Dehumidifier and control method thereof

Abstract

This invention provides a dehumidifier and its control method, comprising a housing, an evaporator disposed within the housing, a water collection tray disposed below the evaporator, a water collection tank disposed below the water collection tray, and a flexible water bag disposed outside the housing, the flexible water bag including an inlet and an outlet, the water collection tray having a first outlet and a second outlet, the first outlet communicating with the inlet and the second outlet communicating with the water collection tank; condensate in the water collection tray first flows to the flexible water bag, and when the water pressure in the flexible water bag reaches a preset pressure, the condensate in the water collection tray then flows to the water collection tank, thereby solving the technical problem in the prior art that the amount of condensate stored in the dehumidifier cannot be immediately and intuitively determined.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of dehumidifier technology, specifically relating to a dehumidifier and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, household dehumidifiers on the market mainly include rotary dehumidifiers and refrigerated dehumidifiers. Among them, refrigerated dehumidifiers have a larger dehumidification capacity and higher efficiency, making them the mainstream product for household dehumidifiers. Existing refrigerated dehumidifiers generally integrate the evaporator, condenser, compressor, and water tank components into one unit, resulting in a bulky and heavy appearance, large space occupation, and limited functionality. In particular, users often need to manually clean the dehumidified water in the water tank, which is cumbersome and cannot meet the needs of certain long-term use scenarios. Regarding disinfection and sterilization functions, dehumidifiers on the market generally filter dust and PM2.5 in the air to achieve the purpose of sterilization and purification. Some dehumidifiers use electrolysis of water to generate ozone or electrolysis of salt water to generate hypochlorous acid disinfectant to achieve the effect of sterilization and disinfection. However, the sterilization and disinfection modes are simple and single, with high power consumption, making it difficult to meet the different needs of customers. The sealing of the disinfection substance generating device is insufficient, which can easily cause the disinfectant to evaporate and leak, causing safety and hygiene problems.

[0003] In addition, existing dehumidifiers store condensate in a water tank. The water tank is cleaned regularly or a water level sensor is installed to monitor water level changes to prevent condensate from overflowing. This method requires manual inspection of the water tank periodically. However, the water tank is inside the dehumidifier and is not easy to observe directly. It is very inconvenient to pull the water tank out of the dehumidifier to check it. Furthermore, water level sensors have a certain risk of false alarms due to changes in humidity.

[0004] Knowing in time how much condensate stored in the humidifier to prevent it from overflowing into the room is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a dehumidifier and its control method, which can solve the technical problem in the prior art that the amount of condensate stored in the dehumidifier cannot be timely and intuitively understood.

[0006] This invention provides a dehumidifier, comprising a housing, an evaporator disposed within the housing, a water collection tray below the evaporator, a water collection tank below the water collection tray, and a flexible water bag disposed outside the housing. The flexible water bag includes an inlet and an outlet. The water collection tray has a first outlet and a second outlet, the first outlet communicating with the inlet and the second outlet communicating with the water collection tank. Condensate in the water collection tray first flows to the flexible water bag, and when the water pressure in the flexible water bag reaches a preset pressure, the condensate in the water collection tray then flows to the water collection tank.

[0007] In some embodiments, the housing includes an operating surface from which the water tray is installed and removed;

[0008] The flexible water bag surrounds the outer surface of the housing, excluding the operating surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the flexible water bag is provided with a rigid connecting part at each end of the circumference of the shell, the rigid connecting part is provided with a connecting hole, and the connecting hole is provided with an internal thread section; the water receiving tray is provided with a drain pipe, the first end of the drain pipe is provided with an external thread section; the external thread section is threadedly connected to the internal thread section, and the second end of the drain pipe is connected to the first drain outlet.

[0010] In some embodiments, the drain pipe and the water receiving tray are separately provided. The housing is provided with an insertion hole, and the drain pipe is provided with a limiting part. The first end of the drain pipe passes through the insertion hole and is connected to the internal thread section. The limiting part and the rigid connection part clamp the side wall of the housing in the middle. When the water receiving tray is inserted into the housing from the operating surface, the first drain outlet is sealed to the second end of the drain pipe.

[0011] In some embodiments, a guide slope is provided on at least one side of the direction in which the water receiving tray is inserted into the housing. The water receiving tray includes an inner end facing the interior of the housing and an outer end opposite to the inner end. The guide slope gradually slopes away from the inner wall surface of the housing from the outer end to the inner end. A sealing part is provided at the second end of the drain pipe, and the sealing part is in sealing contact with the guide slope.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sealing surface where the sealing part contacts the guide slope is an inclined surface, and the sealing surface is parallel to the guide slope.

