Water pan ice detection device, air conditioning unit and air conditioning unit water pan ice detection method

Abstract

The application provides a water pan ice detection device, an air conditioning unit and an air conditioning unit water pan ice detection method. The water pan ice detection device comprises a water pan main body, a lifting guide structure, a lifting support, a buoyancy plate and a displacement detection device. The water pan main body is arranged in a supply air cavity of the air conditioning unit. The top surface of the water pan main body is provided with a plurality of drainage holes. The drainage holes are connected with a water inlet on the top surface of the water pan main body and face the supply air direction of the air conditioning unit. The lifting guide structure is arranged on the top surface of the water pan main body and extends upwards in a direction away from the water pan main body. The lifting support is movably connected to the lifting guide structure and extends above the water inlet. The buoyancy plate is connected to the top end of the lifting support and is located above the water inlet. The hanging piece is connected to the bottom end of the lifting support. The density of the hanging piece is greater than that of water, and the mass of the hanging piece is greater than that of the buoyancy plate. Therefore, the hanging piece is supported on the periphery of the water inlet when the air conditioning unit is not supplying air. The displacement detection device is used to detect the lifting stroke of the buoyancy plate relative to the water pan main body when the air conditioning unit is supplying air.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a drip tray ice detection device, an air conditioning unit, and a method for detecting ice in the drip tray of an air conditioning unit. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, low-temperature heat pump water heaters or top-discharge air conditioners typically employ a unit layout with the condenser and drip tray in the middle and the system piping at the bottom. In cold, humid winter environments, this layout easily causes condensate to accumulate in the drip tray, which is highly susceptible to freezing without any insulation or heating measures.

[0003] Existing technologies typically employ an electric heating element located at the bottom of the drip tray to heat it and prevent freezing. The unit activates the heating element when the ambient temperature is detected to be below a set temperature. However, this drip tray ice detection device has shortcomings. When the air conditioning unit operates in cold winter conditions, if the system detects a low ambient temperature, it will still activate the heating element and heat the drip tray for an extended period. Because of the low temperatures and dry weather in cold winters, the moisture from the condenser defrosting is relatively scarce. This moisture evaporates quickly after prolonged heating of the drip tray, causing the heating element to burn dry, resulting in energy waste and reduced lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention proposes a water tray ice detection device, an air conditioning unit, and a water tray ice detection method for the air conditioning unit, in order to solve the technical problem that the electric heating element of the traditional air conditioning unit is prone to misjudgment due to the low ambient temperature when it is operating in a low-temperature environment, resulting in the water tray burning dry.

[0005] To solve the above problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] This invention provides a water tray ice detection device, comprising:

[0007] The main body of the water receiving tray is located in the air supply cavity of the air conditioning unit. The top surface of the main body of the water receiving tray is provided with several drainage holes, and the drainage holes are connected to the water inlet on the top surface of the main body of the water receiving tray, which faces the air supply direction of the air conditioning unit.

[0008] The lifting guide structure is located on the top surface of the water receiving pan body and extends upward in a direction away from the water receiving pan body;

[0009] The lifting bracket is movably connected to the lifting guide structure and extends above the water inlet;

[0010] A buoyancy plate is connected to the top of the lifting support and located above the water inlet;

[0011] The suspension component is connected to the bottom of the lifting bracket. The density of the suspension component is greater than that of water and the mass of the suspension component is greater than that of the buoyancy plate, so that the suspension component is supported on the periphery of the water inlet when the air conditioning unit is not supplying air.

[0012] The displacement detection device is used to detect in real time the upward stroke of the buoyancy plate driving the suspension component relative to the main body of the water receiving pan when the air conditioning unit supplies air.

[0013] Preferably, the lifting guide structure is a lifting slide perpendicular to the main body of the water receiving tray;

[0014] The lifting support includes:

[0015] A transverse connecting rod is parallel to the main body of the water receiving tray, and one end of the transverse connecting rod is movably connected to the lifting slide.

