Control method of air conditioner range hood and air conditioner range hood

Abstract

The invention provides a control method of an air conditioner range hood and the air conditioner range hood. The air conditioner range hood is provided with a condensate water tank and a power drainage assembly. The method comprises the steps that in response to condensate water which is collected in the condensate water tank and generated in the refrigeration process of the air conditioner smoke machine, the power drainage assembly is started, and the condensate water in the condensate water tank is drained. By additionally arranging the power drainage assembly in the condensate water tank, the air conditioner range hood can drain condensate water generated in the refrigeration process in time, so that the problem of overflow caused by excessive accumulation of the condensate water in the condensate water tank is avoided, and the drainage efficiency of the condensate water is improved; the stable operation of the air-conditioning range hood is ensured when refrigeration and smoke exhaust are simultaneously carried out, so that the use comfort of a kitchen environment and the reliability of equipment operation are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of smart home technology, and in particular to a control method for an air conditioner range hood and an air conditioner range hood. Background Technology

[0002] As people's demands for comfort while cooking in the kitchen increase, air-conditioning range hoods that integrate cooling and fume extraction functions have emerged, effectively alleviating the problem of high temperatures in the kitchen during summer cooking.

[0003] Currently, condensate from air conditioner range hoods typically drains by gravity, allowing it to drip naturally down a drain pipe to the outside or a pre-designated drain outlet. However, the kitchen environment has a high concentration of water vapor, resulting in rapid condensation. Relying solely on gravity often fails to guarantee efficient drainage. Furthermore, long-distance drainage pipe installation not only affects aesthetics but can also interfere with cooking. Additionally, excessive condensate buildup leading to overflow can severely impair the normal function and safety of the air conditioner range hood. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a control method and an air-conditioning range hood. By adding a power drainage component to the condensate tank, the limitation of traditional range hoods relying solely on gravity drainage can be overcome, thereby accelerating the extraction speed of condensate and improving the flexibility and aesthetics of the drainage pipe design. This effectively addresses the risk of overflow caused by excessively rapid condensate generation in the high humidity environment of the kitchen, ensuring the normal operation of the air-conditioning range hood.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a control method for an air conditioning range hood, the air conditioning range hood being equipped with a condensate tank and a power drainage assembly; the method includes: In response to the condensate collected in the condensate tank from the cooling process of the air conditioning range hood, the power drain assembly is activated to drain the condensate from the condensate tank.

[0006] In an optional implementation, the method further includes the following steps during the process of draining condensate from the condensate tank using a power drainage assembly: The load change of the dynamic drainage component is detected, and the water level in the condensate tank is determined based on the load change.

[0007] In an optional implementation, the power drainage assembly includes a pumping motor; the load change is the change in the operating current of the pumping motor.

[0008] The steps for detecting load changes in the dynamic drainage assembly and determining the water level in the condensate tank based on these load changes include: Obtain the operating current of the water pump motor during operation.

[0009] The water level in the condensate tank is determined based on the preset correspondence between the operating current and the water level.

[0010] Adjust the operating speed of the pumping motor according to the water level.

[0011] In an optional implementation, the step of adjusting the operating speed of the pumping motor according to the water level includes: When the operating current is less than the first current threshold, the pump motor is controlled to maintain the current operating speed.

[0012] When the operating current is greater than or equal to the first current threshold and the duration reaches the preset first duration, the pump motor is controlled to increase the operating speed.

[0013] When the operating current is greater than or equal to the second current threshold and the duration reaches the preset second duration, the cooling function of the air conditioner range hood is stopped; wherein, the second current threshold is greater than the first current threshold.

[0014] In an optional implementation, after the step of stopping the cooling function of the air conditioner range hood, the method further includes: Issue an error message to remind the user to check the drainage status of the condensate tank.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the power drainage assembly includes a drainage pipe; the outlet end of the drainage pipe is connected to a preset water usage location; the method further includes: The discharged condensate is transported to a designated water usage location via a drainage pipe for secondary use.

[0016] In an optional implementation, the preset water location is kitchen washing equipment and / or cooking appliances.

[0017] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an air conditioning range hood, comprising: The range hood body; a condensate tank, disposed in the range hood body, for collecting condensate generated during the refrigeration process; a controller, disposed in the range hood body; a power drainage assembly, disposed in the condensate tank and connected to the controller, for driving the condensate in the condensate tank to drain; wherein, the controller is configured to execute the control method of the air conditioning range hood as described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, the power drainage assembly includes a pumping motor; the pumping motor is located inside the condensate tank and connected to a controller for pumping condensate from the condensate tank under the control of the controller; the controller is also used to acquire the operating current of the pumping motor during operation and determine the water level status of the condensate tank based on the operating current.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, the power drainage assembly further includes a drainage pipe connected to a pumping motor for conveying condensate pumped by the pumping motor; the outlet end of the drainage pipe is connected to a preset water usage location to deliver the condensate to the preset water usage location for secondary use.

[0020] This application provides a control method and a range hood for an air conditioner. By incorporating a condensate tank and a dynamic drainage component within the range hood, the dynamic drainage component is activated when condensate is collected in the condensate tank during the cooling process, actively draining the condensate. This method enables the range hood to promptly discharge condensate generated during cooling, preventing excessive accumulation and overflow in the condensate tank, improving condensate drainage efficiency, ensuring stable operation of the range hood during simultaneous cooling and exhaust, and ultimately enhancing the comfort of the kitchen environment and the reliability of the equipment.

[0021] Other features and advantages of this application will be set forth in the following description and will be apparent in part from the description or may be learned by practicing the application.

[0022] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are one embodiment of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the method for determining the water level in a condensate tank provided in this application embodiment; Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the method for adjusting the operating speed of a water pump motor according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner range hood provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a condensate tank provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Icons: 1-Range hood body; 2-Condensate tank; 3-Controller; 4-Powered drainage assembly; 41-Water pump motor; 42-Drainage pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] To help those skilled in the art better understand this application, a brief introduction to its application scenarios and design concepts is provided.

