Method, apparatus and device for controlling flow rate of refrigerant of laundry drying apparatus

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a kind of refrigerant flow control method, device and equipment of clothes drying equipment, the method comprises: obtaining humidity in the drum and the first temperature of compressor outlet;According to the humidity and the first temperature, determine the drying stage that clothes drying equipment currently is in;According to the drying stage, determine the target temperature difference of condenser outlet or drum inlet temperature and evaporator inlet temperature;Second temperature at the condenser outlet or drum inlet is obtained, and third temperature at evaporator inlet, and according to the difference between the second temperature and the third temperature, actual temperature difference is obtained;According to the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference, control electronic expansion valve opening degree, to adjust the refrigerant flow through the electronic expansion valve.The effect of reducing the cost of control expansion valve is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of smart home technology, specifically relating to a refrigerant flow control method, device, and equipment for a clothes drying device. Background Technology

[0002] With people's increasing demand for a high-quality life and the growing popularity of smart home appliances, dryers or washing machines with built-in drying functions have emerged. More and more people are choosing to use the drying function of their washing machines or dedicated dryers to dry their clothes after washing.

[0003] Currently, in existing technologies, when washing machines or dryers heat clothes, they usually need to use the temperature difference between the air entering and leaving the drum to determine the drying state. Then, based on the drying state, they use the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the evaporator to determine how to control the opening of the throttle valve in order to control the refrigerant flow through the compressor.

[0004] However, the inventors have found that the existing technology has at least the following technical problems: the current method of controlling refrigerant flow requires the addition of multiple temperature sensors to the existing dryer, which is costly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, namely, to solve the problem of high cost in the prior art, this application provides a method, apparatus, and equipment for controlling the refrigerant flow in a clothes drying device.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a method for controlling the refrigerant flow rate of a clothes drying device, comprising:

[0007] The system acquires the humidity in the drum and the first temperature at the compressor outlet; based on the humidity and the first temperature, it determines the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment; based on the drying stage, it determines the target temperature difference between the condenser outlet or drum inlet temperature and the evaporator inlet temperature; it acquires the second temperature at the condenser outlet or drum inlet and the third temperature at the evaporator inlet, and obtains the actual temperature difference based on the difference between the second and third temperatures; based on the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference, it controls the opening of the electronic expansion valve to adjust the refrigerant flow through the electronic expansion valve.

[0008] In one possible implementation, determining the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment based on humidity and a first temperature includes: if the first temperature is less than a first preset value, then determining the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment as a heating stage; if the first temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset value, then determining the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment as a stabilizing stage; if the humidity is less than a second preset value, then determining the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment as an ending stage.

[0009] In one possible implementation, determining the target temperature difference between the evaporator inlet temperature and the condenser outlet or drum inlet temperature according to the drying stage includes: if the drying stage is a heating stage, then the target temperature difference is determined as a third preset value; if the drying stage is a stabilization stage, then the target temperature difference is determined as a fourth preset value; if the drying stage is a final stage, then the target temperature difference is determined as a fifth preset value, wherein the fourth preset value is less than the third preset value and the fifth preset value.

[0010] In one possible implementation, controlling the opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference includes: determining a temperature error based on the difference between the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference; determining a signal output value based on the temperature error; and sending the output value to the electronic expansion valve to control the opening of the electronic expansion valve.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the formula for calculating the signal output value based on the temperature error is as follows: Where u(t) is the signal output value at time t, e(t) is the temperature error at time t, n is the preset maximum adjustment time, and K p K is a proportionality constant. i K is the superposition coefficient. d Let A be a differential constant, and let A be a constant.

[0012] In one possible implementation, controlling the opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference includes: looking up the signal output value corresponding to the current actual temperature difference in a preset lookup table of actual temperature difference and signal output value; and sending the signal output value to the electronic expansion valve to control the opening of the electronic expansion valve.

[0013] Secondly, this application provides a refrigerant flow control device for a clothes drying equipment, comprising: a first acquisition module for acquiring the humidity in the drum and a first temperature at the compressor outlet; a stage determination module for determining the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment based on the humidity and the first temperature; a temperature difference determination module for determining a target temperature difference between the condenser outlet or drum inlet temperature and the evaporator inlet temperature based on the drying stage; a second acquisition module for acquiring a second temperature at the condenser outlet or drum inlet and a third temperature at the evaporator inlet, and obtaining the actual temperature difference based on the difference between the second and third temperatures; and an opening control module for controlling the opening of an electronic expansion valve based on the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference to adjust the refrigerant flow through the electronic expansion valve.

