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Patent 2966031 Summary

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(12) Patent: (11) CA 2966031
(54) English Title: METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING DRAINAGE OF DEHUMIDIFIER, AND DEHUMIDIFIER
(54) French Title: PROCEDE ET DISPOSITIF DE COMMANDE DE DRAINAGE D'UN DESHUMIDIFICATEUR ET DESHUMIDIFICATEUR
Status: Granted and Issued
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • F24F 11/70 (2018.01)
  • F24F 11/62 (2018.01)
  • F24F 13/22 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • HUANG, XIAOQING (China)
  • YAO, XINXIANG (China)
  • YAO, GANG (China)
  • LIANG, YAOXIANG (China)
  • HU, SHUFENG (China)
  • HE, ZHICHAO (China)
  • LUO, YANZAN (China)
(73) Owners :
  • GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES, INC. OF ZHUHAI
(71) Applicants :
  • GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES, INC. OF ZHUHAI (China)
(74) Agent: NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT CANADA LLP/S.E.N.C.R.L., S.R.L.
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued: 2021-03-16
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2015-04-14
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2016-05-06
Examination requested: 2017-04-27
Availability of licence: N/A
Dedicated to the Public: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/CN2015/076578
(87) International Publication Number: CN2015076578
(85) National Entry: 2017-04-27

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
201410592534.8 (China) 2014-10-28

Abstracts

English Abstract

A drainage control method of a dehumidifier, comprising: detecting whether a compressor operates or not when the compressor of the dehumidifier is powered on; if detecting the operation of the compressor is stopped, controlling a power device of the dehumidifier to start draining off water after a first preset time; detecting the operation time of the power device; determining whether the operation time reaches a second preset time or not; and when it is determined that the operation time reaches the second preset time, controlling the power device to stop operating. A dehumidifier and a drainage control device thereof are also disclosed.


French Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé de commande de drainage d'un déshumidificateur, comprenant : la détection du fonctionnement ou non d'un compresseur dans la condition où le compresseur du déshumidificateur est sous tension; si l'on détecte que le fonctionnement du compresseur est arrêté, la commande d'un dispositif de puissance du déshumidificateur pour démarrer le drainage de l'eau après un premier temps prédéfini; la détection du temps de fonctionnement du dispositif de puissance; la détermination de l'arrivée ou non du temps de fonctionnement à un second temps prédéfini; et lorsqu'il est déterminé que le temps de fonctionnement atteint le second temps prédéfini, la commande du dispositif de puissance pour qu'il arrête de fonctionner. L'invention concerne également un déshumidificateur et un dispositif de commande de drainage de celui-ci.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


What is Claimed is:
1. A method for controlling drainage of a dehumidifier, comprising:
detecting, when a compressor of the dehumidifier is powered on, whether the
compressor operates;
controlling, when the compressor stops operating, a water pump of the
dehumidifier to start draining water off after a first preset period;
detecting an operation period of the water pump;
judging whether the operation period reaches a second preset period; and
controlling, when the operation period reaches the second preset period, the
water pump to stop operating, wherein when the compressor stops operating, the
compressor remains powered on;
the second preset period is determined according any one of: a model of the
dehumidifier, a drainage amount of the dehumidifier within unit time, a usual
water
collecting amount in the water collecting device.
2. The method for controlling the drainage as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a
process of controlling the water pump to operate, the method for controlling
the
drainage comprising:
detecting whether the compressor starts operating
controlling, when the compressor starts operating, the water pump to operate
in
a preset working mode; and
determining, when the compressor is in a state of being powered off, 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 water pump to operate in the preset working mode comprises:
detecting a stopping period when the water pump stops operating, wherein the
stopping period is a period within which the water pump stops operating;
judging whether the stopping period reaches a third preset period
controlling, when the stopping period reaches the third preset period, the
water
pump to start draining water off;
controlling, after the operation period of the water pump reaches a fourth
preset
period, the water pump to stop operating;
recording the number of operating times of the water pump under the preset
working mode;
judging whether the number of the operating times reaches a preset value and