[0028] In existing technologies, condensate generated during the cooling process of air conditioning range hoods is typically discharged by gravity, for example, by installing a drain pipe to allow the condensate to flow naturally from inside the device. However, due to the significant structural differences between air conditioning range hoods and traditional air conditioners, the bottom of the range hood usually does not have a suitable pre-installed drainage structure. If relying solely on gravity drainage, a long drain pipe is often required to guide the condensate out, which not only affects the compactness and appearance of the overall structure but may also interfere with the user's workspace during cooking. Furthermore, in the kitchen cooking environment, the concentration of water vapor is usually high, and air conditioning range hoods easily generate a large amount of condensate during the cooling process. If relying solely on natural drainage, the condensate drainage efficiency is low, which can easily lead to the rapid accumulation of condensate in the condensate tank, posing a risk of condensate overflow and even affecting the normal operation of the device.

[0029] Based on this, this application provides a control method and an air conditioning range hood. By installing a power drainage component in the air conditioning range hood, the component is activated when condensate generated during the refrigeration process is collected in the condensate tank, actively draining the condensate from the tank. This improves the condensate drainage efficiency and prevents excessive condensate accumulation and overflow. Furthermore, this application determines the water level in the condensate tank by detecting load changes in the power drainage component during operation and adjusts its operation accordingly. This achieves intelligent control of the condensate drainage process without the need for an additional water level detection device, reducing system costs and improving system reliability. In addition, the discharged condensate can be transported to a preset water usage location for secondary use, such as for preliminary cleaning of cookware or tableware, thereby improving equipment operational stability and achieving efficient water resource utilization.

[0030] To facilitate understanding of this embodiment, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below.

[0031] This application provides a control method for an air conditioning range hood, which is equipped with a condensate tank and a power drainage component.

[0032] An air-conditioning range hood is a kitchen appliance that integrates smoke extraction and cooling functions. During operation, it simultaneously extracts cooking fumes through the hood itself and outputs cool air through the air conditioning unit to improve the kitchen environment temperature and enhance user comfort while cooking. Compared to ordinary range hoods, air-conditioning range hoods incorporate evaporators, cooling ducts, and other cooling-related structures, resulting in condensation during operation. This condensation typically forms on the evaporator surface and flows along a predetermined path into a condensate tank.

[0033] The condensate tank is used to receive and temporarily store the condensate generated during the refrigeration process of the air conditioning system. To facilitate condensate drainage, the bottom or lower area of ​​the condensate tank can be connected to a power drainage assembly.

[0034] The powered drain assembly is used to actively drain condensate from the condensate tank. The powered drain assembly can be in direct contact with the condensate or connected to the condensate tank via pipes, cavities, connectors, or other structures. The drain outlet of the powered drain assembly can be connected to a drain pipe to deliver the condensate to the outside of the equipment, kitchen sink, washing equipment, temporary storage containers, or other pre-designated water usage locations.

[0035] Air conditioning range hoods may also include a controller. The controller is used to receive detection signals, execute control logic, and control the start-up, shutdown, and operating status of the power drainage components.

[0036] When an air conditioner range hood is used in a kitchen setting, the evaporator continuously generates condensate during cooling operation. Because the water vapor concentration is typically higher in a kitchen environment, the rate of condensate generation may be significantly higher than in a typical residential air conditioner. If relying solely on natural dripping and gravity drainage, condensate may accumulate too quickly in the condensate tank, leading to problems such as delayed drainage, condensate overflow, internal dampness, and impaired cooling function. Furthermore, unlike ordinary wall-mounted or floor-standing air conditioners, air conditioner range hoods need to consider both their design and installation space, as well as the user's cooking space. Relying solely on gravity to create a long drainage path could not only affect the overall appearance and internal structural layout but also increase the risk of poor drainage and blockages.

[0037] Based on the above, when the air conditioner's range hood collects condensate in the condensate tank, it activates the active drainage component to promptly discharge the condensate. This active drainage method reduces reliance on gravity drainage and improves drainage efficiency.

[0038] The method includes: In response to the condensate collected in the condensate tank from the cooling process of the air conditioning range hood, the power drain assembly is activated to drain the condensate from the condensate tank.

[0039] Here, during the cooling process of the air conditioner's range hood, water vapor on the evaporator surface condenses into condensate. This condensate drips down under gravity and collects in the condensate tank. When the air conditioner's range hood detects condensate collection in the tank, it automatically activates the power drainage system.

[0040] In one implementation, after the air conditioner's range hood is turned on in cooling mode, the evaporator continuously generates condensate by default. The controller activates the power drainage component at a preset time point after cooling starts. The preset time point can be determined based on evaporator temperature, ambient temperature, ambient humidity, cooling power, or historical operating data. For example, the air conditioner's range hood may activate the power drainage component 20 seconds, 30 seconds, or one minute after cooling starts.

[0041] In another implementation, the air conditioner range hood determines whether condensate has been collected in the condensate tank by detecting the liquid state in the tank. The liquid state can be detected by methods such as level detection, weight detection, conductivity detection, capacitance detection, optical detection, mechanical float detection, ultrasonic detection, or other suitable methods for determining the state of the liquid. Upon receiving a detection result indicating the presence of condensate in the tank, the power drainage assembly is activated to perform a drainage operation.

[0042] In another embodiment, the air conditioner range hood determines that condensate has been collected in the condensate tank by detecting operating parameters related to condensate formation. For example, the air conditioner range hood can determine that condensate has been generated and flowed into the condensate tank based on conditions such as the evaporator surface temperature dropping below a preset temperature, continuous cooling operation for a preset duration, ambient humidity exceeding a preset threshold, and cold air output reaching a preset level. When any one or more of these conditions are met, the power drainage component is activated.

[0043] Periodic drainage can also be used. During the cooling operation of the air conditioner's range hood, the controller controls the power drainage component to operate intermittently according to a preset cycle. The preset cycle can be a fixed cycle or a variable cycle. A fixed cycle can be a cycle that activates the power drainage component every ten seconds, thirty seconds, one minute, or longer. A variable cycle can be adaptively adjusted based on factors such as cooling intensity, ambient humidity, kitchen steam concentration, and historical condensate volume.

[0044] The activation method of the dynamic drainage component can be set according to the specific type of the dynamic drainage component.

[0045] In scenarios where the power drainage system uses a pump or motor, starting the system involves the controller sending a power command to the pump, causing it to rotate and generate suction to draw out the condensate from the tank. The pump can start at a single fixed speed, the initial speed from a multi-speed range, or a soft start to gradually increase the speed, reducing instantaneous impact and noise.

