An air conditioner

Abstract

The application discloses an air conditioner and relates to the technical field of household appliances. The air conditioner mainly solves the problem of dirty blockage of condensate water collected in a water pan of the air conditioner due to impurity aggregation. The air conditioner comprises a water pan, a water pump, a first control valve, a second control valve and a cleaner. The water pump comprises a water inlet, a first water outlet and a second water outlet, and is configured to draw the condensate water in the water pan through the water inlet. The first control valve is used for controlling the on-off of water flow in the first water outlet. The second control valve is used for controlling the on-off of water flow in the second water outlet. The cleaner is connected with the second water outlet, and is configured to spray a pressurized water flow to clean the water pan. In the case that the first control valve is closed and the second control valve is opened, the water pump outputs the condensate water from the second water outlet to the cleaner, and the cleaner sprays the pressurized water flow to clean the water pan. In the case that the second control valve is closed and the first control valve is opened, the water pump discharges the condensate water in the water pan from the first water outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of smart home appliance technology, and more particularly to an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioner indoor units typically require a drip tray and drain pump to collect and discharge condensate produced during operation. Since impurities are unavoidable in the air, they inevitably accumulate in the drip tray. Over time, these impurities adhere and settle, causing the tray to become extremely dirty and emit unpleasant odors, severely impacting the user experience and potentially causing health problems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments of the present invention provide an air conditioner that mainly solves the problem of dirt and blockage caused by the accumulation of impurities in the condensate collected in the air conditioner's drip tray.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present invention adopt the following technical solutions:

[0005] An air conditioner includes a drip tray, a water pump, a first control valve, a second control valve, and a cleaner. The drip tray collects condensate generated during air conditioner operation. The water pump includes an inlet, a first drain outlet, and a second drain outlet, and is configured to draw condensate from the drip tray through the inlet. The first control valve controls the flow of water through the first drain outlet. The second control valve controls the flow of water through the second drain outlet. The cleaner is connected to the second drain outlet and is configured to spray pressurized water to clean the drip tray. When the first control valve is closed and the second control valve is open, the water pump is configured to output condensate from the second drain outlet to the cleaner, and the cleaner is configured to spray pressurized water to clean the drip tray. When the second control valve is closed and the first control valve is open, the water pump is configured to discharge condensate from the drip tray through the first drain outlet.

