Window type air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a window type air conditioner and a control method thereof.The window type air conditioner comprises a base plate, a first water pump, a water storage tank, a second water pump and an atomizing component, the base plate is provided with a first area corresponding to the indoor side of the air conditioner and a second area corresponding to the outdoor side of the air conditioner, and an outdoor side water receiving groove is formed in the second area; the outdoor side water receiving tank at least can collect condensate water generated by the outdoor heat exchanger, the first water pump is used for pumping the condensate water in the outdoor side water receiving tank to be stored in the water storage tank, the water storage tank is arranged on the indoor side of the air conditioner, and the second water pump is used for pumping the condensate water stored in the water storage tank to the atomization component to atomize the condensate water. And a heating piece capable of preventing condensed water in the outdoor side water receiving tank from freezing is arranged at the outdoor side water receiving tank. The problem of discharging condensate water stored in the outdoor side water receiving tank is solved, and the situation that outdoor side condensate water freezes and overflows into the indoor side space, and the air conditioner use experience of a user is reduced is prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of air conditioning technology, specifically relating to a window air conditioner and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] With continuous technological advancements, air conditioning products are also rapidly evolving. When an air conditioner is operating, humid air condenses on the cold fins of the heat exchanger, producing condensate. In window air conditioners, this condensate drains through a drain port on the chassis. In some countries where air conditioners are not allowed to drain water outdoors, the sale of this type of window air conditioner is restricted. Furthermore, in areas with extremely low outdoor temperatures, the condensate on the chassis can quickly freeze and become trapped, causing it to flow back into the room, negatively impacting the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the present invention provides a window air conditioner and its control method, which can overcome the shortcomings of related technologies where the discharge of condensate generated by the outdoor heat exchanger during operation is restricted by policies or the external environment, resulting in non-compliance of the product or backflow of condensate into the indoor side, thus reducing the user experience.

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a window air conditioner, comprising a chassis, a first water pump, a water storage tank, a second water pump, and an atomizing component. The chassis has a first region corresponding to the indoor side of the air conditioner and a second region corresponding to the outdoor side of the air conditioner. An outdoor side water inlet is formed in the second region. The outdoor side water inlet is capable of collecting at least the condensate generated by the outdoor heat exchanger. The first water pump is used to pump the condensate in the outdoor side water inlet to the water storage tank, which is located on the indoor side of the air conditioner. The second water pump is used to pump the condensate stored in the water storage tank to the atomizing component to atomize the condensate. A heating element is provided at the outdoor side water inlet to prevent the condensate inside from freezing.

[0005] In some embodiments, an indoor water inlet is formed in the first region, the indoor water inlet is connected to the outdoor water inlet through a flow channel, and the condensate in the indoor water inlet can flow into the outdoor water inlet through the flow channel under its own weight.

[0006] In some embodiments, the atomizing component includes a first atomizing nozzle and a second atomizing nozzle, wherein the first atomizing nozzle is used to humidify the indoor space and the second atomizing nozzle is used to spray atomized condensate into the outdoor space.

[0007] In some embodiments, the window air conditioner further includes a water flow direction switching component. The water flow direction switching component includes a first pipeline connected to the outlet of the second water pump. The first pipeline is controllably connected to a second pipeline and a third pipeline via a first solenoid valve. The outlet end of the second pipeline is connected to the first atomizing nozzle. The outlet end of the third pipeline is controllably connected to an outdoor pipeline via a second solenoid valve. The outlet end of the outdoor pipeline is connected to the second atomizing nozzle. A return pipe is also connected to the second solenoid valve. The outlet of the return pipe is connected to the water storage space of the water storage tank. When the second water pump stops operating, the condensate in the outdoor pipeline can enter the return pipe via the second solenoid valve and return to the water storage tank.

[0008] In some implementations, the installation height of the outdoor pipeline decreases from the outdoor side to the indoor side.

[0009] In some embodiments, a third solenoid valve is connected in series on the outdoor side pipeline, and an outdoor branch pipe is connected to the third solenoid valve. The atomizing component also includes a third atomizing nozzle, which is connected to the outlet end of the outdoor branch pipe and is used to spray atomized condensate onto the outdoor side heat exchanger.