[0046] Regardless of the form of the dynamic drainage component, as long as it can provide active drainage driving force when condensate is present in the condensate tank, it can be applied to the control method of this application.

[0047] The activation of the dynamic drainage component can be triggered independently by the controller, or it can be triggered in conjunction with the operating status of the refrigeration module, sensor detection results, historical drainage records, or user settings. For example, when the user selects the high cooling mode or the stir-fry-assisted cooling mode, the controller can increase the activation frequency of the dynamic drainage component or activate it earlier to adapt to operating conditions with a large amount of condensate generation.

[0048] Once the power-driven drainage system is activated, mechanical power (such as centrifugal force generated by rotation or pressure difference) forces the condensate into the drain pipe, overcoming gravity and pipe resistance to discharge the water. The condensate discharge path can be configured according to the overall layout and usage requirements, and is not limited to a single discharge method.

[0049] In one embodiment, the power drainage assembly discharges condensate directly to the outside of the air conditioner range hood via a drain pipe. The drain pipe can lead to a kitchen drain, floor drain, sewer pipe, external liquid receiving container, or other discharge location.

[0050] In another implementation, the powered drainage system delivers condensate to a pre-designated water usage location for secondary reuse. This pre-designated location can be a kitchen sink, cookware / dishwashing area, dishwasher, pre-soaking container, or other areas suitable for non-potable water use. Because condensate may contain dust, oil particles, copper ions, or other impurities during its formation and transport, it is generally not used directly for cooking or drinking. Instead, it can be used for pre-soaking cookware, initial rinsing of dishes, and pre-washing in dishwashers. In this way, the air conditioner's range hood achieves active drainage while also improving water resource utilization efficiency.

[0051] In another embodiment, the power drainage assembly first delivers condensate to an intermediate water storage unit, which then outputs condensate to the target location after reaching a preset storage capacity. The intermediate water storage unit can be a collection bottle, a liquid storage box, an auxiliary water tank, or other temporary storage container. This method facilitates subsequent on-demand distribution of condensate and helps decouple the drainage action from the water usage action.

[0052] The condensate drainage process can be either continuous or intermittent. Continuous drainage is suitable for scenarios where condensate is continuously generated and drainage conditions are good. Intermittent drainage is suitable for scenarios where condensate production fluctuates significantly, the power drainage component operates intermittently, or the system aims to balance noise reduction and energy saving. The controller can select the appropriate drainage method based on the condensate generation rate, the capacity of the power drainage component, the drainage path length, and the user's usage pattern.

[0053] To improve drainage stability, check valves, anti-clogging structures, filters, buffer chambers, gas-liquid separation structures, or anti-backflow structures can be incorporated into the drainage path. Check valves prevent external liquid from flowing back into the condensate tank. Filters intercept larger particles, reducing the risk of clogging. Buffer chambers reduce drainage pulsations and improve drainage smoothness. Anti-backflow structures minimize the impact of liquid receding after drainage on the dynamic drainage components.

[0054] In an optional implementation, the method further includes the following steps during the process of draining condensate from the condensate tank using a power drainage assembly: The load change of the dynamic drainage component is detected, and the water level in the condensate tank is determined based on the load change.

[0055] Here, the power drainage system includes a pump motor. The pump motor can be located inside or at the bottom of the condensate tank, drawing condensate from the tank and delivering it to the drain pipe. When the water level in the condensate tank is high, the pump motor experiences greater liquid pressure during startup and operation, increasing its workload. Conversely, when the water level is low, the pump motor experiences less resistance, reducing its load. Therefore, monitoring changes in the pump motor's operating load reflects the trend of water level changes in the condensate tank.

[0056] The load changes of a water pump motor can be characterized by various parameters. For example, the load change can be reflected by detecting the operating current of the water pump motor. When the water pump is drawing condensate, the motor drive circuit can collect the operating current signal of the water pump motor in real time and transmit the signal to the controller for processing. The controller can determine the current load status of the water pump motor based on the changes in the operating current. Since the higher the water level in the condensate tank, the greater the liquid pressure on the water pump motor, the operating current of the water pump motor usually increases accordingly. The controller can pre-establish the correspondence between the operating current and the water level and determine the current water level in the condensate tank based on the detected operating current.

[0057] Based on detected load changes, the controller can determine the water level in the condensate tank. The water level can be categorized into several levels, such as low, medium, and high. The controller can execute different control strategies based on these levels. For example, when the load is low, the controller can determine that the water level in the condensate tank is low, and the power drainage component can maintain its current operating state. When the load gradually increases and reaches a preset range, the controller can determine that the water level in the condensate tank is high. In this case, the controller can adjust the operating parameters of the power drainage component, such as increasing the pump motor speed or extending the operating time of the power drainage component, thereby accelerating the drainage speed. When the load remains consistently high, the controller can determine that the water level in the condensate tank is too high, potentially indicating poor drainage or excessive condensate formation. In this case, the controller can take protective measures, such as stopping the cooling function and outputting a warning message.

[0058] To improve the accuracy of judgments, the controller can set duration conditions when determining water level status. For example, when the load on the power drainage component reaches a certain threshold, it will not immediately determine a high water level. Instead, it will determine whether the load condition persists for a preset time. Only after the load change duration reaches the preset time will the controller confirm the corresponding water level status. By setting duration conditions, false judgments caused by air bubbles, impurities, instantaneous liquid fluctuations, or the impact of motor startup can be avoided.

[0059] Determining the condensate tank level by detecting load changes in the dynamic drainage component allows for level assessment without the need for a dedicated level detection device, thus reducing hardware costs and structural complexity. Traditional methods typically require float switches, level sensors, or electrode detection devices inside the condensate tank. These devices not only increase structural complexity but are also susceptible to contamination in oily environments, affecting reliability. By utilizing the load changes of the dynamic drainage component itself for level assessment, the problems associated with additional sensors are avoided, improving the overall system reliability.

[0060] In a kitchen cooking environment, the high concentration of water vapor can lead to a significant amount of condensate generated during the cooling process of an air conditioner's range hood. If the drainage rate is insufficient, condensate can accumulate rapidly in the condensate tank, increasing the risk of overflow. By detecting changes in the load on the power drainage components and determining the water level, the controller can promptly monitor the water level in the condensate tank, dynamically adjusting the drainage process to improve efficiency and prevent condensate overflow.

