A heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer, a control method for the heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer, and a computer-readable storage medium.

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of washing machine manufacturing technology, specifically to a heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer, a control method for the heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer, and a computer-readable storage medium. It includes a heat pump compressor connected to several washing tubs, each of which is equipped with a heating module. The invention is characterized by further including a water storage tank connected to an inlet pipe, which branches into a first branch and a second branch. Water from the first branch flows through the heat pump compressor and is stored in the water storage tank. The second branch connects to each washing tub, and the water storage tank is connected to each washing tub. A first temperature sensor is installed in the water storage tank, and a second temperature sensor is installed in each washing tub. The inlet pipe is connected to the first and second branches via control valves. The first and second temperature sensors and the control valves are connected to a controller. This heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer can quickly perform the heating and washing process, improving heating efficiency and effectively saving overall energy consumption, avoiding problems with high electrical load.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of washing machine manufacturing technology, specifically to a heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer, a control method for the heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] When a heat pump washer-dryer executes the drying program, the compressor generates a large amount of heat, which can easily cause the compressor and other components to overheat, affecting the washer-dryer's efficiency. Heating the water to the set temperature is also energy-intensive, and simultaneous heating and drying in multi-tub washer-dryers further increases the load. Current multi-tub washer-dryers reduce the power load by alternating or sequential heating, but this method results in longer drying and washing times and poorer performance. For example, patent CN111041774A discloses a heating control method that determines the heating time of the first and second modules, the total heating time, and the heating sequence, which can reduce the power load but still leads to longer drying and washing times. Patent CN114645403A discloses a washing heating method that controls the alternating heating of the first and second tubs based on the current heating mode of the second tub in a multi-tub washer-dryer. Compared to traditional sequential heating methods, this provides better washing results, but does not significantly improve energy efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One of the objectives of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer that can quickly perform the heating and washing process, improve heating efficiency, and effectively save overall energy consumption, thus avoiding the problem of high electrical load.

[0004] The second objective of this invention is to provide a control method for a heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer.

[0005] To achieve one of the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer is provided, including a heat pump compressor connected to a plurality of washing tubs, each of the plurality of washing tubs being provided with a heating module, and a water storage tank connected to the water storage tank, the water storage tank being connected to a water inlet pipe, the water inlet pipe being divided into a first branch and a second branch, the water from the first branch flowing through the heat pump compressor and stored in the water storage tank, the second branch being connected to each washing tub, and the water storage tank being connected to each washing tub.

[0007] The water storage tank is equipped with a first temperature sensor, and the washing tub is equipped with a second temperature sensor.

[0008] The inlet pipe is connected to the first branch and the second branch respectively via a control valve;

[0009] The first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the control valve are respectively connected to the controller.

[0010] In some embodiments, the body of the heat pump compressor is disposed inside the water storage tank.

[0011] In some embodiments, each washing tub is connected to a multi-directional water valve at its water inlet, the multi-directional water valve being able to communicate with the water storage tank and the second branch respectively, and the multi-directional water valve being connected to the controller.

[0012] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of washing tubs is provided with a water outlet, and all water outlets converge into a drain pipe.

[0013] In some embodiments, the drain pipe drains water via a drain pump.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer of the present invention:

[0015] (1) The heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer of the present invention connects the heat pump compressor to the water storage tank. When the washer-dryer is in the drying process, the pump compressor will generate a lot of heat. The heat of the heat pump compressor is cooled by water flow to recover the waste heat of the heat pump. The cooled water is stored in the water storage tank. The hot water can be directly used in the heating washing process, which effectively overcomes the problem of high energy consumption caused by the traditional method of relying solely on the heating module to heat water. It also avoids the problem of excessive power load. At the same time, the hot water in the water storage tank can be used directly, which shortens the heating time and improves the working effect of the heating washing process. That is, it effectively reduces the heating washing time of the heat pump washer-dryer, improves heating efficiency, and reduces heating power consumption. It optimizes the washing and drying processes, improves washing and drying efficiency, and enhances user experience.

[0016] (2) The heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer of the present invention effectively recovers the heat of the heat pump compressor, avoids the problem of compressor overheating when the heat pump washer-dryer performs the drying process, and reuses the heat generated by the compressor to reduce energy consumption and save energy and protect the environment.

[0017] (3) The heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer of the present invention uses the heat generated by the compressor of the heat pump washer-dryer to heat the washing water and keep it warm. As an auxiliary heating method, it can prevent the compressor from overheating and save the electricity for heating the washing water.

[0018] To achieve the second objective mentioned above, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0019] A control method for a heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer is provided. Using the aforementioned heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer, the water temperature in the storage tank is set to T, and the preset water temperature for heating and washing is Ts. The control method includes the following steps:

[0020] Determine the process procedure.