[0006] In the air conditioner provided by the above embodiments of the present invention, the water pump can draw condensate from the drip tray through the water inlet, and the direction of condensate discharge can be controlled by opening and closing the first control valve and the second control valve. When the first control valve is closed and the second control valve is open, the condensate enters the cleaner through the second drain outlet, and the cleaner pressurizes and sprays pressurized water into the drip tray to achieve the cleaning function and remove the dirt accumulated in the drip tray. When the second control valve is closed and the first control valve is open, the condensate is discharged to the outside to prevent re-contamination caused by the long-term presence of condensate in the drip tray after cleaning.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the air conditioner also includes a control circuit board, which houses a main control unit, a solenoid valve drive unit, and a water pump drive unit. The water pump includes a water pump motor. The solenoid valve drive unit is electrically connected to the main control unit and is also electrically connected to a first control valve and a second control valve. The water pump drive unit is electrically connected to the main control unit and is also electrically connected to the water pump motor. The main control unit is configured to output a first control signal to the solenoid valve drive unit and a second control signal to the water pump drive unit, thereby controlling the first control valve to close and the second control valve to open via the solenoid valve drive unit, and driving the water pump motor to operate via the water pump drive unit. The main control unit is also configured to output a third control signal to the solenoid valve drive unit, thereby controlling the first control valve to open and the second control valve to close via the solenoid valve drive unit. By using the solenoid valve drive unit to control the opening and closing of the first and second control valves, and by using the water pump drive unit to control whether the water pump operates, the reliability of the first and second control valves and the water pump is improved.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the main control unit includes a main control chip, and the solenoid valve drive unit includes a solenoid valve drive chip, a first relay, and a second relay. The first input pin of the solenoid valve drive chip is electrically connected to the first pin of the main control chip, and the second input pin of the solenoid valve drive chip is electrically connected to the second pin of the main control chip. The first output pin of the solenoid valve drive chip is electrically connected to one end of the coil of the first relay, and the other end of the coil of the first relay is electrically connected to a first power supply. The first terminal of the contact switch of the first relay is electrically connected to the first terminal of the first control valve. The second output pin of the solenoid valve drive chip is connected to one end of the coil of the second relay, and the other end of the coil of the second relay is electrically connected to the first power supply. The first terminal of the contact switch of the second relay is electrically connected to the first terminal of the second control valve. The second terminals of both the first and second relay contact switches are electrically connected to a second power supply. The second terminals of both the first and second control valves are grounded.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the air conditioner also includes a fan and a float switch detection unit, and a fan drive unit is also provided on the control circuit board. The main control unit is electrically connected to the float switch detection unit and the fan drive unit, which is also electrically connected to the fan. The main control unit is configured to output a fourth control signal to the water pump drive unit and a fifth control signal to the solenoid valve drive unit when the water level in the drip tray has not reached the preset water level. This causes the water pump drive unit to stop the water pump motor and the solenoid valve drive unit to close the first and second control valves. The main control unit is also configured to output a sixth control signal to the fan drive unit, thereby controlling the fan to operate. The float switch detection unit is configured to detect the water level in the drip tray and send a detection signal to the main control unit when the water level reaches the preset water level. The main control unit is configured to respond to the detection signal by outputting a seventh control signal to the fan drive unit, thereby controlling the fan to stop. The main control unit is also configured to output a first control signal and a second control signal in response to the detection signal. When the fan starts operating and enters the condensate preparation stage, the float switch detection unit detects the condensate level stored in the water tray. Upon reaching the preset level, it immediately sends a detection signal to the main control unit. The fan drive unit then controls the operation of the fan, improving its reliability and making the condensate preparation stage during water tray cleaning more rigorous.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the pump drive unit includes a pump drive chip. The third pin of the main control chip is electrically connected to the first pin of the pump drive chip, and the fourth pin of the main control chip is electrically connected to the feedback pin of the pump drive chip. The fourth pin of the main control chip is also electrically connected to a third power supply through a first resistor. The power supply pin of the pump drive chip is electrically connected to a first power supply, the ground pin of the pump drive chip is grounded, and the fifth, sixth, and seventh pins of the pump drive chip are respectively electrically connected to the pump motor.

[0011] As one possible implementation, a protection circuit is connected between the second, third, and fourth pins of the water pump driver chip. This protection circuit includes a second resistor, a third resistor, and a fourth resistor. The second and third pins of the water pump driver chip are electrically connected via the second resistor, and the fourth pin is grounded via the fourth resistor. The third pin is also grounded via the third resistor. This protection circuit effectively ensures circuit safety.

[0012] As one possible implementation, the main control unit and the wind turbine drive unit are electrically connected via a communication unit.

[0013] As one possible implementation, the air conditioner also includes a first pipe and a second pipe. A first drain outlet is connected to the first pipe, and a second drain outlet is connected to a cleaner via the second pipe. By setting up the first and second pipes, the water flow transmission distance is extended, enhancing practicality.

[0014] As one possible implementation, the cleaner's surface is equipped with multiple water outlets, the total water outlet area of ​​which is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second pipe. This design ensures that the water jet from the outlets has a certain pressure, enabling more effective cleaning of dirt deposited on the surface of the water tray. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an air conditioning structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 2 A front view of a water pump provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 3 A top view of a water pump provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 4 A left view of a water pump provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the internal connection of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a cleaner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another air conditioner internal structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 8 This is another schematic diagram of the internal connection of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of cleaning an air conditioner drip tray provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a main control unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 11 This is another schematic diagram of the main control unit provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the internal circuitry of a control circuit board provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another air conditioning structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 14 This is another schematic diagram of the internal connection of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 15 This is another schematic diagram of the main control unit provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 16 This is another schematic diagram of the main control unit provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 17 This is another schematic diagram of the internal connection of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 18 This is another schematic diagram of the internal circuit of the control circuit board provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 19 This is another schematic diagram of the internal circuit of the control circuit board provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the internal circuitry of another control circuit board provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0037] 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 one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0038] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the pin connection relationship between chips is described in the manner of the fourth pin 10 to 831 of the water pump driver chip 831. In the 10 to 831, the number 10 before the tilde indicates that the tenth pin of the water pump driver chip is used, and the 831 after the tilde indicates that the pin belongs to the water pump driver chip 831. The name of the fourth pin of the water pump driver chip 831 is given for better sorting. The specific pin connection relationship is described by 10 to 831.