[0061] The air conditioner range hood in this embodiment of the application realizes the water level status recognition function while performing drainage operation, which not only ensures that condensate is discharged in time, but also improves the intelligence level of the air conditioner range hood drainage system.

[0062] In an optional implementation, the power drainage assembly includes a pumping motor; the load change is the change in the operating current of the pumping motor.

[0063] Reference Figure 1 The steps of detecting the load change of the power drainage component and determining the water level in the condensate tank based on the load change include the following steps S101-S103.

[0064] Step S101: Obtain the operating current of the pumping motor during operation.

[0065] Here, the current sampling circuit can be set in the power supply circuit of the pumping motor to detect the operating current of the pumping motor in real time. The current sampling circuit can use a sampling resistor, a current inductor, a Hall current sensor, an operational amplifier circuit, or other detection structures suitable for collecting motor current. The controller can perform analog-to-digital conversion, filtering, average value calculation, peak value extraction, or time period statistics on the collected current signal to obtain the operating current value used to characterize the current load state of the pumping motor.

[0066] The operating current of a water pump motor can be obtained through either continuous sampling or interval sampling. Continuous sampling is suitable for scenarios requiring real-time monitoring of load changes in the water pump motor. Interval sampling is suitable for scenarios with high requirements for control costs and processing resources. For example, the controller can acquire the operating current once every preset sampling period, or it can perform multiple samplings within a preset time window after the water pump motor starts, and determine the current operating current based on the results of multiple samplings. To avoid the inrush current generated at the moment of water pump motor startup affecting subsequent judgments, the controller can start collecting the operating current after a preset stabilization time after the water pump motor starts, or it can process the current during the startup phase and the stable operation phase separately.

[0067] Air bubbles, oil fume particles, liquid fluctuations, or instantaneous pressure changes in the drain pipes in the kitchen environment may cause short-term fluctuations in the pump motor current. To reduce the impact of these factors on water level judgment, the controller can perform moving average processing, median filtering, time window statistical processing, or outlier removal on the collected operating current signal.

[0068] Step S102: Determine the water level of the condensate tank according to the preset correspondence between the working current and the water level.

[0069] Here, the preset correspondence between operating current and water level can be established in advance during the product design phase, experimental calibration phase, or before the equipment leaves the factory. When establishing this preset correspondence, the pumping motor can be controlled under different known water level conditions, and operating current data corresponding to each water level can be collected. Based on the correspondence data between different water level heights and operating currents, lookup table relationships, interval correspondence relationships, function mapping relationships, or empirical model relationships can be established. During actual operation, the controller can look up the corresponding water level in the preset correspondence based on the real-time acquired operating current, or calculate the corresponding water level according to a preset algorithm.

[0070] The preset correspondence can be either a precise numerical correspondence or a hierarchical interval correspondence. For example, the controller can divide the operating current into multiple intervals, with different intervals corresponding to low, medium, and high water levels, respectively. It can also be further divided into multiple levels such as normal water level, slightly high water level, and excessively high water level.

[0071] To accommodate different models of air conditioner range hoods, different pump motor specifications, and different condensate tank structures, the preset correspondence can be calibrated and adjusted based on product parameters. For example, different condensate tank volumes, pump motors installed in different positions, and drainage pipes of different lengths or bends can all affect the operating current of the pump motor at the same water level. Therefore, different models can have their own corresponding calibration relationships established. The controller can also correct the preset correspondence based on historical operating data to improve the accuracy of water level determination.

[0072] Determining the water level in the condensate tank is not only used to determine if condensate is present and if the condensate accumulation rate is too fast, but also to assess the proper functioning of the power drainage system. If the controller detects a persistently high operating current, but the calculated water level does not show a significant decrease, it indicates a potential abnormality in the drainage process, such as blockage in the drainage pipes, bends in the pipes, obstruction of the drainage outlet, or a decline in the performance of the pumping motor.

[0073] Step S103: Adjust the operating speed of the pumping motor according to the water level.

[0074] Here, the operating gears of the water pump motor refer to its different working states, such as different speed gears, different drive duty cycles, different voltage levels, or different power output gears. The water pump motor can be set to two gears, three gears, multiple gears, or continuously adjustable gears.

[0075] In one implementation, when the controller determines from the operating current that the water level in the condensate tank is low, the controller maintains the current operating speed of the pump motor, allowing the pump motor to continue operating at its current drainage capacity. This indicates that the amount of condensate in the condensate tank has not yet reached a high level, and the pump motor does not need to increase its speed to meet the drainage requirements. Maintaining the current operating speed helps reduce energy consumption and noise, while also avoiding frequent speed switching of the pump motor.

[0076] In another implementation, when the controller determines that the water level in the condensate tank has reached a high level based on the operating current, the controller can increase the operating speed of the pump motor to increase its rotational speed and drainage flow rate, thereby accelerating the condensate extraction speed. By increasing the operating speed, the pump motor can discharge more condensate in a timely manner, reducing the risk of further water accumulation in the condensate tank. The strategy for increasing the operating speed can be a single-level increase or a step-by-step increase. For example, if the pump motor is currently at a low speed, it can be switched to a medium speed; if the pump motor is currently at a medium speed, it can be switched to a high speed. The controller can also directly select the target speed based on the level corresponding to the water level, without having to switch step by step.

[0077] In another implementation, when the controller determines that the water level in the condensate tank is too high based on the operating current, and the pump motor is already operating at a high speed, the controller, in addition to continuing to operate at the high speed, can also coordinate with the refrigeration module to execute protection strategies. For example, the controller can stop the cooling function of the air conditioner's range hood to prevent the evaporator from continuing to generate new condensate, thereby preventing the condensate in the tank from continuing to rise and overflow. The controller can also simultaneously issue abnormal warning messages to remind the user to check the drainage status of the condensate tank, the drainage pipe status, or the pump motor status.

