Water control device, mobile air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a water control device, a mobile air conditioner and a control method thereof. The water control device is applied to the mobile air conditioner. The water control device comprises a first water receiving tray and a second water receiving tray arranged up and down in a vertical direction. The water control device further comprises a water storage pipe and a water drain valve. The top end of the water storage pipe is communicated with the first water receiving tray, and the bottom end of the water storage pipe is adjacent to the second water receiving tray. The water storage pipe is used for collecting the condensed water in the first water receiving tray. The water drain valve is arranged at the bottom end of the water storage pipe. The water drain valve is used for discharging the condensed water collected in the water storage pipe to the second water receiving tray. The condensed water is collected by penetrating the top end of the water storage pipe to the first water receiving tray. The bottom end of the water storage pipe is arranged adjacent to the second water receiving tray. The water drain valve is arranged at the bottom end of the water storage pipe and used for discharging the condensed water collected in the water storage pipe to the second water receiving tray. Since the condensed water is first collected in the water storage pipe and then discharged through the water drain valve, the discharge is smooth, and the splashing phenomenon does not occur. The use reliability is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of portable air conditioning technology, and in particular to a water control device, a portable air conditioner, and a control method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous innovation and development of air conditioning technology, more and more families are choosing to use more convenient portable air conditioners. When a portable air conditioner is cooling, the surface temperature of the internal evaporator is lower than the air dew point temperature. Excess moisture in the air condenses on the evaporator surface, forming condensate that collects in the drip tray of the evaporator section. Current portable air conditioners typically collect and drain this condensate from the evaporator's drip tray to the bottom drip tray. A fan on the bottom drip tray then disperses the condensate, splashing it onto the condenser below to cool it. However, because of the height difference between the evaporator's drip tray and the bottom drip tray, direct discharge of condensate from the evaporator's drip tray to the bottom drip tray causes splashing everywhere due to the drop, affecting the lifespan of other components and compromising reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a water control device, a portable air conditioner, and a control method thereof, which solves the problem of splashing when the condensate is discharged from the portable air conditioner.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a water control device for use in a portable air conditioner. The water control device includes a first water receiving tray and a second water receiving tray arranged vertically in a vertical direction. The water control device also includes:

[0005] The water storage pipe has its top end connected to the first water receiving tray and its bottom end adjacent to the second water receiving tray. The water storage pipe is used to collect the condensate in the first water receiving tray.

[0006] A drain valve is located at the bottom end of the water storage pipe. The drain valve is used to discharge the condensate collected in the water storage pipe to the second water receiving tray.

[0007] In the water control device provided in this embodiment of the invention, the portable air conditioner includes a condenser pipe, a water storage pipe is sleeved on the outside of the condenser pipe, and the condensate is collected between the inner wall of the water storage pipe and the outer wall of the condenser pipe.

[0008] In the water control device provided in this embodiment of the invention, the drain valve includes a sealing ring and an opening and closing assembly. The sealing ring is sleeved on the condenser tube and its top abuts against the bottom end face of the water storage tube. A drain gap is defined between the inner ring surface of the sealing ring and the outer tube wall of the condenser tube. The opening and closing assembly is disposed on the inner ring surface of the sealing ring. The opening and closing assembly is used to drive the inner ring surface of the sealing ring to come into contact with or move away from the outer tube wall of the condenser tube, so as to increase or decrease the drain gap.

[0009] In the water control device provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the opening and closing component includes an opening and closing clamp and a driving component. The inner ring surface of the sealing ring is provided with a flexible soft membrane. The opening and closing clamp is arranged around the inner ring surface of the sealing ring and connected to the flexible soft membrane. The driving component is connected to both ends of the opening and closing clamp. The driving component is used to drive the opening and closing clamp to retract inward or expand outward so that the flexible soft membrane adheres to or moves away from the outer wall of the condenser tube.

