Air conditioner and operation control method

Abstract

The invention provides an air conditioner and an operation control method, and relates to the technical field of air conditioners, the air conditioner comprises a controller, an indoor heat exchanger, an outdoor heat exchanger, a circulation pipeline mounted between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and a drainage assembly; the drainage assembly comprises a first water collecting disc used for collecting first condensed water, a second water collecting disc used for collecting second condensed water and spraying liquid water, a spraying assembly used for consuming the collected first accumulated water, a first atomizer used for consuming the first accumulated water and acting indoors, and a second atomizer used for consuming the second accumulated water. The first accumulated water comprises first condensate water collected in the first water collecting disc, the second accumulated water comprises second condensate water and liquid water which are collected in the second water collecting disc, and the controller is used for controlling the working states of the spraying assembly, the first atomizer and the second atomizer. According to the air conditioner, effective indoor dehumidification can be achieved, the indoor air comfort level is guaranteed, cooling capacity loss is avoided, and the phenomena of outdoor water dripping and freezing ice blockage are avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioner technology, specifically to an air conditioner and its operation control method. Background Technology

[0002] Indoor humidity varies depending on the air conditioner's operating mode. Currently, under cooling conditions, indoor humidity within a certain range can be dehumidified by directly draining the condensate from the evaporator side to the outside. Common methods include: 1) connecting the drain pipes on both the inner and outer sides of the air conditioner directly to the sewage outlet via a water inlet pipe, or discharging directly into the air; 2) in some industries, directly exhausting the condensate from the evaporator side to the outside using a misting system. However, the following problems still exist: 1) In cooling mode, the indoor condensate is directly discharged to the outdoor side. The condensate will be discharged directly to the outside. When the indoor humidity is significantly reduced, it will affect the air comfort. In addition, the cooling capacity of the condensate is low and not fully utilized, resulting in a loss of cooling capacity. In heating mode, the outdoor unit in defrost mode produces more condensate. Direct discharge of the condensate can lead to freezing and ice cone phenomena, causing ice blockage of the heat exchanger and affecting the heat exchange effect. 2) In cooling mode, the indoor condensate is directly discharged to the outdoor side and atomized for emission, which is used in some special industries. However, when the indoor humidity is high, water accumulation occurs, rendering the system ineffective and affecting the cooling performance. It also prevents the system from operating in heating mode, thus limiting its application scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application addresses the problems existing in the prior art by providing an air conditioner and its operation control method that effectively dehumidifies indoor air, ensures indoor air comfort, prevents cold loss, and avoids outdoor dripping and freezing phenomena.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: In a first aspect, embodiments of this application propose an air conditioner, including a controller, an indoor heat exchanger, a circulation pipe, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a drainage assembly. The circulation pipe is installed between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger. The drainage assembly includes a first water collection tray, a second water collection tray, a spray assembly, a first atomizer, and a second atomizer. The first water collection tray is used to collect the first condensate generated by the indoor heat exchanger. The input end of the spray assembly is connected to the first water collection tray, and the output end of the spray assembly faces the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger. The second water collection tray is used to collect the second condensate generated by the outdoor heat exchanger and the liquid water output by the spray assembly to the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger, respectively. The controller is used to control the working status of the spray assembly, the first atomizer, and the second atomizer respectively. When the spray assembly is working, it is used to consume the first accumulated water, which includes the first condensate collected in the first water collection pan. When the first atomizer is working, it is used to atomize the first accumulated water and apply it to the room. When the second atomizer is working, it is used to atomize the second accumulated water, which includes the second condensate collected in the second water collection pan and liquid water.

[0005] In some embodiments, a temperature sensor connected to a controller is installed on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger. When the temperature sensor detects that the surface temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger is lower than a first preset temperature, the controller controls the second atomizer to start working.

[0006] In some embodiments, the controller activates the spray assembly when the temperature sensor detects that the surface temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger is greater than a second preset temperature.

