METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING DRAINAGE OF DEHUMIDIFIER, AND DEHUMIDIFIER

Abstract

A method for controlling drainage of a dehumidifier includes the following steps. When a compressor of a dehumidifier is powered on, it is detected whether the compressor operates or not. When it is detected that the compressor stops operating, a power device of the dehumidifier is controlled to start draining water off after a first preset period. Operation period of the power device is detected. It is judged whether the operation period reaches a second preset period or not. When it is determined that the operation period reaches the second preset period, the power device is controlled to stop operating. A dehumidifier and a drainage control device thereof are also disclosed.

Description

TECHNICAL

The disclosure relates to the field of dehumidifiers, more particularly to a method and device for controlling drainage of a dehumidifier, and a dehumidifier.

BACKGROUND

Condensed water produced during normal working of a dehumidifier is usually collected in a water collecting device. A drainage mode commonly adopted by the water collecting device refers to: directly draining water off by means of the water collecting device or a continuous drainage port. The above-mentioned drainage mode cannot seriously affect a user during normal use. However, when the dehumidifier is located at a low place but water needs to be drained to a high place, the above-mentioned drainage mode is not applicable. At present, in view of this, water is usually drained from the low place to the high place by means of power generated by a power device.

The working principle of the power device built in the dehumidifier is that: water obtained by dehumidification is collected in the water collecting device, when a water level of the water collecting device reaches a certain height, the power device is started, and water is drained by means of the power device; and when the water level descends to a certain height, the power device stops working. According to this working mode, the water level in the water collecting device needs to be detected. When detection of the water level is abnormal, water is unlikely to drain off from the dehumidifier. In addition, when the detection of the water level has errors, the detection of the water level is inaccurate, which may cause incomplete drainage. The above-mentioned situation is likely to make the dehumidifier faulty.

An effective solution has not been proposed yet currently for the problem that water is unlikely to drain off from the dehumidifier in the related art.

SUMMARY

The embodiments of the disclosure mainly aim to provide a method and device for controlling drainage of a dehumidifier, and a dehumidifier, which are used to solve the problem that water is unlikely to drain off from a dehumidifier in the related art.

To this end, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method for controlling drainage of a dehumidifier is provided, comprising: detecting, when a compressor of the dehumidifier is powered on, whether the compressor operates or not; controlling, when it is detected that the compressor stops operating, a power device of the dehumidifier to start draining water off after a first preset period; detecting an operation period of the power device; judging whether the operation period reaches a second preset period or not; and controlling, when it is determined that the operation period reaches the second preset period, the power device to stop operating.

In an example embodiment, in a process of controlling the power device to operate, the method for controlling the drainage further comprising: detecting whether the compressor starts operating or not; controlling, when it is detected that the compressor starts operating, the power device to operate in a preset working mode; and controlling, when it is detected that the compressor does not start operating, the dehumidifier to enter a state of being powered off.

In an example embodiment, controlling the power device to operate in the preset working mode comprises: detecting a stopping period when the power device stops operating, wherein the stopping period is a period within which the power device stops operating; judging whether the stopping period reaches a third preset period or not; controlling, when it is determined that the stopping period reaches the third preset period, the power device to start draining water off; controlling, after the operation period of the power device reaches a fourth preset period, the power device to stop operating; recording the number of operating times of the power device under the preset working mode; judging whether the number of the operating times reaches a preset value or not; and returning, when it is determined that the number of the operating times does not reach the preset value, to execute a step of detecting the stopping period when the power device stops operating.

In an example embodiment, when it is determined that the number of the operating times reaches the preset value, the method for controlling the drainage further comprising: returning to execute a step of detecting whether the compressor operates or not, and zeroing the number of the operating times under the preset working mode.

In an example embodiment, the fourth preset period and the second preset period have a same duration, the preset value is determined in a following mode: detecting humidity of an environment where the dehumidifier is located; and determining the preset value according to the humidity.

To this end, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, a device for controlling drainage of a dehumidifier is provided, comprising: a first detecting element, configured to detect, when a compressor of the dehumidifier is powered on, whether the compressor operates or not; a first controlling element, configured to control, when it is detected that the compressor stops operating, a power device of the dehumidifier to start draining water off after a first preset period; a second detecting element, configured to detect an operation period of the power device; a first judging element, configured to judge whether the operation period reaches a second preset period or not; and a second controlling element, configured to control, when it is determined that the operation period reaches the second preset period, the power device to stop operating.