[0016] The vertical link connects to the other end of the horizontal link;

[0017] The buoyancy plate and the suspension components are respectively connected to the top and bottom of the vertical connecting rod.

[0018] Preferably, a water inlet groove is provided on the top surface of the water receiving tray body near the lifting guide structure, and a drain hole is located at the bottom of the water inlet groove;

[0019] When the air conditioning unit is not supplying air, the suspension component is supported on the top surface of the water receiving tray body near the water inlet trough.

[0020] Preferably, the displacement detection device includes a first stroke position, a second stroke position, and a third stroke position that are sequentially and spaced apart on the lifting slide along the direction away from the main body of the water receiving tray.

[0021] Preferably, the first stroke position corresponds to the upward stroke of the buoyancy plate when the suspension member is supported on the top surface of the water receiving tray body, the second stroke position corresponds to the upward stroke of the buoyancy plate when the suspension member is suspended and the distance from the water receiving tray body is 10mm, and the third stroke position corresponds to the upward stroke of the buoyancy plate when the suspension member is suspended and the distance from the water receiving tray body is 30mm.

[0022] Preferably, the size of the buoyancy plate is larger than the size of the water inlet.

[0023] Furthermore, the water tray ice detection device also includes:

[0024] A baffle plate is located on the top surface of the water receiving pan body and extends upward in a direction away from the water receiving pan body. A lifting guide structure is located on the baffle plate.

[0025] Furthermore, the water tray ice detection device also includes:

[0026] The drain pipe is located on the bottom surface of the main body of the water receiving tray and is connected to the drain hole, which is connected to the outlet on the bottom surface of the main body of the water receiving tray.

[0027] The present invention also provides an air conditioning unit, including an air supply cavity, a control device and a temperature detection device, and further including the above-mentioned water tray ice detection device and a heating device disposed on the water tray body. The temperature detection device is used to detect the ambient temperature, and the control device is used to obtain the duration of the buoyancy plate reaching the corresponding upward stroke.

[0028] Preferably, the air conditioning unit is a top-discharge air conditioner, and the air supply cavity is the cold air cavity of the top-discharge air conditioner.

[0029] This invention also provides a method for detecting ice in the drip tray of an air conditioning unit. The method applies the aforementioned air conditioning unit and includes the following steps:

[0030] S1: Detect ambient temperature while the air conditioning unit is running;

[0031] S2: Determine if the ambient temperature is lower than the set temperature. If yes, check the upward stroke of the buoyancy plate relative to the main body of the water receiving tray. If no, return to S1.

[0032] S3: Determine the magnitude of the upward stroke of the buoyancy plate relative to the main body of the water tray and the first, second, and third stroke positions, which increase sequentially. If the upward stroke reaches the first stroke position or is between the first and second stroke positions, execute S4; if the upward stroke reaches the second stroke position or is between the second and third stroke positions, execute S5; if the upward stroke reaches or exceeds the third stroke position, return to S1.

[0033] S4: Detect whether the upward stroke reaches or exceeds the third stroke position within the first set time. If yes, return to S1; otherwise, turn on the heating device.

[0034] S5: Detect whether the upward stroke reaches or exceeds the third stroke position within a second set time that is less than the first set time. If yes, return to S1; otherwise, turn on the heating device.

[0035] Preferably, the temperature is set to 3 degrees, the first set time is 30 seconds, and the second set time is 20 seconds.

[0036] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0037] The water tray ice detection device provided by this invention features a high-precision ice detection mechanism on the water tray. This mechanism includes a wind-powered motion device positioned above the drain hole of the water tray body, consisting of a lifting guide structure, a lifting support, a buoyancy plate, and a suspension component. The wind field within an air conditioning unit (such as a top-discharge air conditioner) acts on the water inlet connecting the drain hole to the top surface of the water tray body, thereby driving the wind-powered motion device upwards. Based on the upward stroke and trajectory of the wind-powered motion device, the state of water or ice on the top of the water tray is detected in real time. Depending on the specific ice formation on the water tray, it is determined whether to activate the electric heating device to defrost the ice. Therefore, the water tray ice detection device provided by this invention can accurately determine whether the water tray is frozen and the thickness of the ice layer. If the ice layer is thick, the heating device can be activated promptly to defrost the ice, avoiding dry burning of the heating device due to it remaining on continuously in low ambient temperatures. This achieves energy saving and environmental protection and extends the service life of the heating device. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution proposed in this invention, the invention will be described in detail below with reference to embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the embodiments and drawings described in the following detailed description and specification are merely some embodiments of this invention, and those skilled in the art can make changes to these drawings within the framework of this invention.