[0014] Thirdly, this application provides a refrigerant flow control device for a clothes drying equipment, comprising: a control board, a humidity sensor, a compressor outlet temperature sensor, a condenser outlet temperature sensor or a drum inlet temperature sensor, an evaporator inlet temperature sensor, and an electronic expansion valve; the control board is connected to the humidity sensor, the compressor outlet temperature sensor, the condenser outlet temperature sensor or the drum inlet temperature sensor, the evaporator inlet temperature sensor, and the electronic expansion valve respectively; the humidity sensor is used to measure the humidity in the drum; the compressor outlet temperature sensor is used to measure the first temperature at the compressor outlet; the condenser outlet or drum inlet sensor is used to obtain the condenser outlet or drum inlet temperature. The system includes a second temperature sensor; an evaporator inlet temperature sensor for measuring the third temperature at the evaporator inlet; an electronic expansion valve for adjusting its opening to regulate refrigerant flow; a control board for acquiring humidity and the first temperature, and determining the current drying stage of the clothes dryer based on these parameters; determining the target temperature difference between the condenser outlet or drum inlet temperature and the evaporator inlet temperature based on the drying stage; the control board also acquires the second and third temperatures, and obtains the actual temperature difference based on the difference between the second and third temperatures; and controls the opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference to adjust the refrigerant flow through the electronic expansion valve.

[0015] Fourthly, this application provides a clothes drying device, including: a body, and a refrigerant flow control device as described in the third aspect above, disposed within the body.

[0016] Fifthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the refrigerant flow control method for a clothes drying device as described in the first aspect above.

[0017] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the refrigerant flow control method for the clothes drying equipment described in the first aspect.

[0018] Those skilled in the art will understand that this application provides a refrigerant flow control method, apparatus, and device for a clothes drying equipment. By utilizing a temperature sensor at the compressor outlet and a humidity sensor in the drum of the clothes drying equipment, the humidity in the drum and the first temperature at the compressor outlet are obtained. Based on the humidity and the first temperature, the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment is determined. Then, based on the drying stage, a target temperature difference between the condenser outlet or drum inlet temperature and the evaporator inlet temperature is determined. Using the temperature sensor at the condenser outlet or drum inlet of the clothes drying equipment, a second temperature at the condenser outlet or drum inlet is obtained, and a third temperature at the evaporator inlet is obtained through an additional temperature sensor at the evaporator inlet. The actual temperature difference is obtained based on the difference between the second and third temperatures. Finally, based on the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference, the opening of the electronic expansion valve is controlled, thereby controlling the refrigerant flow. Since only one temperature sensor is added, the cost of controlling the expansion valve can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The preferred embodiment of the replacement prompting method and electronic device of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are as follows:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of the refrigerant flow control method for a clothes drying device provided in this application embodiment;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow control device for a clothes drying equipment provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic flowchart illustrating the refrigerant flow control method for a clothes drying device provided in this application embodiment;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant flow control device for a clothes drying equipment provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0026] With the continuous improvement of smart homes, people can now use the drying function of dryers or washing machines to dry clothes after washing them, avoiding problems such as affecting the appearance and wasting time caused by air drying.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of the refrigerant flow control method for the clothes drying equipment provided in this application embodiment. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the dashed line represents the gas flow direction, and the solid line represents the refrigerant flow direction. The dashed gas flow direction forms the drying cycle, which is used to remove moisture from the clothes. The solid refrigerant flow direction is the heat pump cycle, which is used to change the temperature of the air in the drying cycle, thereby regulating the temperature and humidity of the air in the drying cycle.

