Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to air conditioner and its control method, air conditioner has for containing humidification water tank, and liquid level detection device, liquid level detection device produces water shortage early warning signal when water level in water tank is lower than preset water level. The control method of the present application comprises: receiving humidification starting signal; starting the humidification mode of the air conditioner when the water level in the water tank is higher than or equal to the preset water level; when receiving the water shortage early warning signal, calculate the first time interval required from the current time to the water consumption in the water tank to the preset minimum limit, which is called the delay humidification deadline, and continue to execute the humidification mode; wherein, when the water level in the water tank is the preset water level, the early warning water amount in the water tank is greater than the preset minimum limit; when the time length of continuing to execute the humidification mode after receiving the water shortage signal reaches the delay humidification deadline, the prompt information for indicating the water shortage in the water tank is sent out, the sending of the prompt information is more accurate, and the use of the user is eliminated.

Description

Air conditioners and their control methods Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to air conditioning technology, and in particular to an air conditioner and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Some existing air conditioners have a humidification function and a water tank to store water for humidification. The water tank usually has a liquid level detection device to detect the water level in the tank and issue a water shortage signal when the water level in the tank is lower than the preset level. The user can then know that the water tank needs to be refilled based on this water shortage signal.

[0003] To ensure accurate water level detection and avoid errors caused by water surface tension, level detection devices are typically positioned at a certain height near a preset water level. The preset water level in the tank should not be set too low. However, for water tanks with a large cross-sectional area, even if the water level drops to the preset level, there may still be a significant amount of water remaining. If a user adds water to the tank following a low water signal, they may be confused as to why the tank still contains so much water when a low water warning is issued. This can lead to inaccurate or incorrect alerts and other user-related problems.

[0004] This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in commonly used liquid level detection devices composed of floats and magnetic switches. A float with a magnet embedded in it is installed in the water tank, and a magnetic switch is mounted on the outside of the tank. When the water level rises, the float rises, the magnetic switch receives a signal, and the switch connects, indicating that there is water in the tank. When the water level drops, the float falls, the magnetic switch disconnects, and the water level is low. However, the float relies on buoyancy to float, and a certain water level is required for it to float. If the preset water level is set too low, the float will not float effectively when the water level in the tank reaches or slightly exceeds the preset level, resulting in inaccurate detection. Therefore, the preset water level must be set at a certain height to ensure detection accuracy. However, when the magnetic switch is off, the water level in the tank will be relatively high, leaving more water in the tank, causing greater inconvenience for users. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One objective of the first aspect of this invention is to overcome at least one deficiency of the prior art and provide a control method for an air conditioner to more accurately determine whether the water tank needs to be filled, thereby avoiding inconvenience to users.

[0006] A further objective of the first aspect of the present invention is to improve the accuracy of the judgment result on whether water needs to be added by taking into account the amount of water that naturally evaporates in the water tank.

[0007] The second aspect of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can more accurately determine whether the water tank needs to be filled with water.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a control method for an air conditioner, the air conditioner having a water tank for holding humidification water and a liquid level detection device, the liquid level detection device being configured to generate a water shortage warning signal when the water level in the water tank is lower than a preset water level; and

[0009] The control method includes:

[0010] Receive a humidification start signal indicating the activation of the humidification mode of the air conditioner;

[0011] The humidification mode of the air conditioner is activated when the water level in the water tank is higher than or equal to the preset water level.

[0012] Upon receiving the water shortage warning signal, the system calculates the first time interval required from the current moment until the water in the tank is consumed to a preset minimum limit, and records this as the delayed humidification period, then continues to execute the humidification mode; wherein, when the water level in the tank is the preset water level, the amount of water in the tank that is in warning mode is greater than the preset minimum limit; and

[0013] When the duration of continuing the humidification mode after receiving the water shortage signal reaches the delayed humidification period, a prompt message indicating that the water tank is low on water is issued.

[0014] Optionally, the step of calculating the first time interval required from the current moment until the water in the tank is consumed to a preset minimum limit includes:

[0015] The indoor ambient temperature and humidity of the indoor space where the air conditioner is located are obtained;

[0016] The target humidification efficiency of the air conditioner in the humidification mode is determined based on the indoor ambient temperature and the indoor ambient humidity; and

[0017] The first time interval is calculated based on the difference between the warning water volume and the preset minimum limit, as well as the target humidification efficiency.

