Air treatment device and control method, apparatus, storage medium and program product thereof
By monitoring the airflow speed in real time and using a stepper motor to lock the position of the air guide plate, the vibration problem of the air handling equipment under high airflow conditions was solved, improving equipment stability and reducing noise, while avoiding the cost and efficiency issues of structural reinforcement.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
Under high airflow conditions, the air guide vanes of air handling equipment vibrate, leading to decreased operational stability and increased noise. Furthermore, existing solutions either increase costs or have limited effectiveness.
By monitoring the airflow speed in real time, a stepper motor is used to control the actuator to lock the position of the air guide plate when the airflow speed exceeds the preset value, thus preventing vibration.
It improves the operational stability of air handling equipment and reduces noise, while avoiding the cost and efficiency issues associated with structural reinforcement.
Smart Images

Figure CN120521274B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of air treatment technology, and specifically relates to a control method, device, air treatment equipment, storage medium, and computer program product for air treatment equipment. Background Technology
[0002] In air handling equipment such as air conditioners, fresh air systems, and industrial smoke exhaust devices, the air guide vane serves as a key airflow guiding component. Its function is to precisely control airflow direction and speed by adjusting the opening angle or swing state. However, when air handling equipment operates under high airflow conditions, the air guide vane is prone to vibration due to hydrodynamic effects (such as turbulent impact and periodic pressure fluctuations). This vibration not only leads to decreased operational stability and significantly increased noise in the air handling equipment, but may also cause fatigue damage to the air guide vane structure due to long-term stress concentration, and even cause failure of the connecting mechanism, directly affecting the service life and energy efficiency of the air handling equipment.
[0003] To suppress air guide plate vibration, some solutions involve increasing the plate thickness, adding reinforcing ribs, or using high-rigidity materials (such as metal composites) to improve its bending stiffness. Other solutions involve improving the cross-sectional shape of the air duct, adding guide vanes, or optimizing airflow distribution to reduce the impact of local wind speeds on the air guide plate. However, structural reinforcement solutions require sacrificing the lightweight design of the air guide plate, leading to an increase in the overall weight of the air handling equipment and higher manufacturing costs. Furthermore, excessive rigidity may exacerbate the transmission of vibration to other components. Air duct optimization solutions rely on complex fluid simulations and experimental verification, resulting in long development cycles, high costs, and limitations imposed by installation space and existing equipment structures. Consequently, their vibration reduction effects often fail to meet the demands of actual operating conditions.
[0004] The above content is only used to help understand the technical solution of the present invention and does not represent an admission that the above content is prior art. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a control method, device, air handling equipment, storage medium, and computer program product for an air handling device, in order to solve the problem of air guide plate vibration when the wind speed is high in related solutions. By controlling the actuator to lock the position of the air guide plate when the outlet wind speed is higher than the preset wind speed, the position of the air guide plate can be quickly fixed when the wind speed is high, effectively preventing the air guide plate from vibrating and improving the operational stability of the air handling device.
[0006] This invention provides a control method for an air handling device, the air handling device including an air guide plate and an actuator, the air guide plate and the actuator being located at the air outlet of the air handling device; the actuator is used to drive the air guide plate to move or lock the position of the air guide plate; the method includes:
[0007] Obtain the outlet air velocity of the air handling equipment;
[0008] Determine the relationship between the outlet air velocity and the preset air velocity;
[0009] If the outlet air velocity is greater than the preset air velocity, the actuator is controlled to lock the position of the air guide plate.
[0010] If the outlet air speed is less than or equal to the preset air speed, the actuator is controlled to keep the movement state of the air guide plate unchanged.
[0011] In some embodiments, before obtaining the outlet air velocity of the air handling unit, the method further includes:
[0012] While the air handling equipment is in operation, the operating mode of the air handling equipment is obtained;
[0013] If the air handling equipment is in silent mode or sleep mode, the air outlet speed of the air handling equipment will not be acquired.
[0014] If the operating mode of the air handling device is not silent mode or sleep mode, then the air outlet speed of the air handling device is obtained.
[0015] In some embodiments, the actuator includes a stepper motor connected to the air guide plate;
[0016] The control of the actuator to lock the position of the air guide plate includes:
[0017] Control the stepper motor to lock the position of the air guide plate.
[0018] In some embodiments, controlling the stepper motor to lock includes:
[0019] By energizing one phase of the four-phase windings of the stepper motor and de-energizing the other phases, the rotor of the stepper motor stops rotating; or
[0020] Maintain the energization state of the currently energized phase winding in the four-phase winding of the stepper motor, and reduce the current of each phase winding to the holding current so that the rotor of the stepper motor stops rotating.
[0021] In some embodiments, after controlling the actuator to lock the position of the air guide plate, the method further includes:
[0022] With the air guide plate in the locked state, determine the relationship between the outlet air velocity and the preset air velocity;
[0023] If the outlet air speed is less than or equal to the preset air speed for a continuous preset time, the air guide plate is controlled to exit the locked state.