[0039] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the ice detection device for the water tray is omitted in the embodiment of the air conditioning unit provided by the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0040] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the ice detection device for the water tray is omitted in the embodiment of the air conditioning unit provided by the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0041] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the ice detection device for the water tray is omitted in the embodiment of the air conditioning unit provided by the present invention. Figure 3 ;

[0042] Figure 4 The schematic diagram of the top structure of the water receiving tray body provided by the present invention is omitted, showing the ice detection device of the water receiving tray.

[0043] Figure 5 The schematic diagram of the water tray body provided by the present invention is shown from below, with the ice detection device of the water tray hidden.

[0044] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the state in which the buoyancy plate of the ice detection device for the water tray provided by the present invention reaches the first stroke position;

[0045] Figure 7A schematic diagram showing the state of the buoyancy plate of the ice detection device for the water tray provided by the present invention reaching the second stroke position;

[0046] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the state of the buoyancy plate of the ice detection device for the water tray provided by the present invention reaching the third stroke position;

[0047] Figure 9 The control logic flowchart of the air conditioning unit water tray ice detection method provided by the present invention is shown.

[0048] The main markings in the attached figures are as follows:

[0049] 1. Air conditioning unit; 11. Heat exchanger; 12. Fan;

[0050] 2. Air supply chamber;

[0051] 3. Water receiving tray body; 31. Drain hole; 311. Water inlet; 32. Water channel; 33. Drain pipe;

[0052] 4. Lifting and guiding structure;

[0053] 5. Lifting support; 51. Horizontal connecting rod; 52. Vertical connecting rod;

[0054] 6. Buoyancy board;

[0055] 7. Suspension components;

[0056] 8. Displacement detection device; 81. First stroke position; 82. Second stroke position; 83. Third stroke position;

[0057] 9. Water baffle;

[0058] 10. Heating device.

[0059] Other markings in the diagram are as follows:

[0060] A. Air supply direction. Detailed Implementation

[0061] To make the technical problem to be solved, the technical solution and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the following description is provided in conjunction with the appendix. Figure 1-9 The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0062] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-8 The water receiving tray ice detection device provided by the present invention includes:

[0063] The main body 3 of the water receiving tray is located in the air supply cavity 2 of the air conditioning unit 1. The top surface of the main body 3 of the water receiving tray is provided with several drainage holes 31, and the drainage holes 31 are connected to the water inlet 311 on the top surface of the main body 3 of the water receiving tray and face the air supply direction A of the air conditioning unit 1.

[0064] The lifting guide structure 4 is located on the top surface of the water receiving pan body 3 and extends upward in a direction away from the water receiving pan body 3;

[0065] The lifting bracket 5 is movably connected to the lifting guide structure 4 and extends above the water inlet 311;

[0066] The buoyancy plate 6 is connected to the top of the lifting bracket 5 and is located above the water inlet 311;

[0067] The suspension component 7 is connected to the top of the lifting bracket 5. The density of the suspension component 7 is greater than that of water and the mass (weight) of the suspension component 7 is greater than that of the buoyancy plate 6, so that the suspension component 7 is supported on the top surface of the water receiving tray body 3 at the position corresponding to the water inlet 311 when the air conditioning unit 1 is not supplying air.

[0068] The displacement detection device 8 is used to detect in real time the upward stroke of the buoyancy plate 6 driving the suspension component 7 relative to the water tray body 3 under the action of wind force when the air conditioning unit 1 supplies air.

