Clothes dryer

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a clothes dryer. The clothes dryer comprises a box body; a drum; a heat pump system; a heating module; a driving motor; a temperature sensor; the controller is configured to execute the following steps that in the drying process of the clothes dryer, the heating module is controlled to heat circulating gas in the clothes dryer; the real-time working mode of the heat pump system and the real-time temperature of circulating gas in the clothes dryer are obtained; judging whether the real-time working mode is a preset first working mode or not; if the working mode is the first working mode, the heat pump system is controlled to enter a second working mode according to the real-time temperature and the preset target temperature; if the working mode is not the first working mode, obtaining a difference value between the real-time temperature and a preset target temperature; and controlling the heat pump system to enter the first working mode according to the difference value. Therefore, the temperature rise rate of the circulating gas is increased, moisture in the circulating gas can be quickly condensed and separated out, drying of the to-be-dried clothes is achieved, and the drying effect of the clothes dryer is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of clothes dryers, and in particular to a clothes dryer. Background Art

[0002] A clothes dryer is a household appliance used to dry wet clothes. It uses a heat pump to heat fresh, cold air into dry, hot air. This dry, hot air then exchanges heat with the clothes tumbling in a drum. This allows the moisture in the clothes to gradually evaporate due to the sufficient heat exchange with the dry, hot air, thus drying the clothes.

[0003] In related art, when a clothes dryer is operating, the condenser surface is high and the evaporator surface is low. The compressor works on the refrigerant, converting electrical energy into heat energy. This heat energy then exchanges heat with the circulating air in the dryer through the condenser, raising the temperature of the circulating air. However, due to the low surface temperature of the evaporator, the evaporator exchanges heat with the circulating air, lowering its temperature. This slows the rate of temperature increase and reduces drying efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a clothes dryer that can improve drying efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a clothes dryer.

[0006] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, the embodiment of the present application provides a dryer, comprising: a box; a circulating air is provided in the box; a drum is arranged in the box; the drum is used to accommodate clothes to be dried; a heat pump system is arranged in the box; the heat pump system is used to adjust the temperature of a first circulating air; the first circulating air is the circulating air output from the drum; a heating module is arranged in the box; the heating module is used to heat a second circulating air; the second circulating gas is the circulating gas input to the drum; a driving motor is used to provide rotational power to the drum; a temperature sensor is used to detect the real-time temperature of the circulating air in the dryer; a controller is electrically connected to the driving motor, the heating module, the temperature sensor and the heat pump system, the controller being configured to perform the following steps: during the drying process of the dryer During the process, the heating module is controlled to heat the circulating gas in the dryer; and the real-time working mode of the heat pump system and the real-time temperature of the circulating gas in the dryer are obtained; the real-time working mode includes a preset first working mode or a preset second working mode; the first working mode is used to heat the first circulating gas; the second working mode is used to cool the first circulating gas; it is determined whether the real-time working mode is the preset first working mode; if the real-time working mode is the first working mode, the heat pump system is controlled to enter the second working mode according to the real-time temperature and the preset target temperature; if the real-time working mode is not the first working mode, the difference between the real-time temperature and the preset target temperature is obtained; and then the heat pump system is controlled to enter the first working mode according to the difference.

[0007] In the above-described embodiment, during the drying process, moisture from the clothes to be dried in the drum must first evaporate into the circulating gas, and then the moisture in the circulating gas must be condensed and precipitated to achieve drying of the clothes to be dried. However, the evaporation of moisture requires heating the clothes to be dried in the drum, that is, heating the circulating gas. The present application switches between a first operating mode and a second operating mode based on the real-time operating mode of the heat pump system and the real-time temperature of the circulating gas in the dryer. That is, in the first operating mode, the heater and the heat pump system are used together to heat the circulating gas, greatly increasing the temperature increase rate of the circulating gas. The heat pump system is then controlled to enter the second operating mode based on the real-time temperature and the preset target temperature to quickly condense and precipitate the moisture in the circulating gas, thereby drying the clothes to be dried and improving the drying effect of the dryer.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present application, based on the aforementioned scheme, the heat pump system adjusts the temperature of the first circulating gas through the circulation of a refrigerant; the heat pump system includes: a first refrigerant circulation loop, for first cooling the first circulating gas and then heating the cooled first circulating gas; a second refrigerant circulation loop, for cooling the first circulating gas; and a loop switching device, for switching the circulation loop of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant circulates through the first refrigerant circulation loop or the second refrigerant circulation loop.