[0010] In some embodiments, a filter box is provided in the upper region of the water-containing space of the water storage tank, and a filter screen is provided inside the filter box. The filter screen divides the internal space of the filter box into an inlet area and an outlet area. The first water pump is connected to the inlet area via an inlet pipe. The outlet area is provided with an outlet pipe. After being filtered by the filter screen, the water flows into the water storage tank through the outlet pipe. And / or, a water level detection component is provided inside the water storage tank.

[0011] In some embodiments, the filter screen is arranged along the height direction of the filter box, and the filter screen has a high position portion and a low position portion arranged sequentially along its height direction. A water distribution plate is provided in the water inlet area, and the water distribution plate diverts part of the condensate flowing out of the water inlet pipe to the high position portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, a water-dispersing plate is provided on the bottom wall of the filter box, and the water-dividing plate is located at the top of the water-dispersing plate. The top of the water-dispersing plate is located on the water outlet path of the water inlet pipe, and the water-dispersing plate is inclined.

[0013] In some embodiments, the filter box is assembled in the water storage tank by a push-pull mechanism; and / or, the filter box and the water storage tank have a locking structure.

[0014] The present invention also provides a control method for a window air conditioner as described above, comprising the following steps: Get work instructions; When the operating command is indoor humidification, the second water pump is controlled to operate, and the first solenoid valve is controlled to be in a first connected state, thereby connecting the second water pump to the first atomizing nozzle; or... When the operating command is to discharge condensate, the second water pump is controlled to operate, and the first solenoid valve is controlled to be in the second connected state, the second solenoid valve to be in the first connected state, and the third solenoid valve to be in the first connected state, so that the second water pump is connected to the second atomizing nozzle; or... When the operating command is to spray the outdoor heat exchanger, the second water pump is controlled to operate, and the first solenoid valve is controlled to be in the second connected state, the second solenoid valve to be in the first connected state, and the third solenoid valve to be in the second connected state, so that the second water pump is connected to the third atomizing nozzle; or... When the working command is to stop the second water pump, the second water pump is controlled to stop operating and the second solenoid valve is controlled to be in the second connected state so that the outdoor pipeline is connected to the return pipe.

[0015] In some implementations, when the working instruction is executed intelligently, the following steps are included: The system acquires the real-time humidity of the indoor space, the real-time liquid level of the condensate stored in the water tank, and the real-time temperature of the outdoor space. When the real-time humidity is lower than the preset humidity value, the real-time liquid level is higher than the preset liquid level value, and the real-time temperature is lower than the preset temperature value, the first atomizing nozzle and the second atomizing nozzle are controlled to alternately connect to the second water pump. The duration of one alternating spray from the first atomizing nozzle and the second atomizing nozzle is the alternation cycle. The alternation cycle remains unchanged, and the longer the total alternation operation time, the shorter the spray time of the first atomizing nozzle and the longer the spray time of the second atomizing nozzle.

[0016] The window air conditioner and its control method provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects: On the one hand, a water storage tank is set up in the indoor space to transfer and store the condensate pumped by the first water pump and further atomize and consume the condensate, solving the problem of draining the condensate stored in the outdoor water tank. That is, the outdoor water tank does not need to be equipped with corresponding drain holes and drain pipes, making the window air conditioner of this invention more applicable to a wider range of scenarios. At the same time, a heating element is set up in the second area, that is, the outdoor space, to heat the condensate on the outdoor side to prevent this part of the condensate from freezing when the outdoor space temperature is low, causing the condensate to overflow into the indoor space and reduce the user's air conditioning experience. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or related technologies, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. The drawings described below are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a window air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention from one perspective. Only relevant parts are shown in the figure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of a window air conditioner in the middle; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the window air conditioner in an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram (partial cross-sectional view) of the internal structure of the window air conditioner at the location of the water storage tank in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the filter box in the image.

