Clothes dryer

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a clothes dryer, a first stage detection process of a filter screen detection program of the clothes dryer comprising: detecting a current current value of an air exhaust motor, determining whether the filter screen is blocked based on the current current value; obtaining a historical current value detected in a historical execution of the filter screen detection program, determining whether the filter screen is blocked based on the current current value and the historical current value; if at least one of the determinations is yes, determining that the filter screen is blocked; in a case where it is determined that the filter screen is not blocked in the execution of the first stage detection process, a second stage detection process is continued: obtaining a current flow value, determining whether the filter screen is blocked based on the current flow value; obtaining a historical flow value obtained in the historical execution of the filter screen detection program, and determining whether the filter screen is blocked based on the current flow value and the historical flow value; if at least one of the determinations is yes, determining that the filter screen is blocked. The present application can improve the accuracy of filter screen cleaning detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of clothes dryer technology, and specifically to a clothes dryer. Background Technology

[0002] A clothes dryer is a drying device that dries damp clothes. During operation, a heater located at the front of the air inlet duct heats the air, which is then drawn into the drying drum. This allows the damp clothes to exchange heat with the hot, dry air in the drum. The air after this heat exchange often carries lint or fine dust particles remaining from the dried clothes. When this air passes through the filter, the lint or dust particles are trapped on the filter, easily causing it to clog.

[0003] Once the filter becomes clogged, it will affect the normal operation of the dryer, and thus affect the final drying effect of the clothes. Therefore, it is extremely important to ensure that the filter is not clogged. However, the accuracy of current detection methods for whether the filter is clogged is not good.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a dryer that can accurately detect whether the filter is clogged. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application provide a clothes dryer.

[0006] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, an embodiment of this application provides a clothes dryer, including: a housing; a drying drum and an air circulation system disposed within the housing; the air circulation system includes an air inlet assembly and an air outlet assembly; the air inlet assembly includes a heater and an air inlet duct, for allowing heated air to enter the drying drum to exchange heat with the clothes inside the drying drum, and the air inlet duct is also provided with an air flow meter; the air outlet assembly includes a filter screen, an exhaust duct, and an exhaust fan, the heat-exchanged air passing through the filter screen and being discharged from the exhaust duct under the action of the exhaust fan, the exhaust fan including an exhaust motor and a fan; a controller, electrically connected to the air flow meter and the exhaust motor respectively, for executing a clothes dryer filter screen detection program, the clothes dryer filter screen detection program including the following steps: controlling the exhaust motor to reach a preset speed and maintaining the preset speed; executing a first-stage detection process, the first-stage detection process The process includes: detecting the current value of the exhaust motor while maintaining the preset speed, and determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current current value; and acquiring historical current values ​​detected during the previous execution of the dryer filter detection procedure, and determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current current value and the historical current value; if at least one of these determinations is true, then the filter is determined to be clogged; if the first stage detection process determines that the filter is not clogged, then the second stage detection process continues, the second stage detection process including: acquiring the current flow rate value of the air flow meter, and determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current flow rate value; and acquiring historical flow rate values ​​obtained during the previous execution of the dryer filter detection procedure, and determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current flow rate value and the historical flow rate value; if at least one of these determinations is true, then the filter is determined to be clogged.

[0007] In the above embodiments, the process of determining whether the filter is clogged is divided into two detection stages: a first-stage detection process and a second-stage detection process. Both the first and second-stage detection processes involve two detections, thereby improving the accuracy of detecting whether the filter is clogged. The first-stage detection process includes detecting the current value of the exhaust motor while it is running at a preset speed. Based on this current value, it is possible to accurately determine whether the filter is clogged. Furthermore, based on the current current value and historical current values ​​obtained during previous executions of the dryer filter detection program, it is also possible to accurately determine whether the filter is clogged. If in the first stage... If at least one judgment is "yes" during the detection process, it can be accurately determined that the filter is clogged and needs to be cleaned. The premise for performing the second-stage detection process is that the filter was determined not to be clogged during the first-stage detection process. The second-stage detection process includes accurately determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current flow value obtained from the air flow meter, and also accurately determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current flow value and historical flow values ​​obtained during previous dryer filter detection programs. If at least one judgment is "yes" during the second-stage detection process, it can be accurately determined that the filter is clogged and needs to be cleaned.

[0008] In one embodiment of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the first-stage detection process further includes the following steps: first, determining whether the filter is clogged by the current current value; if the determination is not clogged, then determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current current value and the historical current value.

[0009] In the above embodiment, during the first stage of detection, the current value of the exhaust motor while maintaining a preset speed is used to determine whether the filter is clogged. If the filter is not clogged in the first determination, a second determination is made based on the current flow rate and historical current value to determine whether the filter is clogged. Only when the second determination is also negative can it be determined that the filter is not clogged in the first stage. By making two consecutive determinations, the filter is accurately determined whether it is clogged.