[0040] Air conditioner indoor units typically require a drip tray and drain pump to collect and drain the condensate produced during operation. When the evaporator is cooling, it vaporizes the liquid refrigerant. During this vaporization process, a large amount of heat is absorbed, resulting in a lower surface temperature for the evaporator compared to the indoor temperature. When indoor air comes into contact with the evaporator, it condenses into water droplets, which accumulate and form condensate. This condensate is then collected in the air conditioner's drip tray.

[0041] There are two methods for draining the condensate collected in the drip tray. The first method involves installing the drain pipe connected to the drip tray at a certain slope, so that the condensate can flow out of the drip tray by its own weight and then be discharged through the drain pipe.

[0042] Another method relies on the ability of a water pump to draw water from a lower to a higher level for drainage. The water pump is typically connected to a drain pipe, and its operation draws condensate from the drip tray into the drain pipe connected to the pump for discharge.

[0043] Because impurities inevitably exist in the air, these impurities will adhere to the condensate collected in the drip tray. The continuous accumulation of impurities and condensate will cause more and more impurities to be adsorbed and precipitated in the drip tray, making the drip tray extremely dirty and emitting an odor. It will also clog the drain pump, causing the drain pump to stop working due to the blockage.

[0044] Since condensation is unavoidable during air conditioner operation, the combination of dust and other impurities in the air with the condensate collected in the drip tray is also unavoidable. If the dirt in the drip tray is not cleaned, it will seriously affect the user experience and cause health problems. To reduce this, users need to clean the air conditioner's drip tray regularly. However, the time and effort involved in manual cleaning often further degrades the user experience. Therefore, how to efficiently clean the dirt from the air conditioner's drip tray has become an urgent problem to solve.

[0045] This application provides an air conditioner, such as Figure 1 As shown. Figure 1 The air conditioner 100 shown includes a water pump 1, a cleaner 2, a water tray 3, a first control valve 4, and a second control valve 5.

[0046] Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 These are the front view, top view, and left view of water pump 1, respectively, combined with... Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The water pump 1 includes an inlet 11, a first drain outlet 12, and a second drain outlet 13. The water pump 1 is mounted upside down on a water collection pan 3. When the water pump 1 is operating, its inlet 11 can draw condensate collected in the water collection pan 3. By providing the first drain outlet 12 and the second drain outlet 13, the drawn condensate is discharged in different directions.

[0047] The cleaner 2 is configured to spray pressurized water to clean the docking water tray 3. The first control valve 4 is used to control the flow of water in the first drain outlet, and the second control valve 5 is used to control the flow of water in the second drain outlet.

[0048] For example, Figure 5 The specific connections within the air conditioner's internal structure are shown. Water pump 1 is mounted upside down on the drip tray 3, with its inlet facing the tray, for example, to contact the condensate in the tray 3. The first drain port 12 of water pump 1 is connected to one end of the first control valve 4, and the other end of the first control valve 4 is connected to the first pipe 6. The second drain port 13 of water pump 1 is connected to one end of the second control valve 5. The other end of the second control valve 5 is connected to the cleaner 2 via the second pipe 7.

[0049] With the first control valve 4 closed and the second control valve 5 open, the water pump 1 is configured to output condensate from the second drain port 13 to the cleaner, and the cleaner 2 is configured to spray pressurized water to clean the drip tray 3. With the second control valve 5 closed and the first control valve 4 open, the water pump 1 is configured to discharge condensate from the drip tray 3 through the first drain port 12.

[0050] By setting up the first pipe 6 and the second pipe 7, the water flow transmission distance is extended. The first pipe 6 decouples the drainage path from the first drain outlet; its length can be determined based on the distance between the suitable drainage location and the air conditioner, enhancing practicality. The extended water flow distance in the second pipe 7 ensures sufficient pressurization for cleaning the drip tray. With a sufficient length in the second pipe, the cleaner can reach any point on the drip tray, allowing users to target specific areas based on their level of dirt, improving efficiency and cleaning effectiveness.