[0019] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Chassis; 11. Outdoor side water tank; 111. Heating element; 12. Indoor side water tank; 13. Flow channel; 2. First water pump; 3. Water storage tank; 31. Filter box; 311. Filter screen; 312. Outlet pipe; 313. Water distribution plate; 314. Water baffle plate; 315. Spring buckle; 32. Inlet pipe; 33. Water level detection component; 34. Water pipe clearance notch; 4. Second water pump; 5. Atomizing component; 61. First pipeline; 62. First solenoid valve; 621. Second pipeline; 622. Third pipeline; 623. Outdoor side pipeline; 624. Return pipe; 625. Outdoor branch pipe; 63. Second solenoid valve; 64. Third solenoid valve. Detailed Implementation

[0020] 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. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. 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.

[0021] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0022] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90° or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0023] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0024] See also Figures 1 to 5As shown in the figure, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a window air conditioner is provided, including a chassis 1, a first water pump 2, a water storage tank 3, a second water pump 4, and an atomizing component 5. The chassis 1 has a first region (not shown in the figure) corresponding to the indoor side of the air conditioner and a second region (not shown in the figure) corresponding to the outdoor side of the air conditioner. It is understood that a partition (not shown in the figure) is provided on the chassis 1, which divides the internal space of the window air conditioner into relatively independent indoor and outdoor spaces. The outdoor heat exchanger, compressor, and other components are disposed in the outdoor space, while the indoor heat exchanger is disposed in the indoor space. An outdoor water receiving trough 11 is formed on the second region. The outdoor water receiving trough 11 can at least collect the condensate (including defrost water formed when the outdoor heat exchanger defrosts) generated by the outdoor heat exchanger (not shown in the figure). The first water pump 2 is used to pump the condensate in the outdoor water receiving trough 11 to be stored in the water storage tank. Within 3, it is understood that the aforementioned first water pump 2 and the water storage tank 3 are connected by corresponding pipelines. The water storage tank 3 is located on the indoor side of the air conditioner, which can effectively prevent the condensate stored in the water storage tank 3 from freezing in the low-temperature environment on the outdoor side. The second water pump 4 is used to pump the condensate stored in the water storage tank 3 to the atomizing component 5 to atomize the condensate. The aforementioned atomizing component 5 can be a pre-formed atomizing nozzle in the prior art. The present invention does not improve its specific structure, but only makes a selection application. The outdoor side water tank 11 is provided with a heating element 111 that can prevent the condensate inside from freezing. The aforementioned heating element 111 can specifically be an electric heating belt in the prior art, so as to heat the condensate when the outdoor side temperature is low and there is a risk of freezing in the outdoor side water tank 11. It is understood that the aforementioned heating element 111 also needs to form necessary surrounding heating for the first water pump 2 and the relevant condensate delivery pipeline in the outdoor space.

[0025] In this technical solution, on the one hand, a water storage tank 3 is set in the indoor space to transfer and store the condensate pumped by the first water pump 2 and further atomize and consume the condensate, thus solving the problem of draining the condensate stored in the outdoor water receiving tank 11. That is, the outdoor water receiving tank 11 does not need to be equipped with corresponding drain holes and drain pipes, making the application scenarios of the window air conditioner of the present invention more diverse. At the same time, a heating element 111 is set in the second area, that is, the outdoor space, to heat the condensate on the outdoor side to prevent this part of the condensate from freezing when the outdoor space temperature is low, causing the condensate to overflow into the indoor space and reduce the user's air conditioning experience.

[0026] In some embodiments, an indoor side water inlet trough 12 is formed in the first region. The indoor side water inlet trough 12 is connected to the outdoor side water inlet trough 11 through a flow channel 13, and the condensate in the indoor side water inlet trough 12 can flow into the outdoor side water inlet trough 11 under its own weight through the flow channel 13. As a preferred embodiment, the bottom wall of the aforementioned indoor side water inlet trough 12 is designed as a slope with a gradually decreasing height towards the inlet position of the flow channel 13. At the same time, the bottom wall of the flow channel 13 is designed as a slope with a gradually decreasing height towards the outdoor side water inlet trough 11. In this way, when collecting condensate in the indoor side water inlet trough 12, the condensate can be transferred to the outdoor side water inlet trough 11 by its own weight. Then, the first water pump 2 located in the outdoor side water inlet trough 11 stores the collected condensate in the aforementioned water storage tank 3.