[0024] If the outlet air velocity is greater than the preset air velocity, the air guide plate will remain in a locked state.
[0025] In accordance with the above method, another aspect of the present invention provides a control device for an air handling equipment, the air handling equipment including an air guide plate and an actuator, the air guide plate and the actuator being located at the air outlet of the air handling equipment; the actuator being used to drive the air guide plate to move or lock the position of the air guide plate;
[0026] The control device includes:
[0027] The acquisition unit is configured to acquire the outlet air velocity of the air handling device;
[0028] The control unit is configured to determine the magnitude relationship between the outlet air velocity and the preset air velocity;
[0029] The control unit is further configured to control the actuator to lock the position of the air guide plate if the outlet air speed is greater than the preset air speed;
[0030] The control unit is further configured to control the actuator to maintain the motion state of the air guide plate if the outlet air speed is less than or equal to a preset air speed.
[0031] In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to, before acquiring the outlet air velocity of the air handling unit,
[0032] While the air handling equipment is in operation, the operating mode of the air handling equipment is obtained;
[0033] If the air handling equipment is in silent mode or sleep mode, the air outlet speed of the air handling equipment will not be acquired.
[0034] If the operating mode of the air handling device is not silent mode or sleep mode, then the air outlet speed of the air handling device is obtained.
[0035] In some embodiments, the actuator includes a stepper motor connected to the air guide plate; the control unit controls the actuator to lock the position of the air guide plate, including:
[0036] Control the stepper motor to lock the position of the air guide plate.
[0037] In some embodiments, the control unit controls the stepper motor to lock, including:
[0038] By energizing one phase of the four-phase windings of the stepper motor and de-energizing the other phases, the rotor of the stepper motor stops rotating; or
[0039] Maintain the energization state of the currently energized phase winding in the four-phase winding of the stepper motor, and reduce the current of each phase winding to the holding current so that the rotor of the stepper motor stops rotating.
[0040] In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to, after controlling the actuator to lock the position of the air guide plate,
[0041] With the air guide plate in the locked state, determine the relationship between the outlet air velocity and the preset air velocity;
[0042] If the outlet air speed is less than or equal to the preset air speed for a continuous preset time, the air guide plate is controlled to exit the locked state.
[0043] If the outlet air velocity is greater than the preset air velocity, the air guide plate will remain in a locked state.
[0044] In conjunction with the above-described device, the present invention further provides an air handling apparatus, comprising: a control device for the air handling apparatus described above.
[0045] In some embodiments, the air handling equipment is an air conditioner.
[0046] In conjunction with the above method, the present invention further provides a storage medium comprising a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, the device on which the storage medium is located controls the execution of the control method for the air handling equipment described above.
[0047] In conjunction with the above method, the present invention further provides a computer program product comprising a computer program that, when processed and executed, implements the steps of the control method for the air handling equipment described above.
[0048] The present invention obtains the outlet air velocity of the air handling equipment, determines the relationship between the outlet air velocity and a preset air velocity, and if the outlet air velocity is greater than the preset air velocity, controls the actuator to lock the position of the air guide plate. This allows for rapid fixation of the air guide plate position even at high air velocities, effectively preventing air guide plate vibration and improving the operational stability of the air handling equipment.
[0049] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention.
[0050] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description
[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the control method for the air handling equipment of the present invention;
[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a control device for an air handling equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0053] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of another embodiment of the control method for the air handling equipment of the present invention.
[0054] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the reference numerals in the embodiments of the present invention are as follows:
[0055] 102 - Acquisition unit; 104 - Control unit. Detailed Implementation
[0056] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.
[0057] The air deflectors of air handling equipment are prone to vibration under high wind speeds, which causes equipment vibration and affects overall operational reliability. Vibration also generates abnormal noise, reducing user experience. Furthermore, prolonged vibration can lead to deformation of the air deflectors or fatigue damage to connecting components. Current solutions, such as strengthening the air deflector structure or optimizing the air duct design, suffer from high R&D costs, poor adaptability, and limited effectiveness in suppressing vibration.
[0058] To address the above problems, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a control method for an air handling device is provided. The air handling device includes an air guide plate and an actuator, the air guide plate and the actuator being located at the air outlet of the air handling device. The actuator is used to drive the air guide plate to move or lock the position of the air guide plate, and the air guide plate, when moving, is used to adjust the air outlet direction. Figure 1 The diagram shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. The control method of the air handling equipment may include steps S110 to S140.
[0059] In step S110, the air outlet velocity of the air handling equipment is obtained.
[0060] Multiple sensors are deployed within the air duct of the air handling unit. The sensors can be installed inside the duct near the air guide plate. The sensors can be hot-wire anemometers or ultrasonic anemometers. Instantaneous wind speed v can be collected in real time at a sampling frequency ≥100Hz.
[0061] In step S120, the relationship between the outlet air velocity and the preset air velocity is determined.