[0018] Optionally, the step of calculating the first time interval based on the difference between the warning water volume and the preset minimum limit, and the target humidification efficiency, includes:

[0019] Obtain the cross-sectional area of ​​the water tank;

[0020] Calculate the product of the cross-sectional area of ​​the water tank and the height of the preset water level, and use it as the warning water volume;

[0021] Calculate the difference between the warning water volume and the preset minimum limit; and

[0022] The quotient obtained by dividing the difference by the target humidification efficiency is taken as the first time interval.

[0023] Optionally, the control method further includes:

[0024] Upon receiving the humidification start signal, if the water level in the water tank is lower than the preset water level, it is determined whether the air conditioner was within the delayed humidification period when it last stopped executing the humidification mode; and

[0025] If so, a prompt message is issued to indicate that the water tank is low on water.

[0026] Optionally, the control method further includes:

[0027] After receiving the humidification start signal, if the water level in the water tank is lower than the preset water level, it is determined whether the last time the air conditioner stopped executing the humidification mode was within the delayed humidification period;

[0028] If not, calculate the amount of water evaporated from the water tank since the air conditioner last stopped executing the humidification mode until the current moment; and

[0029] Depending on the amount of water evaporation, the humidification mode may continue to be executed or the prompt message may be issued.

[0030] Optionally, the step of calculating the amount of water evaporated from the water tank since the air conditioner last stopped executing the humidification mode until the current moment includes:

[0031] The second time interval from the last time the air conditioner stopped executing the humidification mode to the current time is obtained, as well as the average ambient temperature and average ambient humidity in the indoor space where the air conditioner is located during the second time interval;

[0032] The average water evaporation efficiency in the water tank is determined based on the average ambient temperature and the average ambient humidity; and

[0033] Calculate the product of the second time interval and the average water evaporation efficiency, and use it as the amount of water evaporated from the water tank since the air conditioner stopped executing the humidification mode until the current moment.

[0034] Optionally, the step of selectively continuing the humidification mode or issuing the prompt message based on the amount of moisture evaporation includes:

[0035] If the amount of water evaporated is greater than or equal to the first preset water amount, then the prompt message will be issued;

[0036] If the amount of water evaporated is less than the first preset water volume, but greater than or equal to the second preset water volume, then the prompt message will be issued after the first preset duration of the humidification mode is executed.

[0037] If the amount of water evaporated is less than the second preset water volume, the humidification mode will continue for the second preset duration before issuing the prompt message; wherein

[0038] The first preset water volume is greater than the second preset water volume, and the first preset duration is less than the second preset duration.

[0039] Optionally, after receiving the humidification start signal, the control method further includes:

[0040] The status of the liquid level detection device is used to determine whether the water level in the water tank is higher than or equal to the preset water level.

[0041] Optionally, the liquid level detection device includes a magnetic switch fixedly mounted on one side of the water tank and a float disposed inside the water tank to float with the water in the tank; and

[0042] The float contains a magnetic component for sensing the magnetic switch.

[0043] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention also provides an air conditioner, comprising:

[0044] Water tank, used to hold humidification water;

[0045] The liquid level detection device is configured to generate a water shortage warning signal when the water level in the water tank is lower than a preset water level; and

[0046] A control device, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a machine-executable program, and the machine-executable program, when executed by the processor, is used to implement the control method described in any of the above schemes.

[0047] The air conditioner control method of this invention, when receiving a water shortage warning signal from a liquid level detection device during humidification mode operation, does not immediately issue a water shortage warning to the user. Instead, it calculates the time interval required from the current moment until the water in the tank is consumed to a preset minimum limit, and uses this as a delayed humidification period. Within this delayed humidification period, the humidification mode continues to be executed, humidifying the indoor space, and the water in the tank continues to be consumed until the humidification time reaches the calculated delayed humidification period before issuing a water shortage warning. Since the water level in the tank continues to be consumed as humidification continues after the water level drops to the preset level, but the water level in the tank cannot be directly detected, this invention transforms the subsequent water level detection in the tank into time monitoring. When the duration of continued humidification mode execution reaches the calculated delayed humidification period, the water in the tank should theoretically have reached the preset minimum limit. At this point, issuing a water shortage warning is more accurate, and the water level in the tank that the user sees when adding water is the preset minimum limit, eliminating user inconvenience.