[0010] In one embodiment of this application, based on the aforementioned scheme, during the first-stage detection process, the step of determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current current value includes: if the current current value reaches or exceeds a preset current value, then the filter is determined to be clogged, where the preset current value represents the maximum current value of the exhaust motor when the filter is clogged; if the current current value is below the preset current value, then the filter is determined not to be clogged; the step of determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current current value and the historical current value includes: calculating a first difference between the current current value and the historical current value; if the first difference is below a first preset value, then the filter is determined to be clogged, where the first preset value represents the minimum current difference when the filter is clogged, and the preset value is a positive number; if the first difference reaches or exceeds the first preset value, then the filter is determined not to be clogged.

[0011] In the above embodiments, the preset current value represents the maximum current value of the exhaust motor when the filter is clogged. Since the exhaust motor operates at a preset speed, the higher the degree of filter clogging, the greater the reflected flow rate. Therefore, if the current value reaches or exceeds the preset current value, it can be accurately determined that the filter is clogged; if the current current value is below the preset current value, it can be accurately determined that the filter is not clogged. Since lint may continuously fall off clothes during the drying process, the degree of filter clogging in the current dryer filter detection program will only increase compared to the previous degree of filter clogging. A first preset value representing the minimum current difference when the filter is clogged is set. Therefore, if the difference between the current flow rate and the historical flow rate is below the first preset value, it indicates that the amount of lint added in the subsequent drying process is unlikely to affect the air intake, and it can be accurately determined that the filter is clogged. If the difference between the current flow rate and the historical flow rate reaches or exceeds the first preset value, it indicates that the amount of lint added in the subsequent drying process can still affect the air intake, and it can be accurately determined that the filter is not clogged.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the second-stage detection process further includes the following steps: first, determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current flow rate value; if the determination is not successful, then determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current flow rate value and the historical flow rate value.

[0013] In the above embodiment, during the second stage of detection, the current flow rate value of the exhaust motor while maintaining a preset speed is used to determine whether the filter is clogged. If the filter is not clogged in the first determination, a second determination is made based on the current flow rate value and the historical flow rate value. Only when the second determination is also negative can it be determined that the filter is not clogged in the second stage. By making two consecutive determinations, the filter is accurately determined whether it is clogged.

[0014] In one embodiment of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, during the second-stage detection process, the step of determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current flow rate value includes: if the current flow rate value is below a preset flow rate value, then the filter is determined to be clogged, where the preset flow rate value represents the minimum airflow when the filter is clogged; if the current flow rate value reaches or exceeds the preset flow rate value, then the filter is determined not to be clogged; the step of determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current flow rate value and the historical flow rate value includes: calculating a second difference between the historical flow rate value and the current flow rate value; if the second difference is below a second preset value, then the filter is determined to be clogged, where the second preset value represents the minimum airflow difference when the filter is clogged, and the preset value is a positive number; if the second difference reaches or exceeds the second preset value, then the filter is determined not to be clogged.

[0015] In the above embodiments, the preset flow rate value represents the minimum airflow when the filter is clogged. Since the exhaust motor operates at a preset speed, the higher the degree of filter clogging, the lower the reflected airflow. Therefore, if the current flow rate value is below the preset flow rate value, it can be accurately determined that the filter is clogged; if the current flow rate value reaches or exceeds the preset flow rate value, it can be accurately determined that the filter is not clogged. Since clothes may continuously shed lint during the drying process, the degree of filter clogging in the current dryer filter detection program will only increase compared to the previous degree of filter clogging. A second preset value representing the minimum air intake difference when the filter is clogged is set. Therefore, if the difference between the historical flow rate value and the current flow rate value is below the second preset value, it indicates that the amount of lint added in the subsequent drying process is unlikely to affect the air intake, and it can be accurately determined that the filter is clogged. If the difference between the historical flow rate value and the current flow rate value reaches or exceeds the second preset value, it indicates that the amount of lint added in the subsequent drying process can still contribute to the air intake, and it can be accurately determined that the filter is not clogged.

[0016] In one embodiment of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the dryer filter detection program further includes the following steps: when the start command of the dryer filter detection program is detected, it is determined whether the door of the dryer is closed; if it is determined to be closed, the filter detection indicator light is controlled to display the detection state, and the steps of controlling the exhaust motor to reach the preset speed and maintaining the preset speed are executed.

[0017] In one embodiment of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the dryer filter detection program further includes the following steps: if it is determined that the filter is not clogged, control the filter detection indicator light to display an end state, and control the exhaust motor to stop running.

[0018] In one embodiment of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the dryer filter detection program further includes the following step: when it is determined that the filter is clogged, the filter detection indicator light is controlled to display a prompt state.