In an example embodiment, the device further comprising: a third detecting element, configured to detect, in a process of controlling the power device to operate, whether the compressor starts operating or not; a third controlling element, configured to control, when it is detected that the compressor starts operating, the power device to operate in a preset working mode; and a fourth controlling element, configured to control, when it is detected that the compressor does not start operating, the dehumidifier to enter a state of being powered off.

In an example embodiment, the third controlling element comprises: a detecting component, configured to detect a stopping period when the power device stops operating, wherein the stopping period is a period within which the power device stops operating; a first judging component, configured to judge whether the stopping period reaches a third preset period or not; a first controlling component, configured to control, when it is determined that the stopping period reaches the third preset period, the power device to start draining water off; a second controlling component, configured to control, after the operation period of the power device reaches a fourth preset period, the power device to stop operating; a recording component, configured to record the number of operating times of the power device under the preset working mode; and a second judging component, configured to judge whether the number of the operating times reaches a preset value or not, wherein the detecting component is further configured to detect, when it is determined that the number of the operating times does not reach the preset value, the stopping period when the power device stops operating.

In an example embodiment, the first detecting element is further configured to detect, when it is determined that the number of the operating times reaches the preset value, whether the compressor operates or not, and zero the number of the operating times under the preset working mode.

In an example embodiment, the fourth preset period and the second preset period have a same duration, the device for controlling the drainage further comprising: a third detecting element, configured to detect humidity of an environment where the dehumidifier is located; and a determining element, configured to determine the preset value according to the humidity.

To this end, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, a dehumidifier is provided, comprising: a compressor; a power device; a timer, configured to measure a first preset period and a second preset period; and a controller, connected to the compressor, the power device and the timer respectively, and configured to detect, when the compressor of the dehumidifier is powered on, whether the compressor operates or not, control, when it is detected that the compressor stops operating, the power device to start draining water off after the first preset period, and control the power device to stop operating after the second preset period.

According to the embodiments of the disclosure, when the compressor of the dehumidifier is powered on, it is detected whether the compressor operates or not. When it is detected that the compressor stops operating, the power device of the dehumidifier is controlled to start draining water off after the first preset period. When drainage time of the power device reaches the second preset period, the power device is controlled to stop operating, i.e., to stop draining water off. In such a way, by controlling the starting time and stopping period of the power device by means of time, the problem that water cannot be drained from the dehumidifier due to abnormal water level detection is solved, thereby achieving the effect of controlling the dehumidifier to drain water off by means of time instead of water level detection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings, forming a part of the application, are intended to provide further understanding of the disclosure. The schematic embodiments and illustrations of the disclosure are intended to explain the disclosure, and do not form improper limits to the disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method for controlling drainage of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an example method for controlling drainage of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of another example method for controlling drainage of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a further example method for controlling drainage of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a device for controlling drainage of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

It is important to note that the embodiments in the application and the characteristics in the embodiments may be combined under the condition of no conflicts. The application will be described below with reference to the drawings and in combination with the embodiments in detail.

In order to make those skilled in the art better understand the solutions of the disclosure, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the disclosure are clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the disclosure, not all of the embodiments. On the basis of the embodiments in the disclosure, all other embodiments obtained on the premise of no creative work of those skilled in the art fall within the scope of protection of the disclosure.

It is important to note that the specification and claims of the disclosure and terms ‘first’, ‘second’ and the like in the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not need to describe a specific sequence or a precedence order. It will be appreciated that data used in such a way may be exchanged under appropriate conditions, in order that the embodiments of the disclosure described herein can be implemented in a sequence other than sequences graphically shown or described here. In addition, terms ‘include’ and ‘have’ and any inflexions thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For instance, it is not limited for processes, methods, systems, products or devices containing a series of steps or units to clearly list those steps or units, and other steps or units which are not clearly listed or are inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices may be included instead.

The embodiments of the disclosure provide a method for controlling drainage of a dehumidifier. The method may be used for controlling the dehumidifier to drain water off. The dehumidifier may include a compressor, a power device, a water collecting device, a controller, and other components, and may also include a timing device such as a timer. Drainage control of the dehumidifier according to the embodiments of the disclosure may be executed by means of the controller of the dehumidifier.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method for controlling drainage of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the method for controlling the drainage includes the following steps.

Step S102: When a compressor of a dehumidifier is powered on, it is detected whether the compressor operates or not.

