various relevant parameters. Of course, the first preset value can also be obtained through other algorithms, which will not be elaborated here.

[0084] In some embodiments of the control method of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, before determining whether the difference between the first weight and the second weight is less than or equal to a first preset value, the method further includes:

[0085] S311, obtain the frosting-related parameters of the outdoor unit when the air conditioner enters the heating mode;

[0086] S312, based on the running time of the heating mode, the first preset duration, and the frosting-related parameters, obtain the first preset value.

[0087] In this embodiment, frosting-related parameters may include the outdoor unit's ambient temperature, ambient humidity, air conditioner capacity, and evaporator area, which can be used to determine or estimate the evaporator's frosting status. Specifically, the ambient temperature and humidity can be directly measured by sensors installed on the outdoor unit, while the air conditioner capacity and evaporator area can be preset in the air conditioner's controller. Furthermore, the evaporator's frosting status is also related to the duration of the heating mode's operation. The evaporator's defrosting status is related to a first preset duration.

[0088] It should be noted that the running time of the heating mode can be the total time from the start of heating mode to the start of defrosting mode, or it can be the actual heating time of the air conditioner, excluding the time when the indoor temperature reaches the preset temperature and heating is paused. Specifically, the running time of the heating mode can be the actual heating time when the outdoor unit's ambient temperature is below zero degrees Celsius. This allows for a more accurate determination of the evaporator's frosting condition and the weight of the melted frost layer, thus providing the weight of the frost flowing in and enabling the appropriate setting of the first preset value as needed.

[0089] In some embodiments of the control method of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, after controlling the opening and closing state of the heating device of the outdoor unit's water tray based on the first weight and the second weight, the control method further includes:

[0090] S400, in response to the heating device being turned on, obtains the third weight of the outdoor unit at a second preset time interval;

[0091] S500 controls the opening and closing state of the heating device based on the first weight and the third weight.

[0092] In existing technologies, the heating device turns on and off simultaneously with the defrost mode. In practical use, after the heating device has been running for a period of time, the frost in the drip tray may have melted and been completely removed. Continuing to keep it running wastes energy and leads to higher energy consumption in the air conditioner, which is detrimental to energy conservation and emission reduction. The control method of this embodiment can solve the above problems.

[0093] Specifically, after the heating device is turned on, the frost remaining in the drip tray melts and is discharged through the drain hole, thus reducing the weight of the outdoor unit. At this time, the current weight of the outdoor unit can be measured by a weight detection device and marked as the third weight m3. By comparing m1 and m3, the melting status of the frost in the drip tray can be determined. If the shutdown conditions are not met, the heating device remains on. When the shutdown conditions are met, the heating device is promptly shut off.

[0094] In this embodiment, the second preset duration can be a sparsely set period, such as 30 seconds, or a densely set period, such as 5 seconds, so that the heating device can be turned off in time when the third weight condition is met, thus avoiding energy waste.

[0095] Of course, in other embodiments of the present invention, the second weight and the third weight can be compared to determine the melting of frost in the water tray, thereby determining whether to turn off the heating device.

[0096] In some embodiments of the control method of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, controlling the opening and closing state of the heating device based on the first weight and the third weight includes:

[0097] S531, Obtain the second preset value, which is used to reflect the melting status of the ice in the water receiving tray;

[0098] S532, determine whether the difference between the first weight and the third weight is greater than or equal to the second preset value;

[0099] S533, if so, then control to shut down the heating device.

[0100] In this embodiment, the second preset value b can be used to reflect the melting of frost in the water tray. Specifically, it represents the theoretically acceptable minimum weight of frost that has melted and been discharged from the water tray after the heating device is running. The second preset value can be a preset constant or a variable. By reasonably setting the second preset value, the heating device can be turned off in time after most of the frost in the water tray has melted and been discharged, thereby avoiding energy waste.

[0101] When m1 - m3 ≥ b, it indicates that enough frost in the drip tray has melted and drained through the drain hole. This means there is minimal ice buildup in the drip tray, and the heating device does not need to be turned on. When m1 - m3 < b, it means that a certain amount of frost remains in the drip tray and cannot drain through the drain hole, indicating severe ice buildup in the drip tray, and the heating device needs to be kept on.

[0102] In some embodiments of the control method of the present invention, such as Figure 6 As shown, before determining whether the difference between the first weight and the third weight is greater than or equal to the second preset value, the method further includes:

[0103] S511, obtain the relevant parameters of frosting on the outdoor unit when the air conditioner enters the heating mode;

[0104] S512, based on the running time of the heating mode, the first preset time, the running time of the heating device, and the frosting-related parameters, the second preset value is obtained.

[0105] In this embodiment, frosting-related parameters may include the outdoor unit's ambient temperature, ambient humidity, air conditioner capacity, evaporator area, etc., which can be used to determine or estimate the evaporator's frosting condition. The evaporator's frosting condition is also related to the operating time of the heating mode. The evaporator's defrosting condition is related to a first preset time. In addition, the melting of frost in the drip tray is related to the operating time of the heating device. The operating time of the heating device is the number of cycles multiplied by a second preset time.