[0062] The preset wind speed V0 can be adjusted according to different equipment and actual needs. For example, in industrial ventilation equipment, the preset wind speed V0 can be selected in the range of 10-15 m / s, preferably 15 m / s. In air conditioning, the preset wind speed V0 can be selected in the range of 5-8 m / s, preferably 7 m / s.
[0063] The preset wind speed V0 can also be adjusted according to the time. For example, in the early stage of air handling equipment startup, the wind speed is relatively low, requiring a lower preset wind speed V0 to facilitate timely control of the actuator to lock the position of the air guide vane and prevent the vane from vibrating. For instance, in the early stage of air conditioner startup, the preset wind speed V0 can be selected in the range of 4-6 m / s, preferably 5 m / s. During the stable operation phase of the equipment, a higher preset wind speed V0 can reduce unnecessary self-locking operations.
[0064] The above method dynamically determines the timing for triggering and locking the air guide vane by monitoring the outflow speed in real time. This ensures that the air guide vane is locked when the wind speed v exceeds the preset wind speed V0, eliminating false triggering or response delays caused by static threshold settings. Furthermore, by dynamically setting the preset wind speed V0, the air handling equipment can adapt to the needs of different scenarios, improving its flexibility and efficiency.
[0065] In step S130, if the outlet air speed is greater than the preset air speed, the actuator is controlled to lock the position of the air guide plate.
[0066] Because the air guide plate is prone to shaking due to wind force at high wind speeds, and this shaking causes equipment vibration, affecting the overall operational reliability, it is necessary to quickly fix the position of the air guide plate when the wind speed is high.
[0067] Real-time wind speed detection enables precise monitoring of operating conditions. When the outlet wind speed v exceeds the preset wind speed V0, the position of the air guide vane can be locked in time, improving the response speed of the air handling equipment. The fixed position of the air guide vane prevents it from vibrating, thereby reducing vibration and noise, improving the operational stability of the air handling equipment, and avoiding the cost and efficiency issues associated with structural reinforcement.
[0068] In some embodiments, the actuator includes a stepper motor connected to the air guide plate. Step S130, the specific process of controlling the actuator to lock the position of the air guide plate, includes: controlling the stepper motor to lock, thereby locking the position of the air guide plate.
[0069] In air handling units, the movement of the air guide vanes (such as angle adjustment and oscillation) relies on the precise control of stepper motors to achieve automatic airflow adjustment. The air guide vanes are directly connected to the output shaft of the stepper motor via a transmission mechanism (such as gears, connecting rods, couplings, etc.), converting the motor's rotational motion into the oscillation or angle change of the air guide vanes. When the stepper motor is locked, the air guide vanes stop moving, their position is fixed, and they are in a locked state.
[0070] A stepper motor consists of a stator and a rotor. The stator includes coils, which can have multiple phases. When current flows through the coils, a magnetic field is generated. The rotor includes a permanent magnet and a rotor shaft. The rotor rotates under the influence of the magnetic field. Stepper motors are controlled by pulse signals. Each time a stepper motor receives a pulse signal, the rotor rotates by a fixed angle.
[0071] In some implementations, the specific process of controlling the stepper motor to lock includes: energizing one phase of the four-phase windings of the stepper motor and de-energizing the other phase windings, so as to stop the rotor of the stepper motor from rotating.
[0072] A stepper motor consists of multi-phase windings. By sequentially energizing each phase winding, a rotating magnetic field is generated, causing the rotor to move in steps. Stepper motors used in air conditioners can be four-phase, eight-step stepper motors. For example, the four-phase windings of a stepper motor are A, A-, B, and B- phases. During normal use, the stepper motor is energized in a four-phase, eight-step cycle: A→AB→B→BA-→A-→AB-→B-→BA.
[0073] When the wind speed v exceeds the preset wind speed V0, the position of the air guide plate is immediately locked. At this time, one phase of the four-phase winding of the stepper motor is energized, while the other phase windings are de-energized (single-phase energization lockout state). Correspondingly, the stator generates a fixed magnetic field, attracting the rotor to a fixed position and keeping it stationary. At this time, the position of the rotor is locked by the magnetic field of that phase winding, forming a holding torque, and the rotor of the stepper motor stops rotating.
[0074] In some implementations, the specific process of controlling the stepper motor lock-up includes: maintaining the energized state of the currently energized phase winding in the four-phase winding of the stepper motor, and reducing the current of each phase winding to a holding current so that the rotor of the stepper motor stops rotating.
[0075] You can choose a stepper motor driver that supports switching between constant current (full current) and PWM pulse (holding current), such as the TMC2209 or DRV8825. When the stepper motor driver operates in full current mode, i.e., according to the four-phase eight-step timing sequence, the current of each phase is the rated value (e.g., 1.2A). When the stepper motor driver operates in holding current mode, after switching, the current of each phase winding drops to the holding current, for example, to 20%-40% of the rated value (e.g., 0.3A).
