Dehumidifier and control method thereof

Abstract

The application provides a dehumidifier and a control method thereof. The dehumidifier comprises a refrigeration system, a water pan, a heating pipe and a regulating valve. The refrigeration system comprises a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and a fan. The heating pipe is arranged below the water pan. The regulating valve is used for adjusting the flow path of refrigerant and is configured to make the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor directly flow into the condenser through a dehumidification branch during a dehumidification process and make the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor flow into the heating pipe and then flow into the condenser through a drying branch during a drying process. The control method comprises the following steps: obtaining an internal drying instruction of the dehumidifier; switching the regulating valve to the drying branch; closing the fan and controlling the compressor to operate alone. The application has the advantages that the internal mildew and bacterial breeding problems caused by long-time residual condensate after the dehumidifier is stopped can be solved, the dehumidifier blowing out the wind with peculiar smell is avoided, and the use experience of the user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The function of a dehumidifier dictates that it operates in environments with generally high humidity. After the machine is turned off, the evaporator, operating at a low temperature, cannot quickly return to the ambient temperature, causing moisture in the air to continue condensing on its surface, resulting in condensation residue on the drip tray. After the dehumidifier is turned off, users often only focus on cleaning the condensation in the water tank, neglecting to dry the condensation on the surfaces of internal components. Furthermore, since the evaporator and drip tray are enclosed within the dehumidifier casing, manual cleaning is difficult and ineffective. Prolonged retention of condensation in humid environments will breed bacteria and produce a musty odor, affecting the user's health.

[0003] Existing solutions for preventing mold inside dehumidifiers involve controlling the fan operation and / or the heating element drying after shutdown. This forced convection drying strategy, achieved by keeping the fan blowing in a fixed direction, may increase condensation on the evaporator surface in the initial shutdown phase. Furthermore, it's difficult to ensure the drying of the drip trays at the bottom of both evaporators. Since the temperature of the condensate in the drip trays is often lower than the ambient temperature, the quality and efficiency of drying are difficult to guarantee. Adding heating elements to increase the direct airflow temperature often results in uneven heating of the air, leading to prolonged ineffective operation of the heating elements, increased energy consumption, and this strategy also fails to guarantee the drying of the drip trays. Additionally, using electric heating in the humid environment inside the dehumidifier may pose safety hazards. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of the first aspect of this invention is to provide a control method for a dehumidifier that enables rapid drying of condensate adhering to the surfaces of the evaporator and the drip tray.

[0005] A further objective of the first aspect of the present invention is to improve the drying quality inside the dehumidifier and save energy.

[0006] The second objective of this invention is to provide a dehumidifier employing the above-described control method.

[0007] Specifically, according to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a control method for a dehumidifier, the dehumidifier including a refrigeration system, a drip tray, a heating element, and a regulating valve, wherein the refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a fan, the heating element is disposed below the drip tray, and the regulating valve is used to regulate the flow path of the refrigerant, configured such that during dehumidification, the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor flows directly into the condenser via a dehumidification branch, and during drying, the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor first flows into the heating element via a drying branch and then into the condenser; and the control method includes:

[0008] Obtain the internal drying command from the dehumidifier;

[0009] Switch the regulating valve to the drying branch;

[0010] Turn off the fan and control the compressor to run independently.

[0011] Optionally, a throttling device is provided between the condenser and the evaporator, and after the step of obtaining the internal drying command of the dehumidifier, the following is also included:

[0012] Reduce the throttling capacity of the throttling device.

[0013] Optionally, after the step of controlling the compressor to operate independently, the method further includes:

[0014] Determine if the compressor has triggered a shutdown protection mechanism;

[0015] If the compressor does not stop, determine whether the compressor's running time has reached the preset target time.

[0016] If so, then turn off the compressor.

[0017] Optionally, after the step of shutting down the compressor, the following steps are also included:

[0018] Start the fan and control it to run in reverse.

[0019] Determine whether the fan has been running in reverse for the preset first duration;

[0020] If so, then turn off the fan.