[0028] During the clothes drying process, compressor 101 compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. This high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant releases heat upon entering condenser 102, which is absorbed by the gas in the drying cycle. The refrigerant then passes through electronic expansion valve 103 for throttling and pressure reduction before entering evaporator 104, where it absorbs heat from the air passing through the drum. It then re-enters compressor 101, completing the heat pump cycle. The gas in the drying cycle absorbs heat at condenser 102 and enters drum 105, releasing heat to the clothes and absorbing moisture. Fan 106 then carries the moisture and heat to evaporator 104, where the moisture condenses and is discharged. The gas then passes back through condenser 102 to complete the drying cycle.

[0029] During the drying process, it's crucial to maintain the air temperature at an appropriate level, which necessitates controlling the refrigerant flow. Currently, controlling refrigerant flow requires temperature sensors at the inlet and outlet of the evaporator 104 to determine the refrigerant temperature change after passing through the evaporator 104. This provides the basis for adjusting the refrigerant flow. Similarly, temperature sensors at the inlet and outlet of the drying drum determine the air temperature change after passing through the drum, identifying whether the drying process is at the beginning, end, or near completion. Determining the drying stage helps control the opening of the electronic expansion valve, accelerating the drying process. However, current electronic expansion valve control methods require adding four temperature sensors to existing drying equipment. Adding sensors and modifying the corresponding control board hardware and software increases costs.

[0030] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides the following technical approach: Only one temperature sensor is added at the evaporator inlet. The drying stage is determined by a humidity sensor typically present in the drum and a temperature sensor typically present at the compressor outlet. The temperature collected by a temperature sensor typically present at the condenser outlet or drum inlet, and the evaporator inlet temperature collected by the newly installed evaporator inlet temperature sensor, are used as references to control the opening of the electronic expansion valve.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow control device for a clothes drying apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 The refrigerant flow control device 200 of the clothes drying equipment includes: a control board 201, a humidity sensor 202, a compressor outlet temperature sensor 203, a condenser outlet sensor or drum inlet temperature sensor 204, an evaporator inlet temperature sensor 205, and an electronic expansion valve 206.

[0032] The control board 201 can be a circuit board. The temperature sensors 203, 204, and 205 can be contact sensors or non-contact sensors, and this application does not limit them. The humidity sensor 202 can be one or more of the following: a humidity-sensitive element, a lithium chloride humidity sensor, a carbon humidity-sensitive element, an alumina hygrometer, and a ceramic humidity sensor. This application also does not limit the specific shape and composition of the humidity sensor.

[0033] The control board 201 can be connected to the aforementioned sensors via wired connection through components such as a bus, or via wireless network communication.

[0034] In the specific implementation process, the aforementioned temperature sensors are used to acquire the temperature at their respective locations. For example, compressor outlet temperature sensor 203 is used to collect the compressor outlet temperature; evaporator inlet temperature sensor 205 is used to collect the evaporator inlet temperature. The aforementioned humidity sensor 202 is used to collect the humidity inside the drum. The control board 201 is used to acquire the temperature and humidity data collected by each sensor, and to control the electronic expansion valve based on this temperature and humidity data to control the refrigerant flow.

[0035] It is understood that the structure illustrated in the embodiments of this application does not constitute a specific limitation on the refrigerant flow control method for clothes drying equipment. In other feasible embodiments of this application, the above architecture may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine some components, or split some components, or arrange different components, which can be determined according to the actual application scenario and is not limited here. Figure 1 The components shown can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both.

[0036] The technical solution of this application and how the technical solution of this application solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments. The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the refrigerant flow control method for a clothes drying device provided in an embodiment of this application. The executing entity of this embodiment may be... Figure 2 The control board in the middle can also be a processor, etc., and this embodiment does not impose any particular limitations on it. Figure 3 As shown, the method includes:

[0038] S301: Obtain the humidity in the drum and the first temperature at the compressor outlet.

[0039] In this step, the humidity in the drum is obtained from the humidity sensor 202, and the first temperature is obtained from the compressor outlet temperature sensor 203.

[0040] S302: Determine the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment based on humidity and initial temperature.

[0041] In this step, humidity levels determine whether the items in the drum are damp. If the humidity is higher than a certain preset value, the clothes are still damp and cannot enter the stabilization stage. If the humidity is lower than this preset value, the drying process is in its final stage. If the humidity is lower than another, even smaller preset value, the clothes are completely dry and drying can be stopped. Since the compressor output temperature is low at the start of drying, the compressor outlet temperature can be used to determine whether the drying process is in the heating or stabilization stage. The drying stage can be more than three stages; it can be further subdivided. This step uses humidity and the first compressor outlet temperature to determine the drying stage, replacing the existing technology that uses inlet and outlet air temperature sensors to measure the inlet and outlet air temperatures.