The compressor of the dehumidifier is powered on, i.e., the compressor is started. Under this state, the compressor may be standby, i.e., the compressor is energized but does not work, or the compressor may be in an operation state namely a dehumidification working state. When the compressor is de-energized, it may be shown that the dehumidifier does not execute a dehumidification operation. In this case, water may not be drained off. When the compressor is energized, it is detected whether the compressor operates or not. When the compressor operates, the dehumidifier is collecting, via a water collecting device, water obtained by treating air by the compressor. When the compressor stops operating, since the compressor is energized, it is shown that the compressor may stop operating after dehumidification reaches a certain extent, and may be standby.

Step S104: when it is detected that the compressor stops operating, a power device of the dehumidifier is controlled to start draining water off after a first preset period.

when it is detected that the compressor stops operating, the power device is controlled to start draining water off after the first preset period. Alternatively, when it is detected that the compressor stops operating, i.e., the compressor is standby, a controller controls a timer to start timing. When time measured by the timer reaches the first preset period, the timer returns a timing reaching signal to the controller, and after receiving the signal, the controller controls the power device to start draining water off. Certainly, the control may also inquire the measured time of the timer, and when it is inquired that the measured time reaches the first preset period, the power device is controlled to start draining water off. Wherein, the first preset period may be determined according to the model of the dehumidifier and environment parameters.

Step S106: An operation period of the power device is detected.

After the power device starts draining water off, the controller detects the operation period of the power device namely drainage time. The operation period may be started by means of the timer after the power device starts operating.

Step S108: It is judged whether the operation period reaches a second preset period or not.

Step S110: When it is determined that the operation period reaches the second preset period, the power device is controlled to stop operating.

After the power device is started, it is unnecessary to be draining water off all the time. Therefore, after the operation period of the power device is detected, it is judged whether the operation period reaches the second preset period. When so, the power device may be controlled to stop operating, thereby preventing the power device from operating all the time to waste electric energy. If not, the power device continuously operates. Wherein, the second preset period may be determined according to the model of the dehumidifier, and may also be determined according to parameters such as a drainage amount of the dehumidifier within unit time and a usual water collecting amount in the water collecting device. When the operation period of the power device reaches the second preset period, it is shown that water in the water collecting device has been drained off or water drainage reaches a certain amount.

According to the embodiments of the disclosure, when the compressor of the dehumidifier is powered on, it is detected whether the compressor operates or not. when it is detected that the compressor stops operating, the power device of the dehumidifier is controlled to start draining water off after the first preset period. When drainage time of the power device reaches the second preset period, the power device is controlled to stop operating, i.e., to stop draining water off. In such a way, by controlling the starting time and stopping period of the power device by means of time, the problem that water cannot be drained from the dehumidifier due to abnormal water level detection is solved, thereby achieving the effect of controlling the dehumidifier to drain water off by means of time instead of water level detection.

It is important to note that ‘operate’ and ‘stop operating’ of the compressor in the embodiments of the disclosure occur when the compressor is energized.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an example method for controlling drainage of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, after Step S110, the method for controlling the drainage further includes the following steps.

Step S212: It is detected whether a compressor starts operating. When it is detected that the compressor starts operating, Step S214 is executed. Otherwise, Step S216 is executed.

Step S214: A power device is controlled to operate in a preset working mode.

Step S216: A dehumidifier is controlled to enter a state of being powered off.

Alternatively, after the power device is controlled to operate for a second preset period, it is detected whether the compressor starts operating. When the compressor starts operating, the power device is controlled to operate in a preset working mode, wherein the preset working mode may be one of the following modes.

Mode 1: The power device is controlled to operate once at a preset time interval when the compressor operates, each operation lasting for a set operation period. For example, the power device starts operating at an interval (10 min), operates for 5 min, waits for 10 min, and then continues operating for 5 min.

Mode 2: After stopping for a period of time, the power device starts operating, and keeps operating until the compressor stops operating.

When it is detected that the compressor does not start operating, the dehumidifier is controlled to be powered off. Water in the water collecting device has been drained off from operation starting to operation stopping of the power device, at this time, the compressor still does not start operating, it is shown that the dehumidifier still does not execute a dehumidification operation, so the dehumidifier may be controlled to be powered off, thereby avoiding the problem of energy waste due to the fact that the dehumidifier continuously operates but does not execute the dehumidification operation.

In the embodiments of the disclosure, the step that it is detected whether the compressor starts operating may be executed in an operation process of the power device. In an example embodiment, when it is detected that the compressor does not start operating, after the power device operates for the second preset period, the dehumidifier is controlled to be powered off. When it is detected that the compressor starts operating, after the power device operates for the second preset period, the power device may be controlled to operate in a preset working mode.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of another example method for controlling drainage of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Step S102 to Step S212 and Step S216 in the drainage control method are identical to Step S102 to Step S212 and Step S216 as shown in FIG. 2 in sequence, which will not be elaborated. As shown in FIG. 3, the step that the power device is controlled to operate in a preset working mode includes the following steps.

