Drying apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and discloses a drying device and its control method. The drying device includes a main structure, a baffle structure, and a control module. The main structure has a clothing handling chamber and a drying air duct. The clothing handling chamber has an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet end of the drying air duct is connected to the air outlet, and the air outlet end of the drying air duct is connected to the air inlet. The baffle structure is located at the drying air duct or the air inlet and is used to regulate the airflow through the drying air duct and the clothing handling chamber. The control module can adjust the opening of the baffle structure according to the drying program, adjust the ventilation volume of the drying air duct, reduce heat loss, improve the contact efficiency between hot air and clothing, shorten the drying time, and reduce energy consumption. The control module can determine the blockage of the drying air duct based on the relationship between the opening of the baffle structure and the airflow through the drying air duct, avoiding the execution of the drying program when the drying air duct is blocked, thereby avoiding affecting drying efficiency and increasing energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a drying device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Dryers, washer-dryer combos, garment care machines, and other devices with drying functions can dry clothes through a drying program, eliminating the need for air drying, shortening drying time, and providing convenience for users.

[0003] In existing technologies, drying devices typically operate according to the drying program selected by the user. However, due to differences in load type and size, while the ventilation volume of the drying device's ducts is mostly fixed, a mismatch between ventilation volume and load type occurs, affecting drying efficiency. Furthermore, a significant amount of lint is generated during the drying process. If the user fails to clean it in time, it can easily lead to duct blockage, reduced drying efficiency, and energy waste.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a drying device and its control method to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on the above problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a drying device and its control method, which can improve drying efficiency and reduce drying energy consumption.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] On the one hand, a drying apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0008] The main structure includes a clothing processing chamber and a drying air duct. The clothing processing chamber has an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet of the drying air duct is connected to the air outlet, and the air outlet of the drying air duct is connected to the air inlet.

[0009] A windbreak structure is provided at the drying air duct or the air inlet, and the windbreak structure is used to adjust the air volume flowing through the drying air duct and the clothing processing chamber;

[0010] The control module can adjust the opening of the baffle structure according to the drying program, and can determine the blockage of the drying duct based on the relationship between the opening of the baffle structure and the air volume flowing through the drying duct.

[0011] As an optional embodiment of the drying device of the present invention, the windbreak structure includes an elastic windbreak disc coiled in a spiral shape. The elastic windbreak disc includes a plurality of elastic rings connected end to end in sequence, and the spacing between each pair of adjacent elastic rings in the airflow direction is adjustable.

[0012] As an optional embodiment of the drying device of the present invention, the outermost elastic ring of the elastic baffle is a first ring, the innermost elastic ring of the elastic baffle is a second ring, and the first ring is connected to the drying air duct or the air inlet.

[0013] The drying device also includes a driving component, the output end of which is connected to the second ring body, and is used to drive the second ring body to move the elastic ring body connected to it closer to or further away from each other in the airflow direction.

[0014] As an optional embodiment of the drying device of the present invention, the drying device further includes a support base and a transmission rod. The support base is provided with a receiving cavity. One end of the transmission rod is slidably disposed in the receiving cavity and connected to the output end of the driving member. The other end of the transmission rod extends out of the receiving cavity and is connected to the second ring body.

[0015] And / or, one of the second ring body and the output end of the drive member is provided with a first snap-fit ​​portion, and the other is provided with a second snap-fit ​​portion, wherein the first snap-fit ​​portion and the second snap-fit ​​portion are detachably snap-fitted together.

[0016] As an optional embodiment of the drying device of the present invention, the drying device further includes a drying fan, which is disposed in the drying air duct, and the wind baffle structure is disposed at the air outlet of the drying fan;

[0017] And / or, the windbreak structure can be detachably installed at the drying duct or the air inlet.

[0018] As an optional embodiment of the drying device of the present invention, a wind speed detection device is provided downstream of the windbreak structure. The wind speed detection device is used to detect the wind speed value downstream of the windbreak structure. When the difference between the detected value of the wind speed detection device and the set wind speed value corresponding to the current opening degree of the windbreak structure exceeds the threshold range, the control module controls the drying device to issue a prompt message.

[0019] As an optional embodiment of the drying device of the present invention, a pressure detection element is provided downstream of the windbreak structure. The pressure detection element is used to detect the wind pressure value downstream of the windbreak structure. When the difference between the detected value of the pressure detection element and the set wind pressure value corresponding to the current opening degree of the windbreak structure exceeds a preset range, the control module controls the drying device to issue a prompt message.

