Mobile air conditioner and water level detection method of mobile air conditioner

Abstract

The invention discloses a mobile air conditioner and a water level detection method of the mobile air conditioner. The mobile air conditioner comprises a refrigerating circuit; the water pan is used for receiving and storing condensate water generated during operation of the mobile air conditioner; the water fetching machine is arranged at a preset position on the water receiving disc and is used for spraying water in the water receiving disc to the condenser through a water fetching wheel; the controller is configured to obtain the current rotating speed of the water fetching machine when it is detected that the water pan is in the water-free state; calculating a rotating speed difference value between the current rotating speed and a preset standard rotating speed; when the rotating speed difference value is smaller than a preset first threshold value, the driving voltage of the water fetching machine is increased, and the current rotating speed of the water fetching machine continues to be detected; when the rotating speed difference value is not smaller than a preset first threshold value and smaller than a preset second threshold value, the current driving voltage is kept, the running rotating speed of the water fetching machine is obtained, and the water level of the water pan is determined; wherein the first threshold value is smaller than the second threshold value. According to the scheme, the influence of foreign matter interference on water level detection can be reduced, and the water level detection accuracy is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Air conditioners produce condensate during operation, which needs to be stored in an internal drip tray. To prevent overflow, the water level in the drip tray needs to be monitored. With the advancement of water pump motor technology, DC water pump motors are now used to replace water level switches in detecting the water level in the drip tray. The motor's rotational speed is calculated using feedback signals. When the water level in the drip tray varies, the water resistance experienced by the pump impeller on the fixed pump differs, resulting in different rotational speeds for the impeller despite the same driving force. Therefore, by comparing the rotational speeds, the water level in the drip tray can be monitored in real time.

[0003] When detecting water level by the rotation speed of the water pump's impeller, it is easily affected by environmental factors. For example, if there are foreign objects in the water receiving tray, they may interfere with the water pump's impeller, directly affecting the accuracy of water level detection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, this invention provides a portable air conditioner and a water level detection method for the portable air conditioner, which can reduce the impact of foreign object interference on water level detection and improve the accuracy of water level detection.

[0005] This invention provides a portable air conditioner, comprising:

[0006] The refrigeration circuit circulates the refrigerant sequentially through the compressor, condenser, throttling device, and evaporator;

[0007] A drip tray is used to receive and store the condensate generated during the operation of the portable air conditioner;

[0008] A water pump, configured at a preset position on a water receiving tray, is used to spray water from the water receiving tray to the condenser via a water pumping wheel.

[0009] The controller is configured as follows:

[0010] When the water receiving tray is detected to be dry, the current rotation speed of the water pump is obtained;

[0011] Calculate the speed difference between the current speed and the preset standard speed;

[0012] When the speed difference is less than a preset first threshold, the driving voltage of the water pump is increased, and the current speed of the water pump is continued to be detected.

[0013] When the speed difference is not less than a preset first threshold and less than a preset second threshold, the current driving voltage is maintained, the operating speed of the water pump is obtained, and the water level of the water receiving tray is determined.

[0014] Wherein, the first threshold is less than the second threshold.

[0015] Preferably, the controller is further configured to:

[0016] When the speed difference is not less than the second threshold, the driving voltage of the water pump is reduced, and the current speed of the water pump is continued to be detected.

[0017] Preferably, the controller is further configured to:

[0018] When the current speed is detected to be lower than the preset standard speed, the current pulse width parameter is increased by a preset step value, and the initial pulse width parameter is set to the preset value.

[0019] The increased driving voltage is determined based on the latest pulse width parameters and the preset maximum driving voltage.

[0020] Furthermore, the controller is also configured to:

[0021] When the latest pulse width parameter is greater than the preset pulse width threshold, the portable air conditioner is controlled to stop and a fault stop command is output.

[0022] When the latest pulse width parameter is not greater than the pulse width threshold, the product of the latest pulse width parameter and the maximum driving voltage is used as the increased driving voltage.

[0023] Preferably, the controller is further configured to:

[0024] After the compressor is started and running, the start-up flag bit is read;

[0025] When the power-on flag is at the first preset value, it is determined that the water receiving tray is in a waterless state, and the power-on flag is set to the second preset value.

[0026] Preferably, the controller is further configured to:

[0027] After the portable air conditioner is powered on, calculate the standby time of the portable air conditioner in standby mode and detect the ambient temperature;

[0028] When the standby time is not less than a preset first time threshold and the ambient temperature is within a preset first temperature range, the water tray is determined to be in a waterless state.