[0021] If the process involves both drying and heating / washing, determine if T > Ts. If yes, control the water tank and the second branch to supply water to the washing tub until the water temperature in the tub reaches Ts. If not, perform the following judgment:

[0022] Determine whether the drying process should be executed before the heating and washing process. If so, during the drying process, the heat pump compressor simultaneously heats the water in the storage tank. After the drying process is completed, determine whether T > Ts. If so, control both the storage tank and the second branch to supply water to the washing tub until the water temperature in the washing tub reaches Ts. If not, perform the following control: when T < Ts, control the storage tank to supply water to the washing tub and simultaneously start the heating module until the water temperature in the washing tub reaches Ts; when T = Ts, only control the storage tank to supply water to the washing tub.

[0023] If it is only a drying process, the heat pump compressor heats the water in the storage tank for later use;

[0024] If it is only a heating washing program, then determine whether T > Ts. If yes, control the water storage tank and the second branch to supply water to the washing tub until the water temperature in the washing tub is Ts. If no, then perform the following control: when T < Ts, control the water storage tank to supply water to the washing tub and start the heating module until the water temperature in the washing tub is Ts. When T = Ts, only control the water storage tank to supply water to the washing tub.

[0025] In some implementations, if the washing program is without heating, only the second branch is controlled to deliver water to the washing tub.

[0026] In some implementations, the value of Ts is 40–90°C.

[0027] In some implementations, the drying process is represented by H, where H=1 indicates that there is a drying process and H=0 indicates that there is no drying process.

[0028] The washing process is represented by X, where X=1 indicates that the washing process involves heating, and X=0 indicates that the washing process does not involve heating.

[0029] The order in which the drying process and the heating and washing process are executed is represented by t, where t>0 means that the drying process is executed first and then the heating and washing process is executed, t<0 means that the heating and washing process is executed first and then the drying process is executed. When the drying process and the heating and washing process are executed simultaneously, the drying process is executed first and is represented by t>0.

[0030] The beneficial effects of the control method for a heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer of the present invention are as follows:

[0031] The control method of the heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer of the present invention uses water cooling to cool the compressor of the heat pump washer-dryer. The heat generated by the compressor during operation is used to heat the water to the set washing temperature and store it in an insulated water tank. When the washer-dryer needs to perform heated washing, the temperature of the water in the water tank is compared with the set temperature. If the water temperature in the water tank is lower than or equal to the set temperature, the water in the water tank is used for heated washing, reducing the heating time. If the water temperature in the water tank is higher than the set temperature, tap water is injected into the water tank until the water temperature equals the set temperature, and the water in the water tank is used directly for heated washing without additional heating. Because multi-tub washer-dryers involve multiple washing methods and complex processes, including situations where heating is not required, multiple tubs are heated simultaneously, or only one tub is heated, the control method also includes monitoring the overall washing process. It compares whether each tub's washing process includes both drying and heating / washing cycles, determining the order of these two cycles. If both drying and washing cycles are present, or if drying is present but washing is absent, the compressor heats the water in the storage tank to the set temperature during the drying process. If washing is present but drying is absent, the water in the storage tank is used directly for washing, minimizing heating time.

[0032] A computer-readable storage medium is also provided, which stores a computer program that is read and executed by a processor to implement the above-described control method for a heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer of the embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the control method of the heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer in this embodiment.

[0035] Figure Labels

[0036] Heat pump compressor 1; washing tub 2; water inlet pipe 3, first branch 31, second branch 32; control valve 4; multi-way water valve 8; water outlet 9; drain pipe 10; drain pump 11; water storage tank 12. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0038] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The singular forms “a” and “the” as used in this invention and the appended claims are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0039] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used in this invention to describe various information, this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this invention, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Thus, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] The heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer disclosed in this embodiment Figure 1 As shown, the system includes a heat pump compressor 1 connected to several washing tubs 2, each of which is equipped with a heating module. It also includes a water storage tank 12 connected to an inlet pipe 3, which branches into a first branch 31 and a second branch 32. Water from the first branch 31 flows through the heat pump compressor 1 and is stored in the water storage tank 12. The second branch 32 is connected to each washing tub 2, and at this point, it carries water at normal temperature, such as tap water. The water storage tank 12 is equipped with a first temperature sensor, and each washing tub 2 is equipped with a second temperature sensor. The inlet pipe 3 is connected to the first branch 31 and the second branch 32 via a control valve 4. The first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the control valve 4 are all connected to a controller.