[0010] In the water control device provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the driving component includes a motor and a screw. The motor is fixed to one end of the opening and closing clamp, and the other end of the opening and closing clamp is provided with a screw hole. The screw is connected to the motor and passes through the screw hole and is threadedly connected to it. When the motor drives the screw to rotate in different directions, the two ends of the opening and closing clamp move closer to each other or further apart to drive the opening and closing clamp to retract inward or expand outward.

[0011] In the water control device provided in the embodiments of the present invention, an overflow outlet is provided on the side wall at the top of the water storage pipe. The position of the overflow outlet in the vertical direction is lower than the position of the first water receiving tray. The water control device also includes a buffer plate, which is connected to the top of the overflow outlet and blocks the overflow outlet.

[0012] In the water control device provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the water storage pipe is provided with at least one liquid level sensor along its axial direction, and the liquid level sensor is used to detect the water level of the condensate in the water storage pipe.

[0013] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a portable air conditioner, which includes any of the water control devices described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a control method for a portable air conditioner, the method comprising: if a drainage control command is received, controlling a first liquid level sensor and a second liquid level sensor to detect condensate in a water storage pipe; and controlling a drain valve to open or close based on whether the first liquid level sensor and the second liquid level sensor detect condensate.

[0015] This invention provides a water control device, a portable air conditioner, and a control method thereof. The water control device is applied to a portable air conditioner and includes a first water receiving tray and a second water receiving tray arranged vertically. The device also includes a water storage pipe and a drain valve. The top end of the water storage pipe is connected to the first water receiving tray, and the bottom end is vertically adjacent to the second water receiving tray. The water storage pipe is used to collect condensate from the first water receiving tray. The drain valve is located at the bottom end of the water storage pipe and is used to discharge the collected condensate into the second water receiving tray. This application collects condensate by having the top end of the water storage pipe connected to the first water receiving tray, and the bottom end of the water storage pipe is vertically adjacent to the second water receiving tray. A drain valve at the bottom end of the water storage pipe discharges the collected condensate into the second water receiving tray. Because the condensate first collects in the water storage pipe and then is discharged through the drain valve, the discharge is smooth and splashing is avoided, improving reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the water control device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 A simplified structural diagram of the water control device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of part A;

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of part B;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drain valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overflow outlet and buffer sheet provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a portable air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the control method for a portable air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9A schematic diagram of a sub-process of the control method for a portable air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] The labels for the attached figures are as follows:

[0027] 100. Water control device; 10. Water storage pipe; 101. Overflow outlet; 102. Liquid level sensor; 20. Drain valve; 21. Sealing ring; 210. Flexible diaphragm; 22. Opening and closing assembly; 220. Opening and closing clamp; 221. Drive assembly; 2210. Motor; 2211. Screw; 23. Water discharge gap; 30. First water receiving tray; 31. Second water receiving tray; 40. Buffer plate; 200. Portable air conditioner; 201. Condensate pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0028] 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, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. 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.

[0029] The directional terms used in this invention, such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," and "side," are merely for reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for illustrating and understanding this invention, and not for limiting it. Furthermore, in the drawings, structures that are similar or identical are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0030] Reference Figures 1 to 6 , please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This invention illustrates an embodiment of the water control device 100 provided by the present invention. The structure and working principle of the water control device 100 will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The water control device 100 is applied to a portable air conditioner 200. The water control device 100 includes a first water receiving tray 30 and a second water receiving tray 31 arranged vertically. The water control device 100 also includes a water storage pipe 10 and a drain valve 20. The top end of the water storage pipe 10 is connected to the first water receiving tray 30, and the bottom end is vertically adjacent to the second water receiving tray 31. The water storage pipe 10 is used to collect condensate from the first water receiving tray 30. The drain valve 20 is located at the bottom end of the water storage pipe 10 and is used to discharge the condensate collected in the water storage pipe 10 to the second water receiving tray 31.