[0042] In one possible implementation, this step determines the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment based on humidity and a first temperature, including:

[0043] If the first temperature is less than the first preset value, the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment is determined as the heating stage.

[0044] If the first temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset value, the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment is determined as the stable stage.

[0045] If the humidity is less than the second preset value, the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment will be determined as the final stage.

[0046] The first preset value is, for example, 60℃, 58℃, or 62℃. Specifically, this application does not limit the numerical value of the above-mentioned first and second preset values.

[0047] S303: Determine the target temperature difference between the condenser outlet or drum inlet temperature and the evaporator inlet temperature based on the drying stage.

[0048] In this step, there is a target temperature difference for each drying stage.

[0049] Specifically, the target temperature difference can be an empirical value obtained from experimental measurements. During the heating phase, more heat is needed to accelerate the temperature rise, so the target temperature difference can be set higher. During the steady-state phase, the target temperature difference can be smaller to increase the refrigerant flow and enhance heat exchange capacity. In the final stage, the target temperature difference can also be higher to reduce the refrigerant flow and lower compressor power.

[0050] S304: Obtain the second temperature at the condenser outlet or drum inlet and the third temperature at the evaporator inlet, and obtain the actual temperature difference based on the difference between the second and third temperatures.

[0051] In this step, the second temperature is obtained from the condenser outlet sensor or drum inlet temperature sensor 204, and the third temperature is obtained from the evaporator inlet temperature sensor 205. The actual temperature difference is obtained based on the difference between the second and third temperatures. Alternatively, the second temperature can be subtracted from the third temperature, and the result of this subtraction can be used to determine the actual temperature difference. The actual temperature difference represents the temperature change of the refrigerant after passing through the electronic expansion valve, i.e., the refrigerant temperature change during the throttling process.

[0052] For example, if the second temperature is 7℃ and the third temperature is 4℃, the actual temperature difference is 3℃. If the second temperature is 10℃ and the third temperature is 4℃, the actual temperature difference is 6℃. If the second temperature is 8℃ and the third temperature is 5℃, the actual temperature difference is 3℃.

[0053] S305: Based on the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference, control the opening of the electronic expansion valve to adjust the refrigerant flow through the electronic expansion valve.

[0054] In this step, controlling the opening of the electronic expansion valve adjusts the refrigerant flow. With a fixed compressor power, increasing the refrigerant supply decreases the actual temperature difference, while decreasing the refrigerant supply increases the actual temperature difference. By controlling the opening of the electronic expansion valve, the actual temperature difference can be brought closer to the target temperature difference value.

[0055] As described in the above embodiments, this application embodiment utilizes a temperature sensor at the compressor outlet and a humidity sensor in the drum of the clothes drying equipment to obtain the humidity in the drum and the first temperature at the compressor outlet. Based on the humidity and the first temperature, the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment is determined, and then, based on the drying stage, the target temperature difference between the condenser outlet or drum inlet temperature and the evaporator inlet temperature is determined. A second temperature at the condenser outlet or drum inlet is obtained using the temperature sensor at the condenser outlet or drum inlet of the clothes drying equipment, and a third temperature at the evaporator inlet is obtained using a temperature sensor added at the evaporator inlet. The actual temperature difference is obtained based on the difference between the second and third temperatures. Finally, the opening of the electronic expansion valve is controlled based on the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference, thereby controlling the refrigerant flow. Since only one temperature sensor is added, the cost of controlling the expansion valve can be reduced.

[0056] In one possible implementation, step S304 above, determining the target temperature difference between the evaporator inlet temperature and the condenser outlet or drum inlet temperature based on the drying stage, specifically includes:

[0057] S304A: If the drying stage is the heating stage, the target temperature difference is set as the third preset value; if the drying stage is the stabilization stage, the target temperature difference is set as the fourth preset value; if the drying stage is the final stage, the target temperature difference is set as the fifth preset value, wherein the fourth preset value is less than the third preset value and the fifth preset value.