[0029] Furthermore, the controller is also configured to:

[0030] Monitor the operating status of the compressor;

[0031] When the working state is in the running state, the standby time is cleared to zero and the standby time is recalculated.

[0032] Preferably, the controller is further configured to:

[0033] When the compressor stops, record the operating speed of the water pump before stopping, calculate the shutdown time of the compressor, and monitor the ambient temperature;

[0034] When the downtime is not less than a preset second time threshold, the operating speed is not less than a preset first speed threshold, and the ambient temperature is within a preset second temperature range, the water receiving tray is determined to be in a waterless state.

[0035] Furthermore, the controller is also configured to:

[0036] Monitor the operating status of the compressor;

[0037] When the working state is in the running state, the downtime will be reset to zero and the downtime will be recalculated.

[0038] This invention also provides a method for detecting the water level in a portable air conditioner, the portable air conditioner comprising:

[0039] The refrigeration circuit circulates the refrigerant sequentially through the compressor, condenser, throttling device, and evaporator;

[0040] A drip tray is used to receive and store the condensate generated during the operation of the portable air conditioner;

[0041] A water pump, configured at a preset position on a water receiving tray, is used to spray water from the water receiving tray to the condenser via a water pumping wheel.

[0042] Controller;

[0043] The method includes:

[0044] When the water receiving tray is detected to be dry, the current rotation speed of the water pump is obtained;

[0045] Calculate the speed difference between the current speed and the preset standard speed;

[0046] When the speed difference is less than a preset first threshold, the driving voltage of the water pump is increased, and the current speed of the water pump is continued to be detected.

[0047] When the speed difference is not less than a preset first threshold and less than a preset second threshold, the current driving voltage is maintained, the operating speed of the water pump is obtained, and the water level of the water receiving tray is determined.

[0048] Wherein, the first threshold is less than the second threshold.

[0049] Compared with existing technologies, the portable air conditioner and its water level detection method disclosed in this invention include: a refrigeration circuit, in which refrigerant circulates sequentially through a compressor, condenser, throttling device, and evaporator; a water tray for receiving and storing condensate generated during the operation of the portable air conditioner; a water pump, configured at a preset position on the water tray, for spraying water from the water tray onto the condenser via a water jet; and a controller configured to: when the water tray is detected to be dry, acquire the current rotational speed of the water pump; calculate the speed difference between the current speed and a preset standard speed; when the speed difference is less than a preset first threshold, increase the driving voltage of the water pump and continue to detect the current rotational speed of the water pump; when the speed difference is not less than the preset first threshold and less than a preset second threshold, maintain the current driving voltage, acquire the operating speed of the water pump, and determine the water level of the water tray; wherein the first threshold is less than the second threshold. This solution can reduce the influence of foreign object interference on water level detection and improve the accuracy of water level detection. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a portable air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the refrigeration circuit provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the control process for water level monitoring using existing technology;

[0053] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the work performed by the controller provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0054] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the work performed by the controller in the embodiment of the present invention when adjusting voltage;

[0055] Figure 6 This is another schematic diagram of the work performed by the controller when adjusting voltage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the controller in this embodiment of the invention when identifying a waterless state.

[0057] Figure 8 This is another flowchart illustrating the work performed by the controller in the embodiment of the present invention when identifying a waterless state;

[0058] Figure 9 This is another flowchart illustrating the work performed by the controller in the embodiment of the present invention when identifying a waterless state;

[0059] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the water level detection method for a portable air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0061] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0062] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0063] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0064] The air conditioner provided in this embodiment of the invention is specifically a portable air conditioner, which includes:

[0065] The refrigeration circuit circulates the refrigerant sequentially through the compressor, condenser, throttling device, and evaporator;

[0066] A drip tray is used to receive and store the condensate generated during the operation of the portable air conditioner;

[0067] A water pump, configured at a preset position on a water receiving tray, is used to spray water from the water receiving tray to the condenser via a water pumping wheel.

[0068] See Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a portable air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The portable air conditioner has a controller 140 and a refrigeration circuit 130. By circulating the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit 130, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle can be executed. It is connected to the indoor and outdoor units using connecting pipes to form a refrigeration circuit for refrigerant circulation, thereby achieving refrigeration.

[0069] The portable air conditioner also includes a water collection tray 30 for collecting condensate produced during condenser operation; and a water sprayer 40 for spraying the condensate in the water collection tray 30 onto the condenser.

[0070] The portable air conditioner also includes a lower fan 50 for directing outside air through the condenser to regulate the condenser temperature.