[0031] In specific implementation, the first drip tray 30 is the drip tray for the evaporator section of the portable air conditioner 200. It is located near the evaporator of the portable air conditioner 200, usually in the middle part of the portable air conditioner 200, at a certain height from the bottom of the portable air conditioner 200. When the portable air conditioner 200 is running, because the surface temperature of the internal evaporator is lower than the air dew point temperature, the moisture in the air will condense on the evaporator surface, and the first drip tray 30 is used to collect the condensate. The second drip tray 31 is a drip tray at the bottom of the portable air conditioner 200, vertically spaced from the first drip tray 30. The condensate collected in the first drip tray 30 needs to be discharged into the second drip tray 31. The condensate in the second drip tray 31 is usually used as a cooling medium for the condenser. A water-spraying fan can be installed in the second drip tray 31. The high-speed rotation of the water-spraying fan will disperse the condensate and splash it onto the condenser to cool it down. The water storage pipe 10 can be a straight pipe or a bent pipe; in this embodiment, the water storage pipe 10 is a straight pipe. The water storage pipe 10 is a hollow pipe structure. Its top end is connected to the first water receiving tray 30, and its bottom end is adjacent to the second water receiving tray 31. The water storage pipe 10 collects condensate from the first water receiving tray 30. The larger the diameter of the water storage pipe 10, the more condensate it can collect. A drain valve 20 is installed at the bottom of the water storage pipe 10 to discharge the collected condensate into the second water receiving tray. When the drain valve 20 is closed, the condensate cannot be discharged from the water storage pipe 10 and will be stored there. Only when the drain valve 20 is open can the condensate be discharged from the water storage pipe 10. Specifically, the drain valve 20 is an electrically controlled water valve, meaning it is a water valve structure whose opening or closing state can be controlled by an electrical signal. When the evaporator starts working, the condensate first collects in the first drip tray 30. When the condensate in the first drip tray 30 reaches a certain amount, it flows into the water storage pipe 10 through the top of the pipe. At this time, the condensate collects in the water storage pipe 10, and the drain valve 20 is opened. The condensate collected in the water storage pipe 10 is then discharged into the second drip tray 31 through the drain valve 20. In the whole process, the condensate is first stored in the water storage pipe 10, and the bottom end of the water storage pipe 10 is adjacent to the second drip tray 31. The drain valve 20 is located at the bottom end of the water storage pipe 10 to discharge the condensate. The discharge drop of the condensate is small, and the distance from the discharge point to the second drip tray 31 is short. The condensate is discharged smoothly and will not splash everywhere.

[0032] In this embodiment, the top of the water storage pipe extends to the first water receiving tray to collect condensate. The bottom of the water storage pipe is positioned adjacent to the second water receiving tray, and a drain valve is installed at the bottom of the water storage pipe to discharge the condensate collected in the water storage pipe into the second water receiving tray. During the drainage process, the condensate first collects in the water storage pipe and then is discharged through the drain valve. The condensate is discharged slowly, avoiding splashing and providing a better user experience.

[0033] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 1 to 4 The portable air conditioner 200 includes a condenser pipe 201, and a water storage pipe 10 is sleeved on the outside of the condenser pipe 201. The condensate collects between the inner wall of the water storage pipe 10 and the outer wall of the condenser pipe 201. In a specific implementation, the condenser pipe 201 is the pipe of the condenser inside the portable air conditioner 200. Normally, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the room through the evaporator and turns into vapor, which is then compressed by the compressor of the portable air conditioner 200 and enters the condenser to release heat. The refrigerant flows in the condenser pipe 201, causing heat to be generated on the condenser pipe 201. In this embodiment, the water storage pipe 10 is sleeved on the outside of the condenser pipe 201, that is, the condenser pipe 201 is entirely inserted into the water storage pipe 10, passing through both ends of the water storage pipe 10. A drain valve 20 is installed at the bottom end of the water storage pipe 10, which closes the bottom end. The drain valve 20 surrounds the portion of the condenser tube 201 that passes through the bottom end of the water storage pipe 10, creating a water-storing cavity between the inner wall of the water storage pipe 10 and the outer wall of the condenser tube 201. The condensate collects in this cavity, cooling the portion of the condenser tube 201 contained within the water storage pipe 10. The low temperature of the condensate effectively absorbs heat from the condenser tube 201. The condensate, having absorbed heat, is then discharged through the drain valve 20 at the bottom of the water storage pipe 10 into the second water collection tray 31. Throughout the drainage process, the condensate continuously collects and discharges within the water storage pipe 10, continuously exchanging heat with the condenser tube 201. This prevents heat loss due to heat exchange between the condensate and the air, resulting in better heat dissipation.