Step S2141: a stopping period at which the power device stops operating is detected, wherein the stopping period is a period within which the power device stops operating.

Step S2142: It is judged whether the stopping period reaches a third preset period. When it is determined that the stopping period reaches the third preset period, Step S2143 is executed. Otherwise, it is continuously judged whether the stopping period reaches the third preset period.

Step S2143: The power device is controlled to start draining water off.

Step S2144: After the operation period of the power device reaches a fourth preset period, the power device is controlled to stop operating. After the power device stops operating, the power device is re-started after the third preset period, and after the operation period of the power device reaches the fourth preset period, the power device is controlled to stop operating, wherein the third preset period and the fourth preset period may be set according to the model of the dehumidifier.

Step S2145: The number of operating times of the power device under a preset working mode is recorded. The number of the operating times under the preset working mode is the number of times of operation starting of the power device under the preset working mode, the number of the operating times does not include the number of previous operation starting of the power device under the preset working mode.

Step S2146: It is judged whether the number of the operating times reaches a preset value. When it is determined that the number of the operating times does not reach a preset value, Step S2141 is re-executed.

The number of the operating times of the power device under the preset working mode is compared with the preset value, it is judged whether the number of the operating times reaches the preset value, when the number of the operating times does not reach the preset value, the stopping period after the power device stops operating previously is continuously detected, and when the stopping period reaches the third preset period, the power device is controlled to start operating and the number of the operating times is recorded. The operation is repeatedly executed until the number of the operating times of the power device reaches the preset value.

According to the embodiments of the disclosure, after it is detected that the compressor starts operating, the power device is controlled to work in the above-mentioned preset working mode. That is, the power device is controlled to operate once at an interval namely the third preset period, each operation lasting for the fourth preset period until the power device operates for the preset value. Thus, it can be ensured that after the compressor starts operating, the power device is controlled to operate according to time, thereby draining water off from the water collecting device, and achieving the aim of timely drainage.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, when it is determined that the number of the operating times reaches the preset value, Step S102 is returned to be executed, and the number of the operating times under the preset working mode is zeroed. The number of the operating times under the preset working mode is zeroed, in order that when the power device re-enters the preset working mode, the count of repeated operation starting is re-recorded.

Alternatively, the fourth preset period and the second preset period in the above-mentioned embodiment have a same duration. That is, lasting time for operation of the power device at each time is identical. Thus, a control policy of the power device can be simplified. The preset value of operation of the power device may be determined in the following modes: detecting humidity of an environment where the dehumidifier is located; and determining the preset value according to the humidity.

Alternatively, the preset value which is set may be stored on a memory of the dehumidifier according to a corresponding relation between the humidity of the environment and the preset value. For example, when the humidity is 90%, the corresponding preset value is 5. Thus, after the humidity of the environment where the dehumidifier is located is detected, the corresponding preset value may be found from the memory according to the humidity, thereby determining the number of operating times of the power device to be achieved under the preset working mode.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a further example method for controlling drainage of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, the drainage control method includes the following steps.

Step S401: Under a water pump mode, it is detected whether a compressor stops. The water pump mode may be called as a power mode. That is, a power device is in an energized operable state. When so, it is shown that the compressor stops operating, and Step S402 is executed. Otherwise, it is shown that the compressor operates, and Step S401 may be continuously executed.

Step S402: Stopping period at which the power device stops operating is detected. When the compressor stops for Xmin namely a first preset period in the embodiments of the disclosure, Step S403 is executed.

Step S403: The power device operates for T_pump, that is, the power device operates for a second preset period.

Step S404: It is detected whether the compressor operates. if so, Step S405 is executed. Otherwise, the dehumidifier is controlled to be powered off.

Step S405: The power device stops operating for T_stop, that is, the power device stops operating for a third preset period.

Step S406: It is judged whether n is equal to K, where n may refer to the number of operating times of the power device when the compressor operates, and K is a preset value in the above-mentioned embodiments of the disclosure. When n is equal to K, Step S407 is executed. Otherwise, n is added with 1, and Step S403 is re-executed.

Step S407: It is detected whether the compressor stops. if so, n is zeroed, and Step S402 is re-executed. Otherwise, it is continuously detected whether the compressor stops.