[0071] See Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the refrigeration circuit provided in an embodiment of the present invention. In this application, the refrigeration circuit executes the refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner using a compressor 131, an indoor heat exchanger 132, a throttling device 133, and an outdoor heat exchanger 134. The refrigeration cycle includes a series of processes involving compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation, supplying refrigerant to the conditioned and heat-exchanged air. The indoor heat exchanger 132 is typically located in the indoor unit 110, while the compressor 131 and outdoor heat exchanger 134 are typically located in the outdoor unit 120. The throttling device 133 can be located in either the indoor unit 110 or the outdoor unit 120. The indoor heat exchanger 132 and outdoor heat exchanger 134 function as condensers or evaporators. When the indoor heat exchanger 132 functions as a condenser, the air conditioner functions as a heater in heating mode; when the indoor heat exchanger 132 functions as an evaporator, the air conditioner functions as a cooler in cooling mode.

[0072] Compressor 131 compresses refrigerant gas at high temperature and high pressure and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, and heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process. Throttling component 133 causes the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser to expand into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. Evaporator evaporates the refrigerant that has expanded in throttling component 133 and returns the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas to compressor 131. The evaporator achieves a cooling effect by utilizing the latent heat of refrigerant evaporation to exchange heat with the material being cooled. Throughout the cycle, the air conditioner can regulate the temperature of the indoor space.

[0073] To prevent the water tray from overflowing, the common practice in existing technology is to place a water level switch on the base of the portable air conditioner's water tray to detect the water level. (See [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the control process for water level monitoring using existing technology. Two water level switches are used. These switches detect the water level and have two states: on or off. During machine operation, if the low water level switch is closed, the lower fan operates at low speed, reducing the rate of condensate accumulation and increasing the evaporation rate. If the high water level switch is closed, the entire machine immediately shuts down for protection.

[0074] This technical solution identifies whether the water level has reached a preset height by judging whether the circuit is on or off. If it exceeds the preset value, the system will quickly shut down to prevent condensate from flowing to the ground and causing damage.

[0075] With the maturation of water pump motor technology, using DC water pump motors to replace water level switches for detecting water levels in the drip tray is gradually becoming an industry trend, significantly reducing overall machine costs. The water pump motor's impeller sprays water from the tank onto the condenser to accelerate heat exchange, improving energy efficiency and preventing rapid condensate buildup that could cause shutdowns. The motor's rotational speed is calculated using a feedback signal; when the water level in the drip tray is high, the motor speed decreases, allowing for real-time monitoring of the drip tray's water level. However, the accuracy and reliability of water level detection using water pump motors are not as good as water level switches, and they are more susceptible to environmental factors. For example, the presence of foreign objects in the drip tray that interfere with the impeller can directly affect the accuracy of the full-water detection.

[0076] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the controller provided in this embodiment of the invention is configured to perform the following steps:

[0077] When the water receiving tray is detected to be dry, the current rotation speed of the water pump is obtained;

[0078] Calculate the speed difference between the current speed and the preset standard speed;

[0079] When the speed difference is less than a preset first threshold, the driving voltage of the water pump is increased, and the current speed of the water pump is continued to be detected.

[0080] When the speed difference is not less than a preset first threshold and less than a preset second threshold, the current driving voltage is maintained, the operating speed of the water pump is obtained, and the water level of the water receiving tray is determined.

[0081] Wherein, the first threshold is less than the second threshold.

[0082] In the specific implementation of this embodiment, please refer to Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the controller provided in this embodiment of the invention. When the controller monitors the water level, it specifically performs the following steps:

[0083] Step S401: Determine whether the water receiving tray is in a dry state;

[0084] If not, return to step S401;

[0085] If so, proceed to step S402;

[0086] It should be noted that when monitoring water level, the speed of the water pump should be adjusted based on the water level in the receiving pan.

[0087] The water level detection of the drip tray can be achieved through various detection schemes. For example, it can be determined by the fact that the drip tray is empty by default when the water dispenser is first turned on; or it can be determined that the drip tray is empty after the portable air conditioner performs a water cleaning operation; alternatively, a water level sensor can be installed at the lowest water level position in the drip tray to detect whether the water is empty. Therefore, it can be seen that the detection of the empty drip tray can be achieved through various detection schemes. Those skilled in the art can derive any water-empty detection scheme based on the above examples, and the choice of detection scheme does not affect the implementation of the scheme.

[0088] Step S402: Detect the current rotational speed v of the water pump;

[0089] It should be noted that the current rotation speed of the water pump is specifically the rotation speed of the water pump's impeller. In practice, the rotation speed of the impeller can be determined by the detection signal of the water pump's motor; alternatively, the actual rotation speed of the impeller during operation can be monitored by an external speed sensor.