[0027] In this technical solution, the condensate collected in the indoor side water tank 12 is diverted by its own weight to the outdoor side water tank 11, and then transferred and stored in the water storage tank 3 by the first water pump 2 located therein. There is no need to configure a separate water pump for the indoor side water tank 12, which can effectively reduce the product manufacturing cost. At the same time, the first water pump 2 is located on the outdoor side, which can effectively reduce the impact of its operating noise on the indoor side.

[0028] It should be noted that the first water pump 2 is located in the outdoor space, i.e., the second area, while the second water pump 4 is located in the indoor space, i.e., the first area. This arrangement is based on the following considerations: The generation and collection of condensate is a random and long-lasting process. In order to ensure the timely pumping and storage of condensate, the first water pump 2 needs to operate intermittently at a high frequency. This process generates significant and irregular noise. Therefore, placing it outdoors can effectively reduce the noise impact on users indoors. The second water pump 4 is located indoors because its purpose is to pump a certain amount of condensate stored in the water storage tank 3 (far greater than that in the water receiving trough) according to actual needs and atomize it at the atomizing component for discharge. This process can be selected and controlled according to user needs, and its operating frequency is much lower than that of the first water pump 2, resulting in relatively less noise. Furthermore, considering the potential freezing risk of placing it outdoors, placing it indoors eliminates the need for heating, further reducing product manufacturing costs.

[0029] In some embodiments, the atomizing component 5 includes a first atomizing nozzle and a second atomizing nozzle. The first atomizing nozzle is used to humidify the indoor space. Specifically, it is disposed in the air inlet area between the indoor heat exchanger (not shown in the figure) and the indoor air duct volute (not shown in the figure) so that it can be sent into the indoor space along with the heat exchange airflow. While achieving heating, the water mist can also be temperature-regulated as it passes through the indoor heat exchanger, thereby preventing fluctuations in the indoor temperature. The second atomizing nozzle is used to spray the atomized condensate into the outdoor space. That is, the second atomizing nozzle is disposed in the outdoor space and can atomize the condensate and discharge it into the outdoor environment under the pumping action of the second water pump 4, preventing the condensate from being stored in the water storage tank 3 too much and causing overflow.

[0030] In some embodiments, the window air conditioner further includes a water flow direction switching component (not labeled in the figure). This component includes a first pipe 61 connected to the outlet of the second water pump 4. The first pipe 61 is controllably connected to a second pipe 621 and a third pipe 622 via a first solenoid valve 62. Specifically, the first solenoid valve 62 can control the connection between the first pipe 61 and the second pipe 621, or between the first pipe 61 and the third pipe 622, thereby enabling selective delivery of condensate from the first pipe 61 to different locations. The outlet end of the second pipe 621 is connected to the first atomizing nozzle, enabling humidification of the indoor space. The outlet end of the third pipeline 622 is controllably connected to the outdoor pipeline 623 via the second solenoid valve 63. The outlet end of the outdoor pipeline 623 is connected to the second atomizing nozzle, thereby realizing the discharge of condensate in the water storage tank 3 to the external environment in the form of atomized water mist, preventing excessive overflow of condensate in the water storage tank 3. Furthermore, a return pipe 624 is connected to the second solenoid valve 63. The outlet of the return pipe 624 is connected to the water storage space of the water storage tank 3. When the second water pump 4 stops operating, the condensate in the outdoor pipeline 623 can enter the return pipe 624 through the second solenoid valve 63 and return to the water storage tank 3.

[0031] In this technical solution, the connection control of the corresponding pipeline is achieved by setting the first solenoid valve 62 and the second solenoid valve 63, so that the condensate in the water storage tank 3 can be controlled to humidify the indoor space or be discharged to the outdoor environment in a misting manner. More importantly, the return pipe 624 also set on the aforementioned second solenoid valve 63 can be controlled by the second solenoid valve 63 to connect with the outdoor pipeline 623 when the second water pump 4 stops running, so that the un-misted condensate in the outdoor pipeline 623 is returned and stored in the water storage tank 3, effectively preventing the risk of the condensate remaining in the outdoor pipeline 623 freezing on the outdoor side and causing subsequent condensate not to be discharged.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the height of the outdoor pipe 623 decreases from the outdoor side to the indoor side. That is, when the second water pump 4 stops operating, the condensate in the outdoor pipe 623 lacks pumping power. Since the return pipe 624 is connected to the outdoor pipe 623 via the second solenoid valve 63, the condensate flows back to the lower position under its own weight. There is no need to configure a corresponding water pump for this part of the residual condensate, which further simplifies the structural design and reduces the design and product manufacturing costs.