[0058] In this step, during the heating phase, the clothing and circulating air rise from ambient temperature to a temperature at which moisture evaporates rapidly. The electronic expansion valve should appropriately reduce the refrigerant flow, increase the temperature difference between the two heat exchangers, and raise the temperature of the circulating air entering the cylinder, allowing the moisture in the clothing to evaporate quickly. In the steady-state phase, the heat required for moisture evaporation from the clothing is approximately equal to the heat dissipated from the air entering the cylinder; this is the phase with the highest rate of moisture evaporation and condensation. The electronic expansion valve should appropriately increase the refrigerant flow to fully utilize the heat exchange area of ​​the evaporator and increase the amount of moisture condensed. In the final phase, the heat required for moisture evaporation from the clothing is less than the heat dissipated from the air entering the cylinder, resulting in some wasted compressor power. The electronic expansion valve should appropriately reduce the refrigerant flow to reduce compressor power loss. Therefore, the fourth preset value is less than the third and fifth preset values. With the compressor power remaining constant, the larger the target temperature difference, the less refrigerant flow should be.

[0059] Specifically, the third, fourth, and fifth preset values ​​can all be obtained in advance through experiments or other methods. The third preset value can be 8℃, 8.5℃, or 10.2℃, etc., and the fourth preset value can be 4℃, 5℃, or 6℃, etc. This application does not limit the number of decimal places or units for these temperatures.

[0060] As can be seen from the description of the above embodiments, the embodiments of this application provide a specific method for determining the target temperature difference, as well as the magnitude relationship of the third preset value, the fourth preset value and the fifth preset value. By setting the magnitude relationship, the temperature of each stage can be reasonably adjusted, so as to speed up the drying speed or reduce energy consumption.

[0061] In one possible implementation, step S305 above, which controls the opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference, specifically includes:

[0062] S3051A: Determine the temperature error based on the difference between the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference.

[0063] In this step, the temperature error can be obtained by subtracting the actual temperature difference from the target temperature difference.

[0064] For example, if the target temperature difference is 8°C and the actual temperature difference is 5°C, then the temperature error is 3°C. If the target temperature difference is 4°C and the actual temperature difference is 3°C, then the temperature error is 1°C. Those skilled in the art will readily conceive of other practical methods from this embodiment.

[0065] S3052A: Determines the signal output value based on the temperature error and sends the output value to the electronic expansion valve to control the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve. In one possible implementation, the calculation formula for this step is as follows:

[0066] Where u(t) is the signal output value at time t, e(t) is the temperature error at time t, n is the preset maximum adjustment time, and K p K is a proportionality constant. i K is the superposition coefficient. d Let A be a differential constant, and let A be a constant.

[0067] Wherein, the proportionality constant K p Superposition coefficient K i Differential constant K d Both the constant A and the constant A can be obtained in advance through experimental measurement. This application does not impose any restrictions on these specific values. If n is 3, it means that the output value is calculated once every 3 seconds and adjusted once every 3 seconds.

[0068] As can be seen from the description of the above embodiments, the embodiments of this application provide a specific method for controlling the opening of the electronic expansion valve, which can make the actual temperature difference continuously approach the target temperature difference value.

[0069] In one possible implementation, step S305 above, controlling the opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference, specifically includes:

[0070] S3051B: Based on the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference, find the signal output value corresponding to the current actual temperature difference in the preset table of actual temperature difference and signal output value.

[0071] In this step, the actual temperature difference to signal output value lookup table contains the signal output value corresponding to each actual temperature difference or each actual temperature difference interval and the target temperature difference value. This actual temperature difference to signal output value lookup table can be obtained in advance through experimental measurements.

[0072] For example, if the current actual temperature difference is 2℃ and the target temperature difference is 5℃, then look up the signal output value in the actual temperature difference to signal output value lookup table when "the actual temperature difference is 2℃ and the target temperature difference is 5℃", or when "the actual temperature difference is 1℃ to 3℃ and the target temperature difference is 5℃". If the current actual temperature difference is 5℃ and the target temperature difference is 7℃, then look up the signal output value in the actual temperature difference to signal output value lookup table when "the actual temperature difference is 5℃ and the target temperature difference is 7℃", or when "the actual temperature difference is 4℃ to 6℃ and the target temperature difference is 7℃".