[0069] The water tray ice detection device provided by this invention features a more precise ice detection device on the water tray. This device includes a wind-powered motion device located above the drain hole 31 of the water tray body 3, consisting of a lifting guide structure 4, a lifting bracket 5, a buoyancy plate 6, and a suspension component 7. The wind field within the air conditioning unit 1 (e.g., a top-discharge air conditioner) (the airflow direction A is from bottom to top through the air supply cavity 2 of the air conditioning unit 1, and the airflow exits at the top of the unit, thus creating a negative pressure suction in the upper part of the air supply cavity 2) acts on the water inlet 311 connecting the drain hole 31 to the top surface of the water tray body 3, thereby driving the wind-powered motion device upwards. Based on the upward stroke and trajectory of the wind-powered motion device, the state of water or ice on the top of the water tray is detected in real time. Depending on the specific icing condition of the water tray, it is determined whether to activate the electric heating device 10 to defrost the ice.

[0070] Therefore, the water tray ice detection device provided by the present invention can accurately determine whether the water tray is frozen and the thickness of the ice layer. If the ice layer is thick, the heating device 10 can be turned on in time to melt the ice, avoiding the heating device 10 from being dry-burned because it is always turned on when the ambient temperature is low. This achieves energy saving and environmental protection and improves the life of the heating device 10.

[0071] Please refer to the following: Figure 6-8 In one embodiment of the water tray ice detection device provided by the present invention, the lifting guide structure 4 is a lifting slide perpendicular to the water tray body 3.

[0072] The lifting support 5 includes:

[0073] A transverse connecting rod 51 is parallel to the water receiving tray body 3, and one end of the transverse connecting rod 51 is movably connected to the lifting slide (lifting guide structure 4).

[0074] The vertical connecting rod 52 is connected to the other end of the horizontal connecting rod 51 that faces away from the lifting slide (lifting guide structure 4);

[0075] The buoyancy plate 6 and the suspension component 7 are respectively connected to the top and bottom of the vertical connecting rod 52.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment of the water tray ice detection device provided by the present invention, the horizontal connecting rod 51, the vertical connecting rod 52 and the buoyancy plate 6 are all made of plastic.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment of the water tray ice detection device provided by the present invention, the density of the suspension member 7 is slightly greater than that of water and the mass (weight) of the suspension member 7 is slightly greater than that of the buoyancy plate 6.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment of the water tray ice detection device provided by the present invention, one end of the transverse connecting rod 51 is provided with a lifting slider (not shown in the figure) that matches the lifting slide (lifting guide structure 4), and one end of the transverse connecting rod 51 is movably connected to the lifting slide (lifting guide structure 4) through the lifting slider.

[0079] In another embodiment of the ice detection device for the water receiving tray provided by the present invention, the lifting guide structure 4 can be a lifting guide rail or a lifting guide groove perpendicular to the main body 3 of the water receiving tray.

[0080] In other embodiments of the water tray ice detection device provided by the present invention, the lifting bracket 5 may also adopt a frame structure connected between the lifting guide structure 4, the buoyancy plate 6 and the suspension member 7.

[0081] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-8 In one embodiment of the water receiving tray ice detection device provided by the present invention, a water inlet trough 32 is provided on the top surface of the water receiving tray body 3 near the lifting guide structure 4, and a drain hole 31 is provided at the bottom of the water inlet trough 32.

[0082] When the air conditioning unit 1 is not supplying air, the suspension component 7 is supported on the top surface of the water receiving tray body 3 near the water inlet trough 32.

[0083] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-8 In a preferred embodiment of the water receiving tray ice detection device provided by the present invention, the drain hole 31 and the water inlet 311 are both circular, and the water channel 32 is rectangular.

[0084] Please refer to the following: Figure 6-8 In a preferred embodiment of the water tray ice detection device provided by the present invention, the suspension member 7 is a suspension ball.

