Water level detection device, air conditioner and control method of air conditioner

Abstract

The invention discloses a water level detection device, an air conditioner and a control method thereof, the water level detection device is installed in cooperation with a water receiving container, the water level detection device comprises: an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly comprises a reference electrode and a plurality of water level electrodes, the reference electrode is arranged at the inner bottom side of the water receiving container and is grounded, and the water level electrodes are arranged at intervals in the water receiving container along the height direction; the pull-up module is connected with the water level electrode and used for pulling up the water level electrode to a first level state; and the control module is connected to the water level electrode and used for detecting the liquid level in the water receiving container according to the level state change of the water level electrode. According to the water level detection device, multi-point judgment of the water level state can be achieved, and the water level detection precision and stability are improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, most air conditioners are equipped with a drip tray to collect the condensate generated during air conditioning. When the water in the drip tray reaches a certain level, the water needs to be drained.

[0003] Currently, the mainstream water level detection and control solutions for air conditioning drip trays on the market include float switch solutions and single-electrode detection solutions. The float switch solution uses a float structure, triggered by the buoyancy of the water, to achieve water level detection and drainage control. The single-electrode detection solution uses an electrode at a specific water level; when the water level reaches the electrode, the electrode generates a signal, thus achieving water level detection and drainage control. However, the float switch solution is complex in structure and prone to jamming, while the single-electrode detection solution cannot achieve multi-point control and lacks precision in its control logic. This can lead to frequent pump start-ups and shutdowns or the unit failing to stop in a timely manner, affecting the stability and lifespan of the equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a water level detection device, an air conditioner, and a control method thereof, which solves the problem of low detection accuracy in existing water level detection methods.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a water level detection device, which is installed in conjunction with a water receiving container. The water level detection device includes: an electrode assembly, including a reference electrode and a plurality of water level electrodes, wherein the reference electrode is disposed on the inner bottom side of the water receiving container and grounded, and the water level electrodes are spaced apart along the height direction inside the water receiving container; a pull-up module, connected to the water level electrodes, for pulling the water level electrodes up to a first level state; and a control module, connected to the water level electrodes, for detecting the liquid water level in the water receiving container based on the level state change of the water level electrodes.

[0006] Furthermore, the water level detection device also includes an electrical pulse module, and the electrode assembly also includes a discharge electrode. The discharge electrode is disposed on the inner bottom side of the water receiving container and alternates with the reference electrode. The electrical pulse module is connected to the control module and the discharge electrode. The electrical pulse module is used to generate a low-frequency pulse current and release the low-frequency pulse current through the discharge electrode.

[0007] Furthermore, the distance between the two ends furthest apart on the bottom side of the water receiving container is set as L, and the distance between the discharge electrode and the reference electrode is set as D, where D = L / 4.

[0008] Furthermore, the reference electrode is positioned on the vertical projection of the water level electrode onto the bottom of the water receiving container.

[0009] Furthermore, the discharge electrode, the reference electrode, and the water level electrode are all made of graphite material.

[0010] Furthermore, the pull-up unit includes a power supply and multiple pull-up resistors, with each water level electrode connected to the power supply through one of the pull-up resistors.

[0011] Furthermore, the plurality of water level electrodes are configured as a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is located inside the water receiving container at a first preset height from the bottom side, and the second electrode is located inside the water receiving container at a second preset height from the bottom side, wherein the first preset height is less than the second preset height.

[0012] Furthermore, the total height inside the water receiving container is set as H0, the first preset height is set as H1, and the second preset height is set as H2, where H1 = 1 / 5 * H0 and H2 = 4 / 5 * H0.

