A dehumidifier and its control method

Abstract

This invention provides a dehumidifier and its control method. The dehumidifier includes a water tray, a water tank, and a water storage hopper. The water tray has a drain outlet, and the water storage hopper is rotatably disposed between the water tank and the drain outlet. The control method includes: acquiring the water level in the water tank; determining whether the water level in the water tank has reached a preset target height; if so, controlling the dehumidifier to stop; delaying for a preset time, and then controlling the water storage hopper to rotate to a first usage position to store condensate flowing from the drain outlet. The advantage of this invention is that after the water tank is removed, it can prevent undrained condensate from dripping onto the dehumidifier chassis or the room floor, optimizing the dehumidifier's operating environment and improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of dehumidification and drying technology, and in particular to a dehumidifier and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, dehumidifiers generally have two drainage methods: water pump drainage and hand-held water tank drainage. When using water tank drainage, condensate flows into the water tank from the drain outlet of the drip tray. When the water level in the tank rises to a high position, the user needs to turn off the dehumidifier and remove the water tank to empty the condensate. At this time, because the dehumidifier has just been turned off, the evaporator is still at a low temperature and will continue to produce condensate. Additionally, the condensate in the drip tray may not have been completely drained, causing condensate to drip from the drain outlet onto the dehumidifier chassis or floor after the water tank is removed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One objective of the first aspect of this invention is to provide a control method for a dehumidifier that solves the problem of condensate dripping onto the dehumidifier chassis or floor after the water tank is removed.

[0004] A further objective of the first aspect of the present invention is to discharge the condensate stored in the water storage tank into the water tank after the water tank is returned to its in-place state, and to divert the condensate flowing out from the drain outlet to the water tank thereafter.

[0005] The second objective of this invention is to provide a dehumidifier employing the above-described control method.

[0006] Specifically, according to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a control method for a dehumidifier, the dehumidifier including a water receiving tray, a water tank, and a water storage hopper, the water receiving tray having a drain outlet, and the water storage hopper being rotatably disposed between the water tank and the drain outlet, the control method comprising:

[0007] Obtain the water level in the water tank;

[0008] Determine whether the water level in the tank has reached the preset target height;

[0009] If so, shut down the dehumidifier;

[0010] After a preset delay, the water storage tank is rotated to the first use position to store the condensate flowing out of the drain.

[0011] Optionally, the preset duration is determined based on the ambient humidity when the dehumidifier is turned off.

[0012] Optionally, before the step of obtaining the water level in the tank, the following steps are also included:

[0013] Get the current position of the water tank;

[0014] Determine whether the water tank is in place based on its current position;

[0015] If so, proceed with the step of obtaining the water level in the tank.

[0016] Optionally, after determining whether the water tank is in position based on its current location, the method further includes:

[0017] If the water tank is in an off-position state, obtain the water level height when the water tank is off-position;

[0018] Determine whether the water level is lower than the preset target height when the water tank is removed from its position;

[0019] If so, send a notification message to the user indicating that the water tank is missing;

[0020] Control the water storage tank to flip to the first usage position.

[0021] Optionally, after the step of delaying for a preset duration, the following may also be included:

[0022] Send a notification message to the user that the water tank is full.

[0023] Optionally, after the step of controlling the water storage hopper to flip to the first usage position, the method further includes:

[0024] Determine if the water tank has been moved and then returned to its original position;

[0025] If so, control the water storage hopper to flip to the second use position to divert the stored condensate to the water tank.

[0026] Optionally, before the step of controlling the water storage hopper to flip to the second use position, the method further includes:

[0027] Obtain the water level in the water tank;

[0028] Determine if the water level in the tank is lower than the preset target height;

[0029] If so, execute the step of controlling the water storage hopper to flip to the second usage position.

[0030] Optionally, a water level detection device is installed inside the water tank, and the steps for obtaining the water level height in the water tank include:

[0031] Obtain the detection value from the water level detection device;

[0032] The measured value is used as the water level in the tank.

[0033] Optionally, the water level detection device is a float switch, and the steps for determining whether the water level in the tank has reached the preset target height include:

[0034] Determine whether the float switch is in the open state;

[0035] If so, the water level in the tank will reach the preset target height.