[0085] Please refer to the following: Figure 6-8 In a preferred embodiment of the water tray ice detection device provided by the present invention, the buoyancy plate 6 is rectangular.

[0086] Please refer to the following: Figure 6-8 In a preferred embodiment of the water tray ice detection device provided by the present invention, the size of the buoyancy plate 6 is larger than the size of the water inlet 311, ensuring that the air field in the air supply cavity 2 can provide sufficient lifting force for the buoyancy plate 6.

[0087] Please refer to the following: Figure 6-8 In a preferred embodiment of the water tray ice detection device provided by the present invention, the displacement detection device 8 includes a first travel position 81, a second travel position 82 and a second travel position 83, which are sequentially and spaced apart on the lifting slide along the direction away from the water tray body 3.

[0088] Please refer to the following: Figure 6-8 In a preferred embodiment of the water tray ice detection device provided by the present invention, displacement sensors (not shown in the figure) are respectively provided at the first stroke position 81, the second stroke position 82 and the second stroke position 82 to detect whether the suspension member 7 has reached the corresponding stroke position.

[0089] Please refer to the following: Figure 6-8 In a more preferred embodiment of the ice detection device for the water tray provided by the present invention, the first stroke position 81 corresponds to the upward stroke of the buoyancy plate 6 when the suspension member 7 is supported on the top surface of the water tray body 3, the second stroke position 82 corresponds to the upward stroke of the buoyancy plate 6 when the suspension member 7 is suspended and the distance from the water tray body 3 is 10mm, and the third stroke position 83 corresponds to the upward stroke of the buoyancy plate 6 when the suspension member 7 is suspended and the distance from the water tray body 3 is 30mm.

[0090] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-8 In a preferred embodiment of the water tray ice detection device provided by the present invention, the water tray ice detection device further includes:

[0091] A baffle plate 9 is provided on the top surface of the water receiving pan body 3 and extends upward in a direction away from the water receiving pan body 3. The aforementioned lifting guide structure 4 is provided on the baffle plate 9.

[0092] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-8 In a preferred embodiment of the water tray ice detection device provided by the present invention, the water tray ice detection device further includes:

[0093] Drain pipe 33 is located on the bottom surface of the water receiving pan body 3 and is connected to the drain hole 31, which is connected to the water outlet on the bottom surface of the water receiving pan body 3 (not shown in the figure).

[0094] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-8 In a preferred embodiment of the water tray ice detection device provided by the present invention, at least two drainage holes 31 are spaced apart on the top surface of the water tray body 3, and correspondingly, the lifting guide structure 4, lifting bracket 5, buoyancy plate 6, suspension component 7 and drainage pipe 33 are also provided in two sets.

[0095] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-8 In a more preferred embodiment of the water tray ice detection device provided by the present invention, the water tray body 3 is rectangular, and three or more drainage holes 31 are spaced apart at the corners of the water tray body 3. Correspondingly, the lifting guide structure 4, lifting bracket 5, buoyancy plate 6, suspension component 7 and drainage pipe 33 are also provided in three or more sets.

[0096] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-8 The present invention also provides an air conditioning unit 1, including an air supply cavity 2, a control device (not shown in the figure) and a temperature detection device (not shown in the figure), and also includes the above-mentioned water tray ice detection device and a heating device 10 disposed on the water tray body 3. The temperature detection device is used to detect the ambient temperature, and the control device is used to obtain the duration of the buoyancy plate 6 reaching the corresponding upward stroke.

[0097] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-5 In one embodiment of the air conditioning unit 1 provided by the present invention, the heating device 10 is an electric heating strip located at the bottom of the water receiving pan body 3.