[0076] When the wind speed v exceeds the preset wind speed V0, the position of the air guide plate is immediately locked. At this time, the four-phase eight-step timing is stopped, that is, pulse transmission is paused after completing the current stepping cycle (e.g., A→AB→B→BA-→A-→AB-→B-→BA). The energization state of the currently energized phase winding in the four-phase winding of the stepper motor is maintained (e.g., phase AB), and the current of each phase winding is reduced to the holding current (holding current lock-in state). When the motor is running normally, the current is large, generating sufficient torque to drive the rotor. When the wind speed v exceeds the preset wind speed V0, the air guide plate is locked, and the motor rotor needs to stop rotating and maintain its position. At this time, the pulse stops, stopping at the current phase (e.g., phase AB is conducting), and then the current is reduced to the holding current. Although the holding current is low, it can still generate sufficient holding torque to resist external forces (such as the force brought by the wind speed) and prevent the rotor from moving.
[0077] The stepper motor locking method can be selected based on the energy consumption and torque requirements of the specific scenario. For example, industrial equipment that needs to withstand strong wind pressure and requires high holding torque can choose holding current locking. Portable air conditioners, which are battery-powered devices and need to minimize standby power consumption, can choose single-phase power-on locking. This allows the air handling equipment to adapt to the needs of different scenarios, improving its flexibility and efficiency.
[0078] In step S140, if the outlet air speed is less than or equal to the preset air speed, the actuator is controlled to keep the movement state of the air guide plate unchanged.
[0079] When the outlet air velocity v is less than or equal to the preset air velocity V0, the air velocity at this time is not likely to cause the air guide plate to vibrate. Therefore, it is not necessary to fix the position of the air guide plate, and the actuator is controlled to keep the movement state of the air guide plate unchanged. The movement state of the air guide plate includes at least one of left-right swinging or up-down swinging, swinging speed, and swinging angle.
[0080] By employing the technical solution of this invention, real-time wind speed detection enables precise operational condition perception. When the outlet wind speed v is greater than the preset wind speed V0, the position of the air guide plate can be locked in a timely manner, improving the response speed of the air handling equipment. The fixed position of the air guide plate prevents it from shaking, thereby reducing vibration and noise, improving the operational stability of the air handling equipment, and avoiding the cost and efficiency issues associated with structural reinforcement.
[0081] In some embodiments, before obtaining the outlet air velocity of the air handling device in step S110, the method further includes:
[0082] While the air handling equipment is in operation, the operating mode of the air handling equipment is obtained;
[0083] If the air handling unit is in silent mode or sleep mode, the air outlet speed of the air handling unit is not acquired. If the air handling unit is not in silent mode or sleep mode, the air outlet speed of the air handling unit is acquired.
[0084] Air handling units, such as air conditioners, have pre-set air deflector positions or movement patterns when operating in silent or sleep modes to minimize noise. If fan speed were still detected and the air deflector adjusted in these conditions, it could lead to unnecessary actions, increased noise, and even affect the preset comfort settings. For example, a higher fan speed might trigger air deflector adjustment, but the user would prefer quiet operation rather than dynamic adjustments. Therefore, when the air conditioner is operating in silent or sleep mode, there is no need to lock the air deflector position using the fan speed control actuator. Prioritizing low noise and stable operation of the air conditioner avoids additional noise and energy consumption caused by fan speed detection and air deflector adjustment, while maintaining user comfort.
[0085] In some embodiments, after controlling the actuator to lock the position of the air guide plate in step S130, the method further includes:
[0086] When the air guide plate is locked, determine the relationship between the outlet air velocity and the preset air velocity.
[0087] If the air outlet speed is less than or equal to the preset speed for a continuous preset time, the air guide plate is controlled to exit the locked state, such as moving the air guide plate according to the user's instructions or the set control logic.
[0088] If the outlet air velocity is greater than the preset air velocity, the air guide plate will remain in a locked state.
[0089] While fixing the air deflector reduces vibration, it can affect air delivery efficiency or the user-set airflow direction. When the wind speed is low, restoring the air deflector's set control logic can more effectively adjust the airflow direction and improve energy efficiency.
[0090] The priority of user commands also needs to be considered. When the wind speed v is less than or equal to the preset wind speed V0, the air handling unit prioritizes executing user commands, thus improving the user experience.
[0091] For a continuous period of time (e.g., 5 seconds), the wind speed v is less than or equal to the preset wind speed V0. This prevents occasional wind speed fluctuations from causing frequent switching of the air guide vane state, which would affect system stability and user experience. The preset time serves as a delay or confirmation mechanism to ensure that the wind speed remains consistently low before controlling the air guide vane to exit the locked state.
[0092] In some implementations, the specific process of controlling the air guide plate to exit the locked state includes: when the stepper motor is in a single-phase power-on locked state, the stepper motor switches from single-phase power-on to four-phase eight-step timing.