[0019] In the above embodiments, when it is determined that the filter is clogged, the indicator light on the filter can promptly remind the user to clean the filter, thus avoiding affecting the normal use of the dryer.

[0020] In one embodiment of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the controller further performs the following steps: if it is detected that the dryer door is opened and then closed after the drying program is completed, it enters the filter detection candidate state after waiting for a preset time; in the filter detection candidate state, the temperature value of the heater is detected, and when the temperature value is below the preset temperature value, the dryer filter detection program is started.

[0021] In one embodiment of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the controller further performs the following steps: before starting the execution of the dryer filter detection program, it is determined whether the current program execution corresponds to the first detection after the filter has been cleaned; if the determination is yes, then during the execution of the dryer filter detection program, it is determined whether the filter is clogged based on the current current value, and the current current value of the exhaust motor is recorded while maintaining the preset speed; and, it is determined whether the filter is clogged based on the current flow rate value, and the current flow rate value of the exhaust motor is recorded while maintaining the preset speed; if the determination is no, the dryer filter detection program is executed normally.

[0022] In the above embodiments, before starting the dryer filter detection program, it is determined whether the current program corresponds to the first detection after the filter has been cleaned. If it is the first detection after the filter has been cleaned, the current current value is used to determine whether the filter is clogged, and the current flow rate value of the exhaust motor while maintaining a preset speed is recorded. The current flow rate value recorded in this detection is used as the historical current value for the next detection. Also, the current flow rate value is used to determine whether the filter is clogged, and the airflow value of the exhaust motor while maintaining a preset speed is recorded. The airflow value recorded in this detection is used as the historical flow rate value for the next detection. This simplifies the detection process while ensuring the accuracy of the dryer clogging detection.

[0023] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a clothes dryer provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a side view of a clothes dryer provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the steps for foreign object detection provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the steps of a dryer filter detection procedure provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0030] The block diagrams shown in the accompanying drawings are merely functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically independent entities. That is, these functional entities can be implemented in software, in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different network and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0031] The flowcharts shown in the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and do not necessarily include all content and operations / steps, nor do they necessarily have to be performed in the described order. For example, some operations / steps can be broken down, while others can be combined or partially combined; therefore, the actual execution order may change depending on the specific circumstances.

[0032] It should also be noted that "multiple" as mentioned in this application refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0033] The terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0034] To address the current technical problem of inaccurate detection of filter clogging, this application proposes a dryer capable of accurately detecting filter clogging. Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a clothes dryer provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the dryer 100 includes a drying drum 101, an exhaust fan 102, a valve 103, an air duct 104, a heating pipe 105, and a filter 106. Each part of the dryer 100 will be described in detail below.

[0035] It should be noted that in practical applications, the structure of a clothes dryer can also be adjusted according to actual needs. For example, it can be... Figure 1 The dryer structure shown can be modified by adding / removing / replacing corresponding parts. This section does not limit the structure of the dryer to only one type. Figure 1 The structure shown.

[0036] The drying drum 101, located inside the dryer 100, is usually made of stainless steel and is used to hold and dry the clothes to be dried. By rotating, the clothes to be dried are heated evenly so as to remove the moisture from the clothes.

[0037] The exhaust fan 102 is used to remove moisture and heat from the drying drum, maintain a suitable environment inside the drying drum 101, and improve drying efficiency.

[0038] Valve 103 controls the flow of hot air inside the drying drum 101 by opening or closing it and adjusting the opening degree of valve 103, so as to meet different drying needs.

[0039] The air duct 104 is responsible for transmitting the generated hot air from the heating pipe 105 to the drying barrel and for discharging the dehumidified air from the drying barrel 101.

[0040] The heating pipe 105 is responsible for generating hot air by heating the air, which can be transported into the drying drum 101 to provide the heat energy required for the drying process, ensuring that the clothes in the drying drum receive sufficient heat and achieve a rapid drying effect.

[0041] Filter 106 is used to prevent fine fibers, dust and other particles from entering the air circulation system in order to maintain the normal operation of the equipment and the cleanliness of the user environment.

[0042] Please continue reading. Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a side view structural diagram of a clothes dryer provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the dryer 200 includes lifting ribs 201, air flow meter 202, air inlet duct 203, air outlet duct 204, exhaust motor 205, housing 206, filter 207, door 208, drying drum 209, main control board 210, filter indicator light 211, and controller. Each part of the dryer 200 will be described in detail below.

[0043] Similarly, in practical applications, the structure of a clothes dryer can be adjusted according to actual needs; for example, it can be... Figure 2 The dryer structure shown can be modified by adding / removing / replacing corresponding parts. This section does not limit the structure of the dryer to only one type. Figure 2 The structure shown.