[0098] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-5 In one embodiment of the air conditioning unit 1 provided by the present invention, the air conditioning unit 1 is a top-discharge air conditioner, the air supply cavity 2 is the cold air cavity of the top-discharge air conditioner, and the air conditioning unit 1 further includes:

[0099] Heat exchanger 11 is located in the middle of the cold air cavity (air supply cavity 2), and water receiving tray body 3 is located in the middle of the cold air cavity (air supply cavity 2) and below the heat exchanger 11; fan 12 is located in the cold air cavity (air supply cavity 2) to generate air volume from bottom to top in the air supply cavity 2 and to discharge air at the top of the air conditioning unit 1, thereby forming a negative pressure suction above the upper part of the air supply cavity 2, the water receiving tray body 3 and the water inlet 311, so that part of the air volume is blown upward from bottom to top through the water outlet / drain pipe 33, the drain hole 31 and the water inlet 311, so that the buoyancy plate 6 can float (rise) under the action of wind pressure when the top surface of the water receiving tray body 3 is not frozen or the ice is thin, and the suspension part 7 suspended at the bottom of the lifting bracket 5 rises synchronously through the lifting bracket 5.

[0100] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-5 In a preferred embodiment of the air conditioning unit 1 provided by the present invention, the heat exchanger 11 is a condenser.

[0101] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-5 In a preferred embodiment of the air conditioning unit 1 provided by the present invention, the fan 12 is located at the top of the cold air cavity (air supply cavity 2) and is used to draw the air in the air supply cavity 2 upwards out of the top of the air conditioning unit 1 to the external environment.

[0102] In another embodiment of the air conditioning unit 1 provided by the present invention, the air conditioning unit 1 is a low-temperature heat pump water heater.

[0103] Please see Figure 9 The present invention also provides a method for detecting ice in the drip tray of an air conditioning unit. The method for detecting ice in the drip tray of an air conditioning unit applies the above-mentioned air conditioning unit 1 and includes the following steps:

[0104] S1: Detect the ambient temperature while the air conditioning unit 1 is running;

[0105] S2: Determine if the ambient temperature is lower than the set temperature. If yes, check the upward stroke of the buoyancy plate 6 relative to the water tray body 3. If no, return to S1.

[0106] S3: Determine the magnitude of the upward stroke of the suspension component 7 relative to the water tray body 3 driven by the buoyancy plate 6, and the first stroke position 81, the second stroke position 82, and the third stroke position 83, which increase sequentially (i.e., determine the magnitude of the upward stroke of the suspension component 7). If the upward stroke reaches the first stroke position 81 or is between the first stroke position 81 and the second stroke position 82, then execute S4; if the upward stroke reaches the second stroke position 82 or is between the second stroke position 82 and the third stroke position 83, then execute S5; if the upward stroke reaches or exceeds the third stroke position 83, then return to S1.

[0107] S4: Detect whether the upward stroke of the suspension 7 reaches or exceeds the third stroke position 83 within the first set time. If yes, return to S1 and do not turn on the heating device 10; if no, the upward stroke of the suspension 7 has not changed or has not reached the third stroke position 83 within the first set time, and turn on the heating device 10.

[0108] S5: Detect whether the upward stroke reaches or exceeds the third stroke position 83 within a second set time that is less than the first set time. If yes, return to S1 and do not turn on the heating device 10; otherwise, turn on the heating device 10.

[0109] Please see Figure 9 In a preferred embodiment of the air conditioning unit water tray icing detection method provided by the present invention, the temperature is set to 3 degrees, that is, the ambient temperature is below 3 degrees. After the icing detection system is turned on, the stroke position of the buoyancy plate 6 is detected first.

[0110] In other embodiments, the temperature can also be set to 1 degree or 2 degrees.

[0111] Please see Figure 9 In a preferred embodiment of the air conditioning unit water tray ice detection method provided by the present invention, the first set time is 30 seconds and the second set time is 20 seconds.

[0112] In other embodiments, the first set time may also be 27.5 or 32.5 seconds, and the second set time may also be 17.5 or 22.5 seconds.

[0113] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-9 The working principle of the air conditioning unit water tray ice detection method provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0114] In S1, when the air conditioning unit 1 is detected to start running, the ambient temperature is detected.