[0036] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a dehumidifier is provided, including a controller, the controller including a memory and a processor, the memory storing a machine-executable program, which, when executed by the processor, is used to implement the control method described above.

[0037] The dehumidifier control method of the present invention first obtains the water level of the water tank. When the water level reaches the preset target height, it indicates that the water tank is full. At this time, the dehumidifier is controlled to stop. Then, a preset delay is performed to allow most of the condensate after the dehumidifier stops to flow into the water tank. Finally, the water storage tank is controlled to flip to the first use position to collect the remaining small amount of condensate flowing out of the drain outlet, preventing the undrained condensate from dripping onto the dehumidifier chassis or floor. This helps to optimize the dehumidifier's operating environment and improve the user experience.

[0038] Furthermore, in the dehumidifier control method of the present invention, when the dehumidifier is detected to be out of position and then back in position, it indicates that the water tank has been emptied and reinstalled. At this time, the water storage tank can be controlled to flip to the second use position, thereby draining the stored condensate into the water tank. In the subsequent drainage process, the condensate flowing out of the drain outlet can flow into the water tank under the guidance of the water storage tank, without affecting the normal use of the dehumidifier. Moreover, when the water storage tank is flipped back to the first use position, it still has enough water storage space to hold the condensate.

[0039] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic exploded view of the water tank after it has been removed according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water storage hopper in its first usage position;

[0044] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the water storage hopper in its second usage position;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a dehumidifier control method according to an optional embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a dehumidifier control method according to an optional embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of a dehumidifier according to an optional embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Reference numerals: 10, dehumidifier; 100, drip tray; 101, drain outlet; 110, water tank; 120, water storage hopper; 121, hinge shaft; 130, water level detection device; 200, main frame; 210, support plate; 211, hinge hole; 220, upper limit plate; 230, first abutment plate; 240, lower limit plate; 250, connecting plate; 260, second abutment plate; 300, magnetic attraction assembly; 310, electromagnet; 320, magnetized part; 410, processor; 420, memory; 421, machine executable program. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a dehumidifier 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic exploded view of the water tank 110 after it has been removed according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The dehumidifier 10 may include a drip tray 100, a water tank 110, and a water hopper 120. The drip tray 100 has a drain outlet 101. The water tank 110 is inserted into one side of the drip tray 100 to collect condensate flowing from the drain outlet 101. The water hopper 120 is disposed between the water tank 110 and the drain outlet 101 and is configured to be controlled to flip between a first use position and a second use position to store condensate when it is in the first use position and to drain condensate to the water tank 110 when it is in the second use position.

[0051] By applying the technical solution of this invention, a water storage hopper 120 is provided between the water tank 110 and the drain outlet 101, allowing the water storage hopper 120 to be controlled to flip between a first usage position and a second usage position. When the water tank 110 is full and removed or is suddenly removed, the water storage hopper 120 can be flipped to the first usage position to store any remaining condensate, preventing it from dripping onto the chassis or base plate of the dehumidifier 10, thus optimizing the operating environment of the dehumidifier 10. When the water tank 110 returns to its original position, the water storage hopper 120 can be flipped to the second usage position, allowing the condensate in the water storage hopper 120 to flow into the water tank 110. During operation, the condensate flowing from the drain outlet 101 can be guided into the water tank 110 by the water storage hopper 120, ensuring the normal operation of the dehumidifier 10 and improving the user experience.

[0052] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water storage hopper 120 in its first usage position. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the water storage hopper 120 in its second operating position, for reference. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The dehumidifier 10 may also include a main frame 200, which includes two support plates 210. The two support plates 210 extend from one side of the water receiving tray 100 to below the drain outlet 101. The two sides of the water storage tank 120 are respectively hinged to the ends of the two support plates 210, thereby realizing its own flipping function.

[0053] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings of the present invention, two support plates 210 are spaced apart in the front-back direction and extend from the left side of the water receiving tray 100 to the right. The front and rear sides of the water storage hopper 120 are respectively hinged to the right ends of the two support plates 210, so that it can be flipped up and down in the left-right direction around the hinge point with the two support plates 210.