Alternatively, when a power mode of the machine is started, during normal working namely starting of the compressor, a controller detects the starting/stopping situation of the compressor. When it is detected that the compressor stops operating, a timer measures time for Xmin, and then the power device starts draining water off, the power device operates for T_pump, and then stops operating. At this time, the controller detects whether the compressor is started. When the compressor is not started, the entire machine enters a power-off state. When the compressor is started, the power device stops for T_stop, and then the power device is re-started to continue operating for T_pump and stops. The operation is repeated for K times, K being determined by the humidity of the dehumidifier (e.g., when the humidity is 90%, K=5). After the operation is repeated for K times, the controller will continuously detect the starting/stopping situation of the compressor. When the compressor re-stops operating, the operation is repeated again.

The embodiments of the disclosure also provide a drainage control device of a dehumidifier. The functions of the device may be achieved by means of the dehumidifier. It is important to note that the drainage control device of the dehumidifier according to the embodiment of the disclosure may be configured to execute the drainage control method of the dehumidifier provided by the embodiments of the disclosure, and the drainage control method of the dehumidifier provided by the embodiments of the disclosure may also be executed by means of the drainage control device of the dehumidifier provided by the embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a device for controlling drainage of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the drainage control device of the dehumidifier includes: a first detecting element 10, a first controlling element 20, a second detecting element 30, a first judging element 40, and a second controlling element 50.

The first detecting element 10 is configured to detect, when a compressor of a dehumidifier is powered on, whether the compressor operates or not.

The compressor of the dehumidifier is powered on, i.e., the compressor is started. Under this state, the compressor may be standby, i.e., the compressor is energized but does not work, or the compressor may be in an operation state namely a dehumidification working state. When the compressor is de-energized, it may be shown that the dehumidifier does not execute a dehumidification operation. In this case, water may not be drained off. When the compressor is energized, it is detected whether the compressor operates or not. When the compressor operates, the dehumidifier is collecting, via a water collecting device, water obtained by treating air by the compressor. When the compressor stops operating, since the compressor is energized, it is shown that the compressor may stop operating after dehumidification reaches a certain extent, and may be standby.

The first controlling element 20 is configured to control, when it is detected that the compressor stops operating, a power device of the dehumidifier to start draining water off after a first preset period.

When it is detected that the compressor stops operating, the power device is controlled to start draining water off after the first preset period. Alternatively, when it is detected that the compressor stops operating, i.e., the compressor is standby, a controller controls a timer to start timing. When time measured by the timer reaches the first preset period, the timer returns a timing reaching signal to the controller, and after receiving the signal, the controller controls the power device to start draining water off. Certainly, the control may also inquire the measured time of the timer, and when it is inquired that the measured time reaches the first preset period, the power device is controlled to start draining water off. Wherein, the first preset period may be determined according to the model of the dehumidifier and environment parameters.

The second detection 30 is configured to detect operation period of the power device.

After the power device starts draining water off, the controller detects the operation period of the power device namely drainage time. The operation period may be started by means of the timer after the power device starts operating.

The first judging element 40 is configured to judge whether the operation period reaches a second preset period or not.

The second controlling element 50 is configured to control, when it is determined that the operation period reaches the second preset period, the power device to stop operating.

After the power device is started, it is unnecessary to be draining water off all the time. Therefore, after the operation period of the power device is detected, it is judged whether the operation period reaches the second preset period. When so, the power device may be controlled to stop operating, thereby preventing the power device from operating all the time to waste electric energy. If not, the power device continuously operates. Wherein, the second preset period may be determined according to the model of the dehumidifier, and may also be determined according to parameters such as a drainage amount of the dehumidifier within unit time and a usual water collecting amount in the water collecting device. When the operation period of the power device reaches the second preset period, it is shown that water in the water collecting device has been drained off or water drainage reaches a certain amount.

According to the embodiments of the disclosure, when the compressor of the dehumidifier is powered on, it is detected whether the compressor operates or not. When it is detected that the compressor stops operating, the power device of the dehumidifier is controlled to start draining water off after the first preset period. When drainage time of the power device reaches the second preset period, the power device is controlled to stop operating, i.e., to stop draining water off. In such a way, by controlling the starting time and stopping period of the power device by means of time, the problem that water cannot be drained from the dehumidifier due to abnormal water level detection is solved, thereby achieving the effect of controlling the dehumidifier to drain water off by means of time instead of water level detection.