[0034] Furthermore, referring to 3 and Figure 5The drain valve 20 includes a sealing ring 21 and an opening / closing assembly 22. The sealing ring 21 is sleeved on the condenser tube 201, with its top abutting against the bottom end face of the water storage pipe 10. A drain gap 23 is defined between the inner ring surface of the sealing ring 21 and the outer wall of the condenser tube 201. The opening / closing assembly 22 is located on the inner ring surface of the sealing ring 21. The opening / closing assembly 22 is used to move the inner ring surface of the sealing ring 21 against or away from the outer wall of the condenser tube 201, thereby increasing or decreasing the drain gap 23. In a specific implementation, the sealing ring 21 has a certain thickness in its radial direction and is designed using an elastic material. The sealing ring 21 is entirely sleeved on the condenser tube 201, with its top abutting against the bottom end face of the water storage pipe 10, maintaining good liquid tightness at the contact point. The drain gap 23 is an annular gap between the inner ring surface of the sealing ring 21 and the outer wall of the condenser tube 201. Condensate collected in the water storage pipe 10 is discharged into the second water receiving tray 31 through the drain gap 23. The larger the drain gap 23, the more condensate can pass through per unit time. When the inner ring surface of the sealing ring 21 is in contact with the outer wall of the condenser tube 201, the drain gap 23 reaches its minimum. In this case, the condensate collected in the water storage pipe 10 cannot be discharged through the drain gap 23. The opening and closing component 22 is connected to the inner ring surface of the sealing ring 21 and is used to move the inner ring surface of the sealing ring 21 towards or away from the outer wall of the condenser tube 201. Thus, the drain gap 23 between the inner ring surface of the sealing ring 21 and the outer wall of the condenser tube 201 will increase or decrease under the action of the opening and closing component 22. When the opening and closing component 22 moves the inner ring surface of the sealing ring 21 to the outer wall of the condenser tube 201, the drain gap 23 gradually decreases until it reaches its minimum state, and condensate cannot pass through. When the opening and closing component 22 moves the inner ring surface of the sealing ring 21 away from the outer wall of the condenser tube 201, the drain gap 23 gradually increases until it reaches the preset maximum state, and condensate can pass through freely. Overall, the discharge control of condensate is achieved.