[0013] In some embodiments, a valve is provided in the connection hole. The valve can open the connection hole under the action of water pressure in the water receiving tray. When the condensate in the flexible water bag covers at least part of the valve, the valve can close the connection hole.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first drain outlet is provided with a first valve, and the second drain outlet is provided with a second valve. When the water level in the water receiving tray is lower than a first preset water level, the first valve opens and the second valve closes; when the water level in the water receiving tray is higher than the first preset water level, the first valve closes and the second valve opens; when the water level in the water receiving tray drops from higher than the first preset water level to lower than the first preset water level, the first valve closes and the second valve opens.

[0015] In some embodiments, the dehumidifier is equipped with an ozone generator, which can electrolyze the condensate in the water tray to generate ozone; the dehumidifier is provided with an air outlet above the water tray, and an air guide pipe is provided above the water tray, with the inlet end of the air guide pipe leading to the water tray and the outlet end leading to the air outlet.

[0016] This invention also provides a control method for a dehumidifier. When an ozone generator, a first valve, and a second valve are provided, the control method includes a water level control method, comprising: a first step of closing the first valve and the second valve; a second step of activating the ozone generator when the water level in the drip tray is higher than a second preset water level; and a third step of opening the first valve and / or the second valve when the condensate level in the drip tray is higher than a third preset water level, and closing the first valve and the second valve when the condensate level in the drip tray is lower than the second preset water level.

[0017] In some embodiments, the dehumidifier further includes a fan, which operates to exhaust air from the air outlet, and the control method further includes a method for controlling air freshening and a method for controlling air disinfection;

[0018] The air purification control method includes a first concentration enhancement stage and a first concentration maintenance stage. The first concentration enhancement stage includes: controlling the ozone generator to operate at a first power and the fan to operate at a fifth power, acquiring the ozone concentration value at the air outlet N times consecutively, and calculating the variance D1 and the average value M1. Simultaneously, acquiring the variance D2 and the average value M2 of the ozone concentration value at the bottom of the dehumidifier. When |D1|≤0.05, |D2|≤0.05, 0.015PPM≤C1≤0.02PPM, and 0.01PPM≤C2<0.015PPM, the first concentration maintenance stage is executed. The first concentration maintenance stage includes: controlling the ozone generator to operate at a second power and the fan to operate at a sixth power; the second power is less than the first power.

[0019] And / or,

[0020] The air disinfection control method includes a second concentration enhancement stage and a second concentration maintenance stage. The second concentration enhancement stage includes: controlling the ozone generator to operate at a third power, controlling the fan to operate at a fifth power, obtaining the variance D1 and average value M1 of the ozone concentration values ​​at the air outlet N consecutive times, and simultaneously obtaining the variance D2 and average value M2 of the ozone concentration values ​​at the bottom of the dehumidifier. When |D1|≤0.05, |D2|≤0.05, 0.05PPM≤C1≤0.06PPM, and 0.02PPM≤C2<0.05PPM, the second concentration maintenance stage is executed. The second concentration maintenance stage includes: controlling the ozone generator to operate at a fourth power, and controlling the fan to operate at a sixth power; the fourth power is less than the third power, and the sixth power is less than the fifth power.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first concentration maintenance phase further includes: when C2 < 0.01 PPM, the fan operates at a fifth power, and when C2 > 0.015 PPM, the fan operates at a sixth power;

[0022] The second concentration maintenance phase further includes: when C2 < 0.02 PPM, the ozone generator operates at a fourth power and the fan operates at a fifth power; when C2 > 0.05 PPM, the ozone generator stops operating and the fan operates at a sixth power.