[0093] First, stop energizing one phase of the stepper motor's four-phase windings (e.g., stop supplying power to phases AB). Then, directly read the rotor's current position using an encoder or Hall sensor to determine the initial phase reference. Alternatively, short (millisecond-level) low-current pulses can be applied sequentially to the four-phase windings of the stepper motor to monitor current changes or back EMF responses. Based on the response amplitude or phase difference (e.g., phase B current rises the fastest), infer the relative position of the rotor poles. Next, select the corresponding drive phase as the timing start point based on the detected rotor position. For example, if the rotor is in the original AB phase pole alignment position, start from phase AB and activate subsequent phases according to the four-phase eight-step timing sequence. Finally, activate the phases sequentially to restore the half-step or full-step drive mode.
[0094] In some implementations, the specific process of controlling the air guide plate to exit the locked state includes: when the stepper motor is in the holding current locked state, increasing the current of each phase winding from the holding current to the normal operating current and continuing the four-phase eight-step timing sequence.
[0095] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of another embodiment of the control method for the air handling equipment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the method includes:
[0096] S01: Air conditioning is on.
[0097] S02: Determine whether the air conditioner is running in silent mode or sleep mode.
[0098] S03: If the air conditioner is running in silent mode or sleep mode, it will not enter the motor self-locking mode.
[0099] S04: If the air conditioner is not operating in silent mode or sleep mode, then obtain the air outlet speed v of the air handling device.
[0100] S05: Determine whether the outlet air speed v is greater than the preset air speed V0.
[0101] S06: If the outlet air speed v is greater than the preset air speed V0, then control the stepper motor to lock and fix the position of the air guide plate.
[0102] S07: Monitor whether the wind speed v is less than or equal to the preset wind speed V0.
[0103] S08: If the wind speed v is less than or equal to the preset wind speed V0, the stepper motor lock will be released and the air guide plate will return to normal.
[0104] S09: If the wind speed v is greater than the preset wind speed V0, the stepper motor will remain locked and the position of the air guide plate will be fixed.
[0105] The real-time wind speed detection solution in this embodiment enables accurate operational condition sensing. When the outlet wind speed v is greater than the preset wind speed V0, the position of the air guide plate can be locked in time, improving the air conditioner's response speed. The fixed position of the air guide plate prevents it from shaking, thereby reducing vibration and noise, improving the air conditioner's operational stability, and avoiding the cost and efficiency issues associated with structural reinforcement.
[0106] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a control device for an air handling device corresponding to a control method for an air handling device is also provided. The air handling device includes an air guide vane and an actuator, the air guide vane and the actuator being located at the air outlet of the air handling device. The actuator is used to drive the air guide vane to move or lock the position of the air guide vane, and the air guide vane, when moving, is used to adjust the direction of the airflow. See also... Figure 2 The diagram shows a structural schematic of an embodiment of the device of the present invention. The control device of the air handling equipment may include: an acquisition unit 102 and a control unit 104.
[0107] The acquisition unit 102 is configured to acquire the outlet air velocity of the air handling device.
[0108] Multiple sensors are deployed within the air duct of the air handling unit. The sensors can be installed inside the duct near the air guide plate. The sensors can be hot-wire anemometers or ultrasonic anemometers. Instantaneous wind speed v can be collected in real time at a sampling frequency ≥100Hz.
[0109] The control unit 104 is configured to determine the magnitude relationship between the outlet air speed and the preset air speed.
[0110] The preset wind speed V0 can be adjusted according to different equipment and actual needs. For example, in industrial ventilation equipment, the preset wind speed V0 can be selected in the range of 10-15 m / s, preferably 15 m / s. In air conditioning, the preset wind speed V0 can be selected in the range of 5-8 m / s, preferably 7 m / s.
[0111] The preset wind speed V0 can also be adjusted according to the time. For example, in the early stage of air handling equipment startup, the wind speed is relatively low, requiring a lower preset wind speed V0 to facilitate timely control of the actuator to lock the position of the air guide vane and prevent the vane from vibrating. For instance, in the early stage of air conditioner startup, the preset wind speed V0 can be selected in the range of 4-6 m / s, preferably 5 m / s. During the stable operation phase of the equipment, a higher preset wind speed V0 can reduce unnecessary self-locking operations.
[0112] The above method dynamically determines the timing for triggering and locking the air guide vane by monitoring the outflow speed in real time. This ensures that the air guide vane is locked when the wind speed v exceeds the preset wind speed V0, eliminating false triggering or response delays caused by static threshold settings. Furthermore, by dynamically setting the preset wind speed V0, the air handling equipment can adapt to the needs of different scenarios, improving its flexibility and efficiency.
[0113] The control unit 104 is also configured to control the actuator to lock the position of the air guide plate if the outlet air speed is greater than a preset air speed.
[0114] Because the air guide plate is prone to shaking due to wind force at high wind speeds, and this shaking causes equipment vibration, affecting the overall operational reliability, it is necessary to quickly fix the position of the air guide plate when the wind speed is high.