[0090] Step S403: Calculate the speed difference Δv between the current speed and the preset standard speed;

[0091] Step S404: Determine whether the speed difference Δv < TH1 is true.

[0092] v0 is the preset standard speed, which is the standard speed measured by the water pump in a waterless state during the factory test. This standard speed is also used as a reference value for the water pump speed to detect the water level. Therefore, it is used as the standard speed to detect the speed of the water pump impeller in a waterless state, to determine whether the water pump impeller is affected by external force and thus the speed is slow, and to calculate the speed difference Δv between the current speed and the preset standard speed.

[0093] If so, proceed to step S405;

[0094] If not, proceed to step S406;

[0095] Step S405: Increase the driving voltage of the water pump and return to step S402.

[0096] Step S406: Determine whether TH1≤Δv<TH2 is true.

[0097] If so, proceed to step S407;

[0098] If not, execute other control processes.

[0099] It should be noted that the first threshold is generally a negative value, while the second threshold is a positive value or 0. If the current rotation speed is lower than the standard rotation speed, it is determined that there is foreign object interference in the water pump, and the rotation speed needs to be increased.

[0100] When the difference between the current rotation speed and the standard rotation speed is within the preset range, it indicates that the corresponding water level identification can be performed.

[0101] The speed of the water pump is related to the voltage received by its motor. When the speed of the water pump is too low due to external obstruction and no water, the speed of the water pump can be increased by increasing the driving voltage. This compensates for the speed detection of the water pump, counteracts the resistance caused by external interference, and improves the accuracy of water level detection.

[0102] Step S407: Detect the operating speed of the water pump and determine the water level in the receiving tray accordingly.

[0103] In practice, if the speed of the water dispenser is detected to be no less than the standard speed when there is no water, it indicates that the speed of the water dispenser is normal. At this time, the driving voltage just meets the standard value of the water dispenser. At this time, the current driving voltage is maintained, the speed of the water dispenser is detected when the portable air conditioner is running, and the water level in the water receiving tray is determined accordingly.

[0104] It should be noted that when determining the water level based on the operating speed, a pre-defined matching relationship between speed and water level can be used. The corresponding water level is matched against a preset water level matching database based on the operating speed; alternatively, the water level can be calculated using a simulation model of speed-water level. When the water level is not lower than a preset water level warning value, the compressor is controlled to stop, and a full water alarm feedback is output.

[0105] By correcting the operating speed of the water pump in a waterless state, the influence of external factors on the water pump speed is offset, thereby improving the accuracy of water level detection.

[0106] In yet another embodiment provided by the present invention, the controller is further configured to:

[0107] When the speed difference is not less than the second threshold, the driving voltage of the water pump is reduced, and the current speed of the water pump is continued to be detected.

[0108] In the specific implementation of this embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 In step S406, when determining whether TH1≤Δv<TH2 is true, if the determination result is no, it indicates that the speed difference is not less than the second threshold TH2, and then step S408 is executed.

[0109] Step S408: Reduce the driving voltage of the water pump and return to step S402.

[0110] When correcting the rotational speed, if the rotational speed is too slow in the absence of water, it indicates that the external environment is interfering with the water turbine. In this case, it is necessary to increase the drive voltage to counteract this interference.

[0111] When this external environmental interference is eliminated, for example, after the foreign object stuck in the water receiving tray is removed, the increased drive voltage used to counteract this effect will cause the rotation speed to be too fast in the waterless state, which will also affect the water level detection. Therefore, the drive voltage of the water pump should be reduced and readjusted.

[0112] When the rotation speed is too high, reduce the drive voltage to prevent overcorrection.

[0113] In yet another embodiment provided by the present invention, the controller is further configured to:

[0114] When the current speed is detected to be lower than the preset standard speed, the current pulse width parameter is increased by a preset step value, and the initial pulse width parameter is set to the preset value.

[0115] The increased driving voltage is determined based on the latest pulse width parameters and the preset maximum driving voltage.

[0116] In the specific implementation of this embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the work performed by the controller when adjusting voltage according to an embodiment of the present invention. When the controller monitors the water level, it specifically performs the following steps:

[0117] Step S501: Determine whether the water receiving tray is in a dry state;

[0118] If not, return to step S501;

[0119] If so, proceed to step S502;

[0120] Step S502: Detect the current rotational speed v of the water pump;

[0121] Step S503: Calculate the speed difference Δv between the current speed and the preset standard speed;

[0122] Step S504: Determine whether the speed difference Δv < TH1 is true.

[0123] If so, proceed to step S505;

[0124] If not, execute other control processes.