[0042] The aforementioned heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer connects the heat pump compressor 1 to the water storage tank 12. During the drying process, the compressor generates a large amount of heat. This heat is recovered by cooling the compressor 1 with water flow, thus recovering the heat. The cooled water is stored in the water storage tank 12, and this hot water can be directly used to heat the washing process. This effectively overcomes the problem of high energy consumption caused by relying solely on a heating module to heat water, and also avoids excessive electrical load. Furthermore, the hot water in the storage tank 12 can be used directly, shortening the heating time and improving the efficiency of the washing process. In short, it effectively reduces the heating time of the heat pump washer-dryer, improves heating efficiency, and reduces power consumption; it optimizes the washing and drying processes, improving washing and drying efficiency and enhancing the user experience; and it effectively recovers the heat from the heat pump compressor 1, preventing overheating of the compressor during the drying process, thus reusing the heat generated by the compressor, reducing energy consumption, and promoting energy conservation and environmental protection.

[0043] In this embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, the body of the heat pump compressor 1 is disposed in the water storage tank 12.

[0044] Placing the heat pump compressor 1 inside the water storage tank 12 not only saves space but also fully cools the heat pump compressor 1, allowing for full heat recovery.

[0045] In this embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, each washing tub 2 has a multi-directional water valve 8 connected to its water inlet. The multi-directional water valve 8 is connected to both the water storage tank 12 and the second branch 32, and is also connected to the controller. The multi-directional water valve 8 can be a single-inlet, double-outlet valve. By adjusting the flow direction of the multi-directional water valve 8, both the water storage tank 12 and the second branch 32 can be connected to each washing tub 2. Simultaneously, the controller can distribute hot water and tap water.

[0046] In this embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, each of the several washing tubs 2 is equipped with a water outlet 9, and all water outlets 9 converge into a drain pipe 10. Each washing tub 2 drains water through the drain pipe 10.

[0047] In this embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, the drain pipe 10 drains water through the drain pump 11. The drain pump 11 can increase the drainage speed.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] The control method for the heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer disclosed in this embodiment uses the heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer of Embodiment 1. Figure 2 As shown, the water temperature in the water storage tank 12 is set to T, and the preset water temperature for heating and washing is Ts. The control method includes the following steps:

[0050] Determine the process procedure.

[0051] If the process involves both drying and heating / washing, determine if T > Ts. If yes, control the water storage tank 12 and the second branch 32 to supply water to the washing tub 2 until the water temperature in the washing tub 2 reaches Ts. If not, perform the following judgment:

[0052] Determine whether the drying process should be executed before the heating and washing process. If so, during the drying process, the heat pump compressor 1 simultaneously heats the water in the water storage tank 12. After the drying process is completed, determine whether T > Ts. If so, control both the water storage tank 12 and the second branch 32 to supply water to the washing tub 2 until the water temperature in the washing tub 2 reaches Ts. If not, perform the following control: when T < Ts, control the water storage tank 12 to supply water to the washing tub 2 and simultaneously start the heating module until the water temperature in the washing tub 2 reaches Ts. When T = Ts, only control the water storage tank 12 to supply water to the washing tub 2.

[0053] If it is only a drying process, the heat pump compressor 1 heats the water in the water storage tank 12 for standby;

[0054] If it is only a heating washing program, then determine whether T > Ts. If yes, then control the water storage tank 12 and the second branch 32 to supply water to the washing tub 2 until the water temperature of the washing tub 2 is Ts. If no, then perform the following control: when T < Ts, control the water storage tank 12 to supply water to the washing tub 2 and start the heating module until the water temperature of the washing tub 2 is Ts. When T = Ts, only control the water storage tank 12 to supply water to the washing tub 2.

[0055] The control method of the above-mentioned heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer uses water cooling to cool the compressor of the heat pump washer-dryer. The heat generated by the compressor during operation is used to heat the water to the set washing temperature and store it in the insulated water tank 12. When the washer-dryer needs to perform heated washing, the temperature of the water in the water tank 12 is compared with the set temperature. If the water temperature in the water tank 12 is lower than or equal to the set temperature, the water in the water tank 12 is used for heated washing, reducing the heating time. If the water temperature in the water tank 12 is higher than the set temperature, tap water is injected into the water tank 12 until the water temperature equals the set temperature, and the water in the water tank 12 is used directly for heated washing without additional heating. Because multi-tub washer-dryers involve multiple washing methods and complex washing processes, including situations where heating is not required, multiple tubs are heated simultaneously, or only one tub is heated, the control method also includes monitoring the overall washing process. It compares whether each tub's washing process includes both drying and heating / washing cycles, determining the order of these two cycles. If both drying and washing cycles are present, or if drying is present but washing is absent, the compressor heats the water in the storage tank 12 to the set temperature during the drying process. If washing is present but drying is absent, the water in the storage tank 12 is used directly for washing, minimizing heating time.