[0048] Furthermore, if the water level in the tank is already below the preset level when the air conditioner receives the humidification start signal, there are two possibilities. First, when the air conditioner last stopped humidification, the water level in the tank hadn't yet dropped to the preset level. As time passed, the water in the tank gradually evaporated, causing the water level to fall below the preset level. Second, the air conditioner was within the delayed humidification period when it last stopped humidification, because the water level in the tank will inevitably be below the preset level during the delayed humidification period. In the first case, the original water volume in the tank is relatively large. Even with evaporation, there may still be enough water for humidification. Therefore, in this case, selectively continuing the humidification mode or issuing a prompt message based on the amount of water evaporation is more reasonable and accurate. In the second case, the original water volume in the tank is already low. With evaporation, it's almost impossible for the tank to have enough water for humidification. In this case, directly issuing a prompt message is more realistic and eliminates unnecessary logical judgments, resulting in a faster response time. As can be seen, this invention comprehensively considers the amount of water that naturally evaporates in the water tank, thus improving the accuracy of the judgment result on whether water needs to be added.

[0049] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0050] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in a detailed manner by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0051] Figure 1 is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 is a schematic flowchart of a calculation of the first time interval required from the current moment until the water in the tank is consumed to a preset minimum limit, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of calculating the amount of water evaporated in the water tank from the last time the air conditioner stopped executing the humidification mode to the current time, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 5 is a schematic structural block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figures 6 and 7 are schematic structural diagrams of a water tank in different orientations according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0057] This invention first provides a control method for an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a water tank for holding humidification water and a liquid level detection device configured to generate a water shortage warning signal when the water level in the tank is lower than a preset level. The control method of this invention is designed based on an air conditioner having the above-described structure.

[0058] The control method of the air conditioner of the present invention includes:

[0059] Receives a humidification start signal indicating the activation of the humidification mode of the air conditioner;

[0060] The air conditioner's humidification mode is activated when the water level in the tank is higher than or equal to the preset water level.

[0061] Upon receiving a water shortage warning signal, the system calculates the first time interval required from the current moment until the water in the tank is consumed to the preset minimum limit, and records this as the delayed humidification period, continuing the humidification mode. Specifically, when the water level in the tank is at the preset level, the amount of water in the tank that is currently in the warning mode is greater than the preset minimum limit.

[0062] When the duration of humidification mode after receiving a water shortage signal reaches the extended humidification period, a prompt message indicating that the water tank is low will be issued.

[0063] When the air conditioner control method of the present invention receives a water shortage warning signal generated by the liquid level detection device during humidification mode operation, it does not immediately issue a water shortage warning to the user. Instead, it calculates the time interval required from the current moment until the water in the water tank is consumed to a preset minimum limit, and uses this time interval as the delayed humidification period. Within this delayed humidification period, the humidification mode continues to be executed, humidifying the indoor space, and the water in the water tank continues to be consumed until the humidification time reaches the calculated delayed humidification period before issuing a water shortage warning.

[0064] As humidification continues, water continues to be consumed after the water level drops to the preset level. However, the water level in the tank cannot be directly detected. Therefore, this invention transforms the subsequent water level detection into time monitoring. When the humidification mode continues for the calculated delayed humidification period, the water level in the tank should theoretically reach the preset minimum limit. At this point, issuing a water shortage warning is more accurate. When the user adds water to the tank, the water level seen is the preset minimum limit, eliminating user inconvenience and avoiding the hassle of frequently adding water to the tank.

[0065] Specifically, Figure 1 is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 1, the control method of the present invention may specifically include:

[0066] Step S10: Receive a humidification start signal indicating the start of the humidification mode of the air conditioner;

[0067] Step S20: Determine whether the water level in the water tank is higher than or equal to the preset water level; if so, proceed to step S30.

[0068] Step S30: Activate the humidification mode of the air conditioner;

[0069] Step S40: Determine whether a water shortage warning signal has been received; if yes, proceed to step S50; if no, return to continue the determination.

[0070] Step S50: Calculate the first time interval required from the current moment until the water in the tank is consumed to the preset minimum limit, and record this as the delayed humidification period; then continue executing the humidification mode; and

[0071] Step S60: Determine whether the duration of continuing to execute the humidification mode after receiving the water shortage signal has reached the delayed humidification period; if yes, proceed to step S70; if no, return to continue the determination.