[0013] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide an air conditioner, which includes an air conditioning unit, a water collection tray, a drain pump, and the water level detection device described in the first aspect. The water collection tray is installed in conjunction with the air conditioning unit, the drain pump is installed in conjunction with the water collection tray, and the water level detection device is installed in conjunction with the water collection tray and connected to the drain pump and the air conditioning unit. The water collection tray is used to receive liquid generated during the operation of the air conditioning unit, the drain pump is used to extract and discharge the liquid from the water collection tray, and the water level detection device is used to detect the liquid level in the water collection tray and control the air conditioning unit and the drain pump based on the liquid level.

[0014] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide an air conditioner control method, applied to the air conditioner described in the second aspect above. The method includes: acquiring the liquid level in the drip tray; determining whether the liquid level has reached a first preset level or a second preset level, wherein the first preset level is lower than the second preset level; if the liquid level reaches the first preset level, controlling the drain pump to operate; if the liquid level reaches the second preset level, controlling the air conditioning unit to stop; if the liquid level has not reached the first preset level, controlling the water level detection device to release a low-frequency pulse current.

[0015] This invention provides a water level detection device, an air conditioner, and a control method thereof. The water level detection device, air conditioner, and control method include: an electrode assembly comprising a reference electrode and multiple water level electrodes. The reference electrode is disposed on the inner bottom side of a water receiving container and grounded. The water level electrodes are spaced apart along the height direction inside the water receiving container. A pull-up module is connected to the water level electrodes and is used to pull the water level electrodes up to a first level state. A control module is connected to the water level electrodes and is used to detect the liquid water level in the water receiving container based on the level state changes of the water level electrodes. The water level detection device of this application adopts a combination structure of a reference electrode and multiple water level electrodes to achieve multi-point judgment and detection of the liquid water level state, improving the accuracy and stability of water level detection. Attached Figure Description

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

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a water level detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A schematic block diagram illustrating the installation of the water level detection device and the water receiving container provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode assembly installed on a water receiving container according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A schematic block diagram of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the steps of the method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] The labels for the attached figures are as follows: 100. Water level detection device; 10. Electrode assembly; 11. Reference electrode; 12. Water level electrode; 20. Pull-up module; 21. Pull-up resistor; 13. Discharge electrode; 30. Control module; 40. Electrical pulse module; 200. Air conditioner; 201. Air conditioning unit; 202. Water receiving tray; 203. Drain pump. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] It should be understood that, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0021] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] It should also be further understood that the term "and / or" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0023] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "if" may be interpreted, depending on the context, as "when," "once," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, the phrase "if determined" or "if [described condition or event] is detected" may be interpreted, depending on the context, as "once determined," "in response to determination," "once [described condition or event] is detected," or "in response to detection of [described condition or event]."

[0024] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2This invention provides a water level detection device 100. The structure and working principle of the water level detection device 100 are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The water level detection device 100 is installed in conjunction with a water receiving container. The water level detection device 100 includes: an electrode assembly 10, including a reference electrode 11 and a plurality of water level electrodes 12. The reference electrode 11 is disposed on the inner bottom side of the water receiving container and grounded. The water level electrodes 12 are spaced apart along the height direction inside the water receiving container; a pull-up module 20, connected to the water level electrodes 12, for pulling the water level electrodes 12 up to a first level state; and a control module 30, connected to the water level electrodes 12, for detecting the liquid water level in the water receiving container based on the level state changes of the water level electrodes 12.

