Air conditioner and sweeper interconnection control method and device and air conditioner

Abstract

The invention relates to an interconnection control method and device for an air conditioner and a sweeper and the air conditioner. The air conditioner and the sweeper are located in the same indoor environment space, the air conditioner is provided with a first water storage tank used for storing humidification water, and the sweeper is provided with a second water storage tank used for storing water. The interconnection control method comprises the following steps: receiving a humidification stop signal; the humidification stop signal is generated when the humidification mode of the air conditioner is finished or stopped; detecting whether water remains in the first water storage tank or not; if the water remains, judging whether the water level information in the first water storage tank is changed or not within the later first preset duration; and if not, the water in the first water storage tank is discharged to the second water storage tank. When residual water exists in the first water storage tank for a long time, the water in the first water storage tank is drained to the second water storage tank of the sweeper, and the bad phenomena that water remains in the first water storage tank for a long time and cannot be used, and bacteria breed or peculiar smells are generated are effectively eradicated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of intelligent control technology, and in particular to an interconnection control method and device for an air conditioner and a sweeping machine, and the air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] As users' requirements for quality of life become higher and higher, more and more families will have both air conditioners and sweeping robots. Among them, air conditioners are mainly used to adjust indoor temperature and indoor humidity, and sweeping robots are mainly used to clean the floor, thereby improving the comfort of life.

[0003] Most of the existing air conditioners and sweeping robots have no connection. Even if some existing technologies leave a space inside the air conditioner as a base station for the sweeping robot in order to save indoor space, this is just a simple combination of the air conditioner and the sweeping robot in terms of spatial structure, and the two have no functional intersection. It can be said that the existing air conditioners and sweeping robots cannot be effectively interconnected, and cannot be intelligently adjusted according to the actual needs of users. From the perspective of intelligence, the user experience is poor. Summary of the invention

[0004] One purpose of the first aspect of the present invention is to overcome at least one defect of the prior art and provide an interconnection control method for an air conditioner and a sweeper to prevent the water in the water tank from being unused for a long time and breeding bacteria and generating odors.

[0005] A further object of the first aspect of the present invention is to rationally utilize the water in the air conditioner water tank.

[0006] The second aspect of the present invention aims to provide an interconnected control device for an air conditioner and a sweeping machine to prevent the water in the water tank from being unused for a long time and thus breeding bacteria, generating odor, etc.

[0007] A third aspect of the present invention aims to provide an air conditioner having the above interconnection control device.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides an interconnection control method of an air conditioner and a sweeping machine, wherein

[0009] The air conditioner and the sweeping machine are in the same indoor environment space, and the air conditioner has a first water storage tank for storing humidification water, and the sweeping machine has a second water storage tank for storing water; and

[0010] The interconnection control method comprises:

[0011] receiving a humidification stop signal; the humidification stop signal is generated when the humidification mode of the air conditioner ends or stops;

[0012] Detecting whether there is water remaining in the first water storage tank;

[0013] If there is water remaining, determining whether the water level information in the first water storage tank changes within a first preset time period thereafter; and

[0014] If no change occurs, the water in the first water storage tank is discharged to the second water storage tank.

[0015] Optionally, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit casing, a cavity is formed in the indoor unit casing at the lower end thereof, and an entrance and exit communicated with the cavity are opened on the indoor unit casing to allow the sweeper to enter and exit the cavity through the entrance and exit; the first water storage tank is configured to be movably arranged in the indoor unit casing, and has a first state supported inside the indoor unit casing and separated from the sweeper and a second state supported on the sweeper to replenish water to the second water storage tank; and

[0016] The step of discharging water in the first water storage tank to the second water storage tank comprises:

[0017] Controlling the sweeper to be in the cavity;

[0018] Adjust the first water storage tank to the second state.

[0019] Optionally, a sewage collecting chamber is further formed at the bottom of the cavity, the sewage collecting chamber is communicated with a sewage discharge pipe, and the sewage discharge pipe extends to the outside of the indoor unit casing; and

[0020] Before adjusting the first water storage tank to the second state, the step of discharging the water in the first water storage tank to the second water storage tank further includes:

[0021] Obtaining the residual water volume in the first water storage tank and the remaining water volume in the second water storage tank;

[0022] If the residual water volume in the first water storage tank is less than or equal to the residual water volume in the second water storage tank, adjusting the first water storage tank to the second state; and

[0023] If the residual water volume in the first water tank is greater than the remaining water volume in the second water tank, part of the water in the second water tank is discharged to the sewage collecting chamber, and the first water tank is adjusted to the second state.