[0021] Optionally, after determining whether the compressor has experienced a shutdown protection event, the method further includes:

[0022] If the compressor stops due to protection, the fan will be started and controlled to run in reverse.

[0023] Determine whether the fan has been running in reverse for the second preset duration;

[0024] If so, then turn off the fan.

[0025] Optionally, the first duration is determined based on the ambient humidity when the compressor stops;

[0026] The second duration is determined based on the actual running time of the compressor during shutdown and the target duration.

[0027] Optionally, after the step of shutting down the fan, the following steps are also included:

[0028] Output a notification message indicating that the dehumidifier has finished drying inside.

[0029] Optionally, after the step of controlling the compressor to operate independently, the method further includes:

[0030] Determine whether the evaporator coil temperature is greater than the current dew point temperature and whether the humidity of the drip tray is less than or equal to the preset target humidity.

[0031] If so, then turn off the compressor;

[0032] If not, proceed with the step of determining whether the compressor has experienced a shutdown protection event.

[0033] Optionally, after the step of shutting down the compressor, the following steps are also included:

[0034] Start the fan and control it to run in reverse.

[0035] Determine whether the evaporator coil temperature is greater than the current dew point temperature and whether the humidity of the drip tray is less than or equal to the preset target humidity.

[0036] If so, then turn off the fan.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a dehumidifier is provided, including a controller comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing a machine-executable program, which, when executed by the processor, is used to implement the control method of the dehumidifier as described above.

[0038] The dehumidifier control method of this invention includes a heating element located below the water tray. Upon receiving an internal drying command from the dehumidifier, the regulating valve is switched to the drying branch, and the fan is turned off to prevent forced convection heat exchange between the evaporator and condenser. The compressor is then controlled to operate independently, allowing the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant at the compressor exhaust port to flow through the drying branch first into the heating element and then into the condenser. This utilizes the heat from the refrigerant circulation to accelerate the heating of the water tray and evaporator, thereby achieving rapid drying of the water tray and evaporator.

[0039] Furthermore, in the dehumidifier control method of the present invention, the fan is a reversible axial flow fan. After the compressor stops, the fan can be started and controlled to run in reverse. The air delivery sequence is first the condenser and then the evaporator, thereby blowing the heat from the condenser to the evaporator, making full use of the residual heat of the condenser, further ensuring the drying quality and drying efficiency inside the dehumidifier, and also helping to save drying energy consumption.

[0040] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a dehumidifier according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a dehumidifier in the existing technology;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a throttling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a dehumidifier control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a dehumidifier control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a dehumidifier control method according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 8 This is a structural block diagram of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Reference numerals: 10, dehumidifier; 110, compressor; 120, condenser; 130, evaporator; 140, fan; 150, drip tray; 160, heating element; 170, regulating valve; 180, throttling device; 181, dehumidifying capillary tube; 182, drying capillary tube; 183, reversing valve; 190, gas-liquid separator; 210, dehumidifying branch; 220, drying branch; 310, processor; 320, memory; 321, machine-executable program. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a dehumidifier 10 according to an optional embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 1 The dehumidifier 10 may include a refrigeration system, a water tray 150, a heating element 160, and a regulating valve 170.

[0053] The refrigeration system may include a compressor 110, a condenser 120, an evaporator 130, and a fan 140 disposed inside the housing of the dehumidifier 10. A water tray 150 is disposed below the evaporator 130 to collect condensate generated during the operation of the refrigeration system. A heating element 160 is disposed at the bottom of the water tray 150, with one end connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 110 and the other end connected to the air inlet of the condenser 120. A regulating valve 170 is configured to allow the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 110 to flow directly into the condenser 120 during the dehumidification process, and to allow the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 110 to first pass through the heating element 160 before flowing into the condenser 120 during the drying process.