[0044] The lifting rib 201 is a structural component used to support and fix the drying drum 209, ensuring that the drying drum 209 remains stable during operation and preventing the drying drum 209 from shaking.

[0045] Air flow meter 202 is installed inside air inlet duct 203 to monitor air flow in air inlet duct 203. It can provide real-time air flow data to help the control system adjust air intake and exhaust to ensure that temperature and humidity are controlled within a suitable range during the drying process.

[0046] The air inlet duct 203 is connected to the external air passage and to air inlet components such as heaters, and is responsible for introducing fresh air into the air circulation system for drying clothes.

[0047] The exhaust duct 204 is responsible for expelling the humid air generated during the drying process from the dryer 200 to maintain a dry environment in the drying drum 209.

[0048] The exhaust motor 205 is responsible for providing power to drive the fan, which pushes air through the exhaust duct 204 to exhaust it from the dryer 200, in order to maintain a dry environment in the drying drum 209.

[0049] The housing 206 is the external structure of the dryer 200, used to secure and protect the internal components. The housing 206 is typically made of metal or plastic. A door 208 is usually also provided on the housing 206 for placing or removing clothes into or from the drying drum 209, and the door 208 is typically equipped with a sealing ring to prevent water leakage.

[0050] The main control board 210 is usually installed on the housing 206. The main control board 210 has buttons, knobs or touch screen. The main control board 210 is connected to various components of the dryer 200 and is responsible for controlling the operation and drying process of the entire dryer 200. The filter indicator light 211 is used to display the cleanliness status of the filter 207 and remind the user whether the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced.

[0051] The filter 207 is installed on the exhaust duct to filter dust, fibers and other impurities in the air discharged during the drying process, so as to prevent impurities from entering the external environment and ensure that the discharged air is relatively clean.

[0052] The drying drum 209 is located inside the dryer 200 and is usually made of stainless steel. It is used to hold and dry the clothes to be dried. By rotating, the clothes to be dried are heated evenly so as to remove the moisture from the clothes.

[0053] The controller, electrically connected to both the air flow meter and the exhaust motor, is used to execute the dryer filter detection program. To determine whether the dryer filter detection program can be executed correctly, the controller can perform the following steps:

[0054] If the dryer door is opened and then closed after the drying program is completed, it will enter the filter detection candidate state after waiting for a preset time.

[0055] In the filter detection candidate state, the temperature value of the heater is detected. When the temperature value is below the preset temperature value, the dryer filter detection program is started.

[0056] The following is a detailed description of these two steps.

[0057] The initial determination that the clothes in the drying drum have been removed is made after the door opens and closes. The preset waiting time is to reduce the temperature of the heater in the dryer. If the heater temperature is too high, it will heat the air in the drying drum, affecting the normal operation of the subsequent dryer filter detection program. Therefore, after waiting for the preset time, the dryer enters the filter detection candidate state, and the heater temperature is checked in the filter detection candidate state. The dryer filter detection program is only started when the heater temperature is below the preset temperature value.

[0058] Because the presence of foreign objects in the drying drum can affect the normal operation of the dryer's filter detection program, a second check is required to accurately determine whether foreign objects are present in the drying drum. Preferably, a foreign object detection program is run before the dryer's filter detection program to check for foreign objects in the drying drum. Foreign objects include, but are not limited to, living organisms, metal objects, plastic objects, and sharp objects.

[0059] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of foreign object detection provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Methods for detecting the presence of foreign objects inside the drying drum include, but are not limited to, using infrared sensors, weight sensors, vibration sensors, and current sensors. After the sensors initially detect that no foreign objects are present in the drying drum, the drum motor is started, and the instantaneous current Ix during motor startup is detected. This instantaneous current Ix is compared with the maximum current Io during multiple pre-simulated no-load starts. If the instantaneous current Ix is determined to be above the maximum current Io, then it is finally determined that foreign objects are present in the drying drum; if the instantaneous current Ix is determined to be below the maximum current Io, then it is again determined that no foreign objects are present in the drying drum.

[0060] After confirming the presence of foreign objects in the dryer drum, the filter indicator light flashes slowly to indicate that the subsequent dryer filter detection procedure cannot proceed normally. Preferably, a reminder message is pushed to a pre-bound user terminal, promptly reminding the user to clean the foreign objects from the dryer drum to avoid affecting the subsequent dryer filter detection procedure. If the user chooses to ignore the issue on the user terminal or fails to address it within a preset time period, the indicator light turns off, and the foreign object detection procedure terminates.

[0061] After the foreign object detection procedure is completed and it is confirmed that there are no foreign objects inside the drying drum, the dryer filter detection procedure will be executed. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 , Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a dryer filter detection procedure provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 4 As shown, the dryer filter testing procedure includes the following steps S410-S450, where the first stage testing process is S420-S430, and the second stage testing process is S440-S450:

[0062] S410 controls the exhaust fan motor to reach a preset speed and maintain that preset speed.