[0009] In the above embodiment, it is convenient to switch the refrigerant circulation loop through the loop switching device to switch the working mode of the heat pump system, so that the heater and the heat pump system can be used together to heat the circulating gas in the first working mode, which greatly improves the heating rate of the circulating gas. Then, the heat pump system is controlled to enter the second working mode according to the real-time temperature and the preset target temperature, so as to quickly condense and precipitate the moisture in the circulating gas, thereby drying the clothes to be dried and improving the drying effect of the dryer.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present application, based on the aforementioned scheme, the first refrigerant circulation loop includes: a compressor for performing work on the refrigerant; an evaporator connected to the compressor; the evaporator is used to cool the first circulating gas using the refrigerant output by the first condenser; the first condenser is connected to the compressor and the evaporator; the first condenser is arranged in the circulating air duct of the circulating gas in the dryer; the first condenser is used to heat the cooled first circulating gas using the refrigerant output by the compressor.

[0011] In the above embodiment, the circulating refrigerant can increase the temperature of the circulating gas in the dryer through the first refrigerant circulation loop, while precipitating moisture in the circulating gas output from the drum through the evaporator, thereby achieving continuous drying of the clothes to be dried in the drum.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present application, based on the aforementioned scheme, the first refrigerant circulation loop includes: the compressor, which is used to perform work on the refrigerant; the second condenser, which is connected to the compressor; the second condenser is connected in parallel with the first condenser; the second condenser is not arranged in the circulating air duct of the circulating gas in the dryer; the second condenser is used to reduce the heat of the refrigerant output by the compressor; the evaporator, which is connected to the compressor and the second condenser; the evaporator is used to cool the first circulating gas using the refrigerant output by the second condenser.

[0013] In the above embodiment, the second refrigerant circulation loop allows the circulating refrigerant to precipitate moisture from the circulating gas output from the drum only through the evaporator, thereby achieving continuous drying of the clothes to be dried in the drum.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present application, based on the aforementioned scheme, the circuit switching device includes: a first valve, arranged between the first condenser and the compressor, for controlling the refrigerant flowing from the compressor to the first condenser; a second valve, arranged between the first condenser and the evaporator, for controlling the refrigerant flowing from the first condenser to the evaporator; a third valve, arranged between the second condenser and the compressor, for controlling the refrigerant flowing from the compressor to the second condenser; and a fourth valve, arranged between the second condenser and the evaporator, for controlling the refrigerant flowing from the second condenser to the evaporator.

[0015] In the above embodiment, the first valve, the second valve, the third valve and the fourth valve can realize the switching of the refrigerant circulation circuit without affecting the temperature regulation effect of the first circulating gas.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present application, based on the above solution, the controller is further configured to perform the following steps: when the real-time temperature reaches above a preset target temperature, controlling the heat pump system to enter the second operating mode.

[0017] In the above embodiment, when the temperature of the circulating gas is high, that is, when the temperature of the clothes to be dried in the drum is high, the heat pump system can be controlled to enter the second operating mode, namely, to cool the first circulating gas, precipitate the water vapor in the first circulating gas, and achieve the purpose of drying the clothes. At the same time, this prevents the heat pump system and heater from continuing to heat the circulating gas, causing the refrigerant temperature to continue to rise, allowing the compressor to operate safely.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present application, based on the aforementioned scheme, the controller is further configured to perform the following steps: controlling the first valve and the second valve to be in a closed state; and controlling the third valve and the fourth valve to be in an open state, so as to control the heat pump system to enter the second working mode.

[0019] In the above embodiment, by controlling the third valve and the fourth valve to be in the open state, the refrigerant circulates through the second refrigerant circulation loop, and by controlling the first valve and the second valve to be in the closed state, the refrigerant in the first condenser can be completely separated, thereby improving the efficiency of the second refrigerant circulation loop in cooling the first circulating gas.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present application, based on the above solution, the controller is further configured to perform the following steps: when the difference reaches below a preset reference temperature, controlling the heat pump system to enter the first operating mode.

[0021] In the above embodiment, when the temperature of the circulating gas is low, that is, the temperature of the clothes to be dried in the drum is low, the heat pump system can be controlled to enter the first operating mode, that is, the first circulating gas is heated, and the second circulating gas is heated in combination with the heating module, thereby greatly increasing the heating rate.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present application, based on the aforementioned scheme, the controller is further configured to perform the following steps: controlling the third valve and the fourth valve to be in a closed state; and controlling the first valve and the second valve to be in an open state, so as to control the heat pump system to enter the first working mode.

[0023] In the above embodiment, by controlling the first valve and the second valve to be in an open state, the refrigerant circulates through the first refrigerant circulation loop, and by controlling the third valve and the fourth valve to be in a closed state, the refrigerant in the second condenser can be completely separated, thereby improving the efficiency of the first refrigerant circulation loop in heating the first circulating gas.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present application, based on the aforementioned scheme, the dryer also includes a humidity sensor; the humidity sensor is used to detect the humidity of the clothes to be dried; the controller is also configured to perform the following steps: obtaining the real-time humidity of the clothes to be dried; and determining that the drying is completed when the real-time humidity reaches a preset target humidity.