[0023] This invention features a flexible water bag on the outside of the housing. Condensate preferably flows into the flexible water bag, and users can observe the changes in the external shape of the flexible water bag to understand the amount of condensate, facilitating timely handling. When the flexible water bag can no longer hold the condensate due to the inability to handle it in time, the condensate will flow into the water collection tank, further preventing condensate from overflowing outdoors. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. The drawings described below are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a first external schematic diagram of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a second external schematic diagram of the dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a first external schematic diagram of the flexible water bag according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a second external schematic diagram of the flexible water bag according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the rigid connection portion according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a first external schematic diagram of the water receiving tray according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a second external schematic diagram of the water receiving tray according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a first external schematic diagram of the water receiving tray with an air guide pipe in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a second external schematic diagram of the water receiving tray with an air guide pipe provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the water receiving tray and drain pipe structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the water receiving tray, drain pipe, shell, and rigid connection part according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the water receiving tray being inserted into the housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the water receiving tray being fully inserted into the housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of controlling air purification according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of controlling air disinfection according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of controlling the water level during dehumidification in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0042] 1. Shell; 101. Insertion hole; 2. Evaporator; 3. Water receiving tray; 301. Drain pipe; 302. External thread; 3011. Limiting part; 303. Guide slope; 304. Inner end; 305. Outer end; 306. Sealing part; 4. Water receiving tank; 5. Flexible water bag; 501. Water inlet; 502. Water outlet; 503. Rigid connection part; 504. Connecting hole; 505. Internal thread; 506. Valve; 6011. First valve; 6022. Second valve; 601. First drain outlet; 602. Second drain outlet; 7. Air guide pipe; 701. Electrolytic anode; 702. Electrolytic cathode; 703. Fan. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0044] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0045] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0046] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0047] Therefore, the present invention provides a dehumidifier and its control method, which can solve the technical problem in the prior art that the amount of condensate stored in the dehumidifier cannot be timely and intuitively understood.

[0048] See also Figure 1-16 As shown, a dehumidifier includes a housing 1, an evaporator 2 disposed inside the housing 1, a water collection tray 3 disposed below the evaporator 2, a water collection tank 4 disposed below the water collection tray 3, and a flexible water bag 5 disposed outside the housing 1. The flexible water bag 5 includes a water inlet 501 and a water outlet 502. The water collection tray 3 is provided with a first drain outlet 601 and a second drain outlet 602. The first drain outlet 601 is connected to the water inlet 501, and the second drain outlet 602 is connected to the water collection tank 4. The condensate in the water collection tray 3 first flows to the flexible water bag 5. When the water pressure in the flexible water bag 5 reaches a preset pressure, the condensate in the water collection tray 3 then flows to the water collection tank 4.

[0049] By installing a flexible water bag 5 on the outside of the housing 1, the user can directly observe the shape of the flexible water bag 5 to determine the water volume inside, thus facilitating the treatment (emptying) of condensate. This avoids the traditional method where condensate is only discharged into the water tank, where the user cannot directly observe the water level and needs to indirectly monitor changes using a water level detection device. When the water level detection device malfunctions, condensate can easily overflow from the water tank. The new method prioritizes condensate discharge into the flexible water bag 5. Only when the water pressure inside the flexible water bag 5 reaches a preset pressure (indicating sufficient water content) is the condensate discharged into the water receiving tank 4. This effectively prevents condensate from overflowing from the water receiving tank 4 due to the user's inability to empty the flexible water bag 5 in time, ensuring stable operation of the dehumidifier and a good indoor environment. The flexible water bag 5 also increases the maximum water storage capacity of the dehumidifier, which is beneficial for operation in long-term unoccupied environments.

[0050] To further enhance user understanding, the flexible water bag 5 can be designed to be transparent, for example, using TPU material. Users can not only observe changes in the appearance of the flexible water bag 5 but also intuitively understand changes in the water level inside, making it easier to control the condensate. A pressure sensor can be installed between the flexible water bag 5 and the housing 1. The more water inside the flexible water bag 5, the greater the pressure exerted by the flexible water bag 5 on the housing 1 under the influence of gravity.

[0051] Preferred, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, the housing 1 includes an operating surface, and the water receiving tray 3 is installed and removed from the operating surface;

[0052] The flexible water bag 5 surrounds the outer surface of the housing 1, excluding the operating surface.

[0053] The flexible water bag 5 surrounds all sides except the operating surface, without affecting the installation and removal of the water tray 3. A typical dehumidifier has four vertical sides, one of which is used for the installation and removal of the water tray 3, while the flexible water bag 5 surrounds the other three sides, allowing the user to easily observe changes in the water level inside the bag.

[0054] Preferred, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the flexible water bag 5 is provided with a rigid connecting part 503 at each end along the circumference of the shell 1. The rigid connecting part 503 is provided with a connecting hole 504, and the connecting hole 504 is provided with an internal thread 505 segment. The water receiving tray 3 is provided with a drain pipe 301. The first end of the drain pipe 301 is provided with an external thread 302 segment. The external thread 302 segment is threadedly connected to the internal thread 505 segment. The second end of the drain pipe 301 is connected to the first drain outlet 601.

[0055] "Circumferential" refers to the direction surrounding the dehumidifier from a top-down perspective when the dehumidifier is in operation. Another description could be: when the flexible water bag 5 is installed on the dehumidifier, its projection onto the horizontal plane is U-shaped, and the "two ends of the circumferential direction" are the two ends of the U-shape.