[0106] It should be understood that in this embodiment, the sum of the first preset duration and the running duration of the heating device is the running duration of the defrosting mode.

[0107] By measuring the running time of the heating mode, the running time of the defrosting mode, and related frosting parameters, the frosting condition of the evaporator and the weight of the frost layer melted from the evaporator during the defrosting mode can be obtained, thus determining the weight of the frost flowing in. Based on the running time of the heating device, the melting status of frost in the drip tray can be determined, providing an accurate reference for setting the second preset value. This allows the heating device to be shut off promptly when most of the frost in the drip tray has melted and been discharged.

[0108] In some embodiments of the control method of the present invention, such as Figure 7 As shown, the method of obtaining the first weight of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner in response to the air conditioner entering defrost mode includes:

[0109] S111, in response to the air conditioner entering heating mode, obtains the frosting-related parameters of the outdoor unit;

[0110] S112, when the heating mode is running for the third preset time, obtain the fourth weight of the outdoor unit;

[0111] S113, In response to the air conditioner meeting the preset defrosting conditions in the heating mode, it enters the defrosting mode;

[0112] S114. Estimate the weight of the frost layer based on the running time of the heating mode, the third preset duration, and the frost-related parameters.

[0113] S115, based on the fourth weight and the frost layer weight, the first weight is obtained.

[0114] The third preset duration can be the time between when the air conditioner starts heating and when it enters a stable operating state. When the air conditioner enters a stable operating state, the current weight of the outdoor unit is obtained by a weight detection device used to detect the weight of the outdoor unit, and is marked as the fourth weight m4, which can characterize the weight of the outdoor unit in the working state under frost-free conditions.

[0115] In this embodiment, the weight of the frost layer m5 can be estimated based on the running time of the heating mode, the third preset duration, and the frost-related parameters, i.e., m1 = m4 + m5.

[0116] Of course, the initial weight of the outdoor unit can also be obtained through a weight detection device used to detect the weight of the outdoor unit when entering defrost mode.

[0117] In some embodiments of the control method of the present invention, such as Figure 8 As shown, before determining whether the difference between the first weight and the third weight is greater than or equal to the second preset value, the method further includes:

[0118] S521, based on the running time of the heating mode, the first preset time and the frosting-related parameters, a first preset value is obtained; the first preset value is used to reflect the freezing situation of the water tray, so that when the difference between the first weight and the second weight is less than or equal to the first preset value, the heating device is controlled to be turned on.

[0119] S522, based on the frost layer weight m5 and the first preset value a, the second preset value b is obtained.

[0120] In this embodiment, the first preset value a can be used to reflect the freezing situation in the water receiving tray, and the second preset value b can be used to reflect the melting situation of the ice in the water receiving tray.

[0121] Specifically, b can be set to m5 - a. When m1 - m3 ≥ m5 - a, it indicates that enough frost in the evaporator and drip tray has melted and drained through the drain hole. This indicates that there is relatively little ice buildup in the drip tray, and the heating device can be turned off. When m1 - m3 < m5 - a, it indicates that a certain amount of frost remains in the drip tray and cannot drain through the drain hole, indicating that the ice buildup in the drip tray is more severe, and the heating device needs to be kept on.

[0122] It's important to understand that since m1 = m4 + m5, m1 - m3 ≥ m5 - a can be transformed into m3 - m4 ≤ a. That is, the heating device can be configured to control its on / off state based on a comparison between the difference between the third and fourth weights and a first preset value. Specifically, when the difference between the third and fourth weights is less than or equal to the first preset value, the heating device can be turned off. When the difference between the third and fourth weights is greater than the first preset value, the heating device remains on.

[0123] In some embodiments of the control method of the present invention, the control method further includes:

[0124] In response to the air conditioner entering heating mode, the fifth weight of the outdoor unit is obtained;

[0125] The sixth weight of the outdoor unit is obtained using the fourth preset duration as a cycle;

[0126] In response to the difference between the sixth and fifth weights being greater than or equal to the third preset value, the air conditioner is controlled to enter defrost mode.

[0127] In this embodiment, the fifth and sixth weights can be directly detected by a weight detection device used to detect the weight of the outdoor unit. The value of the third preset value can be determined based on the air conditioner specifications, evaporator specifications, operating power, etc., and can also be determined in conjunction with frosting-related parameters.

[0128] When the evaporator is frosted, it increases the weight of the outdoor unit. By judging the difference between the sixth and fifth weights and the third preset value, the degree of evaporator frosting can be determined, so that the air conditioner can be controlled to enter defrost mode when needed.

[0129] In some embodiments of the air conditioner of the present invention, such as Figure 9 As shown, the air conditioner 100 includes an outdoor unit 120 and a weight detection device 130 for detecting the weight of the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit 120 includes a drip tray 121 and a heating device 122 disposed in the drip tray.

[0130] The air conditioner 100 also includes a controller 110, which includes a memory 111, a processor 112, and a computer program 210 stored in the memory 111 and running on the processor 112. When the processor 112 executes the computer program 210, it implements the steps of the control method of the air conditioner of any of the above embodiments or combinations of embodiments.