[0024] Optionally, after draining the water in the first water tank into the second water tank, the interconnection control method further includes:

[0025] Selectively start the self-cleaning mode or the cleaning mode of the sweeper; wherein

[0026] In the self-cleaning mode, the sweeper uses the water in the second water tank to clean the sweeping mechanism of the sweeper; and

[0027] In the cleaning mode, the sweeper uses the water in the second water tank to clean the floor in the indoor environment space.

[0028] Optionally, the step of selectively starting the self-cleaning mode of the sweeping machine or the cleaning mode of the sweeping machine includes:

[0029] Sending a prompt message indicating whether to start the cleaning mode of the sweeper;

[0030] If feedback information indicating that the cleaning mode of the sweeping machine is not to be turned on is received, the self-cleaning mode of the sweeping machine is automatically turned on; and

[0031] If feedback information indicating that the cleaning mode of the sweeping machine is turned on is received, or if no feedback information is received, the cleaning mode of the sweeping machine is automatically turned on.

[0032] Optionally, after automatically starting the cleaning mode of the sweeper, the interconnection control method further includes:

[0033] After the cleaning mode of the sweeper is completed, determining whether there is still water in the second water storage tank;

[0034] If yes, the self-cleaning mode of the sweeper is turned on.

[0035] Optionally, the interconnection control method further includes:

[0036] Before the sweeping machine executes the self-cleaning mode, the sweeping machine is controlled to return to the cavity to execute the self-cleaning mode in the cavity.

[0037] Optionally, before draining the water in the first water tank into the second water tank, the interconnection control method further includes:

[0038] Sending a prompt message for prompting that the first water storage tank needs to be cleaned or the water needs to be changed;

[0039] Detecting whether the first water storage tank has been cleaned or the water has been changed;

[0040] If not, the water in the first water storage tank is discharged to the second water storage tank.

[0041] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention further provides an interconnection control device for an air conditioner and a sweeping machine, comprising:

[0042] A processor and a memory, wherein a machine executable program is stored in the memory, and when the machine executable program is executed by the processor, it is used to implement the interconnection control method described in any of the above schemes.

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

[0044] a first water storage tank for storing humidification water; and

[0045] An interconnection control device according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0046] The interconnection control method of the air conditioner and the sweeping machine provided by the present invention is designed on the basis of the structure that the air conditioner and the sweeping machine have a first water tank and a second water tank respectively. Specifically, after receiving the humidification stop signal used to indicate the end or stop of the humidification mode of the air conditioner, the present invention immediately detects whether there is water remaining in the first water tank; if there is water remaining, it continues to determine whether the water level information in the first water tank changes within the first preset time period thereafter; if the water level information in the first water tank does not change within the first preset time period thereafter, it means that the air conditioner has not turned on the humidification mode again for a long time, and the water remaining in the first water tank may breed bacteria, produce odor, etc. For this reason, the present invention discharges the water in the first water tank to the second water tank of the sweeping machine at this time, effectively preventing the water from remaining in the first water tank for a long time without being used and breeding bacteria or producing odor and other undesirable phenomena.

[0047] Furthermore, since the sweeping machine automatically and frequently performs cleaning operations, self-cleaning operations, etc., these operations all require water. For this reason, the present invention selectively turns on the self-cleaning mode or the cleaning mode of the sweeping machine after discharging the water in the first water tank to the second water tank, so as to selectively use the water in the second water tank to self-clean the cleaning mechanism of the sweeping machine or use the water in the second water tank to clean the ground, timely and fully utilizing the water discharged from the first water tank, avoiding the risk of bacteria breeding and odor generation caused by water being stored in the second water tank for too long, and also avoiding the waste of water caused by directly discharging the water in the second water tank, and reasonably utilizing the water discharged from the first water tank of the air conditioner.

[0048] Based on the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will become more aware of the above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Hereinafter, some specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in an exemplary and non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings indicate the same or similar components or parts. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the accompanying drawings:

[0050] Figure 1 is a schematic flow chart of a method for interconnecting and controlling an air conditioner and a sweeping machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 2 and Figure 3 They are schematic structural diagrams of an indoor unit of an air conditioner in different states according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic enlarged view of the middle portion A;

[0053] Figure 5 is a schematic flow chart of an interconnection control method of an air conditioner and a sweeping machine according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 6 is a schematic structural block diagram of an interconnection control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 7 is a schematic structural block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The present invention firstly provides an interconnection control method of an air conditioner and a sweeping machine, which can realize the intelligent interconnection between the air conditioner and the sweeping machine, provide a scenario of interconnection of smart home appliances, and effectively improve the degree of intelligence.

[0057] Specifically, the sweeping machine and the air conditioner are in the same indoor environment space, so that the air conditioner and the sweeping machine can work together to jointly improve the intelligent experience of users in the indoor environment space.