[0007] In some embodiments, the spray assembly includes a water pump disposed in a first water collection pan, a sprayer disposed above an outdoor heat exchanger, and a water supply pipe connecting the water pump and the sprayer.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sprayer is a spray pipe with multiple spray holes on its bottom surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes a humidity sensor for detecting indoor air humidity, and a controller is connected to the humidity sensor. The controller activates the first atomizer when the humidity sensor detects that the indoor air humidity is less than a first preset humidity.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first water collection pan is provided with a first water level sensor connected to the controller, and the spray assembly also includes a water replenishment pipe. The input end of the water replenishment pipe is connected to an external water source, and the output end of the water replenishment pipe is connected to the first water collection pan. When the first water level sensor detects that the liquid level in the first water collection pan is less than a first preset threshold, the controller controls the water replenishment pipe to replenish water into the first water collection pan.

[0011] In some embodiments, a second water level sensor connected to the controller is provided in the second water collection tray. When the second water level sensor detects that the liquid level in the second water collection tray is greater than a second preset threshold, the controller controls the second atomizer to start working.

[0012] Secondly, embodiments of this application propose an operation control method for air conditioners, including: Obtain the air conditioner's operating mode and the indoor air humidity; When the air conditioner is in cooling or heating mode and the indoor air humidity is less than the first preset humidity, the controller controls the first atomizer to start working. When the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the liquid level in the first water collection pan is greater than the first preset height, the controller controls the spray assembly to start working so as to spray the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger. When the air conditioner is in heating or cooling mode, and the liquid level in the second water collection pan is greater than the second preset threshold, the controller activates the second atomizer.

[0013] In some embodiments, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode or heating mode and the indoor air humidity is greater than a second preset humidity, the controller controls the first atomizer to stop working. When the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the surface temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger is lower than the third preset temperature, the controller stops the spray assembly from working. When the air conditioner is in heating or cooling mode, and the liquid level in the second water collection pan is less than the second preset threshold, the controller stops the second atomizer from working.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following advantages: This application sets up a first water collection tray to collect condensate generated on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger, and combines this with the operation of the spray assembly controlled by the controller to achieve effective dehumidification; the operation of the first sprayer controlled by the controller can ensure that the indoor humidity is not excessively lost, thereby ensuring indoor air comfort; the operation of the spray assembly controlled by the controller can cool the outdoor heat exchanger, effectively absorbing the cold energy in the first water collection tray and preventing cold energy loss; the operation of the second atomizer controlled by the controller can prevent outdoor dripping and freezing / ice blockage. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the first atomizer, water pump, first water level sensor and first water collection tray in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the signal transmission relationship between the control assembly and the drainage assembly in this application.

[0016] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 100, circulation assembly; 110, indoor heat exchanger; 120, outdoor heat exchanger; 130, circulation pipeline; 200, control assembly; 210, controller; 220, humidity sensor; 230, first water level sensor; 240, temperature sensor; 250, second water level sensor; 300, drainage assembly; 311, first water collection pan; 312, first atomizer; 313, water supply pipeline; 314, solenoid valve; 320, spray assembly; 321, water pump; 322, water supply pipe; 323, sprayer; 324, one-way valve; 331, second water collection pan; 332, second atomizer. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To clearly illustrate the technical features of this solution, the implementation methods of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. This will allow for a full understanding and implementation of how this application uses technical means to solve technical problems and achieve corresponding technical effects. The embodiments of this application and the various features within them can be combined with each other without conflict, and the resulting technical solutions are all within the protection scope of this application.