[0035] Furthermore, referring to Figure 5The opening and closing assembly 22 includes an opening and closing clamp 220 and a driving assembly 221. A flexible membrane 210 is provided on the inner ring surface of the sealing ring 21. The opening and closing clamp 220 is arranged around the inner ring surface of the sealing ring 21 and connected to the flexible membrane 210. The driving assembly 221 is connected to both ends of the opening and closing clamp 220. The driving assembly 221 is used to drive the opening and closing clamp 220 to retract or expand outward, so that the flexible membrane 210 adheres to or moves away from the outer wall of the condenser pipe 201. In specific implementations, the flexible membrane 210 is arranged along the inner ring surface of the sealing ring 21. The flexible membrane 210 is designed with a soft material, possessing excellent elasticity and sealing performance. The flexible membrane 210 can stretch and deform under pressure and then return to its original shape. The opening and closing clamp 220 is connected to the flexible membrane 210 on the inner ring surface of the sealing ring 21. The opening and closing clamp 220 is wrapped by the flexible membrane 210 along the inner ring surface of the sealing ring 21. The drive assembly 221 is connected to the two ends of the opening and closing clamp 220 and is used to drive the opening and closing clamp 220 to retract or expand as a whole. The drive assembly 221 can drive the two ends of the opening and closing clamp 220 to move closer or further apart. When the two ends of the opening and closing clamp 220 move closer together, the distance between the two ends of the opening and closing clamp 220 shortens, and the opening and closing clamp 220 is in a retracted state until the two ends of the opening and closing clamp 220 contact each other, and the retracted state of the opening and closing clamp 220 reaches its limit. When the opening and closing clamp 220 is driven inward by the drive component 221, the flexible diaphragm 210, wrapped around the clamp, is stretched until it adheres to the outer wall of the condenser tube 201. This causes the flexible diaphragm 210 to tighten towards the outer wall of the condenser tube 201, forming a sealed connection between the inner ring surface of the sealing ring 21 and the outer wall of the condenser tube 201 through the flexible diaphragm 210. At this time, the condensate in the water storage pipe 10 cannot be discharged through the drain gap 23. Simultaneously, the flexible diaphragm 210 protects the condenser tube 201, preventing damage. When the two ends of the opening and closing clamp 220 are far apart, the distance between them increases, and the clamp 220 expands outward until the distance between the two ends reaches a certain limit, at which point the outward expansion of the clamp 220 reaches its limit. When the drive assembly 221 drives the opening and closing clamp 220 to expand outward, the flexible membrane 210 will expand back to its original state as the opening and closing clamp 220 expands outward, and the water discharge gap 23 increases. At this time, the condensate in the water storage pipe 10 is discharged into the second water receiving tray 31 through the water discharge gap 23. After the condensate comes out of the water discharge gap 23, part of it flows along the outer wall of the condenser pipe 201, and can continue to cool the condenser pipe 201, enhancing the cooling effect.

[0036] Furthermore, referring to Figure 5The drive assembly 221 includes a motor 2210 and a screw 2211. The motor 2210 is fixed to one end of the opening and closing clamp 220, and the other end of the opening and closing clamp 220 is provided with a screw hole (not shown in the figure). The screw 2211 is connected to the motor 2210 and passes through the screw hole, where it is threadedly connected. When the motor 2210 drives the screw 2211 to rotate in different directions, the two ends of the opening and closing clamp 220 move closer or further apart to cause the opening and closing clamp 220 to retract or expand outward. In a specific implementation, two extensions extend outward from both ends of the opening and closing clamp 220. The main body of the motor 2210 is fixed to the extension extending from one end of the opening and closing clamp 220, and the drive shaft of the motor 2210 is coaxially connected to the screw 2211. The screw 2211 is a long threaded rod. An extension at the other end of the opening and closing clamp 220 has a threaded hole that matches the thread on the screw 2211. The screw 2211 passes through the threaded hole and is threadedly connected to it. The motor 2210, the screw 2211, and the threaded holes at the ends of the opening and closing clamp 220 together form a threaded transmission structure. When the motor 2210 drives the screw 2211 to rotate in different directions, due to the threaded transmission structure, the two ends of the opening and closing clamp 220 will move closer together or further apart, causing the opening and closing clamp 220 to retract or expand, thus stretching or relaxing the flexible membrane 210 and controlling the water discharge gap 23. The overall structure is simple, and the water control effect is stable.