[0058] It should be noted that the methods of the following embodiments of the present invention are all described from the side of the interconnection control device between the air conditioner and the sweeping machine, that is, the relevant steps are executed by the control device. In addition, the premise for implementing the following embodiments of the present invention is that the air conditioner and the sweeping machine are interconnected. Specifically, an interconnection control device between the air conditioner and the sweeping machine can be provided between the air conditioner and the sweeping machine, through which signals sent by the air conditioner and the sweeping machine can be received, and signals can be sent to the air conditioner and the sweeping machine. The control device can be provided separately or inside the air conditioner.

[0059] The sweeping machine in this embodiment has the characteristic of intelligence, precisely because it can send signals to the control device as mentioned above, and can receive signals sent by the control device. Specifically, it can be realized by setting a controller on the sweeping machine. Similarly, the air conditioner can also be provided with its own controller, so that it can send signals to the control device and receive signals sent by the control device.

[0060] The interconnection control method of the air conditioner and the sweeping machine provided by the present invention is designed on the basis of the structure that the air conditioner and the sweeping machine respectively have a first water storage tank and a second water storage tank.

[0061] Specifically, the air conditioner has a first water storage tank for storing humidification water. When the air conditioner operates in a humidification mode, the water in the first water storage tank is used to humidify the airflow sent out by the indoor unit of the air conditioner, thereby indirectly humidifying the indoor environment space. The sweeper has a second water storage tank for storing water. The second water storage tank can be used to store water required for the sweeper to perform a cleaning operation, a self-cleaning operation, and / or a humidification operation.

[0062] Figure 1 is a schematic flow chart of a method for interconnecting and controlling an air conditioner and a sweeping machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 , the interconnection control method of the present invention comprises:

[0063] Step S10, receiving a humidification stop signal; the humidification stop signal is generated when the humidification mode of the air conditioner ends or stops;

[0064] Step S20, detecting whether there is water remaining in the first water storage tank; if so, proceeding to step S30;

[0065] Step S30, determining whether the water level information in the first water storage tank changes within the first preset time period thereafter; if not, proceeding to step S40; and

[0066] Step S40, draining the water in the first water tank to the second water tank.

[0067] After receiving the humidification stop signal indicating that the humidification mode of the air conditioner has ended or stopped, the present invention immediately detects whether there is water remaining in the first water tank; if there is water remaining, it continues to determine whether the water level information in the first water tank has changed within the first preset time period thereafter; if the water level information in the first water tank has not changed within the first preset time period thereafter, it means that the air conditioner has not turned on the humidification mode again for a long time, and the user has not cleaned the first water tank, and the water remaining in the first water tank may breed bacteria, produce odor, etc. For this reason, the present invention discharges the water in the first water tank to the second water tank of the sweeper at this time, effectively preventing the water from remaining in the first water tank for a long time without being used and breeding bacteria or producing odor, etc.

[0068] It is understandable that, since the sweeping machine automatically and frequently performs cleaning operations, self-cleaning operations, etc., these operations all require water. Therefore, the water discharged into the second water storage tank will not be stored in the second water storage tank for too long.

[0069] Furthermore, if the water level information in the first water tank changes within the first preset time period, it means that the air conditioner has turned on the humidification mode again and used the water in the first water tank, or the user has cleaned the first water tank, or the user has cleaned the first water tank and refilled water into the first water tank. At this time, the process may return to step S10 or step S20.

[0070] Specifically, in step S40, there are many ways to drain the water in the first water tank to the second water tank. For example, when the sweeper is in a certain position, the first water tank and the second water tank are connected directly or indirectly so that the water in the first water tank flows into the second water tank.

[0071] In particular, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The schematic structural diagram of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in different states according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The figure also shows a sweeper 2. In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit casing 10 in addition to the first water storage tank 30. The indoor unit casing 10 has a cavity 12 formed in the lower end thereof, and an inlet 13 connected to the cavity 12 is provided on the indoor unit casing 10 to allow the sweeper 2 to enter and exit the cavity 12 through the inlet 13. In particular, the first water storage tank 30 is configured to be movably disposed in the indoor unit casing 10, and has a first state in which it is supported inside the indoor unit casing 10 and is separated from the sweeper 2 (see Figure 2 ) and a second state in which the second water tank 201 is replenished with water (see Figure 3 ).

[0072] In these embodiments, the step S40 of discharging the water in the first water storage tank 30 to the second water storage tank 201 may specifically include:

[0073] Control the sweeping machine 2 to be in the cavity 12; and

[0074] The first water storage tank 30 is adjusted to the second state.