[0073] In one possible implementation, step S3051B above can also be: determining the temperature error based on the difference between the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference; and searching for the signal output value corresponding to the current temperature error in a preset temperature error-to-signal output value lookup table.

[0074] Specifically, the process of determining the temperature error is similar to step S3051A above, and will not be repeated here. The process of finding the signal output value corresponding to the current temperature error can be either finding a signal output value that corresponds one-to-one with the temperature error, or finding the signal output value corresponding to the interval after finding the temperature error.

[0075] S3052B: Sends the signal output value to the electronic expansion valve to control the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve.

[0076] In this step, the signal output value can be transmitted via wired or wireless means, and this application does not impose any special restrictions on this.

[0077] As can be seen from the description of the above embodiments, the embodiments of this application provide a method for obtaining signal output values ​​by looking up a table.

[0078] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant flow control device for a clothes drying equipment provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 As shown, the refrigerant flow control device 400 of the clothes drying equipment includes: a first acquisition module 401, a stage determination module 402, a temperature difference determination module 403, a second acquisition module 404, and an opening control module 405.

[0079] The first acquisition module 401 is used to acquire the humidity in the drum and the first temperature at the compressor outlet.

[0080] The stage determination module 402 is used to determine the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment based on the humidity and the first temperature.

[0081] The temperature difference determination module 403 is used to determine the target temperature difference between the condenser outlet or drum inlet temperature and the evaporator inlet temperature based on the drying stage.

[0082] The second acquisition module 404 is used to acquire the second temperature at the condenser outlet or drum inlet and the third temperature at the evaporator inlet, and to obtain the actual temperature difference based on the difference between the second temperature and the third temperature.

[0083] The opening control module 405 is used to control the opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference, so as to adjust the refrigerant flow through the electronic expansion valve.

[0084] The apparatus provided in this embodiment can be used to execute the technical solutions of the above method embodiments. Its implementation principle and technical effects are similar, and will not be described again here.

[0085] The formula for calculating the signal output value based on temperature error is as follows:

[0086] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned stage determination module 402 is specifically used to: if the first temperature is less than a first preset value, determine the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment as a heating stage; if the first temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset value, determine the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment as a stabilizing stage; if the humidity is less than a second preset value, determine the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment as an ending stage.

[0087] The apparatus provided in this embodiment can be used to execute the technical solutions of the above method embodiments. Its implementation principle and technical effects are similar, and will not be described again here.

[0088] In one possible implementation, the temperature difference determination module 403 is specifically used to: if the drying stage is a heating stage, determine the target temperature difference as a third preset value; if the drying stage is a stabilization stage, determine the target temperature difference as a fourth preset value; if the drying stage is an ending stage, determine the target temperature difference as a fifth preset value, wherein the fourth preset value is less than the third preset value and the fifth preset value.

[0089] In one possible implementation, the opening control module 405 is specifically used to: determine the temperature error based on the difference between the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference; determine a signal output value based on the temperature error; and send the output value to the electronic expansion valve to control the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve.

[0090] The apparatus provided in this embodiment can be used to execute the technical solutions of the above method embodiments. Its implementation principle and technical effects are similar, and will not be described again here.

[0091] In one possible implementation, the opening control module 405 determines the signal output value based on the temperature error, and the calculation formula for the signal output value based on the temperature error is as follows:

[0092] Where u(t) is the signal output value at time t, e(t) is the temperature error at time t, n is the preset maximum adjustment time, and K p K is a proportionality constant. i K is the superposition coefficient. d Let A be a differential constant, and let A be a constant.

[0093] The apparatus provided in this embodiment can be used to execute the technical solutions of the above method embodiments. Its implementation principle and technical effects are similar, and will not be described again here.

[0094] In one possible implementation, the opening control module 405 is specifically used to: look up the signal output value corresponding to the current actual temperature difference in a preset lookup table of actual temperature difference and signal output value based on the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference; and send the signal output value to the electronic expansion valve to control the opening of the electronic expansion valve.

[0095] The apparatus provided in this embodiment can be used to execute the technical solutions of the above method embodiments. Its implementation principle and technical effects are similar, and will not be described again here.