[0020] As an optional embodiment of the drying device of the present invention, the windbreak structure includes a first windbreak plate and a second windbreak plate arranged sequentially along the airflow direction. Both the first windbreak plate and the second windbreak plate are provided with ventilation holes. At least one of the first windbreak plate and the second windbreak plate can move relative to the other so that the overlapping area of ​​the ventilation holes on the first windbreak plate and the ventilation holes on the second windbreak plate is different.

[0021] Alternatively, the windbreak structure may include a plurality of windbreak blades arranged sequentially along a preset direction, and all of the plurality of windbreak blades may be rotatable.

[0022] On the other hand, a drying device control method is provided, applied to the drying device as described above, the drying device control method comprising the following steps:

[0023] Obtain the drying program, and determine the set opening degree of the baffle structure and the corresponding air volume information based on the drying program;

[0024] The control module controls the windshield structure to adjust to the set opening degree;

[0025] The system determines whether the actual airflow information downstream of the windbreak structure meets the preset conditions with the airflow information corresponding to the set opening degree. If yes, the drying program continues to be executed; otherwise, the control module controls the drying device to issue a prompt message.

[0026] As an optional solution to the drying device control method of the present invention, the air volume information includes the wind speed value downstream of the windbreak structure;

[0027] The step of determining whether the actual airflow information downstream of the windbreak structure and the airflow information corresponding to the set opening degree meet the preset conditions includes:

[0028] Obtain the set wind speed corresponding to the set opening degree;

[0029] Obtain the actual wind speed downstream of the windbreak structure;

[0030] The difference between the actual wind speed and the set wind speed is calculated.

[0031] Determine whether the difference is within the threshold range; if so, it is determined that the preset condition is met.

[0032] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0033] The drying device and control method provided by this invention, by setting a baffle structure at the drying duct or air inlet, allows for adjustment of the baffle structure's opening during the drying process, thereby adjusting the ventilation volume of the drying duct to match the amount of clothing to be dried. When the ventilation volume matches the amount of clothing, heat loss is reduced, allowing more heat to be used on the clothing in the drying chamber, improving the contact efficiency between hot air and clothing, shortening drying time, and reducing the energy consumption of the drying device. Furthermore, controlling the ventilation volume within the drying duct according to the type and load of clothing corresponding to the drying program can regulate humidity during the drying process, ensuring uniform drying of clothing. Different materials of clothing have different drying requirements; adjusting the ventilation volume can prevent damage to clothing from high temperatures or over-drying. Adjusting the ventilation volume according to the amount of clothing ensures effective drying of both small and large quantities of clothing.

[0034] When the actual airflow information downstream of the windbreak structure meets the preset conditions with the airflow information corresponding to the set opening, it indicates that the drying duct is unobstructed and the current drying program can be executed normally. When the preset conditions are not met, it indicates that the drying duct may be blocked. The control drying device will issue a prompt message to remind the user to clean and troubleshoot in time, so as to avoid the drying device from executing the drying program when the drying duct is blocked, thereby avoiding affecting the drying efficiency and causing unnecessary energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of the present invention and these drawings without creative effort.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the drying apparatus provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a first structural schematic diagram of the windbreak structure provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a second structural schematic diagram of the windbreak structure provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a first flowchart of the drying device control method provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a second flowchart of the drying device control method provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] In the picture:

[0042] 1. Main structure; 2. Windproof structure; 3. Support base; 4. Transmission rod; 5. Drying fan;

[0043] 101. Box body; 102. Clothing processing drum;

[0044] 11. Garment handling chamber; 12. Drying air duct;

[0045] 111. Air inlet; 112. Air outlet;

[0046] 21. Elastic ring; 201. First ring; 202. Second ring;

[0047] 2021, First Card Connector;

[0048] 31. Receiving cavity;

[0049] 41. Second connecting part. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0051] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The terms "first position" and "second position" refer to two different positions.

[0052] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections or detachable connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0053] Example 1

[0054] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a drying device that can improve drying efficiency and reduce drying energy consumption. The drying device includes a main structure 1, a windbreak structure 2, and a control module.