Alternatively, the drainage control device further includes: a third detecting element, configured to detect, in the process of controlling the power device to operate, whether the compressor starts operating or not; a third controlling element, configured to control, when it is detected that the compressor starts operating, the power device to operate in a preset working mode; and a fourth controlling element, configured to control, when it is detected that the compressor does not start operating, the dehumidifier to be powered off.

Alternatively, after the power device is controlled to stop operating, it is detected whether the compressor starts operating. When the compressor starts operating, the power device is controlled to operate in a preset working mode, wherein the preset working mode may be one of the following modes.

Mode 1: The power device is controlled to operate once at a preset time interval when the compressor operates, each operation lasting for a set operation period. For example, the power device starts operating at an interval (10 min), operates for 5 min, waits for 10 min, and then continues operating for 5 min.

Mode 2: After stopping for a period of time, the power device starts operating, and keeps operating until the compressor stops operating.

When it is detected that the compressor does not start operating, the dehumidifier is controlled to be powered off. Water in the water collecting device has been drained off from operation starting to operation stopping of the power device, at this time, the compressor still does not start operating, it is shown that the dehumidifier still does not execute a dehumidification operation, so the dehumidifier may be controlled to be powered off, thereby avoiding the problem of energy waste due to the fact that the dehumidifier continuously operates but does not execute the dehumidification operation.

In the embodiments of the disclosure, the step that it is detected whether the compressor starts operating may be executed in an operation process of the power device. Wherein, when it is detected that the compressor does not start operating, after the power device operates for the second preset period, the dehumidifier is controlled to be powered off. When it is detected that the compressor starts operating, after the power device operates for the second preset period, the power device may be controlled to operate in a preset working mode.

Alternatively, the third controlling element includes: a detecting component, configured to detect stopping period at which the power device stops operating, the stopping period being a period of time within which the power device stops operating; a first judging component, configured to judge whether the stopping period reaches a third preset period or not; a first controlling component, configured to control, when it is determined that the stopping period reaches the third preset period, the power device to start draining water off; a second controlling component, configured to control, after the operation period of the power device reaches a fourth preset period, the power device to stop operating; a recording component, configured to record the number of operating times of the power device under a preset working mode; and a second judging component, configured to judge whether the number of the operating times reaches a preset value or not, wherein the detecting component is further configured to detect, when it is determined that the number of the operating times does not reach the preset value, the stopping period at which the power device stops operating.

After the power device stops operating, the power device is re-started after the third preset period, and after the operation period of the power device reaches the fourth preset period, the power device is controlled to stop operating, wherein the third preset period and the fourth preset period may be set according to the model of the dehumidifier.

The number of the operating times under the preset working mode is a count of operation starting of the power device under the preset working mode, the count excluding a count of previous operation starting of the power device under the preset working mode.

The number of the operating times of the power device under the preset working mode is compared with the preset value, it is judged whether the number of the operating times reaches the preset value, when the number of the operating times does not reach the preset value, stopping period after the power device stops operating previously is continuously detected, and when the stopping period reaches the third preset period, the power device is controlled to start operating and the number of the operating times is recorded. The operation is repeatedly executed until the number of the operating times of the power device reaches the preset value.

According to the embodiments of the disclosure, after it is detected that the compressor starts operating, the power device is controlled to work in the above-mentioned preset working mode. That is, the power device is controlled to operate once at an interval namely the third preset period, each operation lasting for the fourth preset period until the power device operates for the preset value. Thus, it can be ensured that after the compressor starts operating, the power device is controlled to operate according to time, thereby draining water off from the water collecting device, and achieving the aim of timely drainage.

Alternatively, the first detecting element is further configured to detect, when it is determined that the number of the operating times reaches the preset value, whether the compressor operates or not, and zero the number of the operating times under the preset working mode. The number of the operating times under the preset working mode is zeroed, in order that when the power device re-enters the preset working mode, the count of repeated operation starting is re-recorded.

Alternatively, the fourth preset period and the second preset period have a same duration. That is, lasting time for operation of the power device at each time is identical. Thus, a control policy of the power device can be simplified.

The drainage control device further includes: a third detecting element, configured to detect humidity of an environment where the dehumidifier is located; and a determining element, configured to determine the preset value according to the humidity.

Alternatively, the preset value which is set may be stored on a memory of the dehumidifier according to a corresponding relation between the humidity of the environment and the preset value. For example, when the humidity is 90%, the corresponding preset value is 5. Thus, after the humidity of the environment where the dehumidifier is located is detected, the corresponding preset value may be found from the memory according to the humidity, thereby determining the number of operating times of the power device to be achieved under the preset working mode.