[0063] S420 detects the current value of the exhaust motor while it is running at a preset speed, and determines whether the filter is clogged based on the current current value.

[0064] S430: Obtain historical current values ​​detected during the execution of the dryer filter detection program, and determine whether the filter is clogged based on the current current value and the historical current value.

[0065] S440: Obtain the current flow rate value of the air flow meter and determine whether the filter is clogged based on the current flow rate value;

[0066] S450: Obtain historical flow values ​​during the execution of the dryer filter detection program, and determine whether the filter is clogged based on the current flow value and the historical flow value.

[0067] The following is a detailed description of each of these five steps.

[0068] It should be noted that this solution can perform only the first stage of the detection process to determine whether the filter is clogged. If the first stage determines that the filter is not clogged, the second stage of the detection process is unnecessary, thus accurately confirming that the filter is not clogged. Preferably, if the first stage of the detection process determines that the filter is not clogged, then the second stage of the detection process can be performed, requiring four tests to confirm that the filter is not clogged. This further improves the accuracy of detecting whether the filter is clogged.

[0069] Before step S410, it is necessary to ensure that the dryer door is closed. This is because if the dryer door is open, it will cause significant misjudgments in the subsequent dryer filter detection program. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the start command of the dryer filter detection program is detected, it first determines whether the dryer door is closed. If the dryer door is determined to be closed, the filter detection indicator light is set to the detection state, and the exhaust motor is controlled to reach a preset speed and maintain that preset speed. If the dryer door is determined to be open, the dryer filter detection program is stopped.

[0070] In S410, the exhaust motor is controlled to maintain the preset speed after reaching the preset speed, thereby ensuring that the exhaust motor runs at the preset speed every time the dryer filter detection program is run, and the degree of filter blockage is used as the only variable in the entire control process.

[0071] In S420, it should be noted that the current value of the exhaust motor when the preset speed is reached will vary due to the different degrees of clogging of the filter. The higher the current value of the exhaust motor when the preset speed is reached, the higher the degree of clogging of the filter.

[0072] In the dryer filter detection program, the steps for determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current current value include:

[0073] If the current value reaches or exceeds the preset current value, the filter is determined to be clogged. The preset current value represents the maximum current value of the exhaust motor when the filter is clogged.

[0074] If the current value is below the preset current value, it is determined that the filter is not clogged.

[0075] The following is a detailed description of these two steps.

[0076] The preset current value refers to the maximum current of the exhaust motor when the filter is completely clogged. If the current value reaches or exceeds the preset current value, it indicates that the filter is completely clogged or the degree of clogging is higher than the degree of clogging corresponding to the preset current value, thus confirming that the filter is clogged and needs to be cleaned; if the current value is below the preset current value, it indicates that the filter is not clogged and does not need to be cleaned.

[0077] In S430, the historical current value is the current value recorded after the filter was cleaned and before the current program execution. For example, the current value recorded during the first detection after the filter was cleaned is marked as the first recorded current value, the current value recorded during the second detection after the filter was cleaned is marked as the second recorded current value, and so on. If the current value recorded in this detection is the third recorded current value, then the current values ​​recorded during the first and second detections are all historical current values; if the current value recorded in this detection is the fourth recorded current value, then the current values ​​recorded during the first, second, and third detections are all historical current values. Historical current values ​​are typically recorded and stored in the system's data storage unit for subsequent querying and analysis.

[0078] Historical current values ​​are assigned corresponding weights in chronological order. Preferably, historical current values ​​closer to the current detection are assigned higher weights. For example, historical current values ​​include the current values ​​recorded in the first, second, and third detections, which can be assigned weights of 2:3:5 or 1:3:6 respectively. Alternatively, the historical current value closest to the current detection can be assigned the highest weight, with the remaining historical current values ​​assigned the same weight. Again, using the above embodiment as an example, weights can be assigned in a 2:2:6 or 3:3:4 manner.

[0079] After calculating the weighted average value based on the historical current values ​​with the corresponding weights, the current current value is compared with the weighted average value to accurately determine whether the filter is clogged. If the current current value is above the weighted average value, the filter is clogged; if the current current value is below the weighted average value, the filter is not clogged.

[0080] In another exemplary embodiment, in the dryer filter detection procedure, the step of determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current current value and historical current values ​​includes:

[0081] Calculate the first difference between the current value and the historical current value;

[0082] If the first difference is below the first preset value, the filter is determined to be clogged. The first preset value represents the minimum current difference when the filter is clogged, and the preset value is a positive number.

[0083] If the first difference reaches or exceeds the first preset value, it is determined that the filter is not clogged.

[0084] The following is a detailed description of these three steps.