[0055] The main structure 1 includes a clothing processing chamber 11 and a drying duct 12. The clothing processing chamber 11 has an air inlet 111 and an air outlet 112. The air inlet of the drying duct 12 is connected to the air outlet 112, and the air outlet of the drying duct 12 is connected to the air inlet 111. A baffle structure 2 is installed at the drying duct 12 or the air inlet 111 to regulate the airflow between the drying duct 12 and the clothing processing chamber 11. The control module can adjust the opening of the baffle structure 2 according to the drying program, and the control module can determine the blockage status of the drying duct 12 based on the relationship between the opening of the baffle structure 2 and the airflow in the drying duct 12.

[0056] The drying device provided in this embodiment, by setting a baffle structure 2 at the drying air duct 12 or air inlet 111, allows the opening of the baffle structure 2 to be adjusted during the drying process, thereby adjusting the ventilation volume of the drying air duct 12 to match the amount of clothing to be dried. When the ventilation volume matches the amount of clothing to be dried, heat loss can be reduced, allowing more heat to be used to dry the clothing in the clothing processing chamber 11, improving the contact efficiency between hot air and clothing, shortening the drying time, and reducing the energy consumption of the drying device. Furthermore, by controlling the ventilation volume in the drying air duct 12 according to the type of clothing and load corresponding to the drying program, the humidity during the drying process can be adjusted to ensure uniform drying of the clothing. Different materials of clothing have different drying requirements; adjusting the ventilation volume can prevent damage to the clothing from high temperatures or excessive drying. Adjusting the ventilation volume according to the amount of clothing ensures that small or large quantities of clothing can be effectively dried.

[0057] When the actual air volume information downstream of the windbreak structure 2 meets the preset conditions with the air volume information corresponding to the set opening, it indicates that the drying duct 12 is unobstructed and can execute the current drying program normally. When the preset conditions are not met, it indicates that the drying duct 12 may be blocked. The control drying device will issue a prompt message to remind the user to clean and troubleshoot in time, so as to avoid the drying device from executing the drying program when the drying duct 12 is blocked, thereby avoiding affecting the drying efficiency and causing unnecessary energy consumption.

[0058] In this embodiment, the drying device can be a clothes dryer, a garment care machine, a washer-dryer combo, or other similar equipment. For example, when the drying device is a clothes dryer, the main structure 1 can include a housing 101 and a garment handling drum 102 disposed within the housing 101. The garment handling drum 102 forms a garment handling cavity 11, and a drying air duct 12 is disposed within the housing 101. The control module can be the control computer board of the clothes dryer. When the drying device is a garment care machine, the main structure 1 can include a cabinet, within which a garment handling cavity 11 is formed.

[0059] Optionally, the drying device also includes a drying fan 5, which is disposed within the drying duct 12, and a baffle structure 2 is disposed at the air outlet of the drying fan 5. With this configuration, the baffle structure 2 can adjust the ventilation volume at the air outlet of the drying fan 5, making the airflow distribution within the drying duct 12 more uniform, avoiding concentrated airflow or localized overheating, and ensuring that the clothes are dried evenly.

[0060] In some other embodiments, the windbreak structure 2 may be disposed within the drying duct 12, for example, downstream of the drying fan 5.

[0061] In other embodiments, the windbreak structure 2 may also be located at the air inlet 111 of the garment processing chamber 11, so as to directly adjust the air volume entering the garment care chamber through the air inlet 111.

[0062] Optionally, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The windbreak structure 2 includes a spirally coiled elastic windbreak disc, which comprises multiple elastic rings 21 connected end-to-end in sequence. The spacing between any two adjacent elastic rings 21 in the airflow direction is adjustable. Figure 2 As shown, multiple elastic rings 21 are connected end to end from the inside out, forming a spiral. When adjusting the opening of the baffle structure 2, the distance between adjacent elastic rings 21 can be changed by extending and retracting the elastic baffle in the direction of airflow, thereby changing the ventilation volume in the drying duct 12.

[0063] Specifically, the elastic baffle plate initially forms a flat sheet, maximizing its shading area, resulting in relatively low ventilation within the drying duct 12. When the elastic baffle plate extends a certain length along the airflow direction, multiple elastic rings 21 are staggered sequentially along the airflow direction, increasing the distance between adjacent elastic rings 21 and thus increasing the ventilation within the drying duct 12. In other words, the opening degree can be adjusted by controlling the extension and retraction of the elastic baffle plate, allowing for more precise control of the opening degree of the baffle structure 2. Furthermore, the adjustable range of the baffle structure 2's opening degree is wider, adapting to different drying programs. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 Compared to the flexible windshield in the middle Figure 2 The elastic windshield in the middle has a greater range of extension. Figure 3 The flexible windshield in the middle has a larger opening.