[0125] Step S505, PWMset = PWMset + 2%. That is, the current pulse width parameter PWMset is increased by 2% of the preset step value.

[0126] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, when controlling the driving voltage, the voltage amplitude of the driving voltage is controlled by pulse width modulation, and the pulse width parameter is gradually increased by stepping the amplitude to achieve precise control of the driving voltage.

[0127] Step S506: Determine the increased drive voltage based on PWMset and the maximum drive voltage, and return to step S502.

[0128] The speed of the water pump is related to the voltage received by its motor. When the speed of the water pump is too low due to external obstruction and no water, the driving voltage is increased by increasing the pulse width of the pulse width modulation, which ensures the accuracy of the voltage control process and improves the accuracy of speed correction.

[0129] In yet another embodiment provided by the present invention, the controller is further configured to:

[0130] When the latest pulse width parameter is greater than the preset pulse width threshold, the portable air conditioner is controlled to stop and a fault command is output.

[0131] When the latest pulse width parameter is not greater than the pulse width threshold, the product of the latest pulse width parameter and the maximum driving voltage is used as the increased driving voltage.

[0132] In the specific implementation of this embodiment, please refer to Figure 6 This is another flowchart illustrating the work performed by the controller when adjusting voltage according to an embodiment of the present invention. When the controller monitors the water level, it specifically performs the following steps:

[0133] Step S601: Determine whether the water receiving tray is in a dry state;

[0134] If not, return to step S601;

[0135] If so, proceed to step S602;

[0136] Step S602: Detect the current rotational speed v of the water pump;

[0137] Step S502: Detect the current rotational speed v of the water pump;

[0138] Step S603: Calculate the speed difference Δv between the current speed and the preset standard speed;

[0139] Step S604: Determine whether the speed difference Δv < TH1 is true.

[0140] If so, proceed to step S605;

[0141] If not, execute other control processes;

[0142] Step S605, PWMset = PWMset + 2%. That is, the current pulse width parameter PWMset is increased by a preset step value of 2%.

[0143] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, when controlling the driving voltage, the voltage amplitude of the driving voltage is controlled by pulse width modulation, and the pulse width parameter is gradually increased by stepping the amplitude to achieve precise control of the driving voltage.

[0144] Step S606: Determine whether PWMset > 100% is true.

[0145] This means determining whether the adjusted pulse width exceeds the maximum pulse width. The pulse width threshold is generally set to 100% of the maximum threshold, but it can also be set to a threshold less than 100% to detect when the correction voltage is too high, indicating that the water pump is experiencing greater resistance and that the detection count has malfunctioned.

[0146] If so, proceed to step S607;

[0147] If not, proceed to step S608;

[0148] Step S607: Stop the machine and output a fault command.

[0149] When the latest pulse width parameter is greater than the preset pulse width threshold, it indicates that the drive voltage cannot be adjusted. Even when the drive voltage is at its maximum, the water pump speed still cannot be corrected. At this time, a fault shutdown command is output, reporting a fault EE to stop the entire machine.

[0150] Step S608, set the drive voltage to V max *PWMset, return to step S602.

[0151] That is, using the latest pulse width parameter PWMset and the maximum drive voltage V max The product of these two factors is used as the increased driving voltage, thereby achieving voltage amplification.

[0152] The speed of the water dispenser is related to the voltage received by its motor. When the speed is too low due to external obstruction and the water is dry, the speed is corrected by increasing the pulse width modulation (PWM) to increase the drive voltage. By monitoring the pulse width parameter, if it is too large, it indicates that drive voltage correction is not possible or that external resistance is too high. In this case, the entire machine will stop and report an error, reminding the user to have it inspected and repaired to prevent damage from prolonged operation under excessive resistance.

[0153] In yet another embodiment provided by the present invention, the controller is further configured to:

[0154] After the compressor is started and running, the start-up flag bit is read;

[0155] When the power-on flag is at the first preset value, it is determined that the water receiving tray is in a waterless state, and the power-on flag is set to the second preset value.

[0156] In this specific implementation, when the controller identifies the waterless state of the water dispenser, it does so by reading the power-on flag of the air conditioner.

[0157] The power-on flag is specifically for the first time the user unpacks and powers on the machine after purchasing it. This condition is met only once per machine. When the machine is not powered on, the power-on flag is 0; after the compressor is powered on, the flag is set to 1. See also... Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the controller in the embodiment of the present invention when identifying a waterless state. Specifically, the controller performs the following steps when identifying a waterless state:

[0158] Step S701: The compressor is started and running;

[0159] Step S702: Read the power-on flag bit;

[0160] Step S703: Determine whether the power-on flag is 0;

[0161] If so, proceed to step S704;

[0162] If not, execute other control processes;

[0163] Step S704: Determine that the water receiving tray is in a dry state;

[0164] Step S705: Set the power-on flag to 1.