[0096] Continue to refer to Figure 2 This application also provides a refrigerant flow control device for a clothes drying equipment. For example... Figure 2As shown, the electronic device 200 may include: a control board 201, a humidity sensor 202, a compressor outlet temperature sensor 203, a condenser outlet sensor or a drum inlet temperature sensor 204, an evaporator inlet temperature sensor 205, and an electronic expansion valve 206.

[0097] The control board 201 is connected to the humidity sensor 202, the compressor outlet temperature sensor 203, the condenser outlet sensor or drum inlet temperature sensor 204, the evaporator inlet temperature sensor 205, and the electronic expansion valve 206, respectively.

[0098] Humidity sensor 202 is used to measure the humidity in the drum.

[0099] The compressor outlet temperature sensor 203 is used to measure the first temperature at the compressor outlet.

[0100] The condenser outlet or drum inlet sensor 204 is used to obtain a second temperature at the condenser outlet or drum inlet.

[0101] Evaporator inlet temperature sensor 205 is used to measure the third temperature at the evaporator inlet.

[0102] Electronic expansion valve 206 is used to adjust the opening degree to regulate the refrigerant flow.

[0103] The control board 201 is used to acquire humidity and a first temperature, and determine the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment based on the humidity and the first temperature. Based on the drying stage, it determines the target temperature difference between the condenser outlet or drum inlet temperature and the evaporator inlet temperature.

[0104] The control board 201 is also used to acquire a second temperature and a third temperature, and to obtain the actual temperature difference based on the difference between the second and third temperatures. Based on the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference, the opening of the electronic expansion valve is controlled to adjust the refrigerant flow through the electronic expansion valve.

[0105] This application also provides a clothes drying device, including: a body, and a refrigerant flow control device as described in the above embodiments, disposed within the body.

[0106] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. When a processor executes the computer-executable instructions, it implements the technical solution of the refrigerant flow control method of the clothes drying equipment in any of the above embodiments. The implementation principle and beneficial effects are similar to those of the refrigerant flow control method of the clothes drying equipment. Please refer to the implementation principle and beneficial effects of the refrigerant flow control method of the clothes drying equipment, which will not be repeated here.

[0107] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the technical solution of the refrigerant flow control method for the clothes drying equipment in any of the above embodiments. Its implementation principle and beneficial effects are similar to those of the refrigerant flow control method for the clothes drying equipment, and can be found in the implementation principle and beneficial effects of the refrigerant flow control method for the clothes drying equipment, which will not be repeated here.

[0108] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices, or modules, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0109] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to implement the solution of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0110] Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one unit. The unit composed of the above modules can be implemented in hardware or in the form of hardware plus software functional units.

[0111] The integrated modules described above, implemented as software functional modules, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. These software functional modules, stored in a storage medium, include several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute some steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application.

[0112] It should be understood that the aforementioned processor can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in this invention can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0113] The memory may include high-speed RAM, and may also include non-volatile storage (NVM), such as at least one disk storage device, and may also be a USB flash drive, external hard drive, read-only memory, disk or optical disc, etc.

[0114] The bus can be an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of illustration, the buses shown in the accompanying drawings are not limited to a single bus or a single type of bus.

[0115] The aforementioned storage medium can be implemented from any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk. The storage medium can be any available medium accessible to general-purpose or special-purpose computers.

[0116] An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium can be an integral part of the processor. Both the processor and the storage medium can reside in an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can exist as discrete components in an electronic device or host device.

[0117] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above-described method embodiments can be implemented by hardware related to program instructions. The aforementioned program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the program performs the steps of the above-described method embodiments; and the aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0118] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this application are indicated by the following claims.