[0025] In specific implementation, such as Figure 2As shown, the water level detection device 100 is installed in conjunction with a water receiving container. The water receiving container is a container structure capable of holding liquid. The water receiving container can be a water tray from an air conditioner or any other container requiring water level detection. The water level detection device 100 is installed in conjunction with the water receiving container to detect the water level in the container. Specifically, the water level detection device 100 in this embodiment includes a reference electrode 11 and multiple water level electrodes 12. The reference electrode 11 is disposed on the bottom inner side of the water receiving container and connected to ground to provide a grounding potential reference. The reference electrode 11 should be located at the lowest point inside the water receiving container, ensuring that it can contact the liquid when the liquid level is low. All the water level electrodes 12 are spaced apart along the height direction inside the water receiving container. The water level electrodes 12 can be disposed on the inner wall of the water receiving container or installed in conjunction with other structures. For example, a vertically extending mounting rod can be installed in the water receiving container to mount the water level electrodes 12. Pull-up module 20 is connected to water level electrode 12, which can pull up the water level electrode 12 to a first level state, specifically a high level state. Control module 30 is connected to each water level electrode 12. Control module 30 is a module with logic operation and control functions, specifically an MCU, which is connected to the water level electrode 12 via GPIO. Control module 30 detects the liquid level in the receiving container based on the level state change of the water level electrode 12. Specifically, when the liquid in the receiving container is condensate or other non-pure water, due to the conductivity of non-pure water, when the liquid level in the receiving container rises to the position of water level electrode 12, the liquid comes into contact with the water level electrode 12. Since the reference electrode 11 on the bottom side of the receiving container provides a ground reference, the water level electrode 12, which has been pulled up to the first level state by pull-up module 20, is pulled down to ground, and the level state changes. Control module 30 detects the change in the level state of water level electrode 12 and can determine that the current liquid level in the receiving container has reached the position of the water level electrode 12 with the changed level state. One water level electrode 12 corresponds to one water level detection point. The more water level electrodes 12 are set, the more water level detection points there are, and more water level conditions can be detected. The specific number of water level electrodes 12 can be set according to the water level detection requirements. For example, if it is necessary to detect the water level at a height of 5cm and 10cm in the water receiving container, two water level electrodes 12 can be set. One water level electrode 12 is set inside the water receiving container at a position 5cm away from the bottom of the water receiving container, and the other water level electrode 12 is set inside the water receiving container at a position 10cm away from the bottom of the water receiving container. This way, the detection of 5cm and 10cm water levels can be achieved.

[0026] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 1 and Figure 2The water level detection device 100 further includes an electrical pulse module 40, and the electrode assembly 10 further includes a discharge electrode 13. The discharge electrode 13 is located on the inner bottom side of the water receiving container and alternates with the reference electrode 11. The electrical pulse module 40 is connected to the control module 30 and the discharge electrode 13. The electrical pulse module 40 is used to generate a low-frequency pulse current and release the low-frequency pulse current through the discharge electrode 13. In a specific implementation, the discharge electrode 13, like the reference electrode 11, is located on the inner bottom side of the water receiving container, and the discharge electrode 13 and the reference electrode 11 are spaced apart. The discharge electrode 13 is connected to the electrical pulse module 40, and the electrical pulse module 40 is connected to the control module 30. The electrical pulse module 40 is a circuit module with an adjustable output current frequency waveform. It is controlled by the control module 30 through PWM regulation to generate a low-frequency pulse current, and the electrical pulse module 40 releases the low-frequency pulse current by cooperating with the discharge electrode 13. Specifically, the low-frequency pulse current generated by the electrical pulse module 40 has a frequency and waveform specifically designed for disinfecting bacteria and other microorganisms. The principle of low-frequency pulse current sterilization is based on the electroporation effect and cell membrane disruption mechanism. By using a current with a specific frequency waveform, transient pores are created in the cell membranes of bacteria and other microorganisms, causing leakage of cell contents and eventual inactivation. The low-frequency pulse current released by the discharge electrode 13 is conducted in the liquid, thereby disinfecting bacteria and other microorganisms in the liquid inside the water receiving container and preventing the growth of mold inside the container.