[0165] When the power-on flag is 0, it is determined that the water receiving tray is in a waterless state, and the power-on flag is set to 1.

[0166] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first preset value as the default value for initial power-on is 0, and the second preset value is 1. In other embodiments, these values ​​can be set according to the actual situation.

[0167] By storing the power-on flag information, the system can accurately distinguish the state of the air conditioner when it is first turned on, identify the waterless state, and correct the water pump speed.

[0168] In yet another embodiment provided by the present invention, the controller is further configured to:

[0169] After the portable air conditioner is powered on, calculate the standby time of the portable air conditioner in standby mode and detect the ambient temperature;

[0170] When the standby time is not less than a preset first time threshold and the ambient temperature is within a preset first temperature range, the water tray is determined to be in a waterless state.

[0171] In yet another embodiment provided by the present invention, see Figure 8 This is another flowchart illustrating the work performed by the controller in the embodiment of the present invention when performing waterless state identification. Specifically, the controller performs the following steps when performing waterless state identification:

[0172] Step S801: Power on the entire machine;

[0173] Step S802: Calculate the standby time t1 starting from 0;

[0174] Step S803: Periodically acquire the operating status of the compressor;

[0175] Step S804: Determine whether the running status is in the working state;

[0176] If so, execute other control procedures;

[0177] If not, proceed to step S805;

[0178] Step S805, t1 = t1 + 1. That is, when the air conditioner compressor is not running, the portable air conditioner is in standby mode during this detection cycle, and the standby time is accumulated.

[0179] Step S806: Determine if the standby time t1 ≥ T th1 Whether it is valid or not.

[0180] If so, proceed to step S807;

[0181] If not, return to step S803.

[0182] Step S807: Detect the current ambient temperature W;

[0183] Step S808: Determine if the current ambient temperature W ≥ W th1 Whether it is valid or not.

[0184] If so, proceed to step S809.

[0185] If not, execute other control processes.

[0186] Step S809: Determine that the water receiving tray is in a waterless state.

[0187] It should be noted that when the device is in standby mode for an extended period of time, the water in the drip tray will continue to evaporate, especially when the ambient temperature reaches a certain value. After a preset evaporation period, the water in the drip tray will evaporate completely.

[0188] It should be noted that in step S808, when it is determined that the standby time has reached the first time threshold requirement, if the ambient temperature does not reach the first temperature range, the first time threshold can be extended, i.e., the first time threshold can be increased, and the process can return to step S806 to continue the time determination. The amount of increase in the first time threshold can be based on the ambient temperature and the first temperature threshold W. th1 The difference is determined by the fact that the lower the temperature, the longer the extension time.

[0189] When the ambient temperature is low, the water tray will naturally evaporate completely after being left for more than 600 minutes. When the machine is turned on again, the water pump will run without resistance. That is, by detecting the standby time, under the preset temperature conditions, the water in the water tray is considered to have evaporated completely after a certain standby time, and it is determined to be a waterless state. The waterless state of the water tray can be accurately identified without the need for a water level sensor.

[0190] In yet another embodiment provided by the present invention, the controller is further configured to:

[0191] Monitor the operating status of the compressor;

[0192] When the working state is in the running state, the standby time is cleared to zero and the standby time is recalculated.

[0193] In the specific implementation of this embodiment, please refer to Figure 8 When calculating the standby time, if the running state is in the working state in step S804, and the result is yes, then step S810 is executed.

[0194] Step S810: Clear the standby time t1 to zero and return to step S803.

[0195] When the unit is in operation, the compressor is running and the air conditioner's refrigeration system is working, which will produce condensate. Therefore, when calculating the condensate evaporation time, the standby time must be recalculated.

[0196] When calculating standby time, if the condensate generated by the air conditioner compressor is not dry in the drip tray after it starts running, the standby time needs to be recalculated to ensure that the drip tray is dry.

[0197] In yet another embodiment provided by the present invention, the controller is further configured to:

[0198] When the compressor stops, record the operating speed of the water pump before stopping, calculate the shutdown time of the compressor, and monitor the ambient temperature;

[0199] When the downtime is not less than a preset second time threshold, the operating speed is not less than a preset first speed threshold, and the ambient temperature is within a preset second temperature range, the water receiving tray is determined to be in a waterless state.