[0085] In this embodiment, the historical current value represents the current value recorded during the most recent program execution. For example, if the current value recorded during the current program execution is the current value recorded during the third detection after the filter was cleaned, then the historical current value is the current value recorded during the second detection after the filter was cleaned; if the current value recorded during the current program execution is the current value recorded during the second detection after the filter was cleaned, then the historical current value is the current value recorded during the first detection after the filter was cleaned.

[0086] It should be noted that since the filter screen filters and accumulates a large amount of lint and impurities each time the clothes are dried, the amount of lint and impurities accumulated by the filter screen each time is higher than the amount accumulated in the previous time. Therefore, the current value detected each time will inevitably be higher than the current value detected in the previous time.

[0087] As can be seen from the above, since lint may continuously fall off clothes during the drying process, the degree of clogging of the filter in the current dryer filter detection program will only increase compared to the previous degree of clogging. A first preset value is set to represent the minimum current difference when the filter is clogged. Therefore, if the difference between the current flow rate and the historical flow rate is below the first preset value, it indicates that the amount of lint added in the subsequent drying process is unlikely to affect the air intake, and the filter can be accurately determined to be clogged. If the difference between the current flow rate and the historical flow rate reaches or exceeds the first preset value, it indicates that the amount of lint added in the subsequent drying process can still affect the air intake, and the filter can be accurately determined not to be clogged.

[0088] In S440, the current flow rate of the detected air intake duct is obtained through an air flow meter.

[0089] It should be noted that the degree of clogging of the filter also affects the airflow in the air intake duct. Different degrees of clogging will result in different airflow in the air intake duct. In particular, the lower the airflow in the air intake duct when the preset speed is reached, the higher the degree of clogging of the filter.

[0090] In the dryer filter detection program, the steps for determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current flow rate include:

[0091] If the current flow rate is below the preset flow rate, the filter is determined to be clogged. The preset flow rate represents the minimum airflow when the filter is clogged.

[0092] If the current flow rate reaches or exceeds the preset flow rate, it is determined that the filter is not clogged.

[0093] The following is a detailed description of these two steps.

[0094] The preset flow rate value refers to the minimum airflow required when the filter is completely clogged. If the current flow rate value is below the preset flow rate value, it indicates that the filter is completely clogged or the degree of clogging is higher than the degree of clogging corresponding to the preset flow rate value, thus confirming that the filter is clogged and needs to be cleaned; if the current flow rate value is above the preset flow rate value, it indicates that the filter is not clogged and does not need to be cleaned.

[0095] Similarly, in the S450, when the exhaust fan motor is running at a preset speed, the degree of clogging of the filter will also affect the airflow in the intake duct. Different degrees of clogging of the filter will result in different airflow in the intake duct. In particular, the smaller the airflow in the intake duct when the preset speed is reached, the higher the degree of clogging of the filter.

[0096] The current flow rate of the air intake duct is obtained by using an air flow meter.

[0097] Historical flow rates are airflow values ​​recorded after the filter has been cleaned and before the current procedure is executed. For example, the airflow value recorded during the first test after the filter has been cleaned is labeled as the first recorded airflow value, the airflow value recorded during the second test after the filter has been cleaned is labeled as the second recorded airflow value, and so on. If the airflow value recorded in this test is the third recorded airflow value, then the airflow values ​​recorded during the first and second tests are all historical flow rates; if the airflow value recorded in this test is the fourth recorded airflow value, then the airflow values ​​recorded during the first, second, and third tests are all historical flow rates. Historical flow rates are typically recorded and stored in the system's data storage unit for subsequent querying and analysis.

[0098] Historical flow rates are assigned weights chronologically. Preferably, the historical flow rates closest to the current measurement are assigned higher weights. For example, historical flow rates include the air flow rates recorded in the first, second, and third measurements, which can be assigned weights of 2:3:5 or 1:3:6 respectively. Alternatively, the historical flow rate closest to the current measurement can be assigned the highest weight, with the remaining historical flow rates assigned the same weight. Again, using the above embodiment as an example, weights can be assigned in a 2:2:6 or 3:3:4 manner.

[0099] After calculating the weighted average value based on the historical flow values ​​with the corresponding weights, the current flow value is compared with the weighted average value to accurately determine whether the filter is clogged. If the current flow value is above the weighted average value, the filter is not clogged; if the current flow value is below the weighted average value, the filter is clogged.

[0100] In another exemplary embodiment, in the dryer filter detection procedure, the step of determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current flow rate and historical flow rate includes:

[0101] Calculate the second difference between the historical flow value and the current flow value;

[0102] If the second difference is below the second preset value, the filter is determined to be clogged. The second preset value represents the minimum air intake difference when the filter is clogged, and the preset value is a positive number.

[0103] If the second difference reaches or exceeds the second preset value, it is determined that the filter is not clogged.

[0104] The following is a detailed description of these three steps.