[0018] See Figure 1 In a first aspect, embodiments of this application propose an air conditioner, including a control assembly 200, a circulation assembly 100, and a drainage assembly 300. The control assembly 200 includes a controller 210, and the circulation assembly 100 includes an indoor heat exchanger 110, a circulation pipe 130, and an outdoor heat exchanger 120. The circulation pipe 130 is installed between the indoor heat exchanger 110 and the outdoor heat exchanger 120. In different operating modes, the indoor heat exchanger 110 and the outdoor heat exchanger 120 perform different functions respectively. In actual use, the air conditioner operates in two modes: cooling and heating. In cooling mode, the indoor heat exchanger 110 acts as an evaporator, absorbing indoor heat and evaporating the refrigerant. The outdoor heat exchanger 120 acts as a condenser, condensing the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a liquid state and releasing heat to the outside. Indoor cooling is achieved through the coordinated operation of the indoor heat exchanger 110, the outdoor heat exchanger 120, and the circulation pipe 130. In heating mode, the indoor heat exchanger 110 acts as a condenser, releasing heat into the room, while the outdoor heat exchanger 120 acts as an evaporator. The functions of the indoor heat exchanger 110 and the outdoor heat exchanger 120 are interchanged. Indoor heating is achieved through the coordinated operation of the indoor heat exchanger 110, the outdoor heat exchanger 120, and the circulation pipe 130.

[0019] The drainage assembly 300 includes a first water collection tray 311, a second water collection tray 331, a spray assembly 320, a first atomizer 312, and a second atomizer 332. The first water collection tray 311 is used to collect the first condensate generated by the indoor heat exchanger 110. The input end of the spray assembly 320 is connected to the first water collection tray 311, and the output end of the spray assembly 320 faces the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 120. The second water collection tray 331 is used to collect the second condensate generated by the outdoor heat exchanger 120 and the liquid water output by the spray assembly 320 to the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 120, respectively. See Figure 3 The controller 210 is used to control the working state of the spray assembly 320, the first atomizer 312 and the second atomizer 332 respectively. When the spray assembly 320 is working, it is used to consume the first accumulated water, which includes the first condensate collected in the first water collection pan 311. When the first atomizer 312 is working, it is used to atomize the first accumulated water and apply it to the room. When the second atomizer 332 is working, it is used to atomize the second accumulated water, which includes the second condensate collected in the second water collection pan 331 and liquid water. The atomization methods of the first atomizer 312 and the second atomizer 332 include, but are not limited to, ultrasonic atomization or airflow atomization.

[0020] The controller 210 is also used to control the air conditioner to switch operating modes. The controller 210 controls the air conditioner to switch operating modes according to environmental parameters or according to human operation, so as to realize the air conditioner to cool or heat the room. In cooling mode, the indoor heat exchanger 110 acts as an evaporator. During the process of absorbing indoor heat and evaporating refrigerant, condensation occurs on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 110. In actual use, when the indoor temperature is usually high, the controller 210 controls the air conditioner to switch to cooling mode. Therefore, condensation occurs on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 110, producing the first condensate. The outdoor heat exchanger 120 acts as a condenser. During the process of condensing the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a liquid state and releasing heat to the outside, the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 120 heats up. At this time, in cooling mode, the controller 210 controls the spray assembly 320 to work and consumes the first accumulated water to transfer to the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 120 to cool it down. This can effectively absorb the cold energy in the first condensate and prevent the loss of cold energy. At the same time, when the indoor humidity is high, the combination of condensation on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 110, collection of the first condensate in the first water collection pan 311, and controlled consumption of the first accumulated water by the spray assembly 320 can achieve effective dehumidification.

[0021] Optionally, the first water collection tray 311 is at least partially located directly below the indoor heat exchanger 110. The first condensate flows under its own gravity and is passively collected by the first water collection tray 311 located directly below the indoor heat exchanger 110, eliminating the need for active collection, simplifying the structure and saving energy. Furthermore, the first water collection tray 311 is also used to store the first water, so that in cooling mode or heating mode, the controller 210 can control the first atomizer to operate to humidify the room, and / or in cooling mode, the controller 210 can control the spray assembly 320 to operate to cool the outdoor heat exchanger 120.

[0022] See Figure 2 The first water collection tray 311 includes a first region and a second region, which are connected. The first region is located directly below the indoor heat exchanger 110 and is used to collect first liquid water from the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 110. The second region is used to store the first water. Optionally, the first liquid water collected in the first region flows by gravity to the second region for storage. The input end of the first atomizer 312 and the input end of the spray assembly 320 are respectively located in the second region.

