A heat pump system, a control method thereof, and a laundry care apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of heat pump, disclose a kind of heat pump system, its control method and clothes care equipment.The heat pump system includes compressor, main condenser, auxiliary condenser, throttling element, main evaporator and auxiliary evaporator, the import of main condenser and auxiliary condenser is communicated with the outlet of compressor, the import of auxiliary condenser is set with first switch valve on the communication line of the outlet of compressor, the outlet of main condenser and auxiliary condenser is communicated with the import of throttling element;The import of main evaporator and auxiliary evaporator is communicated with the outlet of throttling element, the import of auxiliary evaporator is set with second switch valve on the communication line of the outlet of throttling element, the outlet of main evaporator and auxiliary evaporator is communicated with the import of compressor.By the opening and closing of first switch valve and second switch valve, auxiliary evaporator and auxiliary condenser can selectively participate in work, and the configuration of heat exchanger can be changed according to different loads, and the flexibility is strong.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heat pump technology, and more particularly to a heat pump system, its control method, and clothing care equipment. Background Technology

[0002] A heat pump system generally consists of four parts: a compressor, a condenser, a throttling element, and an evaporator. Its working process is as follows: Low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant in the evaporator enters the compressor. The compressor compresses the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which is then transported to the condenser. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is condensed into a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. This liquid refrigerant is then throttled by the throttling element into a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant. This low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant then enters the evaporator, where it absorbs heat and becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, thus completing one cycle. In other words, by continuously performing the thermodynamic cycle of evaporation (absorbing heat from the outdoor environment) → compression → condensation (releasing heat in the drying chamber) → throttling → re-evaporation, heat from the external low-temperature environment is transferred to the drying chamber. The refrigerant circulates within the system under the action of the compressor.

[0003] Currently, heat pump systems in garment care equipment generally use a single-volume heat exchanger (condenser and evaporator) for drying clothes. The drawback is that the amount of heat required for drying varies with the load capacity. If the heat exchanger is small, a large drying load at a time can lead to system overload, posing a risk of high refrigerant pressure and hindering rapid drying. Conversely, a large heat exchanger, with a smaller drying load, cannot fully utilize its capacity, resulting in energy waste, slow temperature rise, and long drying times.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a heat pump system, its control method, and clothing care equipment to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a heat pump system, its control method, and clothing care equipment that are highly flexible, have a high drying rate, and do not cause energy waste.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A heat pump system, comprising:

[0008] compressor;

[0009] The main condenser and the auxiliary condenser are connected in parallel. The inlets of both the main condenser and the auxiliary condenser are connected to the outlet of the compressor, and a first switching valve is provided on the connecting pipeline between the inlet of the auxiliary condenser and the outlet of the compressor.

[0010] A throttling element is provided, wherein the outlets of both the main condenser and the auxiliary condenser are connected to the inlet of the throttling element;

[0011] The main evaporator and the auxiliary evaporator are connected in parallel. The inlets of both the main evaporator and the auxiliary evaporator are connected to the outlet of the throttling element. A second switching valve is provided on the connecting pipeline between the inlet of the auxiliary evaporator and the outlet of the throttling element. The outlets of both the main evaporator and the auxiliary evaporator are connected to the inlet of the compressor.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution for the heat pump system, it also includes a first baffle and a first driving member. The first baffle is rotatably disposed at the vent of the auxiliary condenser, and the first driving member can drive the first baffle to switch between a closed state (closing the vent of the auxiliary condenser) and an open state (opening the vent of the auxiliary condenser).

[0013] As a preferred technical solution for a heat pump system, the first driving component is a stepper motor.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution for the heat pump system, it also includes a second baffle and a second driving member. The second baffle is rotatably disposed at the vent of the auxiliary evaporator, and the second driving member can drive the second baffle to switch between a closed state (closing the vent of the auxiliary evaporator) and an open state (opening the vent of the auxiliary evaporator).

[0015] As a preferred technical solution for a heat pump system, the second driving component is a stepper motor.

[0016] As a preferred technical solution for the heat pump system, it also includes a casing, in which the main condenser, the auxiliary condenser, the main evaporator, and the auxiliary evaporator are all disposed.

[0017] As a preferred technical solution for heat pump systems, the throttling element is a capillary tube or an electronic expansion valve.

[0018] As a preferred technical solution for a heat pump system, both the first switching valve and the second switching valve are shut-off valves.