[0056] The flexible water bag 5 is easily disassembled by connecting the external thread 302 on the drain pipe 301 to the internal thread 505 of the rigid connection part 503. A rigid connection part 503 is provided at each end of the flexible water bag 5 for fixation from both ends. Two rigid connection parts 503 are provided between the water receiving tray 3 and the flexible water bag 5, thus providing two communication points between them. This prevents condensate from the water receiving tray 3 from failing to flow into the flexible water bag 5 in a timely manner due to uneven ground. The threaded connection improves the sealing performance of the flexible water bag 5. The drain outlet 502 of the flexible water bag 5 is located at the lower part of the flexible water bag 5 (the position of the flexible water bag 5 when it is installed on the dehumidifier). Multiple drain outlets 502 can be provided. For example, the drain outlet 502 is used to connect to a water pipe, and the outlet of the water pipe extends to the outside, so that the condensate water is discharged directly from the flexible water bag 5 to the outside through the water pipe. This is suitable for indoor places that are relatively humid and unoccupied for a long time. The water pipe can also be used for car washing when it is discharged to the outside, and for indoor cleaning when it is discharged to the inside. The drain outlet 502 can also be equipped with a shower head. After the flexible water bag 5 is removed, it can be used as a water bottle to squeeze the condensate water out of the flexible water bag 5 through the shower head for watering plants.

[0057] Preferred, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the drain pipe 301 and the water receiving tray 3 are separately arranged. The housing 1 is provided with an insertion hole 101. The drain pipe 301 is provided with a limiting part 3011. The first end of the drain pipe 301 passes through the insertion hole 101 and is connected to the internal thread 505 section. The limiting part 3011 and the rigid connection part 503 clamp the side wall of the housing 1 in the middle. When the water receiving tray 3 is inserted into the housing 1 from the operating surface, the first drain port 601 is sealed to the second end of the drain pipe 301.

[0058] During installation of the flexible water bag 5: the rigid connecting part 503 is located outside the housing 1, with the connecting hole 504 on the rigid connecting part 503 facing the insertion hole 101. The first end of the drain pipe 301 is inserted into the insertion hole 101 from inside the housing 1 and rotated to connect the drain pipe 301 with the internal thread 505 in the connecting hole 504. The limiting part 3011 acts as a nut. When the water receiving tray 3 is inserted into the housing 1, the first drain port 601 is sealed to the second end of the drain pipe 301, thereby achieving communication between the water receiving tray 3 and the flexible water bag 5. The drain pipe 301 not only connects the water receiving tray 3 and the flexible water bag 5 but also fixes the flexible water bag 5; reducing the number of parts helps to reduce costs.

[0059] Preferred, such as Figure 11As shown, a guide slope 303 is provided on at least one side of the direction in which the water receiving tray 3 is inserted into the housing 1. The water receiving tray 3 includes an inner end 304 facing the inside of the housing 1 and an outer end 305 opposite to the inner end 304. The guide slope 303 gradually slopes away from the inner wall surface of the housing 1 from the outer end 305 to the inner end 304. A sealing part 306 is provided at the second end of the drain pipe 301, and the sealing part 306 is sealed to the guide slope 303.

[0060] When the water tray 3 is inserted into the housing 1 (similar to a drawer), as Figure 11 As shown, the guide slope 303 is sealed to the second end of the drain pipe 301, which facilitates the insertion of the water tray 3 and improves the ease of disassembly of the water tray 3. Since the second end of the drain pipe 301 is provided with a sealing part 306, when the water tray 3 is inserted into the housing 1, the guide slope 303 squeezes the sealing part 306 at the second end of the drain pipe 301, which helps to improve the sealing performance between the water tray 3 and the drain pipe 301.

[0061] Preferred, such as Figure 11-13 As shown, the sealing surface where the sealing part 306 connects with the guide slope 303 is an inclined surface, and the sealing surface is parallel to the guide slope 303.

[0062] The sealing surface is parallel to the guide slope 303, which helps to further improve the uniformity of the deformation of the sealing part 306 between the sealing part 306 and the guide slope 303, and helps to improve the sealing performance between the sealing part 306 and the guide slope 303.

[0063] Preferred, such as Figure 5 As shown, a valve 506 is provided inside the connection hole 504. The valve 506 can open the connection hole 504 under the action of water pressure in the water receiving tray 3. When the condensate in the flexible water bag 5 covers at least part of the valve 506, the valve 506 can close the connection hole 504.