[0054] In this embodiment of the dehumidifier 10, a heating tube 160 is provided at the bottom of the water tray 150. One end of the heating tube 160 is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 110, and the other end is connected to the air inlet of the condenser 120. The regulating valve 170 can allow the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 110 to flow directly into the condenser 120 to achieve the normal dehumidification function of the dehumidifier 10, or allow the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 110 to first flow through the heating tube 160 and then into the condenser 120, thereby using the heat of the refrigerant circulation to accelerate the heating of the water tray 150 and the evaporator 130, thereby achieving rapid drying of the water tray 150 and the evaporator 130.

[0055] A dehumidification branch 210 is provided between the compressor 110 and the condenser 120. When the dehumidification branch 210 is open, refrigerant flowing from the compressor 110 is allowed to flow directly into the condenser 120 via the dehumidification branch 210. A drying branch 220 is provided between the compressor 110 and the heating element 160. When the drying branch 220 is open, refrigerant flowing from the compressor 110 is allowed to flow into the heating element 160 via the drying branch 220. Thus, by switching the opening and closing states of the dehumidification branch 210 and the drying branch 220 by the regulating valve 170, the refrigerant can be selectively allowed to flow directly into the condenser 120 or flow into the condenser 120 via the heating element 160.

[0056] In this embodiment, the heating element 160, the drying branch 220, and the exhaust pipe of the compressor 110 include, but are not limited to, integral molding and welding. The end of the heating element 160 away from the compressor 110 can extend to the dehumidification pipeline, so that the refrigerant flowing through the heating element 160 flows into the condenser 120 through the dehumidification pipeline, or the end of the heating element 160 away from the compressor 110 can extend directly to the condenser 120, so that the refrigerant flowing through the heating element 160 flows directly into the condenser 120.

[0057] Preferably, the heating tubes 160 can be arranged in an S-shape at the bottom of the water receiving tray 150. This increases the contact area between the heating tubes 160 and the water receiving tray 150, thereby allowing the water receiving tray 150 to heat up quickly and accelerate the evaporation and drying of condensate on the surface of the water receiving tray 150.

[0058] It should be noted that the total length of the heating tube 160 should be less than the total length of the condenser tube in the condenser 120. This can control the heat loss of the refrigerant at the water receiving pan 150 and avoid affecting the stable operation of the system due to a large difference in the condensation heat exchange area between drying and dehumidification operations.

[0059] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the regulating valve 170 is a three-way valve. One of the ports of the three-way valve is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 110, and the other two ports are connected to the dehumidification branch 210 and the drying branch 220, respectively. By controlling the reversal of the three-way valve, it is relatively convenient to select whether to conduct the dehumidification branch 210 or the drying branch 220.

[0060] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the regulating valve 170 consists of two two-way valves, which are respectively located on the dehumidification branch 210 and the drying branch 220. When the dehumidifier 10 starts its dehumidification function, the two-way valve on the dehumidification branch 210 can be opened, and the two-way valve on the drying branch 220 can be closed. When the dehumidifier 10 starts its drying function, the two-way valve on the drying branch 220 can be opened, and the two-way valve on the dehumidification branch 210 can be closed.

[0061] Of course, in some other embodiments, the regulating valve 170 may also be other valve combinations that can achieve flow path switching control functions.

[0062] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a dehumidifier 10 in the prior art, showing the airflow direction of the fan 140 when the dehumidifier 10 is turned on. The airflow sequence is first the evaporator 130, then the condenser 120. When the temperature of the evaporator 130 drops below the ambient dew point temperature, the moisture in the air can condense on its surface, thereby reducing the relative humidity of the surrounding environment and achieving the purpose of dehumidification.

[0063] Reference Figure 1 In this embodiment of the invention, the fan 140 is a reversible axial flow fan 140. When the fan 140 rotates in the opposite direction, the air supply direction is also reversed. That is, when it is reversed, the condenser 120 is evaporator 130 first.