[0054] Specifically, the water storage hopper 120 is provided with hinge shafts 121 on both the front and rear sides. The two hinge shafts 121 are arranged coaxially. The support plate 210 is provided with hinge holes 211 at the corresponding positions of the hinge shafts 121. The hinge shafts 121 are inserted into the hinge holes 211, so that the water storage hopper 120 can be rotated relative to the two support plates 210.

[0055] The main frame 200 also includes two upper limit plates 220, the lower ends of which are fixed to two support plates 210 respectively. A magnetic suction assembly 300 is provided between the water tank 120 and the two upper limit plates 220. When the water tank 110 is removed, the magnetic suction assembly can be used to attract the water tank 120, causing the water tank 120 to flip from the second use position to the first use position, so as to store the condensate flowing out of the drain outlet 101 and prevent the condensate from dripping onto the chassis of the dehumidifier 10 or the room floor.

[0056] The magnetic attraction assembly 300 may include an electromagnet 310 and a magnetized part 320. A first abutment plate 230 is disposed between the two upper limit plates 220. The electromagnet 310 and the magnetized part 320 are respectively fixed to the water storage tank 120 and the first abutment plate 230. In this way, locking and unlocking of the water storage tank 120 in the first use position can be achieved by controlling the on and off state of the electromagnet 310, which is relatively simple and convenient to operate.

[0057] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings of this invention, the electromagnet 310 is fixed to the first abutment plate 230, and the magnetized part 320 is fixed to the side of the water storage tank 120 adjacent to the electromagnet 310. It is worth noting that the distance between the electromagnet 310 and the magnetized part 320 in the second practical position of the water storage tank 120 should be reasonably controlled so that the magnetic force generated by the electromagnet 310 can effectively act on the magnetized part 320, allowing the water storage tank 120 to rotate relatively stably to the first practical position under the action of the magnetic force.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings of this invention, the water storage hopper 120 has a bucket-shaped structure with a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface arranged in a V-shape. The center of gravity of the water storage hopper 120 is located near the second inclined surface, so that the water storage hopper 120 automatically flips from the first use position to the second use position in a free state.

[0059] In actual use, after the water tank 110 returns to its original position, by releasing the restriction on the water storage hopper 120, the water storage hopper 120 can automatically flip from the first use position to the second use position under the action of gravity. This is more convenient and energy-saving compared to relying on external force. When the water storage hopper 120 flips to the second use position, the condensate stored in it can be completely drained into the water tank 110. In this way, when the water tank 110 is removed and the water storage hopper 120 flips to the first use position, there is sufficient water storage space in the water storage hopper 120, thus giving the user ample time to empty the condensate in the water tank 110 and complete the return operation of the water tank 110.

[0060] Two upper limit plates 220 extend from bottom to top away from the water storage hopper 120, and their tilt angle is the same as the tilt angle of the first inclined surface when the water storage hopper 120 is in the first use position. In this way, when the water storage hopper 120 is flipped to the first use position, the electromagnet 310 and the magnetized part 320 can be more tightly attracted, which helps to improve the stability of the water storage hopper 120. This prevents the water storage hopper 120 from accidentally flipping over due to insufficient magnetic force when it has accumulated a lot of condensate, thus improving the reliability and safety of the water storage hopper 120.

[0061] The main support frame 200 also includes two lower limit plates 240, which are fixed below the two support plates 210 respectively. These plates are configured to support the water storage tank 120 from below when it is flipped to the second use position. In other words, the two lower limit plates 240 limit the angle at which the water storage tank 120 flips from the first use position to the second use position. Without the support of the two lower limit plates 240, when the water storage tank 120 is released from its locking position, it is easy for it to quickly flip to an inverted state under its own weight, causing the stored condensate to spill outwards, rendering the magnetic suction component 300 ineffective, and making it difficult to pick up the water storage tank 120 again, thus ensuring the reliability of the structure.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings of the present invention, two lower limiting plates 240 extend laterally below the support plate 210, and their ends extend beyond the end of the support plate 210 on the side facing the water storage hopper 120, so as to support the second inclined surface of the water storage hopper 120.