[0064] Under the pressure of the condensate in the drip tray 3, valve 506 opens (valve 506 is closed when not under external force). The condensate in the drip tray 3 flows through valve 506 and into the flexible water bag 5. When the water level in the flexible water bag 5 gradually rises to the connection hole 504, the water pressure on both sides of valve 506 is basically the same. Valve 506 closes the connection hole 504 under its own deformation, thus achieving automatic sealing of the flexible water bag 5. When the flexible water bag 5 is disassembled, valve 506 is also in the closed state. This helps to prevent condensate leakage from the flexible water bag 5.

[0065] When the flexible water bag 5 is disassembled and moved, the valve 506 seals the connection hole 504, preventing condensate from splashing out of the connection hole 504. Compared with existing water tanks, the flexible water bag 5 has better sealing performance, and the water inside the flexible water bag 5 has less contact with the air outside the flexible water bag 5, which helps to prevent the water inside the flexible water bag 5 from deteriorating, and thus prevents the appearance of odors and bacteria inside the flexible water bag 5.

[0066] Preferred, such as Figure 10 As shown, the first drain outlet 601 is equipped with a first valve 6011, and the second drain outlet 602 is equipped with a second valve 6022. When the water level in the water receiving tray 3 is lower than the first preset water level, the first valve 6011 is opened and the second valve 6022 is closed; when the water level in the water receiving tray 3 is higher than the first preset water level, the first valve 6011 is closed and the second valve 6022 is opened; when the water level in the water receiving tray 3 drops from higher than the first preset water level to lower than the first preset water level, the first valve 6011 is closed and the second valve 6022 is opened.

[0067] By setting the first valve 6011 and the second valve 6022, the flow direction of condensate in the water receiving tray 3 is controlled, which helps to ensure that the condensate can preferentially flow into the flexible water bag 5 and then into the water receiving tank 4. Specifically, the height of the first preset water level can be set.

[0068] When the water level is higher than the first preset water level, it indicates that the flexible water bag 5 is full, or that condensate cannot flow into the flexible water bag 5 in time. At this time, the first valve 6011 is opened and closed, and the second valve 6022 is opened, allowing the condensate in the water tray 3 to flow into the water tank 4. When the condensate gradually flows into the water tank 4, causing the condensate level in the water tray 3 to drop below the first preset water level, the first valve 6011 remains closed, and the second valve 6022 remains open, allowing the condensate to continue flowing into the water tank 4. When the flexible water bag 5 is disassembled and then reinstalled on the housing 1, the first valve 6011 is opened and the second valve 6022 is closed.

[0069] Preferred, such as Figure 1 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the dehumidifier is equipped with an ozone generator, which can electrolyze the condensate in the water receiving tray 3 to generate ozone; the dehumidifier is provided with an air outlet above the water receiving tray 3, and an air guide pipe 7 is provided above the water receiving tray 3, with the inlet end of the air guide pipe 7 leading to the water receiving tray 3 and the outlet end of the air guide pipe 7 leading to the air outlet.

[0070] By incorporating an ozone generator, the dehumidifier's functionality is enhanced, improving the indoor environment and user experience. The ozone is guided to the air outlet via the duct 7, facilitating ozone diffusion within the room and preventing uneven ozone distribution that could negatively impact the user experience. This also avoids the risk of ozone poisoning from excessive ozone inhalation, as high ozone concentrations are harmful to humans. Utilizing the existing fan 703 within the dehumidifier to accelerate ozone diffusion also helps reduce energy consumption.

[0071] The ozone generator electrolyzes condensate water. Ozone production via water electrolysis requires only a low voltage of 5-24V, making it an environmentally friendly and efficient method. During use, the ozone generation rate and concentration are controlled by adjusting the voltage and current of the two electrodes, with preset settings for user adjustment. This method produces a low and controllable concentration of ozone, eliminating the risk of ozone poisoning and fully meeting household needs. The main body of the ozone generator can be positioned below the water collection tray 3, with the electrolysis anode 701 and cathode 702 located within the tray. The ozone ionized by the generator only accumulates near the electrolysis anode 701 and is then discharged through the air outlet via the air guide pipe 7 above the water collection tray 3, carried by dry air.

[0072] This invention also provides a control method for a dehumidifier, such as... Figure 14-16 As shown, the control method is used in the aforementioned dehumidifier. When an ozone generator, a first valve 6011, and a second valve 6022 are provided, the control method includes a water level control method, which includes: first, controlling the first valve 6011 and the second valve 6022 to close; second, when the water level in the water collection tray 3 is higher than a second preset water level, the ozone generator operates; third, when the condensate water level in the water collection tray 3 is higher than a third preset water level, the first valve 6011 and / or the second valve 6022 are opened, and when the condensate water level in the water collection tray 3 is lower than the second preset water level, the first valve 6011 and the second valve 6022 are closed.