[0033] In some embodiments, a third solenoid valve 64 is connected in series on the outdoor side pipe 623, and an outdoor branch pipe 625 is connected to the third solenoid valve 64. The atomizing component 5 also includes a third atomizing nozzle, which is connected to the outlet end of the outdoor branch pipe 625 and is used to spray atomized condensate onto the outdoor side heat exchanger.

[0034] In this technical solution, a third solenoid valve 64 is further connected in series on the outdoor side pipe 623, which can controllably switch the delivery direction of the condensate pumped by the second water pump 4. When it is necessary to quickly discharge the condensate, the third solenoid valve 64 can be controlled to connect the inner and outer pipe sections of the outdoor side pipe 623. When it is necessary to spray the outdoor heat exchanger to improve the efficiency of the heat exchanger, the third solenoid valve 64 can be controlled to connect the inner pipe section of the outdoor side pipe 623 with the outdoor branch pipe 625, which further improves the utilization rate of condensate.

[0035] The aforementioned first solenoid valve 62, second solenoid valve 63, and third solenoid valve 64 can all be solenoid three-way valves, that is, they have three connection ports. Through electromagnetic control (on / off control), the position of the valve core inside can be switched, thereby realizing the connection and switching of two different flow paths inside. For example, the solenoid valve has port A, port B, and port C. When its valve core is in the left position, port A and port B are connected, and port C is blocked and not connected. When the valve core is in the right position, port A and port C are connected, and port B is blocked and not connected. This realizes a three-way valve structure with switchable flow paths.

[0036] In some embodiments, a filter box 31 is provided in the upper area of ​​the water-containing space of the water storage tank 3. The filter box 31 is provided with a filter screen 311 (at this time, a corresponding filter screen mounting groove is formed on the inner wall of the filter box 31 to ensure that the filter screen 311 is reliably and stably installed). The filter screen 311 divides the internal space of the filter box 31 into an inlet area (not marked in the figure) and an outlet area (not marked in the figure). The first water pump 2 is connected to the inlet area via an inlet pipe 32. The outlet area is provided with an outlet pipe 312. After being filtered by the filter screen 311, the water flows into the water storage tank 3 via the outlet pipe 312. This can fully filter the condensate and ensure the cleanliness of the condensate. It should be noted that a corresponding filter element is provided at the inlet of the first water pump 2 to prevent the risk of dirt clogging the first water pump 2. The filter screen 311 can be understood as a secondary filtration of the condensate, which can further purify the condensate.

[0037] To ensure timely detection of the condensate level in the water storage tank 3, preventing insufficient condensate from causing the second water pump 4 to run dry and potentially damage it, and to prevent excessive condensate from overflowing into the indoor area, in some embodiments, the water storage tank 3 is equipped with a water level detection component 33. This water level detection component 33 can be a commercially available two-position liquid level sensor. It is understood that when the water level detection component 33 detects that the condensate level in the water storage tank 3 has reached its upper limit, the control component sends a corresponding signal to control the operation of the second water pump 4 and the aforementioned solenoid valves, allowing the condensate to be pumped to the second atomizing nozzle for atomization and discharge. Alternatively, depending on actual needs, the second water pump 4 can also be operated to pump the condensate to the first or third atomizing nozzle for atomization, consuming the condensate in the water storage tank 3, thus lowering the condensate level.

[0038] It should be noted that the aforementioned outdoor side water tank 11 is equipped with a corresponding float. This float structure is used to detect the real-time condensate water level in the outdoor side water tank 11. When the real-time condensate water level reaches the preset height, the corresponding control command is triggered to control the first water pump 2 to operate and transfer the condensate water to the water storage tank 3.

[0039] In some embodiments, the filter screen 311 is arranged along the height direction of the filter box 31 (it can be arranged vertically or at an angle). The filter screen 311 has a high part (not labeled in the figure) and a low part (not labeled in the figure) arranged sequentially along its height direction. A water distribution plate 313 is provided in the water inlet area, and the water distribution plate 313 diverts part of the condensate flowing out of the water inlet pipe 32 to the high part.