The embodiments of the disclosure also provide a dehumidifier. The dehumidifier may be configured to execute the drainage control method according to the embodiment of the disclosure, and may also be configured to implement the drainage control device according to the embodiment of the disclosure. Specifically, the drainage control method according to the embodiment of the disclosure may be executed by means of a controller of the dehumidifier.

The dehumidifier includes: a compressor; a power device; a timer, configured to measure a first preset period and a second preset period; and a controller, connected to the compressor, the power device and the timer separately, and configured to detect, when the compressor of the dehumidifier is powered on, whether the compressor operates or not, control, when it is detected that the compressor stops operating, the power device to start draining water off after the first preset period, and control the power device to stop operating after the second preset period.

It is important to note that the process of controlling drainage by the controller of the dehumidifier according to the embodiment of the disclosure may refer to the drainage control method according to the embodiment of the disclosure, which will not be elaborated herein.

As shown in FIG. 6, the dehumidifier further includes: a water collecting device 605, a joint device 604, a water tube 602, and a water outlet 603. The water collecting device 605 is connected to a water way via the joint device 604, water is guided to a power device 601 by using the water tube 602, and the water flows to the water outlet 603 by means of the power device 601 and is drained off finally.

In an example embodiment, the condensed water produced during normal working of the dehumidifier will be collected in the water collecting device 605. When water is drained off by using the power device 601, the power device 601 is controlled to start or stop under the control of a time program of the controller (not shown in the figure). When the power device 601 is started, the water in the water collecting device 605 flows to the power device 601 via the joint device 604 and the water tube, and the power device 601 drains the water off to the water outlet 603 via the water tube 602 for drainage.

It is important to note that in order to perform simple description, each of the above-mentioned method embodiments is expressed as a series of action combinations. However, those skilled in the art shall learn that the embodiments of the disclosure are not limited by a described action sequence. That is because some steps may be executed in other sequences or at the same time according to the embodiments of the disclosure. Secondly, those skilled in the art shall also learn that the embodiments described in the specification fall within optional embodiments, and involved actions and modules may not be necessary for the embodiments of the disclosure.

In the above embodiments of the disclosure, descriptions of each embodiment are emphasized respectively, and parts which are not elaborated in detail in a certain embodiment may refer to relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

In some embodiments provided by the disclosure, it will be appreciated that the disclosed technical contents may be implemented in other modes. Wherein, the device embodiment described above is only schematic. For instance, division of the units may be division of logical functions, and there may be additional division modes during actual implementation. For instance, a plurality of units or components may be combined or integrated to another system, or some features may be omitted or may be not executed. In addition, displayed or discussed mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection may be performed via some interfaces, and indirect coupling or communication connection between units or modules may be in an electrical form or other forms.

The units illustrated as separate parts may be or may not be physically separated. Parts for unit display may be or may not be physical units. That is, the parts may be located at a place or may be distributed on a plurality of units. The aims of the solutions of the embodiments may be achieved by selecting some or all units according to actual requirements.

In addition, all function units in all embodiments of the disclosure may be integrated in a processing unit, or each unit may exist separately and physically, or two or more units may be integrated in a unit. The integrated unit may be implemented in a hardware form or may be implemented in a software function unit form.

When the integrated unit is implemented in the software function unit form and is sold or used as an independent product, the product may be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the disclosure may be substantially embodied in a software product form or parts contributing to the traditional art or all or some of the technical solutions may be embodied in the software product form, and a computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a plurality of instructions enabling a computer device, which may be a personal computer, an mobile terminal, a server or a network device, to execute all or some of the steps of the method according to each embodiment of the disclosure. The storage medium includes: various media capable of storing program codes, such as a U disk, a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a mobile hard disk, a magnetic disk or an optical disc.

The above is only the optional embodiments of the disclosure, and not intended to limit the disclosure. There may be various modifications and variations in the disclosure for those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements and the like made within the spirit and principle of the disclosure shall fall within the scope of protection of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for controlling drainage of a dehumidifier, comprising:

detecting, when a compressor of the dehumidifier is powered on, whether the compressor operates or not;

controlling, when it is detected that the compressor stops operating, a power device of the dehumidifier to start draining water off after a first preset period;

detecting an operation period of the power device;

judging whether the operation period reaches a second preset period or not; and

controlling, when it is determined that the operation period reaches the second preset period, the power device to stop operating.