[0078] When adjusting the operating speed of the pumping motor based on the water level, time and hysteresis conditions can be introduced to prevent the controller from frequently adjusting the speed due to short-term fluctuations. For example, the controller can wait until the water level has consistently reached a preset height for a preset duration before switching the pumping motor speed. This avoids malfunctions caused by air bubbles in the condensate, liquid surface sloshing, oil fume particles, or short-term current fluctuations in the pumping motor. The controller can also be set with different hysteresis ranges for the upshift and downshift thresholds to further reduce the frequency of pumping motor speed switching.

[0079] In one embodiment, adjusting the operating speed of the water pump motor based on the water level can also be combined with the usage scenario of the air conditioner range hood. For example, when the air conditioner range hood is in a high cooling setting, a high-heat assisted cooling setting, or a long-term continuous operation state, the controller can increase the base operating speed of the water pump motor or shorten the trigger time for speed increase to cope with the rapid generation of condensate. When the air conditioner range hood is in a low cooling setting or the ambient humidity is low, the controller can appropriately reduce the frequency of water pump motor speed adjustment to balance energy saving and noise reduction requirements.

[0080] In an optional implementation, refer to Figure 2 The steps for adjusting the operating speed of the pumping motor according to the water level include the following steps S201-S203.

[0081] Step S201: When the operating current is less than the first current threshold, control the pumping motor to maintain the current operating speed.

[0082] Here, when the operating current of the pumping motor is detected to be less than the first current threshold, the controller determines that the current load on the pumping motor is low, and the water level in the condensate tank is low. In this case, the amount of condensate in the condensate tank is small, and the pumping motor can meet the drainage needs at its current operating speed. Therefore, the controller controls the pumping motor to continue operating at its current speed.

[0083] The first current threshold can be set based on the pump motor model, condensate tank volume, drain pipe length, and the overall structure of the air conditioner range hood. The first current threshold typically corresponds to a low or normal level of condensate in the condensate tank. When the pump motor's operating current is consistently below the first current threshold, it indicates that the condensate level in the condensate tank remains within a low range, and the drainage system is operating stably.

[0084] Step S202: When the operating current is greater than or equal to the first current threshold and the duration reaches the preset first duration, control the pumping motor to increase the operating speed.

[0085] Here, when the operating current of the pump motor is detected to be greater than or equal to the first current threshold, and this state continues for a preset first duration, the controller determines that the water level in the condensate tank has risen to a level requiring increased drainage. At this time, the controller controls the pump motor to increase its operating speed, making the pump motor run at a higher speed or higher power, thereby increasing the drainage flow rate and accelerating the discharge of condensate from the condensate tank.

[0086] Setting a preset first duration can prevent misjudgments due to short-term liquid fluctuations or bubble disturbances. For example, condensate may contain bubbles, oil fume particles, or impurities, which can change the load state of the pump motor in a short time. If the pump motor speed is increased immediately when the current just exceeds the first current threshold, it may cause frequent changes in the control strategy. Therefore, after detecting that the operating current exceeds the first current threshold, the controller can continue to monitor for a period of time. When this state persists for the preset first duration, the controller then executes the speed increase operation, thereby improving the stability of the judgment.

[0087] The operating speed of the water pump motor can be set to two, three, or more speeds. Increasing the operating speed can be achieved by increasing the motor's rotational speed, driving voltage, driving duty cycle, or output power. For example, in a three-speed configuration, when the pump motor is currently running at a low speed, the controller can increase it to a medium speed. Conversely, when the pump motor is currently running at a medium speed, the controller can increase it to a high speed. By progressively increasing the operating speed, the drainage capacity is gradually enhanced as the condensate tank level rises, thus preventing the continuous accumulation of condensate in the tank.

[0088] Step S203: When the operating current is greater than or equal to the second current threshold and the duration reaches the preset second duration, the cooling function of the air conditioner range hood is stopped; wherein, the second current threshold is greater than the first current threshold.

[0089] Here, when the operating current of the pump motor is detected to be greater than or equal to the second current threshold, and this state continues for a preset second duration, the controller determines that the water level in the condensate tank has reached a high level, posing a risk of condensate overflow. The second current threshold is greater than the first current threshold; therefore, the second current threshold corresponds to a higher load state and also a higher water level.

[0090] When the condition corresponding to the second current threshold is reached, the controller can stop the cooling function of the air conditioner's range hood. The purpose of stopping the cooling function is to prevent the evaporator from continuing to produce new condensate, thereby preventing condensate from continuing to enter the condensate tank and further raising the water level. After the cooling function stops, the pump motor can continue to run for a period of time to drain as much condensate as possible from the condensate tank.

[0091] Setting a preset second duration can also avoid misjudgments. If the pump motor's operating current reaches a high value for a short period, it may only be due to a temporary increase in load caused by instantaneous liquid fluctuations or changes in drainage pipe pressure. The preset second duration can be the same as or different from the preset first duration.

[0092] The second current threshold is typically set to address situations where the condensate tank is nearly full or the drainage capacity is insufficient. For example, when the drain pipe is partially blocked, the drain outlet is obstructed, or the performance of the pump motor deteriorates, the pump motor may operate under a high load. By detecting the second current threshold and implementing protection strategies, condensate tank overflow can be prevented in a timely manner, thereby protecting the internal structure and electrical components of the air conditioner range hood.

[0093] In one implementation, the controller can record the current abnormal status while stopping the cooling function and send a prompt message to the user, reminding them to check the condensate tank drainage status, whether the drain pipe is blocked, and whether the pump motor is operating normally. After checking and troubleshooting, the user can restart the cooling function of the air conditioner range hood to restore the equipment to normal operation.

[0094] In an optional implementation, after the step of stopping the cooling function of the air conditioner range hood, the method further includes: Issue an error message to remind the user to check the drainage status of the condensate tank.

[0095] Here, abnormal prompts can be output in various ways. For example, the air conditioner range hood can alert the user through a display screen, status indicator lights, a buzzer, a voice prompt module, or a mobile application. The display screen can show prompt text on the interface, such as prompting the user to check the condensate tank drainage status or check if the drain pipe is blocked. The status indicator light can flash to indicate a drainage abnormality. The buzzer can emit a preset alarm sound to attract the user's attention. The voice prompt module can prompt the user to check the device's drainage status through voice broadcast. If the air conditioner range hood is connected to a smart home system or mobile application, the controller can also send notification messages to the user's mobile terminal via the network, such as push notifications from the mobile application or prompts from the home control panel.