[0025] In the above embodiment, it is possible to accurately determine whether the drying of the clothes to be dried is complete according to the real-time humidity of the clothes to be dried.

[0026] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification, illustrating embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the specification, serving to explain the principles of the present application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present application, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a circuit connection principle of a clothes dryer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a clothes dryer shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 3is a flow chart of steps that can be executed by a controller in a clothes dryer provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario in which a clothes dryer obtains a preset drying instruction, provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a scenario in which a clothes dryer obtains a preset drying instruction, provided by another exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 6 is a flowchart of steps that can be executed by a controller in a clothes dryer provided by another exemplary embodiment of the present application. Description of the drawings:

[0035] 10: Clothes dryer; 11: Cabinet; 12: Drum; 13: Heat pump system; 14: Heating module; 15: Drive motor; 16: Temperature sensor; 17: Controller; 18: Compressor; 19: Evaporator; 20: First condenser; 21: Second condenser; 22: First valve; 23: Second valve; 24: Third valve; 25: Fourth valve; 26: Humidity sensor; 27: Impeller; 28: Belt; 29: Motor shaft; 30: Fan. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, with examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, identical numerals in different figures represent identical or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to represent all embodiments consistent with the present application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatus and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present application, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0037] The block diagrams shown in the accompanying drawings are merely functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically separate entities. That is, these functional entities may be implemented in software, in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different networks and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0038] The flowcharts shown in the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not necessarily include all contents and operations / steps, nor must they be executed in the order described. For example, some operations / steps may be decomposed, while others may be combined or partially combined. Therefore, the actual execution order may vary depending on the actual situation.

[0039] It should also be noted that the term "plurality" used in this application refers to two or more than two. "And / or" describes the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0040] In the specification, claims, and drawings of this application, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," etc., are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a particular order. The terms "including," "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or elements is not limited to the listed steps or elements, but may optionally include steps or elements not listed, or may optionally include other steps or elements inherent to the process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0041] Currently, when a clothes dryer is operating, the condenser surface is high and the evaporator surface is low. The compressor works on the refrigerant, converting electrical energy into heat energy. This heat energy then exchanges heat with the circulating air in the dryer through the condenser, raising the temperature of the circulating air. However, due to the low surface temperature of the evaporator, the evaporator exchanges heat with the circulating air, lowering its temperature. This slows the temperature rise and reduces drying efficiency.

[0042] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application proposes a clothes dryer that can improve drying efficiency.

[0043] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 Schematic diagram of circuit connection principle of a clothes dryer provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of a clothes dryer provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the dryer 10 may include a housing 11. The housing 11 is the external structure of the dryer 10, which is used to fix and protect the internal components. The housing 11 is usually made of metal or plastic. A door is usually provided on the housing 11, and the door is usually equipped with a sealing ring to prevent water leakage. A display screen and a control panel are usually provided on the housing 11, and buttons, knobs or a touch screen are provided on the control panel. A bottom air duct is also provided at the bottom of the housing 11, and the bottom air duct is connected to the first end of the drum 12 through a first air duct and a second air duct, so as to realize the circulation of the circulating air in the dryer of the dryer. Among them, the first air duct is located on the side of the housing close to the door, that is, the front air duct. The second air duct is located on the side of the housing away from the door, that is, the rear air duct.

[0045] A water storage tank is built into the bottom air duct to store the condensed water produced when the circulating air exchanges heat with the refrigerant.

[0046] The clothes dryer 10 may include a drum 12. The drum 12 is disposed inside the housing 11 and is typically made of stainless steel. The drum 12 is used to hold clothes to be dried so as to dry the clothes. The drum rotates to heat the clothes evenly so as to remove moisture from the clothes.

[0047] The clothes to be dried are placed into the drum 12 through a door provided on the housing 11 .

[0048] When drying clothes, circulating air circulates through the dryer. The circulating air circulates from the drum to the first air duct, then to the bottom air duct, then to the second air duct, then back to the drum. The circulating air exiting the drum is the first circulating air, while the circulating air entering the drum is the second circulating air.

[0049] The clothes dryer 10 may include a heat pump system 13. The heat pump system 13 is disposed in the housing 11 and is used to adjust the temperature of the first circulating gas, ie, the circulating gas output from the drum.

[0050] It should be noted that a refrigerant circulates in the heat pump system 13 , and the heat pump system 13 adjusts the temperature of the first circulating gas through the circulation of the refrigerant.

[0051] The heat pump system 13 may include a first refrigerant circulation loop for first cooling the first circulating gas and then heating the cooled first circulating gas.

[0052] Furthermore, the first refrigerant circulation loop may include a compressor 18. The compressor 18 is used to perform work on the refrigerant.