[0023] In heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 120 acts as an evaporator. During operation, condensation will occur on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 120, generating second condensate. In actual use, when the outdoor temperature is low, the second condensate will turn into frost or even ice. Under sustained low outdoor temperatures, this frost or ice will not melt and therefore cannot be collected by the second water collection pan 331. However, when the outdoor temperature rises and the frost or ice melts, it can be collected by the second water collection pan 331. When the outdoor temperature is high, the second condensate can be collected directly by the second water collection pan 331. Optionally, the second water collection pan 331 is at least partially located directly below the outdoor heat exchanger 120. The second liquid water flows under its own gravity and is passively collected by the second water collection pan 331 located directly below the outdoor heat exchanger 120, eliminating the need for active collection, simplifying the structure and saving energy.

[0024] The controller 210 is used to control the second atomizer 332 to atomize the second water, to prevent water dripping from the second water collection tray 331 and to prevent freezing and blockage.

[0025] In some embodiments, a temperature sensor 240 connected to a controller is installed on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 120. The controller 210 activates the second atomizer 332 when the temperature sensor 240 detects that the surface temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 120 is lower than a first preset temperature. The first preset temperature represents a temperature threshold indicating whether frost will form on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 120. In heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 120 acts as an evaporator, and its surface temperature is lower than the ambient temperature. When the temperature drops, the condensate generated on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 120 will first freeze or directly condense to form frost. At this time, the water in the second water collection pan 331 remains liquid. To prevent ice formation in the second water collection pan 331, the controller 210 activates the second atomizer 332 when the temperature sensor 240 detects that the surface temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 120 is lower than the first preset temperature.

[0026] In some embodiments, the controller 210 activates the spray assembly 320 when the temperature sensor 240 detects that the surface temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 120 is higher than a second preset temperature. The second preset temperature represents a temperature threshold for cooling the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 120. The second preset temperature can be a single threshold value. In cooling mode, as the air conditioner operates, the surface temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 120 gradually increases. When the temperature sensor 240 detects that the surface temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 120 is higher than the second preset temperature, the controller 210 activates the spray assembly 320 to use the first accumulated water to cool the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 120. Optionally, in cooling mode, when the temperature sensor 240 detects that the surface temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 120 is higher than the second preset temperature, the controller 210 activates the spray assembly 320 to operate continuously for a first preset time to ensure cooling effect and achieve automatic operation. Furthermore, the second preset temperature can also be a range value. In cooling mode, when the temperature sensor 240 detects that the surface temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 120 is greater than the second preset temperature, the controller 210 controls the spray assembly 320 to start working, using the first accumulated water to cool the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 120. When the temperature sensor 240 detects that the surface temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 120 is less than the second preset temperature, the controller 210 controls the spray assembly 320 to stop working, ensuring the cooling effect and enabling automatic operation.

[0027] In addition, when the air conditioner malfunctions, the outdoor heat exchanger 120 may also experience an abnormal increase in surface temperature. At this time, the controller 210 can also control the spray assembly 320 to work when the temperature sensor 240 detects that the surface temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 120 is greater than the second preset temperature, so as to use the first accumulated water to cool the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 120 in time, thereby avoiding or reducing the losses caused by abnormal temperature rise.

[0028] In some embodiments, the spray assembly 320 includes a water pump 321 disposed in a first water collection pan 311, a sprayer 323 disposed above the outdoor heat exchanger 120, and a water supply pipe 322 connecting the water pump 321 and the sprayer 323. The water pump 321 is connected to the controller 210. Optionally, the input end of the water pump 321 is placed in the first water collection pan 311. More specifically, the input end of the water pump 321 is placed in a second area to ensure effective water intake. The controller 210 controls the water pump 321 to start, thereby consuming the first water and cooling the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 120 through the water supply pipe 322. The sprayer 323 is disposed above the outdoor heat exchanger 120 to cool the outdoor heat exchanger 120 from top to bottom, ensuring a cooling effect. The sprayer 323 can be fixed or movable, depending on the size of the sprayer 323 and the outdoor heat exchanger 120, to further ensure a uniform cooling effect.