[0051] In some embodiments of the air conditioner provided in this application, the water pump is configured with two drain outlets, each with a corresponding control valve to control the flow of water, allowing selection of the drainage direction. The water pump uses the inlet 11 to draw condensate from the drip tray 3. The direction of condensate drainage can be controlled by opening and closing the first control valve 4 and the second control valve 5. When the first control valve 4 is closed and the second control valve 5 is open, the condensate enters the cleaner 2 through the second drain outlet 13. The cleaner 2 pressurizes the water and sprays a pressurized water stream onto the drip tray 3 to achieve the cleaning function, thereby removing the dirt accumulated in the drip tray 3. When the second control valve 5 is closed and the first control valve 4 is open, the condensate is discharged outdoors to prevent re-contamination caused by the long-term presence of condensate in the drip tray after cleaning. The above design enables users to achieve self-cleaning of the water tray during air conditioner use. After self-cleaning, the condensate will be discharged in time, ensuring the cleanliness of the water tray for a long time, reducing the efficiency of the drain pump due to dirt and blockage, improving the air quality when the indoor unit is venting, and the cleaning water comes from the condensate generated by the air conditioner, thus achieving water resource utilization while removing dirt.

[0052] As one possible implementation, such as Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a cleaner provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 6 The cleaner has multiple water outlets 21 on its surface, and the total water outlet area of ​​the multiple water outlets 21 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second pipe. This design ensures that the water flow from the water outlets 21 has a certain pressure, which helps to create a water pressure difference at the water outlet of the cleaner 2, and can more effectively clean the dirt deposited on the surface of the water tray.

[0053] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another air conditioner internal structure provided in an embodiment of this application. (Refer to...) Figure 7The air conditioner 100 includes a water pump 1, a cleaner 2, a water tray 3, a first control valve 4, a second control valve 5, and a control circuit board 8. The water pump 1 is equipped with a water pump motor 14, and the control circuit board 8 is equipped with a main control unit 81, a solenoid valve drive unit 82, and a water pump drive unit 83.

[0054] The specific connection method inside the air conditioner is as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the solenoid valve drive unit 82 is electrically connected to the main control unit 81, and is also electrically connected to the first control valve 4 and the second control valve 5. The water pump drive unit 83 is electrically connected to the main control unit 81, and is also electrically connected to the water pump motor 14. The main control unit 81 is configured to output a first control signal to the solenoid valve drive unit 82 and a second control signal to the water pump drive unit 83, thereby controlling the first control valve 4 to close and the second control valve 5 to open via the solenoid valve drive unit 82, and driving the water pump motor 14 to operate via the water pump drive unit 83. The main control unit 81 is also configured to output a third control signal to the solenoid valve drive unit 82, thereby controlling the first control valve 4 to open and the second control valve 5 to close via the solenoid valve drive unit 82.

[0055] For example, Figure 9 This illustrates one method for cleaning the air conditioner drip tray. Combined with... Figure 9 The main control unit 81 is configured to output a first control signal to the solenoid valve drive unit 82 and a second control signal to the water pump drive unit 83. The solenoid valve drive unit 82 is configured to, in response to the first control signal, control the first control valve 4 to close and the second control valve 5 to open. Simultaneously, the water pump drive unit 83 is configured to, in response to the second control signal, drive the water pump motor 14 to operate.

[0056] like Figure 10 As shown, the main control unit 81 is also configured to output a third control signal to the solenoid valve drive unit 82. The solenoid valve drive unit 82 is configured to, in response to the third control signal, control the first control valve 4 to open and the second control valve 5 to close.

[0057] like Figure 11 As shown, the main control unit 81 is also configured to output a fourth control signal to the water pump drive unit 83 and a fifth control signal to the solenoid valve drive unit 82. The water pump drive unit 83 is also configured to, in response to the fourth control signal, drive the water pump motor 14 to stop working. The solenoid valve drive unit 82 is configured to, in response to the fifth control signal, control the first control valve 4 to close and control the second control valve 5 to close.

[0058] The entire cleaning process of the air conditioner drip tray 3 is as follows: When the air conditioner enters the drip tray cleaning mode, the main control unit 81 first sends a first control signal to the solenoid valve drive unit 82, and simultaneously sends a second control signal to the water pump drive unit 83. In response to the first control signal, the solenoid valve drive unit 82 controls the first control valve 4 to close and the second control valve 5 to open, cutting off the drainage passages of the first drain outlet 12 and the first pipe 6, and opening the drainage passages of the second drain outlet 13 and the second pipe 7. In response to the second control signal, the water pump drive unit 83 controls the water pump motor 14 to operate, using the energy generated by the water pump motor 14 to draw the condensate collected in the drip tray 3 from the inlet to the second drain outlet 13, and then transmit it to the cleaner 2 via the second pipe 7. Combined with the speed adjustment of the water pump, the cleaner 2 sprays pressurized water to clean the drip tray 3.