[0072] Step S70: Issue a prompt message indicating that the water tank is low on water.

[0073] In some embodiments, in step S20, the water level in the tank can be determined based on the status of the liquid level detection device to determine whether it is higher than or equal to the preset water level.

[0074] For example, when the liquid level detection device includes a magnetic switch and a float, if the magnetic switch is in the off state, it means that the water in the tank is lower than the preset water level; if the magnetic switch is in the on state, it means that the water in the tank is higher than or equal to the preset water level.

[0075] Figure 2 is a schematic flowchart illustrating the calculation of the first time interval required from the current moment until the water in the tank is consumed to a preset minimum limit, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the step of calculating the first time interval required from the current moment until the water in the tank is consumed to a preset minimum limit may specifically include:

[0076] Step S51: Obtain the indoor ambient temperature and humidity of the indoor space where the air conditioner is located;

[0077] Step S52: Determine the target humidification efficiency of the air conditioner in humidification mode based on the indoor ambient temperature and humidity; and

[0078] Step S53: Calculate the first time interval based on the difference between the warning water volume and the preset minimum limit, as well as the target humidification efficiency.

[0079] The required target humidification efficiency of an air conditioner varies depending on the indoor temperature and humidity. For example, at a constant indoor temperature, the lower the indoor humidity, the higher the required target humidification efficiency. In other words, the target humidification efficiency of an air conditioner has a corresponding relationship with the indoor temperature and humidity. Furthermore, the indoor temperature and humidity can be directly obtained from the air conditioner's temperature and / or humidity acquisition devices. Therefore, based on this relationship and the obtained indoor temperature and humidity, the target humidification efficiency of the air conditioner in humidification mode can be determined.

[0080] The target humidification efficiency of an air conditioner can accurately represent the water consumption efficiency in the water tank to a certain extent, that is, the amount of water consumed per unit time. The difference between the warning water volume and the preset minimum limit indicates the total amount of water that can still be consumed in the water tank. Therefore, based on the difference between the warning water volume and the preset minimum limit, as well as the target humidification efficiency, the first time interval, that is, the duration of the delayed humidification period, can be calculated.

[0081] As can be seen, this invention uses a reasonable conversion relationship to calculate the delayed humidification period using readily available known parameters of the air conditioner. The idea is ingenious, the logic is very reasonable, and the result is more accurate.

[0082] In some embodiments, the step of calculating the first time interval based on the difference between the warning water volume and the preset minimum limit, and the target humidification efficiency, may specifically include:

[0083] Obtain the cross-sectional area of ​​the water tank;

[0084] Calculate the product of the cross-sectional area of ​​the water tank and the height of the preset water level, and use it as the warning water volume;

[0085] Calculate the difference between the warning water volume and the preset minimum limit; and

[0086] The quotient obtained by dividing the difference by the target humidification efficiency is used as the first time interval.

[0087] For a specific air conditioner, the cross-sectional area of ​​its water tank is a fixed constant, which can be preset in the air conditioner's control device. When the liquid level detection device generates a water shortage warning signal, the water level in the tank is approximately at the preset water level. The height of this preset water level is a fixed value, which can also be preset in the air conditioner's control device. Therefore, when the water level in the tank is at the preset water level, the amount of water in the tank that warrants the warning can be calculated by multiplying the cross-sectional area and height of the tank.

[0088] Of course, if the preset water level remains constant, the warning water volume is also a fixed value, which can also be preset in the air conditioner's control device.

[0089] In some embodiments, the control method of the present invention further includes:

[0090] Upon receiving the humidification start signal, if the water level in the tank is lower than the preset level, it determines whether the air conditioner was within the delayed humidification period when it last stopped executing the humidification mode; and

[0091] If so, a warning message will be issued to indicate that the water tank is low on water.

[0092] In some embodiments, the control method of the present invention further includes:

[0093] After receiving the humidification start signal, if the water level in the water tank is lower than the preset water level, it is determined whether the air conditioner was within the delayed humidification period when it last stopped executing the humidification mode.