[0075] When it is necessary to drain the water in the first water tank 30 to the second water tank 201, the sweeping machine 2 may be in the cavity 12 or outside the cavity 12. Therefore, it is necessary to detect and judge the position of the sweeping machine 2. If the sweeping machine 2 is in the cavity 12, the first water tank 30 can be directly adjusted to the second state; if the sweeping machine 2 is outside the cavity 12, it is necessary to first force the sweeping machine 2 to enter the cavity 12 and then adjust the first water tank 30 to the second state to ensure that the first water tank 30 can be stably supported on the sweeping machine 2 and is in fluid communication with the second water tank 201 on the sweeping machine 2.

[0076] The present invention breaks through the traditional design concept that the first water tank is fixed in the existing design. In particular, the first water tank 30 is arranged to be movable. The state switching of the first water tank 30 is realized through the movement of the first water tank 30, thereby realizing the function switching of the first water tank 30 to supply water for humidification of the air conditioner or to replenish water for the second humidification device 201. The complicated water supply pipeline is eliminated, the structure of the air conditioner is simplified, and many beneficial technical effects that surpass the existing technology are achieved.

[0077] The present invention utilizes the interconnection between the air conditioner and the sweeper 2 to realize the intelligent drainage operation of the first water storage tank 30, and provides a scenario of interconnection of smart home appliances with a high degree of intelligence.

[0078] In some embodiments, a humidification air duct 11 is formed in the indoor unit housing 10 above the cavity 12. The first water storage tank 30 is configured to move in a controlled manner in the up and down direction, so that it is in the first state when it moves upward into the humidification air duct 11, and in the second state when it moves downward onto the sweeper 2. That is, the first water storage tank 30 only needs to move linearly up and down to realize the mutual switching between its first state and the second state, and the movement mode is simple and easy to realize.

[0079] Specifically, when the first water storage tank 30 is in the first state, humidification water can be provided to the humidification air duct 11 .

[0080] Furthermore, the air conditioner further comprises a humidifying device 20, which is configured to humidify the airflow passing through the humidifying air duct 11 using the water in the water storage tank 30. Specifically, the specific structure and humidification method of the humidifying device 20 can be any one of the prior art, which will not be described in detail here.

[0081] Furthermore, the air conditioner 1 also includes a water tank driving device 40, which is used to drive the first water tank 30 to move up and down in a controlled manner, so that the state of the first water tank 30 can be automatically adjusted by the water tank driving device 40, which is convenient for intelligent control.

[0082] Specifically, the water tank driving device 40 is used to controllably drive the first water storage tank 30 to move linearly in the up and down directions, so as to simplify the structure of the water tank driving device 40 .

[0083] In some embodiments, a sewage collecting chamber 16 is further formed at the bottom of the cavity 12 . The sewage collecting chamber 16 is communicated with a sewage pipe 17 . The sewage pipe 17 extends to the outside of the indoor unit casing 10 .

[0084] In these embodiments, before adjusting the first water storage tank 30 to the second state, the step of discharging the water in the first water storage tank 30 to the second water storage tank 201 further includes:

[0085] Obtain the residual water volume in the first water storage tank 30 and the remaining water volume in the second water storage tank 201;

[0086] If the residual water volume in the first water storage tank 30 is less than or equal to the residual water volume in the second water storage tank 201, the first water storage tank 30 is adjusted to the second state; and

[0087] If the residual water volume in the first water tank 30 is greater than the remaining water volume in the second water tank 201 , part of the water in the second water tank 201 is discharged to the sewage collecting chamber 16 , and the first water tank 30 is adjusted to the second state.

[0088] Specifically, the residual water volume in the first water storage tank 30 means the remaining water volume in the first water storage tank 30. The remaining water volume in the second water storage tank 201 means the amount of water that the second water storage tank 201 can still contain.

[0089] If the residual water volume in the first water tank 30 is less than or equal to the residual water volume in the second water tank 201, the second water tank 201 can accommodate all the residual water volume in the first water tank 30, so the first water tank 30 can be directly adjusted to the second state.

[0090] If the residual water volume in the first water tank 30 is greater than the residual water volume in the second water tank 201, the second water tank 201 can only accommodate part of the residual water volume in the first water tank 30, and the other part of the residual water volume needs to be discharged into the sewage collection chamber 16, so as to discharge the part of the excess residual water volume out of the indoor unit casing 10 through the sewage pipe 17, so as to avoid the part of the excess residual water volume remaining in the indoor unit casing 10 for a long time.

[0091] It can be understood that the operation of discharging part of the water in the second water tank 201 to the sewage collection chamber 16 can be performed simultaneously with the operation of adjusting the first water tank 30 to the second state, or part of the water in the second water tank 201 can be discharged to the sewage collection chamber 16 first, and then the first water tank 30 can be adjusted to the second state.