[0200] In the specific implementation of this embodiment, please refer to Figure 9 This is another flowchart illustrating the work performed by the controller in the embodiment of the present invention when performing waterless state identification. Specifically, the controller performs the following steps when performing waterless state identification:

[0201] Step S901: The compressor stops, and the operating speed v of the water pump before stopping is recorded;

[0202] Step S902: Calculate the downtime t2 starting from 0;

[0203] Step S903: Periodically acquire the operating status of the compressor;

[0204] Step S904: Determine whether the running status is in the working state;

[0205] If so, execute other control procedures;

[0206] If not, proceed to step S905;

[0207] Step S905, t2 = t2 + 1. That is, when the air conditioner compressor is in a stopped state, the portable air conditioner is in a stopped state during this detection cycle, and the stop time is accumulated.

[0208] Step S906: Determine if the downtime t2 ≥ T th2 Whether it is valid or not.

[0209] If so, proceed to step S907;

[0210] If not, return to step S903.

[0211] Step S907: Detect the current ambient temperature W;

[0212] Step S908: Determine if the current ambient temperature W ≥ W th2 Whether it is valid or not.

[0213] If so, proceed to step S909.

[0214] If not, execute other control processes.

[0215] It should be noted that after the compressor stops, the condensate will stop being produced, and the water in the drip tray will continue to evaporate. Especially when the ambient temperature reaches a certain value, the water in the drip tray will evaporate completely after a preset evaporation time.

[0216] Step S909, determine the operating speed v ≥ v th Whether it is valid or not.

[0217] If not, execute other control processes;

[0218] If so, proceed to step S910;

[0219] Step S910: Determine that the water receiving tray is in a waterless state.

[0220] It should be noted that after the compressor stops, the condensate will stop being produced, and the water in the drip tray will continue to evaporate. If the water pump speed is not lower than the preset value before the compressor stops, it indicates that the corresponding water level does not exceed a certain amount of water. After the preset evaporation time, the water in the drip tray will be completely evaporated.

[0221] It should be noted that in step S909, the operating speed v is determined to be v ≥ v th If the operating speed does not reach the preset speed threshold, the system can extend the second time threshold (i.e., increase the second time threshold) and return to step S906 to continue the time determination. The amount of increase in the second time threshold can be determined based on the difference between the operating speed and the speed threshold; the larger the speed difference, the longer the extension time.

[0222] When the compressor stops, and the speed before stopping is not lower than the product of the maximum speed SC and 0.8, it indicates that the water in the drip tray does not exceed a certain value. When the ambient temperature is low and the drip tray is left for more than 60 minutes, the water will evaporate naturally. The water pump motor will run without resistance when it starts running again. That is, by detecting the standby time, under the preset temperature conditions, if the compressor stops for a certain period of time, the water in the drip tray is considered to have evaporated completely. At this time, it is determined to be a waterless state. The waterless state of the drip tray can be accurately identified without the need for a water level sensor.

[0223] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, the operating status of the compressor is monitored;

[0224] When the working state is in the running state, the downtime will be reset to zero and the downtime will be recalculated.

[0225] In the specific implementation of this embodiment, please refer to Figure 9 When calculating the standby time, if the running state is in the working state in step S904, and the judgment result is yes, then step S911 is executed.

[0226] Step S911: Clear the shutdown duration t2 to zero and return to step S903.

[0227] When the unit is in operation, the compressor is running and the air conditioner's refrigeration system is working, which will produce condensate. Therefore, when calculating the condensate evaporation time, the downtime must be recalculated.

[0228] When calculating standby time, if the condensate generated by the air conditioner compressor is not dry in the drip tray after it starts running, the standby time needs to be recalculated to ensure that the drip tray is dry.

[0229] This invention also provides a water level detection method for a portable air conditioner, applied in a portable air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising:

[0230] The refrigeration circuit circulates the refrigerant sequentially through the compressor, condenser, throttling device, and evaporator;

[0231] A drip tray is used to receive and store the condensate generated during the operation of the portable air conditioner;

[0232] A water pump, configured at a preset position on a water receiving tray, is used to spray water from the water receiving tray to the condenser via a water pumping wheel.

[0233] Controller;

[0234] See Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a water level detection method for a portable air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The method includes the following steps:

[0235] Step S1: When it is detected that the water receiving tray is in a waterless state, obtain the current rotation speed of the water pump;

[0236] Step S2: Calculate the speed difference between the current speed and the preset standard speed;

[0237] Step S3: When the speed difference is less than a preset first threshold, increase the driving voltage of the water pump and continue to detect the current speed of the water pump;

[0238] Step S4: When the speed difference is not less than a preset first threshold and less than a preset second threshold, maintain the current driving voltage, obtain the operating speed of the water pump, and determine the water level of the water receiving tray.