[0064] After the dehumidifier 10 starts its drying function, the fan 140 stops, while the compressor 110 continues to run. At this time, the evaporator 130 and condenser 120 cannot perform forced convection heat exchange, reducing the energy exchanged with the outside environment. Meanwhile, the compressor 110 continues to run, and through internal work to drive the motor for heat dissipation and friction of other components, the internal energy of the entire refrigerant circuit, i.e., the heat of the circulation system, increases, mainly reflected in the increased pressure and temperature on the high-pressure side of the refrigerant. Since the input of electrical energy is greater than the total heat output of the evaporator 130 and condenser 120, the internal energy storage of the system increases. This measure directly increases the usable heat at the heating element 160 at the bottom of the drip tray 150 and at the condenser 120, and indirectly allows heat to be carried to the evaporator 130 with the refrigerant flow, accelerating the temperature recovery of the evaporator 130 and improving the overall drying efficiency of the unit.

[0065] Furthermore, after the compressor 110 stops, the control fan 140 reverses, causing the airflow to flow from the condenser 120 to the evaporator 130. This allows the heat from the condenser 120 to be blown to the evaporator 130, making full use of the residual heat of the condenser 120 to dry the water pan 150 and the evaporator 130. This further ensures the drying quality and efficiency inside the dehumidifier 10, which is beneficial for saving energy.

[0066] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, a humidity sensor may be installed at the water receiving tray 150. During the drying operation of the dehumidifier 10, the humidity of the water receiving tray 150 is monitored in real time using the humidity sensor. When the humidity monitoring value of the water receiving tray 150 meets the standard, and the coil temperature of the evaporator 130 is higher than the ambient dew point temperature, and no more condensate is generated on the surface of the evaporator 130, it indicates that the internal drying of the dehumidifier 10 is completed.

[0067] A throttling device 180 can be installed in the fluid path between the condenser 120 and the evaporator 130. When the dehumidifier 10 is turned on for drying, the throttling capacity of the throttling device 180 can be reduced, so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 130 is higher than the temperature during dehumidification operation. The temperature of the evaporator 130 rises, which can reduce the continued condensation of moisture in the air on its surface to a certain extent, that is, reduce the amount of condensate on the surface of the evaporator 130.

[0068] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the throttling device 180 can be an electronic expansion valve with adjustable opening. By adjusting the opening of the electronic expansion valve, the throttling capability of the throttling device 180 can be controlled.

[0069] In another optional embodiment of the present invention, refer to Figure 4The throttling device 180 may include a dehumidifying capillary 181 and a drying capillary 182, wherein the dehumidifying capillary 181 and the drying capillary 182 are arranged in parallel, and the length of the dehumidifying capillary 181 is greater than the length of the drying capillary 182.

[0070] When the dehumidifier 10 is in dehumidification mode, the dehumidification capillary tube 181 can be used alone for throttling. When the dehumidifier 10 is in drying mode, the drying capillary tube 182 can be used alone for throttling. The switching between the dehumidification capillary tube 181 and the drying capillary tube 182 can be achieved through the reversing valve 183. Since the length of the drying capillary tube 182 is shorter than the length of the dehumidification capillary tube 181, the throttling capacity of the throttling device 180 is weakened during drying operation, which can increase the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 130, accelerate the temperature recovery rate of the evaporator 130, and reduce the amount of condensation on the surface of the evaporator 130 after shutdown.

[0071] Furthermore, a gas-liquid separator 190 can be installed on the fluid path at the return port of the compressor 110. When the throttling capacity of the throttling device 180 is weakened, the gas-liquid separator 190 can ensure the refrigerant state at the return port of the compressor 110, avoid liquid slugging in the compressor 110, and help improve the stability of the compressor 110 operation.

[0072] Through actual use of the prototype, the dehumidifier 10 of the present invention can make full use of the heat increased by the refrigerant circulation system when the compressor 110 is running alone, as well as the heat carried by the exhaust, to raise the temperature of the water tray 150 and the evaporator 130, accelerate the evaporation and drying of condensate on the surface of internal components, solve the problem of internal mold and bacterial growth caused by condensate remaining for a long time after shutdown, prevent the dehumidifier 10 from blowing out air with odors, and improve the user experience.