[0094] If not, calculate the amount of water evaporated from the water tank since the air conditioner last stopped operating in humidification mode until the current moment; and

[0095] Depending on the amount of moisture evaporation, the humidification mode may be selectively continued or a prompt message may be issued.

[0096] If the air conditioner receives the humidification start signal but the water level in the tank is already below the preset level, there are two possibilities. First, when the air conditioner last stopped humidification, the water level in the tank hadn't yet dropped to the preset level. As time passed, the water in the tank gradually evaporated, causing the water level to fall below the preset level. Second, the air conditioner was within the delayed humidification period when it last stopped humidification, because the water level in the tank will inevitably be below the preset level during the delayed humidification period.

[0097] In the first scenario, the original water volume in the tank is relatively large. Even if some water evaporates, there may still be enough water in the tank for humidification. Therefore, in this case, it is more reasonable and accurate to selectively continue the humidification mode or issue a prompt message based on the amount of water evaporation.

[0098] In the second scenario, the original water level in the tank is already low. As the water evaporates, it is almost impossible for the tank to have enough water for humidification. In this case, issuing a prompt message directly is more in line with the actual situation and saves unnecessary logical judgments, resulting in a faster response time.

[0099] As can be seen, the present invention also takes into account the amount of water that naturally evaporates from the water tank when judging the amount of water in the tank, thus improving the accuracy of the judgment result on whether water needs to be added.

[0100] Specifically, Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 3, in other embodiments, the control method of the present invention may specifically include:

[0101] Step S10: Receive a humidification start signal indicating the start of the humidification mode of the air conditioner;

[0102] Step S20: Determine whether the water level in the water tank is higher than or equal to the preset water level; if yes, proceed to step S30; if no, proceed to step S80.

[0103] Step S30: Activate the humidification mode of the air conditioner;

[0104] Step S40: Determine whether a water shortage warning signal has been received; if yes, proceed to step S50; if no, return to continue the determination.

[0105] Step S50: Calculate the first time interval required from the current moment until the water in the tank is consumed to the preset minimum limit, and record this as the delayed humidification period; then continue executing the humidification mode; and

[0106] Step S60: Determine whether the duration of continuing to execute the humidification mode after receiving the water shortage signal has reached the delayed humidification period; if yes, proceed to step S70; if no, return to continue the determination.

[0107] Step S70: Issue a prompt message indicating that the water tank is low on water.

[0108] Step S80: Determine whether the air conditioner was within the delayed humidification period when it last stopped executing the humidification mode; if yes, proceed to step S70; if no, proceed to step S90.

[0109] Step S90: Calculate the amount of water evaporated from the water tank since the air conditioner last stopped operating in humidification mode until the current moment; and

[0110] In step S100, the humidification mode may be selectively continued or a prompt message may be issued based on the amount of water evaporation.

[0111] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart illustrating the calculation of the amount of water evaporated from the water tank since the last time the air conditioner stopped humidifying. According to an embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 4, step S90 of calculating the amount of water evaporated from the water tank since the last time the air conditioner stopped humidifying can specifically include:

[0112] Step S91: Obtain the second time interval from the last time the air conditioner stopped executing the humidification mode to the current time, and the average ambient temperature and average ambient humidity in the indoor space where the air conditioner is located during the second time interval;

[0113] Step S92: Determine the average water evaporation efficiency in the water tank based on the average ambient temperature and average ambient humidity; and

[0114] Step S93: Calculate the product of the second time interval and the average water evaporation efficiency, and use it as the amount of water evaporated in the water tank from the last time the air conditioner stopped executing the humidification mode until the current time.

[0115] In the first scenario described above, when the air conditioner last stopped operating the humidification mode, the water level in the tank was still higher than or equal to the preset water level; when the air conditioner currently operates the humidification mode, the water level in the tank is lower than the preset water level. Therefore, the amount of water evaporated naturally from the tank during the time interval between the last time the air conditioner stopped operating the humidification mode and the current start of the humidification mode cannot be directly obtained.