[0019] A control method for a heat pump system, applied to any of the above-described heat pump systems, includes:

[0020] When the load is less than the first set value, both the first and second switching valves are kept closed.

[0021] When the load is greater than or equal to the first set value and less than the second set value, the first switch valve is opened and the second switch valve remains closed.

[0022] When the load is greater than or equal to the second set value, the first and second switching valves are opened simultaneously.

[0023] A garment care device comprising a heat pump system as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0025] This invention provides a heat pump system and its control method. In addition to the main evaporator and main condenser, an auxiliary evaporator and an auxiliary condenser are also provided. By opening and closing the first and second switching valves, the auxiliary evaporator and auxiliary condenser can be selectively engaged in operation. This allows the configuration of the heat exchanger to be changed according to different loads, resulting in high flexibility, high drying rate, and no energy waste. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the heat pump system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] In the picture:

[0028] 10. Compressor; 21. Main condenser; 22. Auxiliary condenser; 30. Throttling element; 41. Main evaporator; 42. Auxiliary evaporator; 51. First switching valve; 52. Second switching valve; 61. First baffle; 62. Second baffle; 70. Housing. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, not all of them.

[0030] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0032] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a heat pump system, including a compressor 10, a main condenser 21, an auxiliary condenser 22, a throttling element 30, a main evaporator 41, and an auxiliary evaporator 42. The main condenser 21 and the auxiliary condenser 22 are connected in parallel, with their inlets connected to the outlet of the compressor 10. A first switching valve 51 is installed on the connecting pipe between the inlet of the auxiliary condenser 22 and the outlet of the compressor 10. The outlets of both the main condenser 21 and the auxiliary condenser 22 are connected to the inlet of the throttling element 30. Similarly, the main evaporator 41 and the auxiliary evaporator 42 are connected in parallel, with their inlets connected to the outlet of the throttling element 30. A second switching valve 52 is installed on the connecting pipe between the inlet of the auxiliary evaporator 42 and the outlet of the throttling element 30. The outlets of both the main evaporator 41 and the auxiliary evaporator 42 are connected to the inlet of the compressor 10. Preferably, both the first switching valve 51 and the second switching valve 52 are shut-off valves.

[0034] When the load is less than the first set value (generally set to less than 2kg), both the first switch valve 51 and the second switch valve 52 remain closed. At this time, only the main condenser 21 and the main evaporator 41 are engaged, ensuring a rapid completion of the drying process without energy waste. When the load is greater than or equal to the first set value and less than the second set value (generally set to greater than or equal to 2kg and less than 6kg), the first switch valve 51 is opened, and the second switch valve 52 remains closed. At this time, the main condenser 21 and the auxiliary condenser 22 work simultaneously, and the main evaporator 41 also works, increasing the condensing pressure of the condenser and ensuring that the drying circulating air can heat up quickly to complete the clothes drying process as soon as possible. When the load is greater than or equal to the second set value (generally set to greater than or equal to 6kg), the first switch valve 51 and the second switch valve 52 are opened simultaneously. At this time, the main condenser 21 and the auxiliary condenser 22 work simultaneously, and the main evaporator 41 and the auxiliary evaporator 42 also work simultaneously. The system heat exchanger is enlarged, effectively improving the drying rate.

[0035] The heat pump system provided by the present invention, in addition to the main evaporator 41 and the main condenser 21, also includes an auxiliary evaporator 42 and an auxiliary condenser 22. By opening and closing the first switching valve 51 and the second switching valve 52, the auxiliary evaporator 42 and the auxiliary condenser 22 can selectively participate in the operation. This allows the configuration of the heat exchanger to be changed according to different loads, providing high flexibility, high drying rate, and no energy waste.

[0036] In this embodiment, the heat pump system further includes a first baffle 61 and a first driving member. The first baffle 61 is rotatably disposed at the vent of the auxiliary condenser 22. The first driving member can drive the first baffle 61 to switch between a closed state (closing the vent of the auxiliary condenser 22) and an open state (opening the vent of the auxiliary condenser 22). When the first switching valve 51 is closed, the first driving member drives the first baffle 61 to switch to the closed state; when the first switching valve 51 is open, the first driving member drives the first baffle 61 to switch to the open state. Through the above arrangement, it can be ensured that when the auxiliary condenser 22 is not operating, the circulating air cannot pass through the auxiliary condenser 22, but can only pass through the main condenser 21, thus ensuring the airflow of the main condenser 21; simultaneously, it can be ensured that when the auxiliary condenser 22 is operating, the circulating air can pass through the auxiliary condenser 22. Preferably, the first driving member is a stepper motor.