[0073] The present invention also provides a control method for a dehumidifier 10. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a control method for a dehumidifier 10 according to an optional embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 5 The control method includes at least the following steps S502 to S506.

[0074] Step S502: Obtain the internal drying command of the dehumidifier 10.

[0075] Step S504: Switch the regulating valve 170 to the drying branch.

[0076] Step S506: Turn off the fan 140 and control the compressor 110 to run independently.

[0077] In step S502, after the dehumidifier 10 finishes dehumidification operation, the user can then issue an internal drying command to the dehumidifier 10 by pressing the function key.

[0078] In step S504, switching the regulating valve 170 to the drying branch means controlling the flow path of the refrigerant through the regulating valve 170, so that the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 110 flows into the heating tube 160 and then into the condenser 120 through the drying branch.

[0079] Using the control method of the dehumidifier 10 of the present invention, when an internal drying command is received, the regulating valve 170 can be switched to the drying branch, and then the fan 140 can be turned off to prevent forced convection heat exchange between the evaporator 130 and the condenser 120. The compressor 110 is then controlled to run independently, so that the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant at the exhaust port of the compressor 110 flows into the heating pipe 160 and then into the condenser 120 through the drying branch. In this way, the heat from the refrigerant circulation can be used to accelerate the heating of the drip tray 150 and the evaporator 130, thereby achieving rapid drying of the drip tray 150 and the evaporator 130.

[0080] Furthermore, after receiving the internal drying command from the dehumidifier 10, the throttling capacity of the throttling device 180 can be weakened. For example, when the throttling device 180 is an electronic expansion valve with an adjustable opening, the opening of the electronic expansion valve can be increased. When the throttling device 180 consists of a dehumidifying capillary tube 181 and a drying capillary tube 182 connected in parallel, the flow path can be switched to the shorter drying capillary tube 182. In this way, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 130 can be higher than the temperature during dehumidification operation. The temperature rise of the evaporator 130 can, to some extent, reduce the continued condensation of moisture in the air on its surface, reduce the amount of condensate, and facilitate subsequent rapid drying.

[0081] After controlling the compressor 110 to run independently, it is also possible to determine whether the compressor 110 has stopped. If the compressor 110 has not stopped, it is possible to determine whether the running time of the compressor 110 has reached the preset target time. When the running time of the compressor 110 reaches the preset target time, the compressor 110 is then turned off.

[0082] It is understandable that the higher the ambient humidity of the environment where the dehumidifier 10 is located, the more condensation will be on the surface of the coil of the evaporator 130 after the dehumidifier 10 is turned off, and the slower the evaporation rate of the condensate will be. Therefore, the preset target duration should be extended as the monitored value of the ambient humidity before the dehumidifier is turned off increases. The ambient humidity can be monitored in real time by the ambient temperature and humidity sensor configured in the dehumidifier 10.

[0083] Furthermore, after shutting down the compressor 110, the fan 140 can be started and controlled to run in reverse. The air supply sequence is condenser 120 first, then evaporator 130, so that the heat at the condenser 120 is blown to the evaporator 130, making full use of the residual heat of the condenser 120. Then, it is determined whether the reverse running time of the fan 140 has reached the preset first time. When the reverse running time of the fan 140 reaches the preset first time, the fan 140 is shut down.

[0084] In this way, when the fan 140 is turned off and the compressor 110 is running alone, the heat carried by the exhaust of the compressor 110 can be used to dry the water tray 150 to a certain extent. Then the compressor 110 is turned off, the fan 140 is turned on and controlled to reverse, and the residual heat at the condenser 120 is used to completely dry the water tray 150 and the evaporator 130, thereby improving the drying quality inside the dehumidifier 10 and saving drying energy consumption.

[0085] It is understandable that the higher the ambient humidity of the environment where the dehumidifier 10 is located, the higher the dew point temperature of the air at the same temperature, and the higher the temperature that the evaporator 130 needs to rise. Therefore, the first duration should be extended as the monitored value of the ambient humidity before the compressor 110 stops increases.