returning, when the number of the operating times is smaller than the preset
value, to detect the stopping period when the water pump stops operating.
4. The method for controlling the drainage as claimed in claim 3, wherein when
the number of the operating times reaches the preset value, the method for
controlling the drainage comprising:
returning to execute a step of detecting whether the compressor operates, 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 or 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.
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;
a first controlling element, configured to control, when the compressor stops
operating, a water pump of the dehumidifier to start draining water off after
a first
preset period, wherein when the compressor stops operating, the compressor
remains powered on;
a second detecting element, configured to detect an operation period of the
water pump;
a first judging element, configured to judge whether the operation period
reaches
a second preset period, the second preset period is determined according any
one of:
a model of the dehumidifier, a drainage amount of the dehumidifier within unit
time, a
usual water collecting amount in the water collecting device; and
a second controlling element, configured to control, when the operation period
reaches the second preset period, the water pump to stop operating.
7. The device for controlling the drainage as claimed in claim 6, comprising:
a third detecting element, configured to detect, in a process of controlling
the
water pump to operate, whether the compressor starts operating;
a third controlling element, configured to control, when the compressor starts
operating, the water pump to operate in a preset working mode; and
a fourth controlling element, configured to determine, when the compressor is
in
a state of being powered off, the dehumidifier to enter a state of being
powered off.
21

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 water
pump stops operating, wherein the stopping period is a period within which the
water
pump stops operating;
a first judging component, configured to judge whether the stopping period
reaches a third preset period;
a first controlling component, configured to control, when the stopping period
reaches the third preset period, the water pump to start draining water off;
a second controlling component, configured to control, after the operation
period
of the water pump reaches a fourth preset period, the water pump to stop
operating;
a recording component, configured to record the number of operating times of
the water pump under the preset working mode; and
a second judging component, configured to judge whether the number of the
operating times reaches a preset value,
wherein the detecting component is configured to detect, when the number of
the operating times is smaller than the preset value, the stopping period when
the
water pump stops operating.
9. The device for controlling the drainage as claimed in claim 8, wherein
the first detecting element is configured to detect, when the number of the
operating times reaches the preset value, whether the compressor operates, 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 or 9,
wherein
the fourth preset period and the second preset period have a same duration,
the
device for controlling the drainage 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.
11. A dehumidifier, comprising:
a compressor;
a water pump;
a timer, configured to measure a first preset period and a second preset
period;
and
22

a controller, connected to the compressor, the water pump and the timer
respectively, and configured to detect, when the compressor of the
dehumidifier is
powered on, whether the compressor operates , control, when the compressor
stops
operating, the water pump to start draining water off after the first preset
period, and
control the water pump to stop operating after the second preset period,
wherein
when the compressor stops operating, the compressor remains powered on.
23

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


CA 02966031 2017-04-27
Method and Device for Controlling Drainage of Dehumidifier, and
Dehumidifier
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

CA 02966031 2017-04-27
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
2

CA 02966031 2017-04-27
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
3

CA 02966031 2017-04-27
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
4

CA 02966031 2017-04-27
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

CA 02966031 2017-04-27
'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 3102: 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
6

CA 02966031 2017-04-27
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
7

CA 02966031 2017-04-27
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 (10min), operates
for 5min,
waits for 10min, and then continues operating for 5min.
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
8

CA 02966031 2017-04-27
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.
9

CA 02966031 2017-04-27
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

CA 02966031 2017-04-27
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 Tpump, 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 Tstop, 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 Tpomp, 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,
11

CA 02966031 2017-04-27
the power device stops for Tstop, and then the power device is re-started to
continue
operating for Tpump 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
12

CA 02966031 2017-04-27
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.
13

CA 02966031 2017-04-27
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 (10min), operates
for 5min,
waits for 10min, and then continues operating for 5min.
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
14