[0096] An error message is sent to remind the user to check the drainage system. After receiving the error message, the user can check the condensate tank and drainage structure. For example, the user can check if there is excessive water accumulation in the condensate tank, check if the drain pipes are bent, blocked, or improperly installed, and check if the drain outlet is blocked by foreign objects. The user can also check the operating status of the pump motor, such as whether the pump motor is running normally, whether there are any abnormal noises, or whether there are any abnormal power connections.

[0097] In one implementation, the error message may also include more specific information. For example, the controller may indicate in the message that the condensate tank level is too high, the drainage efficiency is abnormal, or the drainage channel may be blocked. By providing clearer information, users can quickly locate and address problems, thereby shortening the time it takes for the equipment to return to normal operation.

[0098] In one implementation, the controller can record current abnormal event information while issuing abnormal alerts. This abnormal event information may include data such as the time of the abnormality, the operating current value of the pump motor, the water level assessment result, and the equipment operating status. This information can be used for equipment maintenance records or subsequent fault analysis. If the air conditioner range hood has network connectivity, the controller can also upload the abnormal event information to a remote server for remote diagnostics by the after-sales service system.

[0099] After the user has resolved the drainage issue, they can restart the cooling function of the air conditioner's range hood. For example, after cleaning the drain pipes or confirming that the condensate tank is draining normally, the user can restart the cooling function of the air conditioner's range hood via the control panel, remote control, or mobile application. Before restarting the cooling function, the controller can re-check the operating current of the pump motor to confirm that the condensate tank level has returned to a safe range, thereby preventing the protection strategy from being triggered again.

[0100] In an optional embodiment, the power drainage assembly includes a drainage pipe; the outlet end of the drainage pipe is connected to a preset water usage location; the method further includes: The discharged condensate is transported to a designated water usage location via a drainage pipe for secondary use.

[0101] Here, the power drainage assembly may include a pump motor and a drainage pipe. The pump motor is used to extract condensate from the condensate tank, and the drainage pipe is used to transport the extracted condensate to a designated location. The inlet end of the drainage pipe can be connected to the outlet end of the condensate tank or the pump motor, and the outlet end of the drainage pipe is connected to a preset water usage location, so that the condensate can be transported to the designated water usage area for use after being discharged from the air conditioner range hood.

[0102] During the process of transporting the discharged condensate to the preset water usage location through the drain pipe, the water pump motor can operate under the control of the controller, transporting the condensate in the condensate tank to the target location through the drain pipe. The drain pipe can be made of water-resistant flexible hose, plastic pipe, metal pipe, or composite pipe structure.

[0103] The condensate produced during the refrigeration process of an air conditioner's range hood originates from the condensation of water vapor in the air, making it generally clean. Although small amounts of dust particles, oil fume particles, or metal ions may be mixed in during its formation and transport, the condensate can still be used for non-potable purposes, such as pre-rinsing kitchen utensils or initial washing tableware. By reusing the condensate, the consumption of tap water during kitchen cleaning can be reduced, thus achieving water conservation.

[0104] In an optional implementation, the preset water location is kitchen washing equipment and / or cooking appliances.

[0105] Here, the preset water location can be set at the kitchen washing equipment. The kitchen washing equipment can include a dishwasher, sink, rinsing basin, or other kitchen cleaning appliances. The outlet end of the drain pipe can be connected to the water inlet area of ​​the kitchen washing equipment, such as the pre-wash inlet of the dishwasher or the sink area. This way, when the air conditioner's range hood discharges condensate, the condensate can flow directly into the kitchen washing equipment for preliminary rinsing of tableware, cookware, or other kitchen utensils.

[0106] In one embodiment, the preset water location can also be set near the cooking appliances. Cooking appliances may include pots and pans, steaming containers, sinks, or other kitchen utensils. For example, before a user prepares to wash pots and pans or vegetables, they can first use condensate water for a preliminary rinse, thereby reducing tap water usage. In a kitchen environment, cooking appliances typically require pre-soaking or preliminary rinsing after use; using condensate water for this stage of cleaning can effectively conserve water resources.

[0107] In one embodiment, the preset water usage locations can simultaneously include kitchen washing equipment and cooking appliances. The drain pipe can be connected to multiple water usage locations via a branching structure. For example, the drain pipe can be branched, with one branch connecting to the dishwasher and another branch connecting to the sink area. The controller can control the condensate delivery path as needed, or a simple piping structure can be used to allow the condensate to flow naturally into the sink area.

[0108] To improve condensate utilization efficiency, drainage pipes can be equipped with storage containers or transfer tanks. Condensate discharged from the pump can first enter the storage container, and then be used by the user as needed. The storage container can be located inside a cabinet or under the sink for easy access. The storage container can also be equipped with a simple filtration system to further remove impurities and improve the cleanliness of the condensate.

[0109] In a kitchen environment, due to the large amount of water vapor generated during the cooking process, a significant amount of condensate is usually produced during the refrigeration process of an air-conditioning range hood. If the condensate is directly discharged into the drain pipe, it not only increases the burden on the drainage system but also causes waste of water resources. By setting up a drainage pipeline and transporting the condensate to kitchen washing equipment or cooking utensils for secondary use, the condensate that originally needed to be discharged can be converted into a usable water source, thus achieving the effect of saving water.

[0110] In addition, using the condensate for pre-washing kitchen utensils can also reduce the demand for hot water or tap water during the kitchen cleaning stage. Users can first use the condensate for preliminary rinsing and then use tap water for final cleaning, thereby reducing the overall water consumption. This design not only improves the water resource utilization rate but also enhances the functional value of the air-conditioning range hood, enabling the air-conditioning range hood to have an auxiliary water use function while providing refrigeration and smoke exhaust functions.

[0111] In a specific embodiment, the air-conditioning range hood provided by the present application can also be intelligently linked with a dishwasher device in the kitchen to achieve in-depth secondary utilization of the condensate during the dishwashing process.

[0112] In this linkage scenario, the power drainage component of the air-conditioning range hood is connected to the water inlet or pre-washing sink of the dishwasher through a drainage pipeline. When the air-conditioning range hood generates condensate during the cooking process, the controller continuously monitors the water level status in the condensate tank. Once the water level reaches the preset discharge threshold, the controller sends a start command to the power drainage component and simultaneously sends a linkage signal to the dishwasher through the kitchen local area network or wireless communication module.