[0064] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the flexible baffle extends in a tower shape along the airflow direction, which has a small effect on airflow resistance, allowing hot air to pass more smoothly through the drying air duct 12, reducing the load on the drying fan 5 and improving energy efficiency. At the same time, the spiral-shaped flexible baffle can filter impurities such as lint carried in the airflow, reducing the amount of lint carried in the airflow entering the garment processing chamber 11, preventing secondary contamination of the garments, and improving the garment processing effect.

[0065] Furthermore, the spiral-shaped flexible air guide plate guides the hot air in a spiral flow, prolonging the residence time of the hot air within the drying duct 12, improving the contact efficiency between the hot air and the clothes, and accelerating the drying speed. In addition, the spiral structure also reduces airflow turbulence, lowers noise within the drying duct 12, and enhances the user experience.

[0066] Optionally, the wind deflector 2 can be detachably installed at the air inlet 111. This design allows for easy removal of the wind deflector 2 for cleaning lint, ensuring unobstructed airflow in the drying duct 12. For example, an installation port can be provided on the main structure 1 at the corresponding position of the wind deflector 2, allowing users to easily install and remove the wind deflector 2 for later cleaning of lint and replacement with a new one.

[0067] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The outermost elastic ring 21 of the elastic baffle is defined as the first ring 201, and the innermost elastic ring 21 is defined as the second ring 202. The first ring 201 is connected to the drying air duct 12 or the air inlet 111. The drying device also includes a driving component, the output end of which is connected to the second ring 202. The driving component drives the second ring 202 to move the connected elastic rings 21 closer to or further away from each other in the airflow direction. That is, by driving the second ring 202 to move in the airflow direction, the elastic baffle extends and retracts in the airflow direction, thereby adjusting the distance between adjacent elastic rings 21 and facilitating electric control.

[0068] Optionally, when the windbreak structure 2 is installed on the drying air duct 12, an installation groove can be provided on the inner wall of the drying air duct 12, and the first ring body 201 can be snapped into the installation groove to realize the installation and removal of the windbreak structure 2.

[0069] See Figure 2The drying device also includes a support base 3 and a transmission rod 4. The support base 3 is provided with a receiving cavity 31. One end of the transmission rod 4 is slidably disposed in the receiving cavity 31 and connected to the output end of the drive component. The other end of the transmission rod 4 extends out of the receiving cavity 31 and is connected to the second ring body 202. The support base 3 is used to provide an installation base for the drive component and the transmission rod 4. When the baffle structure 2 is disposed in the drying air duct 12, the support base 3 can be fixed to the side wall of the drying air duct 12; when the baffle structure 2 is disposed at the air outlet end of the drying fan 5, the support base 3 can be fixed to the housing of the drying fan 5.

[0070] For example, the driving component can be a miniature cylinder or a linear motor, the output of which is directly connected to the transmission rod 4. Alternatively, the driving component can also be a structure consisting of a rotary motor and gears and racks, with the rack connected to the transmission rod 4, as long as it can drive the extension and retraction of the spiral-shaped elastic windshield.

[0071] Optionally, see Figure 2 One of the second ring body 202 and the output end of the drive component is provided with a first snap-fit ​​part 2021, and the other is provided with a second snap-fit ​​part 41. The first snap-fit ​​part 2021 and the second snap-fit ​​part 41 are detachably snapped together. The snap-fit ​​method of the first snap-fit ​​part 2021 and the second snap-fit ​​part 41 facilitates the separate disassembly of the windshield structure 2 in the later stage, and makes it convenient for users to clean up the lint.

[0072] For example, the first snap-fit ​​part 2021 is a snap-fit ​​post provided in the second ring body 202, and the second snap-fit ​​part 41 is a snap-fit ​​groove provided at the end of the transmission rod 4. The snap-fit ​​post only needs to be inserted into the snap-fit ​​groove, which makes installation and disassembly convenient.

[0073] In other embodiments, the first snap-fit ​​portion 2021 and the second snap-fit ​​portion 41 may also be in the form of elastic snaps, and are not limited to the detachable connection methods listed above.