[0040] In this technical solution, a water distribution plate 313 is set inside the filter box 31 to divert the condensate flowing out of the inlet pipe 32. A portion of the condensate is diverted to the high part of the filter screen 311, meaning that this portion of the condensate can be filtered by the high part of the filter screen 311. Meanwhile, the remaining condensate is filtered by the low part of the filter screen 311. This allows for full utilization of the same filter screen 311, improving filtration efficiency and extending the overall service life of the filter screen 311.

[0041] It should be noted that by using a filter screen 311 arranged along the height direction to divide the internal space of the filter box 31 into an inlet area and an outlet area arranged along the horizontal direction, the condensate entering the inlet area flows horizontally into the outlet area, which can reduce the overall height of the entire water storage tank 3. When the installation space of the water storage tank 3 is limited, the height occupied by the filter box 31 on the water storage tank 3 can be reduced, thereby making the effective water holding height of the water storage tank 3 larger and the volume larger.

[0042] In some embodiments, a water-dispersing plate 314 is also provided on the bottom wall of the filter box 31, and the water-dividing plate 313 is provided at the top of the water-dispersing plate 314. The top of the water-dispersing plate 314 is located on the water outlet path of the water inlet pipe 32, and the water-dispersing plate 314 is inclined.

[0043] In this technical solution, by setting a baffle plate 314 on the water outlet path of the water inlet pipe 32, the water inlet direction of condensate can be guided and changed, reducing the noise of water falling into the inlet.

[0044] In some embodiments, the filter box 31 is assembled into the water tank 3 by a push-pull mechanism. This greatly facilitates the user in pulling the filter box 31 out of or easily assembling it into the water tank 3, allowing for timely cleaning. It should be noted that since the filter box 31 has a water outlet pipe 312 at its bottom, a corresponding notch 34 is provided in the water tank 3 to allow for smooth assembly of the filter box 31.

[0045] See Figure 5 As shown, the filter box 31 and the water storage tank 3 have a locking structure (not indicated in the figure) to ensure that the filter box 31 can be reliably assembled in the water storage tank 3 and to prevent the filter box 31 from falling out of the water storage tank 3 under its own weight and the force of the water flow.

[0046] In one specific embodiment, the outer end of the aforementioned filter box 31 is provided with spring buckles 315 arranged in parallel intervals. The spring buckles 315 are specifically two oppositely arranged spring pieces with buckling protrusions. Correspondingly, on the two opposite walls of the water storage tank 3, there are slots (not shown in the figure) that engage with the aforementioned buckling protrusions. When it is necessary to remove the filter box 31 from the water storage tank 3, the user can use two fingers of one hand to clamp and apply force to the two spring buckles 315 to bring them closer together, thereby causing the buckling protrusions to disengage from the slots. The structure is very simple.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a control method for a window air conditioner as described above is also provided, comprising the following steps: Obtain working instructions. The aforementioned working instructions can be issued by the user by selecting the relevant buttons on the air conditioner's controller or control panel, or they can be issued based on intelligent detection of various relevant data parameters. When the operating command is indoor humidification, the second water pump 4 is controlled to operate, and the first solenoid valve 62 is controlled to be in a first connected state, so that the second water pump 4 is connected to the first atomizing nozzle. Specifically, the first connected state of the aforementioned first solenoid valve 62 is also the state in which the first pipe 61 is connected to the second pipe 621; or... When the operating command is to discharge condensate, the second water pump 4 is controlled to operate, and the first solenoid valve 62, the second solenoid valve 63, and the third solenoid valve 64 are all controlled to be in the second connected state, so that the second water pump 4 is connected to the second atomizing nozzle. The second connected state of the first solenoid valve 62 is also the state where the first pipe 61 is connected to the third pipe 622; the first connected state of the second solenoid valve 63 is also the state where the third pipe 622 is connected to the outdoor pipe 623; and the first connected state of the third solenoid valve 64 is also the state where the inner and outer pipe sections of the outdoor pipe 623 are connected. Alternatively... When the operating command is to spray the outdoor heat exchanger, the second water pump 4 is controlled to operate, and the first solenoid valve 62 is controlled to be in the second connected state, the second solenoid valve 63 is in the first connected state, and the third solenoid valve 64 is in the second connected state, so that the second water pump 4 is connected to the third atomizing nozzle. The second connected state of the aforementioned third solenoid valve 64 is also the state in which the inner pipe section of the outdoor side pipe 623 is connected to the outdoor branch pipe 625; or... When the working command is to stop the second water pump, the second water pump 4 is controlled to stop operating and the second solenoid valve 63 is controlled to be in the second connected state, so that the outdoor side pipe 623 is connected to the return pipe 624. The second connected state of the aforementioned second solenoid valve 63 is also the state in which the outdoor side pipe 623 is connected to the return pipe 624. It can be understood that the connected state of the third solenoid valve 64 should be maintained in the connected state before the second water pump 4 stops, so as to ensure that the condensate in the outdoor side pipe 623 (including the outdoor branch pipe 625) in the corresponding state is completely returned without retention.