[0092] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Schematic enlarged view of the middle part A. In some embodiments, a water replenishment port 31 is provided at the bottom of the first water storage tank 30, and a water replenishment switch 32 is provided at the water replenishment port 31. The water replenishment switch 32 is configured to open the water replenishment port 31 when the first water storage tank 30 is in the second state to allow the water in the first water storage tank 30 to flow out through the water replenishment port 31 to the second humidification device 201 of the sweeping machine 2, and to block the water replenishment port 31 after the first water storage tank 30 moves upward from the second state to prevent the water in the first water storage tank 30 from flowing out through the water replenishment port 31.

[0093] It should be noted that the water replenishment switch 32 may be a mechanical switch to open or block the water replenishment port 31 through the interaction of mechanical structures. The water replenishment switch 32 may also be an electrically controlled switch to open or block the water replenishment port 31 in a controlled manner.

[0094] In some embodiments, participating Figure 4 The water replenishment switch 32 may specifically include a base 321 , a top rod 322 and a valve plate 323 .

[0095] The base 321 is disposed at the bottom of the first water storage tank 30 and covers the water replenishment port 31, and a through hole 324 is opened in the middle of the base 321. Specifically, the base 321 can be located inside the first water storage tank 30 to cover the water replenishment port 31 from the inside of the water replenishment port 31. At this time, the base 321 can be tightly fitted with the inner bottom wall of the first water storage tank 30 located around the water replenishment port 31 to prevent the water in the first water storage tank 30 from leaking through the matching interface between the base 321 and the inner bottom wall of the first water storage tank 30. In other embodiments, the base 321 can also be located outside the first water storage tank 30 to cover the water replenishment port 31 from the outside of the water replenishment port 31. At this time, the base 321 can be tightly fitted with the outer bottom wall of the first water storage tank 30 located around the water replenishment port 31 to prevent the water in the first water storage tank 30 from leaking through the matching interface between the base 321 and the outer bottom wall of the first water storage tank 30.

[0096] The top rod 322 is configured to be movably disposed in the through hole 324 in the up-down direction. It can be understood that a gap is formed between the top rod 322 and the hole wall of the through hole 324, which not only allows the top rod 322 to move smoothly along the through hole 324, but also allows the water in the first water tank 30 to flow through the gap.

[0097] The valve plate 323 is disposed on the top rod 322 and is located on the inner side of the base 321 facing the inside of the first water storage tank 30 .

[0098] The top rod 322 is configured to abut against the limiting protrusion 202 on the second humidifying device 201 and move upward to allow the valve plate 323 to open the through hole 324 during the process of the first water tank 30 switching from the first state to the second state, and to move downward under the action of its own gravity and the pressure of water to allow the valve plate 323 to block the through hole 324 during the process of the first water tank 30 switching from the second state to the first state.

[0099] During the process of the first water storage tank 30 switching from the first state to the second state, the lower end of the push rod 322 abuts against the limit protrusion 202 on the second humidifying device 201. As the first water storage tank 30 continues to move downward, the base 321 continues to move downward with the first water storage tank 30, and the push rod 322 stops moving downward due to the abutment of the limit protrusion 202. The push rod 322 is gradually lifted by the limit protrusion 202, and the valve plate 323 on the push rod 322 is gradually separated from the base 321, thereby opening the through hole 324. The water in the first water storage tank 30 flows to the second humidifying device 201 through the through hole 324 and the water replenishment port 31 in turn, achieving the purpose of replenishing water for the second humidifying device 201.

[0100] During the process of the first water tank 30 switching from the second state to the first state, the lower end of the push rod 322 gradually separates from the limiting protrusion 202, and the upward pushing pressure on the push rod 322 from the limiting protrusion 202 disappears. Under the action of the gravity of the push rod 322 itself and the pressure of the water in the first water tank 30 on the push rod 322 and the valve plate 323, the push rod 322 moves downward relative to the first water tank 30 until the valve plate 323 fits with the base 321, thereby blocking the through hole 324 on the base 321 and preventing the water in the first water tank 30 from continuing to flow out.

[0101] Specifically, the base 321 may be provided with a convex edge 325 that is located around the through hole 324 and protrudes upward to form a sealing ring effect. The diameter of the valve plate 323 is larger than the diameter of the convex edge 325. When the first water storage tank 30 is in the first state, the valve plate 323 is tightly abutted against the convex edge 325, thereby improving the sealing effect between the valve plate 323 and the base 321.

[0102] In some embodiments, a guide plate 14 is provided at the entrance and exit 13, and the guide plate 14 is configured to open the entrance and exit 13 in a controlled manner when the sweeping machine 2 enters and exits the cavity 12. On the one hand, it ensures that the sweeping machine 2 smoothly enters and exits the indoor unit casing 10. On the other hand, it ensures that the indoor unit casing 10 has a relatively complete appearance when the sweeping machine 2 does not pass through the entrance and exit 13, thereby improving its aesthetic effect.