[0105] In this embodiment, the historical flow value represents the air flow value recorded during the most recent program execution. For example, if the air flow value recorded during the current program execution is the air flow value recorded during the third detection after the filter was cleaned, then the historical flow value is the air flow value recorded during the second detection after the filter was cleaned; if the air flow value recorded during the current program execution is the air flow value recorded during the second detection after the filter was cleaned, then the historical flow value is the air flow value recorded during the first detection after the filter was cleaned.

[0106] It should be noted that because the filter screen filters and accumulates a large amount of lint and impurities each time the clothes are dried, the amount of lint and impurities accumulated by the filter screen each time is higher than the amount accumulated in the previous time. Therefore, the flow rate value detected each time will inevitably be lower than the flow rate value detected in the previous time.

[0107] As can be seen from the above, since lint may continuously fall off clothes during the drying process, the degree of filter clogging in the current dryer filter detection program will only increase compared to the previous degree of filter clogging. A second preset value is set to represent the minimum air intake difference when the filter is clogged. Therefore, if the difference between the historical flow value and the current flow value is below the second preset value, it indicates that the amount of lint added in the subsequent drying process is unlikely to affect the air intake, and the filter can be accurately determined to be clogged. If the difference between the historical flow value and the current flow value reaches or exceeds the second preset value, it indicates that the amount of lint added in the subsequent drying process can still affect the air intake, and the filter can be accurately determined not to be clogged.

[0108] Furthermore, this application considers the scenario where the user cleans the filter between two filter detection procedures. Since the user cleans the filter, the current flow rate will be greater than the historical flow rate, resulting in a negative difference that is less than the preset value, potentially leading to an incorrect judgment that the filter is clogged. To avoid misjudgments due to user cleaning, if the difference between the historical and current flow rates is negative, it can be accurately determined that the filter is not clogged and does not require further cleaning.

[0109] In summary, as described in S410-S450, this embodiment divides the process of determining whether the filter is clogged into two detection stages: a first-stage detection process and a second-stage detection process. Both the first and second-stage detection processes involve two detections, thereby improving the accuracy of detecting whether the filter is clogged. The first-stage detection process includes detecting the current value of the exhaust motor while it is running at a preset speed. Based on this current value, it is possible to accurately determine whether the filter is clogged. Furthermore, based on the current current value and historical current values ​​obtained during previous executions of the dryer filter detection program, it is also possible to accurately determine whether the filter is clogged. If at least one judgment is "yes" during the first stage of the test, it can be accurately determined that the filter is clogged and needs to be cleaned. The second stage of the test is performed only if the filter was determined to be unclogged during the first stage. The second stage of the test includes using the current flow rate value obtained from the air flow meter to accurately determine whether the filter is clogged. It also uses the current flow rate value and historical flow rate values ​​obtained during previous dryer filter test programs to accurately determine whether the filter is clogged. If at least one judgment is "yes" during the second stage of the test, it can be accurately determined that the filter is clogged and needs to be cleaned.

[0110] After S450, if S420-S450 all determine that the filter is not clogged, then the filter can be accurately determined to be not clogged; otherwise, it is determined that the filter is clogged.

[0111] If the filter is confirmed to be unclogging, the filter detection indicator light will be turned off, and the exhaust motor will stop running, indicating that the dryer filter detection program has ended.

[0112] If the filter is found to be clogged, the filter detection indicator light will be set to a warning state, such as flashing rapidly. It can also send a reminder message to the pre-bound user terminal to remind the user to check or clean the filter in time to avoid affecting the normal use of the dryer.

[0113] In another exemplary embodiment, the controller also performs the following steps:

[0114] Before starting the dryer filter testing program, determine whether this program execution corresponds to the first test after the filter has been cleaned;

[0115] If the determination is yes, then during the execution of the dryer filter detection program, the current current value is used to determine whether the filter is clogged, and the current current value of the exhaust motor is recorded while maintaining the preset speed; and the current flow rate is used to determine whether the filter is clogged, and the current flow rate of the exhaust motor is recorded while maintaining the preset speed.

[0116] If the result is negative, the dryer filter detection procedure will proceed normally.

[0117] If this is the first test after the filter has been cleaned, the current current value is used to determine if the filter is clogged. The current flow rate while the exhaust motor is running at a preset speed is recorded, and this recorded flow rate is used as the historical current value for the next test. Similarly, the current flow rate is used to determine if the filter is clogged, and the airflow rate while the exhaust motor is running at a preset speed is recorded, and this recorded airflow rate is used as the historical flow rate for the next test. This simplifies the testing process while maintaining accuracy in detecting dryer clogging. If this is not the first test after the filter has been cleaned, the normal dryer filter testing procedure is executed.

[0118] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein.