[0074] Optionally, when judging the blockage of the drying duct 12 based on the relationship between the opening of the windbreak structure 2 and the air volume of the drying duct 12, the air volume information in the drying duct 12 can be obtained by detecting the wind speed or wind pressure in the drying duct 12.

[0075] For example, in an optional implementation, a wind speed detector is provided downstream of the wind deflector 2. The wind speed detector detects the wind speed downstream of the wind deflector 2. When the difference between the detected value and the set wind speed value corresponding to the current opening of the wind deflector 2 exceeds a threshold range, the control module controls the drying device to issue a warning message. When the wind speed difference exceeds the threshold range, it indicates that the airflow in the drying duct 12 is not smooth and there may be a blockage. For example, there may be too much lint in the filter at the air outlet 112 of the clothing processing chamber 11, or too much lint at the wind deflector 2. In this case, the drying device issues a warning message to remind the user to clean the duct. This prevents the drying device from executing the drying program when the drying duct 12 is blocked, thereby avoiding affecting drying efficiency and increasing drying energy consumption, and preventing incomplete drying of clothes. For example, the wind speed detector can be a wind speed sensor, such as a hot-wire wind speed sensor, an ultrasonic wind speed sensor, etc., as long as it can detect wind speed.

[0076] Taking a clothes dryer as an example, the prompts can be text or symbols displayed on the dryer's screen, or they can be in the form of voice or light, as long as they can remind the user.

[0077] Optionally, the threshold range can be from 0.005 m / s to 0.05 m / s. Further, the threshold range can be from 0.01 m / s to 0.05 m / s, from 0.01 m / s to 0.03 m / s, etc., but is not limited to the numerical ranges listed above.

[0078] In another alternative implementation, a pressure detection element can be installed downstream of the windbreak structure 2. This element detects the downstream air pressure. When the difference between the detected pressure and the set air pressure corresponding to the current opening of the windbreak structure 2 exceeds a preset range, the control module controls the drying device to issue a warning message. When the air pressure difference exceeds the preset range, it indicates that the drying duct 12 may be blocked. By controlling the drying device to issue a warning message to remind the user to clean the duct, the drying device can avoid performing the drying process when the drying duct 12 is blocked, thus avoiding affecting drying efficiency and increasing drying energy consumption, and improving the user experience. For example, the pressure detection element can be an air pressure sensor, such as a piezoresistive pressure sensor or a piezoelectric pressure sensor, as long as it can detect air pressure.

[0079] Example 2

[0080] This embodiment provides a drying device, which differs from Embodiment 1 in that:

[0081] Optionally, the windbreak structure 2 includes a first windbreak plate and a second windbreak plate arranged sequentially along the airflow direction. Both the first and second windbreak plates are provided with ventilation holes. At least one of the first and second windbreak plates can move relative to the other, so that the overlap area of ​​the ventilation holes on the first and second windbreak plates is different. When the ventilation holes of the first and second windbreak plates are directly opposite each other, the airflow in the drying duct 12 is at its maximum. When the first and second windbreak plates are moved relative to each other and staggered, the overlap area of ​​the two ventilation holes decreases, and the airflow in the drying duct 12 decreases. The opening degree of the windbreak structure 2 can be adjusted by controlling the amount of movement of the first and / or second windbreak plates.

[0082] For example, a drive mechanism such as a cylinder or linear motor can be set up and connected to the first or second baffle plate to drive the first or second baffle plate to move, thereby adjusting the overlapping area of ​​the two ventilation holes and thus adjusting the ventilation volume in the drying air duct 12.

[0083] Example 3

[0084] This embodiment provides a drying device, which differs from Embodiment 1 in that:

[0085] Optionally, the windbreak structure 2 includes multiple windbreak blades arranged sequentially along a preset direction. All multiple windbreak blades can rotate. By adjusting the rotation angle of the multiple windbreak blades, the ventilation volume between adjacent windbreak blades can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the ventilation volume in the drying air duct 12.

[0086] For example, when the windbreak structure 2 is installed inside the drying duct 12, multiple windbreak blades can be sequentially spaced within the plane of the cross-section of the drying duct 12, with the preset direction perpendicular to the airflow direction. In other embodiments, the preset direction can also be other directions, not limited to those listed above.