[0103] Further, the guide plate 14 is pivotally connected to the housing 10. The pivot shaft 15 between the guide plate 14 and the housing 10 is located at the bottom of the inlet and outlet 13, that is, the guide plate 14 pivots up and down about its pivot shaft, and the bottom of the guide plate 14 when it is in a state of blocking the inlet and outlet 13 forms a fixed end connected to the pivot shaft 15, and the top of the guide plate 14 when it is in a state of blocking the inlet and outlet 13 forms a movable pivot end. The height of the pivot shaft 15 is higher than the height of the bottom of the housing 10, so that when the guide plate 14 opens the inlet and outlet 13, the guide plate 14 is tiltedly supported on the ground, so that the sweeper 2 can enter and exit the cavity 12 along the guide plate 14.

[0104] That is, the present invention reasonably designs the opening and closing method of the guide plate 14, so that the guide plate 14 not only forms a cover plate for opening or blocking the entrance and exit 13, but also can guide the sweeper 2 to smoothly pass through the entrance and exit 13 in and out of the casing 10 when it opens the entrance and exit 13, thereby playing a better guiding role.

[0105] In some embodiments, after draining the water in the first water tank 30 to the second water tank 201, the interconnection control method of the present invention further includes:

[0106] Selectively start the self-cleaning mode of the sweeper 2 or the cleaning mode of the sweeper 2; wherein

[0107] In the self-cleaning mode, the sweeper 2 uses the water in the second water tank 201 to clean the cleaning mechanism of the sweeper 2; and

[0108] In the cleaning mode, the sweeper 2 uses the water in the second water tank 201 to clean the floor in the indoor environment space.

[0109] After discharging the water in the first water tank 30 into the second water tank 201, the present invention selectively starts the self-cleaning mode or the cleaning mode of the sweeper 2, so as to selectively use the water in the second water tank 30 to self-clean the cleaning mechanism of the sweeper 2 or use the water in the second water tank 201 to clean the ground, so as to timely and fully utilize the water discharged from the first water tank 30, avoid the risk of bacteria breeding and odor generation caused by the water being stored in the second water tank 201 for too long, avoid the waste of water caused by directly discharging the water in the second water tank 30, and reasonably utilize the water discharged from the first water tank 30 of the air conditioner.

[0110] Specifically, Figure 5 is a schematic flow chart of an interconnection control method of an air conditioner and a sweeping machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 , the interconnection control method of the present invention comprises:

[0111] Step S10, receiving a humidification stop signal; the humidification stop signal is generated when the humidification mode of the air conditioner ends or stops;

[0112] Step S20, detecting whether there is water remaining in the first water storage tank; if so, proceeding to step S30;

[0113] Step S30, determining whether the water level information in the first water storage tank changes within the first preset time period thereafter; if not, proceeding to step S40;

[0114] Step S40, draining the water in the first water tank to the second water tank; and

[0115] Step S50, selectively start the self-cleaning mode of the sweeping machine 2 or the cleaning mode of the sweeping machine 2.

[0116] It is understandable that the sweeping machine 2 can be in the cavity 12 or outside the cavity 12 when executing the self-cleaning mode. When the sweeping machine 2 executes the self-cleaning mode in the cavity 12, after the self-cleaning mode is completed, the sewage can be discharged into the sewage collection chamber 16 and then discharged from the indoor unit housing 10 through the sewage pipe 17.

[0117] In some embodiments, the steps of selectively starting the self-cleaning mode of the sweeper 2 or the cleaning mode of the sweeper 2 may specifically include:

[0118] Sending a prompt message indicating whether to start the cleaning mode of the sweeping machine 2;

[0119] If feedback information indicating that the cleaning mode of the sweeping machine 2 is not turned on is received, the self-cleaning mode of the sweeping machine 2 is automatically turned on; and

[0120] If feedback information indicating that the cleaning mode of the sweeping machine 2 is turned on is received, or if no feedback information is received, the cleaning mode of the sweeping machine 2 is automatically turned on.

[0121] Specifically, the prompt information may be a voice message or other types of information sent by the sweeping machine 2. The prompt information may also be a push message sent to a terminal device connected to the sweeping machine 2 or the air conditioner. Correspondingly, the feedback information may also be a command fed back by the user in the form of voice, a command fed back by the user through key operation, or a command fed back by the user through a terminal device.

[0122] Only when the user clearly indicates through feedback information that he does not want to turn on the cleaning mode of the sweeper 2, the cleaning mode will not be started, but the self-cleaning mode will be started to use the water in the second water tank 201 to self-clean the cleaning mechanism of the sweeper 2, effectively utilizing the water discharged from the first water tank 30.