[0029] In some embodiments, a one-way valve 324 is provided on the water supply pipe 322, and the medium in the one-way valve 324 flows only from the output end of the water pump 321 to the input end of the sprayer 323 to avoid backflow and overflow of water.

[0030] In some embodiments, the sprayer 323 is a spray pipe with multiple spray holes on the bottom surface. The structure is simple and ensures uniform cooling of the outdoor heat exchanger 120.

[0031] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes a humidity sensor 220 for detecting indoor air humidity. A controller 210 is connected to the humidity sensor 220. When the humidity sensor 220 detects that the indoor air humidity is lower than a first preset humidity, the controller 210 activates the first atomizer 312. The first preset humidity represents a threshold value for indoor air humidity that is manually set according to the season and population needs. Generally, in summer, the suitable indoor air humidity threshold is 40%~80%, and in winter, it is 30%~60%. In actual use, the indoor heat exchanger 110 is fitted with a casing, and the humidity sensor 220 is mounted on the casing. It can be installed inside or outside the casing as needed, or the humidity sensor 220 can be installed at any location indoors where indoor humidity can be monitored.

[0032] In cooling mode, condensation on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 110 still removes indoor water vapor, reducing indoor humidity. Even when indoor humidity is low, condensation on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 110 continues to lower indoor humidity. Furthermore, in actual use, the air conditioner operates in heating mode during autumn and winter, when the indoor air is relatively dry, meaning indoor humidity is low. Therefore, in either cooling or heating mode, when the humidity sensor 220 detects that the indoor air humidity is below the humidity threshold, the controller 210 activates the first atomizer to humidify the room and improve indoor air comfort; when the humidity threshold is higher than the humidity threshold, the controller 210 stops the first atomizer 312 from operating.

[0033] See Figure 1 In some embodiments, the first water collection tray 311 is provided with a first water level sensor 230 connected to the controller 210. The spray assembly 320 also includes a water replenishment pipe 313. The input end of the water replenishment pipe 313 is connected to an external water source, and the output end of the water replenishment pipe 313 is connected to the first water collection tray 311. When the first water level sensor 230 detects that the liquid level in the first water collection tray 311 is less than a first preset threshold, the controller 210 controls the water replenishment pipe 313 to replenish water into the first water collection tray 311 to ensure the volume of the first water and ensure that there is a sufficient supply of the first water when the air conditioner is running.

[0034] In either cooling or heating mode, when the first water level sensor 230 detects that the liquid level in the first water collection pan 311 is less than a first preset threshold, the controller 210 controls the water supply pipe 313 to supply water to the first water collection pan 311. The first preset threshold represents the liquid level threshold indicating whether water needs to be supplied to the first water collection pan 311. When the first water level sensor 230 detects that the liquid level in the first water collection pan 311 is greater than the first preset threshold, the controller 210 controls the water supply pipe 313 to stop supplying water. Optionally, a solenoid valve 314 is provided on the water supply pipe 313. The controller 210 controls the opening and closing of the water supply pipe 313 by controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 314 for convenient control. When the first water level sensor 230 detects that the liquid level in the first water collection pan 311 is less than a first preset threshold, the controller 210 controls the solenoid valve 314 to open, and an external water source replenishes water into the first water collection pan 311 through the connected water supply pipe 313; when the first water level sensor 230 detects that the liquid level in the first water collection pan 311 is greater than the first preset threshold, the controller 210 controls the solenoid valve 314 to close, the water supply pipe 313 is disconnected, and water replenishment stops. Optionally, see [reference needed]. Figure 2 The detection end of the first water level sensor 230 is installed in the second area.