[0115] In S2, when the unit is running normally, it determines whether to start the ice detection based on the ambient temperature. If the set ambient temperature is below 3 degrees, the ice detection will start, and then it will determine whether to start the heating device 10 to defrost based on the detected ice condition of the main body of the water receiving pan. If the set ambient temperature is above or equal to 3 degrees, the ice detection will not be required and the system will return to S1.

[0116] In S3, if the lifting stroke of the buoyancy plate 6 and the suspension ball (suspension component 7) reaches or exceeds the third stroke position 83, it is determined that there is no ice or the ice on the water receiving tray is thin. Therefore, there is no need to turn on the heating device 10 to defrost the ice, and the process returns to the first step to continue to detect the ice condition of the water receiving tray.

[0117] In S4, if the buoyancy plate 6 and the suspended ball (suspension component 7) are at the first stroke position 81 or between the first stroke position 81 and the second stroke position 82, and the buoyancy plate 6 and the suspended ball (suspension component 7) do not move or do not reach the third stroke position 83 within 30 seconds, it is determined that the ice on the upper surface of the water receiving tray is thick, freezing the suspended ball at the bottom of the ice layer and making it contact the water receiving tray. This causes the buoyancy plate 6 to be unable to drive the connecting bracket and the suspended ball (suspension component 7) to break the ice and rise to the third stroke position 83 within 30 seconds. Therefore, the heating device 10 is turned on to melt the ice.

[0118] Conversely, if the buoyancy plate 6 and the suspension ball (suspension component 7) reach or exceed the third stroke position 83 within 30 seconds when the buoyancy plate 6 and the suspension ball (suspension component 7) are at the first stroke position 81, it is determined that there is no ice or the ice on the water receiving tray is thin at this time. Therefore, it is not necessary to turn on the heating device 10 to defrost the ice, and return to the first step to continue to detect the ice status of the water receiving tray.

[0119] In S5, if the buoyancy plate 6 and the suspended ball (suspension component 7) are at the second stroke position 82 or between the second stroke position 82 and the third stroke position 83, and the buoyancy plate 6 and the suspended ball (suspension component 7) do not move or do not reach the third stroke position 83 within twenty seconds, it is determined that the ice on the upper surface of the water receiving tray is thick, freezing the suspended ball in the middle of the ice layer and preventing it from contacting the water receiving tray. This prevents the buoyancy plate 6 from driving the connecting bracket and the suspended ball (suspension component 7) to break the ice layer above within twenty seconds and rise to the third stroke position 83. In this case, the heating device 10 is activated to melt the ice. Conversely, if the buoyancy plate 6 and the suspended ball (suspension component 7) reach or exceed the third stroke position 83 within twenty seconds when they are at the second stroke position 82, it is determined that the water receiving tray is not frozen or the ice is thin. Therefore, it is not necessary to activate the heating device 10 to melt the ice, and the process returns to the first step to continue detecting the ice condition of the water receiving tray.

[0120] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioning unit, comprising an air supply cavity (2), a control device, and a temperature detection device, characterized in that, It also includes a water tray ice detection device and a heating device (10) installed on the water tray body (3). The temperature detection device is used to detect the ambient temperature. The control device is used to obtain the duration of the buoyancy plate (6) reaching the corresponding upward stroke. The air conditioning unit (1) is a top-outlet air conditioner. The air supply cavity (2) is the cold air cavity of the top-outlet air conditioner. The water tray ice detection device includes: The main body (3) of the water receiving tray is located in the air supply cavity (2). The top surface of the main body (3) of the water receiving tray is provided with a plurality of drainage holes (31), and the drainage holes (31) are connected to the water inlet (311) on the top surface of the main body (3) of the water receiving tray facing the air supply direction (A) of the air conditioning unit (1). The lifting guide structure (4) is located on the top surface of the water receiving pan body (3) and extends upward in a direction away from the water receiving pan body (3); The lifting bracket (5) is movably connected to the lifting guide structure (4) and extends above the water inlet (311); The buoyancy plate (6) is connected to the top of the lifting bracket (5) and located above the water inlet (311); The suspension component (7) is connected to the bottom end of the lifting bracket (5). The density of the suspension component (7) is greater than that of water and the mass of the suspension component (7) is greater than that of the buoyancy plate (6), so that the suspension component (7) is supported on the side of the water inlet (311) when the air conditioning unit (1) is not supplying air. The displacement detection device (8) is used to detect in real time the upward stroke of the buoyancy plate (6) driving the suspension component (7) relative to the water tray body (3) when the air conditioning unit (1) supplies air.