[0027] Furthermore, referring to Figure 3 The distance between the two furthest points on the bottom side of the water receiving container is denoted as L, and the distance between the discharge electrode 13 and the reference electrode 11 is denoted as D, where D = L / 4. In specific implementations, the distance between the discharge electrode 13 and the reference electrode 11 affects the effectiveness of the electro-pulse sterilization. Therefore, the positions of the discharge electrode 13 and the reference electrode 11 are arranged according to the internal space of the water receiving container. When the internal space of the water receiving container is large and the length of the container is long, the distance between the discharge electrode 13 and the reference electrode 11 should be appropriately increased. In this embodiment, the distance is set based on the distance between the two furthest points on the bottom side of the water receiving container. L represents the distance between the two furthest points on the bottom side of the water receiving container, and D represents the distance between the discharge electrode 13 and the reference electrode 11. In the design, D = L / 4, that is, the distance between the discharge electrode 13 and the reference electrode 11 is set to one-quarter of the distance between the two furthest points on the bottom side of the water receiving container. For example, if the distance between the two furthest points on the bottom side of the water receiving container is 20cm, then the distance between the discharge electrode 13 and the reference electrode 11 is set to 5cm. Based on the layout optimization strategy of discharge electrode 13 and reference electrode 11 with D=L / 4, the above design can maximize the effectiveness of electric pulse sterilization and enhance the antibacterial ability of the system, regardless of the internal space of the water receiving container.

[0028] Furthermore, the reference electrode 11 is positioned on the vertical projection of the water level electrode 12 onto the bottom of the water receiving container. In specific implementations, the spatial position between the reference electrode 11 and the water level electrode 12 affects the transmission of electrical signals, therefore, it needs to be set appropriately. The reference electrode 11 and the water level electrode 12 should be as close as possible in space. In this embodiment, the reference electrode 11 is positioned on the vertical projection of the water level electrode 12 onto the bottom of the water receiving container. This minimizes the spatial distance between the water level electrode 12 and the reference electrode 11, shortens the signal transmission path to the greatest extent, reduces interference, maximizes the effectiveness of electrical signal transmission, and makes the water level detection more accurate.

[0029] Furthermore, the discharge electrode 13, the reference electrode 11, and the water level electrode 12 are all made of graphite material. Specifically, the discharge electrode 13, the reference electrode 11, and the water level electrode 12 are all made of graphite material; that is, the discharge electrode 13, the reference electrode 11, and the water level electrode 12 are all graphite electrodes. Electrodes made of graphite material have two advantages: firstly, graphite has good conductivity, enabling the detection of weak electrical signal changes; secondly, graphite material has good corrosion resistance. Therefore, the discharge electrode 13, the reference electrode 11, and the water level electrode 12 made of graphite material have strong discharge capability, higher accuracy in detecting electrical signals, and are not easily corroded even after long-term contact with liquid in a water container, resulting in a longer service life.

[0030] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 1 and Figure 2The pull-up unit includes a power supply VCC and multiple pull-up resistors 21. Each water level electrode 12 is connected to the power supply VCC through one of the pull-up resistors 21. In a specific implementation, the pull-up unit consists of a power supply VCC and multiple pull-up resistors 21. The power supply VCC can provide 3.3V DC power. Each water level electrode 12 is connected to the power supply VCC through a pull-up resistor 21. The control module 30 is an MCU, which is connected to the water level electrode 12 through GPIO. That is, one end of the pull-up resistor 21 is connected between the water level electrode 12 and the GPIO of the control module 30, and the other end is connected to the power supply VCC. In practical applications, pull-up resistor 21, in conjunction with power supply VCC, pulls the signal of control module 30 to a high level. This high level serves as the first level state. When the liquid level in the water receiving container has not reached the position of water level electrode 12, control module 30 always detects a high level. However, when the liquid level in the water receiving container reaches the position of water level electrode 12, due to the conductivity of non-pure water, water level electrode 12 is connected to the reference electrode 11 on the bottom side of the water receiving container through the liquid. As a result, the potential of the detection electrode is pulled down to ground, and water level electrode 12 changes from its original high level state to a low level. Control module 30 detects the change in the level state of water level electrode 12 to a low level, thus determining that the liquid level in the water receiving container has reached the position of water level electrode 12, thereby obtaining the current liquid level in the water receiving container.