[0113] After receiving the linkage signal, the dishwasher automatically turns on the pre-washing mode. The pumping motor directly transports the condensate to the cleaning chamber of the dishwasher through the drainage pipeline. Since the condensate is formed by the condensation of water vapor in the air on the evaporator, although trace amounts of copper ions, dust, or oil fume particles may be mixed in the condensate and it is not recommended for direct drinking, the condensate has basic cleaning ability and is fully capable of performing the preliminary pre-rinsing task of the dishwasher.

[0114] In the working process of the dishwasher, multiple cleaning programs are usually required. The dishwasher first uses the condensate transmitted from the air-conditioning range hood to wash and soak the large residues and preliminary oil stains on the surface of the dishes. This pre-washing operation can effectively soften the dried dirt on the dishes. When the pre-washing program ends, the dishwasher automatically switches to the tap water inlet mode and uses clean water and detergent for in-depth secondary cleaning and rinsing to ensure the hygiene standards of the dishes.

[0115] This application embodiment enables the recycling of condensate from air conditioning range hoods by setting up drainage pipes and transporting the discharged condensate to kitchen washing equipment and / or cooking appliances, thereby reducing water waste, improving the overall utilization efficiency of kitchen equipment, and enhancing the environmental performance and practical value of the air conditioning range hood system.

[0116] Based on the above embodiments, this application provides an air conditioning range hood, referring to... Figure 3 The air conditioner range hood provided in this application embodiment includes: The range hood body 1; a condensate tank 2, disposed in the range hood body 1, for collecting condensate generated during the refrigeration process; a controller 3, disposed in the range hood body 1; a power drainage assembly 4, disposed in the condensate tank 2 and connected to the controller 3, for driving the condensate in the condensate tank 2 to drain; wherein, the controller 3 is configured to execute the control method of the air conditioning range hood as described in any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0117] Here, the air-conditioning range hood is used in the kitchen environment to extract cooking fumes. It also has a cooling function, improving air temperature and comfort in the high-temperature, high-humidity kitchen environment. During cooling operation, water vapor in the air condenses on the surface of the evaporator, forming condensate. To collect and treat this condensate, a condensate tank 2 is installed inside the range hood body 1.

[0118] The range hood body 1 may include a range hood housing, a fan assembly, an oil fume filter assembly, a refrigeration module, and a flow guiding structure. The range hood housing supports and mounts the various functional modules. The fan assembly generates negative pressure to draw in the oil fume airflow generated during cooking. The oil fume filter assembly separates grease particles from the oil fume airflow. The refrigeration module may include an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and a throttling structure, achieving air cooling through a refrigeration cycle. The flow guiding structure guides the condensate generated on the evaporator surface into the condensate tank 2, thereby collecting the condensate.

[0119] The condensate tank 2 is located inside the range hood body 1. It can be positioned below or near the evaporator, allowing condensate generated on the evaporator surface to flow into the tank via a guide structure. The condensate tank 2 stores the condensate generated during the refrigeration process. It can be constructed from a plastic, metal, or composite material. The condensate tank 2 can be located in the lower part of the range hood housing or near the drainage area, facilitating the subsequent drainage system layout. The interior of the condensate tank 2 can form a water storage space for temporarily storing the collected condensate.

[0120] The controller 3 can be installed inside the range hood body 1 to control various functional modules of the air conditioning range hood. The controller 3 can establish electrical connections with the fan assembly, refrigeration module, and power drainage assembly 4 to control each component. The controller 3 can execute corresponding control logic according to the equipment operating status, such as controlling the fan operating status, controlling the start and stop of the refrigeration module, and controlling the condensate drainage process.

[0121] A power-driven drainage assembly 4 is installed in the condensate tank 2 to actively drain the condensate from the tank. The power-driven drainage assembly 4 is electrically connected to the controller 3, enabling the controller 3 to control its operation. When operating under the control of the controller 3, the power-driven drainage assembly 4 extracts the condensate from the condensate tank 2 and transports it to an external drainage location or a preset water usage location. By installing the power-driven drainage assembly 4, condensate accumulation in the condensate tank 2 over a long period can be prevented, thus preventing condensate overflow and ensuring proper equipment operation.

[0122] The controller 3 is configured to execute the air conditioner range hood control method described in the foregoing embodiments. The controller 3 can control the activation of the power drainage assembly 4 based on the condensate collection status in the condensate tank 2, and drive the power drainage assembly 4 to discharge the condensate from the condensate tank 2. The controller 3 can also determine the water level in the condensate tank 2 based on the operating status of the power drainage assembly 4 and the changes in the operating current of the pumping motor 41, and adjust the drainage strategy accordingly.

[0123] In an optional implementation, refer to Figure 4 The power drainage assembly 4 includes a pumping motor 41; the pumping motor 41 is located inside the condensate tank 2 and is connected to the controller 3, and is used to pump condensate from the condensate tank 2 under the control of the controller 3; the controller 3 is also used to obtain the operating current of the pumping motor 41 during operation and to determine the water level of the condensate tank 2 based on the operating current.

[0124] Here, the pump motor 41 includes a motor drive unit and a pumping structure. The inlet of the pump motor 41 is connected to the interior of the condensate tank 2, allowing condensate to enter the pump motor 41. The outlet of the pump motor 41 is connected to the drain pipe 42 to transport the condensate to the drainage path.

[0125] When the pump motor 41 operates under the control of the controller 3, it can draw condensate from the bottom area of ​​the condensate tank 2. During operation, the pump motor 41 drives the impeller to rotate, creating a pressure difference within the pump motor 41, which allows condensate to enter the pump motor 41 and be transported to the drain pipe 42. The pump motor 41 can employ a small pump structure, such as a centrifugal pump, diaphragm pump, or micro pump. The pump motor 41 can be equipped with a fixed bracket or mounting structure to maintain its stable position within the condensate tank 2.

[0126] The controller 3 is also used to acquire the operating current of the pump motor 41 during operation. The pump motor 41 generates a current signal during operation, and the controller 3 can acquire this operating current through a current sampling circuit. The current sampling circuit may include a sampling resistor, a current detection chip, or a Hall effect current sensor. The controller 3 processes the acquired current signal and determines the load state of the pump motor 41 based on the current changes.