[0116] However, the amount of water evaporated naturally within the tank is directly related to the duration of the second time interval and the evaporation efficiency within the tank. This evaporation efficiency is closely related to indoor humidity and temperature. For example, when the indoor temperature is constant, the evaporation efficiency is inversely correlated with indoor humidity; when the indoor humidity is constant, the evaporation efficiency is positively correlated with indoor temperature. In other words, the evaporation efficiency of water naturally evaporating within the tank has a corresponding matching relationship with indoor temperature and humidity. Furthermore, indoor temperature and humidity can be directly obtained from the temperature and / or humidity acquisition devices of the air conditioner. Over a given time interval, the average indoor temperature and average humidity can accurately characterize the overall temperature and humidity within that time interval. Therefore, based on the aforementioned matching relationship, average ambient temperature, and average ambient humidity, the average evaporation efficiency of the tank within that time interval can be determined.

[0117] In some embodiments, the step of selectively continuing the humidification mode or issuing a prompt message based on the amount of moisture evaporation may specifically include:

[0118] If the amount of water evaporated is greater than or equal to the first preset water amount, a prompt message will be issued;

[0119] If the amount of water evaporated is less than the first preset water volume, but greater than or equal to the second preset water volume, the humidification mode will continue for the first preset time and then a prompt message will be issued.

[0120] If the amount of water evaporated is less than the second preset water volume, the humidification mode will continue for the second preset duration before a prompt message is issued;

[0121] The first preset water volume is greater than the second preset water volume, and the first preset duration is less than the second preset duration.

[0122] If the amount of water evaporated during the second time interval is large, such as exceeding the first preset water volume, it is more accurate and reasonable to issue a prompt message directly. If the amount of water evaporated during the second time interval is small, the humidification mode can continue to be executed for a period of time before issuing a prompt message, so that the water in the water tank is consumed more thoroughly and the judgment is more accurate.

[0123] It should be noted that the values ​​of the first preset water volume and the second preset water volume can be preset according to the cross-sectional area of ​​the water tank.

[0124] The present invention also provides an air conditioner. FIG5 is a schematic structural block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG5 and FIG6 and 7 below, the air conditioner 1 of the present invention includes a water tank 10, a liquid level detection device 30, and a control device 20 that is signal-connected to the liquid level detection device 30.

[0125] Water tank 10 is used to hold humidification water. Liquid level detection device 20 is configured to generate a water shortage warning signal when the water level in water tank 10 is lower than a preset water level.

[0126] The control device 20 includes a processor 21 and a memory 22. The memory 22 stores a machine-executable program 23, and when the machine-executable program 23 is executed by the processor 21, it is used to implement the noise control method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0127] Specifically, processor 21 can be a central processing unit (CPU) or a digital processing unit, etc. Processor 21 sends and receives data via a communication interface. Memory 22 is used to store the program executed by processor 21. Memory 22 can be any medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer; it can also be a combination of multiple memories. The aforementioned machine-executable program 23 can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to the corresponding computing / processing device or via a network (e.g., the Internet, local area network, wide area network, and / or wireless network) to a computer or external storage device.

[0128] Figures 6 and 7 are schematic structural diagrams of a water tank in different orientations according to an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the liquid level detection device 30 includes a magnetic switch 31 fixedly disposed on one side of the water tank 10 and a float 32 disposed inside the water tank 10 to float with the water in the water tank 10. The float 32 is provided with a magnetic element for sensing the magnetic switch 31. When the water level in the water tank 10 rises, the float 32 floats up. When the float 32 floats to the point where the magnetic element on it can sense the magnetic switch 31, the magnetic switch 31 receives a signal, the magnetic switch 31 is connected, indicating that there is water in the water tank 10, and no water shortage warning signal is generated; when the water level in the water tank 10 drops, the float 32 will drop accordingly, the sensing between the magnetic element and the magnetic switch 31 will disappear, the magnetic switch 31 will disconnect, and a water shortage warning signal will be generated.

[0129] That is, the control method of the present invention is more applicable to air conditioners with the liquid level detection device 30 (i.e., including a magnetic switch and a float) having the above-described structure.