[0053] The first refrigerant circulation loop may include an evaporator 19 . The evaporator 19 is connected to the compressor 18 . The evaporator 19 is used to cool the first circulating gas using the refrigerant output by the first condenser 20 .

[0054] The first refrigerant circulation loop may include a first condenser 20. The first condenser 20 is connected to the compressor 18 and the evaporator 19. The first condenser 20 is disposed in the air circulation duct of the circulating gas within the clothes dryer. The first condenser 20 is configured to heat the cooled first circulating gas using the refrigerant output by the compressor 18.

[0055] It should be noted that the first condenser 20 and the evaporator 19 can be arranged together in the bottom air duct of the dryer.

[0056] As the refrigerant circulates through the first refrigerant circulation loop, compressor 18 first performs work on the refrigerant, converting electrical energy into thermal energy. This causes the refrigerant's temperature to rise after passing through the compressor. The refrigerant then flows from the compressor to the first condenser, exchanging heat with the first circulating gas cooled by the evaporator. This causes the temperature of the first circulating gas to rise while the refrigerant's temperature decreases. The refrigerant then flows from the first condenser to the evaporator, exchanging heat with the first circulating gas output from the drum in the evaporator to cool the first circulating gas and remove moisture from it. The refrigerant then returns from the evaporator to the compressor, beginning a new refrigerant cycle.

[0057] In this way, the circulating refrigerant through the first refrigerant circulation loop can increase the temperature of the circulating gas in the dryer while precipitating moisture in the circulating gas output from the drum through the evaporator, thereby achieving continuous drying of the clothes to be dried in the drum.

[0058] The heat pump system 13 may include a second refrigerant circulation loop for cooling the first circulating gas.

[0059] Furthermore, the second refrigerant circulation loop may include a compressor 18. The compressor 18 is used to perform work on the refrigerant.

[0060] The second refrigerant circulation loop may include a second condenser 21 connected to the compressor 18; the second condenser 21 is connected in parallel with the first condenser 20; the second condenser 21 is not arranged in the circulating air duct of the circulating gas in the dryer; the second condenser 21 is used to reduce the heat of the refrigerant output by the compressor.

[0061] It should be noted that the second condenser 21 and the compressor 18 can be arranged in the same space.

[0062] The evaporator 19 is connected to the compressor 18 and the second condenser 21 . The evaporator 19 is used to cool the first circulating gas using the refrigerant output by the second condenser 21 .

[0063] It should be noted that when the refrigerant circulates through the second refrigerant circulation loop, the compressor 18 first performs work on the refrigerant to convert electrical energy into thermal energy of the refrigerant, causing the temperature of the refrigerant to rise after passing through the compressor. The refrigerant then flows from the compressor to the second condenser to dissipate heat, causing the temperature of the refrigerant to drop. Since the second condenser is not located in the circulating air duct of the circulating gas in the dryer, the heat dissipated by the second condenser affects the temperature of the first circulating gas. The refrigerant then flows from the second condenser to the evaporator, causing the refrigerant to exchange heat with the first circulating gas output from the drum in the evaporator to cool the first circulating gas and precipitate moisture in the first circulating gas. The refrigerant then returns from the evaporator to the compressor for a new round of refrigerant circulation.

[0064] In this way, the second refrigerant circulation loop allows the circulating refrigerant to precipitate moisture from the circulating gas output from the drum only through the evaporator, thereby achieving continuous drying of the clothes to be dried in the drum.

[0065] Furthermore, the second refrigerant circulation loop may further include a fan 30 .

[0066] It should be noted that the second condenser 21 can also be in a separate air duct having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is provided with a fan 30, and the fan 30 is used to blow air to the second condenser 21 to accelerate the heat dissipation rate of the refrigerant in the second condenser 21 and increase the rate at which the temperature of the refrigerant drops.

[0067] The heat pump system 13 may include a circuit switching device for switching the refrigerant circulation circuit so that the refrigerant circulates through the first refrigerant circulation circuit or the second refrigerant circulation circuit.

[0068] Furthermore, the circuit switching device may include a first valve 22 . The first valve 22 is disposed between the first condenser 20 and the compressor 18 , and is used to control the refrigerant flowing from the compressor 18 to the first condenser 20 .

[0069] The circuit switching device may include a second valve 23. The second valve 23 is provided between the first condenser 20 and the evaporator 19, and is used to control the refrigerant flowing from the first condenser 20 to the evaporator 19.

[0070] It should be noted that the combination of the first valve 22 and the second valve 23 can completely separate the refrigerant in the first condenser 20. If only one valve, namely the first valve or the second valve, is used to prevent the refrigerant from circulating through the first refrigerant circulation loop, heat exchange will still occur between the refrigerant in the first condenser and the circulating refrigerant, reducing the efficiency of the second refrigerant circulation loop in cooling the first circulating gas.