[0035] Furthermore, in cooling mode, when the first water level sensor 230 detects that the liquid level in the first water collection pan 311 is greater than the third preset threshold, the controller 210 controls the start of the spray assembly 320 to work continuously for a second preset time. The third preset threshold represents the upper limit threshold of the liquid level in the first water collection pan 311, so that the first water is used to cool the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 120 in a timely manner, reducing the volume of the first water to avoid overflow of the first water collection pan 311 and at the same time to avoid loss of cold energy.

[0036] It is worth noting that the volume of initial water required to maintain the operation of the first sprayer is typically small, while the volume of initial water required to maintain the operation of the spray assembly 320 is larger. In addition: In cooling mode: When the humidity sensor 220 detects that the indoor air humidity is not less than the air humidity threshold and there is no need to control the spray assembly 320 to work: the first water accumulation only needs to meet the reserve water volume to meet the start-up of the first sprayer and / or spray assembly 320, that is, the reserve water volume is the minimum water volume to meet the start-up of the first sprayer and / or spray assembly 320. When the humidity sensor 220 detects that the indoor air humidity is not less than the air humidity threshold and only needs to control the spray assembly 320 to work: the first water accumulation only needs to meet the requirement of supplying water to the spray assembly 320 to work. When the humidity sensor 220 detects that the indoor air humidity is less than the air humidity threshold and there is no need to control the spray assembly 320 to work: the first water accumulation only needs to meet the requirement of supplying the first sprayer to work; When the humidity sensor 220 detects that the indoor air humidity is less than the air humidity threshold and it is necessary to control the spray assembly 320 to work: the first water accumulation needs to simultaneously supply the first sprayer to work and supply the spray assembly 320 to work.

[0037] In heating mode: When the humidity sensor 220 detects that the indoor air humidity is not less than the air humidity threshold: the first water accumulation only needs to meet the backup water volume to meet the start-up of the first sprayer; When the humidity sensor 220 detects that the indoor air humidity is less than the air humidity threshold: the first water accumulation only needs to meet the requirement of supplying the first sprayer to work.

[0038] Since the first condensate will continuously form on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 110 in the cooling mode to replenish the first water, the volume of the first water that supplies the first sprayer in the cooling mode is smaller than the volume of the first water that supplies the first sprayer in the heating mode.

[0039] As can be seen, during air conditioner operation, the first preset threshold is affected by the operating mode and / or environmental factors. The first preset value is a key parameter for the controller 210 to control the water supply pipe 313 to replenish water into the first water collection pan 311. To further achieve precise control, the first preset threshold includes a first liquid level threshold, a second liquid level threshold, a third liquid level threshold, a fourth liquid level threshold, and a fifth liquid level threshold. The first liquid level threshold represents the liquid level threshold at which the first water collection meets the reserve water volume in cooling mode or heating mode. The second liquid level threshold represents the liquid level threshold at which the first water collection only meets the liquid level threshold for supplying the first sprayer in cooling mode. The third liquid level threshold represents the liquid level threshold at which the first water collection only meets the liquid level threshold for supplying the spray assembly 320 in cooling mode. The fourth liquid level threshold represents the liquid level threshold at which the first water collection simultaneously meets the liquid level threshold for supplying both the first sprayer and the spray assembly 320 in cooling mode. The fifth liquid level threshold represents the liquid level threshold at which the first water collection only meets the liquid level threshold for supplying the first sprayer in heating mode.

[0040] The controller 210 is also used to switch the first preset threshold. In cooling mode, when the humidity sensor 220 detects that the indoor air humidity is not less than the air humidity threshold and only the spray assembly 320 needs to be controlled, and in heating mode, when the humidity sensor 220 detects that the indoor air humidity is not less than the air humidity threshold, the controller 210 switches the first preset threshold to the first liquid level threshold; in cooling mode, when the humidity sensor 220 detects that the indoor air humidity is not less than the air humidity threshold and only the spray assembly 320 needs to be controlled, the controller 210 switches the first preset threshold to the third liquid level threshold; in cooling mode, When the humidity sensor 220 detects that the indoor air humidity is less than the air humidity threshold and there is no need to control the spray assembly 320 to work, the controller 210 switches the first preset threshold to the second liquid level threshold. In cooling mode, when the humidity sensor 220 detects that the indoor air humidity is less than the air humidity threshold and there is a need to control the spray assembly 320 to work, the controller 210 switches the first preset threshold to the fourth liquid level threshold. In heating mode, when the humidity sensor 220 detects that the indoor air humidity is less than the air humidity threshold, the controller 210 switches the first preset threshold to the fifth liquid level threshold.