[0073] When ozone needs to be generated by the ozone generator, there must be sufficient water in the water collection tray 3. Condensate from dehumidification can be used in this process. The specific steps are as follows: First, the first valve 6011 and the second valve 6022 are closed, allowing condensate to gradually accumulate in the water collection tray 3 for electrolysis by the ozone generator. Second, when the water level in the water collection tray 3 is higher than the second preset water level, the amount of condensate is sufficient for electrolysis, and the ozone generator operates to electrolyze the condensate. The ozone generated by electrolysis is discharged along the gas guide pipe 7. Third, when the water level in the water collection tray 3 is higher than the third preset water level, the water level is too high. To prevent condensate overflow, the first valve 6011 and / or the second valve 6022 are opened, and the condensate is discharged into the flexible water bag 5 and / or the water collection tank 4. When the water level in the water collection tray 3 is lower than the second preset water level, to ensure sufficient water for electrolysis, the first valve 6011 and the second valve 6022 are closed, allowing condensate to accumulate. The second preset water level can be set to 10% of the maximum water depth that the water receiving pan 3 can hold, and the third preset water level can be 70% of the maximum water depth that the water receiving pan 3 can hold.

[0074] Preferably, the dehumidifier further includes a fan 703, which operates to exhaust air from the air outlet. The control method further includes a method for controlling air freshening and a method for controlling air disinfection.

[0075] The air purification control method includes a first concentration enhancement stage and a first concentration maintenance stage. The first concentration enhancement stage includes: controlling the ozone generator to operate at a first power and the fan 703 to operate at a fifth power, acquiring the ozone concentration value at the air outlet N times consecutively, and calculating the variance D1 and the average value M1. Simultaneously, acquiring the variance D2 and the average value M2 of the ozone concentration value at the bottom of the dehumidifier. When |D1|≤0.05, |D2|≤0.05, 0.015PPM≤C1≤0.02PPM, and 0.01PPM≤C2<0.015PPM, the first concentration maintenance stage is executed. The first concentration maintenance stage includes: controlling the ozone generator to operate at a second power and the fan 703 to operate at a sixth power; the second power is less than the first power.

[0076] And / or,

[0077] The air disinfection control method includes a second concentration enhancement stage and a second concentration maintenance stage. The second concentration enhancement stage includes: controlling the ozone generator to operate at a third power, controlling the fan 703 to operate at a fifth power, obtaining the variance D1 and average value M1 of the ozone concentration values ​​at the air outlet for N consecutive times, and simultaneously obtaining the variance D2 and average value M2 of the ozone concentration values ​​at the bottom of the dehumidifier. When |D1|≤0.05, |D2|≤0.05, 0.05PPM≤C1≤0.06PPM, and 0.02PPM≤C2<0.05PPM, the second concentration maintenance stage is executed. The second concentration maintenance stage includes: controlling the ozone generator to operate at a fourth power, and controlling the fan 703 to operate at a sixth power; the fourth power is less than the third power, and the sixth power is less than the fifth power.

[0078] The air purification control method includes a first concentration enhancement stage and a first concentration maintenance stage. The first concentration enhancement stage is used to rapidly increase the ozone concentration so that the ozone concentration reaches a preset range. The first concentration enhancement stage includes: controlling the ozone generator to operate at a first power, acquiring the variance D1 and average value M1 of the ozone concentration values ​​at the air outlet N consecutive times, and simultaneously acquiring the variance D2 and average value M2 of the ozone concentration values ​​at the bottom of the dehumidifier. When |D1|≤0.05 and |D2|≤0.05, it indicates that the ozone production is very stable; when 0.015PPM≤C1≤0.02PPM and 0.01PPM≤C2<0.015PPM, it indicates that the ozone concentration is within the required range. The ozone generator is then controlled to operate at a second power. When the ozone concentration reaches the required range, the power of the ozone generator is reduced to the second power, at which point the amount of ozone produced only needs to meet the ozone consumption; the second power is less than the first power.

[0079] C1 is the average ozone concentration at the air outlet, and C2 is the average ozone concentration at the bottom of the dehumidifier, located at the bottom of the dehumidifier, used to detect the ozone concentration in the environment. Because the mass fraction of ozone is greater than that of air, ozone will gradually sink to the ground. The value of C1 must be greater than that of C2. The specific ozone concentration range can be set according to actual needs, but the adverse effects of excessive ozone concentration on human health must be considered.