[0071] The circuit switching device may include a third valve 24 . The third valve 24 is disposed between the second condenser 21 and the compressor 18 , and is used to control the refrigerant flowing from the compressor 18 to the second condenser 21 .

[0072] The circuit switching device may include a fourth valve 25 . The fourth valve 25 is disposed between the second condenser 21 and the evaporator 19 , and is used to control the refrigerant flowing from the second condenser 21 to the evaporator 19 .

[0073] It should be noted that the combination of the third valve 24 and the fourth valve 25 can completely isolate the refrigerant in the second condenser 21. If only one valve, namely the third valve or the fourth valve, is used to prevent the refrigerant from circulating through the second refrigerant circulation loop, heat exchange will still occur between the refrigerant in the second condenser and the circulating refrigerant, reducing the efficiency of the first refrigerant circulation loop in regulating the first circulating gas.

[0074] In this way, the first valve, the second valve, the third valve and the fourth valve can realize the switching of the refrigerant circulation circuit without affecting the temperature regulation effect of the first circulating gas.

[0075] In the embodiment of the present application, it is convenient to switch the refrigerant circulation loop through the loop switching device to switch the working mode of the heat pump system, so that the heater and the heat pump system can be used together to heat the circulating gas in the first working mode, which greatly improves the heating rate of the circulating gas. Then, the heat pump system is controlled to enter the second working mode according to the real-time temperature and the preset target temperature to quickly condense and precipitate the moisture in the circulating gas, thereby drying the clothes to be dried and improving the drying effect of the dryer.

[0076] The clothes dryer 10 may include a heating module 14. The heating module is disposed in the housing 11 and is used to heat the second circulating gas, that is, the circulating gas input into the drum.

[0077] It should be noted that the heating module is provided in the rear air duct and heats the circulating gas whose temperature has been adjusted by the heat pump system.

[0078] The clothes dryer 10 may include a drive motor 15. The drive motor 15 is a power source for the clothes dryer 10. The drive motor 15 is used to provide rotational power to the drum 12 and the impeller 27.

[0079] The clothes dryer 10 may include a belt 28. One end of the belt 28 is sleeved on the drive motor 15, and the other end of the belt 28 is sleeved on the drum 12 through a pulley.

[0080] In some embodiments of the present application, the drive motor 15, belt 28, and drum 12 form a transmission system. As the drive motor 15 rotates, the friction generated by the tension between the belt and pulley transmits the power of the drive motor 15 to the drum 12, causing the drum to rotate. This allows the dry, hot air to fully mix with the tumbling clothes, improving the drying effect.

[0081] The clothes dryer 10 may include an impeller 27. The impeller 27 is disposed in the second air duct. The impeller 27 generates wind force by rotating, thereby increasing the speed of air circulation.

[0082] The clothes dryer 10 may include a motor shaft 29 . The motor shaft 29 is used to connect the driving motor 15 and the impeller 27 .

[0083] In some embodiments of the present application, the drive motor 15, the motor shaft 29 and the impeller 27 constitute a gas power system. The rotation of the drive motor 15 drives the motor shaft 29 to rotate, thereby rotating the impeller 27 and increasing the rate of air circulation.

[0084] The clothes dryer 10 may include a temperature sensor 16. The temperature sensor 16 is disposed in the drum, the first air duct, the bottom air duct, or the second air duct. The temperature sensor 16 is used to detect the real-time temperature of the circulating air in the clothes dryer.

[0085] The clothes dryer 10 may include a humidity sensor 26. The humidity sensor 26 is disposed in the drum and is used to detect the humidity of the clothes to be dried.

[0086] The clothes dryer 10 may include a controller 17. The controller 17 is electrically connected to the humidity sensor 26, the temperature sensor 16, the driving motor 15, and the heat pump system 13 respectively.

[0087] See also Figure 3 , Figure 3 1 is a flowchart of steps that can be executed by a controller in a clothes dryer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The controller can be configured to execute the following steps S310 to S340:

[0088] In step S310, during the drying process of the dryer, the heating module is controlled to heat the circulating gas in the dryer; and the real-time operating mode of the heat pump system and the real-time temperature of the circulating gas in the dryer are obtained; the real-time operating mode includes a preset first operating mode or a preset second operating mode; the first operating mode is used to heat the second circulating gas; and the second operating mode is used to cool the second circulating gas.

[0089] Step S320: Determine whether the real-time working mode is the preset first working mode.

[0090] Step S330: When the real-time working mode is the first working mode, the heat pump system is controlled to enter the second working mode according to the real-time temperature and the preset target temperature.

[0091] Step S340: When the real-time operating mode is not the first operating mode, the difference between the real-time temperature and the preset target temperature is obtained; and then the heat pump system is controlled to enter the first operating mode according to the difference.