[0119] It should be understood that the above content is only a preferred exemplary embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily make corresponding modifications or alterations based on the main concept and spirit of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of protection claimed in the claims.

Claims

1. A clothes dryer, characterized in that, include: Box; The drying drum and air circulation system are located inside the chamber; The air circulation system includes an air intake assembly and an air exhaust assembly. The air intake assembly includes a heater and an air intake duct, which allows heated air to enter the drying drum for heat exchange with the clothes inside. An air flow meter is also installed in the air intake duct. The air exhaust assembly includes a filter, an exhaust duct, and an exhaust fan. The heat-exchanged air passes through the filter and is discharged from the exhaust duct under the action of the exhaust fan. The exhaust fan includes an exhaust motor and a fan. The controller, electrically connected to both the air flow meter and the exhaust fan motor, is used to execute a dryer filter detection program, which includes the following steps: Control the exhaust fan motor to reach a preset speed and maintain the preset speed. The first stage of the detection process includes: detecting the current value of the exhaust motor while it is running at the preset speed, and determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current current value; and acquiring historical current values ​​detected during the previous execution of the dryer filter detection program, and determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current current value and the historical current value; if at least one of the determinations is yes, then it is determined that the filter is clogged. If the first-stage detection process determines that the filter is not clogged, the second-stage detection process continues. The second-stage detection process includes: acquiring the current flow rate value of the air flow meter, and determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current flow rate value; and acquiring historical flow rate values ​​obtained during the previous execution of the dryer filter detection program, and determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current flow rate value and the historical flow rate value; if at least one of the determinations is yes, then it is determined that the filter is clogged.

2. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first stage of the detection process also includes the following steps: First, the current current value is used to determine whether the filter is clogged. If the current current value is not clogged, the current current value and the historical current value are used to determine whether the filter is clogged.

3. The clothes dryer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current current value during the first stage of detection includes: If the current value reaches or exceeds the preset current value, it is determined that the filter is clogged. The preset current value represents the maximum current value of the exhaust motor when the filter is clogged. If the current current value is below the preset current value, then it is determined that the filter is not clogged; The step of determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current current value and the historical current value includes: Calculate the first difference between the current current value and the historical current value; If the first difference is below the first preset value, then the filter screen is determined to be clogged. The first preset value represents the minimum current difference when the filter screen is clogged, and the preset value is a positive number. If the first difference reaches or exceeds the first preset value, then it is determined that the filter is not clogged.

4. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second stage of the detection process also includes the following steps: First, the current flow rate is used to determine whether the filter is clogged. If the current flow rate is not clogged, the current flow rate and the historical flow rate are used to determine whether the filter is clogged.

5. The clothes dryer according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, In the second stage of detection, the step of determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current flow rate value includes: If the current flow rate is below the preset flow rate, the filter is determined to be clogged. The preset flow rate represents the minimum airflow when the filter is clogged. If the current flow rate value reaches or exceeds the preset flow rate value, then it is determined that the filter is not clogged; The steps for determining whether the filter is clogged based on the current flow rate and the historical flow rate include: Calculate the second difference between the historical flow value and the current flow value; If the second difference is below the second preset value, then the filter is determined to be clogged. The second preset value represents the minimum air intake difference when the filter is clogged, and the preset value is a positive number. If the second difference reaches or exceeds the second preset value, then it is determined that the filter is not clogged.

6. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dryer filter detection procedure also includes the following steps: When the start command of the dryer filter detection program is detected, it is determined whether the door of the dryer is closed; If the determination is yes, the filter detection indicator light is set to the detection state, and the steps of controlling the exhaust motor to reach the preset speed and maintaining the preset speed are executed.

7. The clothes dryer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The dryer filter detection procedure also includes the following steps: If it is determined that the filter screen is not clogged, the filter screen detection indicator light is set to the "end" state, and the exhaust fan motor is stopped.

8. The clothes dryer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The dryer filter detection procedure also includes the following steps: If it is determined that the filter screen is clogged, the filter screen detection indicator light will be set to a warning state.

9. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller also performs the following steps: If the dryer door is opened and then closed after the drying program is completed, it will enter the filter detection candidate state after waiting for a preset time. In the filter detection candidate state, the temperature value of the heater is detected. When the temperature value is below the preset temperature value, the dryer filter detection program is started.

10. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller also performs the following steps: Before starting the dryer filter detection program, determine whether the current program execution corresponds to the first detection after the filter has been cleaned; If the determination is yes, then during the execution of the dryer filter detection program, the current current value is used to determine whether the filter is clogged, and the current current value of the exhaust motor is recorded while maintaining the preset speed. In addition, based on the current flow rate value, it is determined whether the filter is clogged, and the current flow rate value is recorded while the exhaust motor is running at the preset speed; If the result is negative, the dryer filter detection procedure will be executed normally.

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