[0086] After determining whether compressor 110 has stopped, if compressor 110 has stopped, fan 140 can be started and controlled to run in reverse. Then, it is determined whether the reverse running time of fan 140 has reached the preset second time. When the reverse running time of fan 140 reaches the preset second time, fan 140 is then turned off.

[0087] It is understandable that the compressor 110 stopped for protection, resulting in its actual running time being less than the preset target time. As a result, the dehumidifier 10 did not reach the expected level of dryness. Therefore, the second time should be determined based on the actual running time of the compressor 110 before it stopped and the target time.

[0088] Specifically, the greater the proportion of the actual running time of compressor 110 to the target time, the shorter the extension time required for the second time of fan 140 reversal based on the first time. For example, when the ratio of the actual running time to the target time is less than 50%, the second time of fan 140 reversal is increased by 3 minutes based on the first time; when the ratio is greater than or equal to 50%, the second time is increased by 1.5 minutes based on the first time.

[0089] After the fan 140 is shut down due to the first or second duration of its reverse operation, it can still output a notification message indicating that the dehumidifier 10 has finished drying. The notification message may include, but is not limited to, flashing lights, voice prompts, and beeps, to promptly remind the user that the dehumidifier 10 has finished drying.

[0090] After controlling the compressor 110 to run independently, it can also be determined whether the coil temperature of the evaporator 130 is greater than the current dew point temperature and whether the humidity of the water tray 150 is less than or equal to the preset target humidity. When the coil temperature of the evaporator 130 is greater than the current dew point temperature and the humidity of the water tray 150 is less than or equal to the preset target humidity, the compressor 110 is then turned off.

[0091] It is understood that the internal drying conditions of the dehumidifier 10 are equivalent to the following: the coil temperature of the evaporator 130 is greater than the current dew point temperature and the humidity of the water tray 150 is less than or equal to the preset target humidity. If the compressor 110 reaches the drying completion condition before the target time and no shutdown protection occurs during operation, the compressor 110 can be directly shut down and the user will be alerted that drying is complete.

[0092] Furthermore, after the compressor 110 shuts down due to shutdown protection or after running for the target duration, the fan 140 can be started and controlled to run in reverse. Then, it is determined whether the coil temperature of the evaporator 130 is greater than the current dew point temperature and whether the humidity of the water tray 150 is less than or equal to the preset target humidity. When the coil temperature of the evaporator 130 is greater than the current dew point temperature and the humidity of the water tray 150 is less than or equal to the preset target humidity, the fan 140 is then shut down.

[0093] It is understandable that if the compressor 110 experiences a shutdown protection event, resulting in an actual running time shorter than the preset target time, and the drying completion conditions are not met during operation, then the fan 140 will be controlled to run in reverse after the compressor 110 stops, until the drying completion conditions are met. Similarly, if the compressor 110 runs for the preset target time without experiencing a shutdown protection event, and the drying completion conditions are still not met, then the fan 140 will also be controlled to run in reverse after the compressor 110 stops, until the drying completion conditions are met.

[0094] It should be noted that the dew point temperature in this embodiment refers to the dew point temperature corresponding to the dry bulb temperature and relative humidity monitored in real time by the ambient temperature and humidity sensor configured in the dehumidifier 10. Specifically, the corresponding dew point temperature data can be obtained by calculation software or data charts within the temperature range of (5℃, 40℃) and the relative humidity range of (10%, 90%), with no limit on the interval between intervals, and preset in the data storage unit of the dehumidifier 10.

[0095] In addition, big data surveys show that when the humidity of the air or object surface reaches 40% or more, mold will grow rapidly and mold is likely to occur. Therefore, the humidity judgment value of the water tray 150 in the drying completion conditions should not exceed 30% at most. The judgment value setting can be changed according to actual needs.