[0059] After a certain cleaning time, the main control unit 81 sends a third control signal to the solenoid valve drive unit 82. Responding to the third control signal, the solenoid valve drive unit 82 controls the first control valve 4 to open and the second control valve 5 to close. The drainage passages of the first drain outlet 12 and the first pipe 6 are opened, while the drainage passages of the second drain outlet 13 and the second pipe 7 are cut off. Using the energy generated by the water pump motor 14, the condensate collected in the water tray 3 is drawn from the inlet to the first drain outlet 12, and then discharged outdoors through the first pipe 6.

[0060] After the water has drained, the main control unit 81 sends a fourth control signal to the water pump drive unit 83 and a fifth control signal to the solenoid valve drive unit 82. In response to the fourth control signal, the water pump drive unit 83 controls the water pump motor 14 to stop operating. In response to the fifth control signal, the solenoid valve drive unit 82 controls the first control valve 4 and the second control valve 5 to close, thus completing the cleaning process.

[0061] The opening and closing of the first control valve 4 and the second control valve 5 are achieved by setting up a solenoid valve drive unit 82, and the flow path of water is changed by the opening and closing of the first control valve 4 and the second control valve 5. The operation of the water pump is controlled by setting up a water pump drive unit 83, which improves the reliability of the first control valve 4, the second control valve 5 and the water pump.

[0062] The internal circuit diagram of the control circuit board in this case is as follows: Figure 12 As shown.

[0063] The main control unit includes a main control chip 811, and the electromagnetic drive unit includes a solenoid valve drive chip 821, a first relay 822, and a second relay 823. The first input pins 1-821 of the solenoid valve drive chip 821 are electrically connected to the first pins 1-811 of the main control chip 811, and the second input pins 2-821 of the solenoid valve drive chip 821 are electrically connected to the second pins 2-811 of the main control chip 811. The first output pins 14-821 of the solenoid valve drive chip 821 are electrically connected to one end of the coil of the first relay 822, and the other end of the coil of the first relay 822 is electrically connected to a first power supply. The first terminal of the contact switch of the first relay 822 is electrically connected to the first terminal of the first control valve 4. The second output pins 15-821 of the solenoid valve drive chip 821 are connected to one end of the coil of the second relay 823, and the other end of the coil of the second relay 823 is electrically connected to the first power supply. The first terminal of the contact switch of the second relay 823 is electrically connected to the first terminal of the second control valve 5. The second terminal of the contact switch of the first relay 822 and the second terminal of the contact switch of the second relay 823 are both electrically connected to the second power supply. The second terminals of the first control valve 4 and the second control valve 5 are grounded.

[0064] As an example, this application also provides another method for cleaning the air conditioner drip tray. (Refer to...) Figure 13 , Figure 13 Another structure of the air conditioner is shown. The air conditioner 100 includes a water pump 1, a cleaner 2, a water tray 3, a first control valve 4, a second control valve 5, a control circuit board 8, a float switch detection unit 9, and a fan 10. The water pump 1 is equipped with a water pump motor 14, and the control circuit board 8 is equipped with a main control unit 81, a solenoid valve drive unit 82, a water pump drive unit 83, and a fan drive unit 84.

[0065] The float switch detection unit 9 is used to detect the water level of condensate in the water receiving pan 3. A preset water level is set inside the float switch detection unit 9. When the water level of condensate in the water receiving pan 3 is detected to reach the preset water level, the float switch detection unit 9 sends a detection signal to the main control unit.

[0066] Fan 10 is used to generate condensate. When outdoor air (or fresh air mixed with return air) exchanges heat with the air conditioner's cooling coil to cool and dehumidify the air, the water vapor contained in the outdoor air (or mixed air) condenses on the cooling coil wall because the wall temperature of the cooling coil is lower than the dew point temperature of the outdoor air (or mixed air). When the dew drops grow to a certain size, they will slide down to the water collection tray 3 below the cooling coil, thus forming condensate.