[0041] In some embodiments, a second water level sensor 250 connected to a controller 210 is provided in the second water collection tray 331. When the second water level sensor 250 detects that the liquid level in the second water collection tray 331 is greater than a second preset threshold, the controller 210 controls the second atomizer 332 to start working. The second preset threshold represents the liquid level threshold of the second water in the second water collection tray 331. The second preset threshold can be a single value threshold. In cooling mode, when the first water is used to cool the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 120, a large amount of liquid water will be generated on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 120, causing the liquid level of the second water to rise rapidly; or in heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 120 is an evaporator, and the condensate generated on its surface will also be collected in the second water collection tray 331, causing the liquid level of the second water to rise. When the second water level sensor 250 detects that the liquid level in the second water collection tray 331 is greater than the second preset threshold, the controller 210 controls the second atomizer 332 to start working to prevent water from dripping from the second water collection tray 331. Optionally, when the second water level sensor 250 detects that the liquid level in the second water collection pan 331 is greater than a second preset threshold, the controller 210 controls the second atomizer 332 to start operating for a third preset duration, ensuring the reduction effect of the second water level and enabling automatic operation. The second preset threshold can also be a range value. When the second water level sensor 250 detects that the liquid level in the second water collection pan 331 is greater than the second preset threshold, the controller 210 controls the second atomizer 332 to start operating; when the second water level sensor 250 detects that the liquid level in the second water collection pan 331 is less than the second preset threshold, the controller 210 controls the second atomizer 332 to stop operating, ensuring the reduction effect of the second water level and enabling automatic operation.

[0042] It is worth noting that when the air conditioner is in actual use, it usually starts the cooling mode at high temperatures. At this time, the water in the second water collection pan 331 evaporates faster. The second preset threshold or the lower limit of the second preset threshold can be set to a larger value to make full use of the natural evaporation effect and reduce energy consumption. However, when the heating mode is started at low temperatures, the water in the second water collection pan 331 evaporates slower. The second preset threshold or the lower limit of the second preset threshold needs to be set to a smaller value to reduce the amount of water in the second water collection pan 331 and avoid freezing.

[0043] As can be seen, the second preset threshold is affected by the operating mode when the air conditioner is running. The second preset threshold is a key parameter for the controller 210 to control the start and / or stop of the second sprayer. To further achieve precise control, the second preset threshold includes a sixth liquid level threshold and a seventh liquid level threshold.

[0044] The sixth liquid level threshold represents the liquid level threshold for starting and / or stopping the operation of the second sprayer in cooling mode, and the seventh liquid level threshold represents the liquid level threshold for starting and / or stopping the operation of the second sprayer in heating mode.

[0045] Secondly, embodiments of this application propose an operation control method for air conditioners, including: Obtain the air conditioner's operating mode and the indoor air humidity; When the air conditioner is in cooling or heating mode and the indoor air humidity is less than the first preset humidity, the controller 210 controls the first atomizer 312 to start working. When the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the liquid level of the first water collection pan 311 is greater than the first preset height, the controller 210 controls the start of the spray assembly 320 to spray the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 120. When the air conditioner is in heating or cooling mode, and the liquid level in the second water collection pan 331 is greater than the second preset threshold, the controller 210 controls the second atomizer 332 to start working.