[0048] In some implementations, when the working instruction is executed intelligently, the following steps are included: The system acquires the real-time humidity of the indoor space, the real-time liquid level of the condensate stored in the water tank 3, and the real-time temperature of the outdoor space. When the real-time humidity is lower than the preset humidity value, the real-time liquid level is higher than the preset liquid level value, and the real-time temperature is lower than the preset temperature value, the first atomizing nozzle and the second atomizing nozzle are controlled to alternately connect to the second water pump 4. The duration of one alternating spray from the first atomizing nozzle and the second atomizing nozzle is the alternation cycle. The alternation cycle remains unchanged, and the longer the total alternation operation time, the shorter the spray time of the first atomizing nozzle and the longer the spray time of the second atomizing nozzle. Taking an alternation cycle of 5 minutes as an example, at the beginning, the first 3 minutes are for humidification and the last 2 minutes are for drainage. As the indoor humidity gradually increases, the allocation time within the alternation cycle is adjusted. For example, the first minute is for humidification and the last 4 minutes are for drainage. In this mode, the running time of each mode within an alternation cycle can be intelligently and dynamically allocated, which can realize the combination of user experience, improved heat exchange efficiency, and drainage.

[0049] In summary, the window air conditioner provided by this invention can realize the collection, circulation, and reuse of condensate. It can atomize the condensate through a misting structure to prevent icing, and can also use the condensate to achieve functions such as humidification and heat exchange of the condenser (i.e., the outdoor heat exchanger), thereby enhancing the energy efficiency of the air conditioner and improving the comfort of the user.

[0050] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that, without conflict, the advantageous technical features of the above-mentioned methods can be freely combined and superimposed.

[0051] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A window air conditioner, characterized in that, The device includes a chassis (1), a first water pump (2), a water storage tank (3), a second water pump (4), and an atomizing component (5). The chassis (1) has a first area corresponding to the indoor side of the air conditioner and a second area corresponding to the outdoor side of the air conditioner. An outdoor side water receiving trough (11) is formed on the second area. The outdoor side water receiving trough (11) can at least collect condensate generated by the outdoor heat exchanger. The first water pump (2) is used to pump the condensate in the outdoor side water receiving trough (11) to store it in the water storage tank (3). The water storage tank (3) is located on the indoor side of the air conditioner. The second water pump (4) is used to pump the condensate stored in the water storage tank (3) to the atomizing component (5) to atomize the condensate. A heating element (111) is provided at the outdoor side water receiving trough (11) to prevent the condensate inside from freezing.

2. The window air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, An indoor water inlet trough (12) is formed in the first area. The indoor water inlet trough (12) and the outdoor water inlet trough (11) are connected through a flow channel (13), and the condensate in the indoor water inlet trough (12) can flow into the outdoor water inlet trough (11) through the flow channel (13) under its own weight.

3. The window air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The atomizing component (5) includes a first atomizing nozzle and a second atomizing nozzle. The first atomizing nozzle is used to humidify the indoor space, and the second atomizing nozzle is used to spray atomized condensate into the outdoor space.