[0037] In this embodiment, the heat pump system further includes a second baffle 62 and a second driving member. The second baffle 62 is rotatably disposed at the vent of the auxiliary evaporator 42. The second driving member can drive the second baffle 62 to switch between a closed state (closing the vent of the auxiliary evaporator 42) and an open state (opening the vent of the auxiliary evaporator 42). When the second switching valve 52 is closed, the second driving member drives the second baffle 62 to switch to the closed state; when the second switching valve 52 is open, the second driving member drives the second baffle 62 to switch to the open state. This configuration ensures that when the auxiliary evaporator 42 is not operating, the circulating air cannot pass through the auxiliary evaporator 42 but can only pass through the main evaporator 41, thus ensuring the airflow of the main evaporator 41; simultaneously, it ensures that when the auxiliary evaporator 42 is operating, the circulating air can pass through the auxiliary evaporator 42. Preferably, the second driving member is a stepper motor.

[0038] In this embodiment, the heat pump system further includes a casing 70, within which the main condenser 21, auxiliary condenser 22, main evaporator 41, and auxiliary evaporator 42 are all housed. By providing the casing 70, physical protection is provided for the main condenser 21, auxiliary condenser 22, main evaporator 41, and auxiliary evaporator 42, thereby improving their service life.

[0039] In this embodiment, the throttling element 30 is a capillary tube or an electronic expansion valve.

[0040] The present invention also provides a garment care device, including the heat pump system described above. By employing the above-described heat pump system, the configuration of the heat exchanger can be changed according to different loads, providing high flexibility, high drying rate, and no energy waste.

[0041] In this embodiment, the garment care device is a dryer or a washer-dryer combo, but is not limited to these.

[0042] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a heat pump system, characterized in that, Applied to a heat pump system, the heat pump system comprising: Compressor (10); The main condenser (21) and the auxiliary condenser (22) are connected in parallel. The inlets of the main condenser (21) and the auxiliary condenser (22) are connected to the outlet of the compressor (10). A first switching valve (51) is provided on the connecting pipeline between the inlet of the auxiliary condenser (22) and the outlet of the compressor (10). The outlets of the main condenser (21) and the auxiliary condenser (22) are connected to the inlet of the throttling element (30); The main evaporator (41) and the auxiliary evaporator (42) are connected in parallel. The inlets of the main evaporator (41) and the auxiliary evaporator (42) are both connected to the outlet of the throttling element (30). A second switching valve (52) is provided on the connecting pipe between the inlet of the auxiliary evaporator (42) and the outlet of the throttling element (30). The outlets of the main evaporator (41) and the auxiliary evaporator (42) are both connected to the inlet of the compressor (10). A first baffle (61) and a first driving member, wherein the first baffle (61) is rotatably disposed at the vent of the auxiliary condenser (22), and the first driving member is capable of driving the first baffle (61) to switch between a closed state that closes the vent of the auxiliary condenser (22) and an open state that opens the vent of the auxiliary condenser (22); The second baffle (62) and the second driving member are provided. The second baffle (62) is rotatably disposed at the vent of the auxiliary evaporator (42). The second driving member can drive the second baffle (62) to switch between a closed state that closes the vent of the auxiliary evaporator (42) and an open state that opens the vent of the auxiliary evaporator (42). The control method for the heat pump system includes: When the load is less than the first set value, both the first switching valve (51) and the second switching valve (52) are kept closed. When the load is greater than or equal to the first set value and less than the second set value, the first switch valve (51) is opened and the second switch valve (52) remains closed. When the load is greater than or equal to the second set value, the first switching valve (51) and the second switching valve (52) are opened simultaneously.

2. The control method for a heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first driving component is a stepper motor.

3. The control method for a heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second driving component is a stepper motor.

4. The control method for a heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a housing (70), in which the main condenser (21), the auxiliary condenser (22), the main evaporator (41) and the auxiliary evaporator (42) are all disposed.

5. The control method for a heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The throttling element (30) is a capillary tube or an electronic expansion valve.

6. The control method for a heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first switching valve (51) and the second switching valve (52) are shut-off valves.

7. A garment care device, characterized in that, The control method for the heat pump system as described in claims 1-6 is adopted.

Images