[0080] The principle behind controlled air disinfection is the same as that of controlled air purification, the difference being the ozone concentration. Higher concentrations of ozone are required for air disinfection, resulting in a higher average ozone concentration. Controlled air disinfection can also be used to disinfect clothing. The outlet of the air duct 7 can be aimed at the clothing to be disinfected, and the emitted high-concentration ozone will disinfect the clothing.

[0081] By introducing ozone into the room, the pleasantness and hygiene of the indoor environment are improved. N can be taken as 30.

[0082] Preferably, the first concentration maintenance phase further includes: when C2 < 0.01 PPM, the fan 703 operates at a fifth power, and when C2 > 0.015 PPM, the fan 703 operates at a sixth power;

[0083] The second concentration maintenance phase further includes: when C2 < 0.02 PPM, the ozone generator operates at a fourth power and the fan 703 operates at a fifth power; when C2 > 0.05 PPM, the ozone generator stops operating and the fan 703 operates at a sixth power.

[0084] By controlling the power of the fan 703, the diffusion of ozone indoors can be accelerated, avoiding uneven ozone concentrations in different areas and thus improving the user experience.

[0085] Since C2 is the average ozone concentration at the bottom of the dehumidifier, it is a better indicator of the overall indoor ozone concentration than the average ozone concentration at the air outlet. The ozone concentration at the bottom of the dehumidifier is closely related to the power of the 703 fan. The higher the power of the 703 fan, the faster the ozone diffuses, but the louder the noise. Similarly, the lower the power of the 703 fan, the slower the ozone diffuses, but the quieter the noise.

[0086] When the average ozone concentration at the bottom of the dehumidifier is low, the operating power of fan 703 is increased to accelerate ozone diffusion. Similarly, when the ozone concentration at the bottom of the dehumidifier is high, the operating power of fan 703 is reduced. During the second concentration maintenance phase, since ozone concentration is high (C2 ≥ 0.05 PPM), ozone may cause harm to the human body. Therefore, the ozone generator is turned off directly to reduce the ozone concentration as quickly as possible.

[0087] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that, without conflict, the advantageous technical features of the above-mentioned methods can be freely combined and superimposed.

[0088] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dehumidifier comprising a casing (1), an evaporator (2) is arranged in the casing (1), a water receiving tray (3) is arranged below the evaporator (2), a water receiving tank (4) is arranged below the water receiving tray (3), characterized in that, The shell (1) is provided with a flexible water bag (5) on the outside. The flexible water bag (5) includes a water inlet (501) and a water outlet (502). The water receiving tray (3) is provided with a first drain outlet (601) and a second drain outlet (602). The first drain outlet (601) is connected to the water inlet (501), and the second drain outlet (602) is connected to the water receiving tank (4). The condensate in the water receiving tray (3) first flows to the flexible water bag (5). When the water pressure in the flexible water bag (5) reaches the preset pressure, the condensate in the water receiving tray (3) then flows to the water receiving tank (4). The housing (1) includes an operating surface, and the water receiving tray (3) is installed and removed from the operating surface; The flexible water bag (5) surrounds the outer surface of the housing (1) except for the operating surface; The flexible water bag (5) is provided with a rigid connecting part (503) at each end of the circumference of the shell (1). The rigid connecting part (503) is provided with a connecting hole (504). The connecting hole (504) is provided with an internal thread (505) segment. The water receiving tray (3) is provided with a drain pipe (301). The first end of the drain pipe (301) is provided with an external thread (302) segment. The external thread (302) segment is threadedly connected to the internal thread (505) segment. The second end of the drain pipe (301) is connected to the first drain outlet (601). The drain pipe (301) and the water receiving tray (3) are separately provided. The housing (1) is provided with an insertion hole (101). The drain pipe (301) is provided with a limiting part (3011). The first end of the drain pipe (301) passes through the insertion hole (101) and is connected to the internal thread (505) section. The limiting part (3011) and the rigid connection part (503) sandwich the side wall of the housing (1) in the middle. When the water receiving tray (3) is inserted into the housing (1) from the operating surface, the first drain port (601) is sealed to the second end of the drain pipe (301).

2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, A guide slope (303) is provided on at least one side of the direction in which the water receiving tray (3) is inserted into the housing (1). The water receiving tray (3) includes an inner end (304) facing the inside of the housing (1) and an outer end (305) opposite to the inner end (304). The guide slope (303) gradually slopes away from the inner wall surface of the housing (1) from the outer end (305) to the inner end (304). A sealing part (306) is provided at the second end of the drain pipe (301). The sealing part (306) is sealed to the guide slope (303).