[0087] Example 4

[0088] like Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a drying device control method, applied to the drying device described in any of the above embodiments. The drying device control method includes the following steps:

[0089] Obtain the drying program and determine the set opening degree of the baffle structure 2 and the corresponding air volume information based on the drying program;

[0090] The control module controls the windshield structure 2 to adjust to the set opening degree;

[0091] Determine whether the actual air volume information downstream of the windbreak structure 2 meets the preset conditions with the air volume information corresponding to the set opening. If yes, continue to execute the drying program; otherwise, the control module controls the drying device to issue a prompt message.

[0092] The drying program can be manually selected by the user based on actual conditions. For example, the user can select a suitable drying program based on the material, type, and quantity of the clothes to be processed. The drying program has preset opening degree of the wind deflector 2 and corresponding airflow information at that opening degree. Of course, the drying program can also be automatically selected by the drying device based on parameters such as the material, type, and quantity of the clothes to be processed.

[0093] When the actual air volume information downstream of the windbreak structure 2 meets the preset conditions with the air volume information corresponding to the set opening, it indicates that the drying duct 12 is unobstructed and can execute the current drying program normally. When the preset conditions are not met, it indicates that the drying duct 12 may be blocked. The control drying device will issue a prompt message to remind the user to clean and troubleshoot in time, so as to avoid the drying device from executing the drying program when the drying duct 12 is blocked, thereby avoiding affecting the drying efficiency and causing unnecessary energy consumption.

[0094] The aforementioned prompts can be text or symbols displayed on the drying device's screen, or they can be in the form of voice or light, as long as they can remind the user.

[0095] Optionally, the airflow information includes the wind speed value downstream of the baffle structure 2. That is, the airflow information within the drying duct 12 is obtained by detecting the wind speed within the drying duct 12. For example, a wind speed detector is installed downstream of the baffle structure 2 to detect the wind speed value downstream of the baffle structure 2.

[0096] At this time, as Figure 5 As shown, the steps for determining whether the actual airflow information downstream of the windbreak structure 2 meets the preset conditions with the airflow information corresponding to the set opening degree include:

[0097] Obtain the set wind speed corresponding to the set opening degree;

[0098] Obtain the actual wind speed downstream of windbreak structure 2;

[0099] Calculate the difference between the actual wind speed and the set wind speed;

[0100] Determine if the difference is within the threshold range; if so, it is determined that the preset condition is met.

[0101] When the baffle structure 2 is adjusted to the set opening degree corresponding to the drying program, theoretically, the actual wind speed in the drying duct 12 should be approximately the same as the set wind speed. When the difference between the detected value of the wind speed detector and the set wind speed value corresponding to the current opening degree of the baffle structure 2 exceeds the threshold range, it is determined that the preset conditions are not met, indicating that the airflow in the drying duct 12 is not smooth and there may be a blockage. For example, there may be too much lint in the filter device at the air outlet 112 of the clothing processing chamber 11, or too much lint in the baffle structure 2. At this time, the control drying device will issue a prompt message to remind the user to clean the device. This can prevent the drying device from executing the drying program when the drying duct 12 is not smooth, thereby avoiding affecting the drying efficiency and increasing the drying energy consumption, and preventing the clothes from being dried incompletely.

[0102] Optionally, the threshold range can be from 0.005 m / s to 0.05 m / s. Further, the threshold range can be from 0.01 m / s to 0.05 m / s, from 0.01 m / s to 0.03 m / s, etc., but is not limited to the numerical ranges listed above.

[0103] In other embodiments, the airflow information within the drying duct 12 can also be obtained by detecting the air pressure within the drying duct 12. For example, a pressure detection device can be installed downstream of the baffle structure 2 to detect the wind speed downstream of the baffle structure 2. When the difference between the detected value of the pressure detection device and the set air pressure value corresponding to the current opening of the baffle structure 2 exceeds a preset range, it is determined that the preset condition is not met, indicating that the drying duct 12 may be blocked. By controlling the drying device to issue a prompt message to remind the user to perform a cleaning operation, the drying device can be prevented from executing the drying program when the drying duct 12 is blocked, thus avoiding affecting the drying efficiency and increasing drying energy consumption, and improving the user experience.