[0127] Since the load of the pump motor 41 is related to the water level in the condensate tank 2, when the water level in the condensate tank 2 is high, the pump motor 41 needs to overcome greater liquid pressure during pumping, and the operating current of the pump motor 41 will increase accordingly. When the water level in the condensate tank 2 is low, the load of the pump motor 41 decreases, and the operating current of the pump motor 41 will also decrease. The controller 3 can determine the water level status of the condensate tank 2 based on the operating current of the pump motor 41, thereby realizing the water level detection function without the need for an additional water level sensor.

[0128] In an optional implementation, refer to Figure 4 The power drainage assembly 4 also includes a drainage pipe 42 connected to the pumping motor 41 for transporting the condensate pumped by the pumping motor 41; the outlet end of the drainage pipe 42 is connected to a preset water use location to transport the condensate to the preset water use location for secondary use.

[0129] Here, the drain pipe 42 can be made of water-resistant flexible hose, plastic pipe, metal pipe, or composite pipe structure. The drain pipe 42 can be arranged along the structure of kitchen equipment or along the internal structure of cabinets to transport condensate to other water-using areas inside the kitchen. The drain pipe 42 can be equipped with a fixing bracket or a snap-fit ​​structure to keep the drain pipe 42 stable and prevent loosening or displacement during drainage.

[0130] The drainage pipe 42 can be sloped to ensure that residual water in the drainage pipe 42 can be smoothly discharged when the pump motor 41 stops, reducing water accumulation. In one embodiment, the drainage pipe 42 can also be equipped with a filter structure to reduce the entry of oil fume particles, dust particles, or other impurities into subsequent water-using equipment. The filter structure can be located at the inlet end of the drainage pipe 42 or in the middle of the drainage pipe 42.

[0131] The outlet of drain pipe 42 can be connected to a preset water usage location, thereby delivering condensate to the preset water usage location for reuse. The preset water usage location can be located in the kitchen area, such as near kitchen washing equipment or cooking appliances. Kitchen washing equipment may include dishwashers, sinks, or other kitchen cleaning equipment. Cooking appliances may include cookware, steaming containers, or other kitchen appliances. By delivering condensate to these locations via drain pipe 42, the condensate can be reused in the kitchen.

[0132] By using drain pipe 42 to deliver condensate to kitchen washing equipment or cooking utensils, the amount of tap water used can be reduced, thereby improving water resource utilization efficiency.

[0133] The controller 3 can control the condensate discharge by controlling the operation of the pumping motor 41 and monitoring its operating current. The controller 3 can determine the water level in the condensate tank 2 based on changes in the operating current and control the operating speed of the pumping motor 41 accordingly. When the operating current of the pumping motor 41 reaches a preset current threshold and remains there for a preset time, the controller 3 can also stop the cooling function of the air conditioner's range hood and issue an abnormality warning to remind the user to check the drainage status.

[0134] By incorporating a condensate tank, a pumping motor, and a drainage pipe structure into the air conditioning range hood, and combining this with a drainage control strategy executed by the controller, the air conditioning range hood can not only actively discharge condensate but also recycle and reuse it, thereby improving equipment reliability and enhancing water resource utilization efficiency.

[0135] The computer program product provided in this application includes a computer-readable storage medium storing program code. The instructions included in the program code can be used to execute the methods described in the preceding method embodiments. For specific implementation details, please refer to the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0136] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the system and apparatus described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0137] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0138] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0139] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0140] Finally, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely specific implementations of this application, used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. The scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can still modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features, within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application. Such modifications, changes, or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A control method for an air conditioner range hood, characterized in that, The air conditioner range hood is equipped with a condensate tank and a power drainage assembly; the method includes: In response to the condensate collected in the condensate tank and generated during the cooling process of the air conditioning range hood, the power drainage assembly is activated to drain the condensate from the condensate tank.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the process of draining condensate from the condensate tank via the power drainage assembly, the method further includes: The load change of the power drainage component is detected, and the water level in the condensate tank is determined based on the load change.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The power drainage assembly includes a pumping motor; the load change is the change in the operating current of the pumping motor. The step of detecting the load change of the power drainage component and determining the water level in the condensate tank based on the load change includes: Obtain the operating current of the pumping motor during operation; The water level of the condensate tank is determined based on the preset correspondence between the operating current and the water level. Adjust the operating speed of the pumping motor according to the water level.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the operating speed of the pumping motor according to the water level includes: When the operating current is less than the first current threshold, the pump motor is controlled to maintain the current operating speed. When the operating current is greater than or equal to the first current threshold and the duration reaches the preset first duration, the pumping motor is controlled to increase its operating speed. When the operating current is greater than or equal to the second current threshold and the duration reaches the preset second duration, the cooling function of the air conditioner range hood is stopped; wherein, the second current threshold is greater than the first current threshold.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, After the step of stopping the cooling function of the air conditioner range hood, the method further includes: An error message is issued to remind the user to check the drainage status of the condensate tank.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power drainage assembly includes a drainage pipe; the outlet end of the drainage pipe is connected to a preset water usage location; the method further includes: The condensate discharged through the drainage pipe is transported to the preset water usage location for secondary use.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The preset water location is kitchen washing equipment and / or cooking utensils.

8. An air conditioning range hood, characterized in that, include: Range hood body; A condensate tank, located inside the range hood body, is used to collect condensate generated during the refrigeration process; The controller is located in the main body of the range hood; A power drainage assembly is installed in the condensate tank and connected to the controller to drive the condensate in the condensate tank to drain. The controller is configured to perform the control method for the air conditioner range hood as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. The air conditioner range hood according to claim 8, characterized in that, The power drainage assembly includes a pumping motor; the pumping motor is located inside the condensate tank and connected to the controller, and is used to pump condensate from the condensate tank under the control of the controller; The controller is also used to acquire the operating current of the pump motor during operation and determine the water level of the condensate tank based on the operating current.

10. The air conditioner range hood according to claim 9, characterized in that, The power drainage assembly also includes a drainage pipe connected to the pumping motor for transporting the condensate pumped by the pumping motor; the outlet end of the drainage pipe is connected to a preset water usage location to transport the condensate to the preset water usage location for secondary use.

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