[0031] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The plurality of water level electrodes 12 are designated as a first electrode M and a second electrode N. The first electrode M is located inside the water receiving container at a first preset height from the bottom, and the second electrode N is located inside the water receiving container at a second preset height from the bottom, wherein the first preset height is less than the second preset height. In a specific implementation, two water level electrodes 12 are used: a first electrode M and a second electrode N. The first electrode M is located inside the water receiving container at a first preset height from the bottom, and the second electrode N is located inside the water receiving container at a second preset height. The first preset height is less than the second preset height; that is, the position of the first electrode M in the water receiving container is lower than the height of the second electrode N. The first electrode M can detect the liquid level at the first preset height, and the first electrode M can also detect the liquid level at the second preset height. The specific values ​​of the first and second preset heights are not limited and can be set according to the actual usage scenario of the water receiving container and the detection requirements.

[0032] Furthermore, referring to Figure 3The total height inside the water receiving container is set as H0, the first preset height is set as H1, and the second preset height is set as H2, where H1 = 1 / 5 * H0 and H2 = 4 / 5 * H0. In specific implementations, such as... Figure 3 As shown, H0 represents the total internal height of the water receiving container, which is also the height of the liquid level when the water receiving container is full of liquid. H1 represents the first preset height, which is the position where the first electrode M is set inside the water receiving container at a height of H1 from the bottom. H2 represents the second preset height, which is the position where the second electrode N is set inside the water receiving container at a height of H2 from the bottom. In the design, H1 = 1 / 5 * H0, H2 = 4 / 5 * H0, meaning that the height of the first electrode M inside the water receiving container from the bottom is 1 / 5 of the total height inside the water receiving container, and the height of the second electrode N inside the water receiving container from the bottom is 4 / 5 of the total height inside the water receiving container. The first electrode M and the second electrode N can be used to detect whether the liquid level in the water receiving container has reached 1 / 5 and 4 / 5 of the container. Based on the two detected liquid level standards, corresponding drainage strategies and air conditioning control strategies can be formulated in specific air conditioning system applications. For example, when the liquid level is detected to reach 1 / 5 of the air conditioning water receiving pan 202, the water pump can be controlled to drain the water, and when the liquid level reaches 4 / 5 of the air conditioning water receiving pan 202, the air conditioner can be controlled to stop.

[0033] In summary, the water level detection device of this application adopts a combination structure of reference electrode and multi-water level electrode to realize multi-point judgment and detection of liquid water level status, thereby improving the accuracy and stability of water level detection. At the same time, it integrates the low-frequency pulse current anti-mildew and sterilization function with the multi-point water level detection function into the same electrode system, which saves space and cost while realizing the sterilization function.

[0034] Please see Figure 4 The present invention also provides an air conditioner 200, which includes an air conditioning unit 201, a water receiving tray 202, a drain pump 203, and a water level detection device 100 as described in the above embodiments. The water receiving tray 202 is installed in conjunction with the air conditioning unit 201, the drain pump 203 is installed in conjunction with the water receiving tray 202, and the water level detection device 100 is installed in conjunction with the water receiving tray 202 and connected to the drain pump 203 and the air conditioning unit 201. The water receiving tray 202 is used to receive liquid generated by the operation of the air conditioning unit 201, the drain pump 203 is used to extract and discharge the liquid in the water receiving tray 202, and the water level detection device 100 is used to detect the liquid level in the water receiving tray 202 and control the air conditioning unit 201 and the drain pump 203 according to the liquid level.