[0037] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 2 and Figure 6An overflow outlet 101 is provided on the side wall at the top of the water storage pipe 10. The overflow outlet 101 is positioned vertically lower than the first water receiving tray 30. The water control device 100 also includes a buffer plate 40, which is connected to the top of the overflow outlet 101 and blocks it. In specific implementation, to prevent excessive condensate from accumulating in the water storage pipe 10 and overflowing from the top of the water storage pipe 10 or flowing into the first water receiving tray 30, an overflow outlet 101 is provided on the side wall at the top of the water storage pipe 10. The position of the overflow outlet 101 is vertically lower than the first water receiving tray 30. In this way, the condensate accumulated in the water storage pipe 10 can be discharged from the overflow outlet 101 before reaching the first water receiving tray 30, preventing the condensate accumulated in the water storage pipe 10 from flowing back into the first water receiving tray 30. The buffer plate 40 is made of plastic sheet and is attached to the top of the overflow outlet 101, covering it. It is movable relative to the overflow outlet 101, and its size is designed to completely cover the overflow outlet 101. When the water level of the condensate collected in the water storage pipe 10 rises to or exceeds the overflow outlet 101, the condensate will push open the buffer plate 40 at the overflow outlet 101. The condensate will not spray out directly due to the buffering effect of the buffer plate 40, but will be blocked by the buffer plate 40 and flow down the outer wall of the water storage pipe 10, finally flowing into the second water receiving tray 31 from the bottom of the water storage pipe 10. When the portable air conditioner 200 is in defrost mode or the drain valve 20 malfunctions and becomes blocked, the amount of condensate collected in the water storage pipe 10 will suddenly increase. The combined action of the overflow outlet 101 and the buffer plate 40 effectively avoids the impact of such problems.

[0038] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 2The water storage pipe 10 is equipped with at least one level sensor 102 along its axial direction. The level sensor 102 is used to detect the water level of the condensate in the water storage pipe 10. In specific implementation, in order to accurately control the discharge of the condensate collected in the water storage pipe 10 and to achieve dynamic balance of the condensate collected in the water storage pipe 10, a level sensor 102 is set along the axial direction of the water storage pipe 10 to detect the water level of the condensate. The level sensor 102 is a device for monitoring, maintaining, and measuring liquid levels. Once liquid is detected, the level sensor 102 converts the sensed data into an electrical signal. Connecting the level sensor 102 to the controller of the portable air conditioner 200 allows for monitoring of the condensate level in the water storage pipe 10. The controller then controls the drainage by opening or closing the drain valve 20. The level sensor 102 can be installed on the wall of the water storage pipe 10 to sense the water level of the condensate. There is at least one liquid level sensor 102. In practice, the specific installation location of the liquid level sensor 102 depends on several factors, such as the diameter of the water storage pipe 10, the length of the water storage pipe 10, and the maximum drainage capacity of the drain valve 20. The more liquid level sensors 102 are set, the more different water levels in the water storage pipe 10 can be detected, allowing the controller of the portable air conditioner 200 to set more drainage control methods.

[0039] In one embodiment, a portable air conditioner 200 is provided, such as Figure 7 As shown, the portable air conditioner 200 includes a water control device 100 and other components, such as an evaporator, condenser, compressor, etc. These components work together to achieve cooling or heating functions. During operation, the water control device 100 generates condensate, which is discharged through it. Specifically, the condensate first collects in the first water receiving tray 30 of the water control device 100. The water storage pipe 10 of the water control device 100 then collects the condensate from the first water receiving tray 30. When the condensate collected in the water storage pipe 10 reaches a certain amount, it is discharged into the second water receiving tray 31 through the drain valve 20 of the water control device 100. In this embodiment, the water control device 100 can be any type of water control device 100 provided by this invention. Since the specific structure and working principle of the water control device 100 have been described in detail in the preceding description, they will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0040] The portable air conditioner in this embodiment, due to the use of the water control device provided by the present invention, will not cause the condensate water generated during operation to splash everywhere during the discharge process, resulting in higher reliability and a better user experience.

[0041] This invention also provides a control method for a portable air conditioner; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 8 , Figure 8This is a flowchart illustrating the control method for a portable air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 As shown, the method includes steps S110-120.