[0115] Real-time wind speed detection enables precise monitoring of operating conditions. When the outlet wind speed v exceeds the preset wind speed V0, the position of the air guide vane can be locked in time, improving the response speed of the air handling equipment. The fixed position of the air guide vane prevents it from vibrating, thereby reducing vibration and noise, improving the operational stability of the air handling equipment, and avoiding the cost and efficiency issues associated with structural reinforcement.
[0116] In some embodiments, the actuator includes a stepper motor connected to the air guide plate. The control unit 104 is specifically configured to control the actuator to lock the position of the air guide plate, including controlling the stepper motor to lock the position of the air guide plate.
[0117] In air handling units, the movement of the air guide vanes (such as angle adjustment and oscillation) relies on the precise control of stepper motors to achieve automatic airflow adjustment. The air guide vanes are directly connected to the output shaft of the stepper motor via a transmission mechanism (such as gears, connecting rods, couplings, etc.), converting the motor's rotational motion into the oscillation or angle change of the air guide vanes. When the stepper motor is locked, the air guide vanes stop moving, their position is fixed, and they are in a locked state.
[0118] A stepper motor consists of a stator and a rotor. The stator includes coils, which can have multiple phases. When current flows through the coils, a magnetic field is generated. The rotor includes a permanent magnet and a rotor shaft. The rotor rotates under the influence of the magnetic field. Stepper motors are controlled by pulse signals. Each time a stepper motor receives a pulse signal, the rotor rotates by a fixed angle.
[0119] In some embodiments, the control unit 104 is specifically configured to control the stepper motor to lock, including: energizing one phase of the four-phase windings of the stepper motor and de-energizing the other phase windings, so as to stop the rotor of the stepper motor from rotating.
[0120] A stepper motor consists of multi-phase windings. By sequentially energizing each phase winding, a rotating magnetic field is generated, causing the rotor to move in steps. Stepper motors used in air conditioners can be four-phase, eight-step stepper motors. For example, the four-phase windings of a stepper motor are A, B, C, and D phases. During normal use, the stepper motor is energized in a four-phase, eight-step cycle: A→AB→B→BA→A→AB→B→BA.
[0121] When the wind speed v exceeds the preset wind speed V0, the position of the air guide plate is immediately locked. At this time, one phase of the four-phase winding of the stepper motor is energized, while the other phase windings are de-energized (single-phase energization lockout state). Correspondingly, the stator generates a fixed magnetic field, attracting the rotor to a fixed position and keeping it stationary. At this time, the position of the rotor is locked by the magnetic field of that phase winding, forming a holding torque, and the rotor of the stepper motor stops rotating.
[0122] In some embodiments, the control unit 104 is specifically configured to control the stepper motor to lock, including: maintaining the energization state of the currently energized phase winding in the four-phase winding of the stepper motor, and reducing the current of each phase winding to a holding current so as to stop the rotor of the stepper motor from rotating.
[0123] You can choose a stepper motor driver that supports switching between constant current (full current) and PWM pulse (holding current), such as the TMC2209 or DRV8825. When the stepper motor driver operates in full current mode, i.e., according to the four-phase eight-step timing sequence, the current of each phase is the rated value (e.g., 1.2A). When the stepper motor driver operates in holding current mode, after switching, the current of each phase winding drops to the holding current, for example, to 20%-40% of the rated value (e.g., 0.3A).
[0124] When the wind speed v exceeds the preset wind speed V0, the position of the air guide plate is immediately locked. At this time, the four-phase eight-step timing is stopped, that is, pulse transmission is paused after completing the current stepping cycle (e.g., A→AB→B→BA-→A-→AB-→B-→BA). The energization state of the currently energized phase winding in the four-phase winding of the stepper motor is maintained (e.g., phase AB), and the current of each phase winding is reduced to the holding current (holding current lock-in state). When the motor is running normally, the current is large, generating sufficient torque to drive the rotor. When the wind speed v exceeds the preset wind speed V0, the air guide plate is locked, and the motor rotor needs to stop rotating and maintain its position. At this time, the pulse stops, stopping at the current phase (e.g., phase AB is conducting), and then the current is reduced to the holding current. Although the holding current is low, it can still generate sufficient holding torque to resist external forces (such as the force brought by the wind speed) and prevent the rotor from moving.
[0125] The stepper motor locking method can be selected based on the energy consumption and torque requirements of the specific scenario. For example, industrial equipment that needs to withstand strong wind pressure and requires high holding torque can choose holding current locking. Portable air conditioners, which are battery-powered devices and need to minimize standby power consumption, can choose single-phase power-on locking. This allows the air handling equipment to adapt to the needs of different scenarios, improving its flexibility and efficiency.
[0126] The control unit 104 is also configured to control the actuator to keep the movement state of the air guide plate unchanged if the outlet air speed is less than or equal to a preset air speed.
[0127] When the outlet air velocity v is less than or equal to the preset air velocity V0, the air velocity at this time is not likely to cause the air guide plate to vibrate. Therefore, it is not necessary to fix the position of the air guide plate, and the actuator is controlled to keep the movement state of the air guide plate unchanged. The movement state of the air guide plate includes at least one of left-right swinging or up-down swinging, swinging speed, and swinging angle.