[0046] In some embodiments, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode or heating mode and the indoor air humidity is greater than the second preset humidity, the controller 210 controls the first atomizer 312 to stop working. When the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the surface temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 120 is lower than the third preset temperature, the controller 210 controls the spray assembly 320 to stop working. When the air conditioner is in heating or cooling mode, and the liquid level in the second water collection pan 331 is less than the second preset threshold, the controller 210 controls the second atomizer 332 to stop working.

[0047] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, apparatus (systems), or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code. The solutions in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in various computer languages, such as the object-oriented programming language Java and the interpreted scripting language JavaScript.

[0048] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce an instruction that executes via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to create an instruction for implementing the flowchart. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0049] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0050] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0051] Although preferred embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this application.

[0052] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

[0053] Finally, it should be noted that the above content is only used to illustrate the technical solution of this application, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Simple modifications or equivalent substitutions made by those skilled in the art to the technical solution of this application shall not depart from the substance and scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The system includes a controller, an indoor heat exchanger, a circulation pipeline, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a drainage assembly. The circulation pipeline is installed between the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers. The drainage assembly includes a first water collection tray, a second water collection tray, a spray assembly, a first atomizer, and a second atomizer. The first water collection tray collects the first condensate generated by the indoor heat exchanger. The input end of the spray assembly is connected to the first water collection tray, and the output end of the spray assembly faces the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger. The second water collection tray collects the second condensate generated by the outdoor heat exchanger and the liquid water output to the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger by the spray assembly. The controller is used to control the working state of the spray assembly, the first atomizer, and the second atomizer respectively. When the spray assembly is working, it is used to consume the first accumulated water, which includes the first condensate collected in the first water collection pan. When the first atomizer is working, it is used to atomize the first accumulated water and apply it to the room. When the second atomizer is working, it is used to atomize the second accumulated water, which includes the second condensate collected in the second water collection pan and the liquid water.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, A temperature sensor connected to the controller is installed on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger. When the temperature sensor detects that the surface temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger is lower than a first preset temperature, the controller controls the second atomizer to start working.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller activates the spray assembly when the temperature sensor detects that the surface temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger is greater than a second preset temperature.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spray assembly includes a water pump located in the first water collection pan, a sprayer located above the outdoor heat exchanger, and a water supply pipe connecting the water pump and the sprayer.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sprayer is a spray pipe, and the bottom surface of the spray pipe has multiple spray holes.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes a humidity sensor for detecting the indoor air humidity. The controller is connected to the humidity sensor, and the controller starts the first atomizer when the humidity sensor detects that the indoor air humidity is less than a first preset humidity.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first water collection tray is equipped with a first water level sensor connected to the controller. The spray assembly also includes a water replenishment pipe. The input end of the water replenishment pipe is connected to an external water source, and the output end of the water replenishment pipe is connected to the first water collection tray. When the first water level sensor detects that the liquid level in the first water collection tray is less than a first preset threshold, the controller controls the water replenishment pipe to replenish water into the first water collection tray.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second water collection tray is equipped with a second water level sensor connected to the controller. When the second water level sensor detects that the liquid level in the second water collection tray is greater than a second preset threshold, the controller controls the second atomizer to start working.

9. A method for controlling the operation of an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, include: The operating mode of the air conditioner and the indoor air humidity are obtained; When the air conditioner is in cooling mode or heating mode, and the indoor air humidity is less than the first preset humidity, the controller controls the first atomizer to start working. When the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the liquid level in the first water collection pan is greater than the first preset height, the controller controls the start of the spray assembly to spray the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger. When the air conditioner is in heating or cooling mode, and the liquid level in the second water collection pan is greater than the second preset threshold, the controller controls the second atomizer to start working.

10. The air conditioner operation control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the air conditioner is in cooling mode or heating mode, and the indoor air humidity is greater than the second preset humidity, the controller stops the first atomizer from working. When the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the surface temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger is lower than the third preset temperature, the controller stops the spray assembly from working. When the air conditioner is in heating or cooling mode, and the liquid level in the second water collection pan is less than a second preset threshold, the controller stops the second atomizer from working.

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