[0063] Furthermore, the two lower limit plates 240 and the two support plates 210 can be connected by connecting plates 250 respectively. The length of the connecting plates 250 is configured such that when the water storage hopper 120 is supported on the lower limit plates 240, the water storage hopper 120 is tilted downward toward the water tank 110. That is, by controlling the length of the connecting plates 250, the distance between the lower limit plates 240 and the support plates 210 can be controlled, so that the water storage hopper 120 is slightly tilted downward toward the water tank 110 in the second use position, ensuring that the condensate stored in the water storage hopper 120 can be completely drained into the water tank 110.

[0064] A second abutment plate 260 is provided between the two lower limit plates 240, and the second abutment plate 260 has an abutment surface that fits against the water storage hopper 120. When the water storage hopper 120 is flipped to the second use position, the second inclined surface of the water storage hopper 120 can fit against the abutment surface, which can improve the stability of the support for the water storage hopper 120 and prevent the water storage hopper 120 from shaking.

[0065] Preferably, the lower limiting plate 240, the connecting plate 250, and the second abutment plate 260 can be an integral structure. The connection effect of the integral structure is more stable, less prone to breakage, and can be used for a long time. In addition, the integral structure can avoid the second abutment plate 260 changing position after being subjected to multiple forces when fixed with screws or other methods, thus affecting its limiting function.

[0066] It should be noted that although the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings of this invention are described with the water storage hopper 120 as a bucket-shaped structure, those skilled in the art can also design the water storage hopper 120 as a square or trapezoidal structure without departing from the spirit and essence of this invention. Therefore, any scheme that designs the water storage hopper 120 as a square or trapezoidal structure and adjusts the positions of the upper limit plate 220 and the lower limit plate 240 accordingly should fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0067] Of course, the position of the drain outlet 101 in the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings is not limited to this. When the position of the drain outlet 101 changes, the length of the support plate 210 can be adjusted so that the water storage tank 120 is located below the drain outlet 101, and works with the water tank 110 to ensure the normal function of preventing water leakage.

[0068] A water level detection device can be installed inside the water tank. This device is mainly used to detect the water level of condensate in the tank. Preferably, the water level detection device can be a float switch. When the water level rises to a preset height, the float switch opens to remind the user that the water tank is full and to drain the water in time.

[0069] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a control method for a dehumidifier 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 5 The present invention also provides a control method for a dehumidifier 10, which includes at least the following steps S502 to S508.

[0070] Step S502: Obtain the water level height of water tank 110.

[0071] Step S504: Determine whether the water level in water tank 110 has reached the preset target height.

[0072] Step S506: If yes, control the dehumidifier 10 to stop.

[0073] Step S508: After a preset delay, control the water storage tank 120 to flip to the first use position to store the condensate flowing out of the drain outlet 101.

[0074] In step S502, the water level height of the water tank 110 can be obtained by acquiring the detection value of the water level detection device 130, and then using the detection value as the water level height of the water tank 110. It should be noted that this target height can be set manually, and it is a certain distance away from the upper edge of the water tank 110. If the water level of the condensate rises to the target height, the water tank 110 can be considered full, and a drainage operation is required.

[0075] In step S504, determining whether the water level in the water tank 110 has reached the preset target height can involve checking whether the float switch is open. If the float switch is open, it indicates that the current water level of the condensate has risen to the target height, and the dehumidifier 10 needs to be stopped. If the float switch is closed, it means that the current water level of the condensate has not yet reached the target height, and the dehumidifier 10 can continue to operate.

[0076] The control method of the dehumidifier 10 of the present invention first obtains the water level of the water tank 110. When the water level reaches the preset target height, it indicates that the water tank 110 is full. At this time, the dehumidifier 10 is controlled to stop. Then, a preset time is waited to allow most of the condensate after the dehumidifier 10 stops to flow into the water tank 110. Finally, the water storage tank 120 is controlled to flip to the first use position to collect the remaining small amount of condensate flowing out from the drain outlet 101, preventing the undrained condensate from dripping onto the chassis or floor of the dehumidifier 10. This helps to optimize the usage environment of the dehumidifier 10 and improve the user experience of the dehumidifier 10.

[0077] The preset duration can be determined based on the ambient humidity when the dehumidifier 10 stops. It's understood that when the ambient humidity is high, the amount of condensate produced per unit time after the dehumidifier 10 stops will also be greater. Therefore, the preset delay duration can be appropriately longer to ensure that most of the condensate flows into the water tank 110, with only the remaining small portion collected by the water collection tray 120. This prevents the water collection tray 120 from overflowing after the dehumidifier 10 stops and is immediately flipped to the first usage position.