[0131] The controller 110 can be directly installed inside the air conditioner, connected to the relevant electrical components of the air conditioner via wires, and implement the steps of the air conditioner control method. Alternatively, the controller can be installed on a cloud server, connected to the relevant electrical components of the air conditioner via wires or wirelessly, and implement the steps of the air conditioner control method.

[0132] The weight detection device 130 can be installed at the column base of the outdoor unit 120 or at the mounting bracket to detect at least the total weight of the evaporator and the drip tray 121.

[0133] Air conditioners can be household air conditioners, central air conditioners, multi-split air conditioners, etc.

[0134] In some embodiments of the computer program product of the present invention, such as Figure 10 As shown, the computer program product 200 includes a computer program 210, which, when executed by the processor 112, implements the steps of any of the above-described air conditioner control methods.

[0135] The computer program 210 used to perform the operations of this invention can be assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, status setting data, integrated circuit configuration data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages ​​and procedural programming languages. The computer program 210 can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer can connect to the user's computer via any type of network, including a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN), or it can connect to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider). In some embodiments, to perform aspects of the invention, electronic circuits including, for example, programmable logic circuits, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable logic arrays (PLAs) can execute computer-readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuits by utilizing state information of computer-readable program instructions.

[0136] For the purposes of this embodiment, computer program product 200 is a related product that includes computer program 210.

[0137] Computer program 210 may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0138] It should be noted that the logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as a sequenced list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be specifically implemented in any computer-readable storage medium for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus or device (such as a computer-based system, a processor-included system or other system that can fetch and execute instructions from, an instruction execution system, apparatus or device).

[0139] For the purposes of this embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium can be any means capable of containing, storing, communicating, propagating, or transmitting a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media include: an electrical connection (electronic device) having one or more wires, a portable computer disk drive (magnetic device), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable and editable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), fiber optic devices, and portable optical disc read-only memory (CDROM). Furthermore, a computer-readable storage medium can even be paper or other suitable media on which the program can be printed, since the program can be obtained electronically, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other medium, followed by editing, interpreting, or otherwise processing as necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0140] While this invention provides several exemplary embodiments, many other variations or modifications consistent with the principles of this invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, the scope of this invention should be understood and recognized as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A control method for an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: In response to the air conditioner entering defrost mode, the first weight of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is obtained; When the defrosting mode has been running for a first preset duration, the second weight of the outdoor unit is obtained; The on / off state of the heating device of the water tray of the outdoor unit is controlled according to the first weight and the second weight.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method of controlling the opening and closing state of the heating device of the outdoor unit's water tray based on the first weight and the second weight includes: Obtain a first preset value, which is used to reflect the freezing status of the water receiving tray; Determine whether the difference between the first weight and the second weight is less than or equal to the first preset value; If so, then control the heating device to be turned on.

3. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The process of obtaining the first preset value includes: Obtain the frosting-related parameters of the outdoor unit when the air conditioner enters the heating mode; The first preset value is obtained based on the running time of the heating mode, the first preset duration, and the frosting-related parameters.

4. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After controlling the opening and closing state of the heating device of the outdoor unit's water tray based on the first weight and the second weight, the control method further includes: In response to the heating device being turned on, the third weight of the outdoor unit is obtained at a second preset time interval; The opening and closing state of the heating device is controlled based on the first weight and the third weight.

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method of controlling the opening and closing state of the heating device based on the first weight and the third weight includes: Obtain a second preset value, which is used to reflect the melting status of the ice in the water receiving tray; Determine whether the difference between the first weight and the third weight is greater than or equal to the second preset value; If so, then the heating device will be shut down.

6. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The process of obtaining the second preset value includes: Obtain the frosting-related parameters of the outdoor unit when the air conditioner enters the heating mode; The second preset value is obtained based on the running time of the heating mode, the first preset time, the running time of the heating device, and the frosting-related parameters.

7. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method of obtaining the first weight of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner in response to the air conditioner entering defrost mode includes: In response to the air conditioner entering heating mode, the frost-related parameters of the outdoor unit are obtained; When the heating mode has been running for a third preset duration, the fourth weight of the outdoor unit is obtained; In response to the air conditioner meeting the preset defrost conditions while operating the heating mode, it enters the defrost mode; The weight of the frost layer is estimated based on the running time of the heating mode, the third preset duration, and the frost-related parameters. The first weight is obtained based on the fourth weight and the frost layer weight; or The first weight is obtained by a weight detection device installed on the outdoor unit for detecting the weight of the outdoor unit.

8. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The process of obtaining the second preset value includes: Obtain a first preset value, which is used to reflect the freezing status of the water receiving tray; The second preset value is obtained based on the weight of the frost layer and the first preset value.

9. An air conditioner, characterized in that, It includes an outdoor unit and a weight detection device for detecting the weight of the outdoor unit, wherein the outdoor unit includes a water collection tray and a heating device disposed in the water collection tray; as well as The air conditioner further includes a controller, which includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and running on the processor, and when the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the control method for the air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the control method for the air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images