[0042] S110. If a drainage control command is received, the first liquid level sensor and the second liquid level sensor are controlled to detect the condensate in the water storage pipe.

[0043] S120. The drain valve is opened or closed based on whether the first liquid level sensor and the second liquid level sensor detect condensate.

[0044] In practice, after the water control device is installed on the portable air conditioner, the drain valve of the water control device is electrically controlled and connected to the controller of the portable air conditioner. The controller controls the drain valve to open or close to discharge the condensate collected in the water storage pipe, and the degree of opening of the drain valve is controllable. A first liquid level sensor and a second liquid level sensor are installed along the axial direction of the water storage pipe on the pipe wall to detect the water level of the condensate collected in the pipe. The first liquid level sensor is located below the second liquid level sensor. The two sensors detect different water levels; that is, the water level that the second liquid level sensor can detect is higher than that that the first liquid level sensor can detect. The specific installation positions of the first and second liquid level sensors are determined based on factors such as the pipe diameter, the length of the water storage pipe, and the maximum drainage capacity of the drain valve. In this embodiment, the drainage control command can be a control command issued by the user by pressing a remote control or a corresponding button on the portable air conditioner, or it can be a power-on command when the controller is turned on. For example, when a user presses the button to activate the drain function via the remote control, the portable air conditioner's controller receives a drain control command. Similarly, when the user presses the power button, the controller receives the same command. Upon receiving the drain control command, the portable air conditioner activates the first and second liquid level sensors to detect the condensate in the water storage pipe. By analyzing the data from these two sensors, the water level in the storage pipe is determined, and the drain valve is opened or closed based on the water level, achieving precise control over the discharge of condensate.

[0045] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, step S120 includes steps S121-S123.

[0046] S121. When the first liquid level sensor does not detect condensate and the second liquid level sensor does not detect condensate, the drain valve is controlled to close.

[0047] In practice, if neither the first liquid level sensor nor the second liquid level sensor detects condensate, it means that the water level of the condensate collected in the water storage pipe has not reached the water level detection position of the first liquid level sensor, and the amount of condensate collected in the water storage pipe is small. At this time, the controller controls the drain valve to close, and the water storage pipe continues to receive water without draining, so that more condensate is collected in the water storage pipe.

[0048] S122. When the first liquid level sensor detects condensate and the second liquid level sensor does not detect condensate, the drain valve is partially opened.

[0049] In practice, when the first liquid level sensor detects condensate but the second liquid level sensor does not, it indicates that the water level of the condensate collected in the storage pipe has reached the detection position of the first liquid level sensor but not the detection position of the second liquid level sensor. The amount of condensate collected in the storage pipe is sufficient to meet the discharge requirements. At this time, the controller partially opens the drain valve, and the inflow and outflow rates of the condensate are roughly equal, allowing the water level of the condensate collected in the storage pipe to reach dynamic equilibrium. When the storage pipe is installed outside the condenser tube of the portable air conditioner's internal condenser, the condensate can continuously cool the condenser tube, and some of the condensate discharged from the drain valve continues to exchange heat along the condenser tube, flowing into the second drip tray at the lowest point of the condenser tube with a small drop, preventing condensate from splashing.

[0050] S123. When the first liquid level sensor detects condensate and the second liquid level sensor detects condensate, the drain valve is controlled to be fully opened.

[0051] In practice, when both the first and second level sensors detect condensate, it indicates that the condensate level in the storage pipe has exceeded the detection level of the first and second level sensors, meaning the storage pipe is oversaturated. For example, when a portable air conditioner enters defrost mode, the condensate level increases sharply and needs to be drained in large quantities to prevent overflow. At this time, the controller fully opens the drain valve, causing the condensate to drain faster than it drains, thus lowering the condensate level to a normal level.

[0052] In one embodiment, the control method of the portable air conditioner further includes: if a shutdown command is received, controlling the drain valve to fully open.