[0035] In specific implementation, the air conditioner 200 can be a split-type air conditioner, mainly composed of an air conditioning unit 201, a water collection tray 202, a drain pump 203, and a water level detection device 100. The air conditioning unit 201 mainly consists of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, used for cooling or heating. The water collection tray 202 is installed in conjunction with the air conditioning unit 201. Typically, the water collection tray 202 is a container structure, mainly connected to the indoor unit of the air conditioning unit 201 via pipes, used to receive the liquid produced during the air conditioner's cooling or dehumidification operation, i.e., condensate. The drain pump 203 is installed in conjunction with the water collection tray 202, specifically connected to or indirectly installed within the water collection tray 202 via pipes, used to extract the liquid from the water collection tray 202 and discharge it outdoors. The water level detection device 100 is installed in conjunction with the water receiving tray 202, which serves as the water receiving container. The reference electrode 11 and discharge electrode 13 of the water level detection device 100 are located on the bottom side inside the water receiving tray 202. Multiple water level electrodes 12 of the water level detection device 100 are spaced apart along the height direction inside the water receiving container. In practical applications, the water level detection device 100 interacts with the control system of the air conditioner 200 to detect the liquid level in the water receiving tray 202. By formulating control strategies for the drain pump 203 and the air conditioning unit 201, intelligent control of the drain pump 203 and the air conditioning unit 201 is achieved, improving the user experience. Since the specific structure and working principle of the water level detection device 100 have already been described in detail in the preceding instructions, they will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0036] In summary, the air conditioner of this application, by employing the water level detection device provided in the embodiments of the present invention, can achieve accurate detection of multi-point water levels in the water tray, thereby enabling intelligent drainage control of the air conditioner, resulting in better equipment operation stability, while also preventing mold growth in the water tray and improving user experience.

[0037] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of an air conditioner control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The method is applied to the air conditioner described in the above embodiments. Since the air conditioner has been described in detail in the above embodiments, it will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity. The air conditioner control method will now be described in detail. Figure 5 As shown, the method includes steps S110-S130.

[0038] S110, Obtain the liquid level in the water receiving tray; In practice, the air conditioner's control system interacts with the water level detection device, which detects and obtains the liquid level in the water tray.

[0039] S120. Determine whether the liquid level has reached a first preset level or a second preset level, wherein the first preset level is lower than the second preset level.

[0040] In specific implementation, you can refer to Figure 3 Using a water receiving tray as a water receiving container, the system sets one water level electrode M inside the water receiving tray at a first preset height H1, and the other water level electrode N inside the water receiving tray at a second preset height H2. The first preset height H is smaller than the second preset height H2. The water level electrode M at the first preset height is used to detect the first preset water level, and the water level electrode N at the second preset height is used to detect the second preset water level. By setting the two water level electrodes and the water receiving tray, the system can detect and determine whether the liquid water level has reached the first preset water level or the second preset water level, thereby obtaining the liquid water level in the water receiving tray.

[0041] S130. If the liquid level reaches the first preset level, control the drainage pump to run.

[0042] In practice, the system uses the first preset water level as the starting point for the drainage pump. When the system determines that the liquid level has reached the first preset water level, it controls the drainage pump to run, thereby drawing the liquid from the water collection pan and discharging it outdoors or to other liquid recovery points, so that the water collection pan can continuously collect liquid and prevent the liquid in the water collection pan from overflowing outside the water collection pan.

[0043] S140. If the liquid level reaches the second preset level, control the air conditioning unit to stop.

[0044] In practice, the system uses the second preset water level as the starting point for the air conditioning unit. Before the liquid level reaches the second preset water level, the air conditioning unit operates normally. When the system determines that the liquid level has reached the second preset water level, it may be because the liquid in the water tray is generated too quickly and the drain pump has not been able to drain it in time, or the drain pump has malfunctioned and the liquid in the water tray cannot be drained. At this time, the system controls the air conditioning unit to stop to prevent the air conditioning unit from continuing to run and generate liquid, to prevent the liquid in the water tray from overflowing, and to facilitate the user to check whether the air conditioning unit or the drain pump is abnormal.

[0045] S150. If the liquid level does not reach the first preset level, the water level detection device is controlled to release a low-frequency pulse current.