[0096] In this embodiment, when determining the drying completion conditions, the monitored value of the coil temperature of the evaporator 130 should be greater than the dew point temperature of the operating environment for at least 30 seconds, and the monitored value of the humidity on the surface of the water receiving pan 150 should be less than or equal to 20% for at least 30 seconds, so as to improve the accuracy of the determination.

[0097] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a control method for a dehumidifier 10 according to an optional embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 6 The control method includes at least the following steps S602 to S626.

[0098] Step S602: Obtain the internal drying command of the dehumidifier 10.

[0099] Step S604: Switch the regulating valve 170 to the drying branch.

[0100] Step S606: Reduce the throttling capacity of the throttling device 180.

[0101] It should be noted that the order of steps S606 and S604 can be interchanged or performed simultaneously, and the present invention does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0102] Step S608: Turn off the fan 140 and control the compressor 110 to run independently.

[0103] Step S610: Determine whether compressor 110 has experienced a shutdown protection event. If yes, proceed to step S624; otherwise, proceed to step S612.

[0104] Step S612: Determine whether the running time of compressor 110 has reached the preset target time. If yes, proceed to step S614; otherwise, proceed to step S610.

[0105] In this step, the target duration can be determined based on the ambient humidity when the fan 140 is shut down, and the higher the ambient humidity, the longer the target duration.

[0106] Step S614: Turn off compressor 110.

[0107] Step S616: Start the fan 140 and control the fan 140 to run in reverse.

[0108] Step S618: Determine whether the running time of the fan 140 in reverse has reached the preset first time. If yes, proceed to step S620; otherwise, continue to wait.

[0109] In this step, the first duration can be determined based on the ambient humidity when the compressor 110 stops, and the higher the ambient humidity, the longer the first duration.

[0110] Step S620: Turn off fan 140.

[0111] Step S622: Output a notification message indicating that the dehumidifier 10 has finished drying.

[0112] Step S624: Start the fan 140 and control the fan 140 to run in reverse.

[0113] Step S626: Determine whether the running time of the fan 140 in reverse has reached the preset second duration. If yes, proceed to step S620; otherwise, continue waiting.

[0114] It should be noted that the specific duration can be determined based on the ratio of the actual running time of compressor 110 before it stops to its target duration. The larger the ratio, the longer the second duration will be extended from the first duration.

[0115] Figure 7 A flowchart of a control method for a dehumidifier 10 according to another optional embodiment of the present invention is shown below. Figure 7 The control method includes at least the following steps S702 to S726.

[0116] Step S702: Obtain the internal drying command of the dehumidifier 10.

[0117] Step S704: Switch the regulating valve 170 to the drying branch.

[0118] Step S706: Reduce the throttling capacity of the throttling device 180.

[0119] It should be noted that the order of steps S706 and S704 can be interchanged or performed simultaneously, and the present invention does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0120] Step S708: Turn off fan 140 and control compressor 110 to run independently.

[0121] Step S710: Determine whether the coil temperature of the evaporator 130 is greater than the current dew point temperature and whether the humidity of the water tray 150 is less than or equal to the preset target humidity. If yes, proceed to step S726; otherwise, proceed to step S712.

[0122] Step S712: Determine whether compressor 110 has experienced a shutdown protection event. If yes, proceed to step S718; otherwise, proceed to step S714.

[0123] Step S714: Determine whether the running time of compressor 110 has reached the preset target time. If yes, proceed to step S716; otherwise, proceed to step S710.

[0124] In this step, the target duration can be determined based on the ambient humidity when the fan 140 is shut down, and the higher the ambient humidity, the longer the target duration.

[0125] Step S716: Turn off compressor 110.

[0126] Step S718: Start the fan 140 and control the fan 140 to run in reverse.

[0127] Step S720: Determine whether the coil temperature of the evaporator 130 is greater than the current dew point temperature and whether the humidity of the water tray 150 is less than or equal to the preset target humidity. If yes, proceed to step S722; otherwise, continue to wait.

[0128] Step S722, shut down fan 140.

[0129] Step S724: Output a notification message indicating that the dehumidifier 10 has finished drying.