[0053] In practice, when the portable air conditioner is turned off, the controller receives the shutdown command and controls the drain valve to open fully, so that all the condensate collected in the water storage pipe is discharged, avoiding problems such as odor caused by long-term water accumulation in the water storage pipe of the water control device.

[0054] The control method for portable air conditioners provided in this application receives a drainage control command and controls a first liquid level sensor and a second liquid level sensor to detect condensate in the water storage pipe. Based on whether the first liquid level sensor and the second liquid level sensor detect condensate, the drain valve is opened or closed, thereby achieving control over the discharge of condensate from the portable air conditioner. The condensate will not splash during the discharge process, thus improving the user experience.

[0055] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered 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. A water control device applied to a portable air conditioner, the portable air conditioner comprising a condenser pipe, characterized in that, The water control device includes a first water receiving tray and a second water receiving tray arranged vertically. The water control device also includes: A water storage pipe is sleeved on the outside of the condenser pipe. The top end of the water storage pipe is connected to the first water receiving tray, and the bottom end is adjacent to the second water receiving tray vertically. The water storage pipe is used to collect the condensate in the first water receiving tray. The condensate is collected between the inner wall of the water storage pipe and the outer wall of the condenser pipe. A drain valve is located at the bottom end of the water storage pipe. The drain valve is used to discharge the condensate collected in the water storage pipe to the second water receiving tray.

2. The water control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drain valve includes a sealing ring and an opening / closing assembly. The sealing ring is sleeved on the condenser tube and its top abuts against the bottom end face of the water storage tube. A drain gap is defined between the inner ring surface of the sealing ring and the outer wall of the condenser tube. The opening / closing assembly is disposed on the inner ring surface of the sealing ring. The opening / closing assembly is used to move the inner ring surface of the sealing ring to the outer wall of the condenser tube, thereby increasing or decreasing the drain gap.

3. The water control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The opening and closing assembly includes an opening and closing clamp and a driving assembly. The inner ring surface of the sealing ring is provided with a flexible membrane. The opening and closing clamp is arranged around the inner ring surface of the sealing ring and connected to the flexible membrane. The driving assembly is connected to both ends of the opening and closing clamp. The driving assembly is used to drive the opening and closing clamp to retract or expand outward so that the flexible membrane adheres to or moves away from the outer wall of the condenser tube.

4. The water control device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a motor and a screw. The motor is fixed to one end of the opening and closing clamp, and the other end of the opening and closing clamp is provided with a screw hole. The screw is connected to the motor and passes through the screw hole and is threadedly connected to it. When the motor drives the screw to rotate in different directions, the two ends of the opening and closing clamp move closer to each other or further apart to drive the opening and closing clamp to retract inward or expand outward.

5. The water control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An overflow outlet is provided on the side wall at the top of the water storage pipe. The position of the overflow outlet in the vertical direction is lower than the position of the first water receiving tray. The water control device also includes a buffer plate, which is connected to the top of the overflow outlet and blocks the overflow outlet.

6. The water control device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The water storage pipe is provided with at least one liquid level sensor along its axial direction, and the liquid level sensor is used to detect the water level of the condensate in the water storage pipe.

7. A portable air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the water control device as described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. A control method for a portable air conditioner, characterized in that, The method, applied to the water control device according to any one of claims 1-6, comprises: If a drainage control command is received, the first and second liquid level sensors are controlled to detect the condensate in the water storage pipe. The drain valve is opened or closed based on whether the first liquid level sensor and the second liquid level sensor detect condensate.

9. The control method for a portable air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that, The step of controlling the opening or closing of the drain valve based on whether the first liquid level sensor and the second liquid level sensor detect condensate includes: If neither the first liquid level sensor nor the second liquid level sensor detects condensate, the drain valve is controlled to close. When the first liquid level sensor detects condensate and the second liquid level sensor does not detect condensate, the drain valve is partially opened. When both the first liquid level sensor and the second liquid level sensor detect condensate, the drain valve is fully opened.

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