[0092] The following describes these four steps in detail respectively.

[0093] In step S310, the drying process of the clothes dryer is a process in which the controller dries the clothes to be dried in the drum when receiving a preset clothes drying instruction.

[0094] The preset clothes drying instruction is a control instruction that instructs the dryer to start drying.

[0095] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a scenario in which a clothes dryer obtains a preset drying instruction is provided as an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 As shown, after user 41 places clothes to be dried into the drum, they press the start drying button on the control panel 42 of dryer 10. Dryer 10 detects this and automatically generates a preset clothes drying instruction. This process can be considered as the user issuing the preset clothes drying instruction to the dryer via the control panel.

[0096] In other optional embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a scenario in which a clothes dryer obtains a preset drying instruction is provided as another exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 As shown, after user 41 places clothes to be dried into the drum, the user sends a preset clothes drying instruction to dryer 10 through a clothes dryer control program on a user terminal 51, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or smartwatch. Upon receiving the clothes drying instruction sent by user terminal 51, dryer 10 starts drying the clothes to be dried.

[0097] It should be noted that when the controller receives a preset clothes drying instruction, it controls the drive motor to rotate at a preset speed, wherein the preset speed is the target speed of the motor. The target speed can be a preset default speed or can be obtained by the mass of the clothes to be dried and the collected calculation.

[0098] Furthermore, the heating module is controlled to heat the circulating air within the dryer. Specifically, the heater is turned on to heat the second circulating air within the dryer, i.e., the circulating air input to the drum, i.e., the first circulating air conditioned by the heat pump system. This heated air can remove moisture from the clothes being dried, thereby drying the clothes.

[0099] In step S320, it is determined whether the real-time working mode is the preset first working mode, or it may be determined whether the real-time working mode is the preset second working mode, which is not limited here.

[0100] In step S330, the controller is further configured to control the heat pump system to enter a second operating mode if the real-time temperature reaches or exceeds a preset target temperature. This allows the heat pump system to enter the second operating mode when the circulating gas temperature is high, and therefore the temperature of the laundry to be dried within the drum, to cool the first circulating gas, extracting moisture from the first circulating gas and drying the laundry. This also prevents the heat pump system and heater from continuing to heat the circulating gas, which could cause the refrigerant temperature to rise further, thereby enabling safe operation of the compressor.

[0101] It should be noted that if the real-time temperature reaches above the preset target temperature, that is, the real-time temperature is greater than the preset target temperature, or the real-time temperature is greater than or equal to the preset target temperature.

[0102] If the real-time temperature reaches below the preset target temperature, that is, the real-time temperature is less than the preset target temperature, or the real-time temperature is less than or equal to the preset target temperature, the working mode will not be switched, that is, the heat pump system will be controlled to be in the first working mode.

[0103] The heat pump system is controlled to enter the second working mode, that is, the refrigerant is controlled to circulate through the second refrigerant circulation loop.

[0104] Furthermore, the controller is further configured to perform the following steps: controlling the first valve and the second valve to be in a closed state; and controlling the third valve and the fourth valve to be in an open state, so as to control the heat pump system to enter the second working mode.

[0105] In this way, by controlling the third valve and the fourth valve to be in the open state, the refrigerant circulates through the second refrigerant circulation loop. At the same time, by controlling the first valve and the second valve to be in the closed state, the refrigerant in the first condenser can be completely separated, thereby improving the efficiency of the second refrigerant circulation loop in cooling the first circulating gas.

[0106] In step S340 , the controller is further configured to perform the following steps: when the difference reaches below a preset reference temperature, controlling the heat pump system to enter the first operating mode.

[0107] In this way, when the temperature of the circulating gas is low, that is, the temperature of the clothes to be dried in the drum is low, the heat pump system can be controlled to enter the first working mode, that is, to heat the first circulating gas, and combine with the heating module to heat the second circulating gas, thereby greatly increasing the heating rate.

[0108] It should be noted that if the difference falls below the preset reference temperature, it indicates that the circulating gas temperature is low. This will affect the evaporation rate of moisture from the clothes being dried, resulting in reduced drying efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to control the heat pump system to enter the first operating mode to improve drying efficiency.

[0109] If the difference reaches above the preset reference temperature, that is, the difference is greater than the preset reference temperature, or the difference is greater than or equal to the preset reference temperature, the working mode is not switched, that is, the heat pump system is controlled to be in the second working mode.

[0110] The heat pump system is controlled to enter the first working mode, that is, the refrigerant is controlled to circulate through the first refrigerant circulation loop.

[0111] Furthermore, the controller is further configured to perform the following steps: controlling the third valve and the fourth valve to be in a closed state; and controlling the first valve and the second valve to be in an open state, so as to control the heat pump system to enter the first working mode.