[0119] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the refrigerant flow rate of a clothes drying device, characterized in that, include: Obtain the humidity in the drum and the initial temperature at the compressor outlet; Based on the humidity and the first temperature, the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment is determined; wherein, the drying stage includes a heating stage, a stabilization stage and a final stage; Based on the drying stage, a target temperature difference between the condenser outlet or drum inlet temperature and the evaporator inlet temperature is determined; if the drying stage is a heating stage, the target temperature difference is determined as a third preset value; if the drying stage is a stabilization stage, the target temperature difference is determined as a fourth preset value; if the drying stage is an ending stage, the target temperature difference is determined as a fifth preset value, wherein the fourth preset value is less than the third preset value and the fifth preset value. Obtain a second temperature at the condenser outlet or drum inlet and a third temperature at the evaporator inlet, and obtain the actual temperature difference based on the difference between the second temperature and the third temperature; Based on the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference, the opening of the electronic expansion valve is controlled to adjust the refrigerant flow rate through the electronic expansion valve.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment based on the humidity and the first temperature includes: If the first temperature is less than the first preset value, then the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment is determined to be the heating stage; If the first temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset value, then the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment is determined to be a stable stage; If the humidity is less than the second preset value, the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment is determined as the final stage.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The step of controlling the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve based on the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference includes: The temperature error is determined based on the difference between the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference; The signal output value is determined based on the temperature error, and the output value is sent to the electronic expansion valve to control the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The step of controlling the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve based on the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference includes: Based on the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference, the signal output value corresponding to the current actual temperature difference is found in the preset actual temperature difference and signal output value lookup table. The signal output value is sent to the electronic expansion valve to control the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve.

5. A refrigerant flow control device for a clothes drying equipment, characterized in that, include: The first acquisition module is used to acquire the humidity in the drum and the first temperature at the compressor outlet. The stage determination module is used to determine the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment based on the humidity and the first temperature; wherein the drying stage includes a heating stage, a stabilization stage and an ending stage; The temperature difference determination module is used to determine the target temperature difference between the condenser outlet or drum inlet temperature and the evaporator inlet temperature based on the drying stage; if the drying stage is a heating stage, the target temperature difference is determined as a third preset value; if the drying stage is a stabilization stage, the target temperature difference is determined as a fourth preset value; if the drying stage is an ending stage, the target temperature difference is determined as a fifth preset value, wherein the fourth preset value is less than the third preset value and the fifth preset value; The second acquisition module is used to acquire the second temperature at the condenser outlet or drum inlet and the third temperature at the evaporator inlet, and to obtain the actual temperature difference based on the difference between the second temperature and the third temperature. The opening control module is used to control the opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference, so as to adjust the refrigerant flow rate through the electronic expansion valve.

6. A refrigerant flow control device for a clothes drying equipment, characterized in that, include: Control panel, humidity sensor, compressor outlet temperature sensor, condenser outlet sensor or drum inlet temperature sensor, evaporator inlet temperature sensor and electronic expansion valve; The control board is connected to the humidity sensor, compressor outlet temperature sensor, condenser outlet sensor or drum inlet temperature sensor, evaporator inlet temperature sensor and electronic expansion valve respectively. The humidity sensor is used to measure the humidity in the drum; The compressor outlet temperature sensor is used to measure the first temperature at the compressor outlet; The condenser outlet sensor or drum inlet temperature sensor is used to obtain a second temperature at the condenser outlet or drum inlet. The evaporator inlet temperature sensor is used to measure the third temperature at the evaporator inlet; The electronic expansion valve is used to adjust the opening degree to regulate the refrigerant flow. The control board is used to acquire the humidity and the first temperature, and determine the current drying stage of the clothes drying equipment based on the humidity and the first temperature; wherein the drying stage includes a heating stage, a stabilization stage, and an ending stage; based on the drying stage, a target temperature difference between the condenser outlet or drum inlet temperature and the evaporator inlet temperature is determined; if the drying stage is a heating stage, the target temperature difference is determined as a third preset value; if the drying stage is a stabilization stage, the target temperature difference is determined as a fourth preset value; if the drying stage is an ending stage, the target temperature difference is determined as a fifth preset value, wherein the fourth preset value is less than the third preset value and the fifth preset value; The control board is also used to acquire the second temperature and the third temperature, and to obtain the actual temperature difference based on the difference between the second temperature and the third temperature; Based on the target temperature difference and the actual temperature difference, the opening of the electronic expansion valve is controlled to adjust the refrigerant flow rate through the electronic expansion valve.

7. A clothes drying device, characterized in that, include: The machine body, and the refrigerant flow control device of the clothes drying equipment as described in claim 6, which is installed in the machine body.

8. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the refrigerant flow control method for the clothes drying equipment as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the refrigerant flow control method for the clothes drying equipment as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

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