4. The window air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a water flow direction switching component, which includes a first pipeline (61) connected to the outlet of the second water pump (4). The first pipeline (61) is controllably connected to the second pipeline (621) and the third pipeline (622) via a first solenoid valve (62). The outlet end of the second pipeline (621) is connected to the first atomizing nozzle. The outlet end of the third pipeline (622) is controllably connected to the outdoor pipeline (623) via a second solenoid valve (63). The outlet end of the outdoor pipeline (623) is connected to the second atomizing nozzle. A return pipe (624) is also connected to the second solenoid valve (63). The outlet of the return pipe (624) is connected to the water storage space of the water storage tank (3). When the second water pump (4) stops operating, the condensate in the outdoor pipeline (623) can enter the return pipe (624) via the second solenoid valve (63) and return to the water storage tank (3).

5. The window air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The installation height of the outdoor side pipe (623) decreases from the outdoor side to the indoor side.

6. The window air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, A third solenoid valve (64) is connected in series on the outdoor side pipe (623). An outdoor branch pipe (625) is connected to the third solenoid valve (64). The atomizing component (5) also includes a third atomizing nozzle, which is connected to the outlet end of the outdoor branch pipe (625) and is used to spray atomized condensate onto the outdoor side heat exchanger.

7. The window air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, A filter box (31) is provided in the upper part of the water storage space of the water tank (3). A filter screen (311) is provided in the filter box (31). The filter screen (311) divides the internal space of the filter box (31) into an inlet area and an outlet area. The first water pump (2) is connected to the inlet area via an inlet pipe (32). The outlet area is provided with an outlet pipe (312). After being filtered by the filter screen (311), the water flows into the water tank (3) via the outlet pipe (312). And / or, a water level detection component (33) is provided in the water tank (3).

8. The window air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The filter screen (311) is arranged along the height direction of the filter box (31). The filter screen (311) has a high position part and a low position part arranged sequentially along its height direction. A water distribution plate (313) is provided in the water inlet area. The water distribution plate (313) diverts part of the condensate flowing out of the water inlet pipe (32) to the high position part.

9. The window air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the filter box (31) is also provided with a water baffle plate (314), the water divider plate (313) is located at the top of the water baffle plate (314), the top of the water baffle plate (314) is located on the water outlet path of the water inlet pipe (32), and the water baffle plate (314) is inclined.

10. The window air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The filter box (31) is assembled in the water storage tank (3) by a push-pull method; and / or, the filter box (31) and the water storage tank (3) have a locking structure.

11. A control method for a window air conditioner as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Get work instructions; When the operating command is indoor humidification, the second water pump (4) is controlled to operate and the first solenoid valve (62) is controlled to be in the first connected state, so that the second water pump (4) is connected to the first atomizing nozzle; or, When the working instruction is to discharge condensate, the second water pump (4) is controlled to operate and the first solenoid valve (62) is controlled to be in the second connected state, the second solenoid valve (63) is controlled to be in the first connected state, and the third solenoid valve (64) is controlled to be in the first connected state, so that the second water pump (4) is connected to the second atomizing nozzle; or, When the operating command is to spray the outdoor heat exchanger, the second water pump (4) is controlled to operate and the first solenoid valve (62) is controlled to be in the second connected state, the second solenoid valve (63) is controlled to be in the first connected state, and the third solenoid valve (64) is controlled to be in the second connected state, so that the second water pump (4) is connected to the third atomizing nozzle; or, When the working instruction is to stop the second water pump, the second water pump (4) is controlled to stop running and the second solenoid valve (63) is controlled to be in the second connected state so that the outdoor side pipeline (623) is connected to the return pipe (624).

12. The control method according to claim 11, characterized in that, When the working instruction is executed intelligently, the following steps are included: The real-time humidity of the indoor space, the real-time liquid level of the condensate stored in the water tank (3), and the real-time temperature of the outdoor space are obtained. When the real-time humidity is lower than the preset humidity value, the real-time liquid level is higher than the preset liquid level value, and the real-time temperature is lower than the preset temperature value, the first atomizing nozzle and the second atomizing nozzle are controlled to alternately connect to the second water pump (4). The duration of the alternating spray of the first atomizing nozzle and the second atomizing nozzle is the alternation cycle. The alternation cycle remains unchanged, and the longer the total time of alternation, the shorter the spraying time of the first atomizing nozzle and the longer the spraying time of the second atomizing nozzle.

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