CA 02966031 2017-04-27
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

CA 02966031 2017-04-27
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.
16

CA 02966031 2017-04-27
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
17

CA 02966031 2017-04-27
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
18

CA 02966031 2017-04-27
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.
19

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

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Event History

Description Date
Grant by Issuance 2021-03-16
Inactive: Cover page published 2021-03-15
Pre-grant 2021-01-27
Inactive: Final fee received 2021-01-27
Notice of Allowance is Issued 2021-01-04
Letter Sent 2021-01-04
Notice of Allowance is Issued 2021-01-04
Inactive: Approved for allowance (AFA) 2020-12-14
Inactive: Q2 passed 2020-12-14
Common Representative Appointed 2020-11-07
Amendment Received - Voluntary Amendment 2020-09-09
Examiner's Report 2020-05-20
Inactive: Report - QC passed 2020-05-14
Amendment Received - Voluntary Amendment 2020-02-25
Examiner's Report 2019-11-07
Common Representative Appointed 2019-10-30
Common Representative Appointed 2019-10-30
Inactive: Report - No QC 2019-10-25
Amendment Received - Voluntary Amendment 2019-08-08
Inactive: S.30(2) Rules - Examiner requisition 2019-02-22
Inactive: Report - No QC 2019-02-12
Inactive: IPC deactivated 2019-01-19
Inactive: First IPC assigned 2018-05-23
Inactive: IPC assigned 2018-05-23
Inactive: IPC assigned 2018-05-23
Inactive: IPC expired 2018-01-01
Inactive: Cover page published 2017-09-08
Inactive: Acknowledgment of national entry - RFE 2017-05-16
Inactive: First IPC assigned 2017-05-11
Letter Sent 2017-05-11
Inactive: Inventor deleted 2017-05-11
Inactive: IPC assigned 2017-05-11
Inactive: IPC assigned 2017-05-11
Application Received - PCT 2017-05-11
National Entry Requirements Determined Compliant 2017-04-27
Request for Examination Requirements Determined Compliant 2017-04-27
All Requirements for Examination Determined Compliant 2017-04-27
Application Published (Open to Public Inspection) 2016-05-06

Abandonment History

There is no abandonment history.

Maintenance Fee

The last payment was received on 2020-03-26

Note : If the full payment has not been received on or before the date indicated, a further fee may be required which may be one of the following

  • the reinstatement fee;
  • the late payment fee; or
  • additional fee to reverse deemed expiry.

Patent fees are adjusted on the 1st of January every year. The amounts above are the current amounts if received by December 31 of the current year.
Please refer to the CIPO Patent Fees web page to see all current fee amounts.

Fee History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Paid Date
MF (application, 2nd anniv.) - standard 02 2017-04-18 2017-04-27
Basic national fee - standard 2017-04-27
Request for examination - standard 2017-04-27
MF (application, 3rd anniv.) - standard 03 2018-04-16 2018-01-29
MF (application, 4th anniv.) - standard 04 2019-04-15 2019-03-27
MF (application, 5th anniv.) - standard 05 2020-04-14 2020-03-26
Final fee - standard 2021-05-04 2021-01-27
MF (patent, 6th anniv.) - standard 2021-04-14 2021-04-08
MF (patent, 7th anniv.) - standard 2022-04-14 2022-04-06
MF (patent, 8th anniv.) - standard 2023-04-14 2023-03-29
MF (patent, 9th anniv.) - standard 2024-04-15 2024-04-03
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES, INC. OF ZHUHAI
Past Owners on Record
GANG YAO
SHUFENG HU
XIAOQING HUANG
XINXIANG YAO
YANZAN LUO
YAOXIANG LIANG
ZHICHAO HE
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Description 2017-04-26 19 1,022
Drawings 2017-04-26 5 108
Claims 2017-04-26 4 151
Representative drawing 2017-04-26 1 22
Abstract 2017-04-26 1 16
Description 2017-04-27 19 956
Claims 2019-08-07 4 142
Claims 2020-02-24 4 143
Claims 2020-09-08 4 149
Representative drawing 2021-02-14 1 11
Maintenance fee payment 2024-04-02 25 1,022
Acknowledgement of Request for Examination 2017-05-10 1 176
Notice of National Entry 2017-05-15 1 203
Commissioner's Notice - Application Found Allowable 2021-01-03 1 558
International search report 2017-04-26 4 124
International Preliminary Report on Patentability 2017-04-26 11 342
Patent cooperation treaty (PCT) 2017-04-26 1 37
National entry request 2017-04-26 7 249
Prosecution/Amendment 2017-04-26 3 117
Amendment - Abstract 2017-04-26 2 94
Examiner Requisition 2019-02-21 4 215
Amendment / response to report 2019-08-07 13 581
Examiner requisition 2019-11-06 3 202
Amendment / response to report 2020-02-24 14 500
Examiner requisition 2020-05-19 5 252
Amendment / response to report 2020-09-08 15 598
Final fee 2021-01-26 5 161