[0130] Step S726: Turn off compressor 110 and output a prompt message indicating that drying inside dehumidifier 10 is complete.

[0131] The present invention also provides a dehumidifier 10, Figure 8 This is a structural block diagram of a dehumidifier 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 8 The dehumidifier 10 may include a controller, which may include a processor 310 and a memory 320. The memory 320 stores a machine-executable program 321. When the machine-executable program 321 is executed by the processor 310, it is used to implement the control method of the dehumidifier 10 in this embodiment.

[0132] The controller can be electrically connected to the compressor 110, fan 140, etc., and is used to start and stop the compressor 110 and fan 140, as well as adjust the operating parameters of the compressor 110 and fan 140.

[0133] The processor 310 can be a central processing unit (CPU) or a digital processing unit, etc. The processor 310 sends and receives data via a communication interface. The memory 320 is used to store the machine-executable program 321. The memory 320 can be any medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer; it can also be a combination of multiple memories 320. The aforementioned machine-executable program 321 can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to the appropriate computing / processing device or downloaded and installed on the dehumidifier 10 via a network (e.g., the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network).

[0134] Those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise specified, the terms used to indicate orientation or positional relationship in the embodiments of the present invention are based on the actual use state of the dehumidifier 10. These terms are only for the purpose of describing and understanding the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0135] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0136] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0137] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A control method for a dehumidifier, the dehumidifier comprising a refrigeration system, a water tray, a heating element, and a regulating valve, wherein, The refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a fan. The heating element is located below the drip tray. The regulating valve is used to regulate the flow path of the refrigerant, configured such that during dehumidification, the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor flows directly into the condenser via the dehumidification branch; and during drying, the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor flows into the heating element via the drying branch and then into the condenser. The control method includes: Obtain the internal drying command of the dehumidifier; Switch the regulating valve to the drying branch; The fan is turned off, and the compressor is controlled to operate independently.

2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein, A throttling device is provided between the condenser and the evaporator. After the step of obtaining the internal drying command of the dehumidifier, the method further includes: The throttling capability of the throttling device is reduced.

3. The control method according to claim 1, wherein, Following the step of controlling the compressor to operate independently, the method further includes: Determine whether the compressor has experienced a shutdown protection event; If the compressor does not experience a shutdown protection event, then determine whether the compressor's operating time has reached the preset target duration. If so, then shut down the compressor.

4. The control method according to claim 3, wherein, Following the step of shutting down the compressor, the following is also included: Start the fan and control it to run in reverse. Determine whether the duration of the fan reversal operation has reached a preset first duration; If so, then shut down the fan.

5. The control method according to claim 4, wherein, After determining whether the compressor has experienced a shutdown protection event, the method further includes: If the compressor experiences a shutdown protection event, the fan is started and controlled to run in reverse. Determine whether the duration of the fan reversal operation has reached a preset second duration; If so, then shut down the fan.

6. The control method according to claim 5, wherein, The first duration is determined based on the ambient humidity when the compressor stops; The second duration is determined based on the actual running time of the compressor shutdown and the target duration.

7. The control method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, After the step of shutting down the fan, the following steps are also included: Output a notification message indicating that the dehumidifier has finished drying inside.

8. The control method according to claim 3, wherein, Following the step of controlling the compressor to operate independently, the method further includes: Determine whether the coil temperature of the evaporator is greater than the current dew point temperature, and whether the humidity of the water collection tray is less than or equal to the preset target humidity; If so, then shut down the compressor; If not, proceed with the step of determining whether the compressor has experienced a shutdown protection event.

9. The control method according to claim 3, wherein, Following the step of shutting down the compressor, the following is also included: Start the fan and control the fan to run in reverse; Determine whether the coil temperature of the evaporator is greater than the current dew point temperature, and whether the humidity of the water collection tray is less than or equal to the preset target humidity; If so, then shut down the fan.

10. A dehumidifier, comprising a controller including a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a machine-executable program, which, when executed by the processor, is used to implement the control method of the dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1-9.

Images