[0112] In this way, by controlling the first valve and the second valve to be in the open state, the refrigerant circulates through the first refrigerant circulation loop, and by controlling the third valve and the fourth valve to be in the closed state, the refrigerant in the second condenser can be completely separated, thereby improving the efficiency of the first refrigerant circulation loop in heating the first circulating gas.

[0113] See also Figure 6 , Figure 6 A flowchart of steps that can be executed by a controller in a clothes dryer is provided in another exemplary embodiment of the present application. The controller can be configured to execute the following steps S610 to S670:

[0114] In step S610, during the drying process of the clothes dryer, the heating module is controlled to heat the circulating air in the clothes dryer. The real-time operating mode of the heat pump system and the real-time temperature of the circulating air in the clothes dryer are obtained. The real-time operating mode includes a preset first operating mode or a preset second operating mode. The first operating mode is used to heat the first circulating air, and the second operating mode is used to cool the first circulating air. Then, step S620 is executed.

[0115] Step S620: Determine whether the real-time working mode is the preset first working mode. If so, execute step S630; if not, execute step S640.

[0116] Step S630: Determine whether the real-time temperature reaches or exceeds the preset target temperature. If so, proceed to step S660; if not, proceed to step S670.

[0117] Step S640: Obtain the difference between the real-time temperature and the preset target temperature. Then, execute step S650.

[0118] In step S650, it is determined whether the difference is below a preset reference temperature. If so, step S670 is executed; if not, step S660 is executed.

[0119] Step S660: Control the heat pump system to be in the second working mode.

[0120] It should be noted that the heat pump system is controlled to be in the second working mode, that is, if the heat pump system is not in the second working mode, the heat pump system is controlled to enter the second working mode; or, if the heat pump system is in the second working mode, the heat pump system is controlled to remain in the second working mode.

[0121] Step S670: Control the heat pump system to be in the first working mode.

[0122] It should be noted that the heat pump system is controlled to be in the first working mode, that is, if the heat pump system is not in the first working mode, the heat pump system is controlled to enter the first working mode; or, if the heat pump system is in the first working mode, the heat pump system is controlled to remain in the first working mode.

[0123] Thus, during the drying process of the clothes dryer, if the real-time temperature reaches or exceeds a preset target temperature, the heat pump system is controlled to enter the second operating mode, whereby the heat pump system cools the first circulating air. Simultaneously, the heating module heats the circulating air within the clothes dryer to maintain the temperature of the circulating air entering the drum. This accelerates the rate of evaporation of water vapor from the clothes to be dried and the rate of condensation of water in the circulating air, thereby improving drying efficiency. If, while the heat pump system is in the second operating mode, the difference between the real-time temperature and the preset target temperature falls below a preset reference temperature, the heat pump system is controlled to enter the first operating mode. Even though the evaporator in the heat pump system cools the circulating air, the heating module and the first condenser of the heat pump system simultaneously heat the circulating air, significantly increasing the rate of temperature rise of the circulating air. This allows for a rapid transition to the second operating mode, ensuring the rate of evaporation of water vapor from the clothes to be dried and the rate of condensation of water in the circulating air, thereby improving the drying efficiency of the clothes dryer.

[0124] The real-time operating mode of the heat pump system and the real-time temperature of the circulating gas in the dryer are switched between the first operating mode and the second operating mode. That is, in the first operating mode, the heater and the heat pump system are used together to heat the circulating gas, which greatly improves the heating rate of the circulating gas. Then, the heat pump system is controlled to enter the second operating mode according to the real-time temperature and the preset target temperature, so as to quickly condense and precipitate the moisture in the circulating gas, thereby drying the clothes to be dried and improving the drying effect of the dryer.

[0125] Furthermore, the controller is further configured to: obtain the real-time humidity of the clothes to be dried; and determine that drying is complete when the real-time humidity reaches a preset target humidity. In this way, the drying of the clothes to be dried can be accurately determined based on the real-time humidity of the clothes to be dried.

[0126] In the embodiment of the present application, during the drying process, the moisture on the clothes to be dried in the drum needs to first evaporate into the circulating gas, and then the moisture in the circulating gas is condensed and precipitated to achieve the drying of the clothes to be dried. However, the evaporation of moisture requires heating the clothes to be dried in the drum, that is, heating the circulating gas. The present application switches between a first operating mode and a second operating mode by using the real-time operating mode of the heat pump system and the real-time temperature of the circulating gas in the dryer. That is, in the first operating mode, the heater and the heat pump system are used together to heat the circulating gas, greatly increasing the heating rate of the circulating gas. Then, the heat pump system is controlled to enter the second operating mode based on the real-time temperature and the preset target temperature to quickly condense and precipitate the moisture in the circulating gas, thereby drying the clothes to be dried and improving the drying effect of the dryer.