[0078] By using the above method, the size of the water storage hopper 120 can be designed to be smaller, thereby saving the manufacturing cost and space occupied by the water storage hopper 120, and also making it easier to flip the water storage hopper 120.

[0079] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, before obtaining the water level height of the water tank 110, the current position of the water tank 110 can be obtained, and then it can be determined whether the water tank 110 is in position based on the current position of the water tank 110. If the water tank 110 is in position, the step of obtaining the water level height of the water tank 110 is then executed.

[0080] In an optional embodiment, the current position of the water tank 110 can be detected by a proximity switch. When the water tank 110 is in the in position, the proximity switch is turned on, and when the water tank 110 is in the out position, the proximity switch is turned off.

[0081] If the water tank 110 is in the off-position state, the water level height when the water tank 110 is off-position can also be obtained to determine whether the water level height when the water tank 110 is off-position is lower than the preset target height. If the water level height when the water tank 110 is off-position is lower than the preset target height, it means that the water tank 110 has been suddenly pulled out. At this time, it is necessary to send a prompt message to the user that the water tank 110 is missing, and control the water storage tank 120 to immediately flip to the first use position to prevent the condensate water flowing from the drain outlet 101 from dripping onto the chassis or floor of the dehumidifier 10.

[0082] If the water level in the water tank 110 is higher than or equal to the preset target height when it is removed, it means that the water tank 110 was normally pumped out after being full. At this time, there is no need to send a prompt message to the user that the water tank 110 is missing. The user is draining the water tank 110. After the condensate in the water tank 110 is poured out, the water tank 110 will naturally be put back into place.

[0083] After the preset waiting time, a notification message indicating that water tank 110 is full can be sent to the user so that the user can be informed in a timely manner that water tank 110 needs to be drained.

[0084] The prompts for a missing water tank 110 and a full water tank 110 may include, but are not limited to, a buzzer, a flashing light, and a voice prompt.

[0085] After controlling the water storage tank 120 to flip to the first usage position, it can be determined whether the water tank 110 has returned to its original position after being displaced. If the water tank 110 returns to its original position, the water storage tank 120 can be controlled to flip to the second usage position to guide the stored condensate water to the water tank 110. During the subsequent drainage process, the condensate water flowing out of the drain outlet 101 will also flow into the water tank 110 under the guidance of the water storage tank 120, which will not affect the normal use of the dehumidifier 10. Moreover, when the water storage tank 120 is flipped back to the first usage position, it still has enough water storage space to hold the condensate water.

[0086] Furthermore, before controlling the water storage tank 120 to flip to the second use position, the water level of the water tank 110 can be obtained, and then it can be determined whether the water level of the water tank 110 is lower than the preset target height. If it is lower than the preset target height, the step of controlling the water storage tank 120 to flip to the second use position is executed, so as to further confirm whether the condensate in the water tank 110 has been emptied, thereby improving the reliability of the dehumidifier 10.

[0087] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a control method for a dehumidifier 10 according to an optional embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 6 The control method includes at least the following steps S602 to S630.

[0088] Step S602: Obtain the current position of water tank 110.

[0089] Step S604: Determine whether the water tank 110 is in the correct position. If yes, proceed to step S606; otherwise, proceed to step S624.

[0090] Step S606: Obtain the water level height of water tank 110.

[0091] Step S608: Determine whether the water level in water tank 110 has reached the preset target height. If yes, proceed to step S610; otherwise, continue waiting.

[0092] Step S610: Control the dehumidifier 10 to stop.

[0093] Step S612: After a preset delay, control the water storage tank 120 to flip to the first use position to store the condensate flowing out of the drain outlet 101.

[0094] Step S614: Send a notification message to the user that water tank 110 is full.

[0095] It should be noted that this step can be performed simultaneously with the step of controlling the water storage hopper 120 to flip to the first use position.

[0096] Step S616: Determine whether the water tank 110 has returned to its original position after being moved. If yes, proceed to step S618; otherwise, continue waiting.

[0097] Step S618: Determine whether the water level in water tank 110 is lower than the preset target height. If yes, proceed to step S620; otherwise, proceed to step S622.