[0130] It should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can also refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0131] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the description of this invention, each functional module can be a physical module composed of multiple structures, components, or electronic devices, or a virtual module composed of multiple programs; each functional module can be an independent module or a module divided from a whole module according to its function. Those skilled in the art should understand that, provided the technical solution described in this invention can be implemented, any changes in the configuration, implementation, or positional relationship of the functional modules will not deviate from the technical principles of this invention, and therefore should all fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0132] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A control method for an air conditioner, the air conditioner having a water tank for holding humidification water and a liquid level detection device, the liquid level detection device being configured to generate a water shortage warning signal when the water level in the water tank is lower than a preset water level; and the control method comprising: Receive a humidification start signal indicating the activation of the humidification mode of the air conditioner; The humidification mode of the air conditioner is activated when the water level in the water tank is higher than or equal to the preset water level; upon receiving the water shortage warning signal, the first time interval required from the current moment until the water in the water tank is consumed to the preset minimum limit is calculated and recorded as the delayed humidification period, and the humidification mode continues to be executed; wherein, when the water level in the water tank is the preset water level, the amount of water in the water tank that is under warning is greater than the preset minimum limit; and when the duration of continuing to execute the humidification mode after receiving the water shortage warning signal reaches the delayed humidification period, a prompt message indicating that the water tank is short of water is issued.

2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the step of calculating the first time interval required from the current moment until the water in the water tank is consumed to a preset minimum limit includes: The indoor ambient temperature and humidity of the indoor space where the air conditioner is located are obtained; The target humidification efficiency of the air conditioner in the humidification mode is determined based on the indoor ambient temperature and the indoor ambient humidity; and the first time interval is calculated based on the difference between the warning water volume and the preset minimum limit, and the target humidification efficiency.

3. The control method according to claim 2, wherein the step of calculating the first time interval based on the difference between the warning water volume and the preset minimum limit volume, and the target humidification efficiency, includes: Obtain the cross-sectional area of ​​the water tank; Calculate the product of the cross-sectional area of ​​the water tank and the height of the preset water level, and use it as the warning water volume; Calculate the difference between the warning water volume and the preset minimum limit; and divide the difference by the target humidification efficiency as the first time interval.

4. The control method according to claim 1 further includes: Upon receiving the humidification start signal, if the water level in the water tank is lower than the preset water level, it is determined whether the last time the air conditioner stopped executing the humidification mode was within the delayed humidification period; and if so, a prompt message is issued to indicate that the water tank is low on water.

5. The control method according to claim 1, further comprising: Upon receiving the humidification start signal, if the water level in the water tank is lower than the preset water level, it is determined whether the last time the air conditioner stopped executing the humidification mode was within the delayed humidification period; if not, the amount of water evaporated from the water tank from the last time the air conditioner stopped executing the humidification mode to the current moment is calculated. And, depending on the amount of moisture evaporation, selectively continue the humidification mode or issue the prompt message.

6. The control method according to claim 5, wherein the step of calculating the amount of water evaporated from the water tank since the air conditioner last stopped executing the humidification mode until the current moment includes: The system obtains a second time interval from the last time the air conditioner stopped executing the humidification mode to the current time, and the average ambient temperature and average ambient humidity in the indoor space where the air conditioner is located during the second time interval; determines the average water evaporation efficiency in the water tank based on the average ambient temperature and the average ambient humidity; and calculates the product of the second time interval and the average water evaporation efficiency, and uses it as the amount of water evaporated from the water tank from the last time the air conditioner stopped executing the humidification mode to the current time.

7. The control method according to claim 5, wherein the step of selectively continuing the humidification mode or issuing the prompt message based on the amount of water evaporation includes: If the amount of water evaporated is greater than or equal to the first preset amount of water, then the prompt message is issued; If the amount of water evaporated is less than the first preset water volume, but greater than or equal to the second preset water volume, then the prompt message will be issued after the first preset duration of the humidification mode is executed. If the amount of water evaporated is less than the second preset water amount, the prompt message will be issued after the second preset duration of the humidification mode is executed. The first preset water volume is greater than the second preset water volume, and the first preset duration is less than the second preset duration.

8. The control method according to claim 1, wherein after receiving the humidification start signal, the control method further includes: The status of the liquid level detection device is used to determine whether the water level in the water tank is higher than or equal to the preset water level.

9. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the liquid level detection device includes a magnetic switch fixedly disposed on one side of the water tank and a float disposed inside the water tank to float with the water in the water tank; and the float is provided with a magnetic element for sensing the magnetic switch.

10. An air conditioner, comprising: Water tank, used to hold humidification water; The liquid level detection device is configured to generate a water shortage warning signal when the water level in the water tank is lower than a preset water level. The control device includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a machine-executable program, and the machine-executable program being executed by the processor to implement the control method according to any one of claims 1-9.

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