[0239] Wherein, the first threshold is less than the second threshold.

[0240] It should be noted that the water level detection method for a portable air conditioner provided in this embodiment of the invention has the same process steps as the controller of an air conditioner in the above embodiment. The working principles and beneficial effects of the two are one-to-one, so they will not be described again.

[0241] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. The storage medium can be a magnetic disk, optical disk, read-only memory (ROM), or random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0242] The above description represents the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A mobile air conditioner characterized by comprising: The mobile air conditioner comprises: a refrigeration circuit, in which refrigerant is circulated sequentially through a compressor, a condenser, a throttling component, and an evaporator; a water pan for receiving and storing condensed water generated during operation of the mobile air conditioner; a water dispenser arranged at a predetermined position on the water pan and configured to spray water in the water pan to the condenser through a water spraying wheel; a controller configured to: obtain a current rotating speed of the water dispenser when detecting that the water pan is in a waterless state; calculate a rotating speed difference between the current rotating speed and a preset standard rotating speed; increase a driving voltage of the water dispenser when the rotating speed difference is less than a preset first threshold value, and continue to detect the current rotating speed of the water dispenser; maintain the current driving voltage when the rotating speed difference is not less than the preset first threshold value and is less than a preset second threshold value, obtain an operating rotating speed of the water dispenser, and determine a water level of the water pan; wherein the first threshold value is less than the second threshold value.

2. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein The controller is further configured to: decrease the driving voltage of the water dispenser when the rotating speed difference is not less than the second threshold value, and continue to detect the current rotating speed of the water dispenser.

3. The mobile air conditioner of claim 1, wherein The controller is further configured to: increase a current pulse width parameter by a preset step value when it is identified that the current rotating speed is lower than the preset standard rotating speed, and an initial pulse width parameter is set as a preset value; determine the increased driving voltage according to the latest pulse width parameter and a preset maximum driving voltage.

4. The mobile air conditioner of claim 3, wherein The controller is further configured to: control the mobile air conditioner to stop and output a fault stop instruction when the latest pulse width parameter is greater than a preset pulse width threshold value; use a product of the latest pulse width parameter and the maximum driving voltage as the increased driving voltage when the latest pulse width parameter is not greater than the preset pulse width threshold value.

5. The mobile air conditioner of claim 1, wherein The controller is further configured to: read an opening flag after the compressor is started to operate; determine that the water pan is in the waterless state when the opening flag is a first preset value, and set the opening flag as a second preset value.

6. The mobile air conditioner of claim 1, wherein The controller is further configured to: calculate a standby duration of the mobile air conditioner in a standby state after the mobile air conditioner is powered on, and detect an ambient temperature; determine that the water pan is in the waterless state when the standby duration is not less than a preset first duration threshold value and the ambient temperature is within a preset first temperature range.

7. The mobile air conditioner of claim 6, wherein The controller is further configured to: monitor a working state of the compressor; clear the standby duration and recalculate the standby duration when the working state is in an operating state.

8. The mobile air conditioner of claim 1, wherein The controller is further configured to: record an operating rotating speed of the water dispenser before the compressor is stopped, calculate a stop duration of the compressor, and monitor the ambient temperature when the compressor is stopped; determine that the water pan is in the waterless state when the stop duration is not less than a preset second duration threshold value, the operating rotating speed is not less than a preset first rotating speed threshold value, and the ambient temperature is within a preset second temperature range.

9. The mobile air conditioner of claim 8, wherein, The controller is further configured to: monitor the working state of the compressor; clear the stop duration and recalculate the stop duration when the working state is in the operating state.

10. A water level detecting method of a mobile air conditioner, characterized by, The mobile air conditioner comprises: A refrigeration circuit, in which a refrigerant is circulated sequentially through a compressor, a condenser, a throttling member, and an evaporator; A water pan for receiving and storing condensed water generated during operation of the mobile air conditioner; A water striking device configured at a predetermined position on the water pan, for spraying water in the water pan to the condenser by means of a water striking wheel; A controller; The method comprises: When it is detected that the water pan is in a waterless state, obtaining a current rotating speed of the water striking device; Calculating a rotating speed difference between the current rotating speed and a preset standard rotating speed; When the rotating speed difference is less than a preset first threshold, increasing a driving voltage of the water striking device, and continuing to detect the current rotating speed of the water striking device; When the rotating speed difference is not less than the preset first threshold and less than a preset second threshold, maintaining the current driving voltage, obtaining an operating rotating speed of the water striking device, and determining a water level of the water pan; The first threshold is less than the second threshold.

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