[0098] Step S620: Control the water storage tank 120 to flip to the second usage position;

[0099] Step S622: Send a notification message to the user that water tank 110 is full.

[0100] Step S624: Obtain the water level height when the water tank 110 is removed from its position.

[0101] Step S626: Determine whether the water level of the water tank 110 when it is removed is lower than the preset target height. If yes, proceed to step S628; otherwise, proceed to step S630.

[0102] Step S628: Send a notification message to the user that water tank 110 is missing.

[0103] In step S630, control the water storage hopper 120 to flip to the first use position, and then return to step S616.

[0104] The present invention also provides a dehumidifier 10, Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of a dehumidifier 10 according to an optional embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 7 The dehumidifier 10 may include a controller, which may include a memory 420 and a processor 410. The memory 420 stores a machine-executable program 421. When the machine-executable program 421 is executed by the processor 410, it is used to implement any of the control methods described above.

[0105] The controller can be electrically connected to the water level detection device 130 and the magnetic attraction component 300 to receive the detection signal from the water level detection device 130 and control the magnetic attraction component 300 based on the detection signal to achieve the same power-off state of the electromagnet 310.

[0106] The processor 410 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a digital processing unit, or something similar. The processor 410 sends and receives data via a communication interface. The memory 420 is used to store the machine-executable program 421. The memory 420 can be any medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and can be accessible by a computer; it can also be a combination of multiple memories 420. The aforementioned machine-executable program 421 can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to the appropriate computing / processing device or downloaded and installed to the dehumidifier 10 via a network (e.g., the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network).

[0107] Those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise specified, the terms used to indicate orientation or positional relationship in the embodiments of the present invention are based on the actual use state of the dehumidifier 10. These terms are only for the purpose of describing and understanding the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0108] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0109] 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.

[0110] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A control method of a dehumidifier, the dehumidifier comprising a water collecting tray, a water tank and a water storage bucket, the water collecting tray having a water outlet, the water storage bucket being reversibly arranged between the water tank and the water outlet, the control method comprising: obtaining a water level of the water tank; determining whether the water level of the water tank reaches a preset target level; if yes, controlling the dehumidifier to stop; delaying for a preset time period, and controlling the water storage bucket to be reversed to a first use position to store condensed water flowing from the water outlet; before the step of obtaining the water level of the water tank, further comprising: obtaining a current position of the water tank; determining whether the water tank is in an in-place state according to the current position of the water tank; if yes, performing the step of obtaining the water level of the water tank; after the step of determining whether the water tank is in the in-place state according to the current position of the water tank, further comprising: if the water tank is in an out-of-place state, obtaining a water level of the water tank when the water tank is out of place; determining whether the water level of the water tank when the water tank is out of place is lower than the preset target level; if yes, sending a prompt information of missing water tank to a user; controlling the water storage bucket to be reversed to the first use position. 2.The control method of claim 1, wherein: the preset time period is determined based on an ambient humidity when the dehumidifier is stopped.

3. The control method according to claim 1, wherein after the step of delaying for the preset time period, further comprising: sending a prompt information of full water tank to the user.

4. The control method according to claim 1, wherein after the step of controlling the water storage bucket to be reversed to the first use position, further comprising: determining whether the water tank is in the in-place state again after being out of place; if yes, controlling the water storage bucket to be reversed to a second use position to drain the stored condensed water to the water tank.

5. The control method according to claim 4, wherein before the step of controlling the water storage bucket to be reversed to the second use position, further comprising: obtaining the water level of the water tank; determining whether the water level of the water tank is lower than the preset target level; if yes, performing the step of controlling the water storage bucket to be reversed to the second use position.

6. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the water tank is provided with a water level detection device, and the step of obtaining the water level of the water tank comprises: obtaining a detection value of the water level detection device; taking the detection value as the water level of the water tank.

7. The control method according to claim 6, wherein the water level detection device is a float switch, and the step of determining whether the water level of the water tank reaches the preset target level comprises: determining whether the float switch is in an open state; if yes, the water level of the water tank reaches the preset target level. 8.A dehumidifier comprising a controller, the controller comprising a memory and a processor, the memory storing a machine executable program, the machine executable program being executed by the processor to implement the control method of any one of claims 1-7.

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