[0128] By employing the technical solution of this invention, real-time wind speed detection enables precise operational condition perception. When the outlet wind speed v is greater than the preset wind speed V0, the position of the air guide plate can be locked in a timely manner, improving the response speed of the air handling equipment. The fixed position of the air guide plate prevents it from shaking, thereby reducing vibration and noise, improving the operational stability of the air handling equipment, and avoiding the cost and efficiency issues associated with structural reinforcement.
[0129] In some embodiments, the control unit 104 is further configured to acquire the operating mode of the air handling unit while it is in operation, before acquiring the outlet air velocity of the air handling unit. If the operating mode of the air handling unit is a silent mode or a sleep mode, the outlet air velocity of the air handling unit is not acquired. If the operating mode of the air handling unit is neither a silent mode nor a sleep mode, the outlet air velocity of the air handling unit is acquired.
[0130] Air handling units, such as air conditioners, have pre-set air deflector positions or movement patterns when operating in silent or sleep modes to minimize noise. If fan speed were still detected and the air deflector adjusted in these conditions, it could lead to unnecessary actions, increased noise, and even affect the preset comfort settings. For example, a higher fan speed might trigger air deflector adjustment, but the user would prefer quiet operation rather than dynamic adjustments. Therefore, when the air conditioner is operating in silent or sleep mode, there is no need to lock the air deflector position using the fan speed control actuator. Prioritizing low noise and stable operation of the air conditioner avoids additional noise and energy consumption caused by fan speed detection and air deflector adjustment, while maintaining user comfort.
[0131] In some embodiments, the control unit 104 is further configured to, after controlling the actuator to lock the position of the air guide plate, determine the relationship between the outlet air velocity and a preset air velocity while the air guide plate is in the locked state. If the outlet air velocity is less than or equal to the preset air velocity for a continuous preset time, the control unit controls the air guide plate to exit the locked state, such as causing the air guide plate to move according to user instructions or set control logic. If the outlet air velocity is greater than the preset air velocity, the control unit maintains the air guide plate in the locked state.
[0132] While fixing the air deflector reduces vibration, it can affect air delivery efficiency or the user-set airflow direction. When the wind speed is low, restoring the air deflector's set control logic can more effectively adjust the airflow direction and improve energy efficiency.
[0133] The priority of user commands also needs to be considered. When the wind speed v is less than or equal to the preset wind speed V0, the air handling unit prioritizes executing user commands, thus improving the user experience.
[0134] For a continuous period of time (e.g., 5 seconds), the wind speed v is less than or equal to the preset wind speed V0. This prevents occasional wind speed fluctuations from causing frequent switching of the air guide vane state, which would affect system stability and user experience. The preset time serves as a delay or confirmation mechanism to ensure that the wind speed remains consistently low before controlling the air guide vane to exit the locked state.
[0135] In some embodiments, the control unit 104 is specifically configured to control the air guide plate to exit the locked state, including: when the stepper motor is in a single-phase power-on locked state, switching the stepper motor from single-phase power-on to four-phase eight-step timing.
[0136] First, stop energizing one phase of the stepper motor's four-phase windings (e.g., stop supplying power to phases AB). Then, directly read the rotor's current position using an encoder or Hall sensor to determine the initial phase reference. Alternatively, short (millisecond-level) low-current pulses can be applied sequentially to the four-phase windings of the stepper motor to monitor current changes or back EMF responses. Based on the response amplitude or phase difference (e.g., phase B current rises the fastest), infer the relative position of the rotor poles. Next, select the corresponding drive phase as the timing start point based on the detected rotor position. For example, if the rotor is in the original AB phase pole alignment position, start from phase AB and activate subsequent phases according to the four-phase eight-step timing sequence. Finally, activate the phases sequentially to restore the half-step or full-step drive mode.
[0137] In some implementations, the control unit 104 is specifically configured to control the air guide plate to exit the locked state, including: when the stepper motor is in the holding current locked state, increasing the current of each phase winding from the holding current to the normal operating current and continuing the four-phase eight-step timing sequence.
[0138] Since the processing and functions implemented by the device in this embodiment are basically the same as the embodiments, principles and examples of the aforementioned methods, any details not covered in the description of this embodiment can be found in the relevant descriptions in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be repeated here.
[0139] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air handling device corresponding to a control device for an air handling device is also provided. The air handling device may include the control device for the air handling device described above.
[0140] Since the processing and functions implemented by the air conditioner in this embodiment are basically the same as the embodiments, principles and examples of the aforementioned device, any details not covered in the description of this embodiment can be found in the relevant descriptions in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be repeated here.
[0141] By employing the technical solution of this invention, real-time wind speed detection enables precise operational condition perception. When the outlet wind speed v is greater than the preset wind speed V0, the position of the air guide plate can be locked in a timely manner, improving the response speed of the air handling equipment. The fixed position of the air guide plate prevents it from shaking, thereby reducing vibration and noise, improving the operational stability of the air handling equipment, and avoiding the cost and efficiency issues associated with structural reinforcement.