[0067] Furthermore, Figure 14 The internal connections of the air conditioner are shown. (Refer to...) Figure 14The solenoid valve drive unit 82 is electrically connected to the main control unit 81, and is also electrically connected to the first control valve 4 and the second control valve 5. The water pump drive unit 83 is electrically connected to the main control unit 81, and is also electrically connected to the water pump motor 14. The main control unit 81 is also electrically connected to the float switch detection unit 9 and the fan drive unit 84, and the fan drive unit 84 is electrically connected to the fan 10.

[0068] The configuration diagram of the main control unit, solenoid valve drive unit, float switch unit, and fan drive unit is shown below. Figure 15 , Figure 16 As shown. The main control unit 81 is also configured to output a sixth control signal to the fan drive unit 84, thereby controlling the operation of the fan 10 through the fan drive unit 84. The float switch detection unit 9 is configured to detect the water level in the water receiving pan, and send a detection signal to the main control unit 81 when the water level in the water receiving pan reaches a preset water level. The main control unit 81 is configured to output a seventh control signal to the fan drive unit 84 in response to the detection signal, thereby controlling the fan 10 to stop operating through the fan drive unit 84. The main control unit 81 is also configured to output a first control signal and a second control signal in response to the detection signal.

[0069] As one possible implementation, such as Figure 17 As shown, a communication unit 85 is electrically connected between the fan drive unit 84 and the main control unit 81. The communication unit 85 is used to realize loop communication between the fan drive unit 84 and the main control unit 81.

[0070] The entire cleaning process of the air conditioner drip tray 3 is as follows: When the air conditioner enters the drip tray cleaning mode, the main control unit 81 first sends a fourth control signal to the water pump drive unit 83 and a fifth control signal to the solenoid valve drive unit 82. The water pump drive unit 83 responds to the fourth control signal and stops the water pump. The solenoid valve drive unit 82 responds to the fifth control signal and closes the first control valve 4 and the second control valve 5, cutting off the drainage passages of the first drain outlet 12 and the first pipe 6, as well as the drainage passages of the second drain outlet 13 and the second pipe 7. Simultaneously, the main control unit 81 also sends a sixth control signal to the fan drive unit 84, which responds to the sixth control signal and controls the fan 10 to operate.

[0071] When the fan 10 starts operating, the air conditioner enters the condensate preparation stage. The float switch detection unit 9 monitors the water level of the condensate collected in the water collection pan 3 in real time. When the float switch unit 9 detects that the condensate in the water collection pan 3 has reached the preset water level, the float switch detection unit 9 sends a detection signal to the main control unit 81. In response to the detection signal, the main control unit 81 sends a seventh control signal to the fan drive unit 84. In response to the seventh control signal, the fan drive unit 84 controls the fan 10 to stop operating.

[0072] Next, the main control unit 81 sends a first control signal to the solenoid valve drive unit 82 and a second control signal to the water pump drive unit 83. Responding to the first control signal, the solenoid valve drive unit 82 controls the first control valve 4 to close and the second control valve 5 to open, cutting off the drainage passages of the first drain outlet 12 and the first pipe 6, and opening the drainage passages of the second drain outlet 13 and the second pipe 7. Responding to the second control signal, the water pump drive unit 83 controls the water pump motor 14 to operate, using the energy generated by the water pump motor 14 to draw the condensate collected in the water tray 3 from the inlet to the second drain outlet 13, and then transmit it to the cleaner 2 via the second pipe 7. Combined with the speed adjustment of the water pump, the cleaner 2 sprays pressurized water to clean the water tray 3.

[0073] After a certain cleaning time, the main control unit 81 sends a third control signal to the solenoid valve drive unit 82. Responding to the third control signal, the solenoid valve drive unit 82 controls the first control valve 4 to open and the second control valve 5 to close. The drainage passages of the first drain outlet 12 and the first pipe 6 are opened, while the drainage passages of the second drain outlet 13 and the second pipe 7 are cut off. Using the energy generated by the water pump motor 14, the condensate collected in the water tray 3 is drawn from the inlet to the first drain outlet 12, and then discharged outdoors through the first pipe 6.

[0074] After the water has drained, the main control unit 81 sends a fourth control signal to the water pump drive unit 83 and a fifth control signal to the solenoid valve drive unit 82. In response to the fourth control signal, the water pump drive unit 83 controls the water pump motor 14 to stop operating. In response to the fifth control signal, the solenoid valve drive unit 82 controls the first control valve 4 and the second control valve 5 to close, thus ending the cleaning process.