[0127] Those skilled in the art will readily conceive of other embodiments of the present application after considering the specification and practicing the embodiments disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art that are not disclosed herein.

[0128] It should be understood that the above content is only a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the implementation scheme of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can easily make corresponding changes or modifications based on the main concept and spirit of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection required by the claims.

Claims

1. A clothes dryer, characterized in that: include: A box body; the box body has circulating gas; A drum is provided in the box; the drum is used to accommodate clothes to be dried; a heat pump system disposed in the housing; the heat pump system is used to adjust the temperature of a first circulating gas; the first circulating gas is the circulating gas output from the drum; A heating module is provided in the box; the heating module is used to heat the second circulating gas; the second circulating gas is the circulating gas input into the drum; a driving motor for providing rotational power to the drum; a temperature sensor for detecting the real-time temperature of the circulating gas in the clothes dryer; A controller is electrically connected to the drive motor, the heating module, the temperature sensor, and the heat pump system, and is configured to perform the following steps: During the drying process of the clothes dryer, controlling the heating module to heat the circulating gas in the clothes dryer; and obtaining a real-time operating mode of the heat pump system and a real-time temperature of the circulating gas in the clothes dryer; the real-time operating mode includes a preset first operating mode or a preset second operating mode; the first operating mode is used to heat the first circulating gas; and the second operating mode is used to cool the first circulating gas; Determining whether the real-time operating mode is a preset first operating mode; When the real-time operating mode is the first operating mode, controlling the heat pump system to enter the second operating mode according to the real-time temperature and a preset target temperature; When the real-time operating mode is not the first operating mode, obtaining a difference between the real-time temperature and a preset target temperature; Then, the heat pump system is controlled to enter the first working mode according to the difference.

2. The clothes dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that The heat pump system adjusts the temperature of the first circulating gas by circulating a refrigerant; the heat pump system comprises: a first refrigerant circulation loop for first cooling the first circulating gas and then heating the cooled first circulating gas; a second refrigerant circulation loop for cooling the first circulating gas; The circuit switching device is used to switch the circulation circuit of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant circulates through the first refrigerant circulation circuit or the second refrigerant circulation circuit.

3. The clothes dryer according to claim 2, characterized in that The first refrigerant circulation circuit includes: a compressor, configured to perform work on the refrigerant; an evaporator connected to the compressor; the evaporator is used to cool the first circulating gas using the refrigerant output by the first condenser; The first condenser is connected to the compressor and the evaporator; the first condenser is arranged in the circulating air duct of the circulating gas in the dryer; the first condenser is used to heat the cooled first circulating gas using the refrigerant output by the compressor.

4. The clothes dryer according to claim 3, characterized in that The first refrigerant circulation circuit includes: The compressor is used to perform work on the refrigerant; a second condenser connected to the compressor; the second condenser is connected in parallel with the first condenser; the second condenser is not disposed in the circulating air duct of the circulating gas in the clothes dryer; the second condenser is used to reduce the heat of the refrigerant output by the compressor; The evaporator is connected to the compressor and the second condenser; the evaporator is used to cool the first circulating gas using the refrigerant output by the second condenser.

5. The clothes dryer according to claim 4, characterized in that The circuit switching device comprises: a first valve, disposed between the first condenser and the compressor, for controlling the flow of refrigerant from the compressor to the first condenser; a second valve, disposed between the first condenser and the evaporator, for controlling the flow of refrigerant from the first condenser to the evaporator; a third valve, disposed between the second condenser and the compressor, for controlling the flow of refrigerant from the compressor to the second condenser; The fourth valve is arranged between the second condenser and the evaporator, and is used to control the refrigerant flowing from the second condenser to the evaporator.

6. The clothes dryer according to claim 5, characterized in that The controller is further configured to: When the real-time temperature reaches or exceeds a preset target temperature, the heat pump system is controlled to enter the second operating mode.

7. The clothes dryer according to claim 6, characterized in that The controller is further configured to: The first valve and the second valve are controlled to be in a closed state; and the third valve and the fourth valve are controlled to be in an open state, so as to control the heat pump system to enter the second working mode.

8. The clothes dryer according to claim 5, characterized in that The controller is further configured to: When the difference reaches below a preset reference temperature, the heat pump system is controlled to enter a first operating mode.

9. The clothes dryer according to claim 8, characterized in that The controller is further configured to: The third valve and the fourth valve are controlled to be in a closed state; and the first valve and the second valve are controlled to be in an open state, so as to control the heat pump system to enter the first working mode.

10. The clothes dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The clothes dryer further includes a humidity sensor; the humidity sensor is used to detect the humidity of the clothes to be dried; and the controller is further configured to: Acquiring the real-time humidity of the clothes to be dried; When the real-time humidity reaches the preset target humidity, it is determined that the drying is completed.

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