[0056] After the above procedure is completed, if a new washing process needs to be executed, such as changing the washing mode or changing from single-tub washing to multi-tub washing, a new judgment will be made.

[0057] In this embodiment, if the washing program is without heating, only the second branch 32 is controlled to transfer water to the washing tub 2. At this time, no heating is required, the control method is not executed, and the normal washing process can proceed.

[0058] In this embodiment, the value of Ts is 40℃~90℃. This preset value can be set according to actual needs.

[0059] In this embodiment, the drying process is represented by H, where H=1 indicates that there is a drying process and H=0 indicates that there is no drying process.

[0060] The washing process is represented by X, where X=1 indicates that the washing process is heated, and X=0 indicates that the washing process is not heated. The order of execution of the drying process and the heated washing process is represented by t, where t>0 indicates that the drying process is executed first and then the heated washing process is executed, and t<0 indicates that the heated washing process is executed first and then the drying process is executed. When the drying process and the heated washing process are executed simultaneously, the drying process is executed first and is represented by t>0.

[0061] The above markings represent specific execution procedures, making it easy to quickly identify the corresponding processes.

[0062] Example 3

[0063] The computer-readable storage medium disclosed in this embodiment stores a computer program. When the computer program is read and executed by a processor, it implements the control method of the heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer of Embodiment 2.

[0064] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0065] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this application; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0066] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0067] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0068] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer, characterized in that: A heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer is adopted. The heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer includes a heat pump compressor, which is connected to several washing tubs. Each of the several washing tubs is equipped with a heating module. It also includes a water storage tank, which is connected to a water inlet pipe. The water inlet pipe is divided into a first branch and a second branch. The water from the first branch flows through the heat pump compressor and is stored in the water storage tank. The second branch is connected to each washing tub, and the water storage tank is connected to each washing tub. The water storage tank is equipped with a first temperature sensor, and the washing tub is equipped with a second temperature sensor. The inlet pipe is connected to the first branch and the second branch respectively via a control valve; The first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the control valve are respectively connected to the controller; The method includes: setting the water temperature in the water storage tank to T, and the preset water temperature for heating and washing to Ts. The control method includes the following steps: Determine the process procedure. If the process involves both drying and heating / washing, determine if T > Ts. If yes, control the water tank and the second branch to supply water to the washing tub until the water temperature in the tub reaches Ts. If not, perform the following judgment: Determine whether the drying process should be executed before the heating and washing process. If so, during the drying process, the heat pump compressor simultaneously heats the water in the storage tank. After the drying process is completed, determine whether T > Ts. If so, control both the storage tank and the second branch to supply water to the washing tub until the water temperature in the washing tub reaches Ts. If not, perform the following control: when T < Ts, control the storage tank to supply water to the washing tub and simultaneously start the heating module until the water temperature in the washing tub reaches Ts; when T = Ts, only control the storage tank to supply water to the washing tub. If it is only a drying process, the heat pump compressor heats the water in the storage tank for later use; If it is only a heating washing program, then determine whether T > Ts. If yes, control the water storage tank and the second branch to supply water to the washing tub until the water temperature in the washing tub is Ts. If no, then perform the following control: when T < Ts, control the water storage tank to supply water to the washing tub and start the heating module until the water temperature in the washing tub is Ts. When T = Ts, only control the water storage tank to supply water to the washing tub.

2. The control method for a heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: If the washing program is without heating, only the second branch is controlled to transfer water to the washing tub.

3. The control method for a heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The value of Ts is 40–90°C.

4. The control method for a heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drying process is represented by H, where H=1 indicates that there is a drying process and H=0 indicates that there is no drying process. The washing process is represented by X, where X=1 indicates that the washing process involves heating, and X=0 indicates that the washing process does not involve heating. The order in which the drying process and the heating and washing process are executed is represented by t, where t>0 means that the drying process is executed first and then the heating and washing process is executed, and t<0 means that the heating and washing process is executed first and then the drying process is executed. When the drying process and the heating and washing process are executed simultaneously, the drying process is executed first and is represented by t>0.

5. The control method for a heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat pump compressor body is located inside the water storage tank.

6. The control method for a heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer according to claim 5, characterized in that: Each washing tub has a multi-directional water valve connected to its water inlet. The multi-directional water valve can communicate with the water storage tank and the second branch respectively, and the multi-directional water valve is connected to the controller.

7. The control method for a heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the aforementioned washing tubs is equipped with a water outlet, and all water outlets converge into the drain pipe.

8. The control method for a heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer according to claim 7, characterized in that: The drain pipe drains water via a drain pump.

9. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program. The computer program is read and run by the processor to implement the control method of the heat pump multi-tub washer-dryer described in any one of 1-8.

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