[0075] It should be noted that this application embodiment provides two modes for cleaning the air conditioner drip tray. The difference between these two modes is as follows: When the water level of the condensate collected in the air conditioner drip tray 3 is already at the preset water level of the float switch detection unit 9, the main control unit 81 directly sends a first control signal to the solenoid valve drive unit 82 and a second control signal to the water pump drive unit 83. However, when the water level of the condensate collected in the air conditioner drip tray 3 is below the preset water level of the float switch detection unit 9, it is necessary to first use the fan 10 to prepare the condensate.

[0076] For example, this application embodiment also provides a circuit connection diagram of the water pump drive unit and the main control unit, such as... Figure 18As shown. The water pump drive unit includes a water pump drive chip 831. The third pins 3-811 of the main control chip 811 are electrically connected to the first pins 1-831 of the water pump drive chip 831. The fourth pins 4-811 of the main control chip 811 are electrically connected to the feedback pins 2-831 of the water pump drive chip 831. The fourth pins 4-811 of the main control chip 811 are also electrically connected to a third power supply through a first resistor 86. The power supply pins 3-831 of the water pump drive chip 831 are electrically connected to the first power supply. The ground pins 4-831 of the water pump drive chip 831 are grounded. The fifth pins 5-831, sixth pins 6-831, and seventh pins 7-831 of the water pump drive chip 831 are electrically connected to the water pump motor, respectively.

[0077] The water pump drive chip 831 receives a control signal from the main control chip 811 and controls the speed of the water pump motor 14. The duty cycle of the control signal determines the speed of the water pump motor 14. A larger duty cycle results in a faster speed, stronger load capacity, higher drainage pressure, and a longer head. Conversely, a smaller duty cycle results in a slower speed, weaker load capacity, lower drainage pressure, and a shorter head. When the second control valve opens and the first control valve closes, and water flows through the second drain into the second pipe for pressurization, the main control chip 811 sends a control signal with a larger duty cycle to the water pump drive chip 831, causing the water pump to operate at high speed. This generates a high-speed water flow through centrifugal force, effectively flushing away dirt from the water collection tray. As the cleaning process nears its end, the duty cycle of the control signal sent by the main control chip 811 to the water pump drive chip 831 gradually decreases until it reaches zero, at which point the cleaning process is complete.

[0078] The feedback pins 2-831 in the water pump driver chip enable closed-loop control of the water pump motor 14 by the main control chip 811. In other words, the speed of the water pump motor 14 influences the duty cycle of the control signal sent by the main control chip to the water pump driver chip. This makes the entire adjustment process more intelligent and improves reliability.

[0079] Furthermore, such as Figure 19 As shown, the water pump driver chip is also connected to a protection circuit. The protection circuit includes a second resistor 87, a third resistor 88, and a fourth resistor 89. The second pins 8-831 and the third pins 9-831 of the water pump driver chip 831 are electrically connected via the second resistor 87. The fourth pins 10-831 of the water pump driver chip 831 are grounded via the fourth resistor 89, and the third pins 9-831 are also grounded via the third resistor 88. By setting different resistance values ​​for the second resistor 87, the third resistor 88, and the fourth resistor 89, different overcurrent protection values ​​for the water pump motor can be set. The protection circuit effectively ensures circuit safety.

[0080] As an example, as one possible implementation, the solenoid valve driver chip also includes a third input pin and a third output pin. (See reference...) Figure 20 The third input pins 8 to 821 of the solenoid valve driver chip 821 are grounded. The third input pins 8 to 821 of the solenoid valve driver chip 821 are also electrically connected to the fourth power supply through a capacitor. The third output pins 9 to 831 of the solenoid valve driver chip 821 are electrically connected to the fourth power supply.