[0104] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A drying apparatus, characterized in that, include: The main structure (1) is provided with a clothing processing chamber (11) and a drying air duct (12). The clothing processing chamber (11) has an air inlet (111) and an air outlet (112). The air inlet of the drying air duct (12) is connected to the air outlet (112), and the air outlet of the drying air duct (12) is connected to the air inlet (111). A windbreak structure (2) is provided at the drying air duct (12) or the air inlet (111). The windbreak structure (2) is used to adjust the air volume flowing through the drying air duct (12) and the clothing processing chamber (11). The control module can adjust the opening of the baffle structure (2) according to the drying program, and the control module can determine the blockage of the drying duct (12) according to the relationship between the opening of the baffle structure (2) and the air volume flowing through the drying duct (12).

2. The drying apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The windbreak structure (2) includes a spiral-shaped elastic windbreak disc, which includes a plurality of elastic rings (21) connected end to end in sequence. The spacing between any two adjacent elastic rings (21) in the direction of airflow is adjustable.

3. The drying apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outermost elastic ring (21) of the elastic baffle plate is the first ring (201), and the innermost elastic ring (21) of the elastic baffle plate is the second ring (202). The first ring (201) is connected to the drying air duct (12) or the air inlet (111). The drying device also includes a driving component, the output end of which is connected to the second ring (202) and is used to drive the second ring (202) to move the elastic ring (21) connected to it closer or further apart in the airflow direction.

4. The drying apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drying device also includes a support base (3) and a transmission rod (4). The support base (3) is provided with a receiving cavity (31). One end of the transmission rod (4) is slidably disposed in the receiving cavity (31) and connected to the output end of the driving member. The other end of the transmission rod (4) extends out of the receiving cavity (31) and is connected to the second ring body (202). And / or, one of the second ring body (202) and the output end of the drive member is provided with a first snap-fit ​​portion (2021), and the other is provided with a second snap-fit ​​portion (41), wherein the first snap-fit ​​portion (2021) and the second snap-fit ​​portion (41) are detachably snapped together.

5. The drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The drying device also includes a drying fan (5), which is installed in the drying duct (12), and the wind baffle structure (2) is installed at the air outlet of the drying fan (5). And / or, the windbreak structure (2) can be detachably installed at the drying air duct (12) or the air inlet (111).

6. The drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, A wind speed detection device is provided downstream of the windbreak structure (2). The wind speed detection device is used to detect the wind speed value downstream of the windbreak structure (2). When the difference between the detected value of the wind speed detection device and the set wind speed value corresponding to the current opening degree of the windbreak structure (2) exceeds the threshold range, the control module controls the drying device to issue a prompt message.

7. The drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, A pressure detection device is provided downstream of the windbreak structure (2). The pressure detection device is used to detect the wind pressure value downstream of the windbreak structure (2). When the difference between the detected value of the pressure detection device and the set wind pressure value corresponding to the current opening degree of the windbreak structure (2) exceeds the preset range, the control module controls the drying device to issue a prompt message.

8. The drying apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The windbreak structure (2) includes a first windbreak plate and a second windbreak plate arranged sequentially along the airflow direction. Both the first windbreak plate and the second windbreak plate are provided with ventilation holes. At least one of the first windbreak plate and the second windbreak plate can move relative to the other so that the overlapping area of ​​the ventilation holes on the first windbreak plate and the ventilation holes on the second windbreak plate is different. Alternatively, the windbreak structure (2) may include a plurality of windbreak blades arranged sequentially along a preset direction, and all of the plurality of windbreak blades may be able to rotate.

9. A control method for a drying device, characterized in that, The drying apparatus control method, applicable to any one of claims 1-8, comprises the following steps: Obtain the drying program, and determine the set opening degree of the windbreak structure (2) and the corresponding air volume information according to the drying program; The control module controls the windshield structure (2) to adjust to the set opening degree; Determine whether the actual air volume information downstream of the windbreak structure (2) meets the preset conditions with the air volume information corresponding to the set opening degree. If yes, continue to execute the drying program; if no, the control module controls the drying device to issue a prompt message.

10. The drying device control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The air volume information includes the wind speed value downstream of the windbreak structure (2); The step of determining whether the actual airflow information downstream of the windbreak structure (2) and the airflow information corresponding to the set opening degree meet the preset conditions includes: Obtain the set wind speed corresponding to the set opening degree; Obtain the actual wind speed downstream of the windbreak structure (2); The difference between the actual wind speed and the set wind speed is calculated. Determine whether the difference is within the threshold range; if so, it is determined that the preset condition is met.

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