[0123] If the user explicitly indicates through feedback information that the cleaning mode of the sweeper 2 is to be started, or the user does not give any feedback, it is assumed that the user desires to start the cleaning mode of the sweeper 2. At this time, the cleaning mode is started to use the water in the second water storage tank 201 to clean the floor of the indoor environment space, effectively utilizing the water discharged from the first water storage tank 30.

[0124] Furthermore, after the cleaning mode of the sweeper 2 is automatically turned on, the interconnection control method of the present invention further includes:

[0125] After the cleaning mode of the sweeping machine 2 is completed, it is determined whether there is still water in the second water storage tank 201;

[0126] If yes, the self-cleaning mode of the sweeping machine 2 is turned on.

[0127] It is understandable that the amount of water required by the sweeper 2 to execute the cleaning mode is limited. When the cleaning mode is completed, there may still be water in the second water tank 201. At this time, starting the self-cleaning mode of the sweeper 2 can make more full use of the water in the second water tank 201.

[0128] In some embodiments, the interconnection control method of the present invention further includes:

[0129] Before the sweeping machine 2 executes the self-cleaning mode, the sweeping machine 2 is controlled to return to the cavity 12 to execute the self-cleaning mode in the cavity 12 .

[0130] Since the indoor unit casing 10 of the air conditioner is provided with a sewage collecting chamber 16 and a sewage discharge pipe 17 , after executing the self-cleaning mode in the cavity 12 , the cleaned sewage can be directly discharged into the sewage collecting chamber 16 , and then discharged from the indoor unit casing 10 through the sewage discharge pipe 17 .

[0131] It is understandable that, in order to prevent sewage from polluting the ground, one end of the sewage pipe 17 outside the indoor unit casing 10 can be extended to a sewage structure on the ground, such as a floor drain or a sewage tank.

[0132] In some embodiments, before draining the water in the first water tank 30 to the second water tank 201, the interconnection control method of the present invention further includes:

[0133] Sending a prompt message for prompting that the first water storage tank 30 needs to be cleaned or the water needs to be changed;

[0134] Detecting whether the first water storage tank 30 has been cleaned or the water has been changed;

[0135] If not, the water in the first water storage tank 30 is discharged to the second water storage tank 201 .

[0136] That is, when the water in the first water tank 30 remains for a long time, the user can be prompted to clean the first water tank 30 or replace the water in the first water tank 30. If the user does not perform any operation, the water in the first water tank 30 is discharged to the second water tank 201.

[0137] Specifically, the prompt information can be a voice message or other types of information sent by the air conditioner. The prompt information can also be a push message sent to a terminal device interconnected with the sweeping machine 2 or the air conditioner.

[0138] The invention also provides an interconnection control device for an air conditioner and a sweeping machine. Figure 6: is a schematic structural block diagram of an interconnection control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The interconnection control device 50 of the present invention includes a processor 51 and a memory 52, the memory 52 stores a machine executable program 53, and the machine executable program 53 is used to implement the interconnection control method described in any of the above embodiments when executed by the processor 51.

[0139] Specifically, the processor 51 can be a central processing unit (CPU), or a digital processing unit, etc. The processor 51 sends and receives data through a communication interface. The memory 52 is used to store the program executed by the processor 51. The memory 52 is any medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, and can also be a combination of multiple memories. The above-mentioned machine executable program 53 can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to a corresponding computing / processing device or downloaded to a computer or an external storage device via a network (such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and / or a wireless network).

[0140] As mentioned above, the interconnection control method of the air conditioner and the sweeping machine in any of the above embodiments is described from the side of the interconnection control device 50, that is, the interconnection control device 50 executes the relevant steps. In a specific embodiment, the interconnection control device 50 is connected to the air conditioner and the sweeping machine data, and it can be arranged with network side devices such as servers and the cloud, obtain various data of the set space through the network, and implement relevant adjustments by remotely sending instructions to the air conditioner and the sweeping machine.

[0141] The interconnection control device 50 can also be various centralized control devices, arranged in a set space, and control the air conditioner and the sweeper. The data connection method between the interconnection control device 50 and the air conditioner and the sweeper includes but is not limited to wireless transmission, infrared transmission, ultrasonic transmission, etc.

[0142] In some embodiments, the interconnection control device 50 can also be a part of the air conditioner, set inside the air conditioner, and connected to the data of the air conditioner's own controller. For example, the air conditioner is internally provided with a dedicated interconnection control device, which works in conjunction with a controller dedicated to executing component control.

[0143] The present invention also provides an air conditioner, Figure 7 1 is a schematic structural block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition to the first water storage tank 30 for storing humidification water, the air conditioner 1 of the present invention also includes the interconnection control device 50 described in any of the above embodiments.