2. The air conditioning unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting guide structure (4) is a lifting slide that is perpendicular to the main body of the water receiving tray (3); The lifting support (5) includes: A transverse connecting rod (51) is parallel to the water receiving tray body (3), and one end of the transverse connecting rod (51) is movably connected to the lifting slide. The vertical link (52) is connected to the other end of the horizontal link (51); The buoyancy plate (6) and the suspension member (7) are respectively connected to the top and bottom of the vertical connecting rod (52).

3. The air conditioning unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top surface of the water receiving tray body (3) near the lifting guide structure (4) is provided with a water inlet trough (32), and the drain hole (31) is located at the bottom of the water inlet trough (32); The suspension component (7) is supported on the top surface of the water receiving tray body (3) near the water inlet trough (32) when the air conditioning unit (1) is not supplying air.

4. The air conditioning unit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The displacement detection device (8) includes a first travel position (81), a second travel position (82) and a third travel position (83) arranged sequentially at intervals on the lifting slide along the direction away from the main body of the water receiving tray (3).

5. The air conditioning unit as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first stroke position (81) corresponds to the upward stroke of the buoyancy plate (6) when the suspension member (7) is supported on the top surface of the water receiving tray body (3), the second stroke position (82) corresponds to the upward stroke of the buoyancy plate (6) when the suspension member (7) is suspended and the distance from the water receiving tray body (3) is 10mm, and the third stroke position (83) corresponds to the upward stroke of the buoyancy plate (6) when the suspension member (7) is suspended and the distance from the water receiving tray body (3) is 30mm.

6. The air conditioning unit as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The size of the buoyancy plate (6) is larger than the size of the inlet (311).

7. The air conditioning unit as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Also includes: A baffle plate (9) is provided on the top surface of the water receiving pan body (3) and extends upward in a direction away from the water receiving pan body (3). The lifting guide structure (4) is provided on the baffle plate (9).

8. The air conditioning unit as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Also includes: A drain pipe (33) is provided on the bottom surface of the water receiving pan body (3) and is connected to the drain hole (31) and the water outlet on the bottom surface of the water receiving pan body (3).

9. A method for detecting ice in the drip tray of an air conditioning unit, characterized in that, The method for detecting ice in the water tray of the air conditioning unit uses the air conditioning unit as described in any one of claims 1-8, and includes the following steps: S1: Detect the ambient temperature while the air conditioning unit (1) is running; S2: Determine if the ambient temperature is lower than the set temperature. If yes, check the upward stroke of the buoyancy plate (6) relative to the water tray body (3). If no, return to S1. S3: Determine the magnitude of the upward stroke of the buoyancy plate (6) relative to the main body of the water tray (3) and the first stroke position (81), the second stroke position (82), and the third stroke position (83) that increase in sequence. If the upward stroke reaches the first stroke position (81) or is between the first stroke position (81) and the second stroke position (82), then execute S4; if the upward stroke reaches the second stroke position (82) or is between the second stroke position (82) and the third stroke position (83), then execute S5; if the upward stroke reaches or exceeds the third stroke position (83), then return to S1. S4: Detect whether the upward stroke reaches or exceeds the third stroke position (83) within the first set time. If yes, return to S1; if no, turn on the heating device (10). S5: Detect whether the upward stroke reaches or exceeds the third stroke position (83) within a second set time that is less than the first set time. If yes, return to S1; if no, turn on the heating device (10).

10. The method for detecting ice in the water tray of an air conditioning unit as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The set temperature is 3 degrees Celsius, the first set time is 30 seconds, and the second set time is 20 seconds.

Images