[0046] In practice, if the system determines that the liquid level has not reached the first preset level, it means that the amount of liquid in the receiving tray is normal and has not yet reached the point where it needs to be drained. At this time, the system controls the water level detection device to release a low-frequency pulse current. Specifically, the low-frequency pulse current is released through the discharge electrode of the water level detection device. The release of the low-frequency pulse current can be continuous or intermittent, for example, releasing a low-frequency pulse current once every minute for a period of time. The low-frequency pulse current sterilizes and disinfects the liquid in the receiving tray, preventing mold growth caused by prolonged stagnation of liquid in the receiving tray.

[0047] In summary, the method provided in this application embodiment realizes intelligent water level detection and control of air conditioners, avoids frequent start-up of drainage pumps, improves the reliability of equipment operation, and achieves anti-mold and sterilization functions, thereby improving the hygiene and safety of the equipment.

[0048] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A water level detection device, installed in conjunction with a water receiving container, characterized in that, The water level detection device includes: An electrode assembly includes a reference electrode and a plurality of water level electrodes. The reference electrode is disposed on the bottom side inside the water receiving container and is grounded. The water level electrodes are spaced apart along the height direction inside the water receiving container. A pull-up module, connected to the water level electrode, is used to pull the water level electrode up to a first level state; A control module, connected to the water level electrode, is used to detect the liquid level in the water receiving container based on the change in the level state of the water level electrode.

2. The water level detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water level detection device further includes an electrical pulse module, and the electrode assembly further includes a discharge electrode. The discharge electrode is disposed on the inner bottom side of the water receiving container and alternates with the reference electrode. The electrical pulse module is connected to the control module and the discharge electrode. The electrical pulse module is used to generate a low-frequency pulse current and release the low-frequency pulse current through the discharge electrode.

3. The water level detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The distance between the two ends furthest apart on the bottom side of the water receiving container is denoted as L, and the distance between the discharge electrode and the reference electrode is denoted as D, where D = L / 4.

4. The water level detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reference electrode is positioned on the vertical projection of the water level electrode onto the bottom of the water receiving container.

5. The water level detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The discharge electrode, the reference electrode, and the water level electrode are all made of graphite material.

6. The water level detection device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The pull-up unit includes a power supply and multiple pull-up resistors, with each water level electrode connected to the power supply through one of the pull-up resistors.

7. The water level detection device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The plurality of water level electrodes are designated as first electrodes and second electrodes. The first electrode is located inside the water receiving container at a first preset height from the bottom side, and the second electrode is located inside the water receiving container at a second preset height from the bottom side, wherein the first preset height is less than the second preset height.

8. The water level detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The total height inside the water receiving container is set as H0, the first preset height is set as H1, and the second preset height is set as H2, where H1 = 1 / 5 * H0 and H2 = 4 / 5 * H0.

9. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The device includes an air conditioning unit, a water receiving tray, a drainage pump, and a water level detection device as described in any one of claims 1-8. The water receiving tray is installed in conjunction with the air conditioning unit, the drainage pump is installed in conjunction with the water receiving tray, and the water level detection device is installed in conjunction with the water receiving tray and connected to the drainage pump and the air conditioning unit. The water receiving tray is used to receive the liquid generated by the operation of the air conditioning unit, the drain pump is used to extract the liquid in the water receiving tray and discharge it, and the water level detection device is used to detect the liquid level in the water receiving tray and control the air conditioning unit and the drain pump according to the liquid level.

10. An air conditioner control method, applied to the air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain the liquid level in the drip tray; Determine whether the liquid level has reached a first preset level or a second preset level, wherein the first preset level is lower than the second preset level; If the liquid level reaches the first preset level, the drain pump is controlled to operate. If the liquid level reaches the second preset level, the air conditioning unit will be shut down. If the liquid level does not reach the first preset level, the water level detection device is controlled to release a low-frequency pulse current.

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