[0081] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0082] 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 variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: A drip tray is used to collect the condensate produced during the operation of the air conditioner; A water pump, comprising an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, wherein the water pump is inverted on the water receiving tray, the inlet of the water pump faces the water receiving tray and contacts the condensate in the water receiving tray, and the water pump is configured to draw condensate from the water receiving tray through the inlet. The first control valve is used to control the flow of water in the first drain outlet. The second control valve is used to control the flow of water in the second drain outlet. A cleaner connected to the second drain outlet; the cleaner is configured to spray a pressurized water stream to clean the drip tray. The first pipe, the first drain outlet is connected to the first pipe; The second pipe connects the second drain outlet to the cleaner; the surface of the cleaner is provided with multiple water outlets, the total water outlet area of ​​the multiple water outlets being smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second pipe. With the first control valve closed and the second control valve open, the water pump is configured to output the condensate from the second drain outlet to the cleaner, and the cleaner is configured to spray pressurized water to clean the drip tray. When the second control valve is closed and the first control valve is open, the water pump is configured to discharge the condensate in the water receiving pan through the first drain outlet; The air conditioner also includes a control circuit board, on which a main control unit, a solenoid valve drive unit and a water pump drive unit are provided. The water pump includes a water pump motor. The main control unit adjusts the duty cycle of the control signal sent to the water pump drive unit to adjust the speed of the water pump motor, thereby controlling the water flow pressure sprayed by the cleaner. The water pump drive unit includes a feedback pin, and the main control unit adjusts the duty cycle of the control signal according to the speed feedback of the water pump motor to achieve closed-loop control. The solenoid valve drive unit is electrically connected to the main control unit, and the solenoid valve drive unit is also electrically connected to the first control valve and the second control valve respectively; the water pump drive unit is electrically connected to the main control unit, and the water pump drive unit is also electrically connected to the water pump motor; The main control unit is configured to output a first control signal to the solenoid valve drive unit and a second control signal to the water pump drive unit, control the first control valve to close and the second control valve to open through the solenoid valve drive unit, and drive the water pump motor to work through the water pump drive unit. The main control unit is also configured to output a third control signal to the solenoid valve drive unit, thereby controlling the first control valve to open and the second control valve to close through the solenoid valve drive unit.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main control unit includes a main control chip; the solenoid valve drive unit includes a solenoid valve drive chip, a first relay, and a second relay. The first input pin of the solenoid valve drive chip is electrically connected to the first pin of the main control chip, and the second input pin of the solenoid valve drive chip is electrically connected to the second pin of the main control chip. The first output pin of the solenoid valve drive chip is electrically connected to one end of the coil of the first relay, the other end of the coil of the first relay is electrically connected to the first power supply, and the first end of the contact switch of the first relay is electrically connected to the first end of the first control valve. The second output pin of the solenoid valve drive chip is connected to one end of the coil of the second relay, the other end of the coil of the second relay is electrically connected to the first power supply, and the first end of the contact switch of the second relay is electrically connected to the first end of the second control valve. The second terminal of the contact switch of the first relay and the second terminal of the contact switch of the second relay are both electrically connected to the second power supply; the second terminals of the first control valve and the second control valve are grounded.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes a fan and a float switch detection unit, and the control circuit board is also equipped with a fan drive unit; The main control unit is also electrically connected to the float switch detection unit and the fan drive unit, and the fan drive unit is electrically connected to the fan; The main control unit is configured to output a fourth control signal to the water pump drive unit and a fifth control signal to the solenoid valve drive unit when the water level in the water receiving pan does not reach the preset water level. The water pump drive unit drives the water pump motor to stop working, and the solenoid valve drive unit controls the first control valve and the second control valve to close. The main control unit is also configured to output a sixth control signal to the fan drive unit, thereby controlling the operation of the fan through the fan drive unit. The float switch detection unit is configured to detect the water level in the water receiving tray and send a detection signal to the main control unit when the water level in the water receiving tray reaches the preset water level. The main control unit is configured to output a seventh control signal to the fan drive unit in response to the detection signal, and control the fan to stop through the fan drive unit. The main control unit is also configured to output a first control signal and a second control signal in response to the detection signal.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The water pump drive unit includes a water pump drive chip; The third pin of the main control chip is electrically connected to the first pin of the water pump drive chip, the fourth pin of the main control chip is electrically connected to the feedback pin of the water pump drive chip, and the fourth pin of the main control chip is also electrically connected to the third power supply through the first resistor; the power supply pin of the water pump drive chip is electrically connected to the first power supply, the ground pin of the water pump drive chip is grounded, and the fifth, sixth and seventh pins of the water pump drive chip are respectively electrically connected to the water pump motor.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, A protection circuit is connected between the second, third, and fourth pins of the water pump driver chip. The protection circuit includes a second resistor, a third resistor, and a fourth resistor. The second and third pins of the water pump driver chip are electrically connected through a second resistor, the fourth pin of the water pump driver chip is grounded through a fourth resistor, and the third pin is also grounded through a third resistor.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The main control unit and the wind turbine drive unit are electrically connected via a communication unit.

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