[0142] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a storage medium corresponding to a control method for an air handling device is also provided, the storage medium including a stored program, wherein the program controls the device where the storage medium is located to execute the control method for the air handling device described above when the program is executed.
[0143] Since the processing and functions implemented by the storage medium in this embodiment are basically the same as the embodiments, principles and examples of the aforementioned methods, any details not covered in this embodiment can be found in the relevant descriptions in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be repeated here.
[0144] By employing the technical solution of this invention, real-time wind speed detection enables precise operational condition perception. When the outlet wind speed v is greater than the preset wind speed V0, the position of the air guide plate can be locked in a timely manner, improving the response speed of the air handling equipment. The fixed position of the air guide plate prevents it from shaking, thereby reducing vibration and noise, improving the operational stability of the air handling equipment, and avoiding the cost and efficiency issues associated with structural reinforcement.
[0145] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a computer program product corresponding to a control method for an air handling device is also provided. The computer program product includes a computer program that, when processed and executed, implements the steps of the control method for the air handling device described above.
[0146] Since the processing and functions implemented by the computer program product in this embodiment are basically corresponding to the embodiments, principles and examples of the aforementioned methods, any details not covered in the description of this embodiment can be found in the relevant descriptions in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be repeated here.
[0147] By employing the technical solution of this invention, real-time wind speed detection enables precise operational condition perception. When the outlet wind speed v is greater than the preset wind speed V0, the position of the air guide plate can be locked in a timely manner, improving the response speed of the air handling equipment. The fixed position of the air guide plate prevents it from shaking, thereby reducing vibration and noise, improving the operational stability of the air handling equipment, and avoiding the cost and efficiency issues associated with structural reinforcement.
[0148] In summary, it is readily understood by those skilled in the art that, without conflict, the aforementioned advantageous methods can be freely combined and superimposed.
[0149] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A control method for an air handling equipment, characterized in that, The air handling equipment includes an air guide plate and an actuator, wherein the air guide plate and the actuator are located at the air outlet of the air handling equipment; The actuator is used to drive the air guide plate to move or lock the position of the air guide plate; The method includes: Obtain the outlet air velocity of the air handling equipment; Determine the relationship between the outlet air velocity and the preset air velocity; If the outlet air speed is greater than the preset air speed, the air guide plate is prone to shaking, so the actuator is controlled to lock the position of the air guide plate; If the outlet air speed is less than or equal to the preset air speed, the actuator is controlled to keep the movement state of the air guide plate unchanged.
2. The control method for the air handling equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before obtaining the outlet air velocity of the air handling unit, the method further includes: While the air handling equipment is in operation, the operating mode of the air handling equipment is obtained; If the air handling equipment is in silent mode or sleep mode, the air outlet speed of the air handling equipment will not be acquired. If the operating mode of the air handling device is not silent mode or sleep mode, then the air outlet speed of the air handling device is obtained.
3. The control method for the air handling equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The actuator includes a stepper motor, which is connected to the air guide plate; The control of the actuator to lock the position of the air guide plate includes: Control the stepper motor to lock the position of the air guide plate.
4. The control method for the air handling equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control of locking the stepper motor includes: By energizing one phase of the four-phase windings of the stepper motor and de-energizing the other phases, the rotor of the stepper motor stops rotating; or Maintain the energization state of the currently energized phase winding in the four-phase winding of the stepper motor, and reduce the current of each phase winding to the holding current so that the rotor of the stepper motor stops rotating.
5. The control method for the air handling equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After controlling the actuator to lock the position of the air guide plate, the method further includes: With the air guide plate in the locked state, determine the relationship between the outlet air velocity and the preset air velocity; If the outlet air speed is less than or equal to the preset air speed for a continuous preset time, the air guide plate is controlled to exit the locked state. If the outlet air velocity is greater than the preset air velocity, the air guide plate will remain in a locked state.
6. A control device for an air handling equipment, used to control the air handling equipment using the control method for an air handling equipment as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The air handling equipment includes an air guide plate and an actuator, wherein the air guide plate and the actuator are located at the air outlet of the air handling equipment; The actuator is used to drive the air guide plate to move or lock the position of the air guide plate; The control device includes: The acquisition unit is configured to acquire the outlet air velocity of the air handling device; The control unit is configured to determine the magnitude relationship between the outlet air velocity and the preset air velocity; The control unit is further configured to control the actuator to lock the position of the air guide plate if the outlet air speed is greater than the preset air speed; The control unit is further configured to control the actuator to maintain the motion state of the air guide plate if the outlet air speed is less than or equal to a preset air speed.
7. An air handling device, characterized in that, include: The control device for the air handling equipment as described in claim 6.
8. The air handling equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The air handling equipment is an air conditioner.
9. A storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium includes a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, the device containing the storage medium is controlled to perform the control method of the air handling equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
10. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.