2. The method for controlling the drainage as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a process of controlling the power device to operate, the method for controlling the drainage further comprising:

detecting whether the compressor starts operating or not;

controlling, when it is detected that the compressor starts operating, the power device to operate in a preset working mode; and

controlling, when it is detected that the compressor does not start operating, the dehumidifier to enter a state of being powered off.

3. The method for controlling the drainage as claimed in claim 2, wherein controlling the power device to operate in the preset working mode comprises:

detecting a stopping period when the power device stops operating, wherein the stopping period is a period within which the power device stops operating;

judging whether the stopping period reaches a third preset period or not;

controlling, when it is determined that the stopping period reaches the third preset period, the power device to start draining water off;

controlling, after the operation period of the power device reaches a fourth preset period, the power device to stop operating;

recording the number of operating times of the power device under the preset working mode;

judging whether the number of the operating times reaches a preset value or not; and

returning, when it is determined that the number of the operating times does not reach the preset value, to execute a step of detecting the stopping period when the power device stops operating.

4. The method for controlling the drainage as claimed in claim 3, wherein when it is determined that the number of the operating times reaches the preset value, the method for controlling the drainage further comprising: returning to execute a step of detecting whether the compressor operates or not, and zeroing the number of the operating times under the preset working mode.

5. The method for controlling the drainage as claimed in claim 3, wherein the fourth preset period and the second preset period have a same duration, the preset value is determined in a following mode: determining the preset value according to the humidity.

detecting humidity of an environment where the dehumidifier is located; and

6. A device for controlling drainage of a dehumidifier, comprising:

a first detecting element, configured to detect, when a compressor of the dehumidifier is powered on, whether the compressor operates or not;

a first controlling element, configured to control, when it is detected that the compressor stops operating, a power device of the dehumidifier to start draining water off after a first preset period;

a second detecting element, configured to detect an operation period of the power device;

a first judging element, configured to judge whether the operation period reaches a second preset period or not; and

a second controlling element, configured to control, when it is determined that the operation period reaches the second preset period, the power device to stop operating.

7. The device for controlling the drainage as claimed in claim 6, further comprising:

a third detecting element, configured to detect, in a process of controlling the power device to operate, whether the compressor starts operating or not;

a third controlling element, configured to control, when it is detected that the compressor starts operating, the power device to operate in a preset working mode; and

a fourth controlling element, configured to control, when it is detected that the compressor does not start operating, the dehumidifier to enter a state of being powered off.

8. The device for controlling the drainage as claimed in claim 7, wherein the third controlling element comprises:

a detecting component, configured to detect a stopping period when the power device stops operating, wherein the stopping period is a period within which the power device stops operating;

a first judging component, configured to judge whether the stopping period reaches a third preset period or not;

a first controlling component, configured to control, when it is determined that the stopping period reaches the third preset period, the power device to start draining water off;

a second controlling component, configured to control, after the operation period of the power device reaches a fourth preset period, the power device to stop operating;

a recording component, configured to record the number of operating times of the power device under the preset working mode; and

a second judging component, configured to judge whether the number of the operating times reaches a preset value or not,

wherein the detecting component is further configured to detect, when it is determined that the number of the operating times does not reach the preset value, the stopping period when the power device stops operating.

9. The device for controlling the drainage as claimed in claim 8, wherein

the first detecting element is further configured to detect, when it is determined that the number of the operating times reaches the preset value, whether the compressor operates or not, and zero the number of the operating times under the preset working mode.

10. The device for controlling the drainage as claimed in claim 8, wherein the fourth preset period and the second preset period have a same duration, the device for controlling the drainage further comprising: a determining element, configured to determine the preset value according to the humidity.

a third detecting element, configured to detect humidity of an environment where the dehumidifier is located; and

11. A dehumidifier, comprising: a controller, connected to the compressor, the power device and the timer respectively, and configured to detect, when the compressor of the dehumidifier is powered on, whether the compressor operates or not, control, when it is detected that the compressor stops operating, the power device to start draining water off after the first preset period, and control the power device to stop operating after the second preset period.

a compressor;

a power device;

a timer, configured to measure a first preset period and a second preset period; and

12. The method for controlling the drainage as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fourth preset period and the second preset period have a same duration, the preset value is determined in a following mode:

detecting humidity of an environment where the dehumidifier is located; and

determining the preset value according to the humidity.

13. The device for controlling the drainage as claimed in claim 9, wherein the fourth preset period and the second preset period have a same duration, the device for controlling the drainage further comprising: a determining element, configured to determine the preset value according to the humidity.

a third detecting element, configured to detect humidity of an environment where the dehumidifier is located; and