[0144] In the description of the present embodiment, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0145] Those skilled in the art should also understand that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom" and the like used to indicate orientation or positional relationships in the embodiments of the present invention are based on the actual use status of the air conditioner. These terms are only used to facilitate the description and understanding of the technical solution of the present invention, and do not indicate or imply that the device or device referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be understood as limitations on the present invention.

[0146] At this point, those skilled in the art should recognize that, although multiple exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications that conform to the principles of the present invention can still be directly determined or derived based on the content disclosed in the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood and recognized as covering all these other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A method for interconnecting and controlling an air conditioner and a sweeping machine, wherein The air conditioner and the sweeping machine are in the same indoor environment space, and the air conditioner has a first water storage tank for storing humidification water, and the sweeping machine has a second water storage tank for storing water; and The interconnection control method comprises: receiving a humidification stop signal; the humidification stop signal is generated when the humidification mode of the air conditioner ends or stops; Detecting whether there is water remaining in the first water storage tank; If there is water remaining, determining whether the water level information in the first water storage tank changes within a first preset time period thereafter; and If no change occurs, the water in the first water storage tank is discharged to the second water storage tank.

2. The interconnection control method according to claim 1, wherein The air conditioner comprises an indoor unit casing, a cavity is formed in the indoor unit casing at the lower end thereof, and an inlet and outlet communicated with the cavity are opened on the indoor unit casing to allow the sweeper to enter and exit the cavity through the inlet and outlet; the first water storage tank is configured to be movably arranged in the indoor unit casing, and has a first state supported inside the indoor unit casing and separated from the sweeper, and a second state supported on the sweeper to replenish water to the second water storage tank; and The step of discharging water in the first water storage tank to the second water storage tank comprises: Controlling the sweeper to be in the cavity; Adjust the first water storage tank to the second state.

3. The interconnection control method according to claim 2, wherein A sewage collecting chamber is also formed at the bottom of the cavity, the sewage collecting chamber is communicated with a sewage discharge pipe, and the sewage discharge pipe extends to the outside of the indoor unit casing; and Before adjusting the first water storage tank to the second state, the step of discharging the water in the first water storage tank to the second water storage tank further includes: Obtaining the residual water volume in the first water storage tank and the remaining water volume in the second water storage tank; If the residual water volume in the first water storage tank is less than or equal to the residual water volume in the second water storage tank, adjusting the first water storage tank to the second state; as well as If the residual water volume in the first water tank is greater than the remaining water volume in the second water tank, part of the water in the second water tank is discharged to the sewage collecting chamber, and the first water tank is adjusted to the second state.

4. The interconnection control method according to claim 2, wherein After draining the water in the first water tank to the second water tank, the interconnection control method further includes: Selectively turning on the self-cleaning mode of the sweeper or the cleaning mode of the sweeper; in In the self-cleaning mode, the sweeper uses the water in the second water tank to clean the sweeping mechanism of the sweeper; and In the cleaning mode, the sweeper uses the water in the second water tank to clean the floor in the indoor environment space.

5. The interconnection control method according to claim 4, wherein The step of selectively starting the self-cleaning mode of the sweeper or the cleaning mode of the sweeper includes: Sending a prompt message indicating whether to start the cleaning mode of the sweeper; If feedback information indicating that the cleaning mode of the sweeping machine is not turned on is received, the self-cleaning mode of the sweeping machine is automatically turned on; as well as If feedback information indicating that the cleaning mode of the sweeping machine is turned on is received, or if no feedback information is received, the cleaning mode of the sweeping machine is automatically turned on.

6. The interconnection control method according to claim 4, wherein After automatically starting the cleaning mode of the sweeper, the interconnection control method further includes: After the cleaning mode of the sweeper is completed, determining whether there is still water in the second water storage tank; If yes, the self-cleaning mode of the sweeper is turned on.

7. The interconnection control method according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising: Before the sweeping machine executes the self-cleaning mode, the sweeping machine is controlled to return to the cavity to execute the self-cleaning mode in the cavity.

8. The interconnection control method according to claim 1, wherein Before discharging the water in the first water tank to the second water tank, the interconnection control method further includes: Sending a prompt message for prompting that the first water storage tank needs to be cleaned or the water needs to be changed; Detecting whether the first water storage tank has been cleaned or the water has been changed; If not, the water in the first water storage tank is discharged to the second water storage tank.

9. An interconnection control device for an air conditioner and a sweeping machine, comprising: A processor and a memory, wherein a machine executable program is stored in the memory, and when the machine executable program is executed by the processor, it is used to implement the interconnection control method according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. An air conditioner, comprising: a first water storage tank for storing humidification water; as well as The interconnection control device according to claim 9.

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