3. The dehumidifier according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sealing surface of the sealing part (306) that is in contact with the guide slope (303) is an inclined surface, and the sealing surface is parallel to the guide slope (303).

4. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, A valve (506) is provided inside the connection hole (504). The valve (506) can open the connection hole (504) under the action of water pressure in the water receiving tray (3). When the condensate in the flexible water bag (5) covers at least part of the valve (506), the valve (506) can close the connection hole (504).

5. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first drain outlet (601) is equipped with a first valve (6011), and the second drain outlet (602) is equipped with a second valve (6022). When the water level in the water receiving pan (3) is lower than the first preset water level, the first valve (6011) is opened and the second valve (6022) is closed. When the water level in the water receiving pan (3) is higher than the first preset water level, the first valve (6011) is closed and the second valve (6022) is opened. When the water level in the water receiving pan (3) drops from higher than the first preset water level to lower than the first preset water level, the first valve (6011) is closed and the second valve (6022) is opened.

6. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The dehumidifier is equipped with an ozone generator, which can electrolyze the condensate in the water receiving pan (3) to generate ozone; the dehumidifier is provided with an air outlet above the water receiving pan (3), and an air guide pipe (7) is provided above the water receiving pan (3), with the inlet end of the air guide pipe (7) leading to the water receiving pan (3) and the outlet end of the air guide pipe (7) leading to the air outlet.

7. A control method for a dehumidifier, characterized in that, The control method is used in the dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1-6; when an ozone generator, a first valve (6011) and a second valve (6022) are provided, the control method includes a water level control method, which includes: a first step of controlling the first valve (6011) and the second valve (6022) to close; a second step of operating the ozone generator when the water level in the water receiving pan (3) is higher than a second preset water level; a third step of opening the first valve (6011) and / or the second valve (6022) when the condensate water level in the water receiving pan (3) is higher than a third preset water level, and closing the first valve (6011) and the second valve (6022) when the condensate water level in the water receiving pan (3) is lower than the second preset water level.

8. The control method for a dehumidifier according to claim 7, characterized in that, The dehumidifier also includes a fan (703), which operates to exhaust air from the air outlet. The control method also includes a method for controlling air freshening and a method for controlling air disinfection. The air purification control method includes a first concentration enhancement stage and a first concentration maintenance stage. The first concentration enhancement stage includes: controlling the ozone generator to operate at a first power and the fan (703) to operate at a fifth power, obtaining the ozone concentration value at the air outlet N times consecutively, and calculating the variance D1 and the average value M1. At the same time, obtaining the variance D2 and the average value M2 of the ozone concentration value at the bottom of the dehumidifier. When |D1|≤0.05, |D2|≤0.05, 0.015PPM≤C1≤0.02PPM, and 0.01PPM≤C2<0.015PPM, the first concentration maintenance stage is executed. The first concentration maintenance stage includes: controlling the ozone generator to operate at a second power and the fan (703) to operate at a sixth power; the second power is less than the first power. And / or, The controlled air disinfection method includes a second concentration enhancement stage and a second concentration maintenance stage. The second concentration enhancement stage includes: controlling the ozone generator to operate at a third power, controlling the fan (703) to operate at a fifth power, obtaining the variance D1 and average value M1 of the ozone concentration values ​​at the air outlet for N consecutive times, and simultaneously obtaining the variance D2 and average value M2 of the ozone concentration values ​​at the bottom of the dehumidifier. When |D1|≤0.05, |D2|≤0.05, 0.05PPM≤C1≤0.06PPM, and 0.02PPM≤C2<0.05PPM, the second concentration maintenance stage is executed. The second concentration maintenance stage includes: controlling the ozone generator to operate at a fourth power, and controlling the fan (703) to operate at a sixth power; the fourth power is less than the third power, and the sixth power is less than the fifth power; C1 is the average ozone concentration at the air outlet, and C2 is the average ozone concentration at the bottom of the dehumidifier.

9. The control method for a dehumidifier according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first concentration maintenance phase further includes: when C2 < 0.01 PPM, the fan (703) operates at a fifth power, and when C2 > 0.015 PPM, the fan (703) operates at a sixth power; The second concentration maintenance phase further includes: when C2 < 0.02 PPM, the ozone generator operates at a fourth power and the fan (703) operates at a fifth power; when C2 > 0.05 PPM, the ozone generator